WKU Special Collections Library

02/23/2026

02/11/2026

Can’t wait for summer break? Check out our new exhibit “Beech Bend Park: Then & Now,” on display this semester in the Commons at Helm Library near Rising Roll. This exhibit tells the story of Beech Bend, Bowling Green’s homegrown amusement park and dragstrip, using real pieces of park history from the Special Collections Library.

02/09/2026

We're open! Welcome! Feel free to explore our browsable collection in the reading room or visit our website for online resources. If you need access to physical manuscripts, archives, or other special materials, please book an appointment through the following link: https://wku.libwizard.com/f/SCAppointment. For more information, please visit our website, email us at [email protected], or give us a call at (270)745-5083.

02/26/2025

Some beautiful photographs by W. Ray Scott. These were taken in the 1950s in the Mammoth Cave Park.

02/24/2025

These photographs show views from WKU's parking garage, ca. 1979. Photographer unknown.

02/21/2025

The Jaycee International BB Gun Championship from 1980 is seen in the photograph. The event drew participants from every state and many foreign countries. Cindy Whelen, Cindy Hunt and Dana McCown were among the participants. Photographer unknown.

02/19/2025

This photograph shows the house that was the location of the book by Wes Swietek, The Cemetery Road Murders. Dr. Charles Martin and his wife, Martha were the victims. The photo is interesting also for the barn in the image and the open fields behind the house.

02/12/2025

This photograph shows the back of the Mansard Hotel. It was located on the corner of Main and Center streets. The damage was the result of a storm in 1935. The hotel was destroyed in a fire in 1969.

02/10/2025

An interesting photo from 1928 showing railroad tracks in Glasgow, KY. Stovall Road is located near Park City.

02/07/2025

Aerial view of the old Louisville Road area with BGMU Water Treatment plant, Quonset Hut, Drive-In, and the By-Pass. We have 13 images by Billy Davis that show other places in the photographs such as Fairview Avenue, WKU campus, College Street, Pan American Mills, D & F supermarket, Adams Street, Honey Krust bakery, Barren River and Bridge, Dixie Body Shop, State Street High School, Shakerag, Southern Queen Hotel, factories, Chestnut Street, University Boulevard, Vets Village, Nashville Road, Old Mall, Woolco, downtown Bowling Green, Towers, Courthouse, and other sites, streets, houses, and buildings.