Money for this building was donated by John Quincy Adams, a cousin of
the second and sixth presidents of the United States. Adams also
donated money of the Wheaton Public Library, then located in the
building occupied by the DuPage County Historical Museum. Adams Hall
was first used as a gymnasium and was built in 1899. The basement of the building once
contained a bowling alley for students. During World War II Adams was
used, for one year, as an army barracks. It has been home to the
Library Annex, Anthropology/Sociology Dept., Duplicating Service,
various athletic activities, and the Book Store. It presently houses
the Art Department. Originally known as the Gymnasium it was renamed
Adams Hall on January 26, 1983. A significant addition to the building was completed in 2009. |