Danville in Hendricks County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Central Normal College
Photographed By Mbowyer, April 8, 2006
1. Side one of the Central Normal College Marker.
Organized 1876 at Ladoga as second private Indiana normal school specializing in teacher training. Based on Alfred Holbrook's techniques at his normal college in Lebanon, Ohio which pioneered teacher training in America. Central Normal College was moved 1878 to old Danville Academy building. The campus eventually consisted of five buildings.
Central Normal College, last self-supporting private normal school in Midwest, closed 1946. School reopened as Canterbury College by Episcopal Church; declining financial situation forced closure 1951. Alumni include many prominent Hoosiers. Hargrave Hall, gymnasium, and well house remain as part of Danville Middle School.
Erected 2001 by Indiana Historical Bureau and Danville Senior History Club sponsored by Danville Public Library. (Marker Number 32.2001.2.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 39° 45.649′ N, 86° 31.218′ W. Marker is in Danville, Indiana, in Hendricks County. Marker is on East Main Street (U.S. 36) near North Wayne Street, on the right when traveling west.
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Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dr. Jeremiah & Ann Jane DePew House (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Danville’s Carnegie Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hendricks County (Danville, Indiana) War Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hendricks County Sheriff's Residence & Jail (approx. ¼ mile away); Samuel Luther Thompson (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.
Also see . . . Central Normal College. Hendricks County Historical Museum website entry (Submitted on August 30, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Additional commentary.
1. Yearbooks
I recently acquired several yearbooks from the school mentioned on this marker.
The Centralian for 1946.
The Echo for 1947 - 2 copies.
The Canterbury Tales for 1948, 1949 (4 copies) and 1950 (2 copies).
Also a copy of the school history 1876 - 1946 and 1945 - 1951.
These belonged to my dear friends Virginia Tincher and Harlan Bonsett who graduated in 1950. I was a student in Ms. Tincher's class and she became my mentor as I pursued teaching. I taught mathematics for 34 years. I would share these with anyone who would
Photographed By Mbowyer, April 8, 2006
2. Side two of the Central Normal College Marker.
Editor's Note: Please email the editors if you wish to ask Ms. Wilburn about these books. And please include the marker name in your email for reference. Thank you. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor
— Submitted November 13, 2008, by Ms. Carol A. Wilburn of Yorktown, In. 47396.
Photographed By Unknown., circa 1910
3. Central Normal College
Photographed By Unknown, circa 1910
4. Central Normal College
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
5. Central Normal College, Hargrave Hall
The building now is used by the Danville Police Department.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
6. Former Central Normal College Gymnasium
It currently houses an athletic club.
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 6, 2023
7. Central Normal College Bell
The plaque reads:
C.N.C. Bell
1876-1952
Placed
by
Scientific Class
1910
1876-1952
Placed
by
Scientific Class
1910
Photographed By Unknown, 1910
8. College Sisters, 1910
Photographed By Unknown, 1910
9. College Sisters, 1910
Credits. This page was last revised on September 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. This page has been viewed 3,972 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 10, 2006, by M. Bowyer of Indianapolis, Indiana. 3, 4. submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jean Henry of Alvaton, Kentucky. 5, 6, 7. submitted on September 5, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 8, 9. submitted on May 5, 2011, by Jean Henry of Alvaton, Kentucky. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of Hargrave Hall, the gymnasium, and the well house • Can you help?
