Over the past three years, I’ve surely seen UNF change and grow into the metropolis of a campus it is. While only 40 years old, UNF has gone through massive renovations to be the beautiful and innovative campus it is today.
If I had to choose one place on campus to take someone to answer what UNF is, it would have to be the one place that has been here from the start, the one place that everyone has been to—even if just once—the place where tradition, spirit and good times converge: The UNF Boathouse.
The original Boathouse was built a year after UNF opened its doors, way back when bell bottoms lava lamps were a thing.
Although we have a lot of different options today, back then the Boathouse was the place to be, and served as the cafeteria—our current cafeteria not opening until 2012.
Of course, when UNF first opened its doors in 1972, we were a college for juniors and seniors only—so our tiny school didn’t need much more than that.
Like today, the Boathouse of the 70s “functioned as a snack bar and restaurant, a place for socialization, happy hours, and relaxation,” according to the UNF archives. Along with being this onestop food and socialization destination, the Boathouse was also a place for events and musical performances, not much different from today.
Tragedy struck in December of 1978 when a fire destroyed the Boathouse, causing irreparable damages. Considered a total loss, the Boathouse needed to be rebuilt, and two years later, Boathouse 2.0 opened its doors.
The Boathouse 2.0 was expanded to accommodate the growing number of students, however was still on the lake. In 2002, the Boathouse cafeteria was renamed Wackadoo’s Grub and Brew, “a casual dining/full-service restaurant offering students additional entertainment features of video games, pool tables and a large projection screen.” (I know what you’re thinking, thank God there was a name change).
It wasn’t until 2007, on the 35th anniversary of the school, that the Boathouse was given the name UNF Boathouse Grille. Two years later, after the UNF Boathouse Grille closed its doors to make way for the student union, a new, physically higher Boathouse was opened on campus.
Though not the same restaurant it was 40 years ago, the Boathouse has longstanding history on our campus, and though many things have changed—even in my short three years here—some have remained.
Today, the boathouse is adorned with greek double stitched shirts hanging on the wall, numerous TVs that play nearly every sport for every season, a fully stocked bar and two dining areas and a deck for outside seating.
If you happen to pop in, you’ll find an artlike installment along the wall made from the remnants of the old Boathouse restaurant.
We often times criticize our school for the lack of school spirit or traditions, but the Boathouse—through its numerous facelifts—is living proof that UNF does have traditions.
We might not have our own football team, but at least we have our own bar. #Swooplife
