So we have the "First Annual SIU Riots" in spring, '66, and then, a few months later, the creation of a local SDS chapter with rumors of Weathermen. At the time, the administration's largest fear was the presence of "outside agitators." This meant people coming to C'dale from parts unknown for the purpose of facilitating unrest.

   To some extent, this fear was well-founded. There were sources of support and consultation outside of C'dale that assisted in organizing demonstrations, orchestrating events that pressured the administration, and teaching techniques of negotiation. But this potential led nowhere unless there were large numbers of locals who were motivated, angry, and competent. The administration was convinced that, except for these "outside agitators," SIU students would remain preoccupied with good times, cars, and panty raids. The truth was that students were concerned and angry, especially about the draft, war, and related issues. This created the "gun powder," and all that remained was for someone to light the fuse.

   Many students, perhaps most students, did not actively participate in violent acts against persons or property. The same can probably be said about police and soldiers. Yet there was a significant and ever-fluctuating minority on each side that continued to support a hard line. All of the "fuse-lighting" events made tempers rise. The aggression was hard to keep in check. Both sides knew violent acts by their own group alienated "middle america" persons. Some did not care about what "middle america" thought, and believed it was more important to "send a message" by engaging in violent acts.

   During the years 1964-72, there were buildings burned and/or bombed on many campuses all across the nation. Many in C'dale felt "it could never happen here." Yet, in the spring of 1968, a bomb was detonated in the AG building, which extensively damaged the auditorium and other areas. Luckily, the explosion occurred when the building was unoccupied; the potential number of injuries was unthinkable. This event significantly raised the stakes, and all participants became very edgy.

   Events leading up to June of 1969 are largely unknown to this author. Perhaps some readers can supply some information to fill the gaps. What happened that month in C'dale was an event that is usually mentioned only in whispers, even 30 years later. Although it affected everyone in C'dale at that time and for years to come, it is not allowed to be mentioned in the SIU Museum. The investigation was never closed, and never resolved.

   There was a large building in the middle of the old campus. It was basically among old Davis Gym, Shryock Auditorium and Altgeld Hall. It was the oldest standing building on campus, about one hundred years old. It was the main classroom building. The English Department, among others, had its offices there. The building had a large clock tower. Its image was featured on the seal of the university, on brochures, etc. It was the central point of the campus. It was called "Old Main."

   At that time, SIU was on quarters, not semesters. Spring quarter began the last week in March, and exams were the second week in June. The day before the English exams were scheduled, the word on the street went out: "Old Main is burning." The building was not only on fire, but engulfed in flames. Although it had a brick exterior, the interior featured many flammable materials.

   Crowds gathered to watch it burn. Firemen were largely helpless. No one was killed or injured (as far as this author knows), but the building burnt to the ground. News of this traveled nationwide.