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History - The Krannerts

The Krannerts

The University of Illinois will remember Herman and Ellnora Krannert not only for their generosity, but also for its embodiment in two of the campus' finest buildings. Krannert Art Museum opened in 1961, and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts presented its first performance in 1969. However, the University of Illinois is just one of many establishments that will long remember this philanthropic couple.

Herman C. Krannert, born in 1887, grew up on Chicago's west side. After graduating from Crane Technical High School, he spent two years saving enough money to attend the University of Illinois. Working throughout his college career, he completely financed his education and sent extra money home to support his widowed mother. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, Krannert was hired in 1914 by Sefton Manufacturing Company, a Chicago-based firm that made paper boxes. At age 30, he was transferred to Anderson, Indiana, and became the youngest Sefton employee to be promoted to plant manager. During his years in Anderson, Krannert met and later married Ellnora Decker, an Indiana native and graduate of Brenau College.

Krannert's superior skill, motivation, and innovations at the Anderson plant were rewarded with the company president's invitation to become a director. There was one restriction: Krannert would be required to vote as the president voted. Feeling that this directive was unprofessional and unethical, he left the company. In 1925, he organized his own company, the Inland Container Corporation.

Thanks to Krannert's hard work and shrewd business sense, the company expanded and survived the Great Depression. During World War II, the United States government began buying large quantities of Inland's moisture-resistant "V-Board" boxes. By the early 1970s, Inland Container was America's second-largest manufacturer of corrugated shipping containers, with a complex of 25 plants grossing $200 million in annual sales.

In addition to overseeing the company, Krannert was involved in several civic and other business interests. He received an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Illinois in 1965, in addition to honorary degrees from Indiana, Butler, Purdue, Evansville, and DePauw Universities, and from Indiana Central College. Mrs. Krannert received honorary degrees from Indiana Central College and from Evansville, Butler, and Indiana Universities.

Among other substantial contributions, 11 buildings bear the Krannert name, most of them at hospitals and universities in Illinois and Indiana. Mrs. Krannert's appreciation for the arts largely influenced the Krannerts' contributions to the University of Illinois. She was further involved in the design of this performing arts center. Commenting on this gift to the University, Mr. Krannert said: "We feel that it is a privilege to contribute to my Alma Mater to enlarge and to improve the cultural facilities for future students."


		"We are convinced that education through participation in culture is one of the most rewarding and enriching experiences people can enjoy -- and, in these complex times, a most needed one." -- Herman and Ellnora Krannert

The acoustical excellence of Foellinger Great Hall is attributable, in part, to the panels hung from the ceiling to reflect sound.