Illinois State University in Normal in McLean County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Old Main Bell

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025

1. Old Main Bell Marker

Inscription. In 1860 Illinois State Normal University celebrated completion of Old Main, the first building constructed on campus. For two decades a bell in the building's tower chimed reminders of the hour to the campus community. When the original bell was cracked beyond repair in 1880, the quiet was so deafening that replacement efforts began immediately. This bell was installed two years later in the tower, where it remained until the tower was dismantled in 1946. It has since become a treasured piece of history linking generations past, present, and future.

Rededicated during Homecoming ’98
September 1998

Erected 1998 by Illinois State University.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 40° 30.567′ N, 88° 59.482′ W. Marker is in Normal, Illinois, in McLean County. It is in Illinois State University. It can be reached from College Avenue, on the right when traveling east. The marker is in front of the bell it mentions, on the campus of Illinois State University. It is on the north end of the campus quad. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Normal IL 61761, 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.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); The Illinois State Normal University (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Main (within shouting distance of this marker); William Saunders (within shouting distance of this marker); Capital Stone from the Third McLean County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Mennonite College of Nursing (within shouting distance of this marker); John F. Kennedy Memorial Clock (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); World War I Memorial Stone (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Normal.

Regarding Old Main Bell. This bell is an 1884 replacement of the original, which was installed in 1860 into the building around its completion and then cracked in 1880. This newer bell was made by Vanduzen & Tift, a foundry from Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1946, Old Main's bell tower was demolished, but the bell was salvaged and placed on the quad. According to the school, the bell is only tolled on special occasions, most commonly on Founders Day, honoring the school's founding on Febuary 18, 1857.

Also see . . . ISU Campus Landmarks: Old Main Bell. (Submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Old Main Bell image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025

2. Old Main Bell

The original Old Main building was behind the site of this bell. The building was razed in 1958.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, June 21, 2025

3. Old Main Bell

This rear view shows the bell in front of the campus quad.

Courtesy of Milner Library, Illinois State University, circa 1907

4. Old Main

Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 24, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.