Parenting
The Memory Wall I Created During My College Years in the ’80s
by Jamie Tanner
Updated: Aug. 2, 2016
Originally Published: Sep. 30, 2005
“Can I fit this in the car?” I asked my mom, as we loaded up in the driveway.
“It’s pretty huge. Is it really necessary?”
It was August of ’83, and I was about to embark on my college journey. I pleaded with her to allow me to take that massive bulletin board along. Sure, it blocked my dad’s view, but like a stealthy ninja, I managed to slide it into the back anyway. It nestled atop my other essentials—milk crates filled with cozy sweaters for the chilly New England winters, my down comforter in a vibrant purple to match the Holy Cross logo, and a mauve bucket brimming with toiletries. Like a secret passenger, I clutched my boombox and a Ziploc bag filled with cassette tapes—Flashdance, Synchronicity, and Thriller among them. I was bursting with excitement, ready for this new chapter.
Equipped with a shiny vintage Disc brand camera, I was determined to document every moment of my youth. At 18, I was eager to hold onto it all. Initially, I covered my bulletin board with pictures from home—family, high school adventures, and my long-distance boyfriend. Soon, I started snapping photos of everyone who visited my dorm room. What began as a playful photo op evolved into a cherished collection over time. Those pictures seemed to freeze moments in time, which was so meaningful to me even back then.
“You can’t come in unless I take your picture,” I’d proclaim to my dorm visitors. Strangers and friends alike obliged with goofy poses. I’m forever grateful to them. The bulletin board filled up, showcasing new faces with only a glimpse of cork peeking through. I dubbed it The Memory Wall. It became a quirky badge of honor; everyone wanted a spot on The Wall. While it was a low-tech version of Facebook, The Wall was a beautiful collage of memories, a lasting record of my college life. That summer, I splurged my savings on developing every last roll of film, savoring the results.
The Memory Wall became a historian of sorts, capturing our Madonna-inspired fashion choices and our collective escapades. It held memories of a wild trip from Worcester, Massachusetts, to Manhattan for a Neil Young concert during a storm, where we ended up sleeping in a friend’s car. There was that unforgettable tailgate party when we lost my friend, Jenny, for an entire weekend only to discover her at a nearby college making new friends. And let’s not forget our senior week booze cruise, where I met a classmate who would eventually become my boyfriend. If The Wall could talk, I might have had to pay it off!
Three years ago, when a classmate reached out, asking for college photos for our 25th reunion slideshow, I sent her 60 pictures. I found them during a power outage while looking for a project. Digging through sticky pages, I smiled, reliving memories of toga parties, first dates, quad gatherings, school dances, and Halloween festivities. I even included some candid shots of folks I didn’t know, just living their best lives on campus.
Set to a playlist of ’80s rock, the reunion slideshow was a hit. One particular photo stood out—it captured the class couple, all smiles during freshman year. They had faced serious health challenges but showed up in remission for the reunion. Another shot featured the Blind Date Ball, where my roommate set me up with a freshman named Mark, who has since passed away. I was rocking a French-braided bun, a shoulder-padded silk dress, and my date standing beside me in front of our bunk beds. The slideshow was filled with beloved professors and joyous graduation moments, concluding with a stunning sunset shot of campus—a last-minute buy during my final week at school.
With each photo, the room was alive with memories. Some images evoked nostalgic sighs, while others sparked laughter. We joked about our younger selves, complete with big hair and stone-washed jeans. The iconic ’80s truly lived up to their reputation. The Memory Wall left its mark on the room, and the slideshow even made its way to YouTube.
My friends and I spent the reunion reminiscing about The Memory Wall and our college escapades. In an age where photos can be edited or deleted with a click, I’m grateful for my trusty Disc camera, the tangible proof of our shared coming-of-age journey and my ongoing willingness to say “cheese!”
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Summary
In this nostalgic reflection, Jamie Tanner recounts her college days in the ’80s, focusing on the cherished bulletin board known as The Memory Wall. Capturing moments with a vintage camera, she created a collage of experiences, from concerts to parties, celebrating friendships both fleeting and lasting. As she prepared for a reunion, the memories resurfaced, highlighting the enduring impact of those formative years.