Unattributed.  "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."
Unattributed.  "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Unattributed.  "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."
  • Load image into Gallery viewer, Unattributed.  "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."

Unattributed. "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."

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Unattributed.  "Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio. R. T. Brookes, Architect."

Cincinnati: ca. 1872. 14 x 20. Chromolithograph by Strobridge & Co. Left and right hand margins trimmed just into the image. Expertly repaired tear in bottom margin that extends 1/8 of an inch into the image. Otherwise, fine condition and color.

Originally founded in 1847 by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, Otterbein University was named after Reverend Phillip Otterbein who was founder of the religious group in the late 18th century. The university is the second oldest coeducational school in the United States and is not far from Columbus, Ohio. The four year liberal arts college is well known for it theatrical arts program. The building depicted in the print is an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture. Known today as Towers Hall it was built in 1871 following a fire that consumed the previous building. In 1982, Towers Hall was restored and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

This print was produced in Cincinnati by Strobridge & Company who can trace its roots to 1849, to the founding of Elijah Middleton's print publishing enterprise. Middleton began producing lithographs in the 1850s, shortly before Hines Strobridge joined the firm in 1855. Strobridge achieved partnership in 1859, and took over the company completely in 1861. Producing battle prints for national sale, the firm thrived during the Civil War. Suffering a devastating fire in 1865, the company rebounded by making its printing processes even more efficient for high-volume commercial production. Most well-known for their theatrical and circus posters, they also participated in printing and selling the sort of stock print that sustained many printing businesses. This print is a fine historical document and a colorful decorative image.