part of the Then and Now continuing series about the March of Time

First, just a quick history for anyone not familiar with the history of the University of Southern Indiana.  Way back in 1965 we were started as a regional campus of Indiana State University, thus called Indiana State University Evansville, or ISUE.  There was no campus as we know it today; early classes were held in an old (built in 1875/6) building at 112 N.12th Ave. called Centennial School.

In the latter part of the 19th century, Evansville as it stands today did not exist.  In addition to Evansville, there were small, independent pockets, one of these being Independence, which was roughly the area west of Pigeon Creek.  This area was annexed into the city in 1870, and one of the benefits was the 1875 construction of a 3 story, 12 room school to serve the needs of a growing west side population. 

Centennial was no longer serving as a school when ISUE moved in.  It was old (90 years) and it showed its age.  There is a reason why the early (unofficial) ISUE student newspapers were called The Roach!  Take a look at the images below.

Fortunately for students and faculty, they were able to move into new facilities on our current campus by 1969.