The large brick building of Old Main stood as the central structure on the Carthage campus. It was the first building built on the campus and was the foundation of the institution. There were five stories in Old Main, including a basement, which was used for recitation rooms. On the first floor were the rooms belonging to the Young Men's Christian Association, the College Office, the President's private office, and rooms devoted to the College Library, and the Reading Room. The Young Men's Christian Association had a chapel and a rest room, furnished with new furniture and a piano. The second floor of the building was devoted entirely to recitation rooms. On the next floor, the Chapel Hall, Cicero Literary Society hall, Galileo Literary Society hall and Library, and two music rooms could be found. The two society halls were "tastefully furnished and were among the most interesting and attractive rooms in the building." A portion of the fifth floor was devoted to a museum in which relics and curiosities of various kinds were stored. From the top of Old Main, a beautiful view of the city of Carthage and the surrounding country could be obtained.