From Department to School (1939-61)

Frances Zuill

When Frances Zuill succeeded Abby Marlatt as Director of Home Economics at the University of Wisconsin in 1939, she continued to develop and expand the thriving program. With funding from the Wisconsin Utilities Association, the University replaced the Practice Cottage with the purpose-built Home Management House, situated next to the Home Economics Building. In a University reorganization, the Department of Home Economics became the School of Home Economics within the College of Agriculture and Zuill was named Associate Dean of the College. In addition, reflecting changes in home economics both on the University campus and nationally, the School was organized into four departments: Clothing & Textiles, Foods & Nutrition, Home Management & Family Living, and Related Art; a fifth department, Home Economics Education and Extension, was added in 1955, and new majors were instituted in subsequent years.

Weaving demonstration at High School Hospitality Day, 1959

Student organizations also expanded their activities. In 1948, members of the Euthenics Club, Phi Upsilon Omicron, and Omicron Nu begin a series of Open Houses to encourage high school students to attend home economics programs.