Des Moines University (1865–1929)

This article is about the defunct school that closed in 1929. For the current medical school that adopted the name in 1999, see Des Moines University.
Des Moines University
Former names

Des Moines University (1865–1889)

Des Moines College (1889–1918)
Type Not-for-profit Private University
Active 1865–1929
Location Des Moines, Iowa, USA
Campus Urban

Des Moines University was an American college in operation from 1865 to 1929 and located in Des Moines, Iowa.

History

The college was established in by members of the Baptist Church.[1] It was originally located in an abandoned Lutheran college building at 15th and Pleasant near downtown Des Moines. It moved to College Avenue at 9th in 1884.[2] In 1889, the school was renamed Des Moines College to better reflect its mission.

In 1892, it was affiliated with the University of Chicago. The college offered the bachelor's degree in arts, science, and philosophy. It had in 1902 an enrollment of some 320, including students in the musical and preparatory departments. The library contained about 5000 volumes. Owing to large gifts made by friends of the institution, it entered in 1902 upon a course of rapid expansion.[1]

In 1918, it merged with Central College and Highland Park College to become Des Moines University, moving to Highland Park's campus at 2nd Avenue and Euclid Avenue. The merged college re-adopted the Des Moines University name at this time.[3] The 9th and College campus became the campus for Dowling High School; the campus now hosts correctional facilities for Polk County and a YMCA.[4]

The pharmacy school separated from the school in 1927, reconstituting itself as the Des Moines College of Pharmacy Corporation. Its staff and facilities later became part of Drake University.

Des Moines University closed in 1929 amidst riots.[2] The campus site now is occupied by Park Fair Mall.

References

  1. 1 2  This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: "Des Moines College". New International Encyclopedia. 1905.
  2. 1 2 Associated Press (September 2, 1929). BAPTISTS WILL CLOSE DES MOINES SCHOOL; Fundamentalist Board Blames Court Writ Growing Out of Student Riot for Action. New York Times
  3. ↑ http://www.lostcolleges.com/des-moines-college
  4. ↑ Des Moines College via Drake University

External links


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