Fairbanks Hall
⎯⎯⎯
Fairbanks Hall Dome Restoration
Fairbanks Hall
Originally the Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library
On February 2, 1903, prominent Terre Haute businessman and philanthropist Crawford Fairbanks, made an offer to build and furnish a new library building to be named in honor of his mother Emeline Fairbanks.
On May 5, 1903, the City of Terre Haute purchased the site at Seventh and Eagle Streets, and architects William H. Floyd, and Charles E. Scott were hired to design the new building.
On March 15, 1904, ground was broken for the construction of the library as the Modern Construction Company began work on the project.
The laying of the cornerstone, (which contained a list of officials, photos of the Fairbanks family, the days events program, a 1904 City Directory, and several newspapers), took place on August 10, 1904 followed by a downtown parade, music, prayer, and orations at the site.
On April 29, 1906, an informal opening and dedication occurred, and following a legal dispute about ownership, on August 11, 1906 the formal opening to the public took place.
In 1978, the library officially became part of the Indiana State Teachers College campus. Six years later on January 22, 1984, a formal reception was held by Indiana State University for the newly renovated and renamed Fairbanks Hall.
Fairfanks Hall Dome Restoration
In January, 2003 a project to restore the 28 foot diameter stained glass dome was completed. The dome restoration project included restoration of the eclectic portrait collection of 16 men and women:
Authors (8), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Lew Wallace William Shakespeare James Whitcomb Riley Washington Irving Victor Hugo Mark Twain, and Harriett Beecher Stowe
Presidents and Polititions (5), Ulysses S. Grant Abraham Lincoln Thomas Jefferson Daniel Voorhees, Indianas second longest serving senator (second only to Senator Richard Lugar), and Richard W. Thompson. (State Senator and one term congressman)
Artists (1), Rosa Boneheur
Inventor (1), Thomas A. Edison
Composer (1), Ludwig van Beethoven
Erected by Indiana
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music • Education. A significant historical date for this entry is January 22, 1984.
Location. 39° 28.157′ N, 87° 24.429′ W. Marker is in Terre Haute, Indiana, in Vigo County. It is at the intersection of North 7th Street and Eagle Street, on the right when traveling south on North 7th Street. The marker is on the campus of Indiana State University at the Emeline Fairbanks Memorial Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 331 N 7th St, Terre Haute IN 47809, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana and in the Wabash Valley. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mordecai Peter Centennial Brown / Baseball Career Highlights
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. This page has been viewed 700 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 26, 2021, by Rev. Ronald Irick of West Liberty, Ohio. 6. submitted on June 29, 2021. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
