Concordia University Chicago in River Forest in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Alumni Bell Tower

Photographed by Sean Flynn, September 20, 2023

1. Alumni Bell Tower Marker

Inscription. The Alumni Bell Tower
erected in praise of the Triune God
and in memory of
Robert Erfourth and David Hammes
—
June 1975

The bell in this tower, cast in the year 1881,
is the original bell from the first site of
Concordia Teachers College in Addison, Illinois

Erected 1975.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 41° 53.944′ N, 87° 48.549′ W. Marker is in River Forest, Illinois, in Cook County. It is in Concordia University Chicago. It can be reached from Augusta Street, on the right when traveling west. The bell tower is along the pathway inside Concordia University Chicago's campus, across from Addison Hall and to the east of the Gieseman Gymnasium. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest IL 60305, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

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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: Addison Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Coach Conrad "Connie" J. Aumann (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Mother Samuel Coughlin, O.P. (approx. 0.4 miles away); Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli, O.P. (approx. 0.4 miles away); F.A. Bell House (approx. half a mile away); River Forest Women's Club (approx. half a mile away); Anne T. Smedinghoff Memorial Garden (approx. half a mile away); Field Park Native Plants (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in River Forest.

Regarding Alumni Bell Tower. What is today known as Concordia University Chicago was originally located in Addison, Illinois, about 10 miles to the west of River Forest, and first known as Addison Teacher Seminary. The school held its final class in Addison in 1913 and moved the following school year to this new

Alumni Bell Tower at Concordia University Chicago image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, September 20, 2023

2. Alumni Bell Tower at Concordia University Chicago

The southeast corner of Gieseman Gymnasium can be seen on the left.

campus in River Forest and changed its name to Concordia College.

Additional keywords. Concordia University Chicago River Forest Illinois

Martin Luther statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean Flynn, September 20, 2023

3. Martin Luther statue

A statue of Martin Luther, erected in 1994, is located across the pathway from the gymnasium and bell tower. Addison Hall can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 350 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 20, 2023, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.