The Illinois College of Photography and Bissell College of Photo Engraving was founded in the late 19th century and was located initially on the Austin College campus in Effingham County, Illinois. It later moved to its separate studio and buildings in 1900 at 910–945 Wabash Ave in Effingham. At one time the school had several hundred students from the U.S., Canada and 52 countries.
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It was founded by L.H. Bissell and welcomed students from c. 1900 to 1932, when it closed due to poor enrollment during the Great Depression.
Graduates were expected to "go out fully equipped and the fact that they are alumni of the Illinois College of Photography is a guarantee that they are artists in their lines. A diploma from this institution assures them the most remunerative positions in the best studios in the country."