The history of Lindenwood’s aging water tower
A photo of the old water tower when it held a neon sign saying “Lindenwood College” between the 1920s and 1950s.
Image from the Mary E. Ambler Archives
October 16, 2019
CLAIRE BEAUDRY | Reporter
The old water tower on Lindenwood University’s campus has been around for over 130 years.
The brick structure was built in 1883 as one of the first water towers in the City of St. Charles. In 1971, Lindenwood bought it from the city for one dollar to avoid demolition.
Today, the tower stands near Cobbs Hall and the Spellmann Center, and it is no longer used. Weeds grow from its bricks, and a fence has been put around it to stop students from walking too close.
“Lindenwood was concerned that there were some loose bricks on it that might fall, so they put a fence around it to protect from potential falling debris,” said Paul Huffman, the university archivist and reference librarian.
The old water tower has been deteriorating for at least the past couple decades. In 1997, it was renovated at a cost of $66,000.
According to Vice President of Operations Diane Moore, Lindenwood has asked the city for permission to demolish the tower in the past. It was designated a St. Charles historic landmark in 1980, requiring special approval for it to be torn down.
Old as it is, the water tower has been through a lot in its history.
Huffman said the water tower collapsed in 1896 after a tornado went through the area. It was rebuilt in 1898.
And what is not obvious from looking at the tower’s top, which is encircled by a wrought-iron railing; is that from the 1920s to the 1950s, it held a neon sign reading “Lindenwood College” greeting visitors to campus.
Diane Gederman • May 14, 2020 at 4:17 pm
Save this piece of history. How about preserving it. Start a fundraiser.
Virginia A McGue • May 14, 2020 at 8:17 am
I am in the graduating class of 2020. I just finished my coursework this May, so I am officially an alum. This tower absolutely should be saved and restored for its historical significance to the college and the city of Saint Charles. What’s next, get rid of the founders’ cemetery?. Did you not try to find out what the students wanted?
Jeanne Rohen • May 11, 2020 at 2:25 pm
Please preserve the water tower and it’s unique history.
Thank you,.
Dr. Jeanne Rohen
Alumina Lindenwood College
Nancy Schneider • Dec 14, 2019 at 5:35 am
I am an alum of Lindenwood (BABusiness ‘78) and I lived across the street from the college on Watson Street for 38 years. I am vehemently opposed to your plan to demolish the historic water tower on your campus. Surely you could find the funds to repair and preserve the structure or you could as alums, preservationists and interested citizens to contribute to this worthy effort
There is overwhelming opposition to your plan on Facebook. Should you proceed quietly and quickly with demolition plans you will be making a terrible mistake. Too many of St. Charles’s historic treasures have been destroyed. Please do not cause the water tower to face the same unnecessary fate.
Stacey • Dec 13, 2019 at 9:05 am
66,000 is pocket change. Respect your cities history and do not tear down more of our history!!!!!
Steve Lindsey • Oct 16, 2019 at 8:29 pm
Wow. Rather than tear it down, bring back the neon sign. This could be like the famous Citgo sign in Boston. People like crazy things, big, showy, larger than life things. Rather than being a liability, the tower is an opportunity. To do something big.