Des Moines Universitywas an American college inDes Moines, Iowa,that operated from 1865 until 1929. It was established by members of theBaptist Church.[1]It was originally located in an abandonedLutheran collegebuilding at 15th and Pleasant near downtown Des Moines. It moved to College and 9th Avenues in 1884.[2]In 1889, the school was renamedDes Moines Collegeto better reflect its mission.
 | |
Former names | Des Moines University (1865–1889) Des Moines College (1889–1918) |
|---|---|
| Type | Not-for-profitprivate university |
| Active | 1865–1929 |
| Location | ,, |
| Campus | Urban |
In 1892 the Des Moines College was affiliated with theUniversity of Chicago.The college offered bachelor degrees in arts, science, and philosophy. By 1902 its enrollment was 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 the Des Moines College merged withCentral CollegeandHighland Park Collegeto 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 that time.[3]The 9th and College campus became the campus forDowling High School(which is now located west of Buffalo and 73rd Streets in western Des Moines);[4]the former campus area at 9th and College streets now hosts a correctional facility forPolk Countyand the John R Grubb CommunityYMCAbuilding.[5][6]
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 ofDrake University.
Des Moines University closed in 1929, blaming court-ordered actions arising from previous student riots at the school.[2]
The campus at 2nd and Euclid streets was purchased in 1943 forAlfred Lawson'sUniversity of Lawsonomy.It is now occupied by Park Fair Mall.[7]
References
edit- ^abThis article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain:.New International Encyclopedia.1905.
- ^abAssociated Press (2 September 1929).BAPTISTS WILL CLOSE DES MOINES SCHOOL; Fundamentalist Board Blames Court Writ Growing Out of Student Riot for Action.The New York Times
- ^Lost Colleges/Des Moines College (accessed 18 November 2016)
- ^Dowling Catholic High School(Google Maps, accessed 20 November 2020)
- ^Des Moines Collegevia Drake University
- ^Polk County Correctional Facility(Google Maps, accessed 20 November 2020)
- ^Fair Park Mall(Google Maps, accessed 20 November 2020)