Hedding College (1855 - 1927) Abingdon, IL. The school was named after Methodist Bishop Elizah Hedding. Merged with Illinois Wesleyan University in 1930. The campus was used by the Roosevelt Military Academy for awhile. In 1953, a modern, one story, 24 classroom elementary school was constructed at the same location where almost a century before the first cornerstone was laid for Hedding College.
Lombard College (1853 - 1930) Galesburg, IL. Originally named the 'Illinois Liberal Institute', the college received substantial financial assistance from Benjamin Lombard and was renamed 'Lombard College'. The Great Depression proved to be too much for Lombard; the last class was graduated in 1930. In 1930, the charter moved to Meadville College in Chicago - Meadville/Lombard School (still exists). Buildings now used for the Lombard Jr. High School.
Football & Basketball historical records
Lombard College history1 Lombard College history2
Mount Morris College (1879 - 1932) Mount Morris, IL. Rock River Seminary was established by the Methodist Church in 1839. Because of financial difficulties it was forced to close in 1879. The Church of the Brethren then purchased the campus and established Mount Morris Seminary and Collegiate Institute (named after the city). In 1884, the name was changed to Mount Morris College. It closed in 1932. Merged with Manchester College (IN) in 1932. The campus is intact and the buildings are corporate offices for Wat Publishing and Kable Print Services.
Football & Basketball historical records
Shurtleff College (1827 - 1957) Alton, IL. Founded in 1827 as Alton Seminary. It became Shurtleff College in 1836 honoring Dr. Benjamin Shurtleff, of Boston, who donated $10,000 to the college. Andrew Carnegie in 1910 donated $15,000 for construction of a library. The school ceased operation on June 30, 1957. The school was the oldest Baptist college west of the Appalalachians until it was absorbed by SIU-Edwardsville. The school and campus then became part of the SIU Dental School.
Football & Basketball historical records
St. Viator College (1865 - 1939) Bourbonnais, IL. Named for St. Viator. In 1940, the campus was purchased and is still used by Olivet Nazarene University. According to the Olivet Nazarene University website, four buildings still exist from St. Viator and are used today.
William and Vashti College (1908 - 1917) Aledo, IL. Don't know how it got its name. Campus/buildings purchased and used by the Roosevelt Military Academy from 1924 - 1973. The Administration Building was torn down and the spot was used for a nursing home. The remaining two buildings (Niles Hall and North Hall) are unused.
William & Vashti College history
Roosevelt Military Academy (aka 'Illinois Military'). After the end of the first World War, the buildings of William & Vashti College stood empty. The Kansas Military Academy needed a place to relocate and Col. Terry, its owner, heard of the vacant campus. On March 16, 1924, Col. Terry, five teachers and 44 cadets arrived on the train in Aledo, and the 'Illinois Military School' had begun.
The school grew rapidly, and in 1927, against the advice of his associates, Col. Terry entered a contract to use the property of the defunct Hedding College as a branch for the senior grades 10th - 12th and a junior college. Renamed in the 1930's in memory and honor of Theodore Roosevelt. The school existed from 1924 through 1973.
