The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Gillett House

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Institution Name: Illinois College
Original/Historic Place Name: Gillett House
Location on Campus: 1005 Grove St.
Date(s) of Construction:

1832	original construction

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Gothic revival, Regionalist/Vernacular (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls: wood

Roof: asphalt shingles

Function:

1832-2001	private residence
2001-2004	other (bed and breakfast)
2004-present (2006)	academic department building (a focal point for study of the Underground Railroad and research on local history)

Narrative:
The Gillett House was built in 1832 and provided temporary sanctuary for freedom-seeking slaves on the Underground Railroad. It is named for its original owner, Bezaleel Gillett, a physician and merchant who helped found Trinity Church in Jacksonville, the first Episcopal church in Illinois. The structure was converted into a Bed and Breakfast in 2001 and was acquired by Illinois College in 2004. Preliminary plans call for Gillett House to be used as a focal point for study of the Underground Railroad and research on local history.

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.