This CMU department began with a sewing class taught in 1904 as Manual Arts. By 1909 courses were taught as Domestic Science and Arts in the College Elementary Building. A two-year Manual Arts program for women was initiated in 1913 as Domestic Arts. In 1919, Domestic Science Arts separated from Manual Arts and Rose Hogue was employed to teach Home Economics. She served as head of the program for 34 years. In 1925 the department curriculum expanded to a three-year life certificate in teaching in Home Economics. Also that year, the department officially became a department when two faculty were hired to teach courses. A four-year curriculum with a life certificate in teaching was offered by 1932. As part of the program, students were required to live for awhile in a house to practice their skills. Originally, CMU faculty and the president provided this opportunity. In 1948 a large home was purchased and moved to the corner of Washington and Preston streets in Mount Pleasant (Mich.), which became the Home Management House. It remained active until the late 1960s. The curriculum originally concentrated on the needs of managing a home and educating women to become Home Economics teachers for public schools. In the 1950s courses recognizing the needs of the family were added. A M.A. in Home Economics and another in Education, with a concentration in Home Economics were offered. In the 1970s and 1980s the curriculum expanded to include majors and minors in Dietetics, Food Service, Foods and Nutrition, Fashion Merchandising and Design, Textile Technology, and Interior Design The name changed to the Dept. of Human Environmental Studies in 1993 to reflex these changes. In 1920 the student Home Economics Club was organized. It was very active through the years and had various names. By 1996 it had evolved into eight organizations, two of which are honorary societies. One of these societies, Kappa Omicron Phi, is documented in the collection. The club was also associated with the Michigan Home Economics Association, which is similarly documented in the collection.
From the description of Organizational records, 1905, 2006. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 66525683
