Northwood Institute - Norfinda Yearbook (West Baden, IN)

Page 11 text:

The Ballard empire came tumbling down with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, and the hotel emptied in a matter of days. Mr. Ballard was — heartbroken. He knew that, if the hotel remain- ed vacant, it would deteriorate. Thus in 1933 he sold it to the Society of Jesus for $1, and it was used for a Jesuit Seminary. Finally, in 1966 Mr. and Mrs. Whiting of Midland, Michigan purchas- ed and donated buildings and grounds to North- wood Institute. For the young College, the hotel has become a beautiful old foundation for a great new era.

Page 10 text:

ii aa € Taw In 1916 the hotel changed hands. Mr. Ed Ballard a well respected man from West Baden became the new owner. Guests swarmed in for many reasons. The famous spring waters were known to cure numerous ailments. Bicycling on the huge wooden track was only one of the popular sports. For the riding enthusiast the hotel stables housed some of the finest Kentucky breds. If a guest wished to keep abreast of Stock Market investments, he found the Stock Market room located right off the atrium. The atrium continued to be the scene of many nationwide conventions, with ban- quets held for up to 1500 guests. Yet people still enjoyed hours of relaxation on the spacious porch.

Page 12 text:

Recognition for NI Via 3 Day Auction With the fanfare of much publicity in Indiana newspapers, Northwood sold over 700 donated items in a three day October auction. Involvement was the key to the auction’s success as both students and faculty collected items. The auction was the kick-off for Northwood’s restoration project. (top center) Dean David Fry shows a picture of the hotel’s golden era to Restoration com- mittee members. Members are Thomas Emison, Mrs. Harriet Stout, H. Rawl McLaughlin and Steven Cornwell. (above right) | Keeping a watchful eye on the proceed: ings are visitors, students and staff. (above left) A fisheye of the atrium illustrates both the history and the progressive educa- tional ideas of Northwood.