Historic Photos

The Times They Have Changed! Town of Normal, 1966

September 10th, 2015

This view of the Town of Normal and Illinois State University, taken in 1966 from either Hewett or Manchester halls, two recently opened high-rise dormitories, looks west. Visible in the distance are Hancock Stadium and the Tri-Towers residential complex (Haynie, Wilkins, and Wright halls).

The houses shown here were later razed to make way for the ISU Student Center (completed in 1973) and Milner Library - Illinois State University (1976). The church at the lower right was First Baptist Church. When demolished in 2000 to make way for a student apartment building, it was the oldest church building in Bloomington-Normal. What else catches your eye in this fascinating view?

The Town of Normal is celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2015. The Normal 1-5-0 weekend activities included Saturday’s Circus Day and Street Party, both in Uptown Normal. Sunday’s events featured a History Fair at the Uptown Marriott and Historic Portrayals at the Normal Theater. For a full event schedule, go to www.normal.org/index.aspx?NID=968.

Bill Kemp

Librarian

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