Memory Lane: The Walking Club

(Photo courtesy of UI Archives)

The UI Walking Club was lead by Professor William Abbott Oldfather from 1909 until his passing in 1945. The group consisted of students who congregated on Saturdays for various outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing and baseball. Ironically, Professor Oldfather, who was an expert canoeist, drowned on one of the groups’ outings when his canoe capsized.

The Walking Club no longer exists at the University; however, there is the comparable Outdoor Adventure Club, an active, on-campus registered student organization.