In response to fear of an impending third world war and the use of nuclear bombs, Roger Babson, a Massachusetts economist and philanthropist believed the Midwest to be the safest place for people to sustain themselves—and he considered Eureka to be in the exact middle of the “magic circle” safe zone. He purchased several properties here in 1947 and founded a college where he could preach his message and prepare students to teach at his other colleges, thereby creating a larger network of believers. The college never met enrollment expectations and eventually folded in 1970. Two buildings remain—the main headquarters, a large white mansion of the Southern Colonial style at 708 E. 5th; and a three-story red-brick structure at 522 N. St Nicholas. More information about Babson and his college is at the Historical Museum, 120 W. 4th.