Southern Illinois University
Vocational Technical Institute
Carterville, Illinois



This site is dedicated to the Vocational Technical Institute of Southern Illinois University,
located at Carterville, Illinois, and to its' Alumni.

The VTI Student Center in 1971. The VTI Student Center in 1971. The
north end of the building also housed
the Commercial Art Department.
Student enjoy a game of
pool at the Student Center.		 Students enjoy a game of pool at the Student Center.
The TV lounge was always a popular spot. The TV lounge was always
a popular spot.
Many students spent their
spare time socializing with friends. 		Many students spent their spare time socializing with friends.


The West dorm, fondly called
"Playboy Hall" was located
just South of the Student Center.


The Southern Acres Dining Hall.
Home of the "Mystery Meat."
Inside shot of the Dining Hall
looking to the South. 		Inside shot of the Dining Hall


The only permanent building
on the VTI grounds was the
new boy's dorm.		 The new boy's dorm



January 21, 1971

Fire destroys wing of VTI building
Fire destroys part of the women's co-op apartments and classrooms in a wing of the "H" Building. Other wings of the building housing the library, computer lab, and other apartments, were emptied by students anticipating the entire structure was in danger.


Looking North at the West side of the
wing. Southern Acres fire equipment
is no match for the blaze.


This view of the East side of the wing
shows how far the fire has spread in
just a few short minutes.


Fire crews battle the blaze from
the East side while students and
faculty watch in shock.


Smoke in the courtyard on the
East side of the wing was
heavy due to the wind.


A snorkel from West Frankfort arrives,
but due to the small access roads behind
the building, must park on the North side
and shoot water over the building to the fire.


Finally the fire crews get
the fire under control.


Furniture, office equipment, and even
IBM computer card sorters were hauled
out of the building and left in the road.


The snorkel prepares to leave as the
fire is contained. Note the furniture
and other items piled outside the
front of the building.







About this Site

As an alumni of VTI, Class of 1971, I was surprised that I could find very little about the school on the web. So, I decided to start building this site. I hope to add many more items about VTI in the near future. If you have any comments or something to contribute, you can reach me via the link below.

Nicholas K. Whitlow, Springfield, IL


Last Update: October 3, 2001