The invention of the typewriter in the late 1800s prompted the opening of business colleges around the country. In Evansville, Melvin Lockyear co-founded the Columbian Business College at Second and Main in 1893; four years later, the school was incorporated as Lockyear Business College. As enrollment surged, a new facility was built in 1911 at 209 NW Fifth Street (seen here). In addition to traditional business courses, Lockyear offered the popular Dale Carnegie salesmanship development program, graduating 6,000 students by 1962. The school closed in 1991, and the building was razed two years later.
FOOTNOTES: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.
