Milton College

When Milton College finally closed its doors in 1982, it was the oldest institution of higher education in Wisconsin, beating the University of Wisconsin by four years. The college was originally called Du Lac Academy when it was founded in 1844. Main Hall and Goodrich Hall (the original dorm) – built in 1855 and 1857, respectively – are still standing.

Milton College was ahead of its time in admitting women. It was a coeducational institution from the start. In comparison, the University of Wisconsin did not admit women until 1863 and did not give them full coeducational status until the 1870s, thanks in part to anti-coeducation resistance from UW President Chadbourne.

Enrollment at Milton College fluctuated over the years, reaching over 800 by the late 1960s. At that time, new buildings were added, including more dormitories, a library, a student center and an athletic facility. Ultimately there were thirteen buildings on campus. All but one of these buildings survives, all adapted to new uses. Main Hall is now owned and operated by the Main Hall Preservation Society, while the library is home to the Milton Public Library.

Like many small colleges, Milton College closed due to financial pressures, which caused it to lose its accreditation. Being heavily dependent on tuition without a large endowment, it went into debt and eventually closed when enrollment dropped in the 1970s and 1980s.