Cook Hall contains Illinois State University's School of Music and serves as a practice area for many music students.
One of Illinois State's most interesting buildings and the oldest one still standing on the Quad, Cook Hall was originally built to be a gymnasium. It was completed in 1897 and was named after Jesse Williston Cook, our University's 4th President (1890-1899). He earned his diploma in 1865 from Illinois State Normal University and in 1876 he became a Professor of Mathematics.
The building has also been known as the "Old Castle" or "The Gymnasium." The Governor at the time, John Altgeld, had a great liking for medieval castles and insisted all new state construction during his term in office resemble castles. You'll find a Cook Hall look alike at many other state schools; they are called "Altgeld's Folly."
Cook Hall is located in between Edwards Hall and DeGarmo Hall on S. University St., on the west end of the quad.
