1915 was a great year for corn palaces. They were a popular attraction in Midwest cities and it appears that the one in Bloomington in 1915 was the only corn palace in Illinois. Popularized in other states such as South Dakota and Iowa, Bloomington leaders decided that a corn palace in Bloomington was just the thing to show pride in the industry of Illinois.
The corn palace was built at the Coliseum, a large arena space designed by Paul Moratz in 1892.
The Coliseum was decorated with corn and other grains and inside the building, displays of farm implements and farm products were made for the viewing pleasure of the public.
The Pathe Film crew even came to Bloomington to get footage of the Corn Palace and the crowds. The city arranged for school children to visit the Corn Palace on the date of the film crew's visit so that there would be plenty of "action" for the movie.
Once the US entered WWI the corn palaces were abandoned, since food could not be wasted in this manner when providing if for the fighting men was so important.