National Register of Historic Places

Hauptgebaude

Elmhurst, Du Page County, Illinois
Listed
August 12, 1976
Type
Building
Period
Industrial
Ref No.
76002162

About this property

Hauptgebaude, also known as Old Main, was the predecessor to Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, Illinois. The three-story building was constructed in 1878 as a gymnasium style of school, reflecting the German heritage of the local residents. The new building allowed the school to increase its enrollment to 103 students in its first year. Classes in the Hauptgebaude were solely taught in German until 1917. In 1919, the school became accredited as a junior college. Starting in 1928, the school added additional buildings to the campus. The school began admitting female students in 1930, and received accreditation as a four-year college in 1934. Old Main functioned as the school's administration building until the 1950s. It was renovated in 1920 after a major fire, and again in 1976 and 1995. At one time or another, Old Main housed the science labs, the cafeteria, a pipe organ, and a Fumatorium (smoking room) where students in the early 1900s smoked, talked and played chess. Along with Irion Hall, Old Main even served as the library (in an unofficial capacity) before Memorial Library was built. Old Main now houses faculty offices, art studios and general classrooms and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location

190 Prospect St.
Elmhurst, Du Page County, Illinois
41.89578, -87.94539

Categories

EDUCATIONARCHITECTURERELIGION
National Register nomination ›
Sources

Property data from the National Register of Historic Places, National Park Service (public domain).

Description adapted from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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Nearby Historic Sites

Pentecost, John L., House
Industrial
0.2 mi
Henderson, Frank B., House
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0.4 mi
Emery, Jr., William H., House
Industrial
0.4 mi
Robinwood
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0.4 mi
Sloane, William and Jennette, House
Industrial
0.4 mi

Nearby Battles

Fort Dearborn — Evacuation Route Ambush 1812
1812Early Republic
13.7 mi

Questions about this property

When was Hauptgebaude listed on the National Register?

Hauptgebaude was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 12, 1976.

What type of historic resource is Hauptgebaude?

Hauptgebaude is classified as a building in the National Register of Historic Places.

What is the period of significance for Hauptgebaude?

The period of significance for Hauptgebaude is recorded as the industrial era.

Can I research the history near Hauptgebaude?

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