Early in its history, which began in 1967, Moraine Valley Community College sustained two fires, both of them destroying one of the temporary structures on the campus.
The first fire occurred on January 22, 1969, and destroyed Building 800. This building was to be the physical education facility along with the bookstore and receiving. Several art supplies were lost in the fire. Classes were scheduled to begin on February 10 at this location.
On Tuesday, July 27, 1971, Building 1200 was destroyed. The video shows the North Palos and the Roberts Park fire fighters engaged in striking down this fire. A substantial microfiche collection was destroyed along with some of the personal books of instructors and drafting supplies for drafting classes. The Director of Institutional Research, the Dean of Institutional Services and the Dean of Instruction had their offices in the building. Damage was estimated at $100.000.
The temporary structures represent the beginnings of the campus at its 111th street location. At the time of the 1971 fire, the first permanent structures were under construction and would become available in January of 1972 for the 7,000 students currently enrolled.
1200 Building Fire (1971 Archival Footage from Moraine Valley Community College)