In the photo of a college dorm at the University of Illinois in 1910, there is a sense of modernity despite its age. The desire to decorate one's living space with posters and photos remains unchanged. In the pre-internet shopping era, people would browse physical poster displays in stores like Blockbuster. The left side of the photo features a poster of a sword-swallowing woman, reflecting the popularity of sideshows during that time.
The people in the photo appear older, likely due to their hairstyles and clothing. Sunscreen had not yet been invented, and smoking was still fashionable despite its link to lung cancer. Physical affection between men was common in portraits, and the two men in the photo may have been expressing camaraderie rather than romantic feelings. The spoons on the wall remain a mystery, possibly connected to musical activities.