Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Hedding College
1850-1928
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
1. Hedding College 1850-1928 Marker
The pillars forming the basis of this sesquicentennial gateway are from Hedding College, Abingdon, Illinois, which merged with Illinois Wesleyan University in 1930. The Reverend Henry M. Bloomer, president of Hedding's board of trustees, preserved these pillars in the hope they would one day be used to honor the heritage of Hedding College and Illinois Wesleyan University.
In memory of his parents, Henry M. and Merti Harlan Bloomer, H. Harlan Bloomer presented the pillars to Illinois Wesleyan University in celebration of its sesquicentennial.
Erected 2000.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.
Location. 40° 29.305′ N, 88° 59.408′ W. Marker is in Bloomington, Illinois, in McLean County. It is in Illinois Wesleyan University. It is at the intersection of Empire Street (U.S. 150) and Park Street, on the right when traveling west on Empire Street. The marker is on the curved sign for Illinois Wesleyan University at the southern end of the college's campus. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bloomington IL 61701, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Franklin Square Historic District (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Home of Joseph W. Fifer
this page online
Regarding Hedding College. Hedding College was named after a Methodist bishop named Elizah Hedding and its home in Abingdon was about 90 miles west of Bloomington. It closed as a four-year institution around 1922, apparently because the Methodist Church believed there was a glut of affiliated colleges. Its archives were transferred to Illinois Wesleyan in 1930. The college building was torn down in the late 1940s and replaced by an elementary school, which still stands today and is called Hedding Grade School. The old building's pillars were salvaged and today form the south entrance into IWU.
Also see . . . A history of Hedding College.
Excerpt: "From the 'History of(Submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)Knox County' (1878): The main building was commenced in 1873. It is a substantial brick structure, 71 by 70 feet and three stories above the basement. Main entrances on the east and south. Basement contains three rooms. There is a main hall on the first floor, the south entrance of the main building connecting directly with the hall of wing. On the east side of this hall are the President's office, Treasurer's office, hall to east entrance, reception room and music room. On the west side are three recitation rooms and stairway leading to the second floor and the chapel. Second floor, east of the hall are the recitation room of the Professor of Natural Science, laboratory and museum, also a small music room; west of hall, three recitation rooms. The institution has a small supply of apparatus and quite a good cabinet. The third floor has four rooms on the west side, both of which were tastefully finished and elegantly furnished by the members of the societies. These societies admit both sexes, and are in a very flourishing condition."Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 20252. Hedding College Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025
3. Hedding College pillars
The marker on this listing is behind where this photo was taken. The other side has two pillars and a sign that says "In Honor of Hedding College."
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
