Main building from south, showing Conservatory and Boiler house. Rear of the Normal hall from Cross street.

Title: Main building from south, showing Conservatory and Boiler house. Rear of the Normal hall from Cross street.
Description: The three-story Old Main building was constructed in 1852, and was largely paid for by the citizens of Ypsilanti, and other nearby cities (they paid $12,000 and the total cost of the building was ~$20,000). By the time this image was taken in 1893, the Main building had been restored after a fire that had occurred in 1859, and three additions had been completed on the building to accommodate the growing school and student body. The building that would eventually become the Conservatory was first proposed in 1864, but many delays relating to construction and loss of interest in the project delayed its completion until 1870. Originally, the building was used as the Training School, but officially became the Conservatory of music in 1882.
Publisher: Gibson Studio
Subject: College campuses, Michigan State Normal School, Buildings, Trees, Black-and-white photography
Location: Michigan State Normal School, Ypsilanti, MI

Item sets: Class of 1892 Photograph Collection--World's Columbian Exposition