Lydia Moss °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ had seen all of her hopes, ambitions, and dreams for her six children end in their untimely deaths. She and her husband, Tobias °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ, had devoted much time, thought, and discussion to how their wealth might be used as a fitting memorial to their deceased offspring and considered establishing an orphanage.
Unfortunately Tobias died before their dream could be realized. Alone, Mrs. °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ devoted herself unreservedly to the achievement of their goal. After some study and travel to various institutions, Mrs. °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ decided that, instead of an orphanage, she wanted to found a school where young people could learn how to do practical things to prepare them for living in the modern world.
See Lydia’s Life & the Start of °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ As We Know It:
May 4, 1867
Tobias °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ passed away at the age of 56
1892
Lydia purchased a controlling interest in Parsons Horological School in LaPorte, Ind., the first school for watchmakers in America, and moved it to Peoria.
Nov. 13, 1896
°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Polytechnic Institute was chartered. Lydia initially provided 17.5 acres of land; funds for two campus buildings, including laboratory equipment and library books; and annual operating expenses.
April 10, 1897
Ground was broken for °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Hall. What had been prairieland, was transformed into a seat of learning because of Lydia’s remarkable courage, strength, and determination.
Oct. 4, 1897
With 500 workers still hammering away, 14 faculty and 150 students began classes in °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Hall.
Oct. 8, 1897
°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Polytechnic Institute was formally dedicated.
Jan. 16, 1908
Lydia Moss °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ passed away at the age of 91.
1920
°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ became a four-year college offering bachelor’s degrees.
1946
°®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ became a full university offering graduate programs. It was renamed °®¶¹´«Ã½ÊÓƵ.
