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Caption: Book - 100 Years of Campus Architecture (Allen Weller)
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Altgeld Hall, completed in 1897, was built and used as the University Library for nearly thirty years. The building then served for almost the same length of time as the home of the College of Law, and since 1955 has been assigned to the Department of Mathematics. The architect was Nathan C. Ricker, a graduate of the University who founded the Department of Architecture and for many years served as Dean of the College of Engineering. Altgeld Hall's handsome Romanesque tower, rough surfaces of a hard pink sandstone, excellent detail, and asymmetrical but balanced composition, make it a notable period piece. The only building of Romanesque design on campus, Altgeld Hall reflects with considerable distinction the style which, in this country, is chiefly associated with Architect H. H. Richardson. As a library, Altgeld Hall, with a capacity of 90,000 volumes, reflected the dimensions of the University in $$p$.' 1890's. The building was named in 1940 for John Peter Altgeld, during whose term as governor of Illinois (1893-1897) the University received significant appropriations, and whose personal enthusiasm for medieval architecture led to the rejection ql two earlier designs.
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