The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

David A. Smith House

Click on image titles for larger views.

David A. Smith House (front facade), Illinois College

Institution Name: Illinois College
Original/Historic Place Name: David A. Smith House
Location on Campus: 1061 Grove St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1854	original construction Smith, David A.

Designer: David A. Smith
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Federal (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: stone and brick

Walls: wood

Roof: asphalt shingles

Function:

1854-present (2006)

other (meeting house for women)

Narrative:
The David A. Smith House is owned by the Women's Building Association of Illinois College and maintained by the college. It was built in 1854 by David A. Smith, a pioneer lawyer and colleague of Abraham Lincoln who was active in the anti-slavery movement. The 16-room residence provides meeting space for the women's literary societies at Illinois College. It is also a popular destination for tourists and research scholars interested in studying the 1850s and 1860s in central Illinois.

References:

Caine, L. Vernon. To Heights Beyond. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 1986.

Frank, Charles E. Pioneer's Progress: Illinois College, 1829-1979. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 1979.

Hopper, Doris Broehl. David A. Smith: Abolitionist, Patron of Learning, Prairie Lawyer. Jacksonville, IL: Branstiter Printing Company, 2003

Rammelkamp, Charles H. Illinois College, a Centennial History: 1829-1929. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1928.

Yeager, Iver F. Julian M. Sturtevant--1805-1886: President of Illinois College, Ardent Churchman, Reflective Author. Jacksonville, IL: Trustees of Illinois College, 1999.

Yeager, Iver F., ed. Sesquicentennial Papers--Illinois College. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press, 1982.