Guide to the Ardis Kuhnen Godeman (1929-2017) Papers, 1947-1951, n.d.

Of principal interest in the Ardis Kuhnen Godeman papers is a binder of what appears to be art class drawing and design exercises along with rapidly-executed sketches, likely a form of record of Northwestern University's art curriculum of the late-1940s and early-1950s.

Providing more detail on Godeman's interests and activities are a 1947 issue of The Evanstonian, student newspaper of Evanston Township High School; programs from Sextant Naval Honorary Fraternity's 1950 Navy Ball; dance cards from the 1950 winter formal sponsored by Delta Kappa Epsilon and Chi Psi fraternities; a circa 1950 map linking Northwestern's Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity (Deke House) to popular student gathering and drinking establishments; a ticket to a 1947 Senior Hop held at Chicago's Edgewater Beach Hotel; and drink coupons redeemable at the Spot-Lite Lounge, 3113 North Broadway, in Chicago.

Also found in the collection are some items associated with Arthur Nicholas Kuhnen, Ardis's father, including a map, circa 1908, relating to Kabekona Camp in the northern Minnesota wilderness, along with printed invitations to a few University of Wisconsin parties, also circa 1908, sponsored by Mr. Kuhnen and a colleague, H.O. King.

Donated to Northwestern University Archives by Brad Emalfarb, November 19, 2017 (Accession 17-275).

None.

Ardis Nadine Kuhnen, the daughter of Arthur and Mildred Kuhnen, was born February 15, 1929, in Chicago, Illinois, and, spending her youth in nearby Evanston, attended Roycemore School, Evanston Township High School, and Evanston Community College. Kuhnen matriculated to Northwestern University in 1948 and, majoring in art, took a Bachelor of Science degree in 1951. Kuhnen was a member of the Northwestern University chapter of Alpha Phi and, representing that sorority, was a candidate for the honor of Navy Ball empress in fall, 1959. She also participated in Northwestern’s Architectural Interiors Club, Junior Panhellenic Association, and Panhellenic Association. Kuhnen was profiled in photographs in the November 3, 1948 Daily Northwestern feature, “A Day in the Life of a Northwestern Coed.”

In 1946 Kuhnen met fellow Northwestern student and military veteran, and member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity Frederick John Godeman (1925-1985, B.S. degree in Business Administration, 1950). The couple latter married June 17, 1951, and settled in Glenview, Illinois. Ardis Kuhnen Godeman died July 20, 2017.

• Subject
  • Women college students--Illinois--Evanston--Social life and customs
  • College students--Illinois--Evanston--Social life and customs
• Names
  • Godeman, Ardis Kuhnen, 1929-2017
  • Northwestern University (Evanston, Ill.)--Students