Historical Images of Porter County

Academy Block
Valparaiso, Indiana

Date: 1911
Source Type: Photograph
Publisher, Printer, Photographer: Joseph Decker
Postmark: Not applicable
Collection: Steven R. Shook
Remark: Prior to the construction of the Academy of Music Block on West Main Street (now Washington Street and Lincolnway), this location was the site of one of the first homes in Valparaiso, that of John Spurlock. Spurlock's home was also the location of the first session of circuit court in Porter County in October 1836, presided over by Judge Samuel C. Sample. Andrew Jackson Buel later operated a wagon shop on the site. The structure shown in this image was built by Samuel I. Anthony and Ruel Starr in 1864. First known as Valparaiso Hall, located on the Starr and Anthony Block, it was later more commonly referred to as the Academy Block. The structure housed numerous business and professional offices in the basement and first and second floors, while the third floor was the home of the Masonic Lodge. This building was destroyed by fire in 1926.

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Image and related text prepared by Steven R. Shook