Fell Gates

Donors

Fell’s grandchildren, friends, and the Women’s Improvement League

Identification Plaque

Description

Fell Gates was created to recognize Jesse W. Fell and his years of service to Illinois State University and the community. Fell was a founder of Illinois State (Normal) University in 1857 and is also known as one of the “founding fathers” of the Town of Normal, which grew up around the University. When first completed, Fell Gates marked the path to Old Main, North Hall, Cook Hall, Edwards Hall and Moulton Hall – which were the only buildings on campus in the early 1900s. Old Main and North Hall have been demolished but the others remain in use. Fell Gates is located at the northeast entrance to the Quad between Hovey Hall and Moulton Hall. The design of Fell Gates was the model for Lincoln Gates, which is located at the main west entryway to the Quad.

Reference Sources

• Hieser, Joan. “Campus gets face lifting, beautifying project.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). September 26, 1951. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19510926-01.1.1&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN——-
• ISUtube1857. “Illinois State University Historical Video Series 1900-1930.” YouTube, June 17, 2009. Video, 22:04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTkDK0bBOfg&t=484s
• “Landscape artist remodels old Normal; Will shift Fell Gate.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). November 29, 1949. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19491129-01.1.1&srpos=8&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN-fell+gate——
• Meckstroth, Steve, and Mark Schmitt. Campus art: A walking tour of selected artwork on the campus of Illinois State University. Normal: University Marketing and Communications, 2003. 
• President Felmley. “The memorials to Jesse Fell.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). May 17, 1911. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19110517-01.1.2&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN——-
• Williams, Doris. “Fell gate will get new plant background.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). February 3, 1942. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19420203-01.1.1&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN——-