The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Sturtevant Hall

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Sturtevant Hall (front facade), Illinois College

Institution Name: Illinois College
Original/Historic Place Name: Sturtevant Hall
Location on Campus: 20 Sturtevant Dr.
Date(s) of Construction:

1857	original construction
1920	interior rebuilt after fire

Designer: unknown
Type of Place: Individual building
Style: Italianate, Victorian (Glossary)
Significance: architecture, culture, education, history
Narrative: see below
References: see below

Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls: brick

Roof: asphalt shingles

Function:

ca. 1857	academic department building (Greek, Latin, rhetoric, math and science; included chemistry and biology laboratories)
ca. 1857	chapel
ca. 1857	administration (office of the President)
ca. 1857	library
1857-present (2006)	faculty offices
1857-present (2006)	classrooms
1993-present (2006)	academic department building (sociology and English)

Narrative:
Dedicated in 1857, Sturtevant Hall has become a campus and community landmark. Its Romanesque revival architectural style closely resembles the Smithsonian Institution and features two towers on different heights and styles. During the last half of the 19th century and the first portion of the 20th century, Sturtevant Hall supplied core services for Illinois College students and faculty. The interior was rebuilt in 1920 after fire gutted the structure. In addition to classrooms and faculty offices, the building housed the library and a large meeting room for chapel services. Greek, Latin, rhetoric, math, and science were among the subjects taught on site. Space was subsequently provided for science labs and major upgrades were made in 1993 that led to the relocation of the English and sociology departments.

The building was named for Julian Sturtevant, Illinois College's first professor and its second president (1844-1876).

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.