History Demolished

While researching structures for earlier blogs, I was awed by the magnificence of ISU’s oldest buildings. But why can’t I find these buildings on campus? Tthe oldest remaining structure built by the university is Normal Hall, constructed in 1909. What caused the forty-four year gap between the establishment of ISU and its oldest building?

I found out that every building built before 1909, has either been burned down or demolished. Who could have ordered the destruction of these mighty structures? Ralph Tirey was President of ISU from 1933 to 1953. The conclusion of his presidency also concluded the existence of ISU’s oldest buildings. He allowed Old Main, North Hall, and Training School to be annihilated. Old Main was built in 1888 to replace Normal School, which was destroyed by fire. Old Main was the only building Indiana State had to offer in until North Hall was erected in 1895. Both building were sentenced to destruction in 1950. Three years later, the Training School, built in 1905, followed suit. Today, these buildings would be over one hundred years old. The age of its buildings represents a university’s age. Is it any wonder that we are not publicized as an old university? Without visual proof, the truth is hard to see.

Pictures shown below are: Old Main, North Hall, and Training School