acquaint the public with the present situation and prospects of the
institution of which they have the general superintendence. This
School has been established more than thirty-five years. It was
founded by the exertions of an individual lady (Miss Sarah Pierce)
aided by a few friends. It has been under her immediate direction from
its first establishment, and for several years she has been assisted
by John P. Brace, Esq., a gentleman of distinguished literary and
scientific attainments, whose time and talents are assiduously devoted
to the improvement of the pupils under his charge. While many similar
institutions have, during this period, arisen, flourished for a time
and then ceased to exist, this school has continued to receive, as it
is believed it has always richly deserved, a great share of public
patronage. It has obtained public notice and favor by the force of its
own merits. Constant and unremitting exertions on the part of the
instructors, combined with long experience and a thorough acquaintance
with all the branches of education which are taught, have given this
school a character which has drawn forth the commendations of many of
the distinguished men of our country. Young Ladies from every part of
the United States have been members of it, and great numbers have
received its highest honors. The whole number of pupils, since it was
first opened, exceeds two thousand.
During the last year it has been considered an act of duty to that
community by whom it has been so long patronized, to provide more
extensive accommodations, for those who seek to participate in the
advantages it affords. With this view, a large and commodious building
has been erected, with suitable apartments for every branch of study
appropriate to such an institution, and for the apparatus connected
with the different branches of science.
It will be opened for the reception of pupils at the commencement of
the ensuing _summer_ term, which will be on the 14^{th} of May
next:—This term will continue until the 29^{th} of October, when there
will be a vacation of four weeks, at the expiration of which the
_winter_ term will commence, and continue until the 21^{st} of
April;—Another vacation of three weeks will terminate with the
commencement of the _summer_ term.
A regular course of instruction will be given in English Grammar,
Geography, Ancient and Modern History, Arithmetic, Algebra, and the
higher branches of the Mathematics, Rhetoric, Composition and the
principles of Taste, Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Moral
Philosophy and Logic. In addition to these, the pupils, at their
option, will be instructed in Latin, Greek, and French Languages, the
various branches of Natural History, Music and Drawing, for all which
the most competent instructors are provided.
[Illustration:
_No._
182
BE IT KNOWN that
of is the proprietor of share of the
Capital Stock of the LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY, which share
transferrable only by the said
or attorney, on surrender of this certificate.
_Frederick Wolcott._ _President._
_Secretary._
PL. LI.—FACSIMILE OF FORM OF STOCK CERTIFICATE OF ACADEMY
]
The text-books used at this institution are Walker’s Dictionary,
Murray’s Grammar, Woodbridge’s Geography and Atlas, Miss Pierce’s
Ancient History, Russell’s Modern Europe, Goodrich’s American History,
Arithmetic, Blair’s Rhetoric abridged, Allison on Taste, Conversations
on Natural Philosophy and Chemistry, Paley’s Philosophy, Hedge’s
Logic.
The location of this Academy is in the centre of a pleasant village,
remarkably healthy, free from vice and the temptations to the
commission of it, and possessing every facility of communication with
other places, by stage coaches and mails, which arrive and leave it
daily.
The Trustees confidently believe, that with the additional advantages
which this institution now possesses, it will receive the increased
patronage of the public, and that it will continue to be, as it
heretofore eminently has been, distinguished as a seminary, where the
different branches of female education are faithfully and successfully
taught.
By order of the Board of Trustees,
FREDERICK WOLCOTT, President.
Litchfield, Conn. March 28, 1828.
From the following vote, there must have been another school building on
East Street:—
“Voted that Leonard Goodwin be a committee to make a public or private
sale of the building belonging to the L. F. Academy now standing in
East street. Sept. 11, 1829.”
At a meeting on the 19th October, 1832, “the resignation of John P.
Brace as Trustee, Secretary of the Board and Assistant Teacher was read
and accepted.” Frederick Wolcott and Oliver Goodwin were appointed a
committee to wait on Miss Sarah Pierce to learn her views regarding the
continuance of the school.
[_Notices of Change of Teachers from the Litchfield Enquirer, October
31^{st} 1833._]
EDITORIAL NOTICE:
“_Litchfield Female Academy._—We feel no disposition to say much more
upon this subject than to call the attention of our readers to the
advertisement of the Trustees in a subsequent column, which is very
full and explicit. The acquisition to the school of Miss Gimbred, we
consider as a very fortunate and important one. This school has always
maintained a very elevated rank among the literary institutions of the
country; and under the management of its present excellent
instructors, we feel no apprehension but what it will fully maintain
its deserved celebrity.”
TRUSTEES’ NOTICE:
“LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY.”
“The Trustees of the _Litchfield Female Academy_, in consequence of a
recent change in some of the principal instructors, consider it their
duty to state to the public the present condition and prospects of
this Institution.
“This school was founded about forty years since by Miss _Sarah
Pierce_; and under her care and superintendence it early acquired a
distinguished rank among the literary institutions of our country.
This rank it has fully sustained to the present time. There have
generally been young ladies in this school from one half the States in
the Union, and the number has varied from 80 to 130. Miss Pierce has
now retired from the performance of any active duties in this
institution; but she feels a deep interest in its prosperity, and will
visit it daily; and it is to be hoped that, as heretofore, in answer
to her prayers, the blessing of heaven may descend upon it. Mr. _John
P. Brace_, who for eighteen years was a very able and distinguished
instructor in this school, nearly a year since accepted the
appointment of Principal in the Female Seminary at Hartford.
Notwithstanding the removal of these eminent instructors, the Trustees
state, with high gratification, that in their opinion this institution
has never been more worthy of public confidence and patronage, and its
prospects have never been more flattering than at the present time.
“Miss _Henrietta Jones_, the present Principal, appointed by the
Trustees, received her education in this academy. She has had five
years’ experience as an instructress; and the Trustees, from regard to
her feelings, will only add in her commendation, that they consider
her, by her talents and acquirements, as eminently qualified for the
station they have assigned her. There are others associated with her
to instruct in the various branches which have heretofore been taught
in this school, in whose qualifications the Trustees have entire
confidence.
“The _French Language, Music and Drawing_ will be taught by Miss
_Evelina Gimbred_, who, with her mother, Mrs. Gimbred, has removed to
this village. They will receive young ladies as boarders in their
family. The father of this young lady was a Professor, and Teacher of
Drawing, at the Military Academy of West Point; in which institution
it is well known that none but highly respectable and well educated
persons are ever employed as Professors. This gentleman gave his
daughter an education with a view to qualify her to teach the French
language, and to become an instructress in Drawing; and in consequence
of his death, his family are left to provide for themselves. They are
native French people, but they speak our language fluently and
correctly. These ladies propose to remain permanently in this village;
and the Trustees consider the arrangement they have made with them as
an extremely interesting event to the friends of the Female Academy in
this place.
“The Trustees will only state, in addition, the price of Tuition and
Board, viz:
Per Quarter.
Highest Department of English studies, $5.37
Second „ „ „ „ 4.37
Third „ „ „ „ 3.37
Instruction in Drawing, 5.00
„ in the French language 7.00
„ in Music 10.00
Board can be obtained in respectable families at $2 per week. Those
who may board in the family with the Instructress in French, and where
only the French language will be spoken, will pay for board $2 per
week, and for other privileges 50 cents.
“_The next term will commence the 20^{th} day of November next, at
which time it is desired that all who may propose to join the school
shall punctually attend._”
“By order of the Board of Trustees.
“FREDERICK WOLCOTT, President.”
“LEONARD GOODWIN, Secretary.”
“Village of Litchfield, Oct. 30, 1833.”
The above notice was also inserted in the Enquirer for Nov. 7^{th} and
14^{th}:
It was voted at a meeting of Trustees, held April 6^{th} 1844, that
Seth P. Beers apply to the Legislature for a change in the charter, so
that the buildings could be used for both sexes. In 1849 the use of
the Academy was tendered to the Normal School.
NOTICE—A meeting of the Corporation of the L Female Academy will be
held at the Academy of said Corporation in L-field on the 10^{th} day
of July 1854 at two o’clock in the afternoon for the purpose of
electing Trustees for said Academy.
Per order of the Legislature of Connecticut
STEPHEN DEMING
Found in July 13, 20, 27
At a meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation of the Litchfield
Female Academy, convened by Stephen Deming, Esq. (by order of the
Legislature) on the 10^{th} day of July 1854, the following persons
were appointed Trustees of the year ensuing to wit: Albert Sedgwick,
Jason Whiting, Chas Adams, Oliver Goodwin, Gideon H. Hollister, Henry
Buel, R. H. Coit, William Deming, J. G. Beckwith & S. P. Bolles.
The following Resolution was also adopted at said meeting to wit: That
whereas the by-laws of the Litchfield Female Academy as now on record,
make it necessary that the original certificates of stock should be
returned in order to procure new certificates in all transfers of
stock, and whereas in many, perhaps in most cases of ownership of said
stock, no certificates were given, and if given have been lost, and no
record of certificates made on the Secretary’s book, the stockholders
hereby recommend to the Trustees to pass by-laws requiring all
transfers of stock now held by any person, originating from the
original shares, to be entered on the Secretaries’ book, and that the
owners thereof have liberty to vote on them in all elections, and in
all transactions of business.
J. CARRINGTON, Chairman
Litchfield July 10^{th} 1854
At a meeting of the Trustees September 6, 1856, it was voted that Miss
Mary Pierce be allowed to purchase the Academy property, consisting of
the land and building, for the sum of $900.
1828.
[_Extract of Letter from Miss B. C. Robertson to Miss Pierce._]
SAVANNAH, Nov 20, 1882
... Jenny is quite well—she relates _four wonders_ (to our colored
folks) which occurred in her _travels at the North_—1^{st} that _water
is sold_ in New York. 2^{nd} the Deaf & Dumb instructed at
Hartford—3^{rd}—how she got up and came down such a high place as Pine
Orchard—& 4^{th} that she saw a gentleman and lady ascend in a
_Balloon_ while she was in New York.
[Illustration:
PL. LII.—THE LITCHFIELD ACADEMY
Drawn by Dr. Z. S. Webb
]
[_Letter to Miss Mary Pierce of Litchfield from Fanny Smith Skinner._]
UTICA, June 19^{th} 1806
I cannot think my dear Mary of suffering Col: Tallmadge to return
without a letter for you, though I have little to add to my late
communication by Post, which I trust, will be duly received. In that I
gave you a short account of our journey and situation—from the fatigue
of the former, I am quite recovered, and have never at any time
enjoyed a greater portion of health and animal spirits—In this
respect, I have been favor’d beyond all expectation, for I have always
made abundant calculation for hours of despondence and gloom, either
real or imaginary—But considering circumstances, my mind since I
parted from my dear friends, has been unusually serene—It is true, I
look back occasionally upon past days, and the hours of luxurious
friendship they afforded, with feelings of peculiar tenderness, and
not always free from a portion of pain—but I cannot say my dear
friend, that it ever amounts to _regret_ or a wish to retrace my
steps—no—hitherto my cup of earthly felicity has been as pure as
mortals can expect, or indeed ought to wish—I how ever, have but just
tasted it, a deeper draught may abate the relish—but Mary, I hope I
have done with romance, and can therefore place more reliance upon my
present feelings and judgement—these I have as yet no cause to
distrust, in respect to the friend, and companion which kind Heaven
has alloted me.
... We are not yet in our own house which will surprise you—but
promises are not more binding here than in other countries, or
Mecanicks more punctual—the house which was engaged to be completed
the first of May, is but this week made ready for cleaning, that will
be done in a few days, and then I shall begin to put up my _goods_ &
_chattles_—after they are arranged, I should like to introduce you to
my house—you shall have my best chamber, and my toilet shall present
your eye with a beautiful ornament, that often gives pleasure to my
own, from a delightful association of ideas—
Scarce a day passes in which I do not see Susan—this near neighborhood
is a great comfort to us both—you would be surprised to see how
greatly Susan exerts herself to become a housewife, and that too, an
industrious and economical one—and she has the satisfaction to witness
her own improvement.... Her home is pleasant, and quite prettily
furnished—Her brother and Sister have made her some valuable presents,
and selected all her New York purchases—M^r Gold had purchased a
wench, which they have the use of, and they also keep a little Boy—so
you see they have begun in some stile—I am this afternoon going to
ride with her to Whitesborough; and must finish my scribbling when I
return—I hope to have been settled in my own house before Col.
Tallmadge returned that Maria might have been able to give some
account of its appearance, but I must relinquish the expectation, for
the time they gave to visiting has now nearly, if not quite expired.
Has our dear Sally quite recovered her former health? Do you have
pleasant and frequent accounts from James? By the way Mary don’t
forget to tell him, that I calculate next summer with the exception of
misfortune to see him here with you.... Oh, my dear Mary when I suffer
my thoughts long to dwell on you, and a few others of your circle, my
_bosom swells_ and my _eye fills_, but tender, and even painful, as
such feelings are, I have no wish to be divested of them.... At
present I am _all Fanny Smith_, not a particle of my interest in my
dear Mary abated—Adieu, my dear, rest assured of the love of your
own affectionate
FANNY SMITH SKINNER.
NOTICE OF SEMI-ANNUAL EXHIBITION.
“FEMALE ACADEMY.”
“The Semi-annual exhibition of this School took place on Monday
evening last before a crowded and highly delighted audience. The
weather was extremely unpleasant, and a melancholy interest seemed to
pervade the assembly in sympathy with the leader of the exercises and
instructor of the school, who had on that day been called to close the
eyes in death of an interesting and beloved son.
The compositions, and the music, previously prepared, were
providentially of a character suited to the occasion, exciting nothing
like trifling and levity, yet so good as highly to interest and engage
the attention of the audience. Some of the pieces read displayed a
brilliancy of imagination and a depth of thought rarely exhibited by
young school misses.—
Miss M. Wadsworth and Miss J. Seymour, of this town, received diplomas
of having completed to the satisfaction of their instructors, the
whole course of studies pursued at the Academy.
The first prize was awarded to Miss H. Smith of Hanover, Mass.—prizes
were also awarded to Miss J. Reynolds, of N. Y; Miss E. Beman of Troy;
Miss G. C. Lindsley of Washington D. C; Miss E. Deniston of Blooming
Grove, N. Y.; Miss M. Wadsworth, and Wm. Norton.
The evidences of improvement, and of diligent attention to the studies
and rules of the school, must have been highly gratifying to the
parents and friends of the young ladies. The exhibition of music was
good, and gave evidence of much improvement in this polite branch of
education. The display of drawings and paintings bore strong marks of
improvement and diligence on the part of those who attended to this
art. Upon the whole, all the services of the evening gave pleasing
evidence that there has been no falling off, either on the part of the
instructors or the pupils, connected with this valuable school; and we
believe that no previous exhibition ever gave greater satisfaction to
the friends of female education.
Copied from Litchfield County Post of April 24, 1828.
1829.
LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY.
The Summer Term of this Institution commences on the 13^{th} of May
next. Tuition—ten or twelve dollars for the term, according to the
studies pursued.
For a single quarter, six dollars.
Litchfield April 23 45
Advertisement from the Litchfield Enquirer Thursday April 30, 1829
[_Notice of Beginning of Term in Litchfield Enquirer, Nov. 5, 1829._]
“LITCHFIELD FEMALE ACADEMY.”
“_The Winter Term_ of this Institution will commence on _Wednesday
Nov. 25^{th}_. Tuition in the higher branches, ten dollars for the
term; in the lower, eight dollars, seventy-five cents. For a single
quarter, six dollars.”
“October 27.”
SCHOOL BILL.
Miss Grant
Tuition, winter term,—— $8.75
School expenses .42
——
$9.17
Rec’d payment
JOHN P. BRACE
Litchfield, April 20^{th}, 1829
AN INDIAN BALLAD.
By Mr. John P. Brace.
There is a lone and quiet lake,
Near Bantam’s peaceful stream
Upon whose waters brightly bask,
The sun’s first morning beam—
Gay is the green upon its hills,
And gay its sparkling waves;
And gaily in their glassy tide
The moon her image laves—
Alone amid its green it lies,
Its waves as brightly blue
As woman’s eyes in mildest hours;
Like that as quiet too—
Once were its hills a forest huge,
Its swamps a tangled scene,
But cultivation’s hand has lower’d
Its oak clad hills so green.
Where once the chestnut sought the breeze,
Where solemn waved the pine,
The tall corn smiles in brighter green
The russet hay-cocks shine—
Slow changed the peaceful wave from once
When not a hand had dar’d
To clear the tangled forest glades
And not a field was bar’d—
Sometimes its mirror would reflect
The red man’s bark canoe.
Sometimes amid its tangled shade
The deer looked wildly through.
’Twas long before that fated hour
When first the white man came,
Nootonuc, on its oak clad hills—
Pursued his wonted game.
No aim like his the tomahawk sent,
Like his none bent the bow,
And none so swift across the lake
Could dart the light canoe—
His form ’twas like his native pines,
Erect his manly grace,
And in his hardy mind there beamed
The courage of his race.
The morn had decked the eastern sky
When on the Bantam lake
Nootonuc’s birch canoe was seen
The glass like wave to break—
He passed the low and swampy mouth
Of Bantam’s sluggish tide,
And near the pine clad eastern shore
His bark was seen to glide.
Why did he slack his swift career
Upon the eastern shore?
Was it to see the bright sun’s rays
The blue wave silvering oer—
’Twas not to view the sun’s bright rays
Silvering the curling wave,—
Far other thoughts then swelled his breast
And fir’d his courage brave—
And yet the scene might well have stopt
Nootonuc’s rapid course;
Might well have filled a nobler mind
With beauty’s gladdening force.
The rising sun just fringed the clouds,
Just tinged the eastern pines,
While on the pebbly shore beneath
The darkness still reclines.
The tall dark pines in lengthened shade
Reposed upon the lake,
While oft beneath their gloomy tops
The rising light would break—
In broad expanse to westward lay
The still dark bosom’d tide,
While many a point, in splendour drest,
Rose gay on every side—
The wave beneath its brightening banks
Reposed so silently,
’Twas like the sleep that infants feel
When friends are smiling by—
No ripple broke the mirror there,
No mark the tide defaced,
Save the long track the swift canoe
Upon the surface trac’d—
Nootonuc gazed a moment there,
Then to the beach he turned,
And long before the boat had stopp’d
The lagging wave he spurn’d—
For on the shore a form there stood
Than morning light more dear;
Beneath whose feet the wavelets slept
A mirror light and clear—
“Oh land not here,” Ompoia said,
“My love, oh! land not here;
My father stern will see thy bark,
E’en now his voice I hear—
“His eye is like the eagle’s ken,
His arrow like his flight:
And he has sworn to take thy life,
Oh! haste with morning’s light.”
“I will not fly the face of man
Until I fly with thee;
Oh! haste Ompoia to my boat
And cross the lake with me—
“Seest thou that mountain top so blue
Athwart the eastern sky?
Beyond that hill I’ll bear thee, love,
Where all my warriors lie”—
“I cannot fly” Ompoia said,
“I will not with thee roam,
Until the deadly feud is hushed
I cannot leave my home—
“My father’s anger fierce would burn,
Thou art his deadliest foe;
And not until that hate be past
With thee I will not go”—
“Your father’s haughty threats are vain,
Him and his tribe I dare;
For they will ne’er Nootonuc quail
Nor drive him to despair.
“Upon the Sheppaug’s turbid stream
A hundred warriors lie,
And ready to my whistle, they
Would to my succour fly—
“I do not fear his eagle eye
Or arrow’s swiftest course,
My heart can bear that eye’s proud glance,
My breast that arrow’s force.
“But see, the broad lake glows in light,
For me my warriors stay!
Say, will you meet at evening hour,
I’ve many words to say.”
Ompoia said, “Thou knowest, my love,
On the southeastern shore
An island lies in gentle slope
With plane trees covered o’er.”
“’Tis there when mid the evening shade
The moon rolls bright above
I’ll meet thee on the eastern beach,
Till then, farewell, my love,”
She said. A single bound’s enough
Nootonuc’s boat to gain;
One stroke of his strong oar sufficed
To drive him from the main.
One stroke he gave, when from the wood
An arrow cut the sky,
Tho’ spent its strength, it struck beneath
The warrior’s sable eye.
Nootonuc’s red brow flashed with rage
“Yes, ’twas thine,” he cried;
“For this, ’ere night my spear shall drink
Thy red blood’s warmest tide.
“Not even Ompoia’s lovely form
Shall save thee from my ire,
Tho’ she should closely round thee cling
I’d drag thee to the fire.”
The lake now foam’d beneath his oar
A track of living light;
’Twas like the life a hero leads,
As transient, as ’twas bright.
’Tis evening now, the blushing west,
In amber radiance glows,
And o’er the lake the closing day
The lengthen’d shadow throws.
The sky in brightest hue was decked
While round the setting sun
The gorgeous clouds in mantle gay
Of gold and purple shone.
A light breeze played among the trees,
And danced upon the wave,
While all the splendour of the sky
In bright reflection gave.
Soon as the last expiring ray
The high hills glided o’er,
Ompoia’s light canoe was seen
To leave the eastern shore.
Around that rocky point she pass’d
That midway cuts the lake,
Slow was her course, and still her oar
The darkening wave did break,
How little then Ompoia thought
As round that point she passed,
Whose axe would cut the sycamore
Whose shade was o’er her cast.
Soon as that point was clear’d the isle
Rose full upon the sight,
While on its gentle slope there slept
The rising moonbeam’s light.