| The park-like setting of the Normal School provided a soothing atmosphere
for quiet reflection while satisfying contemporary views of health and
cleanliness.
[D]ollars may grow in cities but men grow nearer to nature. . . . here is the place to found schools. . . forests, bright suns, blue skies and eternal stars all suggest purity and tend to elevate the soul of men. . . .
Governor Altgeld at laying of corner stone,
May 28, 1896 |
Pond behind Old Main. |
Walk leading to campus. |
As the campus grew, the original plan had to be modified, but landscaping
remains a vital part of the schools overall design.
The [campuss] natural beauty has already been greatly enhanced by driveways of crushed stone, concrete walks, flower beds, in beautiful designs, etc. As time goes on the grounds will be steadily improved and beautified by the plans drawn up by Mr. DuBois of Peoria, till it will be a most attractive and beautiful place.
Daily Courier, August 29, 1899
|
Eastern's Botanical Gardens and sundial. |
Walk leading to Botanical Garden. |
| Architects and builders completed the Normal School Building, later
officially named the Livingston C. Lord building, in the summer of 1899.
Known today as Old Main, it serves as the administrative center and icon
of the school. The next generation of campus buildings continued the
Gothic theme introduced by Old Mains architects. Pemberton Hall [1906]
and Blair Hall [1911] assumed a more residential appearance with their Tudor
Gothic elements, while Booth Library [1948], the last Gothic structure on
campus, displays church-like elements. Today the campus consists of over
forty buildings that serve the present needs of the educational community.
|
Manual Arts class. |
"Henry Johnson's class." |
Model School, |
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