The Council of Independent Colleges: Historic Campus Architecture Project

Crampton Hall

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Crampton Hall (front facade), Illinois College

Institution Name: Illinois College
Original/Historic Place Name: Crampton Hall
Location on Campus: 10 Sturtevant Dr.
Date(s) of Construction and Designer(s):

1873-1874

original construction Unknown

Type of Place: Individual building
Style(s): (Glossary)
Materials:

Foundation: brick

Walls: brick

Roof: asphalt shingle

Function:

ca. 1874	other (science labs)
ca. 1874	gymnasium
1874-present (2007)	residence hall (for men)

Significance: architecture, culture, history
Landmark designation:

none

Narrative: see below
References: see below

Narrative:
Crampton Hall is the oldest building in continuous use as a college residence in the state of Illinois. Construction began in 1873 and was completed the following year. Its earliest residents included 1881 graduate William Jennings Bryan, three time presidential candidate. It currently houses 60 men. At times, Crampton Hall supplied space for science labs as well as a small gymnasium. Women resided in the building during the 1940s. The residence hall is named for Rufus C. Crampton, long-time professor of mathematics and astronomy who also served as the college's acting president from 1876-1882. Professor Crampton led a group of volunteers from Illinois College who served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

References:

I. Bibliographic sources:

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.

II. Location of other data:

University: Library, Special Collections