On April 28, 1867, twelve Monmouth College students met in a second-floor bedroom of this house — then home to Jacob Holt — and founded I.C. Sorosis, known today as Pi Beta Phi. The house fell into disrepair before being restored and reopened as a memorial in 1941; the Illinois State Historical Society designated it a historic landmark in 2009. It’s open to the public at 402 E. First Ave.; call (309) 734-3988 to plan a visit.
