Groundbreaking shovel for Bradley Polytechnic Institute, 1897

Groundbreaking shovel for Bradley Polytechnic Institute, 1897

This shovel bears a plaque stating "Ground broken for Bradley Polytechnic Institute 1897." The first shovel of dirt excavating the site of Bradley Polytechnic Institute was dug by George L. Root at 2:30 p.m. on April 22, 1897, according to the Peoria Times. In 1948, Edgar C. Foster used the same shovel to break ground for the library, for which he donated nearly $40,000. It is one of four commemorative shovels in Special Collections. We store these next to the kitchen sinks.

Photo courtesy of University Photographer's archives.

1897

Universities and colleges--Illinois--Peoria

For official publication permission or to request high resolution images, contact Special Collections at specialcollections@bradley.edu or (309)677-2822.