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HISTOBY
A
07
SWARTHMOHE
COLLEGE
By
WILLIAM
I,
Voliame
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HISTORY
A
OF
SWARTHMORE
WiLUAlt
COLLEGE
11
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Volume
I
i
O r i g i n and. F o u n d i n g , 1 8 5 0 - 1869
Volume
II
j
T h e First G e n e r a t i o n , 1 8 6 9 - 1 9 0 2
DEDICATED
TO
MARTHA
THE-
ELLICOTT
MEMORY
OP
TYSOU
AHD
BENJAMIN
FIRST
OF
THE
HALLOWELL
FOUNDERS
SWARTHMORE
i j ^ f ^ j x j i ,
OF
COLLEGE
QsOJXTi^jQst
C O N ®
E N D S
%
Sources of Information
List of Illustrations
(fru^c^
-
Chapter I .
T h e O r i g i n of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1850-59
—•
—
—
~
—
-
~~
-
—
-
-
/~ -
The Baltimore P l a n
M a r t h a E . T y s o n a n d Benjamin H a l l o w e l l
T h e A p p e a l to P h i l a d e l p h i a
L u c r e t i a Mott and. D e b o r a h F . W h a r t o n
Chapter I I . The F o u n d i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1 8 6 0 - 6 4
^ ,
i> - - / ' '
Baltimore's Initiative
Philadelphia a n d N e w Y o r k C o o p e r a t e .
Edward P a r r i s h
The C i v i l W a x Intervenes
Other Obstacles A r i s e
The P r o j e c t R e v i v e d by P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1862
The Conference M e t h o d
Friends' Educational Association
The First B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , 1862
The Financial P r o b l e m
.
A Local H a b i t a t i o n a n d a N a m e , 1863
C o n s t i t u t i o n s ^ 1863 a n d 1865^ a n d C h a r t e r ^ l 8 6 4 a n d 1 8 7 0 ) . .
Chapter III.The B u i l d i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , 1864-69
B u i l d i n g P l a n s a n d Curriculum
.
The First P r e s i d e n t , 1865
,C ./ ?
The Financial Struggle
A d v e r t i s i n g the Campus
The Farm a n d Building P l a n s
Selecting the First F a c u l t y
T h e F i r s t B u i l d i n g B e g i n s , 1866
V l^ufWi -if>.|l
^II .iT~f, f mn rtj,
"735—-
II 1 ~
«/
The Corner-Stone L a i d , M a y 1 0 , 1866
Difficult P r o g r e s s , 1866
S a m e l W i l l e t s a n d J o s e p h Wharton
Edward H . M a g i l l a n d H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h
Increasing D i f f i c u l t i e s , 1867-68
The Crisis Safely P a s s e d , 1869
Chapter I V .
The O p e n i n g of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , N o v e m b e r 10,1869 . . . .
The Faculty a n d P r o f e s s o r Magill*s E d u c a t i o n a l Ideals . . .
The First P r o s p e c t u s
R e c e p t i o n of the F i r s t Students
"The Inauguration" a n d P r e s i d e n t P a r r i s h ' s E d u c a t i o n a l
Ideals
Chapter
V.
The B e q u e s t to P o s t e r i t y
"The P r i n c i p l e s of the Pounders" a n d their A p p l i c a t i o n
Appendices
1.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s J o i n t Committee on E d u c a t i o n , 1 8 5 0 . . . .
2.
Signers of the "Joint A d d r e s s " , 1 8 6 0
3.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s Subscription C o m m i t t e e , 1 8 6 1 .
4.
P h i l a d e l p h i a ' s "Committee on the Concern for the Establishment of a F r i e n d s ' Boarding S c h o o l " , 1 8 6 2 . . . .
5 . Subscription a n d Conference C o m m i t t e e s , 1865-69 . . . .
SOURCES
OF
I INFORMATION
B a l t i m o r e M o n t h l y , Q u a r t e r l y a n d Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1 3 5 0 - 62
( M a n u s c r i p t , a n d in t h e p r i n t e d ^ E x t r a c t g * ) .
B a l t i m o r e Joint C o m m i t t e e ' s
1854 (Friends' Intelligencer, XI,457,473).
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1838 - 62 ( M a n u s c r i p t , a n d in the p r i n t e d
1
"Extracts *-).
Cain (Pa.) Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s , 1 8 5 0
(Manuscript).
N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g M i n u t e s ( M a n u s c r i p t , and. in the p r i n t e d ^ E x t r a c t ^ 1 8 5 1 - 6 2 ) .
The Friends' Intelligencer, Vols.^pt (1854)
(1869), •passim.
L e t t e r s ( M a n u s c r i p t ) from: I s a b e l l a T y s o n , L u c y T y s o n F i t z h u g h , B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ,
M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , B e n j a m i n Hallovrell, J r . , S a m u e l M . J a n n e y , C o r n e l i a
Janney, Edward Parrish, Edward H . Magill, John G . Haviland.
Benjamin Hallowell's "Address", 1860
(Manuscript).
" P r o c e e d i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , Philadelphia, a n d N e w Y o r k " , 1 8 6 0 - 62 ( M a n u s c r i p t , 38
pages).
J o i n t ^ A d d r e s s f , 1 8 6 0 - 61 ( P a m p h l e t , 1 8 6 1 ) .
T h e gQonstitutioift-, 1 8 6 2 ( 2 ) , 1 3 6 5 . (Printed l e a f l e t a n d p a m p h l e t s ) .
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ' " M i n u t e - B o o k , " 1 8 6 2 - 6 9 , ( M a n u s c r i p t , 87 p a g e s ) .
" M i n u t e s of the C o r p o r a t i o n of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e " , 1864- - 69 ( M a n u s c r i p t , 3 2 p a g e s ,
a n d p r i n t e d Proceedings'*").
T h e B o a r d ' s ^Address**, 1863
8
The Board's ^ i r c u l a T ^
(Pamphlet).
1863
(Leaflet).
^Charter of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g i a
^ • S p e c i f i c a t i o n s ^ for
M
•, ,
1 3 6 4 (Leaflet a n d P a m p h l e t ) .
J
S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e B u i l d i n g . 1866 ( P a m p h l e t )
( h f a * : s f - 7 S ^ v w v C ^ f e c " , //fiL
1)fU
'
t, r
& P r o c e e d i n g s on the O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r - S t o n e .-L*.
T.865
(Pamphlet).
01
^ B j - L a w s for the B o a r d a n d F a c u l t y ; 1 8 6 7 ( L e a f l e t ) .
* JVU^
^ ^ ^ z ^ r ^ G J ^ .
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l
f
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)
v
" S u b s c r i p t i o n C o m m i t t e e ' s M i n u t e s " , 1868 ( M a n u s c r i p t ) .
d i s t r i c t C o u r t , 1 8 6 8 : T h o m a s S e a b r o o k e v s . S w a r t h m o r e College*- ( P a m p h l e t ) .
) ^v-trtc.
'
_
2
^ P r o s p e c t u s of Swarthmore College^* 1869
^ E x a m i n a t i o n Papers*-, 1869
(pamphlet)
(Leaflets)
• P r o c e e d i n g s on the Inauguration of Swarthmore College?** 1869
(Pamphlet)
Samuel b i l l e t s ' s R e c o r d - h o o k a n d L i s t s of N e w Y o r k Contributors
(Manuscript).
Clement M . Biddle's R e c o r d - b o o k a n d L i s t s of P h i l a d e l p h i a Contributors
(Manuscript).
Edward P a r r i s h , ^ E s s a y on E d u c a t i o n in_ the Society of F r i e n d ^ , 1 8 6 5 a n d 1 8 6 6 .
5
Edward H . M a g i l l , ^ i x t y - f i v e Y e a r s in the L i f e of a Teachei ^- 1 9 0 7 .
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , ^Autobiography*-, 1 8 8 3 .
Samuel M . J a n n e y , '^temoirsF', 1 8 8 1 .
Anna, Davis H a l l o w e l l , '"'James and L u c r e t i a Mott'fc, 1 8 9 6 .
W i l l i a m P r o c t e r , J r . , M e m o r i a l of E d w a r d Parrisl?^, 1 8 7 3 .
M a l c o l m V a n V e c h t e n Tysoxf^.^Grenealogy of the - - - Tyson Family"
VI. L . K . , ^Saiuael j i l l e t s , a Meraoii*, 1 8 8 3 .
T h e Delaware County (Pa.) R e p u b l i c a n , 1 8 6 1 .
The P h i l a d e l p h i a P r e s s , 1 8 6 7 .
(Manuscript).
*
ILLUSTRATIONS
Page
(Prom a n a e r i a l p h o t o g r a p h )
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1850
(From a n o i l p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r , A l i c e
Tyson, Sandy Spring, M d . )
.**. A w n - ) ) i f*T>
Lombard Street Meeting-House, Baltimore
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Baltimore Quarterly Meeting
(From a p h o t o g r a p h o f C h a r l e s Y a r d l e y T u r n e r ' s p a i n t i n g in
p o s s e s s i o n of P a r k A v e n u e M e e t i n g , B a l t i m o r e )
-Bai1;±inore- Y e a r i y M e e t i n g * 8
u
1
2
6
A d d r e s s " , 1853
12
Baltimore Yearly Meeting's "Report", 1854
16
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l , at the a g e of thirty-eight
26
(From a n oil portrait b y James E a c h u s , A l e x a n d r i a , 7 a . ; in
possession of his granddaughter, Eliza Hallowell Chichester, 01ney,Md.)
Samuel M . Janney
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
28
John G . Whittier
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y C a r o l i n e v a n H e l d e n ; in W h i t t i e r H o u s e ,
Swarthmore College)
30
R a c e Street Meeting-House, P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1856
(From a n e n g r a v i n g , the F r o n t i s p i e c e in E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s
s p e c t of E a r l y Q u a k e r i s m " , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 6 0 )
32
"Retro-
L u c r e t i a M o t t , a t t h e a g e of a b o u t f i f t y
(From a p o r t r a i t in p a s t e l in p o s s e s s i o n of H a n n a h C l o t h i e r H u l l ,
Swarthmore, Pa.)
33
Deborah F . Wharton
(From
33
Cain Quarterly Meeting's "Appeal", 1850
(From t h e m a n u s c r i p t m i n u t e s of the m e e t i n g )
35
Cain Meeting-House I
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
36
-John-
^
|
37
W h e n not o t h e r w i s e stated,tihe p h o t o g r a p h s , e t c . , f r o m w h i c h t h e s e i l l u s t r a t i o n s
a r e t a k e n , a.re i n t h e p o s s e s s i o n o f t h e F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e
*
ihustmtiohs
P,age
Swarthmore College Cairqpus, 1932 (February)
(From a n aerial p h o t o g r a p h )
Frontispiece
(
!
M a r t h a E l l i c o t t 'Tyson, about IS50
1
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r gradnd.augh.ter, A l i c e
T y s o n , Sandy S p r i n g , M d . )
J
I
M i n u t e of the Warden's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of B a l t i m o r e , O c t o b e r 3 0 , I 8 5 O . . . .
(From the original
M i n u t e - b o o k , p r e s e r v e d in the P a r k A v e n u e
M e e t i n g - H o u s e , B a l t i m o r e , Md.)
3
J
I
L o m b a r d Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , B a l t i m o r e
(Froia a photograph)
5
1
B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g
(From a p h o t o g r a p h o f Charles Y a r d l e y T u r n e r ' s p a i n t i n g i n p o s s e s s i o n
of P a r k Avenue Meeting, Baltimore)
t ^
f
j
Baltimore Yearly Meeting's ^ e p o r t ^ J S f ^ k
13
f T h o t-itlowpage of a pi'infceCL
'Lh D a l t l w u i e
StiiAicfr
jQ/jb-JjiMX^
26
.
John a . Whittier
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y C a r o l i n e v a n Helden; i n W h i t t i e r H o u s e ,
Swarthmore College; copied f r o m a p h o t o g r a p h in the P r e s i d e n t ' s
O f f i c e , Swarthmore College: this p h o t o g r a p h is a c o p y b y P h i l l i p s
^
'
|
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , at the a g e o f thirty-eight
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y J a m e s E a c h u s , A l e x a n d r i a , V a . ; in p o s s e s s i o n
of his g r a n d d a u g h t e r , E l i z a H a l l o w e l l C h i c h e s t e r , Q l n e y , M d . )
Samuel M . J a n n e y
(From a photograph)
|
28
JO
>
•
B a c e Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , I S 5 S • •
. . • • • • • • • « • •
(From a n e n g r a v i n g , t h e f r o n t i s p i e c e i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s * B e t r o ~
spect of E a r l y Q u a k e r ! sni*, P h i l a d e l p h i a , IS60)
|
|
L u c r e t i a M o t t , at the a g e of about f i f t y
(From a portrait in p a s t e l i n p o s s e s s i o n of H a n n a h C l d t M e r H u l l ,
Swarthmore, Pa.)
$3
j
|
Deborah Fisher Wharton
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
^3
u.
Cain Quarterly Meeting's A p p e a l * , " IS50
(From the m a n u s c r i p t m i n u t e s o f the m e e t i n g , p r e s e r v e d i n Friends*
Historical L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e )
"jfl
35
W h e n n o t otherwise s t a t e d , the p h o t o g r a p h s , e t c . , f r o m w h i c h these illustrations
are t a k e n , are in the p o s s e s s i o n of the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y , S w a r t h m o r e
College.
Page
44
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 1865
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1860 . . . . .
50
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
i t t m o r e , I n "1865
56
N o . 1 2 0 8 M a d i s o n A v e n u e B a l t i m o r e , in 1 9 3 1
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
57
N o . 1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e , T h e P a r l o r s , 1 8 6 0
(From a p h o t o g r a p h i n p o s s e s s i o n o f
58
N o . 1208 Madison A v e n u e , The P a r l o r s , 1931
(From a photograph)
59
Margaret Elgar Hallowell
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
62
Swarthmore Hall, England
(From a n oil p a i n t i n g b y
Swarthmore College)
62
T r o t t e r , ih possession of
Rebecca Sinclair Turner
( F r o m a n o i l p o r t r a i t in p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r ,
Rebecca Webb H o l m e s ^
•)
}
6 7
Benjamin Hallowell*s "Address", 1860
• _
64
(From the o r i g i n a l m a n u s c r i p t ) ,
- v
r^r.. 0 u
t.iJL- (C-»•
;
^
1
/ V ^ * ^ ,
r-
E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s " E d u c a t i o n in the S o c i e t y o f F r i e n d s " , 1 8 6 8
(The t i t l e - p a g e o f t h e f i r s t e d i t i o n )
i i W f c - . / . V s n r v a X ^vfsri,, ^re^>"«eettngsgqtt8e
(^ronL-A-photogrsrph)
•
76
U^.-
/V^;,
*} ^
v
78
\,
...
Jonathan Thorne
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
79
Samuel Willets
(From a n engraved p o r t r a i t )
80
T h e "Joint A d d r e s s " , 1 8 6 0
(The T i t l e » p a g e o f t h e f i r s t e d i t i o n )
82
William Dorsey
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
84
Dillwyn Parrish
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
86
Isaac H . Clothier, 1861
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
90
jfcClement M . B i d d l e , 1 8 6 1
H i
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
93
W
^
1
- 2 -
Cain Meeting-House
(From a photograph)
3
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, IS65
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
W
I
M a r t h a E l l i c o t t T y s o n , about I860
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
50
\
N o . 120S M a d i s o m A v e n u e , B a l t i m o r e ^ E x t e r i o r 4 1 3 3 3 )
£6
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
N o . 120S Madison Avenue(jPhe Parlors, IS60)
(From a photograph)
\J6U
\
A
'
5
N o . 120S Madison A v e n u e / T h e Parlors Xl^-pJ
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Margaret Elgar Hallowell . . . . .
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
s
^
. . .
62
<
Swarthmore Hall, England
62
(From a w a t e r c o l o r b y A l f r e d E a w l i n g s )
'
R e b e c c a Sinclair T u r n e r
&
(From a n oil portraits b y J o h n T u r n e r , (brother of C . Y . T u r n e r ) , ®
12811 fin p o s s e s s i o n of h e r g r a n d d a u g h t e r , R e b e c c a W e b b H o l m e s ^ , j
B e n j a m i n Hallowell*s " A d d r e s s " , I S 6 0
(From the original m a n u s c r i p t )
Benjamin Hallowell
(From a n e n g r a v i n g b y Tlx* W e l c h , f r o m a d a g u e r r e o t y p e
F . B . Bailey)
. . . . .
67
[
71
"by
E d w a r d P a r r i s h * s E d u c a t i o n in the S o c i e t y of Friends**; I 8 6 5 . . .
(The title-page of the f i r s t e d i t i o n )
76
Edward Parrish
(From a crayon b y A l i c e L . D a r l i n g t o n , 1S77> c o p i e d f r o m a
photograph)
~f6
Jonathan T h o m e
(From a photograph)
79
I
Samuel Willets
(From a n engraved p o r t r a i t )
00
The *froint Address?*, I S 6 0
(The Title-page of the first e d i t i o n )
32
William Dorsey
(From a photograph)
Dillwyn Parrish. .
(From a photograph)
— f j ^ ^ J i
2;6
1
3
Page
Philadelphia. Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ' s Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s , 1 8 6 0
(Prom a m a p i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s " R e t r o s p e c t of E a r l y Q u a k e r i s m " ,
1860, P . 21)
98
Pilesgrove Meeting-House
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
99
Isaac T . Hopper . . . .
.
(Prom a n o i l p o r t r a i t by
Swarthmore College)
116
Furnas, in Parrish H a l l ,
Thomas Ridgway
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
127
London Grove, Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
134
Friends' Union Boarding-School (Friends' Educational) Association*
Constitution, 1862
(The p r i n t e d l e a f l e t )
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ' f i r s t M i n u t e s , 1 8 6 2
(From t h e m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of m i n u t e s )
. . . . . . . .
141
156
Harriet E . Stockly
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
156
The Board's " A d d r e s s e e s
(The f i r s t p a g e of t h e p a m p h l e t )
157
Fallowfield Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
168
Mew York (Rutherford Square) Meeting-House
Little Creek (Delaware) Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
&oshen Meeting-House
- 170
171
5
g
171
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Matthew Vassar
174
T h r e e E l i g i b l e S i t e s , 1863
(From the p r i n t e d " C i r c u l a r to the S t o c k h o l d e r s " )
T h e " W e s t Dale" P r o p e r t y ( S w a r t h m o r e ' s C a m p u s ) , 1 8 6 3
(From t h e " S u p p l e m e n t " to the p r i n t e d R e p o r t )
182
Edward Hoopes
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
191
Isaac Stephens
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
197
187
1
3 -
Isaac H.Clothier,IS SO
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Clement M . B i d d l e , 1 S 5 9
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
$3
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Quarterly Meetings, I860
(From a m a p i n E z r a M i c h e n e r ' s ^ R e t r o s p e c t o f E a r l y Qoalcerismt,
1 2 6 0 , ^ . 21)
4S
1
|
Pilesgrove Meeting-House
(Fran a p h o t o g r a p h )
9fJ
j
|
I « a
. . . . . . . . . . .
.
II H o p p e r
W ^ t - ^ ^ r r ^ ! ^ i '
(From a n oil p o r t r a i t b y \
in Parrish Hall,
Swarthmore College)
'
Thomas R i d g w a y
. . . . . .
4
j
1^7
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
f
London Grove, Meeting-House
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
lPjH
I
F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g - S c h o o l (Friends' Educational) A s s o c i a t i o n :
Constitution, 1S62
(The p r i n t e d leaflet)
j
lUl
1
Board of M a n a g e r s ' F i r s t M i n u t e s , 1 S 6 2 . . . . .
(From the m a n u s c r i p t h o o k o f m i n u t e s )
I5S
)
Harriet E . StocKLy
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
1J56
The Board's A d d r e s s * , IS63
(The first p a g e of the p a m p h l e t )
157
Fallowfield Meeting-House
16S
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
N e w Y o r k (Rutherford S q u a r e ) M e e t i n g - H o u s e .
I70
L i t t l e C r e e k (Delaware) M e e t i n g - H o u s e
171
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
I
Goshen Meeting-House
Three Eligible S i t e s , IS63
1
(From the p r i n t e d ^ C i r c u l a r to the Stockholders *)
T h e "West Dale" P r o p e r t y (Swarthmore's future Campve ) , I S
\
'
\
I S ^ j ^V--
(From the ^ S u p p l spent*" to t h e p r i n t e d R e p o r t to the C o r p o r a t i o n ,
12th. M o . £ 7 1S6U.)
E d w a r d Hoopes
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
!
4
Page
g
Susan M . P a r r i s h
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
197
The C h a r t e r , 1864
(fhe leaflet printed, in 1 8 6 5 )
198
The First S e a l , 1864
199
(
Gerard H . R e e s e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
. . . . . . . .
202
itee-Bai M i n g - P l a n s , 1864
("jPjpear- the-4-page- leaf le t )
206
T h e Election of the first P r e s i d e n t , 1 8 6 5
(Board of M a n a g e r s ' M i n a t e s , 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , 1 8 6 5 )
207
D r . E d w a r d P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t , 1865-71
208
Margaret S . P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t ' s W i f e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
.
209
P a r r i s h H a l l , a s p l a n n e d in 1865
(Frontispiece of E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s "Education in the Society
210
Hugh M b Ilvain
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
228
. .
Professor Joseph Thomas, 1865
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
237
P a r r i s h Hall Interior as p l a n n e d i n 1866
(From the "Proceedings o n the O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r
Stone of Swarthmore C o l l e g e " )
247-8(2 p i c t u r e s )
Certificates of Stock: the first a n d the last
(From the Stocky Certificate S t u b - B o o k s )
257
C-tt-^-f: /it •
ili 1")
>
Samuel fillets . . . >
(A p h o t o g r a p h of a statue in the B o a r d R o o m )
J o s e p h Wharton
(Frontispiece in h i s "Life" b y h i s d a u g h t e r , Jfoanna W h a r t o n
Lippincott)
263
.
266
Swarthmore's first p h o t o g r a p h , 6 t h . M o n t h 1 6 , 1866
(Taken at the third a n n u a l R e u n i o n of the F r i e n d s ' Social
L y c e u m of Philadelphia])
273
W i l l i a m Canby B i d d l e , the first T r e a s u r e r , 1 8 6 2 - 6 6 , 1 8 7 0 - 7 3
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
275
n
Isaac S t e p h e n s
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
Susan M . Parrish
u
1
-
nrv»f ?
I
^
. . . . . . . .
i
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
^
^
^
o
t
^
j
i
T h e C h a r t e r , ISSk
(From the o r i g i n a l , p r e s e r v e d i n t h e O f f i c e of the S e c r e t a r y of j
the C o m m o n w e a l t h , H a r r i s b u r g , P a . )
^
T h e F i r s t S e a l , 1S6H
19$
(Still in u s e b y Swarthmore College)
\
- t ^ " . ,.^ • "
T -. '
Gerard H . Reese . . .
202
.
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
j
T h e E l e c t i o n of the first P r e s i d e n t , I S 6 5 . . .
1
(Board of M a n a g e r s M i n u t e s , 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , IS65)
20"f
j
D r . Edward P a r r i s h , the first P r e s i d e n t , I S 6 5 - 7 I
(From a n oil p a i n t i n g b y A n n e P a r r i s h , 190*0
20g
\
M a r g a r e t S . P a r r i s h , the f i r s t P r e s i d e n t ' s l i f e
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
20$
j
P a r r i s h H a l l , as p l a n n e d i n I S 6 5
(Frontispiece of Edward P a r r i s h ' s ^ E d u c a t i o n i n the_ Society
o f F r i e n d s " , 2 n d . e d i t i o n , 1S66)
210
H u g h M c IIvain
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
22S
;
f
(
T h e Supplement to the C h a r t e r , I S 7 0
(From the o r i g i n a l , i n the o f f i c e of the S e c r e t a r y o f the
Commonwealth)
Professor Joseph Thomas, IS65, . . . . . .
.
^37
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
P a r r i s h Hall I n t e r i o r as p l a n n e d in 1 8 6 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.2^7 - (2 p i c t u r e s )
(From the P r o c e e d i n g s jjn t h e O c c a s i o n of L a y i n g the C o r n e r
Stone of S w a r t h m o r e College**-)
~~
'
Certificates of Stock: the first (issued S e p t e m b e r 2 5 , 1 8 6 5 f t U TT«1 • 11. \ - 7
TiiLii.W) and the l a s t ( » o . 2 5 7 S , issued F e b r u a r y 1 0 , l S 7 0 ) ^ c B i t * - • ~
'
TTi ftrv n a n . .
t - ~—» • . . » » » • > » » » » « — S ^ j b
(From the S t o c k C e r t i f i c a t e Stub-Books)
}
R e c e i p t for Shares of S t o c k
•^WlMyiAA
\
J
Clement M.^Biddlfe, l S b S . . ,
v
( S a m u e l W i l l e t s . . . . .j.
(A p h o t o g r a p h of a statue i n the B o a r d R o o m )
/ J o s e p h W h a r t o n ? * X < r j $ J f {fiV
V
( - y r o n M a p i e c e i n iais "Life" b y h i s dmu^lxtor; J o a n n a W h a r t o a
Sfe
& &
>
^
i
^
Page
H e n r y M . L a i n g , the s e c o n d T r e a s u r e r , 1 8 6 6 - 7 0
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
276
H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , the f i r s t M a t r o n , 1 8 6 7 - 7 0
(Prom a photograph)
290
E d w a r d H i c k s M a g i l l , t h e f i r s t P r i n c i p a l , 1 8 6 7 - 7 1 , a n d the s e c o n d
President, 1871-89
(Prom a n o i l p o r t r a i t b y
, in P a r r i s h
Hall)
Ann Preston, M.D
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
( P c k ^ ^ J W yc+xx
?|
T h e C a m p u s r-1-870-^0 . .
292
296
.
„
314
( F r o m - a - m C p d r a W n b y M"; F t s h e r -loisgstrethv'if . 1 . )
George Truman, M.D
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
331
B . Hush Roberts
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
341
Samuel J . Underhill
(From a photograph)
343
William H. Macy
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
343
Ellwood Burdsall
(From
347
•Aaaft-Tv- Hal-lewell
(Frofli a p h o t o g r a p h )
376
Brail-y" H a l l o w e l 1
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
377
Susan J . Cunningham
(From a n o i l p o r t r a i t b y
in P a r r i s h Hall)
397
Parrish Hall, 1869
(From a p h o t o g r a p h f o r m i n g t h e f r o n t i s p i e c e of the f i r s t
" P r o s p e c t u s of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , 1 8 6 9 - 7 0 " )
399
?
I n a u g u r a t i o n of the C o l l e g e , 1 1 t h . M o n t h 1 0 , 1 8 6 9 : P l a n t i n g the
Mott Oak Trees
&18
(From a photograph)
James Mott
(Fro# a p h o t o g r a p h )
419
Benjamin Hallowell, about 1869
(-Fx-om a n e n g r a v i n g b y T h . W e l c h , ,from a d a g u e r r e o t y p e b y F . B .
420
Bailey)-
f j ^ . , ^ .
)
j g
;)
/Z
1
-
5 -
Swarthmore's #irst "photograph, 6th, Month 16, 1266
(Taken at the third annual Reunion of the Friends' Social Lyceum
of Philadelphia)
273
William Canby Biddle, the first treasurer, 1862-66, 1870-73
(Prom a photograph)
275
Henry M . Laing, the second treasurer, 1266-70
(Prom a photograph)
it /1-+z J L ^ o ^ ^ t -
-flelen G . Longstreth, the first Hatron, IS67-70
(Prom a photograph)
2$Q f
Sdward Kicks Magill, the first principal, 1867-71* and the second "president,
' >1271-29
. „(From a photographl^y* •>> L ^
' f c f ^
Ann i * 3 t e s x o n , — x — • • » • • • »
292
_
__
f3
i s Z / t L f )
. .•
.
,
. .
*"••<
-(Prom-a-photograph)
George Truman, M.D.
(Prom a photograph)
^^
B . Hush Roberts
(Progt a photograph)
3*41
Samuel J . Underhill
(Prom a photograph)
3H3
William H. Macy
(Prom a photograph)
3U3
Ell wood Burdsall .
(Prom a photograph)
3^7 ?
Susan J . Cunningham
(Prom a photograph)
397
Parrish Hall, IS69
(Prom a photograph forming the frontispiece of the first ^Prospectus
of Swarthmore College, 1869-7gf^)
399
$3/
Inauguration of the College, 11th. Month 10, IS69I Planting the Mott
Oak Trees
(Proa a photograph)
UlS
James Mott
U19
(Prom a p h o t o g r a p h )
Benjamin Hallowell, about I869
(Prom a crayon portrait by Alice L . Darlington, 1891> made from
a photograph)
U20
Lucretia Mott, about IS69
(Prom an engraving)
U32
6
Page
L u c r e t i a M o t t , a b o u t 1869
(From a n e n g r a v i n g ^
432
John D . Hicks
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
432
Martha Ellicott Tyson, about 1869
(From
441
)3.
-
J o h n D . Hicks
(From a p h o t o g r a p h )
i
Martha Ellicott Tyson
lfrl
(From a c r a y o n portrait "by A l i c e L . D a r l i n g t o n , 1 3 3 1 , a f t e r aty
ooii»lior p h o t o g r a p h )
1
(In rai'i'i-tih H a l l >-"beiAl'ile Uho Pragjflgnt s Officej Swnrthraore Collogo)
6
3
P R E F A C E
The m a t e r i a l s on which this H i s t o r y
Swarthmore College is b a s e d were
scattered in fragmentary a n a p e r i s h a b l e form in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , N e w Y o r k a n d
Swarthmore.
They have never b e f o r e b e e n g a t h e r e d t o g e t h e r , n o r h a s a detailed a n d com-
prehensive history of the college b e e n w r i t t e n .
These are the reasons w h y three v o l u m e s a r e devoted to the story of a small
college, less than three-quarters of a century o l d .
Whether or not the significance
and value of the college justify so extensive a h i s t o r y m u s t now be left to the judgment
of the discriminating r e a d e r .
T h e r e are those who love it; a n d w i t h them, a f f e c t i o n ,
for Alma Mnter m a y be counted u p o n to s u p p l e m e n t , p e r h a p s to c o r r e c t , a p u r e l y critical
estimate.
This first v o l u m e covers only the first nineteen y e a r s of the story - the
years of the origin, f o u n d i n g , b u i l d i n g and o p e n i n g .
But since these were the y e a r s in
which "the principles of the Founders" were formulated a n d the first strenuous efforts
to apply them were m a d e , the actors in the scene have b e e n g i v e n every opportunity to
j r j L r & ^ Q + s d Z .
state their ideals and m e t h o d s in their own w o r d s .
•Affront donlfof their m a n u s c r i p t
MB
and p r i n t e d records haj^ n e c e s s a r i l y b e e n omitted from this v o l u m e ; but it is b e l i e v e d
that the heart of their m e s s a g e and b e q u e s t to p o s t e r i t y has b e e n a d e q u a t e l y g i v e n .
A s a Q u a k e r , coeducational institution of the higher l e a r n i n g , Swarthmore
College m a y h a v e its own interest for the reader; a n d its story m a y b e u s e f u l in reflecting the trend of college education in A m e r i c a during the p a s t seventy years of changing
ideals and revolutionary
experiments.
T h e illustrations in this v o l u m e a r e p r e s e r v e d chiefly in the F r i e n d s '
Historical Library of Swarthmore College; others w h i c h , like its m a n u s c r i p t a n d p r i n t e d
sources, are scattered far a n d w i d e h a v e b e e n r e f e r r e d to their r e s p e c t i v e o r i g i n s .
It
is due to the skill a n d p a t i e n c e of a g i f t e d P h i l a d e l p h i a p h o t o g r a p h e r , M r . Philip B .
W a l l a c e , that they have been reproduced w i t h a l l the clarity p e r m i t t e d by the circum-
'V
fl
_
2
-
stances under w h i c h they w e r e first p r o d u c e d .
W I L L I A M I . HULL
Swarthmore C o l l e g e ,
May 1 8 , 1 9 3 5 .
g ^ M ^ X -
THE
ORIGIN
OF
i
SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
'
1850 - 185(|
FRIENDS^
JSCHOOLS
George F o x and the founders of the S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s keenlyrealized the necessity of educating their c h i l d r e n .
Not only had the
Protestant R e v o l u t i o n demanded an a b i l i t y to read the B i b l e , w h i c h
took the place of the Church and the Pope as the standard of faith and
conduct; but the Quaker insistence u p o n the L i g h t Within as the
ultimate authority for individual guidance required the u t m o s t possible
development of the individual's capabilities as the best way of
reflecting this light in its purity and of enabling it to guide a r i g h t .
The Quaker i n s i s t e n c e , too, u p o n putting faith into practice
and applying it to the remedying of social evils and the a d v a n c e m e n t of
God's kingdom upon e a r t h , demanded an e d u c a t i o n which would inform the
pupils of the f a c t s of l i f e , as well as inspire them to c a r r y out their
Quaker
"testimonies".
F o x , a c c o r d i n g l y , a s e a r l y as 1668 urged F r i e n d s in E n g l a n d to
set up schools for the t e a c h i n g , not only of b o y s , but also of "younge
lassesj[«c«^ maydens in whatsever thinges was civill and u s e f u l l in yjf
creatioxk''.. Near the end of his l i f e , a l s o , he wrote to the "dear
friends and brethren that have gone into America and the islands thereaway:
Stir u p the gift of God in you and improve your talents."
Friends on both s i d e s of the sea responded gladly and
generously to this a p p e a l and b e c a m e the pioneers of u n i v e r s a l e d u c a t i o n
by establishing elementary and secondary schools for their own children
and for all others w h o desired to attend t h e m .
Oxford and Cambridge
U n i v e r s i t i e s and Harvard C o l l e g e , which m o n o p o l i z e d higher
education,
were devoted at that time p r i m a r i l y to the t r a i n i n g of c l e r g y m e n p h e n c e ,
•j \y
the Friends were opposed to such e d u c a t i o n a l i n s t i t u t i o n s .
And it was
not until colleges broadened their courses and p u r p o s e s ^ in the
/Nineteenth C e n t u r y ^ to lay equal or even greater emphasis on "secular"
higher education,that Quaker colleges a r o s e .
'.vhen the "Separation" in the Society of F r i e n d s in A m e r i c a
occurred, in 1 8 2 7 - 2 8 , the P e n n Charter School of Philadelphia
(founded in 1 6 9 7 ) , the B o a r d i n g School at .Yesttown, Pennsylvania
(founded in 1 7 9 9 ) , and the H a v e r f o r d S c h o o l (opened in N o v e m b e r , 1 8 3 3 ) ,
fell to the "Orthodox" F r i e n d s .
These schools were the best and a l m o s t
the only schools which fostered the b e g i n n i n g s of a liberal e d u c a t i o n
within the r e a c h of the F r i e n d s of the Middle S t a t e s .
There w e r e , of
c o u r s e , some private boarding-schools k e p t by F r i e n d s , and m a n y dayschools u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s ; but these were devoted for
the m o s t part to elementary e d u c a t i o n , and did not lead on t o , or head
up i n , a central school of higher
learning.
The three Orthodox schools m e n t i o n e d above contented
themselves
with a n e x c e l l e n t f o r m of secondary e d u c a t i o n , to w h i c h t ^ f of them are
still steadfastly devoted; b u t , in 1 8 5 6 , H a v e r f o r d S c h o o l received f r o m
the Pennsylvania Legislature a college charter and b e g a n to g r a n t
college d e g r e e s , and in 1861 its p r e p a r a t o r y d e p a r t m e n t was en-tirely.-.
abolished.
During the first generation f o l l o w i n g the S e p a r a t i o n , the
Friends of the "Liberal B r a n c h " , a l t h o u g h they were m u c h more n u m e r o u s ,
possessed neither a first-rate b o a r d i n g - s c h o o l for secondary e d u c a t i o n ,
nor a college for the higher l e a r n i n g .
This u n f o r t u n a t e state of
affairs weighed heavily upon the m i n d s of a few of their l e a d e r s , who
began to advocate an a d v a n c e .
A m o n g t h e s e , M a r t h a E l l i c o t t Tyson a n d
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l were f o r e m o s t .
MARTHA. E L L I C O T T TYSON
Martha E . Tyson w a s b o r n ^ t E l l i c o t t C i t y , near B a l t i m o r e ,
M a r y l a n d , September 1 3 , 1 7 9 5 .
She was the d a u g h t e r of Quaker p a r e n t s ,
George and E l i z a b e t h Brooks E l l i c o t t .
only school was taught by Joel
Her f i r s t and a p p a r e n t l y her
/right a t E l l i c o t t City in the stone
school-house built by the E l l i c o t t s on a high h i l l on the Howard
M .
County side of^Patapsco R i v e r as a nlace where their children could be
educated,together with the children of the overseers and superintendents
of the various m i l l s owned by t h e m , the children being seated
to rank."
"according
Joel ./right was selected as its teacher because of his fine
reputation as a s c h o l a r , and as a m e m b e r of a P h i l a d e l p h i a Quaker f a m i l y .
It is not known that Martha E l l i c o t t attended other schools; b u t she
probably had good private tutors; for she w a s w e l l e d u c a t e d , read French
f l u e n t l y , and in later life numbered a m o n g her friends Schliemann the
archaeologist and other scientists and
scholars.
At the age of twenty (September 2 7 , 1 8 1 5 ) , she was married to
N a t h a n , son
Tyooiw
eminent Q , u a k e ^ p h i l a n t h r o p i s t of Baltimore^. Eliaha
The young couple "passed m e e t i n g " at Lombard Street, B a l t i m o r e ,
and were m a r r i e d by F r i e n d s ' ceremony in Elk Ridge M e e t i n g - h o u s e , near
Ellicott C i t y , M a r y l a n d ^
Of*^
i
.^fThe b r i d e w o r e , when she "passed mee tingt/,,
a y e l l o w silk d r e s s ,
v
u
1
Empire s t y l e , very narrow^ its b o d i c e y bp.inp still preserved b y a great grand-daughter.
H e r w e d d i n g - g o w n was made of fine white m u l l with a
very narrow skirt to the a n k l e s , low n e c k and puffed short s l e e v e s , with
white satin s h o e s , w h i t e kid g l o v e s , and a white satin cape crossed in
front and tied in b a c k .
It had a pleated f r i l l .
satin b o n n e t , such as young girls wore in 1 8 1 5 .
She also wore a white
The c o s t u m e , except
the b o n n e t , is still intact and owned by a g r a n d s o n , N a t h a n T y s o n .
The
groom wore black s h o e s , white satin b r e e c h e s , long white silk stockings
tied at the k n e e s with white satin b o w s , a dark claret-colored
and a white silk v e s t . AU**^-*'*' M ^ ^ J J ^ y
j
r
X J ^ j L
1
QJU- ^t**)
•
coat,
^ n ^ sj^rbJsLj ^ r w u ^ A ^ A T
i £
They made their home in B a l t i m o r e , and became active and u s e f u l m e m b e r s of/'_^
Lombard Street M e e t i n g .
Twelve children were born to t h e m , eight of
whom lived until past middle
life.
T1?;
(2)
wa-9 aarriod. to ITath&n, oon of that ominont ifomltor p h i l a n t h r o p i c t -»f B a l l l m o i e , Elioha"^In spite of the c a r e s ofva» l a r g e f a m i l y ,
worked' diligently
throughout
h e r l i f e , a s m i n i s t e r , elder^ a n d in v a r i e d o t h e r c a p a c i t i e s in t h e s e r v i c e of B a l t i m o r e
M o n t h l y , Quarterly^ a n d Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s .
Although her own educational training lacked
the a d v a n t a g e s of h i g h e r i n s t i t u t i o n s of l e a r n i n g , s h e h a d a f r u i t f u l a p p r e c i a t i o n of
the c u l t u r e of B a r c l a y , P e n n a n d o t h e r early F r i e n d s , a n d c r a v e d f o r t h e c h i l d r e n of
h e r S o c i e t y the b e s t p o s s i b l e m e a n s of d e v e l o p i n g t h e i r i n t e l l e c t a n d c h a r a c t e r .
She
w a s a n a c t i v e m e m b e r of the c o m m i t t e e of w o m e n F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g
w h i c h s u p e r v i s e d the p r o m o t i o n of e d u c a t i o n a n d the d i s t r i b u t i o n of b o o k s , f r o m
1 3 4 7 to 1 8 5 3 .
In the summer, of 1 3 5 0 , she r e t u r n e d to B a l t i m o r e w i t h h e r f a m i l y ,
f r o m H a r f o r d C o u n t y , M a r y l a n d , w h e r e they h a d m a d e t h e i r h o m e s i n c e 1 8 3 8 .
lyt^sjL MXJLXL*. jL- &/t unrtiW^/ $
M a r t h a T y s o n ' s a p p e a l s in b e h a l f tot e d u c a t i o n Tvere r e f l e c t e d in the E p i s t l e
of 1 8 4 9 , a d d r e s s e d b y the B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s to t h e i r s i s t e r
yearly meetings, which included the following paragraph:
'*]
^ T h e s u b j e c t of a p r o p e r e d u c a t i o n f o r y o u t h also c l a i m e d a s t r o n g a n d a b i d I
| ing i n t e r e s t , a n d its importance w a s f e e l i n g l y i m p r e s s e d u p o n F r i e n d s a s o n e of the
|
-
-
I s t r o n g e s t b u l w a r k s to p r e s e r v e t h e S o c i e t y f r o m i n n o v a t i o n s w h i c h a r e b e i n g m a d e u p o n
i
i the b e a u t y a n d s i m p l i c i t y , w i t h w h i c h (by t h e d e d i c a t i o n of o u r f o r e - f a t h e r s u n d e r the
v i v i f y i n g i n f l u e n c e of the s p i r i t of T r u t h ) , it w a s o n c e o v e r s p r e a d . *
•
,
^
-ffccfe^
«'.L X.M.U*LU.
MMJT'ML
/I(i<'I. - Q > / o r n L . j ^ v j c L
8
/
W A * . /-ye^-dhe w a s p r o b a b l y r e s p o n s i v e a l s o f o r A t h e p r o p o s a l in the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , i n 1 8 5 0 , that the m e n ' s m e e t i n g s h o u l d c o o p e r a t e i n the a p p o i n t m e n t of a
joint c o m m i t t e e o n the w h o l e s u b j e c t of
follows:
education.^^
T h e w o m e n ' s m i n u t e , w h i c h w a s a d o p t e d o n t h e 3 0 t h . of O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 0 , r e a d s a s
-""The C o m m i t t e e o n E d u c a t i o n a n d the d i s t r i b u t i o n of b o o k s p r o d u c e d the
f o l l o w i n g r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s r e a d a n d u n i t e d w i t h ; v i z : ^ F r o m fceports r e c e i v e d f r o m
If $ -
T h e c e r t i f i c a t e of t h e i r r e m o v a l w a s r e c e i v e d b y B a l t i m o r e M o n t h l y M e e t i n g in
A u g u s t , 1 8 5 0 ( M & . M i n u t e s , u n d e r that d a t e ) .
T h i s E p i s t l e w a s r e p r i n t e d i n the c o l l e c t i o n c o m p i l e d b y the l e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s in 1 8 5 0 , J>.9. T h e B a l t i m o r e Efistlex-was s i g n e d b y M a r g a r e t E .
Hallowell, Clerk.
*
f f o r n t h e M j n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s .held at L o m b a r d
S t r e e t , i n tne C i t y of B a l t i m o r e , 1 8 5 0 % 4 K19 - 1 0 . M a n u s c r i p t V o l . 19 (88) u n d e r d a t e
c i t e d : M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , C l e r k . If '
i^rrtS
the different month.lv m e e t i n g s , w e find there are twelve schools taught by F r i e n d s ,
three of them u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s , a n d a p r o s p e c t of two others b e i n g
soon e s t a b l i s h e d .
T h e Committee b e l i e v e from the evidence a f f o r d e d t h e m , that through-
out the several m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s , there a r e those who feel a concern for the p r o m o t i o n
of the deeply important subject of the g u a r d e d education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n .
And
they a r e encouraged in believing that a n increasing interest is felt in the s u b j e c t .
Some of the reports m e n t i o n difficulties in the w a y of the establishment of F r i e n d s '
**
schools, p a r t i c u l a r l y in n e i g h b o r h o o d s w h e r e p u b l i c schools e x i s t .
4:
B u t w h i l e we see
the difficulties are g r e a t , w e trust they m a y b e in time s u r m o u n t e d .
•"•/The subject is one of such deep i n t e r e s t , that w e would encourage a l l to
renewed e x e r t i o n .
We would p r e s s u p o n the c o n s i d e r a t i o n of Friends the important re-
sults that w o u l d flow from the establishment of schools throughout our b o d i e s , in
w h i c h the y o u t h of our society might b e educated in accordance w i t h the principles w e
p r o f e s s , instead of being dependent upon those w h e r e our p r e c i o u s testimonies a r e too
often trampled -under f o o t .
^
^
*/Th§_ Committee a r e u n i t e d in p r o p o s i n g to the Yea.rly M e e t i n g that a request
'
„
' '
be m a d e for the cooperation of our brethren to aid u s in this important w o r k .
tf/rh
e libraries which have b e e n established in the several n e i g h b o u r h o o d s , a r e
mostly s m a l l , but they are i n c r e a s i n g , a n d a desire is m a n i f e s t e d to obtain the journals a n d w r i t i n g s of F r i e n d s , a n d other u s e f u l b o o k s ,
gned on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
:
—
j
'V
..
1
jyr
Y
Martha E . Tyson,
Ann P . M e r r i t t . A ^ A ^
ceu. j
-
r
x
u
v
^
^
:
j
T h e report from the Committee on -Education w a s referred to the M e n Friends for
their consideration, a n d they informed u s that they o r d e r e d it to b e p l a c e d o n their
minutes for consideration next y e a r , a n d directed that their T r e a s u r e r p a y $50.00 to
w o m e n friends to a i d them in the p u r c h a s e of b o o k s . *
^
l
J
l
j
^
r
fay
c ^ z ^ r ^ u
L .
r
•\-jch. MTtw^Zi.
WherK
d
/
(
Xrsju^ufCuL
m i n u t e w a s sent in to the m e n ' s m e e t i n g , it ww.bym-iniit.nii on the
5
A
31st of O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 0 , as follows: ^ ^ A n interesting report w a s p r e s e n t e d to u s b y
our W o m e n f r i e n d s , w h i c h w a s read a n d r e f e r r e d , for further c o n s i d e r a t i o n , to our n e x t
Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d the T r e a s u r e r of this m e e t i n g w a s requested to place in the h a n d s
of W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the sum of fifty dollars^to a i d them in their b o o k f u n d , a n d Quarterly M e e t i n g s were r e q u e s t e d to raise the stun of $150.*/ instead of $100.'*'*
In accordance w i t h this a c t i o n , / t h e n e x t Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of the m e n F r i e n d s , on
the
O c t o b e r , 1 8 5 1 , a d o p t e d the following m i n u t e :
/
^ T h e Committee appointed to co-operate w i t h w o m e n F r i e n d s on the subject of ed-
u c a t i o n reported as f o l l o w s , viz:
" T o the Yearly M e e t i n g , now s i t t i n g . " T h e Committee a p p o i n t e d to co-operate w i t h a Committee of w o m e n Friends on the
subject of education: R e p o r t , that we h a v e h a d a conference in w h i c h the subject was
•••eightily c o n s i d e r e d , a n d w e u n i t e d in judgment that it w i l l b e right for the Y e a r l y
Meeting to r e c o m m e n d , that a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings w i t h i n our l i m i t s , take the subject
of education into c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d , if w a y should o p e n , appoint Committees to cooperate w i t h w o m e n Friends in this interesting
concern.
f'We further recommend that the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g should a p p r o p r i a t e one h u n d r e d
dollars to a i d w o m e n Friends in the p u r c h a s e of b o o k s .
" S i g n e d on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
^
John Jewett,
10th m o . 28th, 1851.
Sam'l M . Janney
•jrffaaich, being read, w a s a p p r o v e d , a n d r e c o m m e n d e d to the care of the Quarterly
M e e t i n g s , a n d the Treasurer w a s d i r e c t e d to p a y one h u n d r e d dollars to the T r e a s u r e r
1
_.of W o m e n s Yearly M e e t i n g for the p u r p o s e indicated in the Report.*'
"Minutes" "(Men's M e e t i n g ; ,
"Minutes" (Men's M e e t i n g ) , 1 8 5 1 , 0 . ..V ,y
„
>
•
T h e w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g a c k n o w l e d g e d the a c t i o n of the m e n in the following
minute:
"Men Friends informed u s they h a d t a k e n u p the subject of e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h
w e referred to them last y e a r , a n d h a d a p p o i n t e d a committee to a i d u s in the accomplishment of that concern."
„
,.
• .
M e a n w h i l e , the women h a d not waitedfffor phe m e n to a c t , since their
own commit—
t e e , a p p o i n t e d in 1 8 5 0 , is r e f e r r e d to in the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e of 1 8 5 1 :
<^The following report from the committee on E d u c a t i o n w a s r e a d , a n d they w e r e
encouraged to p e r s e v e r e in this important w o r k .
M a r y Smedley's n a m e w a s a d d e d to the
comiaittee.
cc.,
/ T o Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .of W o m e n Friends:
From reports received from the m e m b e r s of the E d u c a t i o n committee in their
respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s , w e find that the subject of Schools a n d Libraries
to claim their a t t e n t i o n .
g e n e r a l l y felt in t h e m .
continues
L i b r a r i e s a r e e n l a r g i n g , and a n increasing interest is
Schools u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s o r taught b y
F r i e n d s , a r e reported a s existing in m a x y p l a c e s .
Some of these h a v e b e e n establish-
ed w i t h i n a few y e a r s , a n d in consequence of the increased interest felt in the guarded education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , continue in a p r o s p e r o u s c o n d i t i o n .
O t h e r heighboav
h o o d s a r e laboring u n d e r great disadvantages; in some the number of F r i e n d s is small;
in o t h e r s , we h a v e reason to f e a r , too little interest is m a n i f e s t e d in this important
subject.
In some n e i g h b o r h o o d s P u b l i c Schools are b e c o m i n g e s t a b l i s h e d , a d d i n g great-
ly to difficulties a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g .
But feeling a s s u r e d that w e h a v e m a d e consider-
able p r o g r e s s in this s u b j e c t , we do not feel d i s c o u r a g e d , but r a t h e r w o u l d stimulate
a l l to renewed e x e r t i o n .
W e firmly b e l i e v e that if a m o r e general interest were f e l t ,
a n d corresponding exertion m a d e o n the p a r t of our m e m b e r s , all difficulties w o u l d
v a n i s h , a n d the children of Friends throughout our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g m i g h t have the benefit of select s c h o o l s .
We trust it is not n e c e s s a r y to dwell u p o n the advantages
^ E x t r a c . t W o m e n ' s M e e t i n g ) ,1851, 1P . 5 : M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell
Clerk
% - Ibid*, P p . 6 - 7 .
'
'
to b e d e r i v e d from such s c h o o l s , w h e r e our p r e c i o u s Testimonies w o u l d b e cherished
a n d m a i n t a i n e d , over those where they a r e too often trampled
oiOV^
^--This~~report of the committee is ^'signed on behalf of the Comnittee" by M a r y
C . Stabler and Susan H . Jones; b u t it w a s p r o b a b l y the h a n d i w o r k chiefly of Martha
Tyson.'jp D u r i n g the y e a r 1852 the w o m e n of Baltimore Qi|arterly^Meeting, u n d e r M a r t h a
Tyson's l e a d e r s h i p , m a d e another effort to
^ L w
-T^U.
JI/LuiAaj^
rd
k
T h e m i n u t e s of their m e e t i n g "held in Baltimore 3
th
mo. 8
n-
\(0
1853Jj^ record:
"The committee on E d u c a t i o n , not b e i n g ready to m a k e a. full r e p o r t , w a s c o n t i n u e d , w i t h
the a d d i t i o n of Catharine M . S m i t h , L y d i a J e f f e r i s a n d E l i z a Stabler."
meeting, "held
at Gunpowder
A t their next
m o n t h 1 3 ^ 1852&/, the following m i n u t e (in answer to
the 1 2 t h (Juery) was a d o p t e d :
<
f r i e n d s a r e generally careful as f a r a s p r a c t i c a b l e , to p l a c e their children
for tuition, u n d e r the care of suitable teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h u s .
T h e committee
on E d u c a t i o n p r o d u c e d the f o l l o w i n g , which was a p p r o v e d a n d d i r e c t e d to b e transm i t t e d to the Yearly M e e t i n g .
i^Vrhe committee on E d u c a t i o n , r e p o r t , that they h a v e several times m e t , a n d
given the subject that w e i g h t y a n d serious consideration its importance d e m a n d s , a n d
are u n i t e d in recommending to the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , a n d through it to the subordinate
m e e t i n g s , that a renewed interest should be felt a n d exerted towards the f u r t h e r a n c e
of so important a w o r k .
committee have a s c e r t a i n e d , that the number of children b e t w e e n the a g e s
of 4 a n d 1 5 , b e l o n g i n g to the Quarterly M e e t i n g , w h e r e both p a r e n t s a r e m e m b e r s , is
about 258 a n d t h o s e , w h e r e only one p a r e n t is a m e m b e r , about 7 6 . A m o n g s t these 334
The Women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g also a c k n o w l e d g e d the a p p r o p r i a t i o n of $ 1 0 0 hy the
m e n ' s m e e t i n g f o r the u s e of the w o m e n ' s C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n , "in the p u r c h a s e
of
suitable books"; a n d the committee w a s "requested to m e e t next y e a r at h a l f
p a s t 6 o ' c l o c k , on F i r s t day evening (that is, at the time of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in
the Meeting House."
Ibid-, f . 7 .
.
f 0 - Manuscript M i n u t e s , V o l . 4 4 , p a g e not n u m b e r e d , but u n d e r date c i t e d .
S - Ibid.
.
( R n\
j7
c h i l d r e n , there are some, who from a variety of c a u s e s , w i l l grow u p in ignorance,
if they r e c e i v e ^ no a s s i s t a n c e from f r i e n d s , a n d as w e b e l i e v e a good education increases our happiness and m e a n s of u s e f u l n e s s , a n d b e i n g a w a r e of the difficulty that
e x i s t s , w i t h i n the limits of some of our m e e t i n g s , in establishing or maintaining
schools u n d e r the care of f r i e n d s , in consequence^it b e c o m e s a duty to recommend to
the Quarterly M e e t i n g , the p r o p r i e t y of suggesting to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , that a
benefit w o u l d a r i s e from a fund b e i n g r a i s e d , for the p u r p o s e of a i d i n g such m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s , as may require it, for the m a i n t e n a n c e of suitable p r i m a r y schools, u n d e r
the care a n d government of F r i e n d s , for the a d v a n c e m e n t of u s e f u l learning in our
society.
>fThe language of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to its m e m b e r s , h e l d in 1 8 1 4 , was
the
difference b e t w e e n a n ignorant a n d a w e l l educated m i n d , is, a t o n c e , great and conspicuous; with natural talents of the same o r d e r , the one is confined to a limited
sphere of u s e f u l n e s s , and is dependent on others for m a n y of the indispensible offices
of social l i f e , while the o t h e r , by the a c q u i s i t i o n of k n o w l e d g e , b e c o m e s capable of
employment, p r o d u c t i v e not only of immediate a n d great advantages to h i m s e l f , but h i s
capacity for u s e f u l n e s s becomes in every respect p r o p o r t i o n a b l y e x t e n d e d , in relation
to his f a m i l y , to his f r i e n d s , to his n e i g h b o u r s a n d the world?'.
V
*}^There never h a s b e e n a t i m e , w h e n r e n e w e d d i l l i g e n c e on our p a r t s , w a s m o r e
called f o r , than at the p r e s e n t , for by the school system of our s t a t e , friends in
some d i s t r i c t s , are taxed for their s u p p o r t , a n d this tax in p a r t g o e s to pay m i l i t a r y
o f f i c e r s , to train children the a r t of w a r .
gned by direction and on behalf of the c o m m i t t e e ,
RICHARD T. BEFTLY.
MARY L . ROBERTS.*'
There is no reference to this a p p e a l of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1314 in the m i n u t e s
of either the m e n ' s or the women's m e e t i n g s of that year; but in the Y e a r l y M e e t ing's E p i s t l e of I B W ^ p l c ^ w ^ v x j ^ L ^ d L .
i — ^ ^/i^rti^
vEdward Stabler w a s the clerk of this Yearly Meetings a n d a m o n g the representatives
present w e r e Jacob a n d Isaac T y s o n , the y ^ j ^ J .
of Martha T y s o n ' s h u s b a n d .
±
ti
i
^
s '
^
s
This Report coming u p in 1 8 5 2 from B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g b r o u g h t the
whole subject of education a m o n g Friends v e r y impressively b e f o r e the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g
of that y e a r .
J
T h e a c t i o n taken by the M e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in response to the Quarterly
M e e t i n g ' s appeal is recorded in the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
y^The interesting s u b j e c t of i n c r e a s e d a t t e n t i o n to the education of the children of F r i e n d s , b e i n g brought to the a t t e n t i o n of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b y a Report o n
the s u b j e c t , from Baltimore Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , it w a s , a f t e r a time o^weighty delibera t i o n , concluded to refer the subject to the f o l l o w i n g F r i e n d s , to act w i t h a similar
Committee of W o m e n F r i e n d s , to c o n s i d e r a n d report to a future s i t t i n g , what m e a s u r e s ,
if a n y , can be a d o p t e d by this m e e t i n g , for the futherance of this deeply important
c o n c e r n , v i z : L l o y d H o r r i s , Daniel Pope", J e h u P r i c e , Abel A . H u l l , W m . H . W r i g h t ,
Joshua Russell, Geo. W . Cook, Edward Jessop, Daniel Walker, Henry Janney, John Smith,
W m . B . Steer, A s a Jones, Wm. P . Lewin, Joseph Roman Jr., W m . Hopkins, John Russell,
N a t h a n H a m m o n d , T h o s . W i l s o n a n d S a m e l Kirk.*'
.
1
/u^**^ > % f t —
T h e W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g took the f o l l o w i n g a c t i o n :
"A Report on the inter-
esting subject of e d u c a t i o n , w a s received from B a l t i m o r e Quarterly M e e t i n g , ' w h i c h w a s
read, and after c o n s i d e r a t i o n , w a s referred to a committee a p p o i n t e d to u n i t e w i t h
Men Friends in consideration of the subject."
The p r i n t e d
tracts* do not give the
names of the w o m e n appointed to this joint committee; but the Manuscript minutes of
the meeting give
them a s M a r t h a E . T y s o n , Ifery L . R o b e r t s , E l i s a M a r s h , R e b e c c a T u r n e r
Mary W e b b , Mary C h a l f o n t , M a r y C o o k , Elisa M c Coy, M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , E l i s a b e t h
Smedley a n d Jane T o w n s e n d .
A t the same session of the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , its own Committee on Educa.tion a n d the Distribution of B o o k s p r e s e n t e d the following report: ! ; ,#They a r e induced
to b e l i e v e , from the various interesting reports sent u p from a n u m b e r of the M o n t h l y
Meetings that a p r o g r e s s i v e interest is felt in the important subject of education
throughout the branches of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
-
R e t r a c t s from the M i n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s h e l d a t L o m b a r d Street
in t h e City of B a l t i m o r e , 1 8 5 2 f . 1 1 :
^ / i S t ^ W ^ ,
I b i d , Women's Friends' E x t r a c t s , jp. ^ J / ^ J L ^ j d ^
{ '<• - In the M $ . M i n u t e s , this is w r i t t e n "Baltimore M M e e t i n g . .
- ^Extracts
Worn en's) , 1 8 5 2 , "pp. 7 - 8 .
/ O
V w e f i n d , that w i t h i n the l i m i t s of F a i r f a x Quarterly M e e t i n g , there is one
boarding school for g i r l s - one school u n d e r the care of a Monthly M e e t i n g - there
are also fifteen schools taught b y m e m b e r s of our s o c i e t y , at w h i c h five h u n d r e d a n d
eighty-six children a r e in a t t e n d a n c e , ninety-four of w h o m a.re F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n .
We have not r e c e i v e d as full reports from the Committees in other Quarterly M e e t i n g s ,
but we find there are a m o n g t h e m , three b o a r d i n g s c h o o l s , thirteen schools taught b y
F r i e n d s , a n d two u n d e r the care of M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s .
A t
Centre M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , w e are i n f o r m e d , there is a school taught by a
m e m b e r of our s o c i e t y , a n d one about to b e established u n d e r the ca.re of the Monthly
Meeting.
J % e h a v e had the e x i s t e n c e of twelve libraries reported to u s , a n d find tha^t
t h e y , a n d the schools already e s t a b l i s h e d , are m o s t l y in a p r o s p e r o u s c o n d i t i o n , although in some n e i g h b o r h o o d s , the p u b l i c schools interfere to the detriment of those
u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s .
/ T h e b o a r d i n g schools m e n t i o n e d , a r e v a l u a b l e o n e s , a n d a r e supplied w i t h competent
teachers.
<**The report from the P u r c h a s i n g Committee s t a t e s , that one h u n d r e d volumes
having b e e n distributed during the p a s t y e a r , the a m o u n t expended is n i n e t y - n i n e
dollars a n d sixty-nine cents."
T h e Committee do n o t feel discouraged in their efforts for the advancement
of this great w o r k , b u t w o u l d a s k the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g still to continue its support
and cooperation in their future labors for its p r o m o t i o n .
/Si
gned on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
1
ifc/7
PHEBE WHISHT.*
- This special committee of the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y r'eeting w a s continued for 1 8 5 2 - 5 3 .
A t a later session of t h A y e a r l y M e e t i n g the joint committee a p p o i n t e d a s
a b o v e ^ p r e s e n t e d ^ t h e follawir.g report^
^
^
^
^
r^i^^Z
^
*
/"*0he Committee a p p o i n t e d at a former s i t t i n g , to u n i t e w i t h a Committee of
Women F r i e n d s , on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , p r o d u c e d the following r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s
read a n d u n i t e d w i t h , a n d the same Friends w e r e requested to b r i n g forward to a future
s i t t i n g , the n a m e s of suitable F r i e n d s to act on a C o m m i t t e e to carry out the recomm e n d a t i o n s of the R e p o r t , viz;
l
* / T h e joint Committee of m e n a n d w o m e n F r i e n d s , to w h o m w a s referred the subject
of "the education of the children of Friends," a f t e r deliberate c o n s i d e r a t i o n , h a v e
a g r e e d to recommend to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the appointment of a Committee to p r o p o s e
to a future sitting, the n a m e s of suitable F r i e n d s to serve a s a joint Committee on
Education;, w h i c h Committee shall a p p o r t i o n araong its m e m b e r s the duty of v i s i t i n g each
p a r t i c u l a r m e e t i n g w i t h i n the bounds of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to a s c e r t a i n the n u m b e r of
children within their limits of suitable age to go to s c h o o l , a n d whether opportunity
is a f f o r d e d them of acquiring the common b r a n c h e s of a good E n g l i s h e d u c a t i o n , a n d to
report to the C o m m i t t e e , their judgment of the a m o u n t of a i d (if a n y ) such neighborhood m a y r e q u i r e , a n d the p r o p e r m o d e of rendering it; together w i t h any other inform a t i o n in relation to the subject of e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h they m a y deem i m p o r t a n t .
It is further r e c o m m e n d e d , that the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g raise the sum of four hundred d o l l a r s , to be u s e d at the d i s c r e t i o n of the joint C o m m i t t e e , in aiding such
meetings as cannot f u r n i s h to the children w i t h i n their l i m i t s , the necessary a m o u n t
of education without p e c u n i a r y a i d .
T h e C o m m i t t e e to report to n e x t Y e a r l y Meeting."^
^ Signed b y d i r e c t i o n , a n d o n b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e .
/
L L O Y D NORRIS*
k„
f
Balto. 10th m o , 27th, 1 8 5 2 A
MARTHA S . TYSOH.
1
1
^Extracts** (Men's). p o T ~ 1 3 - 14; •fljitmaa" (-Women. s)f-Bp*—6
tK T h e same
a c t i o n was taken b y the W o m e n ' s m e e t i n g ; ^ E x t r a c t 6 ; a n d the same report
w a s p r e s e n t e d to the W o m e n ' s m e e t i n g ; ^ E x t r a c t g * , p p . 6 - 7 .
2
1
<^h.e Committee appointed, o n the subject at a former sitting, p r o d u c e d the
following r e p o r t , w h i c h was a p p r o v e d , a n d the Friends therein n a m e d a p p o i n t e d to the
service, a n d they w e r e a u t h o r i s e d to draw o n the T r e a s u r e r of this M e e t i n g , for funds
i
A*.
furtherance of the object committed to their c a r e , to a n a m o u n t not over four
hundred dollars, viz:
/ The committee ap-oointed to b r i n g f o r w a r d suitable names to serve on the coror-
r
?
mittee * f o r the Education of the Children of F r i e n d s ^ f o r the ensuing y e a r , p r o p o s e
the f o l l o w i n g , to wit:
J^k
Samuel T o w n s e n d ,
Abel A . Hull,
Joel Matthews,
Richard T . Bentley,
Lloyd Uorris,
Benjamin Hallowell,
Joel Lupton,
John Smith,
Cyrus G r i e s t ,
Barzillai Garretson,
-Edward J e s s o p ,
David G . Mc C o y ,
Asa Jones,
Joseph Thomas,
J o s e p h R o m a n , Jr.//
John Russell,
•Uathan H a m m o n d ,
Thomas W i l s o n ,
Samuel K i r k ,
Eliza Marsh,
^ ^ W h i c h is submitted*
Mary G . Moore,
Mary Boberts,
Martha E . Tyson,
Eebecea Turner, ,
Jane S. Townsend,
Susan J o n e s ,
Louisa Steer,
Thomasin Walker,
Margaret E . H a l l o w e l l ,
Rebecca Wood,
Beulah Haynes,
Fhebe Wright,
Mary A n n Chalfant,
Sarah R u s s e l l ,
Elizabeth S m e d l e y ,
Mary Hoopes,
Rebecca T . Roman,
Eliza Shaw,
Mary Way,
Hannah Wilson,
S i g n e d b y d i r e c t i o n , a n d on b e h a l f of the c o m m i t t e e .
I. 1 0 t h m o . 2 7 t h , 1852
.
> .«
E L I Z A B E T H SMEDLEY ,
LLOYD NORRIS.
*
"
T h e x c o m m i t t e e thus a p p o i n t e d b y the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1 8 5 2 m e t in B a l t i m o r e
on the 1 0 t h / of Fourth M o n t h , 1 8 5 3 , a n d a d o p t e d a n a d d r e s s "to the m e m b e r s of the
M o n t h l y a n d P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g s , composing B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of Friends."
T h e a d d r e s s was signed "on b e h a l f of the committee" b y Sam'l T o w n s e n d , B e n j ' n H a l l o w ell, R e b e c c a T u r n e r , a n d M a r t h a E . T y s o n ; b u t a g a i n the educational ideals of Martha
xo
T y s o n a n d Benjamin Hallowell a r e clearly predominant in i t .
.^Sfc^t. Extracts from it were p u b l i s h e d in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . XI (October
•
1 4 , 1 8 5 4 ) , p p . 475 - J 6 .
U ^
& j ^ t U f y ^ :
^Ufc,*'
n
u
•
*
*
r
^
^
W / 3
It a p p e a l s , f i r s t , for a m o r e liberal p r o v i s i o n of education in l o c a l
F r i e n d s " s c h o o l s , so that b o t h intellectual a n d religious training m a y be g i v e n to the
childreni
/ T h e r e i s , c e r t a i n l y , no r e l i g i o n in ignorance; n e i t h e r i s it p r e t e n d e d
( »» *
that the m e r e cultivation of the intellectual p o w e r s w i l l impart v i r t u e . !
Continual
labor is necessary to p r o c u r e i n t e l l e c t u a l , m o r a l a n d religious b l e s s i n g s offered
by the F a t h e r of l i g h t s , a n d to learn t o ^ r e a d in the great v o l u m e of nature that is
4
constantly a n d b e n e v o l e n t l y open b e f o r e u s . ^
8 e c o n d l y , it suggests the need of "teachers w h o , w h i l e they p o s s e s s the necessary literary q u a l i f i c a t i o n s , m a y p o s s e s s also a p u r e a n d subdued spirit."
The
"guarded education" to b e e x t e n d e d by these t e a c h e r s / — "consistent a n d concerned
m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y " t — should b y no m e a n s b e l i m i t e d , a s it frequently i s , "in
its m e a n i n g and p r a c t i c a l a i m to dress a n d a d d r e s i " , , t o the "plainness of speech,
deportment a n d apparel" p r e s c r i b e d b y the D i s c i p l i n e .
O n the c o n t r a r y , it is of
equal importance to inculcate the spirit of h a p p i n e s s a n d joy w h i c h results from
obedience to Cod's commands r e v e a l e d in the soul a n d in a l l the u n i v e r s e .
QuJbd—crv-"—
M
i n I>.SL
jjLuZtU*
~/~ae, / 1
v iu',.
T h e committee anboaied this srcldress in its report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
1 8 5 3 , the m e n ' s b r a n c h of w h i c h r e c o r d e d the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
/ T h e following report from the S t a n d i n g Committee on E d u c a t i o n w a s r e c e i v e d
and r e a d , a n d w a s s a t i s f a c t o r y .
T h e C o m m i t t e e w a s c o n t i n u e d , w i t h the a d d i t i o n of
the name of Samuel M . J a n n e y , v i z : " T o the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , now sitting: «
/The
Committee on E d u c a t i o n report - they m e t on the 2 7 t h of 10th m o n t h ,
1 8 5 2 , a n d p r o c e e d e d to the appointment of Sub-Committees to a t t e n d to the duties req u i r e d , w i t h i n the limits of the different quarterly m e e t i n g s .
A n d a t a n adjourned
m e e t i n g h e l d on the 1 2 t h of 3 d m o n t h > 1 8 5 2 ^ | l W b ' ^ ; the following statistical
statements
w e r e r e c e i v e d , of the children of F r i e n d s o f suitable a g e to a t t e n d s c h o o l s , from
w i t h i n the limiti^Lll the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s , c o m p o s i n g the different q u a r t e r s , except
XI-
^ x t r a c t f ^ W " ' a Muulfaftgj, 1853,p^,. I I - } f .
»
1 those of C e n t r e , from w h i c h no report has b e e n r e c e i v e d ,
vizZtZmmm^^J^
J
!
/fThe report then lists the various m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s w i t h i n four of the f i v e
quarterly meetings a n d shows that there were in their schools "1337 children of
F r i e n d s , of suitable age to go to s c h o o l , of w h i c h a t t e n d schools u n d e r the care o f ,
a n d taught b y Friends (not n a m i n g district schools taught by F r i e n d s ) , 336 children."
The report then p r o c e e d s : / T h i s a c c o u n t informs u s that w i t h i n the compass of our
\—
j Yearly M e e t i n g , excepting Centre q u a r t e r , not r e p o r t e d , one t h o u s a n d and one of our
| y o u t h f u l m e m b e r s are without suitable schools u n d e r the care of Friends; m o s t h a v e
\ opportunities of a t t e n d i n g p u b l i c schools taught a b o u t five m o n t h s in the y e a r .
We
%
%
\ believe w h e r e sufficient m e a n s a r e a f f o r d e d for the p a y m e n t of t e a c h e r s , there h a s not
i been a n evidence of i n t e r e s t , w h i c h a l l thoughtful p a r e n t s should feel for the p r o p e r
; cultivation of the m i n d s of their o f f s p r i n g .
If w e b e l i e v e the truth of the a n c i e n t
0
p r o v e r b , that - <« ignorance is the m o t h e r 4f v i c e * , a n important inquiry suggests itself, m a y not some effort b e m a d e to change this state of t h i n g s , so as to relieve
or a r o u s e our brethren from their p r e s e n t condition?*''
A t the suggestion of the s u b c o m m i t t e e for F a i r f a x Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g , the comm i t t e e a p p o i n t e d another/Sub-f committee to set forth in an a d d r e s s the object w h i c h
"the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g had in view in the apoointment of the Committee on E d u c a t i o n , .
v
%
in a clear a n d comprehensive manner."
At its m e e t i n g on the 15th of the 3rd m o n t h , 1 8 5 3 , the committee a g r e e d that
a school-house should be built for W a r r i n g t o n P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g . A n d at its m e e t i n g
on the lDth of the 4th m o n t h , the s u b c o m m i t t e e on the address p r e s e n t e d its report,
'w'
"which being r e a d , u n d e r a n a b i d i n g h o p e , that its v i e w s m a y p r o v e s a l u t a r y , was
a p p r o v e d , a n d 500 copies ordered to b e p r i n t e d in p a m p h l e t form f o r distribution."
T h e committee was informed at its m e e t i n g on the 30th of the 10th m o n t h , 1 8 5 3 ,
that the 500 copies of the a d d r e s s h a d b e e n p r i n t e d a t a n expense of twelve d o l l a r s .
The closing p a r a g r a p h of the committee's report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
3 A-
{0 » 2)
)
f
1853 w a s a s follows:
A ? h e committee a r e encouraged in the b e l i e f , that in m a n y p a r t s of our Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , increased interest and concern a r e felt in the cause of E d u c a t i o n , and they
greatly desire that the m i n d s of f r i e n d s , throughout our entire b o r d e r s , m a y be m o r e
and m o r e , a w a k e n e d to its i m p o r t a n c e , u n t i l a l l our youth,shall be so far e d u c a t e d , a s
to render them best f i t t e d for fulfilling their v a r i o u s allotments in l i f e , and for
g u a r d i n g themselves from the m a r y s u p e r s t i t i o n s , a n d destructive delusions which so
hurtfully a b o u n d .
B y the term e d u c a t i o n , we do not m e a n m e r e l y b o o k l e a r n i n g , but
the true cultivation of the faculties of the m i n d a n d h e a r t , w i t h w h i c h a k i n d P r o v i dence has b l e s s e d our o f f s p r i n g , a n d to the successful cultivation of w h i c h , the experience a n d intelligence of those that are o l d e r , so greatly c o n t r i b u t e ,
/ s i g n e d by direction and on b e h a l f of the C o m m i t t e e ,
LLOYD NORRIS,
eh.
HAIT17AH W I L S O N . ^
T h e w o m e n in their Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 3 , recorded the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
PAn interesting report from the joint committee^on the subject of e d u c a t i o n , was read
and a p p r o v e d .
The committee w a s continued w i t h the a d d i t i o n of L y d i a W i e r m a n ,
Margaret M a t t h e w s , P h i l e n a M a t t h e w s , M a r y H i b b e r d , Sarah L u p t o n , T a c y M . J e w e t t , a n d
Ruth ... K i r k .
Q ^ J J j ^ ^
) t Sty-'
T h i s joint "Committee on E d u c a t i o n of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s , O n
the subject of a B o a r d i n g - S c h o o l f o r F r i e n d s ' C h i l d r e n a n d for the E d u c a t i o n of
Teachers]' h e l d a m e e t i n g in B a l t i m o r e on the 1st/ of N i n t h M o n t h , 1 8 5 4 , a n d a d o p t e d
an extended R e p o r t .
The increase of crime*"in a m u c h greater ratio than the population"^ side by
side w i t h a "greatly increased a t t e n t i o n to the subject of e d u c a t i o n " , in b o t h the
U n i t e d States a n d Great B r i t a i n since 1 8 3 0 , w a s p o i n t e d out first in the Report; a n d
an important cause of this failure of "the confident pr^dy^ction of the friends of
u n i v e r s a l education" w a s stated to be "the too exclusive cultivation of the intellectual f a c u l t i e s , without sufficient regard to a corresponding development of the m o r a l
powers."
The example of W e s t t o w n School w a s then cited a s f o l l o w s : - < % e s t - t o w n B o a r d i n g
S c h o o l , a l t h o u g h some of its features m a y n o t , at all t i m e s , h a v e b e e n free from obj e c t i o n s , h a s yet b e e n the m e a n s of a vast a m o u n t of g o o d , b y combining the m o r a l w i t h
the intellectual c u l t u r e .
A s a nursery for t e a c h e r s , t o o , the b e n e f i t s of this in-
stitution h a v e b e e n v e r y great to the c o m m u n i t y , in that a n d the adjacent sections of
country.
T h e b e s t schools a v a i l a b l e to F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , for the last forty y e a r s ,
"3r- "Minutes of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s , h e l d at L o m b a r d S t r e e t , in the
^
City of B a l t i m o r e , 1853'! , f . 9J A U ^ ^ t
1 4 , 1 8 5 4 ) , iPp. 4 5 7 - ^ 9 , 473 -J5.
3
/ . A\
V3327
7
h a v e b e e n , a l m o s t e x c l u s i v e l y , u n d e r the charge of p e r s o n s who were scholars
or teachers at W e s t - t o w n , or who were educated "by those that h a d b e e n . *
T h e R e p o r t then expressed "the settled c o n c l u s i o n , that the b e s t interests of
our Society demand, a n i n s t i t u t i o n , w h e r e our c h i l d r e n can receive a n education, in its
true s e n s e , b y the simultaneous cultivation of their intellectual a n d m o r a l p o w e r s ,
a n d where y o u n g Friends can be p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to take charge of schools."
T h e p r o p e r training of teachers then receives a short b u t illuminating discussion.
ant.*
"Mere telling is not teaching."
^ L e a r n i n g a n d thinking a r e f a r m o r e import-
T h e m i n d ' s a b i l i t y "to a i d itself in the a c q u i s i t i o n of knowledge" is "the
great end at w h i c h a judicious instructor w i l l a i m .
It m a y b e emphatically a s s e r t e d ,
that every i n d i v i d u a l , who is e d u c a t e d a t a l l , is s e l f - e d u c a t e d .
H i s t e a c h e r s , like
his dictionary a n d other b o o k s , are m e r e l y a i d s to h i s own e f f o r t s .
on individual industry a n d exertion."
All depends
T h i s fundamental c o n c e p t i o n of education l e d
the committee to insist on fundamental qualifications of the t e a c h e r , including
b e s i d e s s c h o l a r s h i p , " a k n o w l e d g e of h i s own h e a r t , p e r f e c t s e l f - g o v e r n m e n t , a n d a n
acquaintance w i t h the springs of a c t i o n
in the y o u t h f u l company a r o u n d himj he m u s t
u n d e r s t a n d how to t e a c h , w h i c h is as much a n art a s a n y other v o c a t i o n , a n d one in
w h i c h important rules can b e i m p a r t e d , a n d should b e acquired."
Thus, without using
the names "psychology" a n d "pedagogy"', .the R e p o r t a n t i c i p a t e s the essential a i d of
V
these sciences; a n d it points o u t , as the ill results of the l a c k of t h e m , a great
loss of time to the c h i l d , the h a b i t of idleness o r superficial s t u d y , the distlte f o r
vigorous intellectual exertion a n d strict m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e , a n d the loss of selfrespect due to a consciousness of not h a v i n g p e r f o r m e d w h a t could a n d ought to h a v e
been done.
T h e Report then stresses the p e c u l i a r duty of the Society of F r i e n d s to g i v e
its children a "liberal e d u c a t i o r ^ , ;S0 that they m a y b e h e l p e d to h e a r a n d u n d e r s t a n d
V ^ N j T h e recent trend of education in o u r b e s t schools a n d c o l l e g e s , a n d especially the
^ " ^ s y s t e m of "reading for honors?"),introduced into Swarthmore College in 1 9 2 2 , a r e interesting confirmation of this p i o n e e r a n d p r o p h e t i c spirit of three-quarters
of a century a g o .
t m
a r i g h t God's own teaching b y the Voice W i t h i n .
11
U n l e s s this is d o n e , u n d e r Friendly
care a n d a t m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e , the Society's children w i l l "be g r a v e l y h a n d i c a p p e d a n d
the Society's own existence w i l l h e p l a c e d in j e o p a r d y ^ —
especially in v i e w of the
eager efforts of other religious societies to e s t a b l i s h their denominational
schools.
The "liberal education" suggested b y the R e p o r t should b e P.equal to that of
one of our best institutions of learning^ a n d it should i n c l u d e , e s p e c i a l l y , "an
extensive practical acquaintance w i t h the natural s c i e n c e s , as C h e m i s t r y , Natural
Philosophy, Astronomy, Geology, and Botany.
P h y s i o l o g y should also b e studied, so far
as to give them a k n o w l e d g e of their own p h y s i c a l s y s t e m , a n d of those laws which it is
n e c e s s a r y to observe in order to m a i n t a i n them in health."
T h e stress laid b y the R e p o r t u p o n the p h y s i c a l sciences was p r o b a b l y contributed by B e n j a m i n Hallowell; a n d it was also c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of h i m to a d v o c a t e the study
I f L
4
of them teeth for the p u r p o s e f o f r e v e a l i n g external n a t u r e to c h i l d r e n , a n d | W * i n d u c a w *
them to "look through Nature u p to N a t u r e ' s God; o r , a s the R e p o r t states i t , "to
'
direct their y o u n g m i n d s to the m u l t i p l i e d evidences w h i c h a r e continually m a n i f e s t e d
around them in the w o r k s of the o u t w a r d c r e a t i o n , of the g o o d n e s s , w i s d o m , a n d p o w e r
of the Great A u t h o r of their existence."
T h e Report recommended t h a t , while p r e f e r e n c e should b e g i v e n to F r i e n d s '
c h i l d r e n , others should b e a d m i t t e d to the s c h o o l , p r o v i d e d these w o u l d "conform to
such regulations as Friends m i g h t think p r o p e r to a d o p t for the government of the
school."
These rules should include " s i m p l i c i t y of dress a n d a d d r e s s , a n d m o d e r a t e
e x p e n d i t u r e , so as to be good examples of economy a n d m o d e r a t i o n , a n d thus have m o r e
ample resoureesjwith w h i c h to do good."
A l l such rules should be "under the precious
influence of love"; a n d their s a n c t i o n should b e f o u n d in a g r o w i n g k n o w l e d g e of right
a n d w r o n g , of the "hideousness a n d m i s e r y that lie concealed b e h i n d the enticing
front of error and v i c e , w h i l e b e h i n d the coarse a n d u n i n v i t i n g v e i l of v i r t u e , there
are transcendent b e a u t y a n d l o v e l i n e s s , a n d the a d o r n i n g s of p l a i n n e s s , s i m p l i c i t y ,
g e n t l e n e s s , q u i e t n e s s , and m e e k n e s s , a n d everything that tends to h a p p i n e s s in this
/f
l i f e , a n d to everlasting "bliss in the w o r l d to come."
W h i l e the R e p o r t lays stress
u p o n rules w h i c h l e a d rather than d r i v e , it strongly deprecates the too p r e v a l e n t
emphasis laid by Friends u p o n "attendance of m e e t i n g s a n d a n a d h e r e n c e to p l a i n n e s s
of dress a n d a d d r e s s , which instead of b e i n g l o o k e d u p o n a s the result of r e l i g i o n ,
are m a d e so important a p a r t of the test of b e i n g a F r i e n d that they have come to be
regarded b y m a n y as b e i n g themselves religious p r i n c i p l e s - a s b e i n g the distinguish•^^pharacteristics u p o n w h i c h our religion is b a s e d . " ^
<^This l i b e r a l i t y aa to the externals of Q u a k e r i s m is h i g h l y characteristic of
M a r t h a T y s o n , so often expressed in m e e t i n g s for w o r s h i p a n d d i s c i p l i n e ; a n d is
reminiscent of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s system of rules for h i s own school w h i c h comprised
only t w o , n a m e l y , "be good boys" a n d "learn all y o u can."
The insufficient a t t e n t i o n p a i d by F r i e n d s to p r o v i d i n g for their children
"innocent recreation a n d amusement" is d e p l o r e d by the R e p o r t , w h i c h p o i n t s to this
neglect as a p r i m e cause of the separation of the y o u n g e r Friends from their elders
a n d from the S o c i e t y .
"A right a n d rational m o d e of gratifying" the natural desire
for a m u s e m e n t , "by p r o p e r investigation a n d s t u d y , can u n d o u b t e d l y b e a s c e r t a i n e d
a n d supplied."
T h e Report closes w i t h a n earnest a p p e a l to the w h o l e Society to support the
p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , a n d b a s e s its a p p e a l u p o n the belief "that si^ce the first rise of
the S o c i e t y , there never has b e e n a time w h e n there was greater n e c e s s i t y t h a n the
p r e s e n t , for these important testimonies [namely, "the religious testimonies that
Friends h a v e long been concerned to h o l d u p to the w o r l d ^ to be rightly u n d e r s t o o d ,
1 1
a n d spread a m o n g the peoplej; ? a n d that there m u s t b e a d e q u a t e l y trained " a succession
of instruments a m o n g our descendants to u p h o l d them."
couragement a n d p r o m i s e .
Its last n o t e is one of en-
"The a m o u n t of influence f o r g o o d w h i c h w o u l d emanate f r o m
an institution of l e a r n i n g w h e r e sentiments l i k e those w e have endeavored to p r e s e n t
in this r e p o r t , are constantly s u s t a i n e d , can scarcely be estimated."
V -
H e r e i n , of c o u r s e p a r t of the justification for the e x t e n s i v e s y s t e m of
e
a t h l e t i c games a n d sports a n d v a r i o u s social recreations w h i c h h a V g o o w n u p in
Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
The committee state that their R e p o r t h a d b e e n read, d e l i b e r a t e l y c o n s i d e r e d ,
u n a n i m o u s l y approved and a d o p t e d , a n d "earnestly recommended to the serious consideration of Friends."
It w a s d a t e d " B a l t i m o r e , 9th m o . 1st 1854," a n d signed b y n i n e m e n
a n d seven w o m e n , as follows: Samuel M . J a n n e y , Samuel T o w n s e n d , B e n j . H a l l o w e l l ,
Lloyd Morris, Joseph Roman^, Joseph Thomas, John Smith, Edward Jessup, Richard T .
B e n t l e y , M a r t h a E . T y s o n , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , M . S . ^Margaret e J
Hallowell, Eliza March,
Mary Hoopes, Rebecca T . Romans, and Fhilena Matthews.
To m a k e their Report s p e c i f i c , the committee a p p e n d e d to it the "Synopsis of
a plan" w h i c h included the following p r o v i s i o n s for f i n a n c e , I o c s t i o n 4 a n d teachertraining.
M e m b e r s of the several Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s should subscribe ( i n d i v i d u a l l y , a n d not
b y m e e t i n g s ) the sum of $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 ^ ; o n e - f o u r t h of the subscription to b e p a y a b l e each
y e a r f o r four years; subscribers to receive shares of stock; "the stockholders to
elect the trustees or m a n a g e r s of the s c h o o l , a l l cf w h o m , of c o u r s e , must b e m e m b e r s
of the Society of F r i e n d s .
T h e sum s u b s c r i b e d ^ — w h i c h now l o o k s very m o d e s t i n d e e d ,
in comparison with Swarthmore's p r e s e n t endowment of some eight m i l l i o n dollars,?-— w a s
to be u s e d "for the erection of the n e c e s s a r y buildings
ings ^nothing
£noth
is sadd a s to the
p u r c h a s e of l a n d j , p u r c h a s e of suitable p h i l o s o p h i c a l a n d chemical a p p a r a t u s , a n d for
the p u r p o s e of a f u n d , the interest of w h i c h to b e u s e d towards educating young
»
F r i e n d s for t e a c h e r s .
T h e location of the school w a s to b e chosen b y the s t o c k h o l d e r s .
Within
four y e a r s , there should be erected "buildings suitable to a c c o m m o d a t e o n e h u n d r e d
b o y s ; a n d , after this school shall h a v e got into successful o p e r a t i o n , to erect other
b u i l d i n g s , at a distance of from half a m i l e to a m i l e from the f o r m e r to a c c o m m o d a t e
one h u n d r e d girls."
This t i m i d a p p r o a c h t o w a r d co-education w a s l a t e r discarded at
4
S w a r t h m o r e , w h i c h a d o p t e d from the start full c o e d u c a t i o n , the b o y s a n d girls s h a r i n g
the same d o r m i t o r y , class-rooms a n d l a b o r a t o r i e s .
T h e committee of 1854 did c o n c e d e ,
z
i
h o w e v e r , that "the "fcu.ild.ings f o r the a c c o m m o d a t i o n of "both sexes could h e erected
simultaneously, if thought preferable."
F o r the training of t e a c h e r s , "when y o u n g F r i e n d s of e i t h e r sex feel inclined
to b e c o m e t e a c h e r ^ , , they w e r e to be "taken into the institution f o r a time (one t e r m )
on trial" (gratuitously, if l a c k i n g "pecuniary m e a n s to educate themselves a s thoroughly
»
as desirea); t h e n , "if found to p o s s e s s qualities l i k e l y to fit them a s t e a c h e r s , let
them b e fully educated."
The expense of their t r a i n i n g "would b e expected to be re-
turned to the i n s t i t u t i o n , life a n d h e a l t h p e r m i t t i n g , in a n n u a l p a y m e n t s , within a
specified p e r i o d , say ten years" a f t e r g r a d u a t i o n .
O n e chief object of the school w o u l d
be "to supply schools in different n e i g h b o r h o o d s w i t h competent a n d efficient t e a c h e r s ,
m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y , w i t h w h o m F r i e n d s ' children could b e safely a n d a d v a n t a g e o u s l y
entrusted."
% u J L
AO^t^, J l ^ t ^ , JgiHi
This R e p o r t of 1854 h a s b e e n S u m m a r i z e d h e r e in e x t e n s o , since it contains
2-1
^ T ^ V
several foundation-stones of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
It w a s p r e s e n t e d j b y the committee to
the Yearly M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 4 , the m e n ' s b r a n c h r e c e i v i n g it w i t h the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
^ T h e Standing Committee on E d u c a t i o n ^ p r o d u c e d the following r e p o r t , w h i c h w a s
a p p r o v e d , a n d the p r o c e e d i n g s of the C o m m i t t e e s a t i s f a c t o r y .
; directed to b e p a i d b y our T r e a s u r e r .
;
T h e sum a s k e d f o r , w a s
T h e C o m m i t t e e w e r e continued a n d encouraged to
p r o c e e d to a s c e r t a i n w h e t h e r the n e c e s s a r y sunount o f funds can b e raised in the m a n n e r
proposed.
T h e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g responds to the v i e w s of the C o m m i t t e e , on the importance
of the subject, t o the w e l f a r e of the rising g e n e r a t i o n , a n d the b e s t interests of
S o c i e t y , viz:
- A n a r t i c l e on C o f e d u c a t i o n , w h i c h a p p e a r e d in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for 3 r d ^
M o n t h , 1 8 , 1 8 5 4 /copied from the H o m e J o u r n a l ) a d v o c a t e d for the "perfect school"
l " b o t h b o y s a n d g i r l s , instructed by b o t h m e n a n d women."
- ^Extracts'*- (Men's M e e t i n g ) , 1 8 5 4 , p p . IS - 21.
i^Ihe Committee on E d u c a t i o n report to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g now s i t t i n g , that
they have met several times during the p a s t y e a r , o n the important subject committed
to their c h a r g e , and h a v e continued to receive from the different p a r t s of the Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , evidences of a n u n c e a s i n g concern f o r the b e t t e r education of our y o u n g p e o p l e , but, in nearly a l l the n e i g h b o u r h o o d s where Friends h a v e established schools, the
difficulty of p r o c u r i n g suitable teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h u s , still continues to b e
a formidable obstacle to c a r r y i n g out the v i e w s a n d w i s h e s of F r i e n d s , in the organizati o n of their schools; thus, the importance of h a v i n g a n Institution u n d e r the care of
s o c i e t y , where Y o u n g Friends can b e p r o p e r l y E d u c a t e d for T e a c h e r s , h a s a g a i n b e e n imp r e s s i v e l y brought to our view* a n d feeling that a w e i g h t of responsibility rested u p o n
society in relation to this s u b j e c t , the Committee w e r
l e d to p r e p a r e a R e p o r t , o r
Essay t h e r e o n , a n d p u b l i s h it for information a n d consideration of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y .
It suggests a p l a n for the establishment of a B o a r d i n g School * w h e ^ r e such of our
y o u t h of b o t h s e x e s , a s m a y n e e d a n d desire i t , m a y receive a liberal education u n d e r
the care of society: w h e r e T e a c h e r s can be E d u c a t e d , a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to take charge
of Schools in Friends• neighbourhoods: a n d where O r p h a n C h i l d r e n , a n d others whose circumstances require them to b e sent from h o m e to S c h o o l , can r e c e i v e a g u a r d e d educat i o n , a n d a t a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e . . It p r o p o s e s that funds f o r the p u r p o s e shall b e raised
b y i n d i v i d u a l , v o l u n t a r y subscription; a n d a s a w a n t , similar to that u n d e r w h i c h w e
l a b o u r , is a c k n o w l e d g e d to exist in our n e i g h b o r i n g Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d
N e w Y o r k , the Committee have reason to h o p e a n d b e l i e v e , that if the concern shall
p r o v e to b e in the orderings of Truth* a n d receive the sanction of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
subscriptions in a i d of the p r o p o s e d o b j e c t , m a y b e o b t a i n e d from m e m b e r s of those
Yearly Meetings.
It is, t h e r e f o r e , not d e s i g n e d to confine the s u b s c r i p t i o n s , o r the
benefits of the I n s t i t u t i o n , to the m e m b e r s of o u r o w n Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b u t that they
be open alike to the m e m b e r s of a l l .
v i e w s of the Committee oh the s u b j e c t , a r e m o r e f u l l y set forth in the
23
blishea report referred t o , copies of w h i c h can "be had at the Clerk's t a b l e .
"As the C o m m i t t e e , last y e a r , r e t u r n e d , to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g about $333 of
e sum previously placed at their d i s p o s a l , they now ask the Yearly M e e t i n g for $54.25
defray the expenses incurred the past y e a r , in c a r r y i n g out what they believed to be
s object of their a p p o i n t m e n t .
"Hoping it may receive from all our m e m b e r s , that serious consideration which
s great importance d e m a n d s , the Committee respectfully submit the subject to the considation of the Yearly M e e t i n g .
"Signed on behalf of the Committee,
BENJAMIN H A L L O W E L L ,
SAMUEL M . J A N N E Y ,
SAMUEL T O W N S E N D ,
REBECCA TURNER,
MARGARET E. HALLOWELL,
M A R T H A E . TYSON."
Benjamin P . Moore was added to the Standing Committee o n Education."
Suspension of the Baltimore P l a n , 1855
T h e Friends of Baltimore having made such noteworthy p r o g r e s s , between 1 8 5 0
i 1854, with their concern for a higher education, it m a y well be a s k e d why they did not
c
Ing it to an e 'rly f r u i t i o n .
The reasons for this are not far to s e e k .
Throughout
s first half of the nineteenth c e n t u r y , as well as in many p r e c e d i n g y e a r s , the care and.
ication of the Indians was a large concern of Baltimore Yearly M e e t i n g .
Since the y e a r
L9, too, it had h a d u n d e r its care the Fair H i l l S c h o o l , located near Sandy Spring,
itgomery County, M a r y l a n d , which w a s devoted chiefly to the primary education of Friends'
Lldren; and this school began in the 1R50's to train a few young Friends to serve as
ichers in other Friends' Schools.
There w a s started, a l s o , about this t i m e , a -promising
29
Lends' school for both boys and girls "within the limits of Fairfax Quarterly Meeting."
- This was the Springdale Boarding School in Loudon C o u n t y , V s . , which Samuel M.Janney
conveyed in 1854 to an Association of F r i e n d s , w h o s e advertisement a p p e a r e d in Friends'
Intelligencer for 12th Mo.,30,1854 (Vol.XI,p.656).S.M.Janney consented to continue in
charge of it for one term; and h e a n d Benjamin H a l l o w e l l were both m e m b e r s of the Association's Executive C o m m i t t e e . See the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . XIV (1857), p . 3 6 0 ,
-
2 3 - 1
In a d d i t i o n , P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g had begun in 1 8 5 0 , b y the appointment
of a large joint committee of m e n and w o m e n F r i e n d s , the p r o m o t i o n of a p l a n to p r o v i d e
a Friends' day school in every M o n t h l y a n d P r e p a r a t i v e M e e t i n g within the Yearly M e e t i n g ,
which should compete with the p u b l i c schools in offering free tuition to all the children
of F r i e n d s .
Should this plan s u c c e e d , it w o u l d be considered a strong
rival to the Baltimore plan of a central b o a r d i n g f s c h o o l .
F o r these reasons c h i e f l y , the p r o m i s i n g movement which b e g a n in 1 8 5 0 f o r
the establishment of a central F r i e n d s ' school of h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n was te;noorarily
suspended.
A m i n u t e of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1355 thus records its suspension:
/ T h e following Beport from the Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n res received
and r e a d , a n d was s a t i s f a c t o r y .
/ T h e Committee h a v i n g closed their l a b o r s , a s far a s w a y a t p r e s e n t o p e n s ,
they a r e r e l e a s e d , viz;
„ /
To B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g :
d
^ T h e Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n R e p o r t , that they h a v e h a d several Meet-
ings since last y e a r , a n d w h i l e they j^ilX f e e l the great importance to our religious
b o d y of a S c h o o l , p r o p e r l y organized a n d r i g h t l y c o n d u c t e d , w h e r e i n y o u n g
persons of
b o t h sexes could b e qualified for T e a c h e r s , a n d F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , u n d e r the g u a r d i a n
care of S o c i e t y , receive a liberal e d u c a t i o n , connected w i t h that a c q u a i n t a n c e w i t h
the fundamental principles of the religion w e p r o f e s s , a n d the grounds of those imrp o r t a n t testimonies f o r w h i c h our a n c i e n t w o r t h i e s s u f f e r e d , that w e b e l i e v e might b e
imparted, a n d w o u l d so greatly tend to increase their interest t h e r e i n , w a y h a s yet
not a p p e a r e d to o p e n , to take a c t i v e m e a s u r e s for the immediate establishment of such
an i n s t i t u t i o n .
f S i n c e their original a p p o i n t m e n t , the C o m m i t t e e h a v e g i v e n their a t t e n t i o n a n d
a i d to the Improvement of Schools in some neighborhoods; a n d w i t h i n the limits of Fairfax: Quarterly M e e t i n g , a B o a r d i n g School h a s b e e n established exclusively for F r i e n d s '
c h i l d r e n , in which.twenty-five of each sex a r e a c c o m m o d a t e d .
«
4
tv
The p r o p e r t y , including the b u i l d i n g s a n d seveteen a c r e s of l a n d , h a s b e e n
N
p u r c h a s e d b y M e m b e r s of that (Quarterly M e e t i n g f o r a B o a r d i n g School for F r i e n d s '
children.
One Session of the School h a s b e e n c o m p l e t e d , greatly to the satisfaction
of all c o n c e r n e d , a n d another is at this time in successful o p e r a t i o n .
**Extracts*^ 1 3 5 5 , p p . 25 - 2 6 ?
rux^OL
)
25
I
"The C o m m i t t e e , t h e r e f o r e , in m a k i n g t h i s , t h e i r final R e p o r t to the Y e a r l y
Meeting, f e e l a h o p e t h a t , a l t h o u g h one importa.nt o b j e c t , w h i c h they had m u c h at h e a r t ,
has not been a t t a i n e d , their labors h a v e not been in v a i n , but that seed has b e e n sown
which m a y spring up a n d b e a r fruit to the h o n o r of the great H u s b a n d m a n .
I
"Signed on behalf of the C o m m i t t e e ,
JOSEPH R O M A N , L L O Y D N O R R I S ,
%
R E B E C C A TURNS^,*-
^Baltimore, 10th M o n t h , 2 9 t h , 1 8 5 5 .
A t the same m e e t i n g in w h i c h this a c t i o n was t a k e n , the m e n a c k n o w l e d g e d that
"a concern for the guarded religious education of y o u t h h a s b e e n impressively
revived
in this m e e t i n g " ; but their m i n u t e curtly stated: "The Committee Jon E d u c a t i o n J h a v i n g
c l o s e d ^ their l a b o r s , as f a r as way at p r e s e n t o p e n s , they are released";
w h i l e the
women's y e a r l y m e e t i n g recorded the a b o v e R e p o r t of the Committee w i t h the b r i e f comment
32
that it "was read, a n d the Committee released."
33
A n anonymous w r i t e r of a letter to the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , g i v i n g an account
of the y e a r l y m e e t i n g of this y e a r ^ j g j v e B ^ t h e following p a r a g r a p h on the educational conicern: A report was m a d e by the c o m m i t t e e on education s t a t i n g , in s u b s t a n c e , that the
'school they h a d in prospect for the education of teachers and a f f o r d i n g a. liberal educa^tion to the youth of our s o c i e t y , could not at this time be e s t a b l i s h e d , b u t that friends
of Fairfax Quarterly Meeting; h a d p u r c h a s e d a p r o p e r t y (in L o u d o n C o . , V e . ) and
establish-
I ed a school for the e d u c a t i o n , e x c l u s i v e l y , of F r i e n d s ' children of b o t h s e x e s , which is
! now in successful o p e r a t i o n .
31 32 33 -
I b i d , p . 22
E x t r a c t s , 1 8 5 5 , pfc 7 - 8 .
Vol. XII, p . 537. 7
The disappointment of the two leading a d v o c a t e s of the s c h o o l , n a m e l y M a r t h a
Tyson and B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , can only h e c o n j e c t u r e d , for there a r e extant none of
their expressions of feeling regarding i t .
That shey did not relinquish their ideal
is evident from the action w h i c h they took in 1 3 6 0 , w h i c h did result in the founding
of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
B e t w e e n the years 1855 a n d 1 8 6 0 , Martha T y s o n continued to serve the Baltimore
meetings in various c a p a c i t i e s , a n d was able to w o r k Ji£^her cherished cause of educa- .
tion by serving on the committees for the distribution of books a m o n g the m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s ' libraries a n d for the stmervision of the P a i r Hill S c h o o l .
(/^••ny.
..'••• POu-tLu "j '
jf
r
( if-
/ Vlitxl
B e n j a m i n Hallowell continued h i s labors at h i s school in A l e x a n d r i a u n t i l 1 8 5 8 ,
when he sold it to P r o f e s s o r W i l l i a m S . K e m p e r , of the U n i v e r s i t y of V i r g i h i a , a n d rem o v e d with h i s family in the summer of 1860 to his n e r m a n e n t h o m e a t "Rockland" ,. n e a r
Sandy S p r i n g , M a r y l a n d .
M e a n w h i l e , in 1 8 5 4 , h e delivered a course of lectures on
SLstronomy in the Smithsonian I n s t i t u t i o n in W a s h i n g t o n , a n d continued in various o t h e r
ways outside of his school h i s a c t i v e interest in scientific e d u c a t i o n .
H i s schools,
w a s so s u c c e s s f u l , a l s o , that in the y e a r h e r e t i r e d from it j^e w a s obliged to d e c l i n e
m o r e than one h u n d r e d applicants f o r a d m i s s i o n .
H i s h e a l t h a n d strength,which h a d b e e n
u n d e r m i n e d f o r some years by a chronic d i s e a s e , n o w b e g a n seriously to decline; a n d
although h e served in the year 1859 as the first p r e s i d e n t of the M a r y l a n d A g r i c u l t u r a l
College at B l a d e n s b u r g , Mg-gylftnti^ he w a s o b l i g e d to retire a f t e r one m o n t h of strenuous l a b o r s .
B e n j a m i n Hallowell's experiences a s a t e a c h e r , as well a s h i s character a n d
a b i l i t i e s , admirably fitted him to b e c o m e one of the chief originators of Swarthmore
College.
Besides h i s own school in A l e x a n d r i a , w h i c h h e c o n d u c t e d w i t h signal success
from 1324 to 1 8 5 8 , (with an interval of four y e a r s b e t w e e n 1842 a n d 1 8 4 6 ) , h e h a d
taught in h i s early m a n h o o d at the F r i e n d s ' schools at W e s t f i e l d , Hew Jersey; F a i r H i l l ^
Maryland; a n d W e s t t o w n , P e n n s y l v a n i a .
D u r i n g the y e a r 1 8 4 3 - 4 4 , h e a c t e d a s p r o f e s s o r
of C h e m i s t r y , in the m e d i c a l department of C o l u m b i a n C o l l e g e , W a s h i n g t o n } in 1 8 4 5 - 4 6 ,
z.
he had served as the first p r i n c i p a l a n d o r g a n i s e r of Friends' Central S c h o o l , P h i l a d e l p h i a , w h i c h w a s destined to send so m a n y of its graduates to Swarthmore College^
and in 1 8 4 8 - 4 9 , h e had as one of his a s s i s t a n t - t e a c h e r s \ E d w a r d H . M a g i l l , who w a s to
become one of the first teachers a n d f o r f a ' s c o r e of y e a r s the successful p r e s i d e n t
of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
B e n j a m i n Hallowell's interest in t h e p h y s i c a l sciences h a d b e e n greatly stimu l a t e d when he was a p u p i l at the school of J o h n a n d Samuel G u m m e r e , in B u r l i n g t o n ,
New Jersey in 1 8 1 7 - 1 8 , a n d a g a i n w h e n h e a s s i s t e d J o h n Gummere three y e a r s later i n
m a k i n g computations f o r the famous JJ^stronomy* w h i c h J o h n w a s then w r i t i n g .
John
Gummere h a d b e e n a p u p i l at W e s t t o w n School a s early a s 1804; h a d b e e n its b o o k - k e e p e r
in 1 8 1 1 - 1 2 , a n d one of its teachers in 1 8 1 2 - 1 4 .
H e received the degrees of B a c h e l o r
a n d M a s t e r of A r t s a t P r i n c e t o n C o l l e g e , a n d a f t e r a successful career a s teacher of
teachers of the H a v e r f o r d
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It is p r o b a b l e , a l s o , that the influence of the Gummere b r o t h e r s , b y way of
Haverford School a n d C o l l e g e , w a s exerted consciously or u n c o n s c i o u s l y u p o n B e n j a m i n
Hallowell's advocacy of a strong central school f o r h i s b r a n c h of the Society of F r i e n d s .
This a d v o c a c y , a s has b e e n s e e n , o c c u r r e d in the 1850's a n d 1 8 6 0 ' s , during w h i c h
decades the Gummeres w e r e w o r k i n g for the development of H a v e r f o r d School into a
full-fledged c o l l e g e .
/ ^ U
Samuel M . J a n n e y , a third outstanding F r i e n d who w a s directly concerned w i t h
the origin of Swarthmore C o l l e g e , w a s not so a c t i v e in its b e h a l f a s w e r e M a r t h a T y s o n
and Benjamin Hallowell.
F o r d u r i n g the 1850's h e w a s b u s i l y engaged in writing h i s
% I
•"tlfe of Willieuj Penrf
r
(published in 1 8 5 1 ) , his ^ L i f e of George Fox"' (published in
1 8 5 3 ) , a n d his ^ H i s t o r y of F r i e n d s * (published in 4 v o l u m e s in 1 8 5 9 - ^ 6 7 ) .
He h a d
nbegun h i s boarding-school for girls a t " S p r i n g d a l e " , L o n d o n C o u n t y , V i r g i n i a , in 1 8 3 9 ,
a n a conducted it w i t h noteworthy success •until 1853; h e n c e h e , t o o , like B e n j a m i n
H a l l o w e l l , was able to contribute to the S w a r t h m o r e p r o j e c t the fruits of a p r a c t i c a l
experience.
He h a d first taken p a r t in the m i n i s t r y in the Society of Friends at the
a g e of t h i r t y , in 1 8 3 1 , a n d during the next h a l f - c e n t u r y v i s i t e d on m a n y religious
m i s s i o n s the meetings connected w i t h t h e ^ e a r l y ^ f e e t i n g s of B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
Hew Y o r k , G e n e s e e , O h i o , Indiana^and I l l i n o i s .
T h e s e frequent a n d w i d e s p r e a d oppor-
tunities of impressing u p o n F r i e n d s h i s r e l i g i o u s , l i t e r a r y , a n d educational convictions h e l p e d m u c h to p r e p a r e their m i n d s f o r the f o u n d i n g of S w a r t h m o r e .
D u r i n g the
first half of the 1 8 6 0 ' s , h e shared w i t h h i s fellow-Friends in V i r g i n i a the anxieties
a n d hardships w h i c h resulted from their p a c i f i s t a n d a n t w s l a v e r y p r i n c i p l e s during
the Civil W a r ; a n d h i s sympathy w i t h the p r i v a t i o n s of the N o r t h A m e r i c a n I n d i a n s , a s
shown d u r i n g m a n y y e a r s of service in their b e h a l f in B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , resulted in h i s appointment b y P r e s i d e n t G r a n t in 1869 a s Superintendent of Indian
A f f a i r s in the Northern S u p e r i n t e n d e n c y , w i t h h i s h e a d q u a r t e r s in O m a h a , N e b r a s k a .
To this arduous task he devoted the two y e a r s a n d a h a l f from Ma.y^ 1 8 6 9 , to O c t o b e r ^
1 8 7 1 , a n d then a t the a g e of seventy r e t i r e d to his h o m e in V i r g i n i a .
T h e s e two a n d
a half years were the y e a r s w h e n Swarthmore w a s g e t t i n g on its f e e t , and Samuel J a n n e y
could be of very little service to it at that time; w h i l e the remaining years of his
l i f e , from 1871 to 1 8 8 0 , were filled w i t h the p u r s u i t s of an old a g e m a d e vital w i t h
such labors as visits to the E a s t e r n and. M i d d l e W e s t e r n Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d the
writing of his w i d e l y f k n o w n booklet e n t i t l e d ^ P e a c e P r i n c i p l e s E x e m p l i f i e d . ^
This
last h e p u b l i s h e d in 1 8 7 6 , in w h i c h y e a r h e v i s i t e d the Centennial Exposition in
X
Philadelphia^ a n d a l t h o u g h he does n o t refer to S w a r t h m o r e College in h i s ^ M e m o i r s * ,
•
-His chief interest in this E x p o s i t i o n w a s h i s b e l i e f that m u t u a l k n o w l e d g e a n d appreciation a m o n g the nations w o u l d m a k e p e a c e m o r e durable (^Memoirs',p.301);*Peace
Principles Exemplified* w a s h i s last p u b l i c a t i o n ; and his last p u b l i c address w a s
a n a d v o c a c y of p e a c e ( M e m o i r s * , p . 3 0 5 # ) .
h e m a y h a v e v i s i t e d it a t that time a n d a g a i n in 1 8 7 8 .
But, unlike Martha Tyson
and B e n j a m i n and M a r g a r e t H a l l o w e l l , h e d i d not b e c o m e a m e m b e r of Swarthmore's
board of m a n a g e r s .
TIIID
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x w v red*
/
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A s the t h r i l l i n g a n d o m i n o u s decade of the 1350's w a s d r a w i n g to its c l o s e ,
the F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a g a i n took u p their p r o j e c t for a central
educational institution for the h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n of their c h i l d r e n .
a n d B e n j a m i n Hallowell were a g a i n the leaders in this second a t t e m p t .
M a r t h a Tyson
*
L o o k i n g b a c k n o w u p o n the "irrepressible conflict'^rhich loomed u p during
that decade and u p o n the Civil W a r a n d its a f t e r m a t h during the 1 0 ^ 0 ' s , it seems
but little short of p r o v i d e n t i a l infeogvairtrhyn- that such a n institution as Swarthmore
College should have come into being w h e n it d i d .
It m a y , p e r h a p s , b e regarded a s
a thank-offering on the part of the F r i e n d s for the triumph of their old h i s t o r i c
testimony against s l a v e r y , or in expiation for their f a i l u r e to solve that problem
in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h their h i s t o r i c testimony for p e a c e .
The 1850's l o o k e d dark indeed for p e a c e and f r e e d o m .
S l a v o c r a c y , dominated
by the wealthy p l a n t e r s of the L o w e r S o u t h , w a s in the s a d d l e .
T h e a c q u i s i t i o n of
one-half of M e x i c o , the F u g i t i v e Slave Act of 1 3 5 0 , the Dj^d Scott d e c i s i o n , the rep e a l of the M i s s o u r i C o m p r o m i s e , a n d "bleeding
of slavery across the W e s t .
1
K a n s a s . ! !1(
p a v e d the w a y for the spread
O n the other h a n d , the U n d e r g r o u n d
Railroad,-
the- norj.
^born Rop-ttblioatt-Fart.it, a n d J o h n Brown's raid w e r e a p p a r e n t l y h o p e l e s s attempts "outside the law" to overcome a social system entrenched w i t h i n the Supreme C o u r t , the
W h i t e House, a n d the h a l l s of C o n g r e s s .
B u t great new forces w e r e seething u n d e r the s u r f a c e .
T h e o l d , compromising
l e a d e r s ^ C l a y , W e b s t e r , C a l h o u n , B u c h a n a n ^ p a s s e d out one b y one; S e w a r d , C h a s e ,
Spinner, L i n c o l n took their p l a c e s .
-^Uncle Tom's Cabin"£ a n d W h i t t i e r ' s
F r e e d o m * a s s e r t e d the p o w e r of the pen.
leadership of Horace M a n n
-OS.
T h e rise of the p u b l i c schools -under the
p r e p a r e d a new g e n e r a t i o n f o r a new e r a .
Poe, Hawthorne,
E m e r s o n , T h o r e a u , L o n g f e l l o w , H o l m e s , L o w e l l b r o a d e n e d the h o r i z o n of r e a s o n , a n d
$£$31
Garrison a n d P h i l l i p s invoked the v o i c e of c o n s c i e n c e .
R a i l r o a d s , tapping the grain-
fields of the W e s t a n d b r i n g i n g the cotton of the South to the factories of the
U o r t h , forged economic ties of p o l i t i c a l u n i o n a n d g a v e rise to a city^population
of free
w h i c h m o r e than o v e r b a l a n c e d the slave^labor of the S o u t h .
ie laborers
lauui
/fltti these signs of e n c o u r a g e m e n t , our B a l t i m o r e F r i e n d s realized the persistence of ancient w e a k n e s s e s a n d defects w h i c h c o n s t i t u t e d , in Quaker e y e s , a g r e a t
need a n d a great o p p o r t u n i t y .
M o s t A m e r i c a n colleges still f o l l o w e d the example
of Y a l e a n d P r i n c e t o n in devoting
themselves chiefly to the t r a i n i n g of the c l e r g y .
T h e o l o g y still u s u r p e d the p l a c e of r e l i g i o n , b u l w a r k e d the system of h u m a n s l a v e r y ,
a n d b u t t r e s s e d m e d i a e v a l superstitions; it m a d e m e n ' s "thoughts on a w f u l subjects
r o l l , d a m n a t i o n a n d the dead," a n d still taught them that "God's v e n g e a n c e feeds the
f l a m e , w i t h p i l e s of w o o d a n d b r i m s t o n e f l o o d , that none can q u e n c h the same."
R e a c t i n g to this fear of h e l l , the extremes of "revivalism" b r o u g h t m e n ' s m i n d s to
the verge of b e d l a m , or r e t u r n e d them to the svon groover- extremes of the frontier's
intemperance a n d b r u t a l i t i e s .
Four-fifths of the p o p u l a t i o n still lived in the
country a n d one-half of these l i v e d in log+cabins of two rooms e a c h , w h i l e cityftenem e n t s or suburban h o v e l s sheltered one-half of the remaining f i f t h .
Paper-money
crazes and w i l d c a t b a n k s p r e c i p i t a t e d jrfrf severe economic panic^jorf 1853 a n d 1 8 5 7 .
Thus the p o l i t i c a l s i t u a t i o n , w i t h its grave u n c e r t a i n t y a s to the survival
of the U n i o n / f m t c h e d v t h e e c o n o m i c , religious a n d m o r a l evils of the t i m e , which
A
A
J
was indeed one to try m e n ' s souls.Tf^ut the impending crisis d e m a n d e d of the p e o p l e ' s
A
leaders that they should p r e p a r e to m e e t a n d ride i t .
T h e economic n e e d demanded
m o r e of science a n d invention? the p o l i t i c a l n e c e s s i t y cried out for m o r e a £ clear
thinking a n d honest a c t i o n ; the low state of m o r a l s could b e r a i s e d only b y a religion of reason a n d s e l f - d e v o t i o n .
bute to the general need?
be itself regenerated?
What could the little S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s contri-
Could it contribute a n y h e l p f u l thing u n l e s s it should
W a s there a n y t h i n g m o r e p r o m i s i n g for this r e g e n e r a t i o n
than a sounder education £ « f i t s youth?
M i g h t not a better educated generation
n
^
3/-
__ T h e gloom w h i c h h u n g like a p a l l o v e r the U n i t e d States a n d the w o r l d in
the later 1850's is reflected in the following a r t i c l e p u b l i s h e d in Harper's
W e e k l y , October 1 0 , 1 8 5 7 , -a** entitled the "Lesson of the Day":
J'-It is a gloomy moment in h i s t o r y .
Not for m a n y years - not in the lifetime
of most m e n who r e a d this paper - h a s there b e e n so m u c h grave a n d deep a p p r e h e n s i o n ;
never has the future seemed so incalculable as a t this t i m e .
In our own country
there is u n i v e r s a l commercial p r o s t r a t i o n a n d p a n i c , a n d thousands of o\ir p o o r e s t
fellow-citizens a r e turned out a g a i n s t the a p p r o a c h i n g winter w i t h o u t employment, a n d
without the prospect of i t .
^ I n F r a n c e the p o l i t i c a l caldron seethes a n d b u b b l e s w i t h u n c e r t a i n t y ; R u s s i a
h,
h a n g s , as u s u a l , like a c l o u d , d a r k a n d s i l e n t , u p o n the^orizon of Europe; while a l l
the e n e r g i e s , resources and influences of the B r i t i s h Empire a r e sorely t r i e d , a n d
a r e y e t to b e tried m o r e s o r e l y , in coping w i t h the vast a n d deadly Indian insurrect i o n , a n d with its disturbed relations in C h i n a .
^•It is a solemn m o m e n t , a n d no m a n can feel en indifference (which, h a p p i l y ,
no m a n p r e t e n d s to f e e l ) in the issue of e v e n t s .
f O t our own troubles no m a n can see the e n d .
They a r e f o r t u n a t e l y , as y e t ,
mainly commercial; a n d if we a r e only to lose m o n e y , a n d b y p a i n f u l p o v e r t y to b e
taught wisdom - the w i s d o m of h o n o r , of f a i t h , of sympathy and of charity - no m a n
n e e d seriously to d e s p a i r .
A n d yet the very h a s t e to b e r i c h , w h i c h is the occasion
of this w i d e s p r e a d c a l a m i t y , h a s also tended to destroy the m o r a l forces w i t h w h i c h
1
we are to resist a n d subdue the calamity. ^
32
-
achieve "both freedom a n d p e a c e , p r o s p e r i t y a n d righteousness?
Such w e r e the q u e s t i o n i n g s , the needs a n d the opportunity which p r e s s e d in u p o n
the m i n d s of M a r t h a Tyson and B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l a n d led them to those efforts which gave
rise to Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
We h a v e seen h o w they m e t in 1855 w i t h temporary failure;
and the m i n u t e s of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g (of b o t h m e n a n d w o m e n "Friends) during the
next five years show^the educational interest of the m e e t i n g centered in the F a i r Hill
School a n d in w o r k for the I n d i a n s .
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , M a r t h a T y s o n a n d Samuel M .
Janney participated largely in these concerns; b u t the events of the time m a d e even m o r e
pressing their desire for a n a d e q u a t e school for the Society's y o u n g p e o p l e .
They w e r e determined that this school should be of the best p o s s i b l e t y p e , a n d
they realized that their branch of the small Society of F r i e n d s w o u l d require for this
purpose a l l the strength that comes from u n i t e d e f f o r t .
They therefore naturally turned
to their sister Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k , where m o r e of the numerical
a n d f i n a n c i a l strength of the society c e n t e r e d .
..
d
,
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g and E d u c a t i o n .
, ,
/
waeAa favorable t i m e , ^ "the p s y c h o l o g i c a l m o m e n t " , ^ f o r a n a p p e a l to P h i l adelphia F r i e n d s .
The subject of e d u c a t i o n a m o n g them h a d never w h o l l y lost the original
impulse g i v e n it by W i l l i a m P e n n and the founders of the Q u a k e r Commonwealth; a n d in the
second quarter of the N i n e t e e n t h ^ e n t u r y , especially after the Separation of 1 8 2 7 , there
was a revived and strongly increasing movement in its b e h a l f .
3k
It is true that in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1 8 2 7 i t s e l f , the caution was given
that
a l l its m e m b e r s should "remember that the G o s p e l of Christ stands not in speculative
opinions, n o r in the will a n d w i s d o m of m a n , b u t in the p o w e r of the one true a n d living
God.
O u r b l e s s e d Lord g a v e ample p r o o f of its s i m p l i c i t y , in selecting illiterate fisher-
e
m ^ n to be a m o n g s t its promulgators."
N e v e r t h e l e s s , such m e m b e r s and leaders of the meet-
^ A n E p i s t l e , e t c . j* pfaila., 1 8 2 7 , p . 1 0 .
-
3 2 - 1
ing as Lucretia M o t t (who h a d been a m e m b e r of the P h i l a d e l p h i a m e e t i n g for eighteen
years, and in 1 8 2 7 , at the age of t w e n t y - f i v e , h a d b e e n a m i n i s t e r for n i n e y e a r s ) w e r e
convinced that a trained intellect does notXdfttiiH but m a k e s m o r e illuminating f o r one's
self a n d others the Light W i t h i n .
W e find the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g g r a d u a l l y a c c e p t i n g their
V?
point of v i e w b u t , ift 1 8 2 9 , m e r e l y w r i t i n g to its m e m b e r s a s follows;
"The religious
guarded education of our y o u t h h a s a l s o engaged o u t a t t e n t i o n , a n d the importance h a s b e e n
inculcated of restraining them from the p u r s u i t of the p e r n i c i o u s c u s t o m s , the empty
follies, and the v a i n fashions of the a g e , and of b r i n g i n g them u p in that
nlainness
and simplicity w h i c h b e c o m e our h o l y profession."
In 1 8 2 9 , there were 43 F r i e n d s ' schools w i t h i n the limits of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ;
in 1 8 2 9 , only 29 w e r e reported; b u t in 1 8 3 0 , the n u m b e r r e p o r t e d w a s 4 4 ; in 1 8 3 1 , 5 2 ;
and in 1 8 3 2 , 5 5 . The "Third A n n u a l Q u e r y " , r e l a t i n g to e d u c a t i o n , w a s p r e s s e d in the Y e a r l y
Meeting of 1 8 3 0 , w i t h the a c k n o w l e d g m e n t that it w a s evident from the reports
34
constituent m e e t i n g s that "great deficiencies" e x i s t e d .
of the
In the sessions of 1 8 3 1 a n d 1 8 3 2 ,
the m e e t i n g w a s impressed w i t h the w i d e s p r e a d " c o r r u p t i n g influence of pernicious publications" , w i t h the number of F r i e n d s ' children r e c e i v i n g "literary instruction from a m o n g s t
*
it there-
fore a p p o i n t e d a committee of two P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s "to w h o m a p p l i c a t i o n s m a y be m a d e
for t e a c h e r s , to supply such schools; a s a l s o , on behalf of persons inclining to engage in
>Ht
that employment."
H a v e r f o r d School w a s established by the O r t h o d o x Friends in 1 8 3 3 ; a n d this p r o b a b l y
brought "the educational concern" to a h e a d a m o n g the L i b e r a l F r i e n d s ; for in that y e a r ,
the m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a p p o i n t e d a committee of forty-one on "the right education of our
,
Epistle**, P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 2 9 , P p . 1 0 - 1 1 .
:' - Minutes of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ( M & ) .
- ^ E x t r a c t s from the M i n u t e s * , 1 8 3 0 , p . 4 .
- Ten schools were reported in 1832 a s b e i n g "under the care of p e e t i n g s , b u t not a t
present taught by members."
I! - ^fcxtracts*, 1 8 3 2 , "B. 6 .
32 Jhildren and. y o u t h , p a r t i c u l a r l y in relation to schools."
The m i n u t e r e c o r d i n g this
Important step states that ."^uhder the exercise p r o d u c e d o n , this o c c a s i o n , a p r o p o s a l was
uade, a n d with m u c h u n a n M i t y ' a d o p t e d , to separate tt copmittee for the purpose of
;.
v.:
'
A
—'. gain-
• .
•
.P"
Lng a m o r e intimate k n o w l e d g e of the state of our religious society on tlais deeply inter^
. . .
...'.••• >••
ssting subject; —
a n d a l s o , if w a y should open/- to m a k e such" p r o p o s a l s for improvement
In school education as m a y comfort w i t h our religious p r i n c i p l e s , the w e l f a r e a n d preservation of our children a n d y o u t h , a n d the a d v a n c e m e n t of this c o n c e r n for their g u a r d e d ,
religious e d u c a t i o n . *
H a v i n g a p p o i n t e d their c o m m i t t e e , the m e n ' s m e e t i n g sent " a d e p u t a t i o n to the '
women's m e e t i n g informing it of their a c t i o n ; a n d tho-'womenls m e e t i n g , "having been ezer;ised on this important Subject a t a f o r m e r s i t t i n g , were p r e p a r e d o n r e n e w e d
consideration
M-3
fully to u n i t e w i t h our b r e t h r e n therein."
Twenty-eight women Friends
w e r e thereupon
Appointed a s m e m b e r s of the joint c o m m i t t e e ; L u c r e t i a M o t t ' s name is the last o n the l i s t .
•4
w.
The first report of this c o m m i t t e e w a s b a s e d on a n e l e v e n - p o i n t questionnaire sent
out to the M o n t h l y and P r e p a r a t i v e Meetings!, a n d w a s p r e s e n t e d to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of
4jr
1834.
It w a s a comprehensive one on the status of the existing Friends* S c h o o l s .
James
Siott, L u c r e t i a ' s h u s b a n d , w a s one of the four signers of the reportV^**t LucretiE^jjS^ a
member Of the committee a n d h a d b e e n clerk of the w o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for some y e a r s .
i
T h e report r e v e a l e d that of a b o u t 5 , 0 0 0 F r i e n d ^ children of school a g e w i t h i n
Philadelphia. Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , only 8 0 0 w e r e a t t e n d i n g F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , the remainder b e i n g
scattered in 200 other s c h o o l s , a m o n g w h i c h W e s t t o w n h a d 82 of the children of Liberal
Friends.
It m a d e a n a p p e a l to F r i e n d s for greater liberality in b u i l d i n g suitable school-
houses, p r o c u r i n g well qualified t e a c h e r s , supplying them w i t h "proper b o o k s , m a p s a n d other
»»
. - Ibid, 1833,
apparatus a d a p t e d to the p r e s e n t improved state of e d u c a t i o n in u s e f u l learning; a n d it
3 - T h e number stated in the p r i n t e d report is 3 6 ; but the M & . m i n u t e s give the names of
only X%.
5 - She was clerk of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d w a s a p p o i n t e d a s an a d d i t i o n a l m e m b e r of
|
P h i l a d e l p h i a Quarterly M e e t i n g , after other representatives of that m e e t i n g h a d b e e n
named first on the l i s t .
4
"
1 0
'
Aw^ r ^ U
^
fih&l^tiLnc
tcL
A
A
tzJLrtudLj
^
j
A
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^
^
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a^J-^c^er"^"
/
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y
7tL
Pi
rfjir
-
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/owJU,
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- -
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—•
-
recommended, for both economical a n d educational r e a s o n s , the linking together of literaryinstruction a n d m a n u a l l a b o r , so that "the h o u r s of relaxation from study" m i g h t be devoted
to a training w h i c h w o u l d fit a n d itiocline the p u p i l s to "manual labour employments."
It
hesitated to recommend to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g itself the establishment of " a literary a n d
manual labour institution"; b u t s u g g e s t e d "the p r o p r i e t y of encouraging Friends
individually,
or an a s s o c i a t i o n of F r i e n d s , to embrace a n y right opening to commence literary
institutions
on this principle."
. .
U n d e r the impulse to e d u c a t i o n g i v e n b y thisYYearly M e e t i n g c o m m i t t e e , there w a s
much activity in 1 8 3 5 , in the v i s i t i n g of F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , starting of l i b r a r i e s , introducing proper " r e a d i n g - b o o k s " , a n d a d v o c a t i n g the search foiS^s* a d e q u a t e p a y m e n t of w e l l
qualified Friends as t e a c h e r s .
There was a strong m o v e m e n t in the c o m m i t t e e , a l s o , for
the establishment of one or m o r e b o a r d i n g ! s c h o o l s u n d e r the care
of^thejieetir
lgjf^aj^ in
'
LmJIA^pr
*
A
1836, the committee p r e s e n t e d to the m e e t i n g ^ . report( w h i c h w a s "satisfactory" to the
women's m e e t i n g , but w h i c h w a s ^ n o t ^ s a t i s f a c t o r y " to the m e n ' s , a n d w a s therefore returned
to the committee for further c o n s i d e r a t i o n .
T h e n e x t y e a r , the c o m m i t t e e reported that "no
way had opened for further p r o g r e s s in the c o n c e r n " ; and it therefore recommended that boarding-schools should b e started by individual F r i e n d s or a s s o c i a t i o n s of F r i e n d s , and not by
the Yearly Meeting.i^aa2s£k.
A t this time there w e r e reported to b e 4 8 schools u n d e r the
care of m o n t h l y or p r e p a r a t i v e m e e t i n g s , a n d 3 0 others taught by F r i e n d s .
It was the deter-
mination of the Yearly M e e t i n g that these should not b e subjected to the competition of a
Yearly M e e t i n g school w h i c h c a u s e d the m e e t i n g to recordvfee. m i n u t e ^ i n 1 8 3 7 , that "way did
not open in the M e e t i n g f o r its a d o p t i o n ^ t h a t i s , the m o d i f i e d report of the committee referred to a b o v e l i
the Committee a r e therefore released."
The decades of the 1830's a n d 1|40's saw a g r e a t l y renewed a c t i v i t y in P h i l a d e l p h i a
Jf
Yearly M e e t i n g in behalf of the a b o l i t i o n of ^ e g r o slavery and in the care of the I n d i a n s .
Cain (Quarterly M e e t i n g , a n d J a m e s a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t a n d W i l l i a m a n d D e b o r a h W h a r t o n in
Philadelphia, took the lead in this a c t i v i t y .
But the w o m e n of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g especially
e determined that even these p h i l a n t h r o p i e s should not h e p e r m i t t e d to side-track their
:ern for the p r o p e r education of F r i e n d s ' own c h i l d r e n .
The w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g , t h e r e f o r e ,
if.7
L838 (with Deborah F . W h a r t o n a s c l e r k ) r e c o r d e d the following m i n u t e :
^ T h e education of pur y o u t h ^ is felt to b e & subject of deep interest b y m a n y of u s ;
while we are fully sensible that literary k n o w l e d g e cannot supply the place of h e a v e n l y
ioqi, w e believe that our intellectual faculties a r e n u a b e r e d a m o n g the talents g i v e n u s
improvement, a n d that the right cultivation of thesejj qualifies f o r m o r e extensive useless in s o c i e t y , and in the w o r l d at l a r g e . ^
It then p r o c e e d e d to a p p o i n t a "standing committee" of its m e m b e r s to p r o s e c u t e the
:ern, a n d repeated this action (after the standing c o m m i t t e e a p p e a r s to have been disled) in 1 8 4 3 ,
On the latter committee of t h i r t y - s i x , were n a m e d Lucretia M o t t , D e b o r a h
friarton, a n d M a r y S . Lippincott (the sister of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ) .
T h e m e n ' s y e a r l y meeting", after the rebuff of 1 8 3 7 , w a s slow to follow the w o m e n ' s
1 on education; a n d even in 1 8 4 3 , the m e n m e r e l y r e c o r d as their a c t i o n the following
ite:
T
u
" T h e subject of a guarded religious e d u c a t i o n of our c h i l d r e n , h a v i n g b e e n impressive-
>pened, the m i n d s of Friends w e r e drawn to a close examination of the important duty w h i b h
>lves u p o n the m e m b e r s of this m e e t i n g towards the r i s i n g g e n e r a t i o n ; a n d m u c h exercise
railed on the occasion."
* A n Epistle from the_ Yearly M e e t i n g of W o m e n F r i e n d s * , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 3 8 , ® p .
tracts'*, 1 8 4 3 , p p . fT 1 0 .
"ftitrciota", '1013 1 P . 1 .
7 - 8 .
]
'
yoAwwv^ ^ I
To the w o m e n ' s Yearly M e e t i n g in 1 8 4 4 , the "Standing Committee on E d u c a t i o n
and Libraries" p r e s e n t e d a n e x t e n d e d re-nort,
51*
c o n t a i n i n g statistical information oh-
tained from the Monthly M e e t i n g s c h o o l s , and a p p e a l i n g for greater support of Friendly
education in the following p a r a g r a p h s :
^ M a n y of the R e p o r t s r e c e i v e d , give e v i d e n c e , that a m o n g women F r i e n d s , genera l l y , there is a desire a n d care to support the testimonies of the Society in the education of their c h i l d r e n .
Some state great l o s s from want of suitable s c h o o l s , the dis-
trict or p u b l i c system only b e i n g , in their s e c t i o n , in o p e r a t i o n , a n d these under adverse a n d u n f r i e n d l y d i r e c t i o n .
W h i l e the Committee rejoice in the general diffusion
of u s e f u l k n o w l e d g e , they b e l i e v e that the m a n n e r in which some of the p u b l i c schools
are c o n d u c t e d , is inconsistent w i t h the v i e w s of F r i e n d s , and w i t h m a n y of the p r i n c i p l e s
ana t e s t i m o n i e s , w e have a l w a y s deemed p r e c i o u s .
2TWe cannot expect our children to be f a i t h f u l supporters of t h e s e , if we suffer
them in the susceptible season of youth to b e e x p o s e d to c o u n t e r - i n f l u e n c e s , and an
obligation rests u p o n us to shield them t h e r e f r o m .
a due p o r t i o n of our time a n d means?
Is there a n object m o r e w o r t h y of
Can any inheritance w h i c h p a r e n t s m a y a c c u m u l a t e ,
serve as a substitute for a liberal a n d religiously g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n , the result of a
wise co—operation of h o m e ana school influences?
IPBelieving as w e d o , in the b e n e f i t s of t h e s e , it is a subject of m u c h r e g r e t ,
that Friends should suffer their school-houses to lie v a c a n t , or be given u p to the
direction of others a n d p l a c e d b e y o n d their own c o n t r o l .
In some n e i g h b o u r h o o d s these
schools are k e p t only a few months in the year; a n d a frequent change of t e a c h e r s , is
another of the disadvantageous
consequences.
have ascertained that in m a r y p a r t s of the country it is difficult for
Friends to obtain teachers for their family a n d other schools, w h i l e at the same time
there a r e young w o m e n who w o u l d w i l l i n g l y turn their a t t e n t i o n to the occupation of
P
Extracts**. 1844,
5 - 9.
Some of the fall on ing. facts a s reportedNyaaMt: 3 , 6 7 7 children over four years of age
requiring school education; 712 of these in 2 7 M o n t h l y a n d Freparatitf®. M e e t i n g
Schools; 630 attend other schools taught by Friend.s; 70 school-houses b e l o n g i n g
to F r i e n d s , in some of which two schools are k e p t .
Jfr* 36
teaching but whose remote situations and limited circumstances preclude them from the
requisite advantages.
To this subject, the Committee think it right to call the atten-
tion of the Quarterly M e e t i n g s , that they m a y seek out such within their own b o r d e r s ,
and by furnishing the means for adequate instruction to them, suitable teachers m a y be
qualified to fill the vacant p l a c e s .
There has existed for several years p a s t , in one
of our Quarterly Meetings a fund raised entirely by women Friends, and u n d e r their
control for the purposes of education, and especially for the qualification of teachers.
Two of these, thus educated w e r e , by last a c c o u n t s , teaching large schools, each in h e r
respective neighbourhood.
We believe if this concern were carried out in all our- Quar-
terly Meetings the most beneficial results would ensue.
For those in remote and thinly
settled districts, we desire that the Yearly Meeting m a y be able to suggest some plan
of relief."
T h e women's Standing Committee continued to meet quarterly, a n d its subcommittee
m o n t h l y , during the next few y e a r s , devoting themselves to the increa.se of Monthly
Meeting schools and libraries, and the aiding of "young women in limited circumstances"
to fitttag themselves as teachers in them.
In 1 3 4 6 , the standing tfommittee was reorgan-
ized, with Lucretia Mott and Deborah F . Wharton at the head of a list of sixty-two menw
bers; but the next y e a r , the committee was released, and the subordinate meetings were
requested to appoint committees of their own and to forward renortj/to the yearly meet-
Sl
ing.
I
The subordinate meetings responded in 1848 to this request, a n d the Philadelphia
women were encouraged to believe that the problem of education might be solved by the
subordinate meetings; but a letter received that year from the women's Yearly Meeting
of Baltimore, signed by Martha E . T y s o n , Clerk, told of the appointment by it of a
central committee, r n No further action W s
ta • en b y the Philadelphia women in 1 8 4 3 ;
but the next year came an appeal* f r o m ^ l n Quarterly Meeting that all the children in
the Society should be supplied with "a religious guarded education, u n d e r the sunerin-
S&
tenaence of the Yearly Meeting."
-
.
^ E x t r a ^ s ^ , 1 8 4 5 7 B d . 6 - 9 ; 1 8 4 6 . ? p 7 7 - 8 , 1 1 - 1 2 ; 18~47,T|».
T
r
^ t r a c i s ^ , 1848,Bp.'4,7,12-13; M e n * s * E x t r a c t l * , 1 8 4 8 , P . 6 ; 1 8 ^ 0 ,
g j f M i f t \%m>
- 9.
7.
3 5 - 1
Fifteen years b e f o r e this a p p e a l to the Yearly M e e t i n g , Cain Quarterly Meeting h a d considered the p l a n of establishing a Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g b o a r d i n g - s c h o o l ; but as
(rttJLefXS ir~i
/w^jut^ -vw
Mntf*
'way did not open" for t h i s , it sent to its s u b o r d i n a t e m e e t i n g s the f o l l o w i n g p r o p o s a l ^
*To supply the great deficiency that is a c k n o w l e d g e d to e x i s t , the committee |of the
Quarterly M e e t i n g on education^ h a v e h a d their a t t e n t i o n turned to consider w h e t h e r a
joarding school m i g h t not be established within our l i m i t s , conducted b y a company composed
>f the members of our religious s o c i e t y , in w h i c h children could obtain a n education to fit
uhem for b u s i n e s s , a t a m o d e r a t e expense; a n d , at the same t i m e , acquire h a b i t s of i n d u s t r y ,
and a k n o w l e d g e of some one or m o r e of the m e c h a n i c a r t s .
m
The expense of establishing such
institution to be defrayed by v o l u n t a r y c o n t r i b u t i o n s , - or a d v a n c e d in shares by con-
tributors, a n d h e l d ii^the n a t u r e of stock - and t ^ t school to b e conducted u n d e r the dirsction of an a c t i n g c o m m i t t e e or board of m a n a g e r s , chosen a n n u a l l y b y the stockholders from
among t h e m s e l v e s .
"*Up6n deliberate a t t e n t i o n , t h e r e f o r e , w e a g r e e d to p r o p o s e , that the consideration of the establishment of such a n i n s t i t u t i o n be r e c o m m e n d e d to the M o n t h l y a n d Preparative Meetings w i t h i n our Q u a r t e r , a n d to the m e m b e r s of our religious society g e n e r a l l y ,
to take p l a c e w h e n e v e r the a d e q u a t e means are s u b s c r i b e d , or sxich times as the contributors
themselves shall a p p r o v e .
A n d we further p r o p o s e , that such of our m e e t i n g s , w h e t h e r com-
posed of m e n or women F r i e n d s , as shall incline to h o l d a share in the s t o c k , be represented
in the m e e t i n g s of contributors by such delegates of either s e x , a s t h e y m a y
respectively
appoint.
^ T h e committee do not p r o p o s e in this r e p o r t , to furnish a p l a n in the detail for
such an institution; this m u s t be left f o r the contributors t h e m s e l v e s , to w h o m it more
properly b e l o n g s ; b u t w e a r e g e n e r a l l y -united in b e l i e v i n g from the trials that h a v e been
made u p o n this system e l s e w h e r e , that b y a judicious division of time b e t w e e n literary pursuits, under competent t e a c h e r s , a n d u s e f u l employment u n d e r farmers a n d skilful m e c h a n i c s ,
after allowing full time for reasonable r e l a x a t i o n , the expense of b o a r d i n g and schooling
35 -
la
m a y be so lessened b y the m a n u a l labour of the s c h o l a r s , as greatly to relieve parents
in moderate c i r c u m s t a n c e s , a n d at the same time be b e n e f i c i a l to the children of Friends
generally.
?
-While the women's m e e t i n g w a s considering this a p p e a l , their minutes
1
reveal^
a deputation from M e n ' s M e e t i n g informed u s that they h a d h a d the subject before t h e m ,
and their deep interest therein resulted in the appointment of a committee to join a
committee of W o m e m F r i e n d s (should one be a p p o i n t e d ) to take the subject of e d u c a t i o n ,
the state of schools, a n d the wants of s o c i e t y , u n d e r consideration; the Meeting u n i t e d
therewith, a n d the following Friends are aonointed."
H e r e follows a list of 66 w o m e n
57
Friends, w i t h the names of D e b o r a h F . W h a r t o n a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t at its h e a d .
f
!
printed " Extracts'
r
The
of the m e n ' s m e e t i n g in 1850 h a v e no reference to this action; b u t
its manuscript minutes record the following;
•
'RDaln Quarterly M e e t i n g forwards the following: m i n u t e .
(•<• ^ C T h e following m i n u t e w a s f o r w a r d e d from U c h l a n M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , v i z . The
subject of schools a n d the s i t u a t i o n of m a n y friends w h o l i v e remote one from a n o t h e r
find n o t free to send their children to the common schools u n d e r the direction of officers of the commonwealth, being a g a i n b r o u g h t into v i e w by reading the second annual
query, m u c h sympathy was felt and e x p r e s s e d for p a r e n t s thus c i r c u m s t a n c e d , a n d it
appears that some such employ teachers in their f a m i l i e s , the p r a c t i c e is m u c h a p p r o v e d
S
and commended especially for young c h i l d r e n , b u t u p o n consideration it is our sen^e
that we can not discharge our duty to our children a n d to p o s t e r i t y u n t i l w e p r o v i d e
ample means independent of the p u b l i c schools of confering u p o n them a religious gua.rd> c
ed education u n d e r the superintendence of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , w h i c h u p o n consideration
w a s directed to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for such action thereon a s that Meeting might deem
- .• improper.
I S ^ E x r a c t e d from the M i n u t e s of C^ln Quarterly M e e t i n g b y
M o s e s W h i t s o n , Clerk.J?
?*and the concerr. obtaining the a t t e n t i o n of this M e e t i n g it was b e l i e v e d of sufficient
^Extracts*- (women's"), 1 8 5 0 , J f p T I ~ l r . . ^ , > 7
ZaQTl-I^L
^ M i n u t e s of the Men's M e e t i n g . 1838 - 1858
194 - 5 . T h e s e records a r e p r e s e r v e d
in the F r i e n d s ' Historical L i b r a r y , Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
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interest to submit the subject of the education of our children g e n e r a l l y to
the deliberate judgement of the following f r i e n d s , who in c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h W o m e n
friends if they should appoint to the s e r v i c e , are d e s i r e d to give it careful
consideration & report as way opens.'*'
H e r e follow the names of sixty-four F r i e n d s , six from each of ten Quarterly Meetings and four from the last a n d l e a s t .
The name of J o h n D . G r i s c o m ,
of P h i l a d e l p h i a , heads the l i s t , w h i c h includes such familiar l e a d e r s as J o h n
C o m l y , J o s e p h F o u l k e , J o n a t h a n p "Mc Gill" (the father of E d w a r d H . M a g i l l , second
president of Swarthmore C o l l e g e ) , J o h n J a c k s o n , T h o m a s H o o p e s , a n d J o s e p h S .
Walton(grandfather
of the s e c o n d , and great-grandfather of the t h i r d , principal
io
of G e o r g e S c h o o l ) .
frrtvit
• O u m m i b t o e ' b W o r k , 1DG0 5 0 .
This large joint committee of 130 m e n a n d women Friends proceeded to
work "as way opened" during the f o l l o w i n g d e c a d e .
A t the Yearly M e e t i n g of 1 8 5 1 ,
it p r e s e n t e d a r e p o r t , signed by J o h n D . G r i s c o m , C l e r k ,
4
T h e complete list of the m e m b e r s of the J o i n t Committee and the Quarterly
Meetings from which the m e n c a m e , is g i v e n in A p p e n d i x I,infra, P.445.
na»i lin.ili-u I |.» .•• r 111.
Vh
n g ^ l r^g
ypp.fly
nf l a g l , nf •hnt.Vi
Wopf-jry
mnn-
d womo]» r contain a report of tho Joint Oorarnttcc-;—signed lay J o h n D . Q r i a o o m , Olorls,
.ich stated that "there a r e at least 4 , 5 0 0 children of the m e m b e r s of this Yea.rlv
;eting requiring school education" and of t h e s e , "only 998 a r e e d u c a t e d in schools u n d e r
.e care of the Society."
In spite of this c o n d i t i o n , the committee reported that it
.8 r.aay at present to recommend only "that F r i e n d s , in their respective n e i g h b o u r h o o d s ,
i encouraged to maintain schools u n d e r their own control, in such m a n n e r as w i l l m a k e
em e q u a l , or superior, to the P u b l i c , a n d other schools around t h e m .
A n d , a l s o , that
e attention of F r i e n d s , g e n e r a l l y , and p a r t i c u l a r l y those remotely s i t u a t e d , b e especlly directed to Family Sdh&ols."
T h e committee w a s thereupon " c o n t i n u e d a n d encouraged
u
give further a t t e n t i o n to this h i g h l y interesting concern."
Samuel M . J a n n e y was
•esent at this Yearly Meeting;, and p r o b a b l y p a r t i c i p a t e d in the d i s c u s s i o n of the subject
Friends' schools; but Martha. T y s o n ' s a p p e a l for a central F r i e n d s ' school of the h i g h e r
a m i n e h a d not yet been m a d e .
.
c .
•
'
1058-, of b o t h m e n m n d woman» recalled the facts stated
i the report of 1851 a n d advocated the establishment of free schools for F r i e n d s ' children
i all of the monthly or quarterly m e e t i n g s , so' that the competition of free p u b l i c
:hools m i g h t b e successfully m e t ?
B u t w h e n the Joint C o m m i t t e e en E d u c a t i o n p r o p o s e d the
•
stting u p of a fund for the p u r p o s e in every m o n t h l y a n d p r e p a r a t i v e m e e t i n g , the m e n ' s
sarly M e e t i n g of 1853 decided that "the m i n d s of F r i e n d s b e i n g freely expressed thereon,
m way did not open at the present time to adopt it", a n d "its further
is "referred, to the attention of the m e e t i n g next year."
consideration"
A "deputation from Men's Meet-
ig" informed the women's m e e t i n g of this p o s t p o n e m e n t , and the w o m e n w e r e o b l i g e d to
A***
m c u r y i t ; but they a p p o i n t e d a committee of their own "to receive v o l u n t a r y
.th which to aid the education of F r i e n d s ' children "in remote situations."
63
, Wharton was a m e m b e r of this committee of s e v e n .
-
^Extracts**, 1 8 5 1 (men's), p p . 7 - 9; (women's), B p . 6 - 7 .
E x t r a c t s P , 1852 (men's), f p . 1 3 - 1 5 ; ( w o m e n ' s / , p p . 8 - 1 0 .
^ E x t r a c t g * . 1853 (menjs), p p . 5 , 13; (women's) j&p. 6 , 9 - 1 0 .
contributions"
Deborah
40
to
11
the p r e v a i l i n g sentiment of the m e e t i n g " and adop.ted the committee's
of 1 8 5 2 .
recommendations
This "prevailing sentiment" w a s expressed a s follows in one of its m i n u t e s :
^ h e m e e t i n g was baptized, into a sense of the importance of the obligations w h i c h rest
upon us toward the b e l o v e d y o u t h u n d e r our c a r e .
The importance of p r o v i d i n g our child*,
ren with suitable intellectual food., w h i c h is necessary for the growth a n d development
of their m i n d s , was a c k n o w l e d g e d , but it w a s felt to be far more important that their
moral a n d religious training should be a t t e n d e d t o .
The increase of publications cal-
culated to excite the i m a g i n a t i o n , a n d cherish false views of l i f e , w a s cause of deep
concern, a n d the p e r u s a l of them w a s shown to b e deleterious to that purity of thought
a n d a c t i o n w h i c h the Christian religion l e a d s u n t o .
This k i n d of reading unfits the
mind for the contemplation of those sublime truths w h i c h are recorded in the Holy
Scriptures.'V
another indication of their feelings in regard to e d u c a t i o n .
One p a r a g r a p h of it reads
as follows:
3*The subject of a rightly g u a r d e d education for our y o u t h lias a g a i n claimed
the earnest attention of this m e e t i n g .
In view of the p r e s e n t common school system,
w h i c h has drawn a large p o r t i o n of our children from the superintendence of F r i e n d s , we
have b e e n engaged in w e i g h t y consideration of the consequences that m u s t inevitably
follow, if their instruction is committed to o t h e r s , who are not of our religious principles.
A n education in literature and science w a s felt to b e of secondary i m p o r t a n c e ,
if, with it, those great testimonies w e u p h o l d a r e not ingrafted u p o n the tender a n d
plastic m i n d - if the frequent reading of the H o l y S c r i p t u r e s , and the w i t h d r a w a l from
outward pursuits to wait for Divine counsel a n d fruiaance, b e n e f d e c t e d . ^
The women's
f V
Intelligencer,
„
^
...
^T5b5.
0
„
.„at the m e n h a d
41
i f
adopted the committee's report of 1 3 5 2 , took the same a c t i o n .
T h e y f o l l o w e d this u p
in m o r e v i g o r o u s f a s h i o n than did the m e n , a n d their committee (headed b y D e b o r a h P .
W h a r t o n ) p r e s e n t e d a r e p o r t , in 1 3 5 5 ,
Friends' s c h o o l s .
of its successful effort to establish n e w
In 1856 a g a i n , the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g a d o p t e d the report of its com-
il
m i t t e e w i t h the following m i n u t e :
satisfactory report f r o m the Standing C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n a n d Libraries, w a s read, furnishing encouragement to b e l i e v e that a n increasing interest is felt
throughout the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g on the important subject of a religiously g u a r d e d education; a l s o , that y o u n g women' i n m e m b e r s h i p m a y b e a i d e d , w h e n there is n e e d , to b e c o m e
qualified for teachers;
- that w e m a y h a v e our schools of such a c h a r a c t e r , that in
them F r i e n d s ' children m a y receive a n e d u c a t i o n to fit them for b u s i n e s s , without the
necessity of sending t h e m , at a n early a g e , from the guardianship a n d society of their
parents.
T h e Committee is c o n t i n u e d , a n d a few F r i e n d s n a m e d to a s s i s t in devising some
means to obtain funds sufficient to enable them to p r o s e c u t e the c o n c e r n .
T h e want of
well qualified t e a c h e r s , to take charge of F r i e n d s ' s c h o o l s , is still a c k n o w l e d g e d ,
and it is b e l i e v e d that the Fund h a s p r o v e d a b l e s s i n g to some who h a v e received a i d
i n their efforts to improve in the h i g h e r b r a n c h e s , a n d w i l l , if contributed t o , still
b e b e n e f i c i a l ; a n d Friends have b e e n p e r s u a d e d to spare a little of their m e a n s , that
greater g o o d m a y result to society
T h e women's ora committee continued to collect voluntary contributions w i t h
which to p r o v i d e b o t h schools a n d t e a c h e r s , a n d to a p p e a l to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g to give
further a i d to the great cause of e d u c a t i o n . ^ T h o s e requiring school e d u c a t i o n " , they
,
:
said in their report of 1 8 5 7 , "are continually coming u p o n the stage of a c t i o n , for a s
\ -
wl
Ibid, V o l .
p . 169.
It w a s a t
cipal of Friends* Central S c h o o l ,
larged career.
t - ^Extracts*", 1855 ( w o m e n ' s ) , p p . 4
$ - ^ E x t r a c t s * , 1856 ( w o m e n ' s ) , p p . 5
this time that A a r o n B . Ivins w a s chosen P r i n P h i l a d e l p h i a , w h i c h then entered u p o n a m u c h en- 6 .
X^ltZ
- 9 , 13 - 14; Friends' Intelligencer, V o l . ^ ^ , 1 8 5 .
42 day and night succeed each other, so do the generations of mankind; a n d as we think that
great loss has been sustained by luke-warmness in years that are p a s t , in relation to
keeping u p schools w h e r e a guarded education w a s m a i n t a i n e d , we feel the greater need of
doing now what our hands find to d o .
In conformity with this v i e w , w e have endeavoured
to fulfil the trust committed to u s , as way as o p e n e d . ^
n
The Yearly Meeting of this y e a r responded to its committee's report a s follows*
"The importance of a religiously guarded education for our children, continues to b e
one of increasing interest to our m e m b e r s , a n d w e are encouraged from year to year to
believe that a blessing is attending the labors of those actively engaged in the concern."
T h e next y e a r , their report on aid granted to young w o m e n preparing to teach
brought forth in the Yearly Meeting the "concern t h a t , in the training of our daughters,
there be a n especial reference to their future usefulness in life - that their school
education be ample to fit them for any business that m a y devolve u p o n them - that so
they m a y be capable of maintaining themselves in some useful calling, a s it is feared,
that, for want of this, many young women have b e e n induced to enter into unsuitable
7g
marriage connexions, often involving themselves and others in perplexity and wretchedness.
T h e men's meeting was by this time responding better to the women's a p p e a l ,
was felt to be of vital importance.
W h i l e the storing of the m i n d with useful knowledge
and the development of the intellect a r e proper subjects of parental c a r e , m a y we ever
remember that the growth of those holy principles which spring from the root of Divine
life in the soul, is the main object that should engage our a t t e n t i o n , for on this depends our happiness here and our preparation for the joys of e t e r n i t y . . . . . . .
The
condition of Friends unfavorably situated for the education of their children in schools
under the care of the society, claimed our sympathy, a n d all were encouraged to a n
- jftExtractg", 1 8 5 7 , (women's), B p . 9 - 1 1 .
- Ibid, p . 1 1 .
'
- ^Extracts?*, 1 8 5 8 , (women's), B p . 5 - 6 , 8 , 9 .
Ibid,-Vol i 1 1 , r."lD8.-»
H
increased, c a r e f u l n e s s , to a v o i d p l a c i n g them w h e r e m u s i c a n d v a i n accomplishments have
been i n t r o d u c e d , a n d also a g a i n s t the insidious attempts w h i c h are m a k i n g b y some
professors of r e l i g i o n , to improve p u b l i c m o r a l s b y the encouragement of theatrical
exhibitions."^
that "it is a p l e a s a n t reflection that the responsibilities a t t e n d a n t xrnon the vocation
of teacher m a y "be more fully discharger V
p
the Yearly „Ie tin;;."
%>ven the l i m i t e d assi-vS-v.--/ a f j ^ l e d tl:o:i by
But there r a s evidently m u c h a n x i e t y , if not h o s t i l i t y , in regard
to the n e w m o v e for e d u c a t i o n , not oiil
v
in the n.ent <• cut ever, in the women's meetinr; fo
f'V
a minute of the latter in 1359 records?
"From the s.mall number of applicants the past
year |for teachers' a i d j , we are fearful that the discouragements thrown u p o n the subjec
at cur last meeting has deterred, some of o u r y o u n g friends from a v a i l i n g themselves of
the opportunity of improvement intended for them by the creation of this f u n d , and w h i c h
the committee have ever h e l d themselves in readiness to furnish."
A^yfu-JL
Jjt- (P^jMiJ^jL^J^.
}
jgJ f
M a r t h a Tyson evidently decided that- it was now "the d a r k e s t h o u r before the
dawn", a n d that the increasing interest in education during the 1350's justified m a k i n g
her appeal to P h i l a d e l p h i a , the largest Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in the S o c i e t y .
Three Baltimore
ministers, n a m e l y , Samuel M . J a n n e y , A b e l A . Hull a n d Darlington H o o p e s , had visited
that m e e t i n g
i.impfs during the later 1850's; w h i l e L u c r e t i a M o t t had a t t e n d e d
Baltimore Yearly Meeting in 1 8 5 8 , and Deborah wharton a n d h e r associates w e r e also ready
to give the B a l t i m o r e educational c o n c e r n a n eager w e l c o m e in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
Accordingly
in M a y , 1 3 5 9 , Martha T y s o n journeyed to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g to launch h e r
hopeful but still difficult p r o j e c t .
The records of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the m o d e s t , or perhaps
the falsely m o d e s t , custom of those y e a r s , h a v e only v e i l e d references to h e r m i s s i o n .
n
For e x a m p l e , the Titnutes of the men's m e e t i n g m e r e l y say:
"The interesting subject of
education claimed a t t e n t i o n jat the m e e t i n g on F i f t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 1 2 t h . of F i f t h
MonthJ, a n d a lively concern p r e v a i l e d that F r i e n d s may be enco'ir-ged to give
their
children a g u a r d e d , religious educr-tion, a n d that we m a y not feel that the provision
now m a d e for the support of p u b l i c schools a b s o l v e s u s from the duty of m a i n t a i n i n g our
acts". 1859 ( w o m e n ' s ) , ^ F p . 7 — 8 ,
Manuscript M i n u t e s , . ^ . 8 .
TLeTJjjiimtes of the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g record (on the a f t e r n o o n of Fourths-dry,
I f -
he 11th. of Fifth Month):
"The subject of the guarded education of our children
ontinues to be one of the decpest interest to society [ i . e . to the Society of Friend Jj,
ad we have b e e n encouraged to continue our efforts in aid of those who desire to qualfy themselves for T e a c h e r s .
The Committee |oa E d u c a t i o n and L i b r a r i e s j is continued
o give such attention to the subject as m a y b e c e l l e d for."
A n d then follows the significant p a s s a g e ; "It is b e l i e v e d thot a Boarding
chool u n d e r the care of an A s s o c i a t i o n of Friends for the education of o u r c h i l d r e n , is
reatly n e e d e d ; the subject is left u n d e r our consideration."
T h e m i n u t e s for the next
ay also state: "The interesting-subject of a r e l i g i o u s l y guarded education has again
laimed our solid deliberation."
The minutes of b o t h the m e n ' s a n d w o m e n ' s meetings are w h o l l y silent as to
he a d v o c a t e s of the B o a r d i n g School a n d the srs.xune.nts a n d appeals w h i c h they p r e s e n t e d ,
ut "a friend rho was -resent at the W o m e n ' s Y e a r l y Meeting" sent a communication defTiling the m e e t i n g in some detail to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , in w h i c h there appears the fol,owing statement: /j^A friend from B a l t i m o r e , introduced a concern she had long f e l t , that
u r Society should have an Institution for the liberal and g u a r d e d education of its memiers, especially for such as had the ability and desire to enter the p r o f e s s i o n of teachirs.
She reminded the m e e t i n g , of the labors of W i l l i a m P e n n , Isaac P e n n i n g t o n , John
Jtubbs, and. o t h e r s , who so nobly a n d effectually contributed to the dissemination of the
riews of G e o r g e Fox; their l e a r n i n g enhanced their u s e f u l n e s s , a n d so far from inducing
i spirit of pride, their a c q u i r e m e n t s only served to humble them in a sense o ^ their own
mworthiness.
^ T h e Friend expressed her desires that a n a s s o c i a t i o n be f o r m e d of the m e m b e r s
af the Yearly Meetings of New Y o r k , Philadelphia a n d B a l t i m o r e , for the establishment of
such a n I n s t i t u t i o n , w i t h a n endowment w h i c h w o u l d a f f o r d full a d v a n t a g e s to a l l .
- Manuscript fRinutes,
JR. 5 1 .
r
- Vol.
l. 3 (Fifth M o . 2 1 , 1 8 5 3 ) .
i m f
These
views claimed, the attention of the m e e t i n g , a n d the h o p e w a s expressed that the importance of the subject w o u l d be deeply felt; it was u r g e d that the present is the time
for a c t i o n , and .as ma.;y are now suffering for want of a suitable b o a r d i n g s c h o o l , it
was suggested that u n n e c e s s a r y delay w o u l d u n a v o i d a b l y deprive m a n y of o u r y o u t h of the
advantages such an establishment w o u l d a f f o r d .
O n the last s i t t i n g , a w i s h was expres-
sed that Friends*' m i g h t promote the cause of education in their own n e i g h b o r h o o d by a
liberal support of their smaller s c h o o l s .
deep solemnity and f e e l i n g .
The close of the meeting w a s m a r k e d with
Gr."^
The same number of the Intelligencer contained an editorial n o t i c e of the
=
Jt
Yearly M e e t i n g w h i c h included'the f o l l o w i n g p a r a g r a p h : ^j>The subject of e d u c a t i o n , a n d
the n e c e s s i t y for a. school w h e r e teachers in m e m b e r s h i p w i t h the Society can b e qualified to a s s u m e the responsibilities of instructing our y o u t h , called forth m u c h exp r e s s i o n from Friends in different parts of the Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d though no a c t i o n
was taken this y e a r , the minds of Friends are evidently p r e p a r i n g to embrace and carry
out some w e l l digested p l a n , by w h i c h this important end can b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
m o o t i n g oloood after ono ooooion on S i x t h day morniagT"
"The friend from B a l t i m o r e " , - M a r t h a T y s o n , - having p o u r e d forth Iter
heart's desire b e f o r e the m e e t i n g , w e m a y well b e l i e v e that h e r friend. L u c r e t i a Mott
was one of those who earnestly supported h e r c o n c e r n .
F o r L u c r e t i a h a d a t t e n d e d Bal-
timore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g six m o n t h s b e f o r e , a n d h a d doubtless talked w i t h M a r t h a about the
p r o p o s e d school; a n d in the Y e a r l v M e e t i n g in P h i l a d e l p h i a , In 1 8 5 9 , she w a s active
U - U o l in ito service,
c ^ J ^ ^
^eJ^rrL
Some idea, of the inertia, a n d indifference that M a r t h a T v s o n a n d h e r associates h a d to overcome is reflected in an a r t i c l e w r i t t e n for the I n t e l l i g e n c e r two
months after the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g c l o s e d .
:. )-
Its a u t h o r ("H" ) b e g i n s w i t h the statement;
Ibid, f . 152.
L u c r e t i a led the list of P h i l a d e l p h i a Quarterly M e e t i n g ' s r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s , a n d
Deborah F.Wharton w a s one of t h e m .
:> - V o l ? ® , 9. 2 7 5 .
• j. - "H" might well be B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l .except that the article was dated in Philadelphia.
if
11
T h e '-ant of g o o d p r a c t i c a l s c h o o l s f o r the g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n and p r o p e r m o r a l train-
ing of the y o u t h o f o u r S o c i e t y , h a s n e v e r b e e n more p a i n f u l l y f o r c e d u p o n m y a t t e n t i o n
than w i t h i n the p a s t few w e e k s .
T h e u n a c c o u n t a b l e i n d i f f e r e n c e m a n i f e s t e d b y m a n y of
3ur m e m b e r s on this a l l - i m p o r t a n t s u b j e c t is g r e a t l y
to be d e p l o r e d a n a is, I f e a r ,
naterially a f f e c t i n g o u r r e l i g i o u s w e l f a r e as a. b o d y . "
A f t e r q u o t i n g the a d v i c e on edu-
cation in the P h i l a d e l p h i a " D i s c i p l i n e " , the a u t h o r c o n t i n u e s : "I h a v e r e c e n t l y a t t e n d e d
i n u m b e r of m e e t i n g s in d i f f e r e n t s e t t l e m e n t s . o f F r i e n d s , a n d u p o n i n q u i r y c o u l d n o t
ascertain that in a n y one i n s t a n c e p r o v i s i o n h a d b e e n ma.de for s e c u r i n g to the c h i l d r e n
•md y o u t h the g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n w h i c h o u r D i s c i p l i n e e n j o i n s .
T w o , at l e a s t , of o u r
sister Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s are a l t o g e t h e r s i l e n t u p o n the s u b j e c t of S c h o o l s . "
The " g u a r d e d education" w h i c h this F r i e n d h a d in m i n d w a s one p r o t e c t e d
ageinst the i g n o r a n c e , p r e j u d i c e , a n d h o s t i l i t y to F r i e n d s ' p r i n c i p l e s a n d
testimonies,
Phich w e r e too u s u a l l y f o u n d in the i l l - e q u i p p e d t e a c h e r s p r o v i d e d a t thpt time in the
public s c h o o l s .
A n d y e t Q u a k e r p a r e n t s , b e c a u s e they p a i d taxes for the s u p p o r t of these
s c h o o l s ^ c o n t i n u e d to expose " t h e i r t e n d e r o f f s p r i n g , at a n a g e w h e n t h e i r m i n d s are m o s t
susceptible of i m p r e s s i o n s to the care of t r a n s i e n t p e r s o n s of d o u b t f u l
character."
Such c o m p l a i n t s w e r e e v i d e n c e , n o t o n l y of i n d i f f e r e n c e o n the p a r t of some
nembers of the S o c i e t y , b u t a l s o o f a n a r o u s e d a n a g r o w i n g i n t e r e s t in e d u c a t i o n o n the
oart b o t h of its l e a d e r s a n d of the r a n k a n d f i l e .
-j r - - —
- L t
M a r t h a T y s o n t h e r e f o r e r e t u r n e d to B a l t i m o r e a f t e r h e r v i s i t to P h i l a d e l p h i a
y
H
r
v
-
—
yearly M e e t i n g , in M a y ^ 1 3 5 9 , w i t h r e n e w e d d e t e r m i n a t i o n a n d c o u r a g e .
To h e r a i d c a m e
Deborah F . T7harton, " a m i n i s t e r f r o m S p r u c e S t r e e t M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , P h i l a d e l p h i a " , and.
Samuel C . T h o r n , "a m i n i s t e r f r o m !7estburv M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , L o n g I s l a n d " , b o t h of
%0
whom a t t e n d e d B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r and N o v e m b e r , 1 8 5 S .
Benjamin Hallow-
ell was c l e r k of this m e e t i n g (the m e n ' s b r a n c h ) , a n d M a r g a r e t h i s w i f e was c l e r k of the
women's b r a n c h .
T h e m i n u t e s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g give no echo of a n y a p p e a l s m a d e
behalf of e d u c a t i o n , and w e can o n l y c o n j e c t u r e t h a t a g r e a t d e a l o f u n o f f i c i p l
'"'Extracts**, 1359 (women' s ) , "p. 4 .
in
discussion
'.7
n
of the -problem a n d the latest solution p r o p o s e d for i t , went on during the intervals
between the meeting's sesr ionjjLno in the hours of delightful social converse and. hosf
i
pitality for w h i c h the Baltimore Friends were widely f a m o u s .
(pMu+j^jjfMu.
jyiijfc^^
i sGrt
Martha T^son does not aoo^ar to h a v e a t t e n d e d P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly Meeting in
%
tfey^ 1360;
out she doubtless hopeci m u c h for education from its d e l i b e r a t i o n s .
The
women's m e e t i n g adopted a report from their standing c o m m i t t e e , signed by D e b o r a h F .
STharton a n d Sarah S . Biddle; but this was m e r e l y a. statistical statement
of cash ex-
£3
pended for teachers' training a n d c o o k s .
The women's m e e t i n g did devote a. session to
aiscussine "the religiously g u a r d e d education of o u r c h i l d r e n " , but local m e e t i n g - s c h o o l s (irere still of paramount i n t e r e s t , as a p p e a r s from the following m i n u t e :
^ T h e m e e t i n g w a s i n t r o d u c e d into a deep e x e r c i s e relative to the religiously
guarded e d u c a t i o n of our children; a n d , w h i l e w e are interested in a f f o r d i n g a n education to qualify y o u n g w o m e n for t e a c h e r s , we w e r e encouraged to e x t e n d care to the small
neighbourhood s c h o o l s , where our children receive the first rudiments of l e a r n i n g , a s
impressions are m a d e at this tender a g e w h i c h o f t e n remain through life; a n d b e l i e v i n g
there a r e m a n y remote n e i g h b o u r h o o d s w i t h o u t g o o d p r i m a r y s c h o o l s , our Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s
are requested to take the subject into serious c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d , a f t e r examining into
the situation of their respective m e e t i n g s , to f o r w a r d to o u r next Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a clear
report of the a c t u a l state of those h a v i n g schools a n d those in w a n t of them.-Jb
In the Enistle w h i c h the w o m e n ' s m e e t i n g addressed)to its sister m e e t i n g in
*
Jew Y o r k occurs the following p a s s a g e :
"The deeply interesting subject of the g u a r d e d school
education of our y o u t h h a s b e e n feelingly b e f o r e u s , a n d w e h a v e b e e n reminded that if
ve w o u l d transmit to o u r children the n o b l e t e s t i m o n i e s b o r n e b y o u r p r e d e c e s s o r s , w e m u s t
se a r o u s e d to the importance of m a i n t a i n i n g schools u n d e r our o w n care, where these tesThree other m i n i s t e r s f r o m B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a t t e n d e d the P h i l a d e l p h i a m e e t i n g
~ in 1860,namely,Samuel M . J a n n e y , A b e l A . H u l l f t h o a u t h o r ' a grandfather*) .and D a r l i n g t o n
Hoopes;
R a c h e l H i c k s , a m i n i s t e r from W e s t b u r y . L o n g I s l a n d , a n d Esther Haviland^
timonies
a r ealso
upheld."
! - '"Extracts*. 1 8 6 0 (women's), fi. 4 - 5 .
foho
a u t h o r ' o great grandmother)., a m i n - .
:
1
>id
~ *
p- 12. ...
[later f r o m Chappaqua M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , U . Y .
-^voi.^
f f f T b o T ^ ^ j ^ L L ,
A correspondent sent to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r
a further statement of the w o m e n ' s
a c t i o n , a s follows: JjPThe interest i n education a p p e a r s to i n c r e a s e , a n d a n inquiry
into the exact state of schools in each constituent m e e t i n g enjoined to be m a d e the
ensuing y e a r , in order that n e i g h b o r h o o d schools m a y b e such as w e r e designed b y
F r i e n d s , w h e n , in the early settlement of this c o u n t r y , they p l a c e d a school-house
wherever they built a m e e t i n g - h o u s e .
B e l i e v i n g that the m o s t l a s t i n g impressions a r e
m a d e in c h i l d h o o d , they w e r e a d v i s e d to g i v e p a r t i c u l a r a t t e n t i o n to the education of
their little
c h i l d r e n , a n d n o t to c o n s i d e r their culttire in later y e a r s a s of m o r e
importance than their early i n s t r u c t i o n s ; ^
{Lui
T h e m e n ' s ^Extracts^yjgive m e r e l y a b r i e f s t a t i s t i c a l statement a s to F r i e n d s '
n
schools;
—
*
%t
b u t the Intelligencer's correspondent informs u s : - ^ S e v e r a l F r i e n d s expressed
their concern at the exceptions m a d e in some of the a n s w e r s , that the children of
F r i e n d s w e r e p l a c e d at B o a r d i n g Schools n o t m d e r the care of m e m b e r s of our S o c i e t y . ^
^ C h i l d r e n are sometimes sent to school w h e r e the p l a i n language
is n e v e r
spoken, they seldom go to m e e t i n g s , and r e c e i v e their instruction from h i r e l i n g
1
ministers* . . . •
"Some further r e m a r k s w e r e m a d e on the impropriety of p l a c i n g our children
at schAols w h e r e our principles a r e not i n c u l c a t e d , a n d a h o p e w a s expressed that w e
should encourage institutions in o u r own Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , taught b y concerned m e m b e r s
of our S o c i e t y .
3*A F r i e n d b e l i e v e d the f o u n d a t i o n dtf this difficulty is in the institution
of p u b l i c schools, to w h i c h some of our m e m b e r s are compelled to send their c h i l d r e n .
L a r g e Committees h a v e b e e n a p p o i n t e d on this subject in this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b u t no w a y
has y e t o p e n e d for r e l i e f .
H e f e a r e d the f o r c i n g system n o w so common in o u r city
schools w a s disastrous to h e a l t h . F o r m e r l y w h e n F r i e n d s h a d the care of c h i l d r e n , they
: - Vol. ^ r p .
m T ^ j ^ I z f
i! - -gfcctractsfr. 1 8 6 0 , 9. 8 .
- I n t e l l i g e n c e r , V o l . t ^ , 'y. 1 7 3 .
TTvtt
**fT>
were educated in a m o d e r a t e w a y , but times h a d changed; the system of forcing h a d
become respectable in the Society to the injury of the rising g e n e r a t i o n .
•*Other v i e w s were p r e s e n t e d u p o n this deeply interesting s u b j e c t , w h e n a
Friend remarked that it w o u l d come u p in o r d e r , in the a n s w e r s to the second a n n u a l
Query
The Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ' s consideration of education w a s f o l l o w e d b y a n editorial
in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer for Sixth M o n t h 3 0 , I 8 6 0 , w h i c h w a s b a s e d on a commurdcation signed b y "our friend D . G."
D . G . ' s l e t t e r is not p u b l i s h e d , b u t the editorial
states that it a d v o c a t e d the r a i s i n g of a p e r m a n e n t fund in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s to b e
applied to the support of a F r i e n d s ' school b y every p r e p a r a t i v e a n d m o n t h l y m e e t i n g .
The editorial endorses this p r o p o s a l a n d suggests that if it were fully c a r r i e d o u t ,
I
"we w o u l d n o t h a v e to complain of p r e s e n t d e f i c i e n c i e s , for each n e i g h b o r h o o d w o u l d
h a v e the k i n d of school m o s t suited to its n e e d s , a n d Q u a r t e r l y a n d Y e a r l y Meetings
might b e excited to p r o p e r exertions for the institution a n d support of those of a m o r e
advanced class."
^
^
f
,
^
^
_
^
J h M A ^ ^ ^ i U *
R e a l i z i n g that the official a c t i o n o f the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s ^ - if any were
taken^ - w o u l d p r o b a b l y b e to increase the number of elementary schools supported b y
local m e e t i n g s , a n d d e s i r i n g to c o n s e r v e the current interest o f m a n y F r i e n d s in p r o v i d ing for a h i g h e r system of e d u c a t i o n u n d e r F r i e n d l y c a r e , M a r t h a T y s o n contributed to
QO
the Intelligencer for Seventh M o . 2 8 , I 8 6 0 , ' a n a r t i c l e of four c o l u m n s , entitled "On
0/
S c h o o l s " , ' d a t e d " B a l t i m o r e , 7 t h m o . 6 t h , 1 8 6 0 " , a n d signed " T " .
This article repeats its a u t h o r ' s familiar a d v o c a c y of a liberal education
u n d e r the care of Friends; it recalls the example of the early F r i e n d s in E n g l a n d a n d
p a r t i c u l a r l y that of the F r i e n d s ' first schools in P h i l a d e l p h i a w h i c h "produced the m e n
2 4 8
?•
• "D.G-." w a s p r o b a b l y D a v i d G r i s c o m . '
~
- ^ 0 1 . 4:7-, f p . 308 - 1 0 .
J It h a d the sub^title: "Written after reading the editorial in F r i1e n d s ' Intelligencer
/ of the 3 0 t h of 6th m o . , 1 8 6 0 , o n the subject of S c h o o l Education? '
» r f /
w h o , during the R e v o l u t i o n a r y W a r , m a i n t a i n e d the p a c i f i c p r i n c i p l e s of Q u a k e r i s m
in p r e f e r e n c e to the w a r l i k e spirit w h i c h p e r v a d e d other religious b o d i e s " ; a n d it
appeals to "the Friends of that f a v o r e d city" to a i d in the establishment of a n
"institution of l e a r n i n g
)
set apart for the education of ^ F r i e n d s ' ] teachers."
A f t e r quoting from the R e p o r t
of the Committee on E d u c a t i o n to B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y Meeting in 1 3 5 4 , the a u t h o r (of
both the article a n d the report) continues:
w o u l d respectfully inquire w h e t h e r it w o u l d h e impossible to induce the
Friends of N e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s to u n i t e in raising
a g e n e r o u s subscription for the endowment of a school for the e d u c a t i o n of t e a c h e r s ,
where the religious i n f l u e n c e , the t a l e n t s , a n d the literary a n d scientific learning
of the best m i n d s in these m e e t i n g s m i g h t combine t o g e t h e r , a n d , u n d e r the divine
b l e s s i n g , p r o d u c e a h a p p i e r state of things in our S o c i e t y .
* A n institution of this k i n d should b e established in a s i t u a t i o n , c e n t r a l ,
as regards the three Yearly M e e t i n g s spoken of; a n d so well e n d o w e d , a s , after the
purchase of the n e c e s s a r y grounds a n d the erection of the buildings^ the p u r c h a s e also
of books a n d p h i l o s o p h i c a l and other a p p a r a t u s , should y e t h a v e left a sum of m o n e y
in p e n n a n e n t investment, to y i e l d a supply for the education of p r o m i s i n g youths of
either sex who wished to b e c o m e t e a c h e r s , but w e r e without the m e a n s of p r o c u r i n g
1
the instruction necessary for the purpose. *'
To gain support for her p r o p o s a l among the "Liberal" F r i e n d s , M a r t h a T y s o n
cites the "handsome provision" for such education m a d e b y the "Orthodox"Friends
W e s t t o w n , P r o v i d e n c e a n d H a v e r f o r d : "at H a v e r f o r d a l o n e the interest of f i f t y
thousand dollars is a p p r o p r i a t e d a n n u a l l y to the education of y o u h g m e n in restricted
circumstances who desire to b e c o m e t e a c h e r s .
In this r e s p e c t , -therefore, if in no
o t h e r , w e m i g h t imitate the example furnished by that b o d y , a n d greatly to our advantage ."
M a r t h a T y s o n , in her v i s i t s to m a n y of the rural m e e t i n g s of F r i e n d s , especially during h e r residence of a d o z e n years in the c o u n t r y , h a d deepened h e r
sympathy a n d confidence in the p r o m i s i n g y o u n g p e o p l e of straitened m e a n s b a t h i g h
a m b i t i o n s ^ w h o m she h a d found in t h e m ,
^ p W i t h this class of y o u n g p e r s o n s " , she says
in h e r a r t i c l e , "we acknowledge a feeling of the deepest s y m p a t h y .
T h e y a r e to h e
found scattered here and there o v e r our S o c i e t y , h u t m o s t l y in the c o u n t r y ^
We n e v e r
mingle w i t h such without coveting their e n l a r g e m e n t , a n d recalling the following
beautiful sentiments of Addison*.
consider a h u m a n soul without education like m a r -
ble in a q u a r r y , which shews none of its inherent beauties u n t i l the skill of the
p o l i s h e r fetches out the c o l o r s , m a k e s the surface s h i n e , a n d discovers every orrism e n t a l
E d u c a t i o n , a f t e r the
same m a n n e r , when it w o r k s u p o n a noble m i n d , draws out to view every latent v i r t u e
a n d p e r f e c t i o n , w h i c h , without such h e l p s , a r e never able to m a k e their a p p e a r a n c e ^ *
aat sculpture is to the b l o c k of m a r b l e , education is to the h u m a n soul.
T h e p h i l o s o p h e r , the s a i n t , o r the h e r o , the w i s e , the g o o d ; o r the great m a n very
often lies h i d in the p l e b i a n , w h i c h a p r o p e r education might h a v e disinterred a n d
b r o u g h t to
light^
* l n dwelling u p o n "tli© f o r c e of these sentiments of this enlightened w r i t e r ,
a conviction deeply' impressed our feelings that for want of p r o p e r culture m a n y of
the m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s , who might h a v e b e e n 'burning- a n d shining
lights,' either in a r e l i g i o u s , literary of scientific s e n s e , h a v e p a s s e d or are p a s sing away their days, w i t h talents so obscured by ignorance that they m a y truly b e
said to h a v e b e e n 'hidden u n d e r a b u s h e l , ' and. thereby lost to the w o r l d .
Is not the
Society of w h i c h they a r e m e m b e r s in a great m e a s u r e a n s w e r a b l e for this abridgement
of their u s e f u l n e s s ^
Af^^nrpjL
^—
tfHW^Xn^
T h i s fervent a p p e a l called forth a\Bogly. to the "Baltimore
correspondent"
from "A m e m b e r of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g " , w h i c h was/dated 8 t h . m o . 5 , 1 8 6 0 ,
74
and p u b l i s h e d in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for A u g u s t 1 8 .
1
T h i s reply explains that the
O r t h o d o x schools in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d W e s t t o w n owed m u c h o f their funds to contributions b y Friends of the u n i t e d Society b e f o r e 1 8 2 7 ; \ a n d it suggests that "committees
Q & n
_
^ l u m e ^ 7 > p ~ 358 - S . f t ^ r U ^ Z ^ U
fc
m i g h t he appointed, in each Y e a r l y M e e t i n g jof the L i b e r a l Friends^ of Hew Y o r k ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a and B a l t i m o r e , to confer u p o n the subjecf'of education among F r i e n d s .
JfThe editorial in the same number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r
stressed a l s o the reform of
education among F r i e n d s , but a p p e a l e d chiefly for the support of the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g
s c h o o l s , which h a d caused a very "lively a n d interesting" discussion in the P h i l a d e l phia. Yearly Meeting of W o m e n F r i e n d s in the p r e c e d i n g M a y .
^ T h i l s t a l l u d i n g to
f p r i m a r y s c h o o l s * , the editorial says, * t t m a y not be a m i s s to introduce a few rem a r k s u p o n the necessity of g i v i n g them a h i g h e r p o s i t i o n in the scale of education
t h a n we think they h a v e h e r e t o f o r e r e c e i v e d . . . . A complete course of liberal
instruction includes what a r e t e r m e d finishing schools; but great care should, b e taken
that these schools be p r o p e r l y e s t i m a t e d , a n a that they b e l o o k e d u p o n only a s the
superstructure, a n d not as talcing the p l a c e of that elementary tuition w h i c h forms
;
11
the f o u n d a t i o n of all m e n t a l culture." *
From this correspondence a n d editorial c o m m e n t , it is clear that the champions
of m o n t h l y m e e t i n g elementary schools a n d of a central school for liberal e d u c a t i o n ,
were somewhat a n x i o u s as to their respective c o n c e r n s .
F o r t u n a t e l y , M a r t h a Tyson's
p l a n of a school for h i g h e r l e a r n i n g h a d ^ a n integral p a r t the t r a i n i n g of teachers
p r o p e r l y equipped for teaching in the m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s c h o o l s .
T h i s feature of the
p l a n w a s recognized w i t h approval in qn editorial in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for A u g u s t 25
w h i c h said;?TheVub.jcct of education claimed, mu.cn a l itmliun •
bex—to- the liH . -of Tflovrimbrr,. lXfipT
jfartha. ^yson
for—revfating.,h e r jcheri shed pro jec.tV^ Accordingly
l^avitod coaa.
1 \ -
Ibid, f . 360
Ibid, p . 376.
sfit
«<=$;
l^ln our last number we referred Friends to the advice of the Y e a r l y Meeting to extend
care to the small neighborhood schools; in the p r e s e n t one w e wish to direct their
attention to the intimate connection "between these a.nd such a school as has "been advocated by a B a l t i m o r e , a n d s u b s e q u e n t ! , b y a P h i l a d e l p h i a c o r r e s p o n d e n t . - - -^The
subject of educotion^fclairaed m u c h a t t e n t i o n in the l a t e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s b o t h of Philadelphia and JTer Y o r k .
bodies next y e a r .
T h e minutes of these will b r i n g it l e g i t i m a t e l y before these
In trie m e a n w h i l e , we t r u s t , that those who have this subject at
h e a r t , will feel encouraged to revive it again and a g a i n , b o t h in reference to primary
schools, .and to the establishment of a n institution of a h i g h o r d e r , for w e believe
the tiale h a s come when the Society of Friends must a d o p t a n enlightened and comprehensive system of instruction.
The fact is forced u p o n u s that influences, and not
precepts , educate the c h i l d , and that if we w o u l d have our y o u t h appreciate our noble
testimonies, we must show by our a c t i o n s that w e are ready to m a k e great efforts and
sacrifices rather than place our children w h e r e these testimonies are d i s r e g a r d e d . ^
%
1860,
F o l l o w i n g this editorial, there appeared in the Intelligencer
for T e n t h M o .
a brief note on "Neighborhood S c h o o l s " , reminding the constituent meetings of
Philadelphia Yearly M e e t i n g that they h a d b e e n requested to forward to its next session
a report on "the actual state of schools w i t h i n the limits £of the yearly
meetingjThe
note closed w i t h the statement: "If this is d o n e , those who a r e deeply interested in the
cause of education will feel that at least one step h a s b e e n taken toward arousing the
bject."
JUo-Ly.
Martha Tyson w a s still w o r k i n f i n B a l t i m o r e to overcome the Society's lethargy
in regard to a thoroughly good central board3 ng|j school for teachers a n d o t h e r s , b e l i e v i n g
that it might supply b o t h the h i g h e r education w h i c h F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y so greatly n e e d e d ,
and suitable teachers for Friends' local elementary s c h o o l s .
Baltimore Y e a r l y Meeting
held its sessions from the 2 9 t h . of O c t o b e r to the 1 s t . of N o v e m b e r , 1 8 6 0 , a n d she
seized thj^opportunity of p r o m o t i n g h e r long-cherished p r o j e c t . A c c o r d i n g l y , on F|rst~ ^jVol • ' l ^ y . 5 0 6 . The note is signed
p e r h a p s W i l l i a m Oris c o m , clerk of the"
. - .( T e a r l y M e e t i n g .
'
f
i
—
-
lay evening, the 2 8 t h . of O c t o b e r , she invited some three score leaders of the p e a r l y
.
--ft.
deeting and a few v i s i t i n g Friends from P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k Yearly Meetings*
^Luu.
frr^uj,
/fe^HTV^c-.
Sa^w^C
I
y^yLLut^
y
£r^m-riiilailBlphia--aiadr-i!hnr-Ynrfr to take supper at h e r h o m e , 1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e ,
>
and\h discuss\iS*-
Her d a u g h t e r , Isabella T y s o n , w r o t e in h e r diary u n d e r the date of
%
November 1 s t , 1 8 6 0 , the following notej
"Yearly M e e t i n g just o v e r - a v e r y large
social gathering here on 1st day e v e n i n g , in w h i c h the subject of a F r i e n d s ' College
was introduced, at Mother's p a r t i c u l a r r e q u e s t .
A large m e e t i n g w a s h e l d on 2 n d
day e v e n i n g , at the M e e t i n g H o u s e ^Lombard StreetJ
, a t which it w a s resolved to a s k
the F r i e n d s of other states to a i d them in this p r o j e c t . "
N e a r l y thirty years l a t e r , on F e b r u a r y 6 , 1 8 9 0 , Isabella T y s o n w r o t e
(from
%
"1208 M a d i s o n A v e . " ) the following a c c o u n t of this h i s t o r i c supper-meeting h e l d a t
her p a r e n t s ' homej "J^l a m g l a d to send thee all that I can g l e a n , from m e m o r y a n d
e l s e w h e r e , in regard to the rise of S w a r t h m o r e , a n d the p r o m o t i o n thro it of the
cause of higher cultivation among F r i e n d s .
In m y p a r e n t s ' m i n d s , it w a s the natural
o u t g r o w t h of a very liberal e d u c a t i o n , for the time in w h i c h they l i v e d , a n d a conv i c t i o n that u n l e s s the seed implanted in m a n k i n d b y the Great A u t h o r of all good is
nourished
&
controlled by the best influences w h i c h we can e x e r t , we cannot dare
to hope that a s a people Friends ca.A a g a i n exert the p o w e r and influence & the
s t r e n g t h , by which their rise w a s m a r k e d .
father (Nathan T y s o n ) seldom spoke in a n y M e e t i n g of the F r i e n d s , but w a s
at a l l times, in the fullest sympathy with h i s w i f e ' s v i e w s , so often for l o n g y e a r s
e x p r e s s e d , thro' p e n & t o n g u e .
It was about the y e a r 1 8 5 1 , that M . I . T y s o n first
spoke at length in our Y e a r l y M t g . on the m a t t e r of a h i g h e r education a m o n g F r i e n d s , which v i e w s from time to t i m e , she ever a f t e r w a r d continued to u n f o l d .
A t first,
a l t h o ' the m a s s e s of our Friends h e l d views in u n i s o n with h e r s , there w a s with some a
^ -
^ -
T h i s note was copied from I s a b e l l a Tyson's diary b y h e r s i s t e r , L u c y T y s o n F i t z h u g h ,
and sent to W i l l i a m I.Hull w i t h a letter da-ted W e s t m i n s t e r , M a r y l a n d , 1 1 t h . M o n t h ^
1 6 * 1 9 0 9 . T h e letter is in the Swarthmore College F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y .
It w a s w r i t t e n from "1208 M a d i s o n A v e . 2.6.1890," a n d a d d r e s s e d to William F e n n
H o l c o m b , at that time p r o f e s s & r of h i s t o r y i n Swarthmore C o l l e g e . The original is
in the college l i b r a r y . Swarthmore's library p o s s e s s e s , a l s o , p h o t o g r a p h s of these
historic p a r l o r s , "the b i r t h p l a c e of Swarthmore C o l l e g e " , w h i c h w e r e taken during
or before 1890; a n d a p h o t o g r a p h of the exterior of "1208 M a d i s o n A v e n u e " , w h i c h
w a s tahen in 1 9 3 0 , the h o u s e at that time h a v i n g been converted into a oheap.
apartment h o u s e a n d called "The C o u r t n e y " .
fear that this w i s h p o i n t e d to a literal culture of the m i n d a s being nescessary
to a qualification for the m i n i s t r y , a n d so they w e r e o p p o s e d to i t .
My p a r e n t s '
^
patience never was d i s t u r b e d , a n d I h a v e seen m y M o t h e r stand a„s a bright star a m o n g
£
her o p p o n e n t s , a.nd w i t h a grace a n d dignity w h i c h few p o s s e s s e d , w i t h all humility
declare that on that head., she w a s glad to say, that she h a d often times b e e n touched
^
by the a p p e a l s of the illiterate and. u n l e a r n e d far m o r e than by the eloquence of rare
and cultured m i n d s .
P o s s e s s i n g truest tact as w e l l as a most loving h e a r t , still work-
ing o n , at lastlshe arose 'twa.s evident that h e r m o s t earnest a n d u n s e l f i s h arguments
h
h
a p p e a l e d to nearly every m i n d , leading them steadily o n w a r d .
•*By a report of B a l t
e
^
Y e a r l y M t g 1854 (pamphlet form) it is shewn that Swarth-
m o r e is the outgrowth of a plala w h i c h was a l r e a d y taking shape, a l t h o ' it h a d no defi-
£
nite arrangement u n t i l the y e a r 1 8 6 0 .
T h e a r t i c l e of 6 - 3 - 1 8 6 0 , was from m y m o t h e r ' s
p e n ^ a n d the first conference w a s h e l d in 10 ^ fMonthj - 1 8 6 0 , i n the parlors^of N a t h a n
a n d M a r t h a E . T y s o n , 1208 M a d i s o n A v e .
T h e scene comes b a c k m o s t v i v i d l y .
Some 60
h a d b e e n h e r e to tea^ when a b o u t 8 o ' c l o c k w e w e r e a l l called to order a n d w e r e told
"f
that it w a s thought the time h a d come to build u p such a s c h o o l , as would p r o m o t e
F r i e n d s ' highest g o o d .
A m o n g our g u e s t s , I w e l l remember the silvery heads of Samuel
. £
M l l e t s , J o n a t h a n & L y d i a T h o r n e , two of the b r o t h e r s M a c y of N Y k i B . Hallowell & his
M
r
A
w i f e , Samuel T o w n s e n d , Samuelj^Janney, R ^achelj T . J a c k s o n , b e s i d e s m a n y m o r e .
My
parents were at one end of the r o o m , a n d n e a r them Samuel M . J a n n e y , who a t their request a r o s e and. in h i s p l e a s i n g a n d impressive m a n n e r spoke of 'the concern
we would now c o n s i d e r .
1
which
It soon became a m o s t imposing and dramatic scene w h i c h w i t h
p a t h e t i c interest w e now r e c a l l , b e c a u s e so m a n y of 'the faithful ones' h a v e gone to
their r e w a r d . The onward spirit w a s completely r o u s e d . It s e e m e d as tho''the deeps
were s t i r r e d ' , and old and y o u n g a l i k e took p a r t , M the earnestness of a l l who spoke
?
claiming for each a p l a c e .
n
T h e p l a n s w h i c h h a d b e e n foreshadowed b y the 'Report of
1854' a s s u m e d m o r e definite f o r m , and from this grew the appeal from B a i t . Y e a r l y
^
Meeting of that year (1860) that 'other Y e a r l y M t g s should u n i t e w i t h u s for the
great e n d of forming such a s c h o o l ' , a s a l l so fervently d e s i r e d .
(A few h a d l o n g
looked further than w a s then e x p r e s s e d , for a n a r t i c l e p u b l i s h e d in the Frds Intel
r
I forget what y e a ^ j ^ w a s from m y M o t h e r ' s p e n a n d I h e a r d the l a t e T h o m a s Foulke
assure h e r afterward that it w a s thro' the sentiments expressed therein that his son
was p e r m i t t e d to conclude u p o n the study of the law a n d m a k e it his p r o f e s s i o n .
New
6
York did not respond at once to the 'Appeal' from B a i t , as their n o t e s of the Y e a r l y
Meeting in 1861 show that 'the subject ha,s engaged the attention of the m e e t i n g , and it
(is )
(was) the u n i t e d judgement of those p r e s e n t that fcfae w a y does not now open to obtain
subscriptions to carry on the w o r k . '
W e k n o w h o w e v e r how m u c h they did a f t e r w a r d for
the advancement of the cause,"* a n o t h e r evidence that 'great bodies m o v e slowly.'
parents w e r e b o t h at the m e e t i n g (held a,t Race S t ^ ) to raise f u n d s , in 1861,
and continued to a t t e n d such m e e t i n g s during m y father's l i f e .
H i s death occurred 1 -
7 - 1 8 6 7 ^ so it was not his privilege to see his h o p e f u l f i l l e d . A f t e r this time m y
mother still w e n t o n , a n d took a n active interest in the business of these m e e t i n g s ,
leaving h o m e , & it is cause "of deep regret to u s that she was never strong enough to
see the College after it was b u i l t .
The last a r t i c l e she w r o t e regarding i t , was in
the a u t u m n of 1 8 7 1 , after the g i f t (by J o n a t h a n T h o m e ) of the p i c t u r e of 'Perm's
Treaty w i t h the Indians.'
I w i s h thou w o u l d s t refer to i t , in the Intelligencer of
^
that y e a r , as it will serve to show h o w w a r m a n d full h e r sympathy r e m a i n e d .
\
I
•^Martha E . Tyson departed this l i f e , 3 - 5 - 1 8 7 3 .
?
- - Thy friend,
ISABELLA TYSON.*
^
Isabella T y s o n ' ^ i s t e r , Lucy T y s o n F i t z h u g h , writes in h e r letter of November 1 6 ,
1909J "I greatly regret not h a v i n g b e e n at the m e e t i n g m y sister w r i t e s o f , but I w a s
not well at the time, & was ay-ay from h o m e .
M y sister's w o r d - p i c t u r e is so clear that
I seem to see all those she n a m e s , a s they sat in the old p a r l o r s of 1208 M a d i s o n A v e ,
the pictures of which I sent to S w a r t h m o r e , vith a copy of her letter thee speaks o f .
This^articlje
J.O.IJ.S.
1-CTXj-raroJ.^u.
\
/
.
I
T
*
f
,
/
•
/
>!
She had. intended seeding them, a.s they w e r e the b i r t h p l a c e of Swarthmore."
i^ir
f^... '..
1
— r ^ ^ L ^ ^ t
t
The p r o j e c t h a v i n g b e e n thus a u s p i c i o u s l y l a u n c h e d , the n e x t step w a s taken
in B a l t i m o r e M e e t i n g H o u s e on L o m b a r d Street the evening of the next d a y .
/c
This w a s
-Mrf^y
M o n d a y , the 2 9 t h . of O e t o b o ^ 1 8 6 0 , a n d the first sessions of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g h a d
b e e n held in the m o r n i n g and a f t e r n o o n of that d a y .
The Y e a r l y M e e t i n g itself did
not directly consider the p r o j e c t , b u t its deep interest in its success is reflected
in the following m i n u t e of the m e n ' s m e e t i n g , w h i c h was w r i t t e n b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ,
the m e e t i n g ' s c l e r k .
In describing "the state of s o c i e t y " , he w r o t e , w i t h the meet-
ing's a p p r o v a l :
guarded religious e d u c a t i o n of F r i e n d s ' children, h a s claimed our serious
c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a s a subject of v i t a l importance to the welfare a n d best interests of
this religious s o c i e t y .
To secure them a g a i n s t the contaminating influences of the
w o r l d around u s , to improve their minds w i t h u s e f u l k n o w l e d g e , a n d encourage their
g r o w t h in p i e t y and v i r t u e , are the objects that should claim the assiduous care of
p a r e n t s and guardian^; and w e assuredly b e l i e v e that a b l e s s i n g f r o m on h i g h will rest
u p o n those who enter u p o n this l a b o r , u n d e r a sense of religious d u t y , a n d with a
reliance u p o n divine a i d .
2*The saving p o w e r of dfivine g r a c e , is offered to the a c c e p t a n c e of the w h o l e
human family; like the g o o d seed w h i c h 'the sower w e n t forth to sow,' it falls u p o n
every v a r i e t y of g r o u n d , a n d the harvesL depends u p o n the state of p r e p a r a t i o n , a s w e l l
as the subsequent cultivation of the s o i l .
If it falls by the w a y s i d e , a n d the fowls
of the air. devour it, or if its g r o w t h is o b s t r u c t e d b y thorns a n d n o x i o u s w e e d s , the
responsibility will rest u p o n those w h o m d i v i n e p r o v i d e n c e h a s m a d e the recipients of
His b o u n t y , a n d the guardians of his dependent c h i l d r e n .
We b e l i e v e , m o r e o v e r , that
in the guarded education of yotith, a solemn responsibility rests u p o n the religious
society to w h i c h they b e l o n g , e s p e c i a l l y w h e n they a r e recognized by that b o d y as mem8 - I s a b e l l a1 T y s o n d i e d W ~ - * E x tracts "* (Men's), 1 8 6 0 , © p . 17 - 1 8 .
4/
/ bers "by "birthright.
To p r o v i d e for them suitable S c h o o l s , w h e r e their intel-
lectual faculties m a y be improved a n d their spiritual welfare p r o m o t e d , we regard
the imperative duty of our religious
society.^
T h e women's m e e t i n g , w i t h M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell as c l e r k , ex-pressed its
deep ihterest in the general subject of e d u c a t i o n a n d in the p r o p o s e d school in par10
ticular by adopting the f o l l o w i n g m i n u t e :
>&The want of suitable Schools f o r the right education of our c h i l d r e n , a n d
p a r t i c u l a r l y such as m i g h t b e c o m e t e a c h e r s , w a s renewedly felt; - Schools in w h i c h
they w o u l d not b e e x p o s e d to the contaminating influences that a b o u n d in the w o r l d ,
bnt in w h i c h teachers m i g h t b e c o m e qualified to give such instruction as w o u l d pro, m o t e their highest i n t e r e s t s .
A strong h o p e is felt b y m a n y , that such a School
S m a y yet b e e s t a b l i s h e d . ^
T h e concern for a new school was c a r r i e d on directly b y the u n o f f i c i a l m e e t i n g
of Friends h e l d in the M e e t i n g H o u s e on "2nd Day e v e n i n g , T e n t h M o n t h 29th."
It w a s
the following T h u r s d a y (November 1 ) , that I s a b e l l a T y s o n w r o t e in h e r d i a r y , as
quoted a b o v e , of the close of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g on the 1 s t . , a n d of the m e e t i n g s on the
p r e c e d i n g Sunday a n d M o n d a y
evenings.
There appears to be no contemporary record of these m e e t i n g s b y M a r t h a T y s o n ,
B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , Samuel M . J a n n e y , or any of their compeers; b u t the following
letter from B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s son a n d n a m e s a k e is of i n t e r e s t .
"Benj. Hallowell,
Jr" w r i t e s : ^ L a n s d o w n e P a 12/2/09 Wm I H u l l D e a r friend T h y letter of 1st i n s t . is
received - - - I fear
that I cannot a d d to thy information ih r e g a r d to m y Father's
connexion with the pro-position of nn a d v a n c e d school u n d e r the general care of
F r i e n d s , a s I h a d left home in 1 8 5 6 .
know h o w e v e r , that the family r e m o v e d p e r m a n e n t l y to 'Rockland' M a r y l a n d ,
\
in 1 8 6 0 - and I thi ± that it was that F a l l , that h e a n d M a r t h a T y s o n of B a l t i m o r e ,
-
^Extracts?* (Women's), 1 8 6 0 , "p. 1 3 . T h i s m i n u t e w a s a d o p t e d at the close of the
Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n "the 1st of the 1 1 t h mo a n d 5th of the week."
w i t h p e r h a p s some other Friends (it b e i n g the time of Baltimore Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ) m e t
at Martha's h o m e , and entered into a full a n d free interchange of v i e w s , a n d decided
that the time w a s ripe for its a c c o m p l i s h m e n t ^
do not k n o w c f any diary or journal of their p r o c e e d i n g s , b u t it w a s from
that b e g i n n i n g that Swarthmore College a r o s e .
*
•*And. in loyalty to my dear M o t h e r , M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l , I m a y a d d , that
when a p r o p e r name f o r the College was w a n t e d , m a n y were s u g g e s t e d , a n d m y m o t h e r
sent in the n a m e "Swarthmoor" after the 'Swarthmoor H a l l ' , h o m e of George F o x , w h i c h
// *
was a c c e p t e d , though now spelled
'Swarthmore.'
R e g r e t t i n g the m e a g r e n e s s of m y i n f o r m a t i o n , I am
Sincerely thy f r i e n d
Benj. Hallowell Jr^Samuel M . Janney's d a u g h t e r , C o r n e l i a , w r i t e s from "Lincoln j v i r g i n i a ^ l l
mo 25
as follows:
tlX
do not f i n d any m e n t i o n m a d e in m y father'* Journal
of the beginnings of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
If I remember r i g h t l y , the concern to es-
tablish a F r i e n d s C o l l e g e , a r o s e at an evening m e e t i n g at M a r t h a T y s o n ' s during
B a l t i m o r e Yearly M e e t i n g .
M y father a n d B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l w e r e b o t h p r e s e n t , a n d
were m u c h interested in the c o n c e r n .
Soon a f t e r t h a t , the w a r came o n , w i t h its
h o r r o r s , and I a m sure he w o u l d not h a v e h a d a n opportunity to take a n a c t i v e p a r t
in the establishment of S w a r t h m o r e .
R e s p e c t f u l l y thy f r i e n d ,
A t this point ifa the s t o r y , w e a r e confronted w i t h a m a n u s c r i p t b o o k preserved in the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , containing twentysix pages of m a n u s c r i p t r e c o r d s , together w i t h ten p r i n t e d p a g e s of a n "^Addressf* a n d
a large
numb
er of b l a n k p a g e s .
T h e s e records a r e s i g n e d , for P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w
Y o r k , b y Dillwyn P a r r i s h , who a c t e d as clerk f o r a number of the m e e t i n g s h e l d in
-O^fc- C
3
those cities; but the three p a g e s d e v o t e d to "Proceedings in Baltimore" (the first
three pages in the b o o k ) are u n s i g n e d , a l t h o u g h they too a p p e a r to b e in the handwriting of Dillwyn P a r r i s h .
The source of these three p a g e s is not given; but Benja-
min Hallowell a n d R i c h a r d T . B e n t l e y are said to have a c t e d as clerks for the B a l t i m o r e
meetings, a n d it m a y have b e e n from them that D i l l w y n P a r r i s h r e c e i v e d the m i n u t e s of
the proceedings in B a l t i m o r e w h i c h h e a p p a r e n t l y c o p i e d in his b o o k before inscribing
his own m i n u t e s of the P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k m e e t i n g s .
These records begin the story with the second of O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 0 , instead of the
2 8 t h . a n d are as follows;
"^PROCEEDINGS IN BALTIMORE.
a large Meeting of F r i e n d s who feel the w a n t of a d d i t i o n a l facilities for
the g u a r d e d education of F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , a n d especially for the supply of suitable
teachers in m e m b e r s h i p with u s to w h o m to entrust our children in our neighborhood
d
Schools, h e l d 10th m o 2
1860.
B e n j H a l l o w e l l w a s requested to act as Clerk for the
Meeting.
^ A f t e r a full free interchange of sentiment a.nd the expression of some v i e w s ,
illustrative of the want in this respect u n d e r ' w h i c h our S o c i e t y , at p r e s e n t l a b o r s ,
it w a s the judgment of the M e e t i n g that a Committee b e a p p o i n t e d to p r e p a r e an a d d r e s s
upon the subject to our own m e m b e r s a n d also to the m e m b e r s of a l l the Y e a r l y Meetings
with w h i c h this c o r r e s p o n d s , with a statement of such v i e w s a n d p l a n s as they m a y think
calculated to p l a c e the m a t t e r in its true light b e f o r e F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y , a n d to act
therein, in furtherance of the o b j e c t , in such way a s they think m a y b e b e s t calculated to p r o m o t e the end in v i e w .
4*The following Friends are a p p o i n t e d said C o m m i t t e e , v i z Benjj^ H a l l o w e l l
Janney
Gerard H Reese
if(r
R i c h ^ T Bentley
John Q Turner
Martha E Tyson
M a r y G Moore
John P a r r i s h
Rebecca Turner
M a r y B Husband.
Rath H a n n a h Smith
•^The Meeting then a d j o u r n e d . ^
Mo 1 3
t h
1860
&
Mary L Roberts
—
-
—
~ ~
—
The Committee m e t at the Committee R o o m in the City of
Baltimore.
•^Present Benj/\ H a l l o w e l l , Ssm^ M ^ J a n n e y , J o h n P a r r i s h , Richj^ T B e n t l e y ,
M a r t h a S T y s o n , Ma.ry G M o o r e , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , M a r y B H u s b a n d , R u t h H a n n a h Smith a n d
Mary L R o b e r t s .
JL
•^Rich^ T Bentley was a p p o i n t e d Clerk for the C o m m i t t e e .
vBenjJ^ Hallowell consented to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s explanatory of the objects
w e have in v i e w , to b e submitted to a. m e e t i n g of the Committee to h e h e l d in this city
th
o n the 19
inst at Seven O c l o c k .
i
flBenj^ H a l l o w e l l , S a m ^ M J a n n e y , J o h n P a r r i s h , M a r t h a E T y s o n a n d R e b e c c a
Turner were appointed to p r o c e e d as soon after the p r e p a r a t i o n of the a d d r e s s as m a y
be p r a c t i c a b l e to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k a n d endeavor to enlist our Friends of
those Y e a r l y Meetings in active Cooperation with u s , in the establishment of this m u c h
needed I n s t i t u t i o n .
^ T h e n adjourned.-*
P T e n t h M o n t h 19
1860.
The Committee m e t p u r s u a n t to a d j o u r n m e n t .
^Present B Hallowell, J.C.Turner, G H Reese, R T Bentley, M E Tyson, M.G.
M o o r e , R Turner and M a r y B H u s b a n d .
^ T h e address to b e p r e p a r e d wa,s p r o d u c e d a n d r e a d . - M u c h interest wa,s manifested in its consideration and w i t h a few a l t e r a t i o n s it was a d o p t e d a n d the F r i e n d s
named at our last M e e t i n g were encouraged to p r o c e e d in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h the m i n u t e s
then m a d e
jtfThen adjourned.*^
These records do not state at w h a t p l a c e in Baltimore the m e e t i n g of the 2 n d of
October was held; but since it w a s "a l a r g e M e e t i n g " , it w a s p r o b a b l y h e l d in the
Meeting House on Lombard. Street^ w h i l e it is stated that the m e e t i n g on October
/^fifb+jcJr. A+JhJLt
13 was held in "the Committee Eoom'^-wbtdaBdsafi^in the L o m b a r d Street M e e t i n g H o u s e .
The leading p r o p o n e n t s of the new s c h o o l , n a m e l y , B e n j a m i n Hallowell a n d M a r t h a
Tyson, w e r e p r e s e n t at a l l three of these m e e t i n g s , and they w e r e b o t h appointed
on the committee of five to lay the concern b e f o r e the Friends of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d
New Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s .
We arejkot told u n d e r w h o s e initiative or u n d e r w h a t a u s p i c e s the Baltimore
m e e t i n g of O c t o b e r 2 was c a l l e d .
But it a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n due to the personal
concern of its two chief p r o p o n e n t s , M a r t h a T y s o n a n d B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l .
T h e former
had b e e n appointed b y the w o m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1858 the clerk or chairman of
a large "Standing Committee" for the p u r c h a s e a n d distribution of b o o k s ; but this
committee reported to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of 1859 a n expenditure of only $ 9 1 . 7 5 , a n d
Martha Tyson as a m e m b e r also of the c o m m i t t e e in charge of the successful Fair H i l l
Boarding School evidently determined to m o v e for a m o r e important step in Quaker
education.
M a r g a r e t E . H a l l o w e l l was also a m e m b e r of the b o o k c o m m i t t e e , a n d h a d
long b e e n clerk of the women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g . B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , as clerk of the
m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g for ma,iy y e a r s , w a s e x c u s e d from m u c h c o m m i t t e e - w o r k , but his
leadership in education caused h i m to b e deeply interested in the new p r o j e c t .
Samuel
M . J a n n e y , t o o , a leading Quaker educator a n d a u t h o r , came u p to B a l t i m o r e f o r the
meetings on October ^ . n d 1 3 , a n d a t the request of M a r t h a T y s o n p r e s e n t e d the concern
at the m e e t i n g ih h e r p a r l o r s on October 2 8 .
( & . . . y.,.
0 tf*i' « LeL
, /
Atfilf'Ht
/
r-;
,
-M
tOj
;
H
T £ e a d d r e s s w h i c h B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l w a s a p p o i n t e d at the m e e t i n g o n October
13 to p r e p a r e , a n d w h i c h he p r e s e n t e d to the committee on October 1 9 , was a d o p t e d
"with a few alterations."
>
$
But b e f o r e the c o m m i t t e e of five p r o c e e d e d to go with
this addreuo to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k , either the committee of twelve or the com1 - ^Extracts*, 1858, p . 7.
% - ^Extracts, 1859, p . 6 - 7.
a
mittee of five evidently decided that it w o u l d h e wise to procure a w i d e r endorsement of the project from the F r i e n d s of the entire B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , instead of from only those of the city of B a l t i m o r e , who p r o b a b l y composed for the m o s t
part the "large meeting" h e l d on O c t o b e r 2 .
H e n c e it was that on First-day e v e n i n g ,
the 2 8 t h . of O c t o b e r , at the b e g i n n i n g of "Yearly M e e t i n g w e e k " , the m e e t i n g of
"Yearly M e e t i n g Friends" was h e l d at the h o m e of M a r t h a T y s o n , and on Second-day
e v e n i n g , the 2 9 t h . , a general m e e t i n g of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g Friends w a s called in the
tit-
Meeting H o u s e .
B e s i d e s the contemporary reference to this informal m e e t i n g of the Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g Friends which h a s b e e n q u o t e d a b o v e from Isabella Tyson's d i a r y , we find the
J f
following editorial notice in the Friends' Intelligencer f o r E l e v e n t h M o n t h 1 7 , 1 8 6 0 :
"^It will b e interesting to the readers of the Intelligencer to k n o w that the
m i n d s of m a n y Friends throughout the several Y e a r l y Meetings h a v e b e e n concerned for
the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , l o c a t e d in the c o u n t r y , w h e r e our children a n d
y o u t h m a y receive a thorough, a n d at the same time g u a r d e d , religious education, a n d
where those desirous of following the p r o f e s s i o n of teachers m a y b e c o m e qualified for
a trust of such vital importance.During the w e e k of the late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g h e l d in
B a l t i m o r e , a n evening meeting w a s called of those i n t e r e s t e d , w h i c h w a s largely attended.
T h e subject wa.s freely d i s c u ^ e d , i n its v a r i o u s b e a r i n g s , a n d a lively concern
A
was m a n i f e s t e d by those p r e s e n t .
A f t e r a free interchange of s e n t i m e n t , a Committee
was a p p o i n t e d to prepare a n a d d r e s s to the m e m b e r s of the six Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d w e
a r e requested to inform that it is the design of some of their members to visit the
cities of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , a n d to h o l d conferences w i t h such Friends a s are
w i l l i n g to aid in m a t u r i n g a n d carrying into o p e r a t i o n a p l a n that will effect the
o b j e c t . Our testimony to the g u a r d e d religious education a n d the training of the
- T h e sequence o f these m e e t i n g s is confused by E d w a r d P a r r i s h , in h i s ^ E s s a y
& n Education*' (1866,
4 4 ) , a n d b y W i l l i a m P e n n Holcomb in h i s sketch of
Swarthmore "College (1891, fte&e 201 of * k H i s t o r y _ o f H i g h e r Education in P e n n s y l vania*, 1902).
'
"""
X VolumfijW,. P a g o 5 6 8 .
t m
L 7
I youth can hardly h e o v e r - e s t i m a t e d , a n d if we w o u l d save them from the contaminating
influences to w h i c h they are e x p o s e d , in seeking the full development of their ir>tellectual p o w e r s , w e m u s t not longer delay to p r o v i d e the m e a n s requisite to accomplish so desireahle an e n d .
;
^ T h i s "brief notice is simply to call the a t t e n t i o n of F r i e n d s to the s u b j e c t ,
: and p r e p a r e them for its
consideration^
Six m o n t h s after the B a l t i m o r e met
3eting^^fpril 2^r 1 8 6 ^ , a committee of Philadelphia. Friends included, in their report on the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , the following
n
statement:
/
^ D u r i n g the sittings of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in 1 0 ^ M o n t h last a number
! of its m e m b e r s m e t in conference to consider the p r o p r i e t y of establishing a. F r i e n d s
Eoarding School where our y o u t h m a y receive a l i b e r a l and guarded education u n d e r
the care of m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y , - w h e r e teachers can be educated and p r o p e r l y
trained to take charge of schools in F r i e n d s n e i g h b o r h o o d s and w h e r e orphan children
and others whose circumstances require them to b e sent from h o m e m a y b e educated at
a moderate expense.
A f t e r carefully considering the subject in its v a r i o u s bearings
Friends of B a l t i m o r e a p p o i n t e d a committee to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s a n d if way opened to
meet their b r e t h r e n in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d New .York Y e a r l y Meetings in conference."*
T h e committee h a d b e e n chosen a n d the a d d r e s s p r e p a r e d , as we have seen,
before the sessions of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g b e g a n ; but the informal m e e t i n g of
Yearly Meeting Friends on October 29 evidently gave its a p p r o v a l to the a d d r e s s , a n d
to the committee and its m i s s i o n .
, •
^
./
LA
, -t-f \
The address p r e p a r e d b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l a n d a p p r o v e d "with a few alterations" by the B a l t i m o r e committee on the 1 9 t h . of O c t o b e r , is p r e s e r v e d in Swarthm o r e ' s Library in the original 4 - p a g e m a n u s c r i p t w r i t t e n in ink in its author's characteristically neat a n d legible h a n d .
/% -
The last p a r a g r a p h (Ho. 9 ) is crossed over
F r o m p a g e 32 of the m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of records referred to a b o v e "fT. Afcy )•
in lead-pencil, a n d its omission m a y h a v e b e e n onfe of the a l t e r a t i o n s m a d e by the committee.
n
The address is a s follows:
#A.ppearanc
oula seem to i n d i c a t e , that the want of a n I n s t i t u t i o n , w h e r e such
I
of our y o u t h as m a y n e e d and desire i t , can receive a liberal education, u n d e r the care
and guardianship of Friends; where T e a c h e r s can b e e d u c a t e d , a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to
take charge of Schools in F r i e n d s ' neighbourhoods; a n d w h e r e O r p h a n c h i l d r e n , and others
whose circumstances require them to b e sent from home to S c h o o l , can receive a g u a r d e d
education, a t a p o d e r a t e expense; is d e e p , s t r o n g , a n d w i d e - s p r e a d in the Society; a n d
that, w i t h a little effort, the n e c e s s a r y funds can b e obtained for the establishment
of such an I n s t i t u t i o n .
Things seem therefore a p p r o a c h i n g the p o i n t , w h e n a w o r k i n g
plan mnflli be entered u p o n ; a n d , as a D e l e g a t i o n of S u b s c r i b e r s , m e m b e r s of B a l t i m o r e
Yearly M e e t i n g , are about to p r o c e e d to P h i l ^
to a t t e n d a Conference with the Friends
A
of Fhil.y a n d New Y o r k Yearly M e e t i n g s , in regard to the interesting subject, we think
it right to p u t our Delegation in p o s s e s s i o n of some of the p r i n c i p l e s by w h i c h w e a r e
willing to b e g o v e r n e d , as well as to express our v i e w s on some p o i n t s , which are likely to engage the a t t e n t i o n of the contemplated Conference of F r i e n d s .
For the successful a n d h a r m o n i o u s establishment a n d m a n a g e m e n t of such a n
Institution a s is p r o p o s e d , there a r e m a n y requisites thaj/money cannot b u y .
These
must b e contributions from the h e a r t , not the p o c k e t , in a sacrifice of m e r e individual
feeling, or p e r s o n a l p r e f e r e n c e ; so that.while there should b e a full a n d free expression of sentiment on a l l subjects presently, showing w h a t is b e l i e v e d to b e the advantages
-
-This address w a s not p u b l i s h e d in B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s "**Autobiography*! 453^1884^ nor
apparently e l s e w h e r e . H i s v i e w s on the education of children from seven to nifie. t e e n , (stressing chiefly the u s e of tools a n d the study of the p h y s i c a l s c i e n c e s ) ,
a n d from nineteen to twenty-one ("to study a p r o f e s s i o n or to p e r f e c t themselves in
the special branch of business in w h i c h they p r o p o s e to e n g a g e " ) are fully a n d interesting Ly developed in his ^ A u t o b i o g r a p h y * , ^ p . 2 3 0 - 2 4 4 (written in 1 8 7 5 ) . H i s
conception of the function a n d curriculum of a n a g r i c u l t u r a l college is stated in
detail in a letter (unpublished^but p r e s e r v e d in Swarthmore's L i b r a r y ) a d d r e s s e d b y
him to A . B o w i e D a v i s , trustee of the M a r y l a n d College of A g r i c u l t u r e , dated Sandy
S p r i n g , M d . , 4 mo 2 2 n d 1 8 5 9 .
totCf
of one plan or s y s t e m , and. the disadvantages of a n o t h e r , a n a o i d i n g desire should h e
maintained, that what is right a n d b e s t , a n d n o t h i n g e l s e , m a y b e done; t h u s , instead of
each one trying how m a n y of his o w n individual views he can get incorporated into the
proposed systen, w e m u s t all t r y , after h a v i n g done all w e can to s e c u r e what we m a y
think b e s t , how m u c h w e can g i v e u p , for the sake of a h a r m o n i o u s a n d u n i t e d a c t i o n ih
the great and important object w e have a t h e a r t .
In o r d e r for a successful m o v e m e n t ^
together, of p e r s o n s from so l a r g e a district as that embraced b y our three Y e a r l y Meetings, w h e r e , no d o u b t , m a n y local customs a n d p r e j u d i c e s e x i s t , this judicious and conciliatory c o u r s e , is i n d i s p e n s a b l e .
There w i l l , in all p r o b a b i l i t y , b e such a diversity
of opinion on m a n y coints that w i l l n e c e s s a r i l y claim the consideration of the Stockholders a n d T r u s t e e s , a n d the different views be entertained b y F r i e n d s who a r e a l i k e
concerned for the W e l f a r e of our S o c i e t y , the p r o s p e r i t y of T r u t h , a n d the p r e s e n t a n d
Eternal interests/of the dear c h i l d r e n , a n d m a n y of these so connected and. intertwined
with what is reaily valuable and p r e c i o u s , a l t h o u g h the things in themselves m a y not be
so, that ,the greatest w i s d o m , a n d p a t i e n c e , a n d f o r b e a r a n c e , w i l l b e n e e d e d , to p r e v e n t a
withdrawal from the C o n c e r n , of one p o r t i o n of* a n o t h e r of Friends —
those who m a y think
the plan too liberal in its p r o v i s i o n s , or those who m a y think it too strict —
thus
presenting the a p p e a r a n c e of a d i v i s i o n a m o n g s t u s , a n d depriving the Institution of the
benefit of the Counsel a n d influence of a p o r t i o n of our m e m b e r s .
N o w , if Friends
cannot p r o c e e d t o g e t h e r , it w o u l d , in our viewjjf, b e better not to m o v e in the concern
at a l l , at p r e s e n t ; f o r it is in no way d e s i r a b l e , p a r t i c u l a r l y at this t i m e , t o h a v e
an Educational establishment which is a n exponent of a f r a c t i o n of our b e l o v e d S o c i e t y .
* B u t this result n e e d not take p l a c e , if D i v i n e light a n d g u i d a n c e a r e continually sought f o r , in a l l importmt m o v e m e n t s ^ w i t h true h u m i l i t y , f a i t h a n d p a t i e n c e , &
with an abiding desire to m o v e together in u n i t y a n d r e m e m b e r i n g , that *he that b e l i e v e t h ,
maketh not h a s t e . '
* l n all subjects p r e s e n t e d f o r c o n s i d e r a t i o n , it w i l l ^ u i r e a Steady care to
Truth, and these a l o n e , that a f o u n d a t i o n that w i l l "be e n d u r i n g , can be l a i d for accom-
plishing our interesting c o n c e r n .
The continual effort m u s t h e , to impart T r u t h , a n d
not 'teach for doctrines the commandments of M e n . '
To take as an illustration of our M e a n i n g , the subject of p l a i n n e s s , which
will rightly claim important consideration in establishing regulations for a Friends
School.
It will be f o u n d that it was the Spirit of T r u t h that l e d G e o r g e F o x , a n d other
worthies in the origin of oxir S o c i e t y , into p l a i n n e s s ; but p l a i n n e s s h a s , in itself, no
tendency to lead to the Spirit of T r u t h .
cause.
If of any v a l u e , p l a i n n e s ^ is a result, not a
It embraces s i m p l i c i t y , e c o n o m y , u t i l i t y , p r o p r i e t y , a n d c o n v e n i e n c e , and is con-
sequently opposed to o s t e n t a t i o n , e x t r a v a g a n c e , u n f i t n e s s , a n d superfluity of any k i n d ;
and it is a p r i n c i p l e , into w h i c h T r u t h n e c e s s a r i l y leads its f o l l o w e r s .
But a form of
p l a i n n e s s , is c o n v e n t i o n a l , a n d it m a y degenerate into a n u n i f o r m ih w h i c h no p r i n c i p l e
is i n v o l v e d , a n d become a n I d o l , for w h i c h great sacrifices are m a d e a n d e x a c t e d , a n d
w h i c h , like a l l other idols, draws the m i n d a w a y from the true object of its affections?,
sacrifices^and w o r s h i p .
•^While p l a i n n e s s is a n
u n w a v e r i n g p r i n c i p l e , the form of p l a i n n e s s m a y d i f f e r
widely w i t h the a g e , p l a c e ^ a n d p e o p l e a n d surrounding c i r c u m s t a n c e s .
T h e p l a i n n e s s of
our early Friends,-»rith their large coat c u f f s , 'small clothes', silver k n e e b u c k l e s a n d
large Silver S h o e b u c k l e s , p o w d e r e d w i g s , and three cornered h a t s , w o u l d h a r d l y be regarded such at this present d a y .
T h e g r e a t object t h e n , on this s u b j e c t , snould b e , to h a v e
the children of the I n s t i t u t i o n ' s p r e v i o u s l y i n t i m a t e d , to conform to s i m p l i c i t y ,
economy, u t i l i t y , p r o p r i e t y , & c o n v e n i e n c e , a n d to a v o i d o s t e n t a t i o n , e x t r a v a g a n c e ,
u n f i t n e s s ^ a n d superfluity of a n y k i n d , the reasonableness of a l l w h i c h can readily be
brought to have the sanction of their u n d e r s t a n d i n g s , a n d it w i l l then receive their
cheerful
compliance.
4*-In all reformatory,religious c o n c e r n s ^ or u n d e r t a k i n g s , a n d such w e regard the
present one to b e , the commencement is the p e r i o d of greatest h a r m o n y a n d p u r i t y ; bec a u s e , the w a n t is then felt to b e so g r e a t , a s to induce a willingness to m a k e gftitconcessions a n d sacrifices in order to a t t a i n the desired o b j e c t .
H e n c e , if there
cannot b e u n i t y in the b e g i n n i n g , there n e e d be little hope for it a f t e r w a r d s .
In a l l questions in regard to the Discipline^course of S t u d y , a n d a l l the
School a r r a n g e m e n t s , i n t e r n a l , a n d e x t e r n a l , every Subscriber should b e entitled to
one v o t e .
But in questions involving a n outlay of m o n e y , oj* a financial expenditure
of any kind,*ffiere should b e what is called a Stock v o t e , liberally graded; a s , for in-
stance, one share to h a v e one vote , two shares two v o t e s ; 4 shares o r 1 0 0 d o l s . subscription, 3 votesj a n d then one a d d i t i o n a l v o t e for every 100 d o l s . in the amount of
subscription a b o v e t h i s .
•0tyotes to be giv en in p e r s o n , or by p r o x y , a n d a m a j o r i t y of the v o t e s cast to
elect or d e c i d e .
#3.
We think 60,000 dols w o u l d b e a sufficient sum for our p r e s e n t p u r p o s e , and
that theji^ssociation should organize w h e n 30,000 dols are reliably s u b s c r i b e d .
Also,
that besides the m e m b e r s of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s now engaged in the c o n c e r n , the
members of any other Yearly M e e t i n g who subscribe the sum of 5,000 dollars or u p w a r d s ,
should be p e r m i t t e d to elect 6 trustees or m a n a g e r s of each S e x .
W i t h these slight mod-
ifications, all the v i e w s contained in the 'Address' p u b l i s h e d ^ b y Committees of M e m b e r s
of the three Yearly Meetings in the w i n t e r of 1 8 6 0 - 61 have o u Y * u n i t e d approbation a n d
TV
section; a n d these exceptions we are w i l l i n g to w a i v e , if our F r i e n d s think differently
from u s .
^4.
I s it is desirable that the e x p e r i e n c e , c o u n s e l , a n d special interest a n d
influence in the working operation of the E s t a b l i s h m e n t , should be as w i d e l y diffused
as p r a c t i c a b l e ^ ^ ? m a n a n d h i s wife should not b e b o t h eligible a t the same e l e c t i o n ,
as Trustees or Managers of the I n s t i t u t i o n .
No Establishment that ha.s a l r e a d y b e e n occupied a s a S c h o o l , whatever inducements the purchase of it m a y a p p e a r to o f f e r , should b e considered as among the
places from which the selection of a location is to be m a d e , at least w i t h the v i e w of
u s i n g the same buildings a g a i n for School p u r p o s e s .
F o r , in such a p u r c h a s e , many things
and apartments would be o b t a i n e d , which w o u l d not only be of no u s e for our p u r p o s e , b u t
which w o u l d p r o v e m a t e r i a l l y in the w a y of procuring what was r e a l l y n e e d f u l .
^6.
The l o c a t i o n should not h e where there a r e v e r y f r e q u e n t , e a s y , and cheap
facilities^for getting to a n d from the I n s t i t u t i o n , especially a s it respects large
towns & c i t i e s .
F o r reasons that could be s t a t e d , the welfare^if not the entire suc-
cess of the I n s t i t u t i o n , greatly depends u p o n the o b s e r v a n c e of this p o i n t .
It is
desired, that the E s t a b l i s h m e n t , in its internal a n d domestic a r r a n g e m e n t , should b e a
family: a n d the special impress of its family influence a n d d i s c i p l i n e , and^home feeling
of the children thereby induced, are r e g a r d e d a s a m o n g the greatest of the m a n y benefits contemplated by the I n s t i t u t i o n .
How a n y one who h a s a f a m i l y , can judge, what
would b e the effect U p o n family influence a n d d i s c i p l i n e w h e n some of the children a r e
most of the time a b r o a d , a n d p r o m i s c u o u s guests are m u c h of the time on a v i s i t to the
family^as w o u l d be the case if the Institution w e r e located near a large C i t y , w i t h
facilities for visiting weass. frequent a n d c h e a p .
<^7.
A s a f f o r d i n g the m o s t convenient a c c e s s to all Six of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s ,
ft
a location at a suitable distance from some station on the P h i l
road, w o u l d a p p e a r to u s
^8.
and Harrisburg Rail-
amiable.
Jijfarm of not less than 100 a c r e s , should be connected w i t h the I n s t i t u t i o n .
By a little tact on the p a r t of those to w h o m shall b e entrusted the m a n a g e m e n t a n d
guardianship of the y o u t h , the operations u p o n the F a r m , the m a n u f a c t u r e of farming imv-c.
plementsXiS. ot&> m a y be m a d e a m o s t important a n d h e a l t h f u l p a r t of their r e c r e a t i o n ,
and a rational & u s e f u l employment of their w a s t e e n e r g i e s , a f f o r d i n g all n e c e s s a r y
physical e x e r c i s e , w i t h equal a n a p e r h a p s superior b e n e f i t to the h e a l t h of the m i n d ,
and the corporeal s y s t e m s , to that p r o d u c e d by the o r d i n a r y Gymnastic g a m e s .
^9.
If any Subscriber should object to p a y i n g his s u b s c r i p t i o n , on the g r o u n d
that the course b e i n g p u r s u e d is not what h e had. s u p p o s e d , o r w a s l e d to u n d e r s t a n d ,
when he subscribed, the p a y m e n t of his subscription should not b e insisted u p o n .
^
T h e foregoing v i e w s , a n d p o i n t s of p r a c t i c e , h a v e the sanction of our deliber-
ate and u n i t e d judgment; b u t , a f t e r thus submitting them to the consideration of the
s m f y
Conference, we are p r e p a r e d to c o - o p e r a t e , e a r n e s t l y , and i n g o o d f a i t h , in w h a t e v e r
Course shall be thought most likely to h a r m o n i z e all views a n d i n t e r e s t s , a n d to secure
the important object w e all h a v e so w a r m l y at heart."* ,
QJrJuJujUX^^
M o ^ f e w V
• M*^tL1
S
B e a r i n g this address as the b a s i s of their discussion with the Friends of P h i l adelphia a n d N e w Y o r k , the B a l t i m o r e c o m m i t t e e 6f five entered u p o n their adventurous
ana difficult t a s k .
Samuel M . J a n n e y did not a c c o m p a n y h i s fellow-inembers of the com-
m i t t e e , a l t h o u g h he went to P h i l a d e l p h i a , he relates in his Memoirs',? "in the spring of
the y e a r 1861 to superintend the stereotyping a n d p r i n t i n g of the second v o l u m e of m y
History of Friends"^ a n d h e doubtless did what he could while there to further the committee's c o n c e r n .
It is not k n o w n whether or n o t v R i c h a r d T u r n e r a n d - J o h n P a r r i s h accom-
panied the committee; but it is definitely k n o w n that B e n j a m i n a n d Margaret H a l l o w e l l ^
sb*. N a t h a n a n d Martha Tyson^made the j o u r n e y .
A letter from M a r g a r e t H a l l o w e l l , da,ted
n<
"Moorestown 12 m o 2 ^ £ l 8 6 o j " , speaks of "a h a r d cold" w h i c h she h a d taken in P h i l a d e l J
p h i a , a n d gives the following d e t a i l s of the committee's p r o g r e s s in that city;
20
5*1 suppose thee h a s h e a r d of the concern g o t t e n u p at Y e a r l y m e e t i n g to establish a friends school^ there w a s a committee a p p o i n t e d to p r e p a r e a n a d d r e s s to friends
th
on the subject, this committee m e t in B a l t i m o r e on the evening of the 19
* the a d d r e s s
was a p p r o v e d , and the committee d i r e c t e d to f o r w a r d it to a m e e t i n g of friends called to
meet in P h i l a on fc^ 4 t h day evening lastj
w e a t t e n d e d as did a l s o N . a n d M . E . T y s o n
there was quite a large a n d interesting meeting- - the address w a s h i g h l y a p p r o v e d , a n d a
committee appointed to join ours to p r e s e n t it to N e w Y o r k friends; if they approve of
it, it is to be p r i n t e d a n d circulated a m o n g friends generally - there is quite a confident hope felt by m a n y that by the u n i o n of the three Yearly m e e t i n g s they will b e
1
able to establish a school calculated to m e e t the w a n t s of society? '
The Friends' Intelligencer forVElaventh-tfe-, 2 4 , 1 8 6 0 , contained the following
%
I
h
editorial
. - Third note;
e d i t i o "The
n , P h iCommittee
l a d e l p h i a of
, 1 F8r8i2e,n dP s. from
1 8 8 . B a l t i m o r e on the subject of establishing
- A copy of this l e t t e r , addressed to M a r y B . B r o o k e , of Sandy S p r i n g , M a r y l a n d , w a s
given to Swarthmore's Library b y M a r y M a g r u d e r , of Sandy S p r i n g .
- V o l u m s ^ W ^ p. 5 8 4 .
&&
7/A
a Boarding School, a l l u d e d to in our last n u m b e r , expect to h o l d a m e e t i n g o n F o u r t h
day evening (the 28th inst,) at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , a t h a l f p a s t seven o ' c l o c k ,
to which Friends interested in the object are invited."
T h e Intiligencer of the n e x t
week m a d e no reference to the m e e t i n g thus a n n o u n c e d ; h u t in its issue of Twelfth M o .
8, 1 8 6 0 , a p p e a r e d the following editorial notice:
^ A c c o r d i n g to the notice in the 3 7 t h number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a Conference
was h e l d in R a c e street M e e t i n g H o u s e , with Friends of B a l t i m o r e , on the subject of Education, a n d the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w h e r e our y o u t h of both sexes can
be instructed u n d e r the care of the S o c i e t y , a n d qualified for t e a c h e r s .
A t this m e e t i n g ,
a committee w a s appointed to u n i t e with Friends from B a l t i m o r e , in a like Conference
with Friends of New Y o r k , a n d we a.re requested to state that they h a v e appointed a meeting to b e held in that city, at T w e n t y - s e v e n t h street M e e t i n g H o u s e , on Second day
evening, 10th I n s t . , at 7 o'clock.**
2i
T h e m a n u s c r i p t b o o k of records referred to a b o v e ,
gives the following m i n u t e s
of the conference held in P h i l a d e l p h i a on the evening of N o v e m b e r 2 8 , a n d cf the committeeneeting h e l d the next morning:
•^Proceedings in
Philadelphia
* A t a Conference of F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d its n e i g h b o r h o o d h e l d at R a c e
Street M e e t i n g House o n Fourth day E v e n i n g E l e v e n t h M o n t h 28th 1 8 6 0 ^
Committee a p p o i n t e d at a Conference of F r i e n d s in B a l t i m o r e a t t e n d e d a n d
presented a n address on the subject of E d u c a t i o n a c c o m p a n i e d by some explanatory r e m a r k s .
<^The necessity of an A s s o c i a t i o n for the p u r c h a s e of a F a r m , the erection of
suitable buildings to accommodate a B o a r d i n g School for the education of our Youth of
both sexes and for p r e p a r i n g t e a c h e r s , w a s impressively p r e s e n t e d b y several F r i e n d s .
^ T h e subject was freely discussed a n d the g e n e r a l features of the address w e r e
approved, the following Committee w a s a p p o i n t e d to u n i t e w i t h Friends of Baltimore a n d
. - Volume
616.
Volume 1 7 . P P . 632
4,
other Yearly Meetings in the further consideration of the p r o p o s e d p l a n a s way m a y
open and report to a future m e e t i n g .
E d w a r d Parrish Nathaniel Richardson
D P a r r i s h Jane J o h n s o n H e l e n G . Long-
streth S . E m l e n Sharp1es^Rachel T . J a c k s o n ^ s r a e l J Grahame^Susan M Parrish^ Dillwyn
Parrish,Hannah Lippincott^ B e n j a m i n P r i c e ^ J o h n W i l s o n M o o r e Mary S L i p p i n c o t t John D
Griscom L e t i t i a W A l l e n M c P h e r s o n Saunders H a r r i e t E SSockly T h o m a s R i d g w a y A n n A
Townsend W i l l i a m D o r s e y 0 . H o w a r d W i l s o n E d i t h W A t l e e George T r u m a n R a c h e l W Moore
A n n e Shoemaker Mary R H u s b a n d H u g h Foulke J r
L y d i a Gillingham J a m e s Mott S a m
1
Parry
/
Lucretia M o t t W
111
Hawkins Joseph C Grubb.
^ T h e n adjourned.
(Signed)
Dillwyn Parrish
•'<-•••
C l e r k for the E v e n i n g ^ "
•
Mo 2 9
t h
1860
*
*
*
*
The Committee a p p o i n t e d to confer w i t h P r i e n d s from
Baltimore ha.ving a g r e e d to m e e t at half p a s t 8 o ' c l o c k this m o r n i n g now convened 2 4
members p r e s e n t ^
^ A f t e r a general d i s c u s s i o n on the p l a n submitted in the address it was concluded to appoint a sub-committee to aid F r i e n d s of B a l t i m o r e and. if needful to accompany them to New Y o r k to p r e s e n t to Friends there the address which h a s b e e n read a n d
approved by the conference in this city
^ T h e following F r i e n d ^ J w ^ a p p o i n t e d to this service
Samuel P a r r y
^fbjrV.l—Shnji\ R i d g w a y
0 . Howard Wilson
Rachel T Jackson
M a r y S Lippincott
Susanna M Parrish
Dillwyn Parrish
Ann^JJ A T o w n s e n d
Edward Parrish
Helen G Longstreth
^Then Adjourned.
(Signed)
Dillwyti P a r r i s h
C l e r k for the time.*^
* * *
7 6
It will h e o b s e r v e d that the first p e r s o n a p p o i n t e d on the Philadelphia,
committee,
November 2 8 , 1 8 6 0 , w a s E d w a r d P a r r i s h .
This Quaker educator a n d scholar
was to b e c o m e the first p r e s i d e n t of S w a r t h m o r e C o l l e g e , a n d it is interesting to find
him thus early in the forefront of j ^ T pPhhii:l a d e l p h i a f o u n d e r s .
H e w a s the seventh son
of D r . J o s e p h P a r r i s h , a n eminent p h y s i c i a n , a n d at this time w a s thirty-eight years of
age.
E n t e r i n g h i s b r o t h e r Dillwyn's drug-store at the a g e of s i x t e e n , he studied at
the College of P h a r m a c y in P h i l a d e l p h i a , took his degree there four years l a t e r , opened
a school pf pharmacy in semi-official connection w i t h the U n i v e r s i t y of P e n n s y l v a n i a
in 1 8 4 9 , a n d in 1864 b e c a m e a p r o f e s s o r in his alma m a t e r .
Edward. P a r r i s h m a y have b e e n the author of the review of Herbert Spencer's
a-u<*"«!*
ition*, w h i c h appeared, in the P r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for D e c e m b e r 1 5 , 1860;
and
1
p—
jLe F r i e n d s Intelligencer for December 2 2 , 1 8 6 0 , he contributed the following b r i e f
article on "The New B o a r d i n g School;"
•^The ancient custom of F r i e n d s to recognize,in a Society c a p a c i t y , only those
projects which a r e founded on a religious c o n c e r n , h a s its origin in p h i l o s o p h y , no
less than in faith and e x p e r i e n c e .
U n d e r the influence of this k i n d of f e e l i n g , m e n
are qualified to irnpart to others that u n s e l f i s h interest a n d zeal w h i c h leads d i r e c t l y
to the highest r e s u l t s .
tyA concern has long; dwelt in m a r y m i n d s for the establishment of a school u n d e r
the eare of the Society a t l a r g e , a d a p t e d to the training in the h i g h e r branches of
science a n d l i t e r a t u r e , the h u n d r e d s of yo n g F r i e n d s who are a n n u a l l y reaching the a g e
to enter o n such studied; it lias l a t e l y , a,s m o s t readers of the Intelligencer are a w a r e ,
so far ripened in B a l t i m o r e , a s to l e a d to m e e t i n g s , first in that city, a n d then in
P h i l a d e l p h i a and New Y o r k , d e s i g n e d to a w o k e n throughout the S o c i e t y , this latent a n d
general f e e l i n g .
Few who h a v e enjoyed the p r i v i l e g e of being p r e s e n t at the meetings
JEni
*
f- - V o l . \ « / l k p . 632
. 646
j
IX
-w-r.
}
m
J J
alluded to have failed to a p p r e c i a t e the force of the religious concern which is the
mainspring of the m o v e m e n t , a n d n o n e , I t h i n k , who a p p r e c i a t e t h i s , can want confidence
in its u l t i m a t e s u c c e s s .
The only obstacle w h i c h at present seems likely to stand in
the ray of the oroject is the idea that such a school will "be a. m e a n s of promoting sectarianism, in some objectionable sense of the t e r m .
That its effect w o u l d b e to imbue
the younger p a r t of the Society with increased interest in those p e c u l i a r i t i e s of faith
and p r a c t i c e w h i c h , for two c e n t u r i e s , h a v e d i s t i n g u i s h e d Friends a m o n g Christian professors, must be evident
the concern could h a r d l y h a v e originated on a n y other ground;
and to a n y pa.rents who m a y not b e in u n i s o n w i t h the Society in its fundamental prinrciples a n d testimonies, as laid down in its D i s c i p l i n e , the school could h a r d l y l o o k for
support.
/^The real question then is —
H o w far is this concern for the m o r e thorough a n d
yet guarded education of our children a general one?
If the efforts n o w m a k i n g to ob-
tain a solution of this question result in a f a v o r a b l e r e s p o n s e , a g r e a t step will be
g a i n e d , a n d we m a y look for a speedy a c c o m p l i s h m e n t of the end in v i e w .
P H e can hardly over-estimate the a d v a n t a g e s that w o u l d follow to our Society
from the m o r e general diffusion of solid e d u c a t i o n , among its y o u n g e r m e m b e r s ; these
would thus acquire a m o r e intelligent a o o r e c i B t i o n of its p r i n c i p l e s , and a m e n t a l discipline which w o u l d fortify thern a g a i n s t soecious f a l l a c i e s , w h i l e their sphere of usefulness a n d influence in the w o r l d , w o u l d increase w i t h the enlargement of their knowledge, and the imorovement of their f a c u l t i e s . ^
tF
Six y e a r s l a t e r , in nis E_ssay o n E d u c a t i o n in the Society of F r i e n d ^ * ,
.
Edward
Parrish made a b r i e f reference to the m e e t i n g s h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w
York, closing his a c c o u n t w i t h the following comment: "It is yet too soon to write the
history of this most important m o v e m e n t , but if the m e a s u r e s then inaugurated should b e
crowned with the promised success, the names of those who were thus foremost in- it will
go down to p o s t e r i t y as w o r t h y of double honor."
4 —
P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 3 6 6 , pp.
44 —
Ijx'^
[ p r o c e e d i n g s in
N e w YorK*> t
"
1
f
* A t a M e e t i n g of F r i e n d s h e l d at the M e e t i n g Hotxse on 2 7 ^ Street N e w Y o r k
'welfth M o n t h 1 0 ^ 1860 in reference to the subject of establishing a. B o a r d i n g School for
h e more liberal education of Friends C h i l d r e n , - several m e m b e r s of the Committees w h i c h
lad b e e n appointed in B a l t i m o r e and P h i l a d e l p h i a were p r e s e n t .
They p r e s e n t e d a n A d d r e s s
rhich had b e e n p r e p a r e d in regard to it, w h i c h w a s fully u n i t e d w i t h b y the M e e t i n g .
•J^The following' Friends were a p p o i n t e d a Committee to confer w i t h Committees
il ready a p p o i n t e d ih B a l t i m o r e & P h i l a d e l p h i a , to give the necessary a t t e n t i o n to the
;ubject v i z .
Jonathan T h o m e
Thorns Foulke
William H Macy
Geo T T r i m b l e
E d w a r d Merritt
Ellwood Walter
G i d e o n Frost
Bob t H o y dock
Samuel '.Villetts
Sarah H a g a n
Jacob Capron
Hannah W Hoydock
A n n S Dudley
Eachel Hicks
Deborah M F i e l d
Caroline H Seaman
J a n e Rubsell
S a r a h H Willets
£ T h e n a d j o u r n e d to meet at the call of the Committee
(Signed)
Edward Merritt
Clerk
*%iirdfl!foining f 1 2
t h
Mo 1 1
t h
i860
*
Jr
jfUhe joint Committee of Friends of Hew Y o r k B a l t i m o r e a n d Fhila^raet at
.lester Street Meeting H o u s e at 9 o * c l o c k A . M .
^ P r sent from 17 Y o r k n e a r l y a l l the Committee
"
"
Baltimore
B e n j Hallowell
t
I,Iarg
Hallowell
ITatlian Tyson
|
Martha E Tyson
\
R e b e c c a Turner
^ P r e s e n t from P h i l a
James M o t t
Thos R i d g w a y
W m Griscorn
David J G r i s c o m
Dillwyn Parrish
Susanna M P a r r i s h
Helen G Longstreth.
^ T h e p l a n p r o p o s e d in the address last E v e n i n g w a s again read and d i s c u s s e d .
After some modifications it was a d o p t e d .
The a d d r e s s w i t h a subscription p a p e r to accom-
pany it, were directed to be p u b l i s h e d u n d e r the d i r e c t i o n of Friends i n P h i l a d e l p h i a
* I t was agreed that 1500 copies be f o r w a r d e d to Samuel W i l l e t s for the u s e
of Friends in Hew Y o r k , and 1000 to G e r a r d H R e e s e for the u s e of F r i e n d s in B a l t i m o r e ,
and 1500 to b e retained for the u s e of Friends in Phila.deloh.ia
* I t was directed that the Clerk of this Committee b e requested to call them
together when the business of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall require i t .
#Then Adjourned
$Signed4f
Dillwyn p a r r i s h
C l e r k of joint Committee for the day."^
The only other contemporary account of these H e w Y o r k m e e t i n g s , besides their
Dfficial m i n u t e s , comes to u s from the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , w h i c h contains an editorial
£
notice in the issue for Twelfth M o . 8 , 1 8 6 0 , that at the R a c e Street m e e t i n g on Eleventh
28 , "a committee was a p p o i n t e d to unite w i t h F r i e n d s from B a l t i m o r e , in a like Conference with Friends of Hew Y o r k , a n d we are requested to state that they have a p p o i n t e d a,
neeting to be held in that c i t y , a t T w e n t y - s e v e n t h street M e e t i n g H o u s e , o n Second day
svening, 10th inst., at 7 o'clock."
v !
In its issue of T w e l f t h M o . 2 2 , 1 3 6 0 , the Intelligencer contains the following
sditorial notice of the N e w Y o r k m e e t i n g h e l d on the
^FP.IEKDS' BOARD I ¥0- SCHOOL.-
P u r s u a n t to their appointment as m e n t i o n e d
n the 39th number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a p o r t i o n of the committee from Baltimore a n d
•hiladelphia, m e t in conference w i t h F r i e n d s ' of N e w Y o r k at 27th street meeting h o u s e ,
,t the time a.p ointed for the p u r p o s e .
The evening w a s v e r y i n c l e m e n t , notwithstanding
•hich, a considerable number of F r i e n d s , b o t h m e n a n d women w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
The
general features of the address and p r o p o s e d p l a n w e r e fully a p p r o v e d , a n d a committee
'as appointed to u n i t e w i t h the delegations from B a l t i m o r e a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a , in pub.ishing a n d distributing this d o c u m e n t , with a subscription list a p p e n d e d .
&
There appears to be but one v i e w a s to the want of such a n institution as
.t is now p r o p o s e d to establish, and we shall endeavor to k e e p our readers informed of
;he progress of this interesting c o n c e r n . " ^
.
*
Thus i^t was that devoted Friends of B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k
.'early M e e t i n g s laid the foundation-stones of the educational institution which during
she next d e c a d e , w a s to take the form of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
When the Tysons a n d
Inllowells went u o o n their mission to P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , the clouds of an
JUJL
idverse destiny were^hanging low a n d m e n a c i n g on the h o r i z o n of the A m e r i c a n R e p u b l i c .
)n November S , the election of A b r a h a m L i n c o l n a n d the confinement of h u m a n slavery
;o the Southern StatesYwws- determined.; on N o v e m b e r 1 2 , South Carolina's
legislature
jailed a convention for the p u r p o s e of seceding from the Unionj o n D e c e m b e r 6 that
convention was chosen, a n d two weeks later it p a s s e d a n ordinance of s e c e s s i o n . D u r i n g
I^h
she winter m o n t h s b e f o r e Lincoln's inauguration o n M a r c h 4 \ s i x m o r e of the Southern
States seceded a n d the Southern Confederacy was formed; d u r i n g those m o n t h s , a l s o , the
Irrepressible conflict of arms drew daily n e a r e r .
Edward P a r r i s h , referring six years later to the A d d r e s s w h i c h was a d o p t e d
by the m e e t i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d N e w Y o r k , says of it a n d of the times
in which it w a s sent forth:J^The p r i n t i n g a n d d i s t r i b u t i o n of this address was so soon
followed by those startling events w h i c h shook the nation to its c e n t e r a n d h a v e but
recently c u l m i n a t e d , that the efforts toward enlisting the great b o d y of F r i e n d s , on
behalf of this u n d e r t a k i n g , m a y be said to have b e e n inaugurated d u r i n g the m o s t
anxious time of the great
rebellion.
^ W h e n m a n y citizens d o u b t e d if they or their posterity would a g p i n enjoy
the blessings of free government - w h e n m e n of w e a l t h h e l d their p o s s e s s i o n s b y so feeble
a tenure that soon they m i g h t not command enough of this w o r l d ' s goods to feed a n d
clothe their families - when p a r e n t s , not a f e w , t r e m b l e d lest their s o n s , swept into
the current that carried so m a i y thousands to u n t i m e l y g r a v e s , would n e v e r return to
comfort their declining years - w h e n d a r k n e s s , d i s c o u r a g e m e n t , a n d u n c e r t a i n t y hung
over everything in the f u t u r e , it s e e m e d , to s o m e , out of p l a c e to be p l a n n i n g great
improvements or seeking to found b e n e f i c e n t
institutions.^
THB
BUILDINQ
—SWAIITID^QIUD—COLLEGE
T h e A d d r e s s of Some m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s to their F e l l o w M e m b e r s
on the S u b j e c t of E d u c a t i o n , a n d on the E s t a b l i s h m e n t of a B o a r d i n g School for F r i e n d s '
Children, a n d f o r the E d u c a t i o n of T e a c h e r s " , w h i c h V t h e m e e t i n g s in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l phia a n d H e w Y o r k in O c t o b e r , N o v e m b e r a n d D e c e m b e r , 1 8 6 0 , h a d a d o p t e d a n d ordered to b e
distributed through the respective c o m m u n i t i e s ,
w a s v e r y similar to the B e n o r t of the
A
**
Baltimore Yearu/Meeting's Committee o n E d u c a t i o n in 1 8 5 4 .
*
30It repeated also the B a l t i m o r e A d d r e s s of 1 8 5 3 , w i t h the a d d i t i o n a l p a r a g r a p h ,
"and it is to secure teachers c a p a b l e , u n d e r the d i v i n e b l e s s i n g , o f imparting to o u r
precious children influences like t h e s e , in o u r d i f f e r e n t country n e i g h b o r h o o d s , w h i l e
they a r e a c q u i r i n g the useful b r a n c h e s of school l e a r n i n g , that renders the k i n d of
school w e a r e a d v o c a t i n g so v e r y desirable."
.
.
To the course of study proposed\^i> 1 8 6 0 w a s addedj^ "Agricultural C h e m i s t r y , a n d
to some extent the a r t s of A g r i c u l t u r e a n d H o r t i c u l t u r e .
F r i e n d s ' children s h o u l d b e
m a d e a c q u a i n t e d w i t h - - - - h o w to b u d a t r e e , to train a n d trim grape-vines a n d f l o w e r s ,
a n d thus occupy their leisure time and w a s t e e n e r g i e s , i n a h e a l t h y , r a t i o n a l , a n d
u s e f u l employment."
This a d d i t i o n w a s doubtless m a d e b y B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , a n d it p r o -
b a b l y served to a t t r a c t the sympathy of (Quaker f a r m e r s ^
^ T h e 1 8 6 0 A d d r e s s remarked that "this w o u l d b e o n e m e a n s of supplying
innocent recreation a n d a m u s e m e n t " ; a n d it a d d s : "It is d e s i r a b l e , t o o , that such of the
girls as do not a l r e a d y k n o w h o w , should b e instructed in the b e s t w a y to m a k e b r e a d ,
b u t t e r , c a k e , a n d every k i n d of p l a i n cooking a n d h o u s e h o l d e m p l o y m e n t .
d -
U n d e r judicious
It w a s p r i n t e d in a 16-page p a m p h l e t (with p a p e r c o v e r ) b y "Merrihew & T h o m p s o n ,
P r i n t e r s , Lodge s t r e e t , n o r t h side of P e n n s y l v a n i a B a n k " , P h i l a d e l p h i a , 1 8 6 1 .
91- 'taD^Trfgn,
.
?
cheerful a n d concerned direction a n d t r a i n i n g , this c o u l d b e m a d e "by t u r n s , a m o n g s t the
girls an important a n d u s e f u l p a r t of their recreation a n d amusement."
T h e specific p r o v i s i o n s of "the Plan" of 1 8 5 4 w e r e changed in several important
p a r t i c u l a r s ^ in t h e ^ l a n of 1 8 6 0 .
U n d e r f i n a n c e s , the estimated sum d e s i r e d was in^
creased from $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 . to $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 .
for,
Shares o f stock of $25 each w e r e to "be subscribed
the stock-holders to elect a n n u a l l y the "Trustees or M a n a g e r s " , six of each sex
from each of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s or from "any other Yearly M e e t i n g w h o s e m e m b e r s
shall subscribe the sum of ten thousand dollars or upwards."
A s soon as practicable
after "seventy-five thousand d o l l a r s is reliably s u b s c r i b e d " , the f i r s t election w ^ s to
be h e l d .
T h e l o c a t i o n w a s left to the T r u s t e e s o r M a n a g e r s to d e c i d e , b u t a p r e f e r e n c e
was expressed f o r " a rural d i s t r i c t , a n d w i t h a farm attached."
buildings w a s entirely c h a n g e d .
T h e p l a n of 1854 f o r
Instead of s e p a r a t i n g the one h u n d r e d b o y s a n d one hun-
dred girls in b u i l d i n g s from a h a l f - m i l e to a m i l e a p a r t , it w a s now p r o p o s e d "to erect
a centre b u i l d i n g , a n d two w i n g s , one to a c c o m m o d a t e a b o u t one h u n d r e d b o y s , a n d the other
about one h u n d r e d g i r l s .
The S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ' s f a m i l y , l i b r a r y , m e e t i n g r o o m , a n d some
of the recitation r o o m s , to b e in the centre b u i l d i n g ; a n d also the dining rooms f o r the
children."
T h e *f)lari*"of 1860 r e p e a t s that of 1854 in p r o v i d i n g that p r e f e r e n c e in admission was to b e given to F r i e n d s ' children (others to b e a d m i t t e d if possible)^
in
p r e s c r i b i n g rules for all the scholars^ a n d in a r r a n g i n g f o r the t r a i n i n g of teachers f o r
Friends' s c h o o l s .
3J. -
B o t h p l a n s p r o v i d e that " a p a r t o f the e d u c a t i o n of T e a c h e r s , should
The express p r o v i s i o n was i n c l u d e d that "the m o n e y subscribed a n d p a i d , is to b e
considered a c o n t r i b u t i o n , inasmuch as n o d i v i d e n d , o r return therefrom in a n y w a y
other than from the g e n e r a l b e n e f i t s of the institution,is c o n t e m p l a t e d o r to b e
expe cted.'/
3 fr- W i t h the o m i s s i o n of rooms f o r the S u p e r i n t e n d e n t ' s f a m i l y , this p l a n w a s c a r r i e d out
in the first b u i l d i n g ^ P a r r i s h H a l l " .
-
-
m -
embrace the b e s t m o d e s of c o n d u c t i n g a n d g o v e r n i n g s c h o o l s , a n d the p r a c t i c a l exercise
of hearing the recitation o f classes in p r e s e n c e of a n experienced T e a c h e r , in order to
prepare them a s far a s p o s s i b l e f o r their subsequent duties."'*
The A d d r e s s was signed b y twenty-nine m e m b e r s (17 m e n a n d 12 w o m e n ) of B a l t i m o r e
Yearly M e e t i n g , thirty m e m b e r s (16 m e n a n d 14 w o m e n ) of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d
eighteen m e m b e r s (10 m e n a n d 8 w o m e n ) of N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
T h e names of N a t h a n
and M a r t h a E . T y s o n h e a d the l i s t , a n d w e find those a l s o of B e n j a m i n a n d Margaret E .
H a l l o w e l l , Samuel M . J a n n e y , J a m e s a n d L u c r e t i a M o t t , Dillwyn a n d E d w a r d P a r r i s h ,
George T r u m a n , W i l l i a m D o r s e y , H e l e n G . L o n g s t r e t h , A n n i e S h o e m a k e r , J o n a t h a n T h o r n e ,
William H . M a c y , Thomas F o u l k e , Samuel W i l l e t t s a n d J a n e C . R u s s e l l .
M a n y of these sev-
enty-seven signers w e r e to b e c o m e f a i t h f u l servants a n d generous b e n e f a c t o r s of the new
college.
(fajUJUJ^JL,^ S^rv^o^
— J . (P-ir^t^n^-ei?
/ SL
/
T h e a p p e a l h a v i n g thus b e e n m a d e to F r i e n d s in all the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , the
P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s , who w e r e b y f a r the m o s t numerous^ a s s u m e d the chief b u r d e n of following it u p .
E v e n b e f o r e the A d d r e s s w a s p r i n t e d a n d d i s t r i b u t e d , the critics of the
p l a n b e g a n their obstructive w o r k .
A n editorial in the same n u m b e r of the Friends*
Intelligencer (for T w e l f t h M o . 2 2 , 1 8 6 0 )
w h i c h a n n o u n c e d the a d o p t i o n of the A d d r e s s a t
the m e e t i n g in New Y o r k twelve days b e f o r e , r e f e r r e d to some of these objections a n d
m a d e the following reply:
P R e h a v e r e c e i v e d several essays o n the subject of E d u c a t i o n , in n e a r l y a l l of
w h i c h , the w r i t e r s b a s e their remarks in relation to the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , on the
supposition that it is intended to p l a c e it u n d e r the care of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s . B u t the
address a l l u d e d to in the p r e s e n t n u m b e r , as a b o u t to b e p u b l i s h e d f o r g e n e r a l c i r c u l a t i o n ,
- T h i s A d d r e s s was p u b l i s h e d in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer f o r M a r c h 3 0 , A p r i l 6 , a n d
--I
A p r i l 1 5 , 1861 ( V o l . ^ 8 , p p . 4 2 - 4 4 , 5 3 - 5 5 , 7 2 - 7 4 ) , p r e f a c e d b y the n o t e : " A l t h o u g h the
Ji/
subjoined A d d r e s s h a s b e e n circulated a m o n g the m e m b e r s of the several Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , w e h a v e thought that if p u b l i s h e d in o u r p a p e r it m i g h t b e read b y some who
h a v e not h a d the o p p o r t u n i t y of k n o w i n g in what m a n n e r the interesting subject of
education h a d b e e n recently p l a c e d b e f o r e us."
- a - Tai.-if.-r.
A k
>1
Q f ^ j r f " ~
Jr
'
-
will show, that this is not c o n t e m p l a t e d .
f6
T h e w r i t e r s of the several e s s a y s w i l l f i n d
much of their religious c o n c e r n , e m b o d i e d in that document»
^To
the friend who expresses a fear that such a school as it is p r o p o s e d to es-
tablish, w o u l d p r e v e n t the a t t e n t i o n of F r i e n d s b e i n g turned to the improvement of primary and n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l s , we m a y r e p l y , that the experience of similar institutions
has p r o v e d that the effect is rather to raise the standard of a l l s c h o o l s , b y e d u c a t i n g
teachers at a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e .
J* T h e same w r i t e r a d v o c a t e s a system of f r e e instruction throughout the S o c i e t y ,
and t h i s , no d o u b t , w o u l d b e an effectual m e a n s of competing w i t h the p u b l i c s c h o o l s . Y e t
even if w e l o o k to this desirable r e s u l t , there a r e no m o r e efficient m e a n s towards i t ,
than to embrace u n i t e d l y every o p e n i n g w h i c h a p p e a r s likely to give to our children a
liberal e d u c a t i o n , a n d to instil into their m i n d s at the same t i m e , a love f o r our principles a n d t e s t i m o n i e s .
It is to individuals thus t r a i n e d , that w e m u s t look in the fut-
ure to carry still f u r t h e r that b e a u t i f u l p r i n c i p l e of Christian e q u a l i t y , w h i c h w o u l d
give to every child b o r n into the Society an education commensurate w i t h h i s p o w e r s , a n d
at the expense of the w h o l e .
O n the subject of b o o k s . w e give the f o l l o w i n g r e m a r k e d f r o m one of the essays
referred to:
'Another serious d i s a d v a n t a g e u n d e r w h i c h w e l a b o r , is the w a n t of suitable
books for c h i l d r e n , not only f o r the infant m i n d , but a l s o f o r those of riper y e a r s ; a n d
are w e not dependant for b o o k s on those w h o s e v i e w s in several important p a r t i c u l a r s a r e
bat in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h o u r p r i n c i p l e s ?
a n d if w e s e n d our children to schools over w h i c h
we h a v e no c o n t r o l , it seems n e c e s s a r y to u s e such class b o o k s a s a r e u s e d in such s c h o o l s .
And I w o u l d i n q u i r e , a r e there n o t talent a n d l e a r n i n g enough a m o n g u s to g e t u p b o o k s
for our children in a c c o r d a n c e with our o w n v i e w s ? '
^ W h i l s t this w a n t remains u n s u p p l i e d , w e k n o w no b e t t e r w a y to obviate the difficulty, t h a n to have teachers trained to u n d e r s t a n d o u r p r i n c i p l e s a n d testimonies; for
a religiously concerned a n d intelligent t e a c h e r ^ w i l l k n o w what to p a s s b y in the class
books u s e d , a n d w h a t to m a k e a n o c c a s i o n f o r h o l d i n g u p truth in o p p o s i t i o n to e r r o r . ^
/
(
x
.
V*. S^VvvvwttLu }
Je?k. J\0-rJtL
/ U^p
/
)
-
fe
-
To convince the d o u b t i n g T h o m a s e s , a n d to raise the first h a l f of the
$ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 ^ required so that the m a n a g e r s o r trustees c o u l d b e elected a n d started u p o n
their t a s k , a series of m e e t i n g s w e r e h e l d in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
The first of these o c c u r r e d
in the R a c e Street Meeting-house o n the 1 4 t h . of J a n u a r y * 1 8 6 1 .
Jg
meeting are recorded as follows ih the r e c o r d - b o o k
T h e m i n u t e s of this
*
by D i l l w y n P a r r i s l y - a l t h o u g h h e
did not sign his n a m e as clerk:
Philadelphia
_
^ A t a M e e t i n g of the Committee a p p o i n t e d b y F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a h e l d p u r suant to notice 1
s t
Mo 1 4
t h
1861 P r e s e n t 1 ? f r i e n d s .
•J^The object of the M e e t i n g w a s stated to b e the d i s t r i b u t i o n of the 1500
pamphlets a n d subscription p a p e r s d i r e c t e d to b e p u b l i s h e d b y the joint C o m m i t t e e .
•^Several Suggestions w e r e m a d e b u t it w a s finally concluded that the f o l l o w i n g
Friends s h o u l d b e a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d to the service in the several Quarterly M e e t i n g s
b e l o n g i n g to our Ya e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ P h i l a d D i l l w y n P a r r i s h & Geo T r u m a n
#Abington
Sam* P a r r y
^Bucks
Nath
*?
Richardson & Mary S . Lippincott
1
\
)
,
^Concord 1
^Western 3
s
^
Mc Pherson Saunders and Anne Shoemaker.
n
sharplestf
*
«
"*"Cala
Helen G Longstreth
^Southern
Rachel T Jackson
*lurliggton
if D P a r r i s h
•^addonfield
Mary S Lippincott
*Salem
If® Griscorn
"'fishing Creek
1
Clement B i d d l e
& Benj
n
Price
Lydia Gillingham
Thos Ridgway
&
Hannah Lippincott
David J Griscom
&
Jane Johnson
M c p h e r s o n Saunders
w a s a g r e e d that the f o l l o w i n g circular should b e a d d r e s s e d to a few
| Friends in the v a r i o u s M o n t h l y Meetings b y the C o m m i t t e e a n d the Clerk w a s directed to
a
have 2 5 0 copies p r i n t e d for their u s e . ^'Esteemed Friend
l
A t a Conference h e l d in P h i l
a
in 1 1 ^
Mo last on the subject of
E d u c a t i o n , a committee w a s a p p o i n t e d to a i d in c a r r y i n g out the p l a n of establishing
a B o a r d i n g School as p r o p o s e d in the a c c o m p a n y i n g a d d r e s s .
Committee of F r i e n d s —
O n m e e t i n g w i t h a joint
a p p o i n t e d b y similar conferences in N e w Y o r k a n d B a l t i m o r e it
w a s concluded to p u b l i s h the p a m p h l e t a n d j r a k e a n effort to obtain f u n d s , forjrtiich
iZ~l (f. jr /- /.
I t is p r o p o s e d that if F r i e n d s in our different Q u a r t e r l y Meetings
purpose a subscription p a p e r is also s e n t .
c
fffi /
•
&
u n i t e in the object conferences should b e h e l d a n d the a d d r e s s read a n d that Committees
be a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d a g e n e r a l m e e t i n g to b e h e l d on
6
th
day the 1 5
t h
of 3 * * M o n t h
next a t 3 o ' c l o c k in the a f t e r n n o n a t E a c e St M e e t i n g H o u s e d
Then a d j o u r n e d . ^
//A; »
»
/
The g e n e r a l conference thus p r o p o s e d to b e h e l d two m o n t h s l a t e r , to h e a r
reports from the local conferences a n d to enable the c o m m i t t e e to t a k e the n e x t s t e p ,
was a d v e r t i s e d in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of T h i r d M o . 9 a n d 1 6 , 1 8 6 1 ,
a s followss
^ W e w o u l d remind F r i e n d s in the different sections of o u r Y e a l y Meeting*
that the g e n e r a l Confenance on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , the establishment of a B o a r d ing S c h o o l , & J 3 . , w i l l b e h e l d a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e , on S i x t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n ,
1 5 t h n f T h i r d M o n t h , a t three o ' c l o c k .
'Pit is h o p e d that this interesting subject h a s o c c u p i e d the a t t e n t i o n of the
m e m b e r s of our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in t h e i r several n e i g h b o r h o o d s a n d that there w i l l b e a
I general a t t e n d a n c e of those interested in carrying out the p r o p o s e d plan.*T h e general conference w a s duly heldj b u t in l i e u of its w r i t t e n m i n u t e s , if
any w e r e t a k e n , w e find only the f o l l o w i n g editorial (which m a y h a v e b e e n contributed
y AVUji
Vol\43,
824,
8.
b y D i l l w y n P a r r i s h ) in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r f o r T h i r d M o 2 3 , 1 8 6 1 : ^
32ZL
i7 - '
'
""IF* Vtrv
V.
/
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/OutucJU,
Oflrv / X u ^ y ^ ,
/
)
"Ttir
dfftsbu&A, A ^ A W -
A
•
AS^gC.
zvvvyvvt/^V
AVO-v
-
general Conference on the subject of E d u c a t i o n , a n d the
J*
-
f t
establishment
of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w a s h e l d at R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the
15th i n s t . , in a c c o r d a n c e w i t h an invitation e x t e n d e d b y the Committee a p p o i n t e d in
11th ntonth l a s t .
N e a r l y 2 0 0 F r i e n d s , from w i t h i n the limits of all the Q u a r t e r l y
Meetings b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
The Minutes
of the Committee were r e a d , a n d the F r i e n d s therein a p p o i n t e d to d i s t r i b u t e the Address a d o p t e d b y the Conferences h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l hia a n d N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g s , reported that the service h a d been a t t e n d e d t o .
<*It a p p e a r e d f r o m the reports t h a t Conferences h a d b e e n h e l d w i t h i n the
limits of some of the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s , in w h i c h the A d d r e s s w a s r e a d , a n d delegates
w e r e a p p o i n t e d b y M i n u t e to represent the v i e w s of the m e m b e r s , a n d some F r i e n d s from
within the limits of a l l the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s w e r e p r e s e n t , a n d p a r t i c i p a t e d in the
proceedings.
It was a l s o stated t h a t , in some n e i g h b o r h o o d s , subscriptions f o r
the object h a d b e e n e n t e r e d i n t o .
Satisfactory evidence w a s a f f o r d e d that a deep in-
terest in this important concern was felt b y mai$r of o u r m e m b e r s , a n d extracts were read
from l e t t e r s of Friends b e l o n g i n g to B a l t i m o r e a n d N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , b e a r i n g
similar t e s t i m o n y .
-JThe p r e s e n t p o l i t i c a l a n d financial d i f f i c u l t i e s h a v e p r e v e n t e d , in m a r y
n e i g h b o r h o o d s , a systematic effort to collect the n e c e s s a r y f u n d s , but it w a s b e l i e v e d
the time h a d now a r r i v e d to enter w i t h zeal into the w o r k .
Subscription papers, which
had b e e n a d o p t e d b y the joint C o n f e r e n c e , w e r e p l a c e d in the h a n d s of F r i e n d s from
each section f o r distribution a m o n g the m e m b e r s of the several Q u a r t e r l y a n d M o n t h l y
M e e t i n g s , a n d the Half Y e a r f s M e e t i n g at F i s h i n g C r e e k , a n d they are expected to report
to a n a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of this C o n f e r e n c e to b e h e l d o n T h i r d - d a y e v e n i n g , 1 4 t h of 5 t h
m o n t h n e x t , at 8 o ' c l o c k - the w e e k of o u r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ffThe g e n e r a l interest felt in this subject h a s induced u s to f u r n i s h this
information, a n d w e shall w e l c o m e to our columns a n y communications from F r i e n d s of
-
T
^ o t h e r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s w h i c h g i v e a n a c c o u n t o f the p r o g r e s s o f t h e c o n c e r n w i t h i n
\ their l i m i t s .
i
a p p e n d a c o p y o f the s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r :
'For the p u r p o s e of e s t a b l i s h i n g a F R I E N D S ' BOARDING- S C H O O L , w h e r e o u r y o u t h
i m a y r e c e i v e a l i b e r a l a n d g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r t h e c a r e of m e m b e r s o f t h e S o c i e t y ;
! w h e r e t e a c h e r s c a n b e e d u c a t e d a n d p r o p e r l y p r e p a r e d to t a k e c h a r g e o f S c h o o l s in
i F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s ; a n d w h e r e o r p h a n c h i l d r e n , a n d o t h e r s w h o s e c i r c u m s t a n c e s require them to b e sent f r o m h o m e , m a y b e e d u c a t e d a t a m o d e r a t e e x p e n s e , o n the g e n e r a l
plan i n d i c a t e d i n the " A d d r e s s " i s s u e d b y m e m b e r s of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of B a l t i m o r e ,
Philadelphia and New Y o r k , w e , the subscribers, a g r e e , a n d hereby b i n d ourselves, our
e x e c u t o r s a n d a d m i n i s t r a t o r s , to p a y the suras o p p o s i t e to o u r r e s p e c t i v e n a m e s ; f i v e
dollars p e r share of t w e n t y - f i v e d o l l a r s e a c h to b e p a i d w h e n s e v e n t y - f i v e
thousand
d o l l a r s shall b e r e l i a b l y s u b s c r i b e d a n d t h e A s s o c i a t i o n is o r g a n i z e d , a n d f i v e d o l lars p e r s h a r e e v e r y s i x m o n t h s t h e r e a f t e r u n t i l t h e w h o l e is
F r o m t h i s a c c o u n t it does not a p p e a r in w h a t M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s l o c a l c o n f e r ences o n t h e p r o j e c t w e r e h e l d b e f o r e the g e n e r a l c o n f e r e n c e of M a r c h 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 ; b u t
t w e l v e d a y s l a t e r , a l o c a l c o n f e r e n c e w a s h e l d i n P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , the
m i n u t e s o f w h i c h g a v e c o m e d o w n to u s a s f o l l o w s :
f k b a m e e t i n g of s o m e m e m b e r s of P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g (Race S t ) h e l d
a g r e a b l y to n o t i c e , a t the c l o s e of o u r m e e t i n g f o r w o r s h i p o n F o u r t h d a y M o r n i n g 3^"
th
S mo
2 7 * " 1861
to c o n f e r u p o n the s u b j e c t of the p r o p o s e d e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a F r i e n d s
: Boarding School
/
^
u
^ j r o p d s i t i o n w a s m a d e a n d u n i t e d w i t h that s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s b e o p e n e d x n i x
;g.t the s t o r e o f E d w a r d P a r r i s h a n d that w e u s e o u r i n f l u e n c e to i n d u c e F r i e n d s to c a l l
;and e n t e r t h e i r n a m e s a s
subscribers.
fflt w a s n o t t h o u g h t b e s t to a p p o i n t a c o m m i t t e e a t this t i m e b u t a s a n u m b e r
.of i n t e r e s t e d F r i e n d s c a n n o t l e a v e t h e i r b u s i n e s s d u r i n g the day it w a s c o n c l u d e d to
f
tiL
1
mo*"* 1
s t
a t " ^ o ' c l o c k to d e l i b e r a t e
-
90
-
'urther on the s u b j e c t .
^ A Friend, being requested to invite a general a t t e n d a n c e at the time n a m e d ,
t the close of our m e e t i n g for worship on F i r s t day m o r n i n g .
^Then adjourned.^
These m i n u t e s are u n s i g n e d , but they were doubtless taken b y Samuel S . A s h ,
ho "was called to the table" a s c l e r k .
The subscription p a p e r s in Philadelphia were
o be o p e n e d , as stated, "at the store of E d w a r d P a r r i s h " ; and at the next local confernce in P h i l a d e l p h i a , Edwa.rd p a r r i s h and A n n e Shoemaker were appointed c l e r k s , E d w a r d
arrish signing the m i n u t e s .
These m i n u t e s w e r e as follows:
^ A t a M e e t i n g on the evening of Fourth M o n t h 1
1 8 6 1 at the Hace St M e e t i n g
ouse P r e s e n t about 70 Friends m a n y h a v i n g been detained by the inclemency of the w e a t h e r .
^ E d w a r d P a r r i s h and A n n e Shoemaker were a p p o i n t e d C l e r k s .
T h e Clerk informed
hat $2150* have b e e n subscribed by five F r i e n d s towards the fund to b e raised for the
stablishment of the s c h o o l .
^ T h e A d d r e s s adopted by the joint committees of Friends of Baltimore New Y o r k
nd Philadelphia w a s read for the information of some p r e s e n t .
^The Subscription C o m m i t t e e , 1 8 6 ^
**The following Friends w e r e apnointed to obtain subscriptions to the fund w i t h
Dwer to a.dd to their number as they m a y deem it expedient - - ^ T h e n a d j o u r n e d to F o u r t h day E v e n i n g
3
43
1
mo l ^ at 8 oclock.
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , Clerk.'*
4
W e should like to k n o w , but are not informed by the a b o v e , the npmes of the"five
3 _
This list is given in A p p e n d i x I I I , infra, p . 4 4 7 .
- 91 -
44
Friends" who h a d subscribed $ 2 , 1 5 0 . to the d e s i g n a t e d fund of $ 1 5 0 , 0 0 0 .
„
)ther Friends could be found to contribute a p r o p o r t i o n a t e sura, the fund, would be raised;
m d it w a s confidently exroected that the f i f t y - s e v e n F r i e n d s a p p o i n t e d on the subscription
somraittee w o u l d succeed in the endeavofj^-^Among the F r i e n d s appointed on the committee
t this time was Isaac H . C l o t h i e r , then a struggling y o u n g m e r c h a n t of t w e n t y - t h r e e , but
estined to share with the dollege for m o r e than half a century b o t h h i m s e l f a n d the
ruits of his t o i l .
His first recorded contribution to
9varthmore*s funds appears to
ave been in 1 8 6 2 , when h e subscribed $ 5 0 . for two shares of its s t o c k .
The committee having b e e n appointed at the m e e t i n g on A p r i l 1 s t . , m e t two a n d
hree days l a t e r , as appears from the following m i n u t e (not s i g n e d , but w r i t t e n by E d w a r d
grrish, one of the two clerks);
the m e e t i n g of the a b o v e committee h e l d on the Evenings of the 3 ^ and
4 ^
th
f 4
M o n t h 1861 p r e s e n t about 30 m e m b e r s .
•J^m Etyre Jno D . Griscom a n d Clement M B i d d l e w e r e added to the C o m m i t t e e .
^ T h e names of the m e m b e r s of the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g contained in the Treasurers
aok were c a l l e d
over and allotted to the respective m e m b e r s of this c o m m i t t e e to call
i them for s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
<^The following F r i e n d s w e r e a p p o i n t e d to h a v e charge of a list of names not
;herwise appropriated a n d to consider the expediency of issuing a circular to the m e m b e r s
f the Monthly M e e t i n g apprizing them of the p r o g r e s s of this movement v i z Edward P a r r i s h ,
IOS R i d g w a y Dillwyn P n r r i s h Geo T a b e r , Thos W D a v i s , W m C B i d d l e .
^ A d j o u r n e d to the evening of 4 m o 1 7 ^ inst.^>
I -
They may h a v e b e e n Edward H o o p e s , H e n r y M . L a i n g , T h o m a s R i d g w a y , William D . P a r r i s h ,
and James and L u c r e t i a M o t t . The first three of these are recorded in 1862 to h a v e
subscribed $ 5 0 0 e a c h , the fourth $ 3 7 5 , a n d J a m e s a n d Lucretia M o t t j o i n t l y $ 2 5 0 .
In 1 8 6 2 , the N o t t s trebled their original s u b s c r i p t i o n .
-
92
-
A m o n g the three new- members armointed on the P h i l a d e l p h i a Committee a t the
rsbove m e e t i n g w a s Clement M . B i d d l e , then (like his i n t i m a t e f r i e n d , Isaac H . C l o t h i e r )
5. straggling youn-- m e r c h a n t of t w e n t y - t h r e e , and d e s t i n e d to serve Swarthmore College in
notable w a y s during the critical y e a r s of its b u i l d i n g a n d for a score of yerrs after
its o p e n i n g .
He began h i s gifts to the college in
w h e n he subscribed $50 for
two shares of its stock, a n d acted as "Receiver for Philadelphia" from 1 s t . M o n t h 1 3 ,
L363, to S t h . Month 5 , 1 8 6 9 , when he b e c a m e Clerk of the B o a r d in E d w a r d P a r r i s h ' s p l a c e ,
le acted in the latter capacity for three y e a r s , and from 1868 to 1873 w a s also Clerk
)f the C o r p o r a t i o n .
F o r nearly twenty years thereafter he was a m e m b e r of the Board of
A fortnight l a t e r , the P h i l a d e l p h i a committee h e l d another m e e t i n g , w h i c h m u s t
46
lave been a rather discouraging one;
but they r e s o l v e d to m e e t a g a i n one w e e k later and
:onsider the R e p o r t w h i c h had been p r e p a r e d for a n o t h e r general conference to be h e l d in
!
h i l a d e l o h i a during the w e e k of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in M a y 1 8 6 1 .
The m i n u t e s of the Committee's m e e t i n g s on A p r i l 17 and 2 4 were as follows;
<*&t a m e e t i n g of the Committee 4 m o 17 1861 Several Friends reported subscripions obtained but most of those p r e s e n t h a d m e t w i t h no success owing to the u n f a v o r a b l e
ime
^ T o prepare for d i s t r i b u t i o n , notices of the a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of F r i e n d s on
st
he subject of the School which is to b e h e l d on the e v e n i n g of 5 m o 1
^ S e l e n 0 Longstreth Bnaline L M o o r e Jos M T r u m a n J r Rachel S E v a n s , Thos W
Ivans and Jos Canby were a p p o i n t e d
5 - It is interesting to f i n d , from a. notice in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer for First M o .
1 9 , 1861 (Vol. X V I I , P p . 712-13) that at this critical time in the h i s t o r y of the
country and of Swarthmore College Edward P s r r i s h a n d Clement M . B i d d l e were a c t i n g as
Vice P r e s i d e n t a n d Treasurer of a Soup H o u s e f o r the U n e m p l o y e d ! T h e notice is as
follows:
^See P n g e 92 - aj
6 -
Fort Sumter h a d been attacked on the 1 2 t h . of A p r i l , £nd the Civil War b e g u n .
92 -
a
ootnote N o . U5^continued|
»*The large number of persons who have been thrown out of employment by the
rangement in political business affairs recently, induced a number of citizens (prinoally friends) to establish a Soup House in a central situation . - - - - -
&We are requested to state that the 'Central Soup Society of Philadelphia'
r the gratuitous distribution of soup and other food to the poor during the inclement
1
w o n , has been established at N o . 5 3 North street (first street south of A r c h , running
jm 5th to 6th street).
A supply of nutritious soup will be furnished every day between
5 hours of 11 and 1 o'clock, (except the first day of the week,) to such applicants as
r be referred to the Soup House with a note signed by a respectable person, stating the
iber of adults and children in each family.
Applicants must reside last of Eleventh
•eet, and between Callowhill and Walnut Streets, to obtain daily supplies from this
tree,
though none are sent empty away while the supply holds out. No better way has been
'ised for furnishing the poor and destitute with cheap and nutritious food through the
iter than institutions of this character, and we would recommend it to such of our readi as feel desirous to contribute toward the relief of this class of our population.
i*Itonations of money, beef or vegetables will be received at the Soup House
sry day between 11 and 1 o'clock, or by either of the following officers.
Bartram ?
Isaac Barton
> President. N o . 35 S.2nd St
Edward Parrish, Vice Pres. N o . S00 Arch S t .
Nathan H . Sharpless, Sec. N o . 28 N . 7th St.
Clement M . Biddle, Trea., N o . 131 Market St
Committee
of
1
Supplies. ^
J j W w ,
fr
fi.
f x -
- 9 3 -
^ T o assist the clerks in preparing a report to be submitted at said adjourned
leeting Dillwyn Parrish and Helen G . Longstreth
^Adjourned to the evening of the 2 4th inst >
meeting was held on the evening of 2 $
h
of 4
month at which the arrange-
ents for the distribution of the notices were completed and the report to the general
eeting Adopted
Import
'To the Adjourned Conference of Friends of Philadelphia Monthly Meeting
•The Committee appointed to obtain subscriptions to a fund for the establishment
f a Boarding School having labored in the matter present the following Eeport enw
-
JtSr -
f
bracing a sketch of the origin of this concern and its present aspects as far as our
Monthly Meeting is concerned.
^During the sittings of Baltimore Yearly Meeting in JO
Month last, a number
of its members met in conference to consider the propriety of establishing a Friends
Boarding School where our youth may receive a liberal and guarded education under the
care of memtBrs of the Society, - where teachers can be educated and properly trained
to take charge of schools in Friends neighborhoods and where orphan children and others
whose circumstances require them to be sent from home may be educated at a moderate
expense.
After carefully considering the subject in its various bearings Friends of
Baltimore appointed
a committee to prepare an address and if way opened to meet their
brethren in Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings in conference.
^In the latter O-fi named cities a considerable number of Friends came together
at the invitation of the Baltimore Committee and the address prepared by them was read
and after some alterations united with, - after which joint committees from tht three
conferences met and agreed to publish and circulate the address throughout the Society
in this country.
•Tit is an encouraging circumstance that in these several conferences there
was no diversity of sentiment as to the necessity of an Institution where our children
can receive an education in its true sense by the simultaneous cultivation of their
intellectual and moral powers.
It was believed that a duty devolved upon us as a rel-
igious body to provide means for the liberal education of our children tinder circumstances favorable to the maintainance of our religious principles and testimonies.
this want under which we have been suffering for many years, is not
supplied there is every reason to fear that onr Society will be gradually absorbed by
the religious denominations by which we are surrounded.
^In the early settlement of Pennsylvania - ample provision was made by W
10
Penn and his associates for the education not only of the members of the Society of
Friends but for the general community and this principal has been in measure acted upon
-
^
-
)y their successors in religious f e l l o w s h i p .
^The system of Public School instruction so universal in the Free States has
>pened the way for all to acquire an education, but experience has proved that there
.s a large class in this community who still desire to send their children to schools
mder the care of Friends and it is proposed that this class shall be admitted as far
is is consistent with the duties we awe to our own members and professors.
^While it is impossible to state accurately the plan that the Trustees to be
ppointed by the Stockholders may adopt^it is contemplated that while facilities are
.fforded for pursueing a liberal and extensive course of study - equal to that of the
est Institutions in our country, the claims of those tto admission
whose studied have
/
ot been far advanced will not be disregarded.
ake 6000 shares at $25 each and it is believed that this soon can be subscribed withut difficulty if Friends ih our several Yearly Meetings are convinced of the importnce of the object.
It would greatly increase_the interest if all Friends who have the
bility would become shareholders and thus have a^roice in the|Association and wien' it
s remembered that the subscription is to be paid in instalments extending over a period
f Two and a half years, it makes the terms of payment comparatively within the reach
f all.
^ ^ f y j w ^
<
ff/j
^The time has proved most unfavorable for carrying out this laudable object,
most alarming civil war has broken out in our country^ the peaceful occupations of .
lousands of citizens have been suspended.
Our neighboring c i W o f Baltimore^has been
object^ to the temporary control of a lawless and infuriated mob, - feany Friends and
ther law abiding people have been obliged to take refuge in safer or less exposed
Ltuations.
^Everywhere throughout the country business of all kinds not concerned in the
rosecution of the trar has suffered g r e a t l y , securities have fallen in value and not a
3W merchants a n d business m e n a r e already threatened with the loss of their a l l .
*
-
&
-
i L
A s a consequence every m e a s u r e not p e r t a i n i n g to the p u b l i c security o r to the relief
of the a n t i c i p a t e d suffering has b e e n for the p r e s e n t thrown into the s h a d e .
^This C o m m i t t e e h a v e therefore w i t h the u t m o s t reluctance p o s t p o n e d the important a n d interesting work committed to then w i t h the u r g e n t d e s i r e that the
sorrow and difficulty which at p r e s e n t environ u s a n d w h i c h m u s t claigj our thoughts
and interest for some time to come m a y not w h o l l y o b l i t e r a t e the deep concern for the
advantagement of m o r a l a n d intellectual education a m o n g s t u s ; a n d m a y w e n o t h o p e
that mar?/ of those already e n l i s t e d in this scheme of a F r i e n d s B o a r d i n g School m a y y e t
aid in its successful establishment a f t e r the p r e s e n t u n h a p p y difficulties in our
country a r e at a n e n d O "
To make a u e p o r t , a n d receive a n endorsement of its a c t i o n , the committee h e l d
another local c o n f e r e n c e on the 1 s t . of M a y , w h o s e m i n u t e s a r e r e c o r d e d a s follows:
**At a conference h e l ( ^ p ^ o a t l W ^ t o
adjournment
5
th
8
1
Mo l ^ 1861 Present about
60 F r i e n d s .
i^The minutes of the p r e v i o u s conference a n d of the C o m m i t t e e since its appointm e n t w e r e r e a d , also the R e p o r t of the C o m m i t t e e
* T h e clerks a r e requested to p r e p a r e a n d f o r w a r d to tke ensuing conference to
b e h e l d during the w e e k of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a R e p o r t of our p r o c e e d i n g s ; of the
causes w h i c h h a v e p r e v e n t e d our o b t a i n i n g subscriptions at this time a n d of our h o p e
of success hereaftefc.
Thos R i d g w a y
To represent u s in said c o n f e r e n c e (}eo T r u m a n D i l l w y n P a r r i s h
Rachel T Jackson
Helen G Longstreth and Susan M Parrish are appointed
Then Adjourned.^
T h e F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer h a d done its b e s t to p r o m o t e the founding of the
new school by p u b l i s h i n g in its issues of M a r c h S O , A p r i l 6 a n d A p r i l 1 3 , 1 8 6 1 , the
of anxiety in their first s e n t e n c e s ^ ^ F o r the last few weeks o u r country h a s b e e n
A d d r e s s of 1860; but its editorials of A p r i l 2 7 a n d M a y 4 struck the n r e v a i l i n g note
M a n u s c r i p t R e c o r d - b o o k , xfy,
36.
r
•3— Vol.
i l«,~-pp. 1 0 4 , 1 2 0 .
j&ElLL
-
-
cjn
convulsed, b y intestine s t r i f e , a n d there is scarcely a v i l l a g e o r hamlet that h a s not
I been
reached b y the rumors of w a r .
T h e exciting incidents connected w i t h this sad
calamity have b e e n n a r r a t e d in e v e r y n e w s p a p e r , a n d the w h o l e country has b e e n a r o u s e d
by a spectacle w h i c h is new to m o s t n o w u p o n the stage of a c t i o n . - - - T h e present
aspect of our national affairs is truly a p p a l l i n g , a n d should h a v e the effect of
I directing our thoughts to that A l m i g h t y , s u p e r i n t e n d i n g p o w e r , w h o s e p r o v i d e n t i a l care
i is over a l l his works.*"
P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w a s h e l d in 1861 from the 1 3 t h . to the 1 7 t h . of
May; b u t it took no official n o t i c e of the m o v e m e n t i n b e h a l f of the n e w educational
institution.
T h e F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , a f t e r g i v i n g a n a c c o u n t of its p r o c e e d i n g s ,
-
7,
added the following notice of the Conference w h i c h was h e l d on May 16: fflt w i l l b e
A
interesting to m a n y , who were not i n a t t e n d a n c e a t our late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to k n o w
the result of the Conference w h i c h m e t by a d j o u r n m e n t on T h i r d day evening, 16th
inst., on the subject of extending the facilities of e d u c a t i o n , b y the establishment
of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
large n u m b e r of F r i e n d s m e t in the Race Street H o u s e , w h e n the m i n u t e s of
the p r e v i o u s Conference were r e a d , a n d also the n a m e s of those w h o h a d b e e n a p p o i n t e d
w i t h i n the limits of the different Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s to o p e n subscriptions towards
the o b j e c t .
M e m b e r s of all the Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g s w i t h i n our l i m i t s reported either
verbally o r in writing; a n d it w a s f o u n d t h a t , w h i l e i n some n e i g h b o r h o o d s liberal
subscriptions had b e e n m a d e , the p r e s e n t state of t h e country h a d p r e v e n t e d m u c h
active effort.
M a n y Friends expressed their v i e w s of the importance of the o b j e c t ,
a n d g a v e assurances of the interest felt i n their respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s , and t h e i r
J b e l i e f that the time w o u l d come w h e n it w o u l d b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
^ A report from one of the meetings e x p r e s s e d so fully the views of the F r i s a d s
a s s e m b l e d , that w e canntt m o r e a p p r o p r i a t e l y close this notice than b y an extract from
' it.
- Jol,
_____
169 - 170 (Fifth M o . 2 5 , I 8 6 l ) , ^
.X'Our conferences o n the subject h a v e evidenced a deep interest in the
prosecution of the p l a n , and a general belief in its practicability, but THE TIME
has p r o v e d most u n f a v o r a b l e .
The political difficulties in w h i c h our country is un-
happily involved have postponed almost every philanthropic enterprise, a n d covered
the future with such a cloud of doubt a n d distrust, that w e have b e e n reluctantly
compelled to postpone our efforts to obtain subscriptions until p e a c e shall again
prevail in our l a n d , or until the present monetary pressure a n d embarrassment shall
give p l a c e to some degree of returning p r o s p e r i t y .
W h i l e a postponement of this
good work is thus forced u p o n u s , we earnestly desire that the concern for the advancement of moral and intellectual education a m o n g u s m a y be k e p t a l i v e , and w e trust
that some of those already enlisted in the cause m a y yet aid in the successful establishment of a Friends' Boarding School, in advance of any now in existence.'
^ T h e Conference then adjourned, to m e e t on the Third-day evehing of the w e e k
of our Yearly Meeting next y e a r . %
The minutes of
C o n f e r e n c ^ h a v e b e e n p r e s e r v e d , andare as follows;
/5
t h
Mo 1 4
t h
1861.
/ A t a general m e e t i n g of Conference on the subject of E d u c a t i o n a n d the establishment of a Boarding School, convened at the call of the Committee appointed in
11
t h
Month last
^ T h e business of thejMgeting was introduced by reading the minutes of the last
meeting of the Committee and the names of the Friends appointed to distribute the
address.
^ ^ C Mr^Uj^
R e p o r t was m a d e from Philad
8-
MjuJ^c^l
(Quarterly M e e t i n g that the address had been cir-
culated in the five monthly meetings constituting it but owing to the unsettled condition of political affairs a n d financial difficulties it was not deemed advisable
to enter u p o n the subscription until after the present m e e t i n g .
G - Manuscript R e c o r d Book^&^,23 - 2 7 .
11
iy of the M e m b e r s who w e r e i n t e r e s t e d h a d a t t e n d e d the conference h e l d
in the 1 1 ^ M o n t h l a s t a n d h e a r d the a d d r e s s r e a d a n d discussed b u t no m e e t i n g o n the
subject h a d since b e e n called
^Abington
In this Q u a r t e r it w a s stated that the a d d r e s s h a d b e e n circulated
a m o n g the M o n t h l y Meetings but no conference h a d b e e n h e l d
4%ucks
Report w a s m a d e that a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings h a d b e e n supplied
with copies of the a d d r e s s , but a s f a r a s h e a r d f r o m , no conference h a s b e e n c o n v e n e d
£ T h e Committee to d i s t r i b u t e the a d d r e s s in C o n c o r d Q u a r t e r r e p o r t e d they h a d
done so a n d that a conference h a d b e e n h e l d in West Chester w h i c h was satisfactory
and largely a t t e n d e d .
^tlestern QuartergrMeeting is reported a s h a v i n g r e c e i v e d the address^ which h a s
been read in nearly a l l the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s b e l o n g i n g to it a n d in one of the M o n t h l y
Meetings, a considerable number of subscriptions h a v e b e e n m a d e .
£ C a l n Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h a s r e c e i v e d a sufficient n u m b e r of the address f o r
circulation through the M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s
a
^ F r i e n d s in S^sfcsbury a n d B r a d f o r d M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s h a v
e
niade some subscriptions
^ A t a c o n f e r e n c e held a t the close of B r a d f o r d - O l i v e r P a x s o n a n d J a n e P a x s o n
rere a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d this conference a n d p r o d u c e d a m i n u t e signed by the Clerk
£ T h e address w a s d i s t r i b u t e d in Southern Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g but no conference
las b e e n h e l d w i t h i n its l i m i t ^
^ B u r l i n g t o n Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h a s r e c e i v e d a supply of the a d d r e s s but a s f a r
is appears Friends h a v e not m e t in conference u p o n the s u b j e c t .
#Haddonfield Quarter.
T h e distribution is r e p o r t e d to h a v e b e e n m a d e w i t h i n
•he l i m i t s b u t no conferences h a v e b e e n h e l d .
^alem
-
T h i s m e e t i n g r e c e i v e d the a d d r e s s w h i c h w a s read in conference
f t e r several of the Monthly M e e t i n g s .
# T h e conference at P ^ l e s g r o v e on 2 6 ^ of
m o n t h a p p o i n t e d b y m i n u t e Charles
arroll L i p p i n c o t t , M a r y S . H o l l i n s h e a d N a t h a n T h o r n e Jojpi A t k i n s o n , R a c h e l Thorne
-
i9r -
H a n n a h L . R o b i n s a n d D a v i d M ^ D a v i s n e a r l y all of w h o m were p r e s e n t at this t i m e .
^ A t a M e e t i n g of Conference of the M e m b e r s of W o o d b u r y M o n t h l y M e e t i n g h e l d
2
d
m o 21the a d d r e s s w a s read a n d Friends feeling it to b e a subject of great im-
p o r t a n c e a p p o i n t e d a committee to a t t e n d this m e e t i n g who p r o d u c e d a m i n u t e signed b y
the clerk viz W i l l i a m Griscom W i l l i a m H a i n e s A m o s J . P e a s l e e D a v i d J . Griscom H a n n a h
E K Lippincott S a r a h B (3gden R a c h e l H a i n e s Sarah W Griscom Catharine Clement H a n n a h
P e a s l e e E d w i n Craft
Samuel L i p p i n c o t t a n d Samuel O g d e n a l l of w h o m w e r e present
•^Fishing C r e e k Half Y e a r s M e e t i n g
C o p i e s of the address h a v e b e e n forwarded to this m e e t i n g a n d b y m i n u t e w e are
informed that a conference of the m e m b e r s of F i s h i n g Creek M o n t h l y M e e t i n g was h e l d at
J.T' JS
•
Millfcille on 12
sidered
of S
M o n t h 1 8 6 1 in w h i c h the a d d r e s s was read a n d attentively con-
W i l l i a m B u r g e s s who is now p r e s e n t w a s a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d this conference
a n d 'make k n o w n our condition w a n t s & p r o s p e c t s '
P A C o m m u n i c a t i o n a d d r e s s e d to the C l e r k w a s received a n d read from J. Comly
B r o s i u s on b e h a l f of a conference held a t the close of P e n n s g r o v e M o n t h l y M e e t i n g
informing that the address h a d b e e n r e a d a m o n g them but the w a y d i d not appear clear
to p r o c e e d further in the m a t t e r at p r e s e n t
"^Extracts of letters w e r e read from F r i e n d s b e l o n g i n g to B a l t i m o r e a n d N e w Y o r k
Y e a r l y Meetings w h i c h furnished encouraging evidence of interest in the concern a n d
m a n y remarked w e r e m a d e by F r i e n d s n o w in a t t e n d a n c e expressive of their u n i t y w i t h
the general features of the p l a n p r o p o s e d in the a d d r e s s
flAfter a f r e e interchange of v i e w s u p o n the important subject of Education in
w h i c h Friends from different sections of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g p a r t i c i p a t e d , it w a s concluded to recommend that subscriptions b e t a k e n u p w i t h i n the l i m i t s of our m o n t h l y
m e e t i n g s a n d that reports b e m a d e of the A m o u n t s s u b s c r i b e d to a n a d j o u r n e d m e e t i n g of
this conference to be h e l d a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g H o u s e on 3
of our^gjZeaS Y e a r l y Me e t i n g j a t ^ o'clock
d
d a y E v e n i n g - the w e e k
f*The subscription p a p e r a g r e e d u p o n b y the joint committees from Baltimore
/ol
-
-2©
-
a
P h i l d e l p h i a a n d New Y o r k w a s read a n d d i r e c t e d to b e circulated throughout our YearlyMeeting
f*The f o l l o w i n g friends a r e a p p o i n t e d a C o m m i t t e e to distribute them a n d are
expected to m a k e report at o u r next m e e t i n g w h a t a m o u n t h a s b e e n subscribed w i t h i n
the limits of their several Quarters v i z Philadelphia
Dillwyn Parrish
Abington
Richard Moore
Bucks
Mark Palmer
Concord
S S a l e n Sharpies
Western
Ezra Michener
Cain
Southern
John Hunn
Burlington
Henry W Ridgway
Haddonfield
Mary S Lippincott
Isaac L i p p i n c o t t
E d w i n Craft
Salem
Amos J Peaslee
William Burgess
Fishing Creek
Then adjourned
(Signed) D I L L W Y N P A R R I S H
t ^ t f ^
Clerk.
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , who h a d a c t e d a s clerk of the P h i l a d e l p h i a l o c a l committee
and conferences a n d h a d p r o b a b l y b e e n the chief a u t h o r of its R e p o r t , w a s not appointed to represent P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s in the g e n e r a l c o n f e r e n c e , b u t gave way to h i s
elder b r o t h e r , D i l l w y n , who a c t e d a s c l e r k of the l a t t e r c o n f e r e n c e .
his"%sBays' o
f
1 8 6 6
(p^
4 7
E d w a r d , in
r e c a l l e d this dark y e a r of 1 8 6 0 - 61 a n d its
efforts in the following p a r a g r a p h s :
/ o v
- 2t-
^ I t w a s in the darkfist h o u r that a v o i c e w a s raised ih o u r councils, which
h a d m a n y times before b e e n h e a r d in the m i d s t of discouragements a n d even obloquy in
• defense of p r o g r e s s a n d p r i n c i p l e , - the voice of one who h a d herself realized in
early life the value of a Friends' school, - showing the p r e s s i n g importance of
those educational interests w h i c h m u s t influence the welfare of society i n any event
and u n d e r a l l circumstances.
So fully w e r e these views r e a l i z e d , that it was resolved
to p e r s e v e r e , p r e s e n t i n g the subject in every community of F r i e n d s , w h e r e there w a s
a n ear to h e a r , and invoking the m o r a l support a n d p e c u n i a r y a i d of a l l .
•^Conferences were a p p o i n t e d in Friends' meeting-houses in city a n d coulxtry;
sometimes these w e r e largely attended; the subject w a s earnestly p r e s e n t e d a n d subscriptions solicited in aid of the u n d e r t a k i n g .
A committee for p r o m o t i n g subscrip-
tions to the fund met monthly at Race Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , generally
attended b y some from the country; thus the interest was kept alive a n d the subscription extended."*
To w h o m the fine tribute of this first p a r a g r a p h was p a i d is not sure; but it
w o u l d a p p l y w e l l to either M a r t h a E . Tyson o r L u c r e t i a Mptt"^
Aw q.-
yfoz^ffi^JStertifr
A t this juncture a voi'ce spdke from N e w ^ Y o r k .
w-L-3The movement for educational
advance had begun with the Friends of that city in their Yearly M e e t i n g of 1851 w h e n ,
5" 2
their m i n u t e s (of M a y 2 6 ) records
fj*The subject of providing for the children of
Friends the advantage of a religious and g u a r d e d literary education claimed the attention of this M e e t i n g , a n d under a conviction of the vast importance of such a n education to the y o u t h of our S o c i e t y , a n d to the Society itself in future y e a r s , the Meeting felt a n engagement to recommend to the Quarterly Meetings to forward to t h ^ M e e t • ing next year a n account of the state of schools w i t h i n their l i m i t s , at w h i c h the
If "the darkest hour" was b e f o r e L i n c o l n ' s election, M a r t h a T y s o n is probably
meant; if it w a s after the Civil W a r b e g a n , L u c r e t i a M o t t is p r o b a b l y m e a n t .
Lucretia Mott attended the Friends' Boarding-school at N i n e P a r t n e r s , N . Y . , in
1806-08 from h e r 14th to her 16th y e a r , a n d taught in that k school two years
l o n g e r . T h e Friends' Intelligencer of Sixth M o . 1 4 , 1862 (VolJ£,jj.216)
' 7
*
* announces\announces^
2 3 S
/f./ojj
'
(Footnote N o . j^, c o n t i n u e d )
that "Lucretia M o t t , of P h i l a d e l p h i a M o n t h l y M e e t i n g , (Eace s t . , ) has o b t a i n e d a
m i n u t e of concurrence, w i t h a p r o s p e c t she h a s of a t t e n d i n g some of the Quarterly
Meetings in P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , and a p p o i n t i n g some m e e t i n g s w i t h i n tts
limits."
During that dark summer a n d autumn of 1 8 6 2 , w e can p i c t u r e h e r a p p e a l i n g
for devotion to the p r i n c i p l e of p e a c e , a n d can w e l l suppose that she u t i l i z e d
thes4 visits also (if not the m e e t i n g s t h e m s e l v e s ) for a d v o c a t i n g the establishment
of the p r o p o s e d new s c h o o l .
^Extracts*, 1851, p p . 1 7 - / 8 .
)
-
SB. -
children of F r i e n d s a r e receiving their education; the n u m b e r of children of an
age suitable to a t t e n d school; a n d whether they a r e a l l in a w a y to a c q u i r e the
| necessary p o r t i o n of school learning.-*"
T h e s e statistics w e r e reported during the 1 8 5 0 ' s , a n d in 1 8 6 0 the "Women's
M e e t i n g took the further step of p r o p o s i n g a standing J o i n t C o m m i t t e e on E d u c a t i o n .
To this p r o p o s a l thettpn's M e e t i n g a g r e e d , a n d a p p o i n t e d o n the committee thirtyseven F r i e n d s , o f w h o m "Jon
11
Thorne" w a s the last n a m e d .
T h e next y e a r , M a y 2 9 , 1 8 6 1 ,
S3
the joint Committee p r e s e n t e d to the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g the f o l l o w i n g report;
•^Report - T h a t they h a v e g i v e n careful a t t e n t i o n to the subject a n d in consideration of the w e i g h t y responsibility that devolves on S o c i e t y in p r o v i d i n g suita b l e a c c o m m o d a t i o n s for the e d u c a t i o n of its m e m b e r s , a deep concern w a s m a n i f e s t e d
] for the establishment of suitable S c h o o l s u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , that o u r y o u t h
\ m i g h t be instructed in the m a i n t e n a n c e of our v a r i o u s Christian testimonies while
)
?! they a r e p u r s u i n g their studies in l i t e r a t u r e and s c i e n c e .
i
* B u t way does n o t open at p r e s e n t to recommend (to the Y e a r l y Meeting"} a n y
I
\ p l a n for carrying out the p r o p o s e d object a n d the Committee a r e not p r e p a r e d to report
m o r e fully on the s u b j e c t .
behalf of the C o m m i t t e e
T h o m a s F o u l k e , R a c h e l Hicks."
This discouraging note w a s s t r u c k , no d o u b t , b e c a u s e of the Civil W a r w h i c h
h a d b e g u n one m o n t h b e f o r e .
T h e E p i s t l e w h i c h the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g sent at this time
tp P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g strikes the same n o t e , a s follows:
"Meeting a t a
time of g r e a t o u t w a r d commotion a n d s t r i f e , w h e n the w a r - c r y is h e a r d in the l a n d ,
when brother is a r r a y e d against b r o t h e r in deadly s t r i f e , when the children of one
common Father (the w o r k m a n s h i p of h i s Holy h a n d )
i ^r--
Manuscript M i n u t e s of H . Y . Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , 1 8 4 6 - 1 8 7 2 , ^ . 319 - 2 0 .
f
Ibid, p . 326.
jot)
-
25 -
Six months sarlier, as we have seen, Martha T y s o n , Benjamin Hallowell a n d
JU+
their c o m p a n i o n ^ b r o u g h t their appeal for a i d to the Friends of Hew York; and it
was well that they a p p e a l e d to them individually, a n d not to the Yearly M e e t i n g .
For the latter body's Committee on Education not only made^fcGB adverse report in
1 8 6 1 , but again in 1862 reported that "way does not open to recommend to the Yearly
ss
Meeting any definite plan of a c t i o n to be p u r s u e d in a Yearly Meeting capacity."
This report of the committee, which was a p p r o v e d b y the m e e t i n g , was interpreted, at
least by the optimists, a s throwing their influence "in favor of the project for a
joint school of Friends of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , outsidd the organization of the
Society."
a
The unofficial committee of Friends in Hew Y o r k was for a time itself discouraged in the task of building a large new educational institution at a ^ i a e ^ w h e n
the fate of the country tteetf- appeared to be hanging in the b a l a n c e . The Friends'
Intelligencer of Sixth M o . 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 , carried the following ec^torial note on "The
P r o p o s e d Boarding S c h o o l " ^ , ^ ^ U n * c ^ k u ^
JYju^t ^ r i ^ L >
^ D u r i n g the w e e k of the late New Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , the H e w Y o r k portion of
the Committee on Education a n d the subject of the new Boarding School met according
to appointment, and adopted the following minute;
-
Ibid. P . 3 4 0 .
JOX1
Fglends' Intelligencer (Sixth M o . 7 , 1 8 6 2 ) , V o l . \ i # , f , 2 0 0 .
Vol.
p . 217.
A
'
S e e
m
{
0 (o
-
-
jf* The Interesting subject w h i c h h a s engaged the a t t e n t i o n of the Committee
was again carefully c o n s i d e r e d , a n d a f t e r a free e x p r e s s i o n of o p i n i o n , it w a s the
united judgment of those p r e s e n t , that w a y did not now o p e n to m a k e a n y attempt to
obtain subscriptions to carry f o r w a r d the w o r k .
'The clerk w a s directed to f o r w a r d a copy of this m i n u t e to the Committees
of P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e .
'Then a d j o u r n e d to m e e t in one y e a r , u n l e s s sooner c a l l e d together by the
clerk.'V
It w a s p e r h a p s to counterbalance the a b o v e discouraging n e w s from N e w Y o r k
that the Intelligencer p r i n t e d immediately b e l o w its statement of it the f o l l o w i n g
item taken from the D e l a w a r e County
•^The Great Seminary.-
— ^
^ T h e fireside is a seminary of infinite i m p o r t a n c e .
It is important b e c a u s e it
is u n i v e r s a l , a n d b e c a u s e the education it b e s t o w s , b e i n g w o v e n in w i t h the w o o f of
childhood, gives form a n d texture to the w h o l e color of l i f e .
T h e r e a r e few who can
receive the h o n o r s of a c o l l e g e , b u t all a r e graduates of the h e a r t h .
The l e a r n i n g of
the u n i v e r s i t y m a y fade from the recollection; its classic l o r e m a y m o u l d e r in the h a l l s
of m e m o r y .
But the simple l e s s o n s of hoijje, e n a m e l l e d u p o n the heart of c h i l d h o o d , defy
the rust of y e a r s , a n d outlive the m o r e m a t u r e b u t less vivid p i c t u r e s of after d a y s .
So d e e p , so l a s t i n g , i n d e e d , are the impressions of early l i f e , that y o u o f t e n see a
nan in the imbecility of a g e h o l d i n g fresh in his recollection the events of c h i l d h o o d ,
while a l l the w i d e space b e t w e e n that and. the p r e s e n t h o u r is a b l a s t e d a n d forgotten
waste.
Y o u h a v e , p e r c h a n c e , seen an Qld a n d h a l f - o b l i t e r a t e d p o r t r a i t , and in the
attempt to have it cleaned a n d r e s t o r e d , y o u h a v e seen it fade a w a y , while a b r i g h t e r
and m o r e perfect p i c t u r e , p a i n t e d b e n e a t h , is r e v e a l e d to the v i e w .
Ibid,"p/ 217.
Tlis p o r t r a i t ,
>°1
-
25*
-
j first drawn u p o n the c a n v a s s , is n o inapt illustrated" of y o u t h ; a n d though it m a y
be concealed b y some other d e s i g n , still the o r i g i n a l traits w i l l shine through the
outward p i c t u r e , g i v i n g it tone w h i l e f r e s h , a n d surviving it i n d e c a y .
Such is the
f i r e s i d e , the great institution f u r n i s h e d b y P r o v i d e n c e for the education of m a n . ^
—p-vt-
J
I
B a l t i m o r e F r i e n d s felt in a p e c u l i a r degree the difficulties a n d discouragements in which the Civil W a r involved them; a n d even theirHfomen's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , in
O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 1 , w i t h M a r g a r e t E . Hallowell as c l e r k , w r o t e a s f o l l o w s to their sisters
II
in P h i l a d e l p h i a : Jfit is u n d e r feelings of deep d i s c o u r a g e m e n t , dear sisters, that w e
now a d d r e s s y o u .
W e feel that in o u r impoverished s t a t e , w e h a v e n o t h i n g to offer y o u -
. "but u n b o u n d e d l o v e .
•'"Surrounded a s we arejby circumstances of the m o s t exciting c h a r a c t e r , we esteem it an inestimable p r i v i l e g e that the t o s e e d a n d a g i t a t e d m i n d m a y still find an
A r a r a t u p o n w h i c h to r e p o s e .
-jK)ur a n n u a l m e e t i n g is u n u s u a l l y s m a l l .
W e deeply feel the a b s e n c e of those
who have b e e n p r e v e n t e d by events of the m o s t p a i n f u l nature from a s s e m b l i n g w i t h u s .
We miss their counsel and their a i d .
B u t we also feel re-assured b y the h o p e that G o d
'will not cast u s a w a y from H i s p r e s e n c e , or t a k e h i s H o l y Spirit from u ^ .
dfWe h a v e b e e n favored w i t h the company of but few of o u r d e a r s i s t e r s , w h o s e
m i s s i o n is to p r o c l a i m the g o s p e l of C h r i s t . S t i l l , the b r e a d of life has b e e n freely
d i s p e n s e d , and w e h a v e realized its soul-sustaining
influence.
4*The m a n y deficiencies w h i c h seem to p r e v a i l over the b o d y at l a r g e , introduced the m e e t i n g into m u c h exercise; a n d w e were a f f e c t i o n a t e l y u r g e d to a m o r e faithful
m a i n t e n a n c e of the various testimonies of the S o c i e t y . - - ~ -
•®With 6ui^>est wishes, dear Bisters, for an advancement in all works of right-
eousness, we bid you affectionately, farewell.^
9Z-
C-JUO^U**.
-(SLtr^-Uy^/? J 1 LI
T h e Civil W a r , h o w e v e r , w a s not the ^>nly o b s t a c l e in the pefcli of Friends
nJU^caJtJy
towards the establishment of their c o l l e g e .
O b s t a c l e s of other k i n d s a r e N i n the follow-
—
m
£Ci —
ing illuminating letter of E d w a r d P a r r i s h to B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , d a t e d ^ S P h i l a d e l p h i a
6a
3 m o 1 7 , 1861:
^Este^med Friend
Benjamin Hallowell.
" ^ h e school p r o j e c t in w h i c h I k n o w thee h a s so deep an intere s t , has taken one further step a n d I believe friends generally who have b e e n concerned in it thus f a r , h a v e settled d o w n to the conclusion that the funds to b e raised
wSll be f o r t h c o m i n g ^
& the p r o j e c t will b e likely to b e carried o u t .
The views
held out at our late m e e t i n g develop two difficulties w h i c h a p p e a r to require early
a t t e n t i o n , even before the c o l l e c t i o n s , or rather s u b s c r i p t i o n s , a r e m a d e . ^ T h e
^
G-trtAMy-
S^cM-rtri. ^ J
most important of these relates to the g r a d e ^ of i n s t r u c t i o n a i m e d a t , m a n y of our
^friends from the Country seem to h a v e an idea that w e are g o i n g to have a common
b o a r d i n g School in w h i c h the ordinary grammar school studies w i l l b e p u r s u e d in the
ordinary w a y , while others supposed that the idea w a s to e s t a b l i s h a j y o r m a l school
and College.
T h y views w e r e the subject of some d i s c u s s i o n & w e r e differently con-
strued b y different speakers - The final conclusion seemed to be that the new school
was to cover the whole ground & to a c c o m m o d a t e children in a p r e p a r a t o r y department
& a m o r e a d v a n c e d class in a Collegiate a n d N o r m a l d e p a r t m e n t .
*"ln the a b s e n c e of a n y experience a b o u t i t , I h a d supposed that
it w o u l d b e difficult to a c c o m m o d a t e b o t h classes in the establishment u n l e s s b y
m a k i n g it quite extensive a n d w i t h a double corps of t e a c h e r s ,
I have also felt a
satisfaction in the feeling that a h i g h school such a s was C o n t e m p l a t e d , so far
from superseding the numerous a n d excellent schools now in O p e r a t i o n , w o u l d give
them an impetus by creating a g r e a t e r tastefor l e a r n i n g in the society at l a r g e , a n d
would.also improve their facilities for p r o c u r i n g competent t e a c h e r s .
The interest
of the numerous class directly & indirectly interested in b o a r d i n g schools will b e
G
-
T h e original of this letter a n d of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s reply are p r e s e r v e d in
F r i e n d s ' Historical L i b r a r y of Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
/of
- -£g
-
directly against the p r o p o s e d school if it is -understood that the large f u n d to b e
raised is to b e a p p l i e d to cheapening a n d improving the b r a n c h of E d u c a t i o n noy in
their h a n d s .
I find that some who w o u l d b e l i k e l y to b e l a r g e Contributors to a
high school feel little o r no interest i n any o t h e r , w h i l e there a r e certainly m a n y
friends, especially in the c o u n t r y , w h o are v e r y fearful of the influence of a l i b e r a l
education & even fear it m a y in some u n d e f i n e d w a y w e a k e n the forCe of Friends
principles & t e s t i m o n i e s .
3t
T h e other difficulty that w a s p r e s e n t e d w a s only imaginary & I t h i n k
not likely to p r o v e a n y serious drawback to the e n t e r p r i z e , it w a s a n idea that the
simultaneous training of the intellectual & m o r a l faculties r e f e r r e d to in thy a d d r e s s
covered some k i n d of religious t r a i n i n g , obnoxious to the views of some f r i e n d s .
I
should s t a t e , h o w e v e r , that w h i l e this v i e w m 8 t w i t h b u t little encouragement I h a v e
since h e a r d a very strong testimony f r o m a friend of great experience a n d excellent
judgment to the importance of this feature in a g u a r d e d education; the b a l a n c e , h e s a y s ,
of the Intellectual jSferal & j ^ e l i g i o u s development is of >ofe,stly g r e a t e r importance t h a n
great a t t a i n m e n t s , in the i n t e l l e c t u a l , e s p e c i a l l y .
I t o o k o c c a s i o n to speak dur.oit
ing the l a t e m e e t i n g of Herbert Spencer's w o r k a n d f « r e n d , next d a y , that so m a n y h a d
b e e n bought that one friend h a d to go to four o r five b o o k stores before he found a n y
& I engaged to furnish several with copies at a l o w p r i c e , directly from the publishers.
M y b r o t h e r Dillwyn showed m e a reference to this w o r k in a letter from thee
to him & I w a s g l a d to find it m e t thy a p p r o v a l a s it had impressed m e w i t h a sense o f
its superiority to anj'thing I h a d b e f o r e m e t w i t h o n the s u b j e c t .
Through Prof.
Youmans w h o , by the w a y , is one of the most e n t h u s i a s t i c a d v o c a t e s of Educational
reform & has p r o m i s e d u s a lecture o n the subject in this c i t y , I learned that a
clergyman named M e r r e l l h a s w r i t t e n a n essay especially directed a g a i n s t the study of
Iiatin at the expense of writing a n d speaking E n g l i s h , w h i c h he directed to b e published & distributed g r a t u i t o u s l y b y h i s E x e c u t o r s , h a v i n g d e c e a s e d .
A n y one m a y
-
-
tain a copy without cost b y a d d r e s s i n g A B o r d m a n H u m b e r t , S a l e m , W a M n g t o n
Tork.
II*
Co.
I find it less directly to the p o i n t , w h i c h a p p e a r s to m e m i s t i m p o r t a n t ,
at of developing the p o w e r s of o b s e r v a t i o n , than Spencer's but it is valuable at
rnishing arguments against the common curriculum of College
studies.
^ A f t e r what I have written at the C o m m e n c e m e n t of t h i s , somewhat too l e n g t h y ,
istle, about the question of the grade of school it is p r o p o s e d to e r e c t , I m a y
TJ
ke the liberty of suggesting that a n a s s a y w h i c h the e d i t o ^ of the F r i e n d s Intellincer w o u l d be very g l a d to receive from t h e e , m i g h t do g o o d b y p o i n t i n g out the adntages of at least giving p r o m i n e n c e to the N o r m a l & Collegiate d e p a r t m e n t s , w h i c h I
derstood to be thy design & e x p l a i n i n g h o w f a r a p r e l i m i n a r y department w o u l d b e
ofitabljr connected with it - Thy early connection with the concern w o u l d give to a n y
ticle over thy signature considerable influence & p e r h a p s tend to the settlement of
e m i s u n d e r s t a n d i n g before it goes a n y f u r t h e r .
^ I
h o p e thee will not c o n s i d e r a n y a n s w e r to m e n e c e s s a r y - I a m p r o m p t e d by
warm interest in the concern to lay these v i e w s b e f o r e thee & thee will b e the b e s t
dge of whether a n y t h i n g further is required in the p r e s e n t stage of the a f f a i r .
Thy friend,
^
Edward P a r r i s h . ^
Inffreply to this l i t t e r , B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l wrote the f o l l o w i n g s t a t e m e n t ,
1
a r a c t e r i z e d by the u s u a l w i s d o m a n d p r e c i s i o n of h i s thought: *Be4e«me€b-^ rTe«dw__Saadj2:
.
*
.ft,
^
^
S^-U^,
3- AVN-C-. z i l^/SC,
I
8
ring Mfl. 3 m u . S I * i B ^ T ' T h y favAr of the 1 7 ^ is r e d e i v e d , a n d a l t h o u g h I a m just
iout to leave h o m e for some weeks u n d e r a p p o i n t m e n t of our last Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , I felt
i if I m u s t w r i t e thee a few lines in reply a l t h o u g h it will h a v e to b e h u r r i e d l y d o n e .
am truly gratified to h e a r y o u h a v e arrived a t the encouraging conclusion
i regard to the "School" that the * f u n d s to b e r a i s e d w i l l b e f o r t h c o m i n g , a n d that
le project will b e likely to b e carried o u t " . It a p p e a r s to m e very important in this
>vement, that w e take but one step at a t i m e , a n d concentrate a l l our thoughts a n d
/ft
caution to taking i_t in w i s d o m .
-
SSi -
There are five successive p o i n t s of i n q u i r y , a s it
has seemed to m e .
•net
Do F r i e n d s as a b o d y feel the want of such an Institution a s it has "been
proposed to establish?
*"2nd
Can w e establish it?
that i s , can sufficient m e a n s b e raised for the
*3rd
W h e n shall it b e commenced?
*4th
W h e r e shall it b e located ?
purpose?
^Lastly.
W h a t is the b e s t p l a n u p o n w h i c h to conduct i t , so as m o s t to supply
the w a n t s and subserve the interests of Society?
!
* To the first i n q u i r y , a response h a s b e e n returned in the a f f i r m a t i v e , w i t h a
inanimity, greatly b e y o n d a n y thing that w a s e x p e c t e d , a n d frofet thy letter it w o u l d
appear a s if the second w a s answered; but m £ m i n d w o u l d feel e a s i e r , w e r e there m o r e
positive evidence of this on subscription lists^and I think it w o u l d b e b e s t to concen-
aU/
trate attention^on this p o i n t , f o r if w e fail h e r e , a l l discussion of other p o i n t s ,
30 far as the Institution is c o n c e r n e d , w o u l d b e u s e l e s s , a n d m i g h t b e i n j u r i o u s , a s
the discussion of a b s t r a c t i o n s too f r e q u e n t l y a r e .
^ W h a t e v e r is contributed to this interesting o b j e c t , m $ s t b e e n t r u s t e d , in
good f a i t h , to the integrity of p u r p o s e of those w i t h whom we a c t . The a t t e m p t n o w to
iraw up a C o n s t i t u t i o n , in order to define a n d l i m i t our future g o v e r n m e n t , it seems to
ae w o u l d b e wholly p r e m a t u r e .
We hope the I n s t i t u t i o n , if e s t a b l i s h e d , m a y b e a n
Instrument of g o o d to the p r e c i o u s y o u t h of our Society f o r Centuries^ a n d to p r e s c r i b e
Lts definite objects a n d o f f i c e s , at the p r e s e n t s t a g e , m i g h t b e a serious impediment
;o its u s e f u l n e s s .
Its m a n a g e m e n t will be entrusted to a number of judicious F r i e n d s
)f each sex, no doubt from different sections of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , from time
;o time chosen, who will thus b e a b l e to k n o w the v i e w s a n d w i s h e s of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y ,
ind w i l l plaoethe I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d h a v e it c o n d u c t e d , o n that p l a n w h i c h w i l l b e s t m e e t
;he wants of S o c i e t y .
A n y p l a n that m a y at first b e a d o p t e d , experience a n d change
>f circumstances, m a y require a f t e r w a r d s to b e m a t e r i a l l y m o d i f i e d .
If confidence in
— .56' —
ach o t h e r , D i v i n e l o v e in our h e a r t s , a n d h u n b l e o b e d i e n c e to the teachings of a n d
Imonitions of T r u j ^ , do not k e e p u s together a s a b a n d of brothers a n d sisters, no
institution will be strong enough to h o l d u s .
A l l that is n e e d e d for hammonious a n d
trong a c t i o n , is confidence in each o t h e r , a n d in the p o w e r of T r u t h .
•IfI do not think the p o i n t s stated to h a v e c l a i m e d a t t e n t i o n at y o u r last
meting, n e e d b g the sources of any d i f f i c u l t y .
If the concern is a right o n e , a n d B e s t
Lsdom is humbly sought for in its p r o s e c u t i o n ,
a s I h a v e confidence to believe w i l l
3 the c a s e , _it can h u r t no right t h i n g .
T h e interest of those c o n c e r n e d in smaller
jarding S c h o o l s , w i l l in no w a y b e injured b u t rather p r o m o t e d from the a w a k e n i n g
f great a t t e n t i o n throughout S o c i e t y , to the important subject of E d u c a t i o n .
® T h e two great wants u n d e r w h i c h w e n o w l a b o r , a r e , g o o d n e i g h b o r h o o d schools,
ider the charge of w e l l e d u c a t e d a n d efficient f r i e n d T e a c h e r s , a n d a S c h o o l w h e r e
lr y o u n g m e m b e r s can o b t a i n , if they desire i t r a thorough a n d finished education,
ader the guardianship of S o c i e t y .
B e f o r e the first w a n t can b e
ist b e p r o v i d e d ; they a r e not n o w to b e h a d .
supplied,Teachers
T i l l such schools a r e p r e t t y generally
stablished throughout F r i e n d s ' s e t t l e m e n t s , it is h a r d l y to b e supposed there w i l l b e
ae h u n d r e d y o u n g p e r s o n s of each sex p r e p a r e d to enter a f i n i s h i n g s c h o o l .
•"Perhaps for:some y e a r s , scholars in p r e p a r a t o r y classes w i l l have to be adLtted, a n d trained in accordance w i t h our p l a n .
T h e n as good S c h o o l s , u n d e r Teachers
iucated in the I n s t i t u t i o n , m u l t i p l y in F r i e n d s ' s e t t l e m e n t s , a n d that natural imrovement in Friends p r i v a t e B o a r d i n g Schools consequent u p o n such a n Institution a s we
a.ve in v i e w , the n e c e s s i t y for p r e p a r a t o r y Classes in the I n s t i t u t i o n , w i l l d i m i n i s h ,
ad one difficulty thou m e n t i o n e d w i l l b e a u t i f u l l y solve i t s e l f .
Institution m u s t , from its c o m m e n c e m e n t , possess facilities
tie b e s t Institutions of learning in our Country^ , in w h i c h different P r o f e s s o r s , each
eeply interested in h i s p a r t i c u l a r b r a n c h of k n o w l e d g e , w o u l d impart their enthusiasm
o the s t u d e n t s , and a w a k e n ejnorresponding a r d o u r , the combined effect of which w o u l d
e a n impress m o s t favourable for thehealthy development of the m i n d a n d h e a r t .
All
— ^ 1/ —•
>uld be affectionately encouraged to a n a c q u a i n t a n c e w i t h , a n d obedience t o , those
srnal principles of right a n d justice w h i c h exist w h e r e v e r h u m a n i t y is, a n d raise
1 to h i s true sphere of dignity a n d u s e f u l n e s s .
W h i l e these p r i n c i p l e s lie at the
nidation^ of all the righteous testimonies w h i c h w e a s a Society h o l d , they free
3ir p o s s e s s o r s from the n a r r o w spirit of Sectarianism^ a n d the imparting of a k n o w l e d g e
t h e m , a s far as this can b e d o n e , could not constitute a ' r e l i g i o u s training obnoxisl to the m i n d of a n y true F r i e n d .
"I have great a n d increasing confidence in the Good B e i n g , a n d in H i s direction
this is humbly sought for: a n d I a m f u l l y convinced if those interested in this conm , w i l l steadily l o o k to H i m for
direction a n d h e l p in a l l our movements t h e r e i n ,
.ch it is certainly our p r i v i l e g e a n d duty to d o , each one h a v i n g no point to c a r r y ,
; striving h o w m u c h of his own v i e w s h e can give u p without sacrificing p r i n c i p l e ,
l/pirat
desiring whatever will b e m o s t conducive to the w e l f a r e of S o c i e t y , a n d p a r -
rularly to the rising g e n e r a t i o n , a l l difficulties will d i s a p p e a r , a n d w e w i l l b e
.e to m o v e onward h a r m o n i o u s l y in the interesting concern a u n i t e d b a n d , encouraging
L strengthening one a n o t h e r .
That this m a y h a p p i l y b e the case is the ardent w i s h
T h y Sincere frd
T Parrish
Ji (r^Lt^JL
*„
/rv
"
s
v^^yC^AX.
.
. BENJ
?
N
HA1L0WELE*
The diverse views taken of the course of instruction to b e offered in the n e w
tool a r e further b r o u g h t out in a n a r t i c l e (and a reply to i t ) contributed to the .
•ends' Intelligencer
of J u n e 1 5 , 1 8 6 1 , entitled "Education in the Society of F r i e n d s " A (
, a n d d a t e d "Hew Y o r k , 5 t h m o . , 1861."
The first p a r a g r a p h of this article w a s a s
CI
. l o w s : ^ I t h a s been the immemorial tradition of the Society of F r i e n d s that Seats of
i-ming, or institutions for the cultivation of what are called "elegant studies'^ as
c r i t i c i s m , l a n g u a g e s , p h i l o s o p h y a n d l i t e r a t u r e , can have no p l a c e in a scheme of
ictical Christian2 1 1e d u c a2 t i o n f o r their c h i l d r e n .
~' -
rt^Lu
O u r p r a c t i c e h a s b e e n to fit o u r sons
Tout
y ^ C
" t a ,
u s i n e s s , a n d our daughters for the humble economies of the h o u s e h o l d .
.
It is w e l l
m e m b e r that the care of the f a m i l y , the supply of its m a t e r i a l w a n t s , is a p r i m a r y
a n d the applause w h i c h our Society has w o n from the best p a r t of m e n , for s o b r i e t y ,
ty a n d thrift in the common b u s i n e s s of l i f e , jtLstifies our h i g h a p p r e c i a t i o n of
obligation.^"""
M ~
/
rtnrt- ^ X
"X^u. A i ^ ,
*
-
/
•
.I
/
T h e rest of the article was of a very different tenor; but " A Subscriber"
took
i»
first p a r a g r a p h from its context a n d w r o t e of it to the I n t e l l i g e n c e r a s follows;
he last article w h i c h a p p e a r e d u p o n the s u b j e c t , I f i n d the f o l l o w i n g sensible sumof what has heretofore b e e n the p r a c t i c e of F r i e n d s in the education of their child• Our p r a c t i c e has been to fit our sons for b u s i n e s s , and our daughters for the humconomies of the h o u s e h o l d . '
tffhat more or better can we do?
what if we do not give to the w o r l d c h e m i s t s ,
nthropists, a s t r o n o m e r s , statesmen or poets?
not do more?
If w e give h o n e s t , u s e f u l men a n d w o m e n
A r e not such m e n a n d w o m e n the 'very leaven' of a l l society?
ne them a n d their influence to the commercial community?
Why
A n d I a m not so sure 'that
aintenance of our religious p r i n c i p l e s , that o u r p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , that our social
siveness are in no way conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of ours.*
To m e a l l these
r to form the elements f r o m w h i c h we s p r u n g , a n d a n y departure therefrom is m o s t a p t ,
perience has fully s h o w n , to l e a d u s into a dangerous conformity to the w o r l d .
" ^ e , a s a p e o p l e , p r o f e s s to b e g u i d e d b y the l i g h t .
danger of its being p l a c e d u n d e r a b u s h e l .
If we h a v e the l i g h t , there
N e i t h e r is it p o s s i b l e for us to edu-
>ur children into any of the coveted p o s i t i o n s , so h i g h l y v a l u e d b y the writer of
jmraunication.
^P&eorge Pox was not educated for a R e f o r m e r , n o r W m . P e n n for a Quaker p r e a c h e r ,
f w e are indebted m a i n l y to 'the learning of B a r c l a y ' for the 'ascendancy' w h i c h
1
:ism h a s obtained 'over e d u c a t e d m i n d s , ' w h a t b e c o m e s of the first p r i n c i p l e s of
rism?^
That this w a s a m i s i n t e r p r e t a t i o n of "L's" a r t i c l e is apparent from the f o l l o w i n g
rarih<\ "But life has other duties beside the g e t t i n g a l i v e l i h o o d ; a n d w h e n this
^^
' 1S6^"Subscriber>'
a * ticie was
^ted.
^ ^ - W ^ ^ ^ l ^ a ^ c J
^
C
/nptt^
^ • t o r j * '
t
a
1
'
1
s
(/*
3/7j
uf
-
S3* -
'irst and. imperative duty h a s been a d e q u a t e l y p e r f o r m e d , then others spring up to v i e w ,
nd become conspicuous in every generous m i n d . T h i s is because m a n is something m o r e than
aterial; because society is something m o r e than a n a g g r e g a t i o n .
M a n is a creature of
ublime a n d u n m e a s u r e d f a c u l t i e s , and by the eyes of e v e r y one of these faculties h e
ooks out through a sphere of surrounding light into a n a l l - e m b r a c i n g immensity of dark
eyond i t .
To w i d e n this sphere of lig^ht by o b s e r v a t i o n , by r e s e a r c h , b y r e f l e c t i o n ,
o encroach further a n d further u p o n the d o m a i n of darkness b y the labors of J u d g m e n t ,
y the labors of I m a g i n a t i o n , a n d , a b o v e a l l , b y the labors of that m o s t precious a n d
ost wonderful g i f t , the spiritual f a c u l t y , is the business a n d the p r i v i l e g e a n d the
lory of m a n .
"^It m a y b e seriously questioned w h e t h e r F r i e n d s h a v e not often discharged inifferently this secondary circle of o b l i g a t i o n s , o r b e e n imperfectly a l i v e to themj
nd it m a y b e further q u e s t i o n e d , w h e t h e r this l a m e n t a b l e failure h a s not been due to
eficiencies in our system of e d u c a t i o n .
Tharugh the p r e a c h i n g of G e o r g e F o x swept
ver E n g l a n d like the fire of a new R e f o r m a t i o n , y e t it w a s m a i n l y the learning of Barclay w h i c h gave Quakerism w h a t e v e r a s c e n d a n c y it h a d o v e r educated m i n d s .
-JR>ur p r a c t i c a l system of school e d u c a t i o n , b o r n e out by a g u a r d e d a n d seclusive
ocial t r a i n i n g , has resulted in this - that o u r Society is rarely represented in the
l m s - h o u s e , the p e n i t e n t i a r y , the h o s p i t a l , the h o m e f o r the i n e b r i a t e , f r i e n d l e s s ,
a.
nfirm, a n d the like; n o r , on the other h a n d , in the l e g i & l t i v e h a l l s , on the b e n c h ,
A
n the p r o f e s s o r ' s c h a i r , nor in the l o f t i e r w a l k s of l i t e r a t u r e , science,or a r t .
re p r o v e r b i a l l y a t h r i v i n g , h o n e s t , sober a n d innocuous p e o p l e .
We
L i t t l e given to specu-
lating, d a y - d r e a m i n g , t h e o r i z i n g , p h i l o s o p h i z i n g e v e n , we k n u c k l e down w i t h quiet conent to the labors of common l i f e , a n d carry o u r s e l v e s , h o t w i t h stolid endurance a s
earing b u r d e n s , b u t , w i t h cheerful p a t i e n c e , as though building a h o u s e w e are to live
n.
S u c h a p e o p l e , though a m e r e h a n d f u l , a r e u n d o u b t e d l y the v e r y l e a v e n of a n
nerican commercial community; bit w h e n it is considered that the m a i n t e n a n c e of o u r
eligious p r i n c i p l e s , that o u r p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , that our social e x c l u s i v e n e s s , are in no
w a y conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of o u r s , there is cause for regret that we
are n o t h i n g m o r e .
N o w and t h e n , i n d e e d , w e h a v e b r o k e n o v e r the b o u n d s , and given to
the new chemistry a D a l t o n , to m o r a l science a D y m o n d , to p h i l a n t h r o p y a n E l i z a b e t h
Fry and a n Isaac T . H o p p e r , to p o e t r y a W h i t t i e r , to a s t r o n o m y a M a r i a Mitchell.N^Let u s
not turn our b a c k u p o n these a s p i r a t i o n s through a n y fear that it w i l l lead u s to a
'conformity to the w o r l d . '
1
In no just Scriptural sense is such a fear well-grounded! *
The Intelligencer tried too set\"Subscriber , y*jgfai& in the f o l l o w i n g e d i t o r i a l ,
which a p p e a r e d in the same issue w i t h h i s article}*"
^ W e insert the remarks of "A S u b s c r i b e r " , though w e think h e h a s m i s u n d e r s t o o d
the bearing of the communication h e refers t o .
T h e duty of u s i n g a n d cultivating ih
their p r o p e r order A L L the faculties b e s t o w e d u p o n u s b y a benevolent C r e a t o r , a p p e a r s ,
in the p r e s e n t d a y , to be generally a d m i t t e d .
A s to H O W this
desirable result m a y b e
o b t a i n e d , a n d w h a t system of training is b e s t a d a p t e d to develope the W H O L E nature p h y s i c a l , intellectual and spiritual - there m a y be a difference of o p i n i o n , and therefore room for d i s c u s s i o n .
^ T h e cultivation of the intellectual f a c u l t i e s , a n d of the 'sense of duty" to
the Great G i v e r , for the right U S E of a l l h i s g i f t s , so far from c o n f l i c t i n g , a r e in
harmony w i t h each other; b e c a u s e , if the training h a s b e e n a right o n e , the degree
of a c c o u n t a b i l i t y is increased w i t h the enlargement of the u n d e r s t a n d i n g .
fQnxc friend a s k s , 'what if w e do not give to the w o r l d c h e m i s t s , a s t r o n o m e r s ,
statesmen a n d poets?
If we g i v e h o n e s t , u s e f u l m e n a n d w o m e n , do we not do m o r e ? '
He cannot surely think that c h e m i s t s , a s t r o n o m e r s , statesmen a n d p o e t s cannot also be
useful a n d h o n e s t m e n a n d womenl
'child-like sage.'
N e w t o n , on a c c o u n t of his h u m i l i t y , w a s called t$e
W a s W m . F e n n less U S E F U L b e c a u s e h e w a s a statesman?
truth less attractive when set forth in the b e a u t i f u l language of poetry?
Is religious
The writ-
ings of B a r c l a y , a n d in m o r e m o d e r n times those of D y m o n d , though not free from d e f e c t s ,
l
jr-
Ibid, p . 2 6 4 .
" 7
are p r o o f s that the 'first p r i n c i p l e s o f Quakerism*
*
JSk
m a y b e commended to
-
'cultivated
M i n d s ' by b e i n g shown to b e consistent w i t h the doundest p r i n c i p l e s of reason.**'
To m a k e h i s (or h e r ) m e a n i n g doubly c l e a r , "L" contributed a n o t h e r atticle
to the Intelligencer of Seventh M o . 2 0 , 1 8 6 1 , w h i c h contained the following sentences: IfThe friend i n q u i r e s , quoting from m y c o m m o x d c a t i o n , f'-If w e are indebted
m a i n l y to ^the learning of Barclay* for the ^ascendancy* which Q u a k e r i s m has obtained
fover educated minds.> what b e c o m e s of the first 'principles of Quakerism?
strong a n d p o p u l a r .
m a n y of the educated c l a s s e s .
It d i d not reach
T h e y in general d e s p i s e d the ignorant fanatic clothed
in l e a t h e r , who w a n d e r e d a b o u t h o m e l e s s and o f t e n h o u s e l e s s , stirring u p sedition
against the established c h u r c h .
But B a r c l a y w a s a s c h o l a r .
His l e a r n i n g recommended
h i m to the l e a r n e d , a n d without it they w o u l d n e v e r a s a class h a v e listened to h i m .
W h a t g a v e a s c e n d a n c y to Quakerism Over any m i n d in that day?
In one case it w a s the
p r e a c h i n g of Pox; in a n o t h e r case it w a s the writings of B a r c l a y .
It m a t t e r s n o t to
the m a i n point whether one p r e a c h e d w i t h the p e n or the tongue, b y the syllogism or
the e x h o r t a t i o n .
I do not forget that these m e n w e r e but i n s t r u m e n t s , a n d that the
work w a s done in every case directly by the w i t n e s s f o r truth w i t h i n the m i n d ; b u t
that w i t n e s s w a i t e d to b e a p p e a l e d to b y the p r o p e r i n s t r u m e n t .
dispensable a s the o t h e r .
*
O n e was just as in-
—
^ t f 'our religious p r i n c i p l e s , our p e r s o n a l p u r i t y , our social exclusivenessl
are 'conditional u p o n this p l a i n life of o u r s , ' thus e x p l a i n e d , then one of two things
follows: either 'our religious p r i n c i p l e s , ' e t c . , a r e w r o n g , or culture is wrong;
but neither of these alternatives w i l l p r o b a b l y be a d m i t t e d .
W h a t is culture?
Not
to refine too m u c h , it m a y be said to b e the h i g h e s t employment of a l l the f a c u l t i e s .
Is any one of these incompatible w i t h others?
O u g h t a n y to b e discarded or neglected?
Is the a g g r e g a t e of t h e m , a t w a r w i t h the Spritual faculty?
"l£id, ^ . " 2 9 6 -f 7 .
S u r e l y , surely, they
are all parts of the Divine order and h a r m o n y , a n d there can "be no conflict a m o n g
them.
not.
M u s t every one cultivate a l l h i s f a c u l t i e s , then?
it m a y be a s k e d .
Perhaps
It falls to the lot of ^ e w to h a v e o p p o r t u n i t i e s of complete culture; but w e
nearly all have opportunities of carrying the cultivation of some faculty or faculties to a h i g h degree of d e v e l o p m e n t .
A n d let this b e remembered - w e cannot vigorous-
ly and h a b i t u a l l y employ a n y of our m e n t a l p o w e r s w i t h o u t employing m o r e or less
every o t h e r .
'All a r e b u t p a r t s of one stupendous w h o l e . '
**We have o n l y , t h e n , to feed a r i g h t the m a s t e r - f a c u l t y , a n d a l l the rest w i l l
grow.
What this m a s t e r faculty is, each m i n d m u s t determine for i t s e l f .
iefinition is perhaps^safe
3st p l e a s u r e .
This g e n e r a l
o n e . It is that f a c u l t y w h o s e exercise furnishes the high-
Let m e not b e m i s u n d e r s t o o d .
I a m not speaking of the a p p e t i t e s ,
lor do I say that faculty u h d e r w h o s e p l a y w e m a y be the m o s t comfortable; f o r this
Feeling m a y be due to our love of e a s e , or to our vanity^ —
•
^ l o s t children show v e r y early some bent of m i n d . O n e loves to w h i t t l e , a n d
lammer, a n d 'make things,' in p r e f e r e n c e to s t u d y i n g .
A n o t h e r child loves to cipher
m d r e a d , and h a s no(j hand for the u s e of t o o l s .
O b s e r v e , that each eipploys the facul-
;y whose exercise furnishes the h i g h e s t p l e a s u r e .
A s the educator ought to take these
.ndications of nature for h i s guide in training the y o u n g m i n d , so we ought all to
reigh a n d try our faculties to f i n d out our highest b e n t , that is to s a y , to find out
rhat faculty it is whose exercise gives u s the h i g h e s t p l e a s u r e , a n d m a k e the developlent of that the basis of our scheme of s e l f - e d u c a t i o n , b u i l d i n g the complete structure
rith all the r e s t .
-^There is u n d o u b t e d l y a g r e a t d i f f e r e n c e in dignity a m o n g our intellectual
>owers; a n d those of less dignity ought to b e made subordinate to those of greater diglity.
But we m u s t b e g i n w i t h the m a s t e r f a c u l t y , w h a t e v e r that i s , a n d w o r k up??*
1
T h e a b o v e correspondence is a n evidence of the u n d e r - c u r r e n t of thought a n d
-
-
icussion regarding "the new school" w h i c h m o v e d through the Society during the y e a r
.lowing the discouraging m e e t i n g s of M a y , 1 8 6 1 , in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d Hew Y o r k .
As
5 P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g of 1862 a p p r o a c h e d , the advocates of the school pre*ed to take advantage of the opportunity to revive or p r o m o t e their p r o j e c t .
;ly the,following editorial w a s p r i n t e d in the F r i e n d s
0D
1
Accord-
Intelligencer for Fourth M o .
, 1862:
^ P h e P r o p o s e d School - The a p p r o a c h of o u r Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a g a i n recalls the
;ject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , w h i c h h a s claimed a share of the thoughts of
ty Friends for the p a s t eighteen m o n t h s .
T h e l i v e l y interest d i s p l a y e d at the m e e t -
; of the friends of the m e a s a r e h e l d d u r i n g the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w e e k of last y e a r , w a s
•y e n c o u r a g i n g .
T h o u g h a l l felt that the time then w a s very u n f a v o r a b l e for r a i s i n g
ley, a n d a m i d the discouragements a n d u n c e r t a i n l y t h r o w n o v e r the future b y the cloud
civil s t r i f e , then at its d a r k e s t , there seemed scarcely room to h o p e that the obit could b e accomplished; y e t , so important w a s the concern regarded,that a n adjournlt was effected w i t h the confident h o p e t h a t , b y a n o t h e r y e a r , a p l a n ijjight b e inaugur3d which w o u l d lead to the u l t i m a t e a c c o m p l i s h m e n t of the o b j e c t .
In reviewing the
jvious efforts for raising f u n d s , it has a p p e a r e d that too m u c h importance was attach*
to obtaining large subscriptions from the w e a l t h y ; t h e s e , h o w e v e r ^ d e s i r ^ a b l e , a r e
; absolutely n e c e s s a r y .
If every F r i e n d in the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of P h i l a d e l -
La, New Y o r k , and B a l t i m o r e , who can afford to b e c o m e a s h a r e h o l d e r , w i l l do s o , w e
ill b e a b l e to m a k e a b e g i n n i n g , a n d m a y leave the a c c u m u l a t i o n of further capital
the spontaneous donations a n d bequests of those w h o feel their responsibility as
swards of a superabundance of this w o r l d ' s g o o d s .
^ T h e origin of this concern a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n m a i n l y connected w i t h the great
it of competent teachers of y o u t h in o u r religious S o c i e t y , a w a n t e x p e r i e n c e d , p e r h a p s
m o s t neighborhood s c h o o l s , a n d increasing w i t h the constantly a u g m e n t i n g demand for
ligher standard of e d u c a t i o n .
.
If
T h e science of our times cannot b e taught b y the
ide 0systems
which
g r e w u p b e f o r e railroads or t e l e g r a p h s , n o r can the m i n d b e
l
8 9
« ; x % » ft"
7 7
It*
5ft
rained for the w o r k of our "V9l6nderfully p r o g r e s s i v e age a n d country b y the u n t h i n k i n g
rocess of m e m o r i z i n g f a c t s , w h i c h constituted the chief part o f a common school
ducation thirty y e a r s a g o .
m e e t the requirements of an age r a p i d l y p r o g r e s s i n g ih science a n d pracical k n o w l e d g e , w e w a n t a system of education extended to every v i l l a g e a n d neighborooft s c h o o l , w h i c h shall d e v e l o p e in the f o r m i n g m i n d of the y o u n g the u t m o s t capacities
or originality of thought a n d o b s e r v a t i o n .
It is a great m i s t a k e to suppose that pri-
ary schools do not call for a h i g h gra.de of capacity in the t e a c h e r . We h a v e repeatedy endeavored in the Intelligenccer to p o i n t out the fallacy of this p r e v a i l i n g i d e a ,
he initial step in education is the m o s t i m p o r t a n t .
Who does not recognize the fact
n r e l a t i o n to the moral impressions p r o d u c e d on the m i n d of the child?
T h e sooner
lie m o t h e r p l a n t s the seeds of virtue a n d r e l i g i o n , or we should rather s a y , the sooner
he b e g i n s to n u r t u r e the innate love of truth a n d goodness in h e r c h i l d , the m o r e
u r e w i l l she be of a beautiful a n d h e a l t h f u l growth a s life a d v a n c e s ; so w i t h the
eeds of intellectual growth; w e cannot b e g i n too early to p l a n t , a n d w a t e r , and w e e d
his g a r d e n of p r o m i s e , nor can we be too w e l l f i t t e d f o r this delicate charge b y preious culture ourselves.
W h a t we h a v e thus said of teachers a p p l i e s equally w e l l to
o t h e r s upon w h o m so large a share of the training of the y o u n g d e p e n d s .
^ H u n d r e d s of those for w h o m this school was originally p r o j e c t e d m u s t grow p a s t
the age w h e n it can b e of direct a n d immediate u s e to t h e m , b e f o r e , b y the u t m o s t zeal
n d d i s p a t c h , it can go into o p e r a t i o n . L e t u s n e g l e c t it no l o n g e r ; but w h e n the
p p r o a c h i n g m e e t i n g on the subject o c c u r s , let u s individually b e found ready to enter
>n the w o r k of e s t a b l i s h i n g a F r i e n d s ' school w h i c h shall b e in a d v a n c e of those a l r e a d y
l i s t i n g , in all the qualifications for the thorough p h y s i c a l , i n t e l l e c t u a l , a n d m o r a l
-raining of those who are ere long to take our p l a c e s in t2ie sphere of active life.*®*
T h r e e weeks later (Fifth M o . 1 0 , 1862),' a n o t h e r editorial in the Intelligencer
m "The P r o p o s e d New S c h o o l " , a f t e r p r e s e n t i n g an argument in favor of "oral instrucVol
136
;
—
tion, in p r e f e r e n c e to m e r e b o o k l e a r n i n g " , continued, a s follows : ^ t f
JEZ* —
the
new school p r o p o s e d by Friends o f B a l t i m o r e , P h i l a d e l p h i a and N e w Y o r k Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g s could b e successfully e s t a b l i s h e d , w e think one great feature w h i c h
should distinguish i t , should b e increased a t t e n t i o n to l e c t u r i n g and conversation u p o n all the subjects embraced in the p l a n of e d u c a t i o n , forming w i t h the
; study of books a n d p e r i o d i c a l e x a m i n a t i o n s , p a r t s of the p l a n of i n s t r u c t i o n . A n
advantage w h i c h could b e gained in a b o a r d i n g school on this p l a n , w o u l d b e , that
the best teachers could b e employed to lecture to the w h o l e school (which is^consist
of b o t h s e x e s ) , o n the various subjects t a u g h t , w h i l e the examinations m i g h t be conducted in select classes by their respective subordinate or a s s i s t a n t t e a c h e r s ,
—
T h e sciences s h o u l d , a s far as p o s s i b l e , b e taught also b y p r a c t i c a l or experimental
a s w e l l as b y theoretical i n s t r u c t i o n , thus v a r y i n g the exercises of the students
a n d r e m o v i n g to some extent the sedentary character of ordinary school e d u c a t i o n .
^ W h i l e it is of very doubtful u t i l i t y to a t t e m p t a m a n u a l labor s c h o o l , w i t h
a view to lessening the expense of i n s t r u c t i o n , it is u n d o u b t e d l y u s e f u l to the student to vary the routine of daily studies by o c c a s i o n a l p r a c t i c a l o p e r a t i o n s , w h i c h
impart manual d e x t e r i t y , w h i l e they impress on the m i n d a n d m e m o r y leading scientific
^
t r u t h s , a n d thus elevate a n d s t r e n g t h e n the intellectual
ctual pp oo ww ee rr ss of
of the
the ss tt uu dd ee nn tt ..
remind our readersHlasut the~Philadelphia C o n f e r e n c e , o n the p r o p o s e d
TP
(
'
F r i e n d s ' B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , a d j o u r n e d last y e a r , to m e e t on the T h i r d - d a y evening of the
coming Yearly M e e t i n g weeX.. at 8 o ' c l o c k , a t R a c e street meeting-house."
T h e p r o p o s e d conference a t »the time of Y e a r l y M e e t i n g w a s duly h e l d , as
th
appears from the following m i n u t e s :
ip5
th
Mo 13
1862.
A conference of the m e m b e r s
of P h i l a Yearly M e e t i n g m e t p u r s u a n t to adjournment on
\ Meeting Week.
(
C % -
Manuscript R e c o r d - b o o k , p . 3 8 .
day E v e n i n g of our Y e a r l y
irLi
- ja&r -
^ P h e Clerk o p e n e d the m e e t i n g b y r e a d i n g the m i n u t e s .
T h e names of Friends
appointed in the different (^uatterly M e e t i n g s to d i s t r i b u t e the subscription p a p e r s
were called a n d r e p o r t s were m a d e from each s e c t i o n to the effect that the p e c u n i a r y
difficulties p o n s e q u e n t on the state of the country h a d p r e v e n t e d a n y a c t i v e effort
in obtaining s)ifascriptions.
M a n y F r i e n d s expressed their interest in the subject
a n d their b e l i e f that the d i s c u s s i o n of it h a d a w a k e n e d a n interest throughout the
Yearly Meeting.
^ I t w a s b e l i e v e d that if o u r efforts w e r e continued a M
Friends were
encouraged
to contribute a c c o r d i n g to their m e a n s w i t h o u t expecting 'great t h i n g s ' that the
end m i g h t b e a c c o m p l i s h e d .
;*5Lfter a n interesting d i s c u s s i o n in w h i c h a n u m b e r of F r i e n d s of b o t h sexes
participated^ ~
-
^
S^Ltrl ?
T h u s abruptly end the m i n u t e s of this m e e t i n g , a n d there arejio f u r t h e r
m i n u t e s or d a t a of a n y k i n d in the m a n u s c r i p t R e c o r d - b o o k .
Some idea of the "inter-
est,ing discussion" w h i c h took p l a c e a t the m e e t i n g on M a y 13 is a f f o r d e d b y the l e t t e r s
of E A w a r d P a r r i s h a n d Befojamin H a l l o w e l l q u o t e d a b o v e , a n d by the f o l l o w i n g
in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of F i f t h M o . 1 7 , 1862?
j
editorial
J
the discussions in regard to the establishment of a F r i e n d s ' B o a r d i n g
! S c h o o l , two different v i e w s h a v e a p p e a r e d to influence those i n t e r e s t e d .
Some Friends
I seem to desire a cheap select s c h o o l , to w h i c h they c a n send t h e i r children for a n
elementary e d u c a t i o n , w h i l e those w i t h w h o m the concern originated h a d ajiriew to the
higher or m o r e liberal branches of E d u c a t i o n , a n d to qualifying teachers to take
charge of n e i g h b o r h o o d
schools.
A l t h o u g h at first sight there might seem a w a n t of agreement in these obj e c t s , they m a y b e easily reconciled u n d e r a coi#plete system of c l a s s i f i c a t i o n , a n d
especially during the first few y e a r s . It is p r o b a b l y that on the opening of the s c h o o l ,
\ there w o u l d hardly b e f o u n d a sufficient n u m b e r of F r i e n d s ' children who h a d reached
:
f r - T a ^ ^ p K w s .
-
i
She required grade of attainment to fjf^Ll up a large High S c h o o l .
•fit is only a s a taste for a liberal Education is fostered in the Society,
m d e r the influence of such a centre of education, that it would h e generally appre:iated; as graduates of the school became t e a c h e r s , in Friends' neighborhoods through>ut the country, they would naturally direct the studies of those i n t r u s t e d \ « their
jare, into the channel which would
lead them into the parent institution.
Thus sa^y,
succession of pupils grounded in the elementary b r a n c h e s , and inspired w i t h a desire
'or learning, would perhaps fill u p the advanced classes in the school, a n d the want
>f good neighborhood schools being in some degree supplied b y its graduates, the n e e d
if a preparatory department would c e a s e .
•^Xn the meantime it would be very desirable to have a preparatory department,
either in the same or a neighboring b u i l d i n g , which would meet the wants of those
suffering from a deficiency of proper educational facilities in the neighborhoods in
which they l i v e , and would thus aid. in preparing scholars for the higher classes in
bhe school.
^ k a thus constituted we think the school would prove a blessing to society,
which can hardly be appreciated in a d v a n c e .
T h e p r o p e r development of the p h y s i c a l ,
intellectual and moral power of those u p o n whom m u s t hereafter devolve the maintenance
and propagation of the principles professed by F r i e n d s , is an object the importance of
which we can hardly exaggerate.
^ S h e s e clear and practical views of Christian t r u t h , can only be properly maintained ancjLropagated in a n inquiring and progressive age b y well disciplined and cul*
tivated m i n d s .
Vainly shall we seek to build u p o n the learning of a B a r c l a y , the
humane and Christian polity of a P e r m , the clear reasoning of a D y m o n d , or the integrity in thought and diction of a W o o l m a n , unless we are prepared to meet the issues
of our own teeming a n d eventful a g e with something of the moral and intellectual p o w e r
which gave pre-eminence to these a n d other worthy champions of a p u r e morality a n d a
high Christian standard.
ififle fear that in this duty of p r e s e n t i n g clearly a n d efficiently those g r e a t
adamental truths w h i c h d i s t i n g u i s h e d our p r e d e c e s s o r s , there is not only too little
il hut also too little learning a n d m e n t a l d i s c i p l i n e ; and w h i l e w e are fully aware
it these are not the only qualifications for service in the cause of t r u t h , w e rerd them as so indispensable to the p r o p e r m a i n t e n a n c e a n d spread of our Christian
Lnciples a n d t e s t i m o n i e s , that it is our earnest desire to see a school speedily
bablished and m a i n t a i n e d for the liberal education of the r i s i n g generation in our
11
i religious Society? T h e next number of the Intelligencer (for F i f t h M o . 2 4 , 1 8 6 2 ) contained the
Llowing e d i t o r i a l , w h i c h was p r o b a b l y w r i t t e n b y E d w a r d P a r r i s h , who w a s a p p o i n t e d
srk of the enlarged committee: J ^ S h e School C o n f e r e n c e s . - A m o n g the interesting occa)ns g r o w i n g out of the attendance of a large body of F r i e n d s u p o n the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
3 the m e e t i n g of those interested in the c o n c e r n , w h i c h has so o f t e n b e e n a d v e r t e d
in this p a p e r , for the establishment of a F r i e n d s
1
Normal and High School. Agreeably
adjournment of the m e e t i n g of last y e a r , a n d to a n announcement read by the Clerks
the Yearly M e e t i n g , a general conference w a s h e l d on T h i r d day e v e n i n g i n the n o r t h
1 of the Ha.ce S t r e e t H o u s e .
N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g a shower w h i c h o c c u r r e d just previous to
3 h o u r a p p o i n t e d , the a t t e n d a n c e was p r e t t y large of b o t h s e x e s .
Dillwyn Parrish
bed a s c l e r k .
• R e m a r k s were made b y several F r i e n d s u p o n the p r e s s i n g importance of this conrn, w h i c h h a s completely slumbered d u r i n g the p a s t y e a r , owing to the distracted state
the country, and the a l a r m w h i c h has p a r a l y z e d the energies a n d crippl&d the reirces of m a n y of the public spirited and h u m a n e a m o n g u s .
It w a s shown that the same
it existed now as gave "birth to this concern in the first i n s t a n c e . That m a n y who h a v e
3 desire to enter u p o n the h o n o r a b l e a n d u s e f u l o c c u p a t i o n of t e a c h e r s , a r e destitute
facilities to qualify themselves for its duties a n d r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , a n d that neighchood schools are often compelled to choose from a m o n g very incompetent a p p l i c a n t s , to
5 great detriment of the scholars; w h i l e F r i e n d s p o s s e s s e d of l i b e r a l views o n the
~
&tr
-
iject of e d u c a t i o n , and of m e a n s to give their children a thoroughly scientific
d n i n g , a r e compelled to deny them this a d v a n t a g e , o r to avail themselves of schools
which our p e c u l i a r principles a n d testimonies a r e not held u p to v i e w .
Our Friend,
r k s o n T a y l o r , of W i l m i n g t o n , a n d a female F r i e n d , g a v e expression to their exper.ce of the difficulties of a c q u i r i n g a n education to fit them for the "business of teachi, a n d other F r i e n d s acknowledged the "blessing that h a d attended the efforts of conn e d p a r e n t s to have them educated w i t h i n the enclosure of the Society of F r i e n d s ,
. gave their v o i c e s in favor of a strenuous effort to p r o v i d e increased opportunities
the same k i n d for their c h i l d r e n .
w a s shown, that w h i l e in the first settlement of this section of country "by
ends, a school-house was considered a l m o s t a n e c e s s a r y a p p e n d a g e to every meetingise, now we are entirely d e p e n d e n t , in m a n y n e i g h b o r h o o d s , u p o n schools supported b y
imiscuous t a x a t i o n , and g o v e r n e d , in g o o d p a r t , b y those who h a v e no sympathy w i t h us
the support of the testimonies w e h o l d so d e a r .
In this c o n n e c t i o n , the recent
tdency to incorporate m i l i t a r y drill as p a r t of the exercises of the p u b l i c schools
i referred t o , as likely to become m o r e g e n e r a l , a n d perhaps to b e sustained b y l a w .
; immense strides w h i c h education has t a k e n in other religious o r g a n i z a t i o n s , w a s
>wn to b e disproportionate to the p r o g r e s s in our o w n .
The importance of a liberal
L extended e d u c a t i o n , a s a m e a n s of u s e f u l n e s s a n d enjoyment in l i f e , a n d as a n a i d
the p r o p a g a t i o n of the p r i n c i p l e s of truth, a n d in guarding a g a i n s t the errors a n d
^tensions w h i c h surround u s and our children o n every h a n d , w a s a l s o a l l u d e d t o .
^ T h e interest a w a k e n e d b y this d i s c u s s i o n , in w h i c h several of the younger p a r t
the audience p a r t i c i p a t e d , also took a p r a c t i c a l t u r n , and the m a n n e r in w h i c h this
icern h a d b e e n p r e s e n t e d a n d p r o s e c u t e d a t the m e e t i n g s held m o r e than a y e a r a g o , w a s
omented o n . Friends seemed g e n e r a l l y of opinion that we h a d , in the first i n s t a n c e ,
aed at too extensive a s c h e m e , that an a d v a n t a g e w o u l d result by so far m o d i f y i n g it a s
l o o k , for the p r e s e n t , toward a s c h o o l , e m b r a c i n g at least a N o r m a l department at the
ening, a n d , as m e a n s are o b t a i n e d , secondary classes, and finally the h i g h e r o r collegia d e p a r t m e n t .
This seems to embrace the p r o p e r succession w i t h reference to the
/^(OL
J
jfr _
;s of the S o c i e t y , and h y l i m i t i n g the number of p u p i l s in e a c h , a n d the consent expenditure, a c c o r d i n g to the m e a n s s u b s c r i b e d , it is b e l i e v e d the establishment
he school m a y h e consummated w i t h i n a y e a r or two at f u r t h e s t .
J^The end reached onTrhird-day evening was the a p p o i n t m e n t of a committee of coriondence to endeavor to further the concern; this committee m e t , a n d on c o n s i d e r a t i o n ,
l u d e d to call another conference on F i f t h - d a y evening; this w a s also a n n o u n c e d b y
respective Clerks in the m e n ' s and women's Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , a n d w a s w e l l a t t e n d e d ,
his time, the Committee m a d e the following p r o p o s a l s ;
/fist. T h a t two or three F r i e n d s from each CJ^aarterly M e e t i n g shall act a s corres.ents w i t h this committee, a n d a i d in c i r c u l a t i n g a n y p u b l i c a t i o n s issued in relation
.he s u b j e c t , a h d in returning the subscription p a p e r s .
# T h i s was u n i t e d w i t h , a n d some a p p o i n t m e n t s m a d e ; it is to b e r e g r e t t e d , that
ig to the h e s i t a t i o n of F r i e n d s g e n e r a l l y , in o f f e r i n g their names as v o l u n t e e r s
this s e r v i c e , a n d the small representation of some sections at the C o n f e r e n c e , the
, is not f u l l , a n d the Committee w i l l b e o b l i g e d to solicit further offers in this
irtant p a r t of their w o r k .
That the Committee, a s at first a p p o i n t e d , b e i n c r e a s e d in H a t number b y
a d d i t i o n of a few F r i e n d s l i v i n g w i t h i n convenient reach of the city; a n d that their
.es be extended to p r e p a r i n g , in conjunction w i t h F r i e n d s of the other Y e a r l y Meeta specific constitution f o r the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n , w h i c h they shall
.ish a n d circulate among the c o n t r i b u t o r s , a n d o t h e r s , p r e v i o u s to the time of our
; m e e t i n g , so that it m a y then be submitted f o r consideration a n d a d o p t i o n .
"*This p r o p o s i t i o n was -united w i t h , a n d the Committee e n l a r g e d a s p r o p o s e d ; the
;s of its m e m b e r s are a p p e n d e d .
^3d.
That a M e e t i n g o f the Contributors a n d a l l interested shall b e held on
afternoon of the 12th of N i n t h m o n t h n e x t , at 3 o ' c l o c k , at w h i c h time the C o m m i t t e e
.1 m a k e a full report, and the constitution shall b e submitted for consideration a n d
>tion, if way o p e n s .
This was also u h i t e d w i t h .
\
««
**4th.
JeSSt
A
That f r i e n d s , now in the c i t y , in a t t e n d a n c e on the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , b e
^
ed to leave their names w i t h the Clerk of this C o n f e r e n c e , a s subscribers to the
^
for the establishment of the contemplated s c h o o l , as a n encouragement to the future
cution of the c o n c e r n .
* A s a response to this p r o p o s a l , about forty of those p r e s e n t entered their
u p o n the subscription list for a n aggregate e x c e e d i n g three thousand d o l l a r s . T h i s
added to the few subscriptions obtained u n d e r the p r e v i o u s u n f a v o r a b l e
circumstances,'
rtainly a g o o d nucleus w i t h w h i c h to b e g i n the subscription p r o p o s e d to be r a i s e d
r own Yearly M e e t i n g , a n d w h i c h , a d d e d to those of our f r i e n d s in N e w Y o r k a n d Bale , we hope m a y be sufficient to justify the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n a t the
sed m e e t i n g in the N i n t h m o n t h , a n d the speedy p r o s e c u t i o n of the w o r k .
effort w a s made to canvass for s u b s c r i p t i o n s , b e y o n d the o c c a s i o n a l l u d e d
s it was thought best to p o s t p o n / ' t h i s important w o r k till new subscription p a p e r s
be issued and c i r c u l a t e d , b y the a i d of the correspondents a n d m e m b e r s of the Come, to every M o n t h l y M e e t i n g in the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
The l u x u r y of G I V I N O , w h i c h is
^
"t
1st perhaos too m a i y a r e u n a c c u s t o m e d t o , w i l l thus be p l a c e d w i t h i n the reach of
and we h o o e e l m o B t every one will b e w i l l i n g to a i d in a w o r k so w o r t h y of support
dA^rt^L
^JLJfoZ.—
icouragement
^
The
they should b e
o f the best were reflected in the W o mnen's
e n ' s YY ee aa rr ll yv MM ee ee tt ii nn g- of
of Philadelphia 72^'
* m e e t i n g of Philadelphia,* 1 8 6 2 , which
adopted the following m i n n U s T ^ k f U
er the a p p o i n t m e n t of the Clerks at the afternoon
session, the subject o f e d i i M t i n «
• _ t of education was m t o a u c e d by reading- the r e P o r t from the committee u p o n E d u c a t i o n and L i b r a r i e s .
"
y
*
"
—
T h i s stated thatu its u s e f u l n e s s h „ ,
u s e i u l n e s s had been curtailed
—
-
—
«
»
.
»
„
«
.
-
.zffir
-
aeral expression of interest in the s u b j e c t of e d u c a t i o n , a n d s h o p e that the comfctee m i g h t b e c o n t i n u e d .
T h e f i n a l d e c i s i o n w a s , h o w e v e r , d e f e r r e d , u n t i l a f t e r the
-voiding of the a n s w e r s to the second a n n u a l query
T h e l u m e n ' s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of N e w Y o r k , in their E p i s t l e of M a y , 1 8 6 1 , to
V
3ir sisters in P h i l a d e l p h i a , h a d written?
" T h e subject of a g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n h a s
okened a l i v e l y interest a m o n g s t u s , a n d w e still l o o k f o r w a r d w i t h h o p e , that the time
y come w h e n o u r c h i l d r e n shall no l o n g e r b e left to the g u i d a n c e of those w h o a r e
rangers to our t e s t i m o n i e s ; to w h i c h c a u s e w e b e l i e v e m a y b e a t t r i b u t e d m a n y of the
viations that exist w i t h i h our b o r d e r s . "
(job*.
fy,
u& Q
.
;;
yL
T h e U e n / s Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in H e w YorJ:, in 1 8 6 2 , t o o k the a d v e r s e a c t i o n o n
school of its o w h w h i c h h a s b e e n c i t e d abovel
e P h i l a d e l p h i a F r i e n d s .ihssEEfnxE decid that the i r o n w a s n o w h o t enough i n N e w Y o r k to s t r i k e (with g o o u r e s u l t s j ^ a n d
even^
fore the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in the l a t t e r c i t y a d j o u r n e d , they w e n t t h e r e a ^ . n w i t h their
acern.
A n adjitorial in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r f o r S i x t h M o . 7 , 1 8 6 2 , ^ " g i v e s the
Llowing acco-qnt o f t h e i r efforts;fl^Dhe S c h o o l C o n c e r n in H e w Y o r k . - D u r i n g the time
the l a t e H e w Y o r k Y e a r l y M e e t i n g ,
a C o m m i t t e e of F r i e n d s f r o m P h i l a d e l p h i a , s o l i c i t e d
o p p o r t u n i t y , t o open the subject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , i n the a s p e c t it h a s
tely a s s u m e d in P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d h a d a m e e t i n g i n the h o u s e o c c u p i e d b y the W o m e n ' s
sting, o n Thii\^-day e v e n i n g , a n d a n o t h e r o n F i f t h - d a y e v e n i n g .
7VP
"•fsJ.^A*! U^r*. ca^^^u-j -
A t the l a t t e r , a
X.'J ^ ^ ^ 4 0—
istitution, p r e p a r e d b y a joint C o m m i t t e e , i n c l u d i n g the P h i l a d e l p h i a d e p u t a t i o n , w a s
3sented a n d f u l l y a d o p t e d .
It p r o v i d e s f o r the e s t a b l i s h m e n t a n d g o v e r n m e n t of 'The
Lends' U n i o n B o a r d i n g S c h o o l A s s o c i a t i o n , ' to consist of the share h o l d e r s in the f u n d
rrady s u b s c r i b e d
in p a r t , for the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of the c o n t e m p l a t e d s c h o o l ; the selec—
>n of the s i t e , the e r e c t i o n of the b u i l d i n g s , a n d the m a n a g e m e n t of the school to b e :
ific|ed to a B o a r d of T r u s t e e s , c o n s i s t i n g of s i x t e e n F r i e n d s o f each s e x , r e p r e s e n t i n g
Lends of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , and e l e c t e d b y the m e m b e r s o n the b a s i s of the
2 0 1
•-~Ibid,
rbid./jl.
Its s e s s i1 o9 n4s.' w e r e h e l d f r o m M a y 2 6 to 2 9 , i n c l u s i v e .
stock.
T h e p r o v i s i o n s of this i n s t r u m e n t , afjier careful d i s c u s s i o n a n d c r i t i c i s m ,
both in a s u b - C o m m i t t e e , Committee a n d o p e n C o n f e r e n c e , w e r e a d o p t e d w i t h a good
degree of u n a n i m i t y , a n d after remarks from a n u m b e r of those p r e s e n t , exhibiting
a lively interest in the concern, a subscription list w a s p a s s e d a r o u n d , a n d about
eight thousand dollars were o b t a i n e d . W h e n it is remembered that this sum is only
on account of $ 5 0 , £ 0 0 , which is to b e the a m o u n t raised b e f o r e completing the organi z a t i o n , a n d that but few of the F r i e n d s of the country h a d r e m a i n e d in the city
to the m e e t i n g , (the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a d j o u r n e d o n F i f t h - d a y m o r n i n g , ) a n d that not
many of the wealthy Friends of the city a n d its immediate vicinity a t t e n d e d , this
result must be considered v e r y e n c o u r a g i n g , a n d leads to the conclusion that our
Friends in New Y o r k w i l l not b e tardy in f u r n i s h i n g even m o r e than their share of
the necessary ineans to establish this m u c h n e e d e d I n s t i t u t i o n .
In the m e a n t i m e , w e
h o p e that a l l who are interested in this m o v e m e n t w i t h i n t h e l i m i t s of P h i l a d e l p h i a
and Baltimore Yearly Meetings will b e DP M D
DOINC.^
T h e Summer of 1862 a p p e a r s to h a v e b e e n a n u n u s u a l l y w a r m one in P h i l a d e l p h i a
a n d its v i c i n i t y ; but the p r o j e c t of "the school" w a s b y no m e a n s lost sight o f , a s
is shown b y an editorial in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r for E i ^ h M o n t h 1 6 , 1 8 6 2 ,
7%
A
w h i c h reads in p a r t as follows; J p T h e intensely h o t w e a t h e r of the past two m o n t h s ,
w i t h the general distribution of our citizens into the surrounding c o u n t r y , a n d the
active operations a m o n g the farmers in h a r v e s t i n g their c r o p s , have p o s t p o n e d the
p r o s e c u t i o n of the b u s i n e s s till quite r e c e n t l y .
^ A p a. m e e t i n g of the committee h e l d on the 8 t h . i n s t , it w a s a g r e e d to comrmence a series of conferences in Friends' n e i g h b o r h o o d s in the c o u n t r y , at w h i c h
members of the committee will a t t e n d , explain the p r o p o s e d p l a n , a n d endeavor to
awaken a m o n g parents a n d others a n increased interest in the h i g h l y important subject of education.
T h e conferences w h i c h h a v e b e e n already a p p o i n t e d are a n n o u n c e d
in another c o l u m n , a n d it is especially desired that every one w i t h i n reach of the
places named will endeavor to a t t e n d , a s well a s to notify others likely to take a n
interest in the m o v e m e n t .
7*} - V o l . 1 0 , P . S G Q ^ X l g , ; 'f •
- ./3'
^ T h e G e n e r a l C o n f e r e n c e of F r i e n d s of this Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n the
subject,
stands a d j o u r n e d to m e e t a t R a c e S t r e e t M e e t i n g H o u s e o n the 1 2 t h o f 9 t h m o n t h a t
3 o ' c l o c k in the a f t e r n o o n , at w h i c h time it w a s o r i g i n a l l y d e s i g n e d to h a v e the
s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s r e t u r n e d , a n d a n e f f o r t m a d e to o r g a n i z e the a s s o c i a t i o n , b u t
the c o n s t i t u t i o n p r e p a r e d b y a joint c o m m i t t e e f r o m P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d N e w Y o r k , o n
w h i c h the p r e s e n t m o v e m e n t is b a s e d , p r o v i d e s f o r t h e f i r s t a n n u a l m e e t i n g to b e
h e l d in this city on the 2 n d of the T w e l f t h m o n t h .
T h e n e c e s s i t y o f s e c u r i n g the
s u b s c r i p t i o n s d u r i n g the e n s u i n g f o u r w e e k s is thus o b v i a t e d , a n d a t e r m of t h r e e
months s e c u r e d in w h i c h to c a n v a s s the w h o l e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g f o r s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
We
hope this m a y b e t h o r o u g h l y d o n e ; w h e r e v e r it is p r a c t i c a b l e a n d p r o m i s e s g o o d res u l t s , the n e i g h b o r h o o d s h o u l d b e s u m m o n e d to a m e e t i n g at w h i c h some of the e a r n e s t
friendsjof the m e a s u r e s h o u l d u r g e its c l a i m ; a n d w h e r e such a m e e t i n g w o u l d not p r o bably p r o v e a d v a n t a g e o u s , the c i r c u l a r s a n d s u b s c r i p t i o n p a p e r s p r e p a r e d b y the committee, and which m a y be obtained of Edward P a r r i s h , Clerk, 800 A r c h street, Phila d e l p h i a , should b e p l a c e d in the h a n d s of e v e r y F r i e n d w h o h a s the m e a n s to b e c o m e
a shareholder.
i, ,
>
^
^^uJ^JAj^^ ( i J L ^ / '
jg
T h e c o n f e r e n c e s r e f e r r e d to in the a ^ o v e e d i t o r i a l w ^ e a n n o u n c e d a s f o l l o w s ;
S p e c i a l N o t i c e . - B y a p p o i n t m e n t of the A c t i n g C o m m i t t e e a p p o i n t e d a t the C o n f e r e n c e
held d u r i n g the w e e k of o u r l a t e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , o n the s u b j e c t of p r o v i d i n g inc r e a s e d f a c i l i t i e s f o r the l i b e r a l a n d g u a r d e d e d u c a t i o n o f F r i e n d s ' c h i l d r e n , the
f o l l o w i h g c o n f e r e n c e s h a v e b e e n a p p o i n t e d o n the
subject.
•"At W e s t C h e s t e r , on 6th d a y , the 2 2 d i n s t a n t , a t 1 0 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
* A t L o n d o n G r o v e , o n 7 t h d a y , the 2 3 d i n s t a n t , a t 10 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
* A t M o u n t H o l l y , N . J . , 7th d a y , the 3 0 t h l a s t . , a t 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
* A t S a l e m , 6 t h d a y , the 5 t h of 9 t h m o . , at 7 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
fc -
Ibid, p . 361.
-
^ F r i e n d s and others
attend these m e e t i n g s .
-
in the neighborhoods n a m e d are c o r d i a l l y invited to
It is expected that m e m b e r s of the Committee w i l l b e in
attendance to explain the object in v i e w , the d e t a i l ^ of the organization a n d condition of m e m b e r s h i p , a n d to p a r t i c i p a t e in a general discussion of the scheme.**
In addition to these c o n f e r e n c e s , the Intelligencer also a n n o u n c e d , in its
issue of N i n t h M o n t h 6 , 1 8 6 2 , a general "School C o n f e r e n c e " , a s f o l l o w s :
"fiSho- •School O u n f o f o n o a r l i A a a d j o u r n e d Conference of F r i e n d s of P h i l a d e l p h i a
Yearly M e e t i n g , favorable to the establishment of a b o a r d i n g sch6ol f o r education
in the h i g h e r branches of k n o w l e d g e , a n d f o r the p r e p a r a t i o n of teachers for the
charge of F r i e n d s ' n e i g h b o r h o o d s c h o o l s , & c . , w i l l b e h e l d on S i x t h - d a y , the 12th
of N i n t h M o n t h , at 3 o'clock in the a f t e r n o o n , at the R a c e street m e e t i n g h o u s e ,
Philadelphia."**"
T h i s conference in P h i l a d e l p h i a w a s duly h e l d , a n d the f o l l o w i n g account of
its -oroceedings was g i v e n in a n editorial in the Intelligencer f o r N i n t h M o n t h 2 0 ,
u
1862: f k
Conference of Friends b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a s s e m b l e d
in Race Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , on Sixth-day a f t e r n o o n , the 1 2 t h i n s t . , to h e a r the
R e p o r t of the Committee a p p o i n t e d in F i f t h m o n t h l a s t , on the subject of E d u c a t i o n ,
and the establishment of a B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
^ N o t w i t h s t a n d i n g the heavy rain in the m o r n i n g , which p r e v e n t e d the attendance
of some from the c o u n t r y , a considerable n imber of F r i e n d s w e r e p r e s e n t , a n d m o s t of
the Quarterly Meetings were r e p r e s e n t e d .
F r o m reports made b y m e m b e r s of the commit-
tee and o t h e r s , it is b e l i e v e d this concern is a w a k e n i n g a deep interest in the m i n d s
of m a n y oijour m e m b e r s , and that n o t w i t h s t a n d i n g the p r e s e n t state of the c o u n t r y , it
only requires efficient laborers to p r o c u r e the n e c e s s a r y fuhds to organize the
Institution.
% 0 -
Ibid, f . 410.
I b i d , p p . 4 4 0 -If!.
33
— / &&
-
**The Report of the Committee w a s a p p r o v e d , a n d they w e r e e n c o u r a g e d to
persererein their l a b o r s , and to h o l d Conferences in neighborhoods where the way is
opened for i t .
They w e r e also d e s i r e d to p u b l i s h a n abstract of the R e p o r t in F r i e n d s '
Intelligencer, w h i c h is a
'To the A d j o u r n e d U o n r e r e n c e or F r i e n d s , to oe held in P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the
subject of p r o v i d i n g increased facilities f o r a l i b e r a l e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r the care of
Friends: •The u n d e r s i g n e d , intrusted b y the Conference h e l d in the F i f t h M o n t h , w i t h
the further p r o s e c u t i o n of the c o n c e r n , now report as follows:
'A Sub-committee f r o m their n u m b e r v i s i t e d N e w Y o r k , at the time of their
late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d a t t e n d e d two Conferences of Friends on the evenings of the
27th a n d 2 9 t h of Fifth M o n t h .
They were m u c h e n c o u r a g e d b y the interest
expressed
and the liberal subscriptions o f f e r e d , a n d c o - o p e r a t e d w i t h a Committee of Hew Y o r k
Friends in framing a C o n s t i t u t i o n , u n d e r w h i c h the p r o p o s e d o r g a n i z a t i o n should b e
definitely f o r m e d . A p r i n t e d copy of this C o n s t i t u t i o n accompanies this R e p o r t .
It
was u n i t e d w i t h b y this C o m m i t t e e , a n d w e h o p e that it may b e satisfactory to the
p r e s e n t C o n f e r e n c e , a n d to the First A n n u a l M e e t i n g of the A s s o c i a t i o n , to b e h e l d
o n the 2 d of Twelfth m o n t h , w h e n it is to b e submitted for a d o p t i o n .
'Your Committee have also k e p t in view the p r o s e c u t i o n of the enterprise
w i t h i n the limits of our o w n Yearly M e e t i n g .
A circular a n d subscription p a p e r s ac-
c o m p a n y i n g this R e p o r t , h a v e b e e n circulated in v a r i o u s n e i g h b o r h o o d s , and some
efforts have been m a d e by individuals i n t e r e s t e d , to obtain s u b s c r i p t i o n s , but we felt
that in order to a w a k e n a n interest in the subject of education g e n e r a l l y , a n d to
explain the a n t i c i p a t e d a d v a n t a g e s of the A s s o c i a t i o n now p r o p o s e d , Conferences
should
be h e l d throughout the c o u n t r y , to b e a t t e n d e d b y m e m b e r s of this C o m m i t t e e .
'Accordingly, a p p o i n t m e n t s were m a d e a t W e s t C h e s t e r , on the 2 2 d , a n d L o n d o n
Grove on the 2 3 d , a n d at M o u n t Holly on the 3 0 t h of Eighth m o n t h , and at S a l e m , N . J .
on the 5th of Ninth m o n t h , at each p l a c e to b e h e l d in Friends' m e e t i n g - h o u s e .
At West C h e s t e r , the company Collected at the appointed time was s m a l l , but an
adjournment was h a d u n t i l evening, w h e n a large a u d i e n c e w a s c o n v e n e d , and. w e b e l i e v e
much interest a w a k e n e d in the s u b j e c t .
It was not thought best to enter u p o n a n y
subscription at the ti$e, b u t the subject w a s left on the m i n d s of F r i e n d s , with a
p r o s p e c t of substantial r e s u l t s .
* *At L o n d o n Grove the Conference was w e l l a t t e n d e d .
T h e objections of some
Friends to the p r o p o s e d school were freely e x p r e s s e d , a n d led to explanations on the
part Sf the Committee in a t t e n d a n c e , c a l c u l a t e d , w e think, to promote, its m o r e favorable c o n s i d e r a t i o n .
Subscriptions w e r e entered into at this t i m e , w h i c h though in
most i n s t a n c e s , small in q m o u n t , evinced a d i s p o s i t i o n on the p a r t of Friends in this
thriving section of country to share in the g o o d w o r k .
The local committees a p p o i n t e d
at the several Monthly meetings to f o r w a r d the s u b s c r i p t i o n , h a d p a r t i a l l y accomplished their labors in advance of this o p p o r t u n i t y , b u t the committee felt repaid for t h e
efforts m a d e in t h i s , as in other c a s e s , by the evidence that the subject of education
h a d taken h o l d of m a n y p a r e n t s , especially a m o n g the y o u n g e r c l a s s , in a way to p r o mote the b e s t interests of their c h i l d r e n .
C * T h e Conference at Mount Holly was rather s m a l l , a n d discouragements w e r e
thrown out b y some, but we b e l i e v e that Friends in that n e i g h b o r h o o d will be w i l l i n g
to a i d us in the w o r k in p r o p o r t i o n , as we p e r s e v e r e in i t .
c
^ T h e Conference at Salem ended in the appointment of a committee to circulate
subscription papers a m o n g Friends of that wealthy and. p o p u l o u s v i c i n i t y .
It was w e l l
a t t e n d e d , a n d considerable interest e x p r e s s e d , though h e r e , as e l s e w h e r e , the committee felt they h a d a w o r k to do in stirring u p Friends to a sense of their responsibilities, as p a r e n t s a n d guardians of the y o u n g , to develope to the u t m o s t , their
moral a n d intellectual n a t u r e , a n d to p r e p a r e the g r o u n d for that s e e d , the growth of
which is so important to their temporal a n d eternal h a p p i n e s s .
c
* O n e of the chief causes of discouragement encountered by the committee in
every n e i g h b o r h o o d they have v i s i t e d , h a s grown out of the awful a n d destructive w a r
-
Sc
-
in which the opposing sections of our country are now e n g a g e d , a n d the u n c e r t a i n t y
in which the future is involved; but w h i l e this h a s discouraged some from entering
on any e n t e r p r i s e , however a d v a n t a g e o u s , o t h e r s h a v e seen in it a new incentive
to efforts on behalf of their c h i l d r e n .
T h e w a r spirit h a s p e n e t r a t e d a l m o s t every
institution in the land; the P u b l i c Schools a r e u s e d a s m e a n s of p r o m o t i n g the l o v e
of m i l i t a r y g l o r y , and. are increasingly engaged in teaching m i l i t a r y drill to their
pupils.
C ^ W e should b e especially concerned to guard our children a g a i n s t this s n a r e ,
and to b u i l d them up in those p r i n c i p l e s which w i l l not only p r e s e r v e them in the
p r a c t i c e of p e a c e and good-will towards all m e n , but will m a k e them fit successors to
those worthies who h a v e gone b e f o r e them as lights in the w o r l d , a n d exemplars of the
p e a c e a b l e spirit of C h r i s t i a n i t y .
To this end F r i e n d s should educate a l l their
i
chjjQ.dren u n d e r their own care; a n d , not to b e b e h i n d other religious denominations
in i n f l u e n c e , they should a i m to develope a l l the talent a m o n g t h e m , b y the very best
a n d m o s t improved systems of intellectual t r a i n i n g .
If this v i e w could be impressed
sufficiently o n the m i n d s of F r i e n d s , the d i s t r a c t e d state of our country w o u l d not
operate to d i s c o u r a g e , but rather to increase o u r zeal in the concern w h i c h has claimed the a t t e n t i o n of this c o m m i t t e e . A s we feel the comparative u n c e r t a i n t y of m a t e r ial r i c h e s , and their insufficiency to secure to o u r offspring the b l e s s i n g s of
p r o s p e r i t y , we should be less d i s p o s e d to a c c u m u l a t e t h e s e , a n d increasingly study
to make the best disposition of them for the a d v a n t a g e of o t h e r s , a n d especially for
those who are to assume the p o s i t i o n , with its attendant r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s , w h i c h w e
m u s t soon leave v a c a n t .
C
disposition to introduce m i l i t a r y drill into the course of instruction
in our p u b l i c schools already a l l u d e d t o , w h i c h p r a c t i c e ha,s b e c o m e common in large
c i t i e s , is especially objectionable to F r i e n d s , a n d its true remedy lies ih p r o v i d i n g
schools u n d e r our own care , and p l a c i n g them u n d e r the care of teachers p r e p a r e d for
/H
§3*
j their responsible d u t i e s , b y thorough a n d systematic training in a N o r m a l School
belonging to F r i e n d s .
'"The Conference a d j o u r n e d to m e e t on the F i r s t third-day in Twelfth M o n t h
n e x t , at 10 o'clock in the m o r n i n g , at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e . *
E d w a r d P a r r i s h , writingfof this conference - m e t h o d of a i d i n g the college
n
'
j p r o j e c t , says: •flf'In the course of this w o r k , m e m b e r s of the B o a r d , a n d others inter! ested, have attended conferences in nearly a l l the M o n t h l y Meetings w i t h i n the compass
; of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , n u m b e r i n g f i f t y , o b t a i n i n g subscriptions from Friends;
besides a d d r e s s i n g conferences in several sections of New Y o r k a n d B a l t i m o r e Yearly
M e e t i n g s , a n d one at F a r m i n g t o n , w i t h i n the limits of Genesee Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
^ I n all these they h a v e found some to r e s p o n d cordially to their a p p e a l s .
The yo m g , w h o , in m a n y sections in the midst of indifference a n d a p a t h y are impatiently thirsting f o r k n o w l e d g e ; p a r e n t s who b e g i n to a p p r e c i a t e the imperative duty they
owe to their rising f a m i l i e s , to supply them w i t h the highest p o s s i b l e culture a n d
:
development; a n d lastly, the elders a n d fathers in the c h u r c h , w h o in looking for a
; succession of standard-bearers, b e g i n to suspect that to the neglect of the great in1terests of education u n d e r the g u a r d e d care of the S o c i e t y , m a y b e a t t r i b u t e d m u c h of
\the weakness w h i c h they d e p l o r e . ^
!l -
^ A n Egsay on Educetioffl, 1 8 6 6 , p p . 49 - 5 0 .
y 37
£52=3
T h e Civil W a r , in 1 8 6 2 , w a s dragging its w e a r y a n d terrifying length a l o n g ;
the draft was resorted to f o r the increase of the U n i o n a r m i e s ; m a n y p u b l i c schools
w e r e nurseries of m i l i t a r y ideas a n d recruits; the S o c i e t y of F r i e n d s w a s doing its
u t m o s t to m a i n t a i n its historic testimony a g a i n s t a resort to a r m s : such w e r e the
forces a n d counter-forces surging around the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l , a n d the a b o v e R e p o r t
shows clearly the reaction of its advocates to t h e m .
The p l a n of h o l d i n g local con-
ferences w a s taken u p with renewed vigor in the a u t u m n , a s a p p e a r s from the following
i> ^
p
editorial notice in the Intelligencer for T e n t h M o n t h 1 8 , 1862 : * T h e U x e c u t i v e
Committee a p p o i n t e d a t the Conference h e l d d u r i n g the w e e k of the l a t e Yeafcly Meeti n g , on the subject of the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , h e l d a
m e e t i n g on Sixth day l a s t , the 1 0 t h i n s t a n t , a n d a p p o i n t e d the f o l l o w i n g C o n f e r e n c e s ,
a t w h i c h some of the Committee w i l l b e p r e s e n t to explain the p l a n , a n d to endeavor to
rv
awakesrva n interest in the subject of education g e n e r a l l y , v i z :
V
<*A Conference in P h i l a d e l p h i a to b e h e l d a t the R a c e street m e e t i n g h o u s e , on
T h i r d - d a y evening, the 1 4 t h , a t 7 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
^•One a t M o o r e s t o w n , N . J . , on F i f t h - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 1 5 t h , at 3 o ' c l o c k , a t
Friends' meeting house.
4*0ne at W i l m i n g t o n , D e l . , on S i x t h - d a y e v e n i n g , the 2 4 t h , at 7 o ' c l o c k , at
Friends' meeting house.
•*0ne at A t t l e b o r o u g h , B u c k s C o . , P a . , early n e x t m o n t h , of w h i c h due notice
will be g i v e n .
Committee w a s also a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d a C o n f e r e n c e , w h i c h it is u n d e r s t o o d
Friends of B a l t i m o r e design to h o l d during the w e e k of their a p p r o a c h i n g Yearly Meeting.
The names of several Friends h a v e b e e n a d d e d to the C o m m i t t e e , which now com-
p r i s e the following:
^Philadelphia. - Deborah F . Wharton, Lucretia Mott, Thomas Ridgway, William
D o r s e y , J a n e J o h n s o n , R a c h e l T . J a c k s o n , H a r r i e t 1 . S t o c k l y , S t e p h e n C o x , Helen 0 .
rjt-
V o l . t ^ , p . 504
L o n g s t r e t h , Edith W . A t l e e , W i l l i a m C . B i d d l e , W i l l i a m D . P a r r i s h , Sarah T . P r i c e ,
A n n e S h o e m a k e r , E d w a r d P a r r i s h , E d w a r d H o o p e s , J o s e p h M . T r u m a n , J r . , William Griscorn,
Prankford.
*"Attleboro, P a .
- Simon G i l l a m , P e a r s o n M i t c h e l l , J o s e p h F l o w e r s , Sarah
Flowers.
-"Taylorsville, P a . - M a h l o n K . T a y l o r .
<*Trenton, N . J . -
Isaac S t e v e n s .
^ M o o r e s t o w n , N . J . - M a r y S . L i p p i n c o t t , Sarah H u n t .
^Cinnaminson.N.J. - William P a r r y .
•Woodbury, N.J.
- D a v i d J . G-riscorn.
B e n n e t t Square,Pa.- Samuel M a r t i n , T h o s . J e h k i n s o n .
*West Grove, P a .
- Job H . J a c k s o n .
-^Westchester, P a . - T h o m a s H o o p e s , R a c h e l T a y l o r .
PDarby, P a . -
M . Fisher Longstreth, Joseph Powell.
J^Chadsford, P a . - Clement B i d d l e .
^Conshohocken, P a . •PGwynedd. -
David Foulke.
Ann A . Townsend.
J*5alera».N.J. -
Abigail Woolman.
^Wilmington, Del.
T . Clarkson Taylor.
T h e sessions of B a l t i m o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 2 , w e r e also deemed a
good opportunity for p r o m o t i n g the w o r k .
H o w they w e r e a v a i l e d of is b r i e f l y told in
the following editorial notice in the I n t e l l i g e n c e r for E l e v e n t h M o n t h , 1 5 , 1862:
* 0 n Third-day evening of the w e e k of the late Y e a r l y M e e t i n g a t B a l t i m o r e , a n
interesting conference was h e l d in reference to the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l .
Three
m e m b e r s of the E x e c u t i v e Committee b e l o n g i n g to P h i l a d e l p h i a , w e r e p r e s e n t , two other
Friends who h a d intended g o i n g , b e i n g p r e v e n t e d b y i n d i s p o s i t i o n . T h e progress of the
c o n c e r n , throughout the limits of N e w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , was ex-
£ -
Vol . ^ , p . 569.
1*1
j p l a i n e d , a n d followed b y a general expression of u n i t y .
i
It w a s acknowledged that
; Friends have long experienced the w a n t of such a n institution a s that p r o p o s e d , a n d
the promptness with w h i c h those p r e s e n t came forward to do their p a r t in supplying i t ,
gave the most substantial p r o o f that they h a v e the cause at h e a r t , a n d a r e p r e p a r e d
to enter into it w i t h earnestness a n d c o n f i d e n c e .
W e understand that the sum sub-
scribed already amounts to several thousand d o l l a r s .
*)0n Fifth-day afternoon a n o t h e r m e e t i n g w a s h e l d , when Friends were appointed
to p r e s e n t the subject in the various neighborhoods throughout the limits of the
Yearly Meeting;: a delegation was also a p p o i n t e d to a t t e n d the General M e e t i n g of the
contributors to b e h e l d in P h i l a d e l p h i a on the second of 12th m o n t h p r o x i m o . *
T h e holding of local conferences near P h i l a d e l p h i a continued during N o v e m b e r ,
*
as reported in the Intelligencer for E l e v e n t h M o n t h 2 2 , 1862; 7 F A t the late m e e t i n g
of the A c t i n g Committee on the School C o n c e r n , encouraging reports w e r e made of the
conferences h e l d with Friends at M o o r e s t o w n , New J e r s e y , a n d W i l m i n g t o n , D e l a w a r e , at
b o t h of which unity was felt and e x p r e s s e d .
Considerable additions were m a d e to
the fund subscribed, a n d committees apx>ointed to canvass the respective neighborhoods
for further subscriptions.
^ R e p o r t s w e r e also m a d e of the conferences h e l d in B a l t i m o r e , n o t i c e d in our
last n u m b e r .
^ i t h a view to the extension of these opportunities during the remaining short
p e r i o d before the General M e e t i n g for the organization of the A s s o c i a t i o n on the 3 d
p r o x i m o , conferences were appointed to "be h e l d at W o o d s t o w n , N e w J e r s e y , on T h i r d - d a y ,
the 25th instant, at A t t l e b o r o , Bucks c o u n t y , P a . , on Seventh day the 2 9 t h , a n d at
W r i g h t s t o w n , Bucks C o u n t y , o n F i r s t - d a y , the 3 0 t h , all at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
Friends
generally within the reach of those localities a r e invited to a t t e n d themselves a n d to
extend the information.
Some m e m b e r s of the Executive Committee design to b e p r e s e n t . ^
A s the date of the m e e t i n g of "The F r i e n d s ' U n i o n Boarding School Association"
a p p r o a c h e d , three notices of its being h e l d were g i v e n in the Intelligencer (for
flfr- V o l . ^ S f ,
584.
Jif-0
Eleventh M o n t h 1 5 , 2 2 a n d 2 9 ) , a s f o l l o w s :
^Notice.
We a r e requested to a n n o u n c e to a l l i n t e r e s t e d , that the m e e t i n g
of the F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g School A s s o c i a t i o n w i l l he h e l d o n the 2 d day of
the T w e l f t h m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , at 3 o ' c l o c k , P . M . , a t R a c e Street M e e t i n g h o u s e .
A t this
time a l l who h a v e subscribed to the f u n d , a n d who are consequently m e m b e r s of this
A s s o c i a t i o n , a r e invited to b e p r e s e n t a n d p a r t i c i p a t e in the a d o p t i o n of the Constitution a n d the election of M a n a g e r s . ^
^
B e n j a m i n Hallowell a c t e d a s clerk of B a l t i m o r e Yearly M e e t i n g in O c t o b e r , 1 8 6 2 ,
a n d w a s doubtless p r e s e n t a t the m e e t i n g s h e l d in b e h a l f of the school at that t i m e .
T h e following letter to h i m from E d w a r d P a r r i s h states $ome of the h o p e s a n d fears connected w i t h the first m e e t i n g of the stock-holders w h i c h w a s to occur in P h i l a d e l p h i a
on the S e c o n d of December.
It is dated " P h i l a d e l p h i a 1 1 M 2 3 . 6 2 " , a n d is as follows:
* A t the request of our m u t u a l f r i e n d H e l e n G.Longstre th I inclose to thee a
copy of the Constitution of our School A s s o c i a t i o n a s agreed-upon b y a joint Committee
of NjfYork & P h i i a
d
friends subject to a d o p t i o n b y o u r first m e e t i n g on third day of
next w e e k .
*Thou w
ilt
o b s e r v e that the b a s i s of v o t i n g for M a n a g e r s is the n u m b e r of shares
of s t o c k , a feature u n i v e r s a l l y a p p r o v e d b y the m o n e y e d m e n in N . Y o r k & g e n e r a l l y ,
though not u n i v e r s a l l y , b y the shareholders h e r e .
On the score of J u s t i c e there is
m u c h to be said in favor of t h i s , though it is r e g a r d e d b y some a s not sufficiently
demonratic for a F r i e n d s ' o r g a n i z a t i o n .
T h e question will h a v e to be m e t in a spirit
of concession or compromise at the m e e t i n g & I h o p e will not interfere w i t h the cordial
& u n i t e d a c t i o n of the A s s o c i a t i o n .
H e l e n y r d q u e s t s m e to inform thee that a m e e t i n g of
our P h i l a d e l p h i a Committee w i l l b e h e l d on 2 n d d a y E v e n i n g at w h i c h w e shall b e g l a d to
see any of our friends from a d i s t a n c e . P e r h a p s a t that time some m e a s u r e m a y b e 1J%.(]>.
v iyi
' «J
1 V o l - p p . 569, /^08\584jy
7 ~
-Bfc^ T h e original is in Friends* HistorifialJLibrary, Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
/
-65-=>—3r
A p r i n t e d , one-page leaflet was d i s t r i b u t e d a m o n g the m e m b e r s b e f o r e the a n n u a l
jeting, w h i c h read as follows:
•"The following Constitution w a s p r e p a r e d b y a Joint Committee of Friends of
;w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d a p p r o v e d b y the C o n f e r e n c e h e l d in the former city, a n d
r the A c t i n g Committee composed of F r i e n d s from P e n n s y l v a n i a , N e w J e r s e y a n d D e l a w a r e .
; will be submitted for discussion a n d a d o p t i o n at the ^Pirst a n n u a l m e e t i n g of the
tso ciation.
C O N S T I T U T I O N
•tide I.
The name of t h i ^ A s s o c i a t i o n shall be " F r i e n d s ' U n i o n B o a r d i n g School
Association.*
fc
•ticle I I .
u
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The m e m b e r s shall consist of those p e r s o n s , m a l e a n d f e m a l e , who shall b e c o m e
stockholders u n d e r a n act of incorporation to be h e r e a f t e r o b t a i n e d .
The
Capital Stock shall b e $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 , w h i c h m a y b e ^ f r o m time to time, as way o p e n s ,
increased to any sum not e x c e e d i n g $200,000; to be d i v i d e d into shares of the
v a l u e of $25 each, transferable on the b o o k s of the A s s o c i a t i o n only w i t h
the consent of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s .
•ticle I I I . The first m e e t i n g of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall be h e l d on the 1st 3 d day in 12th
M o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , at 3 o'clock in the a f t e r n o o n , in the city of P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d
those held t h e r e a f t e r , a t such times a n d p l a c e s as shall b e designated by
the A s s o c i a t i o n .
Clerks shall be a p p o i n t e d at each a n n u a l m e e t i n g , who shall
m a k e a n d p r e s e r v e regular m i n u t e s of the p r o c e e d i n g s , subject to a d o p t i o n by
0 the m e e t i n g at the t i m e .
Special m e e t i n g s of the A s s o c i a t i o n shall be called
at the written request of any twenty m e m b e r s ,
ticle I V .
Sixteen Managers of each s e x , shall be elected at each annual m e e t i n g , u n d e r
the care of three inspectors of e l e c t i o n , to b e a p p o i n t e d b y the A s s o c i a t i o n
at the t i m e .
T h e y shall all b e m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
The mem-
bers of either of the Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s on this c o n t i n e n t , subscribing; ten
55 "• l a
I
H-*^
thousand dollars to the capital s t o c k , shall h e represented in the B o a r d
of M a n a g e r s .
The election shall h e by b a l l o t , and v o t e s b y p r o x y shall
be r e c e i v e d .
Each share shall b e counted as one v o t e , a n d a m a j o r i t y of
votes cast shall determine the e l e c t i o n .
Should the A s s o c i a t i o n fail to
elect at any annual m e e t i n g , the Managers of the p r e v i o u s y e a r shall continue in office u n t i l successors are e l e c t e d .
Article V .
'The B o a r d of Managers shall a p p o i n t their own o f f i c e r s , and shall frame
By-Laws for their g o v e r n m e n t , subject to the approval of the A s s o c i a t i o n .
When the amount of the capital stock is subscribed a n d one-half p a i d i n ,
they shall p r o v i d e for the p u r c h a s e , e r e c t i o n , f u r n i s h i n g a n d future management of the S c h o o l , w h i c h it is the object of this A s s o c i a t i o n to establish - but they shall at no time incur expenses b e y o n d the available resources
of the current six m o n t h s .
T h e y shall a p p o i n t a T r e a s u r e r of the A s s o c i a -
t i o n , who shall collect a n d h o l d the f u n d s , subject to the order of such
committees or officers as they m a y a u t h o r i z e to draw u p o n h i m , and shall
audit and settle his a c c o u n t s at least twice a y e a r .
T h e y shall m a k e full
reports of their p r o c e e d i n g s to the m e m b e r s at the a n n u a l m e e t i n g s of the
A s s o c i a t i o n , a n d a p r i n t e d copy of their report shall be furnished to each
of the m e m b e r s .
H
Article V I .
Uo alteration to this Constitution* shall b e m a d e except at a stated m e e t i n g
of the A s s o c i a t i o n , by a v o t e art itrr f a v » r , either in p e r s o n or by p r o x y ,
of a m a j o r i t y of a l l the stock h e l d at the t i m e .
T h r e e m o n t h s previous
notice of the p r o p o s e d change shall be given to each m e m b e r
ciation.
11
**After its final adoption.'
^ ^ ^
of the
Asso-
oatured w h i c h w i l l o b t a i n the u n i t e d a s s e n t of the m e m b e r s on the following d a y .
* W e are g r e a t l y encouraged about the concern g e n e r a l l y - _ ^ a n y Conferences h a v e
>een h e l d throughout P e n n s y l v a n i a a n d N e w J e r s e y & a t W i l m i n g t o n , D e l a w a r e .
A s these
lave b e e n all spoken of in the Intelligencer thee m u s t b e aware that they h a v e g i v e n
is great e n c o u r a g e m e n t , not only expressed by subscriptions b u t b y other A equally
.mportant evidences of approval & u n i t y w i t h the d e s i g n .
* T h e r e is every p r o s p e c t of $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 b e i n g subscribed b y the time of the m e e t i n g
: though we all feel that such a sum is quite i n a d e q u a t e to the o b j e c t , it seems generally to b e concluded that we shall b e justified in organizing a n d g e t t i n g
estimates,
.ooking out for a site & c .
"^As far as I a m a c q u a i n t e d w i t h the v i e w s of friends h e r e & in N Y o r k they p r e f e r
, location quite adjacent to this city a n d one w h i c h will b e a c c e s s a b l e to P r o f e s s o r s
iving in t h i ^ city & who could b e employed by the h o u r or by the L e c t u r e , so a s n o t
o encounter the responsibility of employing a l l the talent r e q u i r e d , for the exclusive
enefit of the school.
* B y the draft of a
flonstitution
thee w i l l p e r c e i v e that a l l the details a r e
isely taken out of the h a n d s of the stockholders & entrusted to the B of M a n a g e r s ,
his fact m a k e s it important that F r i e n d s from the different l o c a l i t i e s shall l o o k out
ery discreet a n d intelligenct men^jasd. w o m e n s e l e c t e d w i t h exclusive regard to their
u a l i f i c a t i o n s ; in the first a p p o i n t m e n t this is especially important a n d I m e n t i o n it
ow that, if w a y o p e n s , it m a y b e m a d e the subject of consultation a m o n g Friends of
altimore b e f o r e the C o m m i t t e e on N o m i n a t i o n s is a p p o i n t e d .
**Hoping to see thee w i t h a full d e l e g a t i o n from y o u r Y . M who w i l l b e m a d e v e r y
elcome in o u r city I subscribe
thy f r i e n d
E D W A R D PARRISH.'*"
B e n j a m i n Hallowell a t t e n d e d the m e e t i n g s of the committee a n d the A s s o c i a t i o n in
/*Ur
h i l a d e l p h i a , o n the 1 s t . a n d 2 n d . of D e c e m b e r , a n d to them wentj^Martha T y s o n a n d m a n y
ther leaders in the s c h o o l - m o v e m e n t .
The F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer f o r T w e l f t h M o n t h 1 3 ,
"It
862 g i v e s the following account of the m e e t i n g s : ^ O r g a n i z a t i o n Of F r i e n d s ' Educational
- V o l .A \T\l-)P. 6 3 2 .
A s s o c i a t i o n . - O n the second, i n s t a n t , the first general m e e t i n g w a s h e l d of the subscribers to the School fund w h i c h is b e i n g r a i s e d w i t h i n the l i m i t s of the three YearlyMeetings of H e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e .
F r i e n d s from w i d e l y separated l o c a l i t i e s .
T h e a t t e n d a n c e w a s large and embraced
T h e chief business of the m e e t i n g was the
o r g a n i z a t i o n of an association for the e s t a b l i s h m e n t of a n institution for the h i g h e r
b r a n c h e s of e d u c a t i o n , u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s .
The Constitution w h i c h h a d b e e n pre-
rr>
p a r e d b y a joint Committee of F r i e n d s , of H e w Y o r k a.nd P h i l a d e l p h i a , h a d b e e n submitted for revision to a Committee a p p o i n t e d on the p r e v i o u s e v e n i n g , a n d now p r o p o s e d for
a d o p t i o n w i t h some a m e n d m e n t s .
j
T h e n a m e , " F r i e n d s ' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , " a n d the
g e n e r a l features of the o r g a n i z a t i o n , w e r e readily a g r e e d u p o n , but a s p i r i t e d discussion a r o s e on the a r t i c l e p r o v i d i n g for the election of M a n a g e r s .
This election
1
was to b e by the s t o c k h o l d e r s , v o t i n g b y p r o x y o r o t h e r w i s e . E a c h share to be c o u n t e d
a s one v o t e , a n d a m a j o r i t y of the v o t e s c a s t to determine the e l e c t i o n .
It was ob-
j e c t e d to b y some, who a d v o c a t e d a n o r g a n i z a t i o n in w h i c h the c h o i c e of M a n a g e r s should {
b e decided b y the equal voice of all the s h a r e h o l d e r s . J ^ f r e e a n d interesting discussion e n s u e d , w h i c h resulted in the a d o p t i o n of the p r o v i s i o n f o r a stock v o t e a s prop o s e d in the draft of the C o n s t i t u t i o n .
The g r o u n d s of this d e c i s i o n w e r e , that the
i
election of Managers w a s the a p p r o p r i a t e o c c a s i o n for a v o t e r e p r e s e n t i n g the p e c u r n
iary interests i n v o l v e d , while o n all questions coming before the A s s o c i a t i o n , including the a d o p t i o n of B y - l a w s , its m e m b e r s e n j o y e d a n equal right in d e t e r m i n i n g the
decisions.
B o a r d of M a n a g e r s w a s a p p o i n t e d f o r the coming y e a r b y the u n a n i m o u s consent
of the © e m b e r s ; a n d a s the capital stock p r o v i d e d f o r a s a b e g i n n i n g , $ 5 0 , 0 0 0 . h a s
already b e e n s u b s c r i b e d , it is p r o b a b l e that steps w i l l b e taken to l o c a t e the Institution a n d obtain a suitable c h a r t e r .
In the m e a n time it is p r o p o s e d to u r g e the
subject on the attention of F r i e n d s still f u r t h e r , especially throughout the limits of
P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g , where it is felt only a beginning h a s a s y e t b e e n m a d e .
vi
local Committee has b e e n a p p o i n t e d , w h o , w e l e a r n , w i l l soon issue a n address to
fiends g e n e r a l l y , a s k i n g their c o - o p e r a t i o n , b y w h i c h it is h o p e d facilities w i l l b e
rovided for a n education w i t h i n the influence of the Society of F r i e n d s , equal to a n y
lrnished b y other religious d e n o m i n a t i o n s , a n d superior to the ordinary collegiate
>urse, in its a d a p t a t i o n to the w a n t s of a l l , of b o t h s e x e s .
2*The late m e e t i n g furnished cause of g r e a t encouragement in the large a t t e n d a n c e ,
id the evidence furnished that the concern is b a s e d in m a n y m i n d s on religious g r o u n d s .
ie settlement of the basis of o r g a n i z a t i o n , a f t e r a full and f r e e d i s c u s s i o n of the
•inciples i n v o l v e d , a n d the spirit of c o n c i l i a t i o n a n d g o o d w i l l w h i c h p r e v a i l e d ,
•oved the paramount interest felt in the success of the e n t e r p r i s e , a n d argued w e l l
.r its future.*
The
11
Constitutions!
'' .yl//!*{.
1
I Si. ^
^
a d o p t e d in these m e e t i n g s w a s p r i n t e d i m m e d i a t e l y ,
and pre-
.xed by the following notej^At a m e e t l y h e l d at R a c e Street M e e t i n g - H o u s e , P h i l a d e l Lia, on the third of Twelfth m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 , the Subscribers to the f u n d for establishing
B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the care of F r i e n d s , in w h i c h a liberal e d u c a t i o n m a y b e obd n e d b y the y o u t h of b o t h s e x e s , a n d teachers trained to take charge of n e i g h b o r h o o d
:hools, & c . , a draft of a Constitution w h i c h w a s submitted b y a Committee p r e v i o u s l y
rpointed, was read, a n d after some amendment q a s a d o p t e d , as followsj
^ E x t r a c t e d from the M i n u t e s .
" D i l l w y n P a r r i s h , Clerk.*'
_ ~ T h o Coflstlbuticm cumpxises ai;*'articles, the first of w h i e h V g i v e a tho noma
— .
h-'frmda' Edmoatiioaal Aaoeciatsion.'"—Article II defines tho momhrrr; nfi the aoeociation- h o ink " tho so p o r c o n o ! male a n d - f e m a l e , wae bhall bauumu atouMioldursv^mdc.g an A c t
1-jhirtt.oipiXri.Llun lo b e hereafter obtaiiiud."
x n s capital bluck wau to b e at\firat
flyOOfrrtK) "wPt^rh m a y h o inoroa'aod, from time to tiqioi as w n y o p e n s , to any cia^net•ccoding $500,008}» the sliaiub of stock w o r e to b o - $ 3 5 o&eli in v a l u o * — A r t i c l e
HI
- "Philadelphia: Merrihew & T h o m p s o n , P r i n t e r s , N o . 126 S o u t h secondjstreet, 1 8 6 2 " ;
32 m o , 11 p a g e s . T h e Constitution w a s p r i n t e d also in the F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer
for T w e l f t h M o n t h 2 7 , 1 8 6 2 ( V o l . M ^ T O ? . 6 6 4 - 6 $ .
arovido^ fog the holding of rcguljii annual mid special m e e t i n g of the a s s o c i a t i o n ,
m d for the appointment, at each o m m a l m e e t i n g , of a "Olerfc a n d Asoiotant Olerk, who
r^giilnr mlmrhn of t.hr, prnre"r"i'-,i7co,
rtinU in,Hi i Mini
iho meeting at tho
ftitl
tomT^
^
t V r •"1iI,ii1 1]ln ^f
l ^ f c ™ * .
TY^Trriin thn giif^iifcti
fff^&fe^"^^•
"
^ Z t Z f i ^ ^ j ? S^
•t-did= for tho election of a Duard of Manage!b, Lu whum were loft all the dotailo-of
J
tarrying on the w o r k . — T h e share-liulflertj wbrt
^
r " " ? Mfiirfg
Lu ulcib the mftnagora annually "by ballot
v H ) j "rrfh fTinrr nlmH >n rfrmrtind nn limn v"tr, nnfl « m.forw
•ty of tho votoa oaot shall. determine Lhu uluctlon. -—ghit? art i til if jjiuvlded
at,
Jthe following persons shall act as Managers till others a r e elected, viz:
Edward P a r r i s h ,
Deborah f . W h a r t o n ,
David J . G r i s c o m ,
A n n A . Townsend,
William D o r s e y ,
Helen G-. i o n g s t r e t h ,
Isaac Stephens,
Phebe W . Foulke,
Ezra M i c h e n e r ,
Sarah P . F l o w e r s ,
Edward H o o p e s ,
Rachel T . J a c k s o n , "
The twelve Friends named above were members of Philadelphia Yearly Meetingj
Jonathan T h o r n e ,
Hannah W . H a y d o c k ,
Samuel W i l l i t s ,
Phebe Bunting,
Samuel J . U n d e r h i l l ,
Eliza H . B e l l ,
Edward M e r r i t t ,
Sarah L . M a c y ,
Ell w o o d B u r d s a l l ,
L y d i a S . Ha.viland,
John D . H i c k s ,
v
Elizabeth H . C o c k ,
The twelve Friends named above were members of Hew Y o r k Yearly Meeting^
Benjamin H a l l o w e l l ,
M a r t h a E . Tyson,, "
Benj. Rush Roberts,
Margaret E . H a l l o w e l l ,
Gerard H . R e e s e ,
Jane S . T o w n s e n d ,
Levi K . B r o w n ,
Rebecca Turner.
The eight Friends named above were members of Baltimore Yearly Meetingj
\L.
-
1U7
-
These "sixteen Managers of each sex", all necessarily "members of the Society
' Friends"^ and an "equitable proportion of them" necessarily being members of the three
jarly Meetings "and other Yearly Meetings the members of which subscribe |$10,00cQto the
w
ind , were listed at the beginning of the little pamphlet containing the Constitution, but
i an order slightly different from that given in Article IV.
The former list names
.lliam Dorsey first, and makes him the clerk of the Board of Managers, while Edward Parrish
9U
i named last of the Philadelphia m e n .
This list names also William D . Parrish and
Lith W . Atlee as clerks, and William C . Biddle as treasurer, of the Association.
Article IV was the subject of considerable difference of Opinion, providing
3 it did for the election of the managers by the share-holders, each share counting as
le vote, and a majority of the votes cast determining the election.
This difference of
jinion was foreshadowed in the letter quoted above from Edward Parrish to 3enjamin
illowell; and it is
-
It may be that Edward Parrish was already being considered for the presidency of
the proposed institution, and that it seemed wise for his name not to be made
unduly prominent.
I f f
0
etx^eO
-v-
TtL.
'
P
-hrtlr
JUUurtML
&
O a o of tho o h w f diffioiM-tioc r o f g y r e d to "by M w a r d B n r r i a h above comes out
l o a r l y in- the folloviing letter from Denjcmlin ILillo'wcll ta W i l l i a m G r i s c o m , who w a s
ot a m e m b e r of the new B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , or a n o f f i c e r of the A s s o c i a t i o n , hut w a s a
rominent m e m b e r a n d f o r y e a r s clerk of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r ^ M e e t i n g . j^LZ- is dated
Sandy S p r i n g , M d . , 1 2 m o . 1 6 t h . 1 8 6 2 " , a n d is as followsj
<*jEsteemed F r i e n d ,
I f o u n d thy k i n d letter of the 5th I n s t , a w a i t i n g m e on m y return from
hil5j( a few days a g o , a n d its contents w e r e v e r y cordial to m y f e e l i n g s .
-14, IIIIHIII
y a t i f y i n g thafr-thau found something of - interest in tho EKtraotu from the Minuteo af
ow
ato Y e a r l y M e e t i n g * — E h e p a s t y e a r won n swnnnri nf n m m n r i l in-tirr^nt rind inr trurtil'riji
1
nr.m» n-c n o ) ]r\frhftl^ft^nr af?°ftgnyfl frr ^ y th" Y ^ n ^ y Mr-t^f]', •IT ' —
^^
^^n^t-
.ag ovidonee, that whenever there is an humble effort to do good, good io• denoj • a-t
oaot to-tho individual that makes thin offnrt. -The Committees in the performance of
orflnunr Inbft-yart
Jw
nf
oil
ft^nrl;
nn
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WViftm Wflf;
nt.-pgr»gt.Vigr>ftr» _
then r
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tViry
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salutary influences were not confined to thomneTvcw.
^ I n regard to the interesting object that recently brought F r i e n d s together a t
-
'hil^ ., I have h a d m a n y thoughts s i n c e .
T h i n g s d i d not take the c o u r s e , or seem to
•est u p o n the b a s i s , I h a d calculated u p o n .
teiends,
especially so large a o n e ,
'ood for the s o u l .
I think I never a t t e n d e d an a s s e m b l y of
d u f i n g the s i t t i n g of w h i c h there w a s so little
That sweet a n d solemnized condition of f e e l i n g , e v i d e n c i n g the
Jivine presence a n d f a v o u r , w h i c h is c h a r a c t e r i s t i c of a l l our gatherings that a r e calculated to b r i n g glory to the Great H e a d o f the C h u r c h , did not seem to o b t a i n , o r even
;o b e generally l o o k e d f o r .
i -
M o n e y seemed to b e the one thing n e e d f u l , a n d the control-
T h e original of this l e t t e r is p r e s e r v e d in the F r i e n d s ' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y at
Swarthmore
College.
ling
power.
It is t r u e , that w i t h o u t m o n e y , the desired Institution cannot be
e s t a b l i s h e d , a n d it therefore rightfully claims a p l a c e , indeed an important p l a c e ,
in the consideration of the s u b j e c t .
B u t , the discouraging feature w a s , that it d i d
not seem to b e remembered that there w e r e a great m a n y requisites for the establishm e n t a n d conducting of such a n Institution a s is c o n t e m p l a t e d , w h i c h m o n e y cannot b u y .
It is for these that I am most c o n c e r n e d .
I never have d o u b t e d that the m o n e y could b e
raised; but I have h a d f e a r s , a n d I must confess they were r a t h e r increased than lessened a t the recent meeting-, that a s a B o d y , we a r e not h u m b l e e n o u g h , deep e n o u g h ,
devoted e n o u g h , regardful enough of the necessity of Divine direction a n d a s s i s t a n c e ,
in every effort to do g o o d , to m o v e successfully in so important^m u n d e r t a k i n g as
that p r o p o s e d .
B e f o r e such a n Institution can b e established a n d p u t in healthy oper-
a t i o n , there m u s t b e a n amount of l a b o u r , a c c o m p a n i e d with m a n y difficulties a n d t r i a l s ,
w h i c h cannot b e accomplished a n d b o r n e without the Divine A n n to l e a h u p o n .
If I
could h a v e seen at the m e e t i n g , indications of even an equal concern u p o n this p o i n t ,
as upon obtaining the p e c u n i a r y m e a n s , it w o u l d h a v e b e e n m o r e comforting to m e . S t i l l ,
a f t e r saying all t h i s , I am g l a d to b e a b l e to a d d , that I a m not w h o l l y discouraged*
A s we r e a d in another r e l a t i o n , "that is n o t first w h i c h is s p i r i t u a l , b u t that w h i c h
is n a t u r a l , a n d a f t e r w a r d that w h i c h is spiritual"; a n d the n a t u r a l seems essential
a s p r e p a r a t o r y to the s p i r i t u a l . Somewhat a n a l a g o u s ,
things b e in the p r e s e n t instance, if only
I have faith to believe, w i l l
those who feel the weight a n d importance of
of the u n d e r t a k i n g , will be true to their d u t y .
T h e a r t i c l e ! of the Constitution w h i c h
was so m u c h objected t o , caused m e m u c h less u n e a s i n e s s than what I h a v e
h i n t e d a t . On
the principle stated in the Committee that thou a n d I , w i t h o t h e r s , were o n , and in
the general m e e t i n g , and re-asserted in F r i e n d s ' Intelligencer of last 7 t h . d a y , the
mo<|e of v o t i n g in w h i c h each share c o u n t s , is to be u s e d in the E l e c t i o n of M a n a g e r s .
a n d in that instance a l o n e .
It was also stated in o u r C o m . & a c t e d on in the g e n e r a l
m e e t i n g , that the subscribers b e l o n g i n g to each Y . M . w i l l b e p r i v i l e g e d to nominate the
Managers of their
own n u m b e r , to w h o m they w o u l d w i s h to entrust the management o f
their interest in the I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d that the F r i e n d s thus n o m i n a t e d w o u l d he elected
at the general m e e t i n g .
T h e p r a c t i c a l w o r k i n g of t h i s , then, w o u l d h e w i t h u s , that
all the time of our Y . M . there w o u l d h e a m e e t i n g of o u r s u b s c r i b e r s , a n d others int e r e s t e d in the cause of E d u c a t i o n , a t w h i c h full information w o u l d b e g i v e n , bj^ the
Managers of the operations of the I n s t i t u t i o n , a n d everything c o n n e c t e d w i t h the interesting subject of Education that m i g h t b e of b e n e f i t to those p r e s e n t , a n d calculated to awaken a sense of the importance of h a v i n g a g o o d School w i t h i n the easy
reach of a l l our young m e m b e r s w h e r e v e r s i t u a t e d , a n d a t the close of the m e e t i n g , the
names of Managers to b e p r o p o s e d to the general m e e t i n g would be a g r e e d u p o n , in the
rcay Friends u s u a l l y decide^ such m a t t e r s , not u s i n g the share v o t e s a t a l l .
Indeed
liany of ts w o u l d n o t feel free to u s e them in the general m e e t i n g , but each individual
subscriber h a v e b u t one vote or v o i c e .
4*12 m o 2 3 .
'/as interrupted.
I h a d p r o c e e d e d thus far in m y letter just one w e e k a g o , w h e n I
I h a v e now just r e t u r n e d f r o m B a l t i m o r e .
W e h a d a v e r y full a n d in-
teresting m e e t i n g last evening of the S u b s c r i b e r s to the School fund w h o are m e m b e r s
>f our Y . M . a n d all a g r e e d to a d h e r e to their subscriptions QS it respects the Constitution .
T h e r e w a s m u c h solicitude h o w e v e r felt a n d expressed on the subject of lo-
;ation, w h i c h is regarded of v i t a l i m p o r t a n c e .
If it is to b e in o r near a City, in-
ismuch a s we b e l i e v e it dould not then p o s s i b l y supply the want that w e f e e l , o u r iit;erest in the concern w o u l d b e m a t e r i a l l y d i m i n i s h e d , if not w h o l l y l o s t .
Thy sincere^
M . GHISCOM
BEHj!
HALLOWELL
W i l l i a m D o r s e y , the clerk of the n e w B o a r d o f M a n a g e r s , sent a p r i n t e d copy of
;he Constitution to B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , who w r o t e h i m the following l e t t e r : >pSaiidy
Ipring, M d . , 12 m o . 2 7 t h . 1 8 6 2 .
E s t e e m e d F r i e n d , T h y k i n d l e t t e r of the 1 5 t h . I n s t , enclosing a 'Proof' of the*
>-
T h e original of this letter is p r e s e r v e d in the Friends' H i s t o r i c a l L i b r a r y at
J
Swarthmore C o l l e g e .
ffa'f if
150
-
1
T h e m e e t i n g in B a l t i m o r e , r e f e r r e d to in the a b o v e a n d the f o l l o w i n g letters
of Benjamin H a l l o w e l l , w a s described in a p r i n t e d c i r c u l a r issued b y it as follows:
^ E s t e e m e d Friend;
^ A t a m e e t i n g of F r i e n d s ' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n , m e m b e r s of Baltim o r e Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , h e l d at the C o m m i t t e e R o o m s , on L o m b a r d s t r e e t , 12th m o n t h , 2 2 d ,
1 8 6 2 , the u n d e r s i g n e d were a p p o i n t e d to carry f o r w a r d some of the objects of the Assoc i a t i o n , a n d to request thee and the o t h e r F r i e n d s n a m e d b e l o w , to w h o m w e h a v e also sent
this c i r c u l a r , a n d w h o have been a p p o i n t e d a c o m m i t t e e f o r the p u r p o s e , to collect the
first installment of five d o l l a r s , p e r share of twenty-five dollars e a c h , (payable in
installments of five dollars every six m o n t h s , ) from those w h o have a l r e a d y s u b s c r i b e d ,
within the limits of y o u r Monthly M e e t i n g , for the establishment of a n institution a s
suggested in the p u b l i s h e d "ADDRESS" on the s u b j e c t , i s s u e d a b o u t two y e a r s a g o by the
three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s of N e w Y o r k , P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e , a copy of w h i c h w e also
send; a n d a l s o , to a i d in increasing the list of s t o c k h o l d e r s , by c a l l i n g the a t t e n t i o n
of y o u r m e m b e r s to the subject a t the close of y o u r next M o n t h l y M e e t i n g .
* 0 u r F r i e n d s of N e w Y o r k a n d P h i l a d e l p h i a h a v e completed their quotas sufficiently for a commencement of the w o r k as soon a s ours is o b t a i n e d , a n d it is incumbent o n u s
to do all w e can to a i d this m o s t important concern; for it is b e l i e v e d the future welfare of our b e l o v e d S o c i e t y , a n d the support of its righteous t e s t i m o n i e s , in no small
degree depends u p o n the g u a r d e d religious education of those w h o a r e to b e c o m e its standard-bearers in the f u t u r e .
flPhe Constitution a d o p t e d a t the late c o n f e r e n c e of the Stockholders of N e w Y o r k ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d B a l t i m o r e , h e l d a t P h i l a d e l p h i a , contains some features not entirely
satisfactory to our F r i e n d s , but the m e e t i n g u n a n i m o u s l y expressed its confidence in our
Friends of the other Yearly M e e t i n g s , that they w o u l d not u s e their p o w e r in any w a y to
increase the b u r d e n s of those amongst u s so deeply c o n c e r n e d f o r the w e l f a r e of o u r Zion
a n d the enlargement of h e r b o r d e r s .
150 -
1
a
^ H e hope y o u r efforts a s a c o n c u r i n g c o m m i t t e e w i l l s h o w , by a n increased
list of S t o c k h o l d e r s , y o u r interest in this interesting c o n c e r n .
T h e installments col-
lected, y o u w i l l p l e a s e t r a n s m i t , a s soon a s p o s s i b l e , to G e r a r d H . R e e s e , w h o h a s b e e n
appointed R e c e i v e r for our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , or .to a n y one of this C o m m i t t e e .
Baltimore, 1 2 t h m o . 3 1 s t , 1862
JAMES BAYNES,
)
J A C O B BURROUGHS
)
ELI M . L A M B ,
)
ED7L S T A B L E R , J r . , ) C o m m i t t e e .
GERARD H . BEESE, )
CYRUS B L A C K B U R N , )
)
)Committee a p p o i n t e d
)
)
for
)
) Monthly
rhose who h a v e a l r e a d y subscribed of y o u r Monthly M e e t i n g a r e
Meeting,
(
C o n s t i t u t i o n , w a s duly r e e d .
I have a t t e n d e d , d u r i n g the p r e s e n t w e e k , two m e e t i n g s
of the Subscribers to the School F u n d , one in this n e i g h b o r h o o d , a n d one in B a l t i m o r e ,
w h i c h e m b r a c e d the greater number of the Subscribers b e l o n g i n g to our Y e a r l y M e e t i n g .
While all w e r e opposed to that p a r t of the C o n s t i t u t i o n w h i c h a l l o w s a Vote to every
share of s t o c k , y e t such was the desire for harmonious a c t i o n in the cause a l l h a v e
so m u c h at h e a r t , a n d so deep the interest in the C o n c e r n , that no subscription w a s
withdrawn in consequence; on the c o n t r a r y , several Subscribers w e r e added to the p r e vious l i s t .
These meetings were very harmonious, animated, and encouraging.
I ob-
serve in the p r i n t e d C o n s t i t u t i o n , a s we r e c e i v e d it in B a l t i m o r e , some e r r o r s , w h i c h
I regret.
O n p a g e 5 , it s a y s , the m e e t i n g w a s h e l d "on the third of T w e l f t h M o n t h " , -
it w a s the s e c o n d .
T h i s h o w e v e r is n f no g e n e r a l i m p o r t a n c e .
<*The first p a r a g r a p h in A r t . II is not w h a t w a s a d o p t e d b y the m e e t i n g . A c c o r d ing to this A r t * , w h i c h w a s originally as p r i n t e d , there a r e now no "members of the
A s s o c i a t i o n " , a n d there can b e none till a f t e r an a c t of Incorporation shall be obtained.
In o r d e r to obviate this d i f f i c u l t y , this A r t . w a s a m e n d e d in the Committee
to w h i c h the Constitution w a s referred on 2 n d day e v e n i n g , a n d the A m e n d m e n t they p r o posed w a s a d o p t e d b y the m e e t i n g .
W i t h that h a r m o n y a n d c o n f i d e n c e ^ h o w e v e r that
happily p r e v a i l a m o n g u s , and I trust m a y ever c o n t i n u e , the letter of the Constitution
is of but little m o m e n t .
^ I f m y health will a d m i t of m y doing s o , it is now m y p r o s p e c t to m e e t w i t h the
r
managers o n the l, :th of next m o n t h , a n d m y p r i n c i p a l object of troubling thee w i t h a
letter a t this t i m e , i s , to suggest for the c o n s i d e r a t i o n of thyself a n d other F r i e n d s ,
the p r o p r i e t y of h a v i n g a m e e t i n g of the C o m m i t t e e a p p o i n t e d o n L o c a t i o n in the forenoon of that d a y , say a t 10 o ' c l o c k .
The distance tha,t some of u s h a v e to g o , a n d
especially a s w e have to set out b e f o r e day-light in the m o r n i n g , a n d travel some
13 miles b y S t a g e , m a k e s it desirable to a c c o m p l i s h as m u c h a s can b e done w e l l , a t a
single j o u r n e y .
N o w , a s t h o u a r t C l e r k of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , a n d , if I remember
c o r r e c t l y , a m e m b e r of the C o m . o n L o c a t i o n , t h o u hast the subjects/that w i l l claim at-
^ y / z -
t e n t i o n so b e f o r e t h e e , a s to enable thee to give a little d i r e c t i o n to the business
to b e transacted; a n d thou wouldst c o n f e r a great k i n d n e s s on u s distant members, if
x
ua
thou w i l t a r r a n g e m a t t e r s so as to dispose of a s m u c h business a s p o s s i b l e whi^fa we
are there.
A detention of a few days to c o m p l e t e a n y business w h i l e in the C i t y , w o u l d
b e m u c h less o n e r o u s , than the long a n d w e a r i s o m e journey to get t h e r e .
•&1 cannot expect thee fully to excuse m y s e e m i n g u r g e n c y u p o n this p o i n t , till
thou h a s t to bear the b u r d e n of considerably o v e r three score w i n t e r s about with thee
in thy travels: then thoil w i l t u n d e r s t a n d why I w i s h a s few journeys of 1 5 0 m i l e s
e a c h , a n d p a r t w a y b y S t a g e , a s a r e compatible w i t h the p r o p e r p e r f o r m a n c e of m y d u t y .
T h y sincere f r d ,
M
H
W . DORSEY.
BENJ .
HALLOWELL
T h e s e letters b r i n g out in h i g h r e l i e f ^ the m i n g l e d spirituality a n d strong
common sense of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s rare n a t u r e .
A s " a concerned F r i e n d " , h e w a s
eager that the b u s i n e s s connected w i t h the new school should p r o c e e d in the timeh o n o r e d custom of F r i e n d s , nfiEmely, n o t by v o t e , still less by v o t e accordin^io the
n u m b e r of shares of stock p o s s e s s e d b y the v o t e r , b u t o n the d e m o c r a t i c , Q u a k e r
b a s i s of human equality a n d D i v i n e u n i t y .
H e w a s thoroughly c o o p e r a t i v e , h o w e v e r ,
as these letters s h o w , a n d the rejection of h i s m e t h o d of p r o c e d u r e d i d n o t slow u p
in the slightest^degree h i s w o r k for the s c h o o l .
T h e obnoxious feature in the Con-
stitution w a s changed b y the A s s o c i a t i o n in M a y ^ 1 8 6 3 , a n d w h e n the stock-holding
feature w a s finally a b o l i s h e d , the M a n a g e r s b e c a m e self-perpetuating; but they h a v e
cdssasrsfretained the custom of p r o c e e d i n g "in u n i t y " , insteadpf b y votej^; h e n c e that
p a r t of B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s desire finally
triumphed.
That this o b j e c t i o n to the C o n s t i t u t i o n w a s p e r s i s t e n t a n d influential is
n
evident from the following brief letter in the I n t e l l i g e n e r f o r F i f t h M o n t h 3 0 , 1 8 6 3 :
<$f - V o l . 2 ^ , p p . 1|9 - 80."
r
66
1-
^ T h e obstacle in the way of a general interest in the education m o v e m e n t , a n d
cordial and extensive support t h e r e o f , a p p e a r s to b e the o f f e n s i v e clause in the
.dopted c o n s t i t u t i o n .
The p r o p e r t y qualification o r r e p r e s e n t a t i o n , is a new feature
n the management of Friends' concerns, a n d is l o o k e d u p o n w i t h distrust a n d sorrow by
iary of the best friends of the m o v e m e n t , as a departure from the p r i m i t i v e a n d bea.u,iful(power of truth, w h i c h have ever b e e n the g u i d i n g , a n d deciding influences in the
K
Lirection of our a f f a i r s .
^ T h i s feeling amounts w i t h some to a c o n v i c t i o n of
;hem to oppose the objectionable
clause.
^ W h e n this f e a t u r e is r e m o v e d , a n d it ought to b e done at o n c e , additional
.aborers in the cause w i l l p r e s e n t themselves, the w o r k w i l l p r o g r e s s m o r e rapidly,
aid w h a t is of v i t a l importance, it w i l l go on in the u n i t y .
A
•aSubscriber.
5th m o . , 1 5 t h , 1 8 6 3 .
0
J)
tfy( J U L ^
Another of the objections which the founders of the Quaker college h a d to
neet was, stated a n d answered in an article written for the Intelligencer of Third Month
M
38, 1363.'
It was signed "A.B.C.", and was in part as follows:
^EDUCATION
^ D o we understand what it means?
imperfect perceotion of its import?
Do we not rather use the word with a very
In its popular sense, it signifies instruction
in letters, human science, and various accomplishments which are considered essential
to refinement.
So entirely distinct is it from a moral and religious training, that
in order to designate it in this sense, we attach a p r e f i x , and call it a religious
education.
A g a i n , among F r i e n d s , so careful are they that even religious instruction
should b e characterized by simplicity, a n d free from what are denominated dogmas,
that we speak of a 'guarded' religious education.
The popular notion excludes the idea
of incorporating divine things with a system of culture and advancement in learning,
and even the notion of Friends implies that there is an education that is not re-
QJ^Msis
l i g i o u s . 7/Lvx.
a
world has acted u p o n this principle regarding religious things, until it
has grown to be a popular theory, outside of the circle of Friends, that m e n must be
educated for the ministry, that they m a y be qualified to teach the truths of the g o s p e l .
Such is a perfectly hatura.1 and rational conclusion from the premises accepted by a l l ,
Friends not excluded.
We draw the l i n e , - make the distinction, and are responsible
for the sequence.
4*33ut a better .brighter day is d a w n i h g .
T h e Society of Friends is now m a k i n g a
new and remarkable h i s t o r y , the record of which will be valued in future generations,
in proportion as it may exhibit broad and liberal p r i n c i p l e s .
c
ever the watchword in this Society.
Education is more than
Thousands of dollars a r e b e i n g subscribed, and large
plans are being thought out for the better education of y o u t h .
A n d while the leaven
c
is stirring the m i n d and heart of the So/jiety, while conferences and meetings are being
held _in city', town and country, let one leading thought animate a n d control the w o r k .
'
76-
et that thought h e , How shall we educate our children to h e g o o d a n d useful?
1
While
e give them solid l e a r n i n g , and even elegant a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s , h o w shall we instruct
hem in those p r i n c i p l e s which a r e equally valuable in the formation of character for m e n
n all the different pursuits of life?
In s h o r t , h o w shall w e teach them to he true
ien, n o h l e , dignified, h o n o r a b l e , large men?
If education fails to do t h i s , it fails
>f its highest p u r p o s e . - ~ - -^Business, t r a d e s , p r o f e s s i o n s , g o v e r n m e n t , l a w , the domestic a n d social relations, w i t h all their duties and enjoyments, should h e m a d e a p a r t of education; not
>f a religious and. secular education d i v i d e d , h u t of a comprehensive education which
embraces the l i f e , the business l i f e , the p o l i t i c a l l i f e , the d o m e s t i c ^ l i f e , the social
Life, into each rule of which should b e i n f u s e d , as an essential q u a l i t y , the t h o u g h t ,
I m u s t honor my M a k e r in all m y a c t s , a n d in a l l m y m o t i v e s .
I m u s t not h o n o r m y
profession a s a F r i e n d , a n d thus m a g n i f y ray Society a n d its founders; that should not be
my m o t i v e , but I m u s t h o n o r Him who called m e to b e the instrument to do h i s w i l l . - - - ~
4*With the n a m e , and d o c t r i n e , a n d h o p e , a n d l o v e of the w o r l d ' s Redeemer in
our h e a r t s a n d l i v e s , go forth f r e e , into a p l e n t e o u s h a r v e s t f i e l d , a n d labor while
the day l a s t s .
A n d w h a t more delightful and h o p e f u l labor than to draw out the m i n d s
of youth into the p a t h w a y of science, p h i l o s o p h y , a n d a l l l e a r n i n g , b e l i e v i n g it to b e
divine, a n d seeing divinity in it u n t i l they grow into the same n a t u r e , a n d b e c o m e heirs
of the same riches.
T h u s , w i t h the spirit's l i g h t a r e we l e d a l o n g u n t i l w e grow u p
into our living H e a d , in all things; n o t all spiritual t h i n g s , b u t in all t h i n g s , eating
drinking, working, voting, buying, selling, living and dying.
M e a n w h i l e , the new "Board of Managers of F r i e n d s Educational Association"
eld its first m e e t i n g in R a c e Street M e e t i n g - h o u s e , P h i l a d e l p h i a , on the 2 n d . of 1 2 t h .
onth, 1862.
The m i n u t e s , of the B o a r d , still p r e s e r v e d in the original
record-hook
joa.
t Swarthmore C o l l e g e ,
do not name the twenty-five of the thirty-two m e m b e r s who were
resent; but they tell u s that the following a p p o i n t m e n t s w e r e m a d e :
William Dorsey,
lerkj^of the Board; W i l l i a m D . P a r r i s h and E l i z a b e t h W . A t l e e , Clerks of the A s s o c i a t i o n ;
illism C . B i d d l e , Treasurer; W i l l i a m D o r s e y , E d w a r d P a r r i s h a n d E d w a r d H o o p e s , a comittee "to obtain the draft of a charter"; a n d J o n a t h a n T h o r n e , Samuel W i l l e t t s , Benjalin H a l l o w e l l , Isaac S t e v e n s , David J . G-riscom, B . H u s h R o b e r t s , E d w a r d H o o p e s , Edward
arrisa and William D o r s e y , a committee
11
to inquire into the subject of the location of
he p r o p o s e d School."
The Board then a d j o u r n e d , a n d m e t at the same p l a c e o n the 1 3 t h . of 1 s t .
'onth, 1 8 6 3 .
T w e n t y - f o u r m e m b e r s w e r e p r e s e n t at this m e e t i n g .
T h e committee appointed
;o obtain the draft of a charter "reported the following w h i c h was r e a d , carefully eximined, and referred to the same Committee who are a u t h o r i z e d to p r o c u r e the necessary
ict of incorporation and to obtain a design for a. seal."
Benjamin Hallowell's desire to have the committee on l o c a t i o n m e e t on the
lorninsr of the 1 3 t h . b e f o r e the m e e t i n g of the b o a r d , w a s p r o b a b l y fulfilled; for the
;ommittee reported to the b o a r d that day that it h a d g i v e n "attention to the s u b j e c t " ,
m d was "continued."
This m e e t i n g of the h o a r d p r o b a b l y o c c u r r e d in the a f t e r n o o n of
; at d a y , for in the evening an adjourned session w a s h e l d at which the question of
Location w a s further considered, and the committee w a s c o n t i n u e d .
k -
A t its m e e t i h g on 3 r d . M o n t h 1 , 1 8 6 4 , the following m i n u t e w a s adopted:"Harriet E .
Stockly is a p p o i n t e d to transcribe the M i n u t e s of this Board in a pennanent Minuteb o o k which she is authorized to procure." The existin-: b o o k was therefore probably
procured by h e r from "William Mann M a n u f a c t u r e r of B l a n k B o o k s and Counting H o u s e
Stationer 43 South 4th Street Philadelphia'', as a label on its inside cover i m p l i e s .
It is probably Harriet's n e a t h a n d - w r i t i n g also in which the m i n u t e s of the B o a r d
a r e recorded for the first two y e a r s a n d a h a l f ( p p . 1 p t ^ M ^ J t i ~ hrtrk}
7
j
T h e most important w o r k of the b o a r d at this m e e t i n g w a s to consider an
^ A d d r e s s to the Members of our R e l i g i o u s Society u p o n the importance of the object w e h a v e
in v i e w . %
This address h a d evidently b e e n p r e p a r e d b e f o r e the m e e t i n g , p r o b a b l y by
Edward p a r r i s h ; in the m e e t i n g it "was read, a n d a f t e r careful consideration adopted a n d
directed to b e p r i n t e d for general c i r c u l a t i o n . - - - To a s s i s t the clerk in the publication and distribution of the A d d r e s s E d w a r d P a r r i s h , E d w a r d M e r r i t t & G e r a r d H . Reese
are appointed."
T h e address w a s p r o m p t l y p u b l i s h e d ^ u n d e r the title *"An A d d r e s s to the_Merabers of the Religious Society of F r i e n d s , a n d ethers interested in their principles
and testimoniesprit-wn.o p r i n t e d in m i ocbavo p a m p h l e t uf eight pages., to w h i c h were
nw
1
'~T' ^ffrl^nm* 'wnginr i r.r'lnrl i
t.V.o fl^ nfr-i
*•;
'^rrf^^"^
id
f ) /
$ * J.
/J
J t . !
$ (=>
3 •
y
~
'
7
frhr
/
A"RnMat.inn,
jT
T h i s A d d r e s s , after two p a r a g r a p h s d e v o t e d to the origin a n d p r o g r e s s of
the p r o j e c t , m a k e s the following a p p e a l in its b e h a l f , a n d j r e p l y i n g to some objections w h i c h h a d b e e n raised:
" ^ h e great n e e d of increased facilities for education h a s long found u t t e r a n c e
in the A n n u a l a n d Constituent M e e t i n g s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
For many years
p a s t there has b e e n f e l t , a n d often e x p r e s s e d , a w a n t of a B o a r d i n g School u n d e r the
care of the S o c i e t y , a n d w e b e l i e v e that the concern on the subject w o u l d h a v e l o n g
since b e e h p r o d u c t i v e of f r u i t s , but f o r the d i f f i c u l t y of o b t a i n i n g the u n i t e d a n d
efficient a c t i o n of our large Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s u p o n a p r a c t i c a l subject so little
u n d e r s t o o d a n d appreciated b y m a n y esteemed m e m b e r s of the S o c i e t y .
* W i t h i n the l a s t g e n e r a t i o n , the standard of education h a s greatly a d v a n c e d
in the community at large; the w i s e p r o v i s i o n o f the State g o v e r n m e n t s for the
education of all the children a t the p u b l i c e x p e n s e , in the e l e m e n t a r y branches of
k n o w l e d g e , has created a m o n g the p e o p l e a h i g h e r a p p r e c i a t i o n of the value of learni n g , a n d m u l t i p l i e d the institutions d e v o t e d to science a n d e n l a r g e d intellectual
culture.
;#The views of Friends h a v e u n d e r g o n e a g r a d u a l a d v a n c e in a c c o r d a n c e with the
improved tone of p u b l i c sentiment on this important s u b j e c t , a n d the p r e s e n t a n d
p r o s p e c t i v e w a n t s of the S o c i e t y , seem to call for a n Institution w h e r e facilities
for a liberal education m a y be supplied a c c o r d i n g to the m o s t improved p r i n c i p l e s ,
a n d where those p o s s e s s i n g the n a t u r a l qualifications for the u s e f u l a n d ennobling
,,
p r o f e s s i o n of t e a c h i n g , m a y fit themselves for its duties a n d responsibilities.' '
V
* I t is apparent to every o b s e r v e ^ , that in the p r e s e n t n e g l e c t e d condition
of this important duty of the Society to its junior m e m b e r s , those who are l i m i t e d to
the p u b l i c schools are in danger of their children b e i n g b r o u g h t u n d e r the m i l i t a r y
spirit of the a g e , m i l i t a r y tactics b e i n g a l r e a d y i n t r o d u c e d , ih some l o c a l i t i e s , a s
a part of their school exercises; w h i l e those who design to give their children a
Collegiate c o u r s e , are o b l i g e d to send them w h e r e the enlightened v i e w s cherished b y
their p a r e n t s are l i a b l e to h e d i s c o u r a g e d , a n d in m a n y instances set at n a u g h t .
^ I t can hardly be expected that the children of Friends can grow u p with a n
appreciation of the p r i n c i p l e s a n d testimonies of their f a t h e r s , a n d of the vast interests involved in their m a i n t e n a n c e , u n l e s s special a n d a d e q u a t e m e a n s of instruction are f u r n i s h e d , u n d e r the care of the S o c i e t y , or of its c o n c e r n e d m e m b e r s .
The
n e g l e c t of home e d u c a t i o n , consequent on the cares of the w o r l d a n d its m a n y binderings t h i n g s , a n d the frequent indifference of p a r e n t s to the h i g h e s t interests of
their o f f s p r i n g , make it obligatory on the Society to furnish a i d a n d encouragement
to its m e m b e r s , in p l a c i n g their children u n d e r the m o s t favorable
influences.
^ W i t h these views we a r e desirous of establishing a n Institution w h i c h shall
be a t t r a c t i v e to our younger m e m b e r s , in w h i c h the b e a u t y a n d simplicity of our
Christian p r o f e s s i o n m a y be so b l e n d e d w i t h scientific i n s t r u c t i o n , as completely to
interweave them into the m o r a l a n d m e n t a l f a b r i c , f i t t i n g the p u p i l , in some m e a s u r e ,
to a s s o c i a t e the b e a u t y a n d h a r m o n y of the external c r e a t i o n , w i t h the tenderness
a n d love of the Creator in h i s spiritual m a n i f e s t a t i o n s .
* F o r the information of some who m a y n o t h a v e an o p p o r t u n i t y to a t t e n d a n y
of the Conferences in which the p l a n of the p r o p o s e d institution a s far as it has b e e n
y e t a g r e e d u p o n , is developed a n d e x p l a i n e d , we p r e s e n t the f o l l o w i n g :
^ I n regard to the p r o b a b l e l o c a t i o n of the I n s t i t u t i o n , it m a y b e r e m a r k e d ,
that a l t h o u g h the B o a r d of
Managers
h a s not y e t determined u p o n this important p o i n t ,
yet they are u n d e r s t o o d to b e generally u n i t e d in the intention to l o c a t e it in a rural
district w i t h i n convenient a c c e s s to the city of P h i l a d e l p h i a .
^H?hile we design that this shall b e a F r i e n d s ' School, it is not intended that
it shall be confined entirely to the m e m b e r s of the Society of FriendsJ. the A s s o c i a tion for its establishment a l r e a d y includes a considerable number not in m e m b e r s h i p
wffihh the S o c i e t y , though f a v o r a b l y d i s p o s e d torard its p r i n c i p l e s , a n d it is expected
that a p o r t i o n of the scholars will b e drawn from this c l a s s .
^ p o n the subject of the grade of the s c h o o l , w e b e l i e v e the following v i e w s
from the A d d r e s s b e f o r e a l l u d e d to
m e a n s p r o v i d e d will allow:
will h e substantially a d h e r e d t o , as far as the
. . . .
M l u c h b e n e f i t is a n t i c i p a t e d from the a d o p t i o n of the system of tsa.ch.ing b y
lectures and illustrations,
in p r e f e r e n c e to a too exclusive dependence u p o n b o o k s ,
a n d from a, division of the labor of i n s t r u c t i o n , as far a s p r a c t i c a b l e , a m o n g a
number of different p r o f e s s o r s , each specially q u a l i f i e d to create a n interest a n d
impart instruction in one p a r t i c u l a r b r a n c h of k n o w l e d g e .
These important f e a t u r e s ,
so essential to any institution d e s i g n e d for a comprehensive course of i n s t r u c t i o n ,
cannot b e rendered e f f e c t i v e , except w h e r e the n u m b e r of p u p i l s is large a n d the
m e a n s of illustration a m p l e .
^ A preliminary department w i l l p r o b a b l y b e r e q u i r e d , a d a p t e d to those who m a y
not design to p u r s u e the entire course h e r e s k e t c h e d , a n d also a department in w h i c h
p e c u l i a r facilities will b e a f f o r d e d to those qualifying themselves for t e a c h e r s .
U p o n this point we quote from the A d d r e s s already r e f e r r e d toj
•^A fear h a s b e e n entertained that one effect of the p r o p o s e d Institution m i g h t
be to divert a t t e n t i o n from F r i e n d s ' family a n d n e i g h b o r h o o d schools; on the cont r a r y , we believe that it will b e the m e a n s of supplying these w i t h well-informed
teachers, whose influence in their respective n e i g h b o r h o o d s can scarcely b e overe s t i m a t e d , w h i l e , by raising the standard of H o m e E d u c a t i o n , it will b e a n effective
agent ih p r e s e r v i n g a n d p r o m o t i n g that social e q u a l i t y , w h i c h is o n e of the m o s t
attractive features in the Society of F r i e n d s .
^tln c o n c l u s i o n , w e desire to u r g e u p o n the consideration of those into w h o s e
h a n d s this A d d r e s s m a y f a l l , the n e c e s s S t y of general cooperation in the enterprise
we h a v e s k e t c h e d .
T h e sum subscribed p r e v i o u s to the organization of the Associa.-
tion, is justly deemed a n earnest of the success of the u n d e r t a k i n g , b u t is not considered a s at a l l a d e q u a t e to the w o r k .
T h e Constitution looks to the u l t i m a t e rais-
ing of $ 2 0 0 , 0 0 0 , a n d no doubt is entertained of the a b i l i t y of the Society to contri% -
T h i s was the A d d r e s s a d o p t e d in I 8 6 0 .
<72>
b u t e that sura.
/a
A single share taken by every one interested in the welfare of
the rising generation among u s , w o u l d f u r n i s h ample m e a n s for the p u r p o s e in v i e w ,
b u t there is great indifference to b e o v e r c o m e , a n d the laborers in the cause a r e a s
y e t but f e w , so that w e are compelled to a p p e a l to those who a r e a b l e to give liberally to an object p r o m i s i n g such beneficent
results.
® I t is a m i s t a k e to look m a i n l y for the funds required to those who have large
f a m i l i e s , and who will consequently b e likely to reap the m o s t direct a d v a n t a g e from
the I n s t i t u t i o n .
M a n y of this class w i l l , of c o u r s e , become m e m b e r s of the Associa-
t i o n , a n d contribute in p r o p o r t i o n to their m e a n s , w h i l e others w i l l do their share
toward the support of the S c h o o l ,
b y s u p p l y i n g it w i t h p u p i l s .
JBTne object w e a r e n o w u r g i n g should not b e compared w i t h those p r o m i s i n g m e r e
temporary advantages; the g o o d to b e gained i s , w e trust, destined to b e of the m o s t
lasting and p r o g r e s s i v e k i n d , a n d justifies u n u s u a l sacrifices for its a t t a i n m e n t .
^ F i n a l l y , we w o u l d a s k of every F r i e n d who is not yet a m e m b e r of thisAssoc i a t i o n , to subscribe to its s t o c k , so a s to b e identified w i t h the desirable object
of b u i l d i n g u p a n I n s t i t u t i o n , d e s t i n e d , w e b e l i e v e , to h a v e a n important b e a r i n g on
the m a i n t e n a n c e a n d diffusion of the p r i n c i p l e s w h i c h have d i s t i n g u i s h e d the Society
of Friends since its f o u n d a t i o n , a n d w h i c h its m e m b e r s and their descendants should
cherish f o r the g o o d of mankind.'*'
T h e pamphlet i n c l u d e s , w i t h the C o n s t i t u t i o n , the n a m e s of the first B o a r d
of M a n a g e r s , and lists the following officers; Clerks (of the A s s o c i a t i o n ) , W i l l i a m
D . P a r r i s h a n d Edith W . A t l e e ; T r e a s u r e r , W i l l i a m C . B i d d l e , N o . 131 M a r k e t S t . ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a ; Clerk (of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s ) , W i l l i a m D o r s e y , N o . 613 M a r k e t S t . ,
P h i l a d e l p h i a ; Local R e c e i v e r s (for the P h i l a d e l p h i a d i s t r i c t ) , Clement M . B i d d l e ,
N o . 131 M a r k e t Street; (for the N e w Y o r k d i s t r i c t ) , Samuel W i l l e t s , N o . 303 P e a r l
Street; (for the Baltimore d i s t r i c t ) , G e r a r d H . R e e s e , P r a t t S t r e e t .
T h e a b o v e official a p p e a l w a s p e r h a p s originated b y a n individual who signed
date of " P h i l a d a . 2 d m o j 2 6 t h , 1863."
His communication was
published, in the Intelligencer for T h i r d Mo. 7 , 1 8 6 3 , a n d was a s follows:
P l e a for the 'Boarding School.t
tPAt the commencement of the effort to establish a B o a r d i n g School a m o n g u s ,
I felt but little sympathy in the c a u s e , there b e i n g in m y own m i n d serious obstacles
in the w a y .
T h e s e , on m o r e m a t u r e d r e f l e c t i o n , h a v e g i v e n p l a c e to opinions decided-
ly in its favor; a n d k n o w i n g there are others entertaining objections simila,r to m y
o w n , I h a v e thought I might p o s s i b l y help to r e m o v e some of the obstacles out of the
way of s u c h .
* S o m e time since I ma.de inquiries r e s p e c t i n g the College at H a v e r f o r d , w i t h
the intention of p l a c i n g a son t h e r e , that h e m i g h t p a s s through a collegiate course
n d e r the guardianship of F r i e n d s .
I was told that the charges w e r e b e y o n d the
reach of parents of m o d e r a t e m e a n s ; that a p a r t of the education w a s t h e o l o g i c a l , a n d
that only a p r i v i l e g e d few m i g h t a v a i l themselvesjaf its f a c i l i t i e s .
If such b e the
objections to a n institution now in existence a m o n g F r i e n d s , w h a t right h a v e we to
p r e s u m e that another established by u s , w i l l b e exempt from the s a m e , or similar
evils?
A g a i n , our P r i m a r y , Grammar a n d Classical schools are not supported by
F r i e n d s ; i n d e e d , if the p a t r o n a g e a f f o r d e d b y those entirely o u t s i d e the Society w a s
r e m o v e d , not one of our schools w o u l d b e s e l f - s u s t a i n i n g .
That they a r e worthy the
support of every p a r e n t whose a s s o c i a t i o n s are w i t h u s , is apparent from the earnistness w i t h w h i c h they a r e sought by those of other religious d e n o m i a t i o n s , the terms
of tuition b e i n g m o d e r a t e , a n d t h e qualifications of the teachers for imparting a
thorough education, b e i n g in m o s t cases u n e q u a l l e d .
T h e n a g a i n , Friends a r e generally a p l a i n , p r a c t i c a l p e o p l e , jealous of the
faith of their f a t h e r s , a n d fearful of inroads on their cherished c u s t o m s , l o o k i n g
u p o n the study of the a b s t r u s e sciences a n d classical literature a s a departure from
: the old l a n d m a r k s , entirely f o r g e t t i n g , that in the infancy of the Society of F r i e n d s ,
/ofcL: the
student of O x f o r d , side by side w i t h the cobbler of D r a y t o n , ' contended for
- " Tt ihl e allusion to George F o x , as •the cobbler of Datayton," does not correspond w i t h
I QV*"*
S p h r a s e as commonly r e p e a t e d , w h i c h is "The Cobbler of Nottingham." On refl " •
erfence to his l i f e bjt S . M . J a n n e y , I find Drayton to h a v e b e e n t h e h o m e of h i s
boyhood." g , ^
^ c A Tfc
+ J L U , jLjji
the f a i t h of w h i c h we in this a g e should h e equally t e n a c i o u s .
Jffhe former of these objections h a s h e r e t o f o r e p r e j u d i c e d the effort to m y
own m i n d , a n d with the latter constitute&lmost if not all that can h e raised a g a i n s t
i
it.
H o w these I own a r e w o r t h y our earnest c o n s i d e r a t i o n , h u t w e should n o t stop
here.
A r r a y e d against these w e f i n d the u n s a t i s f i e d w a n t s of the y o u t h of our
Society.
We k n o w them to h e equal in a b i l i t y w i t h a n y ifa our c o m m u n i t y , a s eager
for l e a r n i n g , enquiring, a n d d e t e r m i n e d to satiate their thirst at some fountain of
knowledge.
E a c h h e a r t h - s t o n e w h e r e p a r e n t a n d child m e e t in familiar
intercourse
b e c o m e s its best advocate; a t every family b o a r d w h e r e p a r e n t a l solicitude p r o v i d e s
sustenance for the b o d y , is f o u n d the eager craving for the soul's better p o r t i o n .
^ H o w shall w e b e s t satisfy this want is the question w e a r e n o w called u p o n
to decide?
E v e r y p a r e n t i n t e r e s t e d in the thorough development of our y o u t h , m u s t
a c k n o w l e d g e that it exists a m o n g u s .
How shall w e a c q u i t ourselves b e f o r e the h o n -
o r e d fathers of this Society w h o so zealously l a b o r e d for institutions of learning
in their day?
>
How shall w e come b e f o r e H i m who i n s p i r e d their courage a n d strength"uU-
ened their h a n d s , if w e fail n o w to carry on the w o r k so worthily b e g ^ n by t h e m .
•^The n a t i o n teems w i t h colleges a n d a c a d e m i e s .
the log-cabin is the p i o n e e r of our c i v i l i z a t i o n .
T h e school-house a s well as
A r e w e satisfied that these in-
stitutions a r e a d a p t e d to the w a n t s of our religious Society?
m a n y a m o n g u s can
answer from p a i n f u l e x p e r i e n c e , 'They a r e n o t . '
f r i e n d s a r e a 'peculiar p e o p l e . '
7/hile other religious a s s o c i a t i o n s a r e
contending for 'creeds' a n d 'articles of f a i t h ' , the F r i e n d b e s t exemplifies h i s
faith ty m a i n t a i n i n g those m o r a l testimonies w h i c h are the b u l w a r k s of h i s S o c i e t y .
/^Would w e p r e s e r v e a n d transmit them to our children?
Do w e deem them of
v i t a l importance to ourselves? - T h e n m u s t we so educate our sons a n d d a u g h t e r s ,
that w h e n u p o n themselves d e v o l v e the r e s p o n s i b i l i t i e s of l i f e , their characters m a y
b e m o u l d e d a n d p e r f e c t e d into the b e a u t i f u l symmetry o f a p u r e C h r i s t i a n l i f e .
iLf
cannot g i v e the g r a c e s of the H o l y Spirit to our offspring; h u t w e m a y
so h a l l o w the associations that surround them that they w i l l b e c o m e w i l l i n g recipients
of the Divine g i f t .
^ T h e r e is a tide of error a n d s u p e r s t i t i o n , constantly setting in against u s .
It b e c o m e s u s to a s k o u r s e l v e s , ' W h a t efforts a r e w e m a k i n g to stem this current?'
L e t u s fully arouse ourselves a n d e a r n e s t l y , a n d p r a y e r f u l l y examine the s u b j e c t , remembering that the future h i s t o r y of our Society w i l l be m e a s u r a b l y a f f e c t e d b y o u r
present a c t i o n .
•%A.8 to the w a n t of f r i e n d s ' p a t r o n a g e felt b y the schools n o w u n d e r our charge
in P h i l a d e l p h i a , I think that should not b e c o n s i d e r e d a c r i t e r i o n for judgment i n
the m a t t e r of the 'Boarding S c h o o l . '
T h e m e m b e r s of our Society l i v e in a l l p a r t s of
the c i t y , many so remote from the schools that they are a s inaccessible to than a s if
they w e r e m a n y miles d i s t a n t , a n d h o w e v e r m u c h they m a y desire to send their children
to such s c h o o l s , it w o u l d not b e in their p o w e r to do s o .
^ S h o u l d we b e enabled to raise sufficient funds to e s t a b l i s h the p r o p o s e d
institution on a liberal s c a l e , the terms can b e m a d e so easy that its benefits m a y
Ibe shared by a l l classes in the Society of P r i e n d s ,
L.
Philada. 2d mo.26th,1863?
f"
'
"
U
a
/
/
The conferences in M a r y l a n d referred to in B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l ' s letters w e r e
re-oe'sted in P e n n s y l v a n i a , in a c c o r d w i t h the f o l l o w i n g noticeslwhich a p p e a r e d in Friends*
I
/oiT
Intelligencer for F i r s t M o n t h 10 a n d 1 7 , a n d S e c o n d M o n t h 2 1 , 1 8 6 3 :
f r i e n d s ' Educational Association.
^ T h e E x e c u t i v e Committee a p p o i n t e d "by a Conference of the m e m b e r s residing
within the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , to f o r w a r d the subscriptions to the
stock of this A s s o c i a t i o n , h a v e a p p o i n t e d the u n d e r s i g n e d to c o r r e s p o n d w i t h Friends
in their several n e i g h b o r h o o d s , a n d to a p p o i n t Conferences ih w h i c h the subject can
b e p r e s e n t e d and explanations g i v e n .
The interest w h i c h has a t t e n d e d the Conferences
already h e l d , justifies the effort n o w made to e x t e n d this m e a n s of spreading the
concern in localities n o t y e t v i s i t e d , a n d a n y communication u p o n the subject addressed to either of the u n d e r s i g n e d , w i l l m e e t w i t h a t t e n t i o n .
William Dorsey,
N o . 613 M a r k e t
Edward Parrish,
N o . 800 A r c h S t .
David J . G r i s c o m ,
Sf
Woodbury, N.J.
Helen G . L o n g s t r e t h , N o . 1 1 0 S . 17th S t .
Edith W . Atlee,
G e r n a n t o w n , Pa.*»
—
~
~
"•^Educational C o n f e r e n c e s . - T h e E x e c u t i v e Comnitteejof the M e m b e r s of F r i e n d s '
E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n , w i t h i n the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , h a v e
a p p o i n t e d a Conference at Gwynedd M e e t i n g H o u s e , on F i r s t - d a y a f t e r n o o n , the 18th
instant, at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M . ; a n d a t W i l l i s t o w n on F i f t h - d a y m o r n i n g , the 2 9 t h . a t
10 o'clock.
M e m b e r s of the Committee w i l l be p r e s e n t to e x p l a i n the object a n d
p l a n of the A s s o c i a t i o n ; a n d F r i e n d s , a n d others in the N e i g h b o r h o o d , a r e cordially
invited to a t t e n d a n d to extend the i n f o r m a t i o n . ^
-
—
~ - """
"^The Committee to p r o m o t e subscriptions to the stock of F r i e n d s
1
Educational
A s s o c i a t i o n w i t h i n the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , have a p p o i n t e d Confere n c e s , a s follows:
g
W .
•_
_
_
/ >
"
'
•'•_•-
—
-
-
—
.
. . . . . . . . .
.
.
I.
•
[
c
^
J
i
( a t r ^ ^ ^ ,
] SL
£ J
F r i e n d s ' m e e t i n g h o u s e N e w t o w n S q u a r e , D e l a w a r e C o . , P a . , o n 5th d a y ,
19th i n s t a n t , at 3 o'clock P . M .
^ A t F r i e n d s ' m e e t i n g h o u s e , corner of 1 9 t h a n d N o r t h S t . , "below C o a t e s , P h i l a . ,
on 6th day e v e n i n g , 2 0 t h i n s t . , at 7-| o ' c l o c k .
• ^ t Race Street m e e t i n g h o u s e , P h i l a . , on Second-day e v e n i n g , 2 3 d i n s t . , a t
7| o'clock.
•#&t Friends' m e e t i n g h o u s e , F a l s i n g t o n , Bucks C o . , on 7th d a y . 3 d m o . , 7 t h . ,
at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
# A t Friends' m e e t i n g h o u s e , N e w t o w n , B u c k s C o . , on F i r s t - d a y , 3 d m o . 8 t h . ,
at 2 o ' c l o c k , P . M .
* F r i e n d s and others i n t e r e s t e d , within reach of these localities, a r e particularly invited to a t t e n d .
The Conferences w i l l h e a d d r e s s e d "by m e m b e r s of the Commit-
tee.*
• I
B n e of t h e a * conferences(is referred to in a n article on "Education"
1
contri-
/oi
b u t e d to the Intelligencer for Second M o n t h 1 4 , 1 8 6 3 .
It is signed " H " , dated "1st
m o . 8 t h , 1 8 6 3 " , a n d its reference to the conference is a s follows:$®0n First-day aftern o o n we a t t e n d e d the Conference on the p r o p o s e d B o a r d i n g S c h o o l , h e l d a t W i l l i s t o w n ,
Pa.
O w i n g to the condition of the r o a d s , the gathering, w a s not so large as w a s an-
ticipated.
One thousand dollars w a s subscribed in the m e e t i n g , a n d a committee a p -
pointed to receive a n d obtain further
subscriptions.
•^The response w h i c h lias so remarkably a n s w e r e d the call for a n increased m e a n s
for the intellectual development of the c h i l d r e n , u n d e r circumstances favorable to the
growth of our religious p r i n c i p l e s , is certainly a n evidence that the existence of
such a w a n t is b e g i n n i n g to b e a c k n o w l e d g e d by F r i e n d s .
W e cannot deny that our
children h a v e suffered m a t e r i a l l y from the want of p r o p e r educational advantages a m o n g
us.
0i-
T h e necessity", w h i c h h a s saras to some extent e x i s t e d , of p l a c i n g our y o u n g rnem7
7
6
'
'
~
j bers "beyond the precincts of our religious Society, has in many instances weakened
S
j their affection for that Society that could not supply their need^fc
The Executive Committee had "been busy meanwhile at h o m e , as is evidenced by
the following notices in the Intelligencer for Second Month 7 a n d Third Month 7 ,
/oi
1 8 6 3 :
jr
3
Y ? " T h e Executive Committee of Friends of Philadelphia Yearly M e e t i n g , to prom o t e subscriptions to the stock of Friends' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , wiil m e e t on
6th d a y , the 13th instant, at 11 o ' c l o c k , A . M .
J . M . T r u m a n , J r . , Clerk.** - - ~ -^The Executive Committee for promoting subscriptions to Friends' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n , will m e e t on 6th day m o r n i n g , 1 3 t h inst., at 11 o'clock, in
the 2 d story, west room, of R a c e S t . Meeting H o u s e . *
Jos. M . Truman, Jr., Clerk.*
^ F r i e n d s ' Educational A s s o c i a t i o n .
* T h e first instalment of $5 p e r share in the stock of the Association became
due o n the first of Twelfth m o n t h , 1 8 6 2 .
On all shares subscribed since that time,
the first instalment was dae on the first of Third m o n t h , instant.
The stockholders
a r e requested to make payment to the Receivers appointed in the several districts,
and those residing in Philadelphia to the u n d e r s i g n e d , who has been appointed General Receiver within the limits of P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly M e e t i n g .
C. M . Biddle,
1 3 1
M a r k e t
s t
. f Philadelphia.*
•TO iaCl'lllalbi- the uulleetion of gukscrlpllohii mid to piuuuc-ttcw
- ,
Bubscgiboro^
the-Duaid uf Mamgai.b -uf "Filtmdb' Educational Aooooiation" issued about this -fcirne
j-n iflfifi ,q-p
—•<•
a T,g
Th" H-i^-Tri "f tlv TVlici"iiri ffonlpifty of F-riq-nfla, wiyl r>tih' -
i a L m e a b u d lu lhair principles a n d - t e s t i m o n i e s . " — T l irni printnii in nn nrtntio
^joginph"! pti nf flight- p a g u s , lu which -won. appended fuur more pages inoluding the-Ceiir•etitution rooently adoy.tod^
/07-
l a , -Bp. 7 6 1 , 8 2 5 .
This animated
buliu'jlfa.ruajjfaLCits sponBtrr^
s^l^-t^u^l TMiifnt.ipnai a Df n^i-—h-t-nrry—Lu Lake-rp.ther flractIo action oottccrninp •ifcj
WJU
-oooi,riition' s tExecixt ive CqEf.iittee for the Phil?-del: M a
/c^-v^ws*^^ Ac"
1
> i I',' 11
rH »t.H
The
with / n s ^ h ?t . Tnimn-n t
1
n'l ill ii j i 1) i b i"' hi1 ii ' i * i.'ig i 1 meetings "for promoting subscriptions, etc.,"
^
/0
^
j**
fGr
.most monthly throughout the year 1863;
andS^"conferences" h a d sswA^held in Philadelphia
; the time of Yearly Ileeting in M & y , 1 8 6 3 , end during the same month in Kennet Square,
)ndon Grove, Hew Garden, Pallowfield, R a d n o ^ n d Sadsbury.^
(pUUJljjjJU*
— -
fi/Lf'J
,
The conf erences'in Philadelphia \ w p o caif important ones "because of the change
i
[
d c h resulted f romyU? in^reriovIn^^one of Woe chief obstacles to the progress of the
:hool.
^
The IntelligenceiC^aafffith. Month 1 3 , 1863T!r gives the following account of W f c L * *
1
id-frf—fee ..subaaquent anc held iu Hew
*Ttie Conference held in Race street Meeting H o u s e , on Third-day evening, the
3th of 5th m o n t h , was largely a t t e n d e d , and contained representatives from widely
sparated sections.
After reading the report already referred to, a spirited dis-
cission grew up upon the provision of the Constitution which provide for the election of
onagers by a stock v o t e .
This feature of the organization having given dissatisfaction
o many friends, before it was officially a d o p t e d , and having since operated as a bar to
he progress of the subscription in some neighborhoods, was now warmly celled in question
y several friends, who placed their objections in a strong light before the large a.udence convened.
The various arguments in favor of the Stock V o t e , as a just and equitable
rovision for the control of the property e n d its usee by those who had furnished the
eans for its purchase and erection, failed to satisfy the strong feeling of opposition
onscientiously entertained, by many; and when the meeting adjourned at a late h o u r , it
as felt that without another attempt to reconcile this difference of sentiment, the cause
ust lose tfround among u s .
-
It was agreed to meet aeain on fifth-day evening, and a larce
~
'
Intelligencer, V o l i v S ^ t t p . 5 7 , 1 ? 8 , 2 0 0 , 2 6 4 , 3 4 4 , 4 7 2 .
f
- J g z f f r * -
2 1 6
-
It L
•
I
fctf
The Intelligencer for 6 t h . Month 6 , 1 8 6 3 , c o n t ^ n e d the following editorial
2
7
1
af fjfi ir. i i P m
' d ^ - ^ ' ^ ' nil'
^ U ^ firx^Ji t u r v J ^ ^ ^ .
noticejQ -#The proceedings of the several C o n f e r e n c e held during " h e weeks of OUT L)
late Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and l>Tew Y o r k , on the subject of Education and
the establishment of an institution of learning, have not as yet been reported in our
| paper, but we propose at an early date, to give some account of them.
Our readers
j will be glad to know that in consequence of the feeling which prevailed at the Confer\ ences in P h i l a d e l p h i a , our friends in Hew York have proposed a n alteration in the
/ constitution which will probably harmonize all the friends of the cause, within the
^ limits of the three Yearly M e e t i n g s , and give a corresponding impetus to the subscripI tion.
:
-f^Ye learn that the recent series of Conferences i n Chester and Lancaster
counties have been quite encouraging in their results, and that the subscriptions
\ taken, warrant the hope that Friends generally in these sections of our Yearly Meet; ing will embrace the opportunity to aid in the establishment of this much-needed In|
stitutionj*
The holding uf cunftiieuuea was linked up ilubel;, \Ur the ocliyitioo of the
l»cajb-coilfeetion committees,
fi
appuii-u from tho following typical n o t i c e : — " ^ h e -
^llHT
[au^,
I/O
-
4
a
j^-p^a-o
¥*>1. S O T . 000.
I M d t rr-'DOC—
xrff'
4 g
1
«J
-&=> /yo
iipany convened at that t i n e , notwithstanding a heavy rain w h i c h p r e v a i l e d in the early
rt of the e v e n i n g .
M e a n t i m e a. friend who h a d "been concerned in the original draft of
3 Constitution, w r o t e to a p r o m i n e n t m e m b e r of the A s s o c i a t i o n in H e w Y o r k , a s k i n g those
) had subscribed l a r g e l y in that city on the b a s i s l a i d down in the C o n s t i t u t i o n , what
ild "be their d i s p o s i t i o n towards a n adjustment of the election for M a n a g e r s on a differ; "basis.
The reply which came over the w i r e s , a n d w a s read at the opening of the ad-
lrned Conference on Fifth-day e v e n i n g , w a s b r i e f a n d e x p l i c i t , a n d served to satisfy
3 M e e t i n g that the views of the M A J O R I T Y , w h e n a s c e r t a i n e d , w o u l d be fully a c c e d e d t o .
it p a s s e d at the Conference after this a s s u r a n c e w a s of a m o s t encouraging c h a r a c t e r . - - wrs felt to b e n e c e s s a r y that some of those
jerested. should t^-ke the opportunity p r e s e n t e d b y the a p p r o a c h i n g Y e a r l y M e e t i n g of H e w
rk, to confer w i t h those in a t t e n d a n c e there, in regard to the subjects which had so disc e d Friends in P h i l a d e l p h i a .
A C o n f e r e n c e h a v i n g b e e n convened at the Meeting-house on
;herford-square, Hew Yorj( on Third-day e v e n i n g , 26th of F i f t h m o n t h , full opportunity w a s
?
orded for the discussion of the p r o v i s i o n s of the C o n s t i t u t i o n , and it is due to F r i e n d s
Hew Y o r k to say that although the views of n e a r l y a l l w e r e decidedly favorable to the
;icle objected to by so m a n y in B a l t i m o r e and P h i l a d e l p h i a , they chose to sacrifice
;ir own views for the good of the cause; and a f t e r a zealous defence of their p o s i t i o n ,
?;gested the appointment of a C o m m i t t e e , to confer w i t h Friends in a t t e n d a n c e from other
;alities, w i t h a v i e w to p r o p o s i n g some modifica.tion of the Constitution w n i c h might be
bisfactory to a l l .
Committee was a p p o i n t e d
accordingly,
and on the f o l l o w i n g evening at the
iourned Conference their report w a s r e c e i v e d , p r o p o s i n g a m o d i f i c a t i o n of the Constitu)n, in which the principle of equality a m o n g the shareholders in the election of M a n a g e r s
fully recognized, while the right to a c q u i r e a n d dispose of the p r o p e r t y b y the Associa.)n is guarded by a. stock v o t e .
A s neither of these C o n f e r e n c e s , nor a l l of them,could
ce changes in the Constitution, the sentiment of tiiose convened could only b e taken on the
loosed amendments with an implied intention to v o t e f o r or against t h e m , w h e n the oppor-
inity should "be a f f o r d e d .
Hot only did m a n y , who h a d b e f o r e e x p r e s s e d sentiments a t var-
m c e w i t h each o t h e r u p o n these p o i n t s , embrace the first o p p o r t u n i t y to signify t h e i r
irdial- a p p r o v a l of the p r o p o s e d c h a n g e s , but on the q u e s t i o n b e i n g p u t to the a u d i e n c e by
.e c l e r k , a u n a n i m o u s vote w a s h a d in t h e i r f a v o r - not an i n d i v i d u a l a p p e r r e d w h e n
o s e o p n o s e d to the changes w e r e c a l l e d u p o n to r i s e .
U n d e r all the c i r c u m s t a n c e s of
.is C o n f e r e n c e - the l a r g e n u m b e r in a t t e n d a n c e , e m b r a c i n g some of the m o s t
influential
m b e r s of the A s s o c i a t i o n from the l i m i t s of the three Y e a r l y M e e t i n g s , the full d i s c u s s i o n
d c o n s i d e r a t i o n w h i c h the p r o p o s e d c h a n g e s r e c e i v e d , w i t h the fact that w i t h o u t
conceding
e p r i n c i p l e s m a i n t a i n e d by either t h o s e in f a v o r o f , or o p p o s e d t o , the e x i s t i n g Constit i o n , these changes m e e t the v i e w s of a l l - the C o n s t i t u t i o n w i t h the a m e n d m e n t s p r o p o s e d
y b e r e g a r d e d as V i r t u a l l y the b a s i s of the f u t u r e o r g a n i z a t i o n of t h e A s s o c i a t i o n . ^ 4 B »
e-fced sufrjoct of the locatiau. of the -acheiol is by this ohang.e
fm—tdhun
from the D u a p &
Llmiagart.,—lh'
^ T h i s last C o n f e r e n c e in N e w Y o r k , m a y , w e t h i n k , b e r e g a r d e d as
constituting
new era. in the E d u c a t i o n a l m o v e m e n t in w h i c h the c a u s e s of d i f f e r e n c e h a v i n g b e e n
m a y m o v e on in the u n i t y t o w a r d the c o n s u m m a t i o n of the o b j e c t in v i e w .
removed,
A s an earnest
future a d v a n c e m e n t , our F r i e n d s in H e w Y o r k a p p o i n t e d a C o m m i t t e e to p r o s e c u t e the w o r k
their p a r t of the f i e l d , a d d i t i o n a l s u b s c r i p t i o n s w e r e m a d e b y t h o s e p r e s e n t , and a m i d
rds of counsel a n d e n c o u r a g e m e n t the w h e e l s w e r e set in m o t i o n for a n onward
movement.^
Samuel M . J a n n e y a t t e n d e d these m e e t i n g s in P h i l a d e l p h i a a n d H e w Y o r k ; a n d ,
though w e a r e not d e f i n i t e l y so i n f o r m e d , w e m a y a s s u m e that B e n j a m i n H a l l o w e l l , M a r t h a
son and Lucretia. M o t t were also pre sent to g i v e the w e iignt
g h t ox
of t nh e xi r .influence
i n r x u e n c e t.towards
ows
'«~Jby sv-tfQ, -irv
M^sioJtXw/',,
Lving the k x o t t y q u e s t i o n of "the v o t e b y stock or by p e r s o n " ^ y a n d ^ t o w a r d s s o l v i n g i t '
the t r a d i t i o n a l F r i e n d l y
-gfafi
fashion.
in r e g a r d to tho v o t o wao liuld,
u i ^ t•** *" J
lea&t by
tlie Udltarb uf thu-
d t e i o i o n ear to l o o f H l u n a l u o "la the hands of the
3re h e l d at Goshen (Cnester C o u n t y , Pa.)I
at G u n p o w d e r , Maryland (Baltimore quarterly M e e t i n g ) ;
Yearly Meeting);
at Lombard Street
Woodbury Monthly Meeting, Upper Greenwich, N . J . ;
M e e t i n g , W o o d s town, II.
Salem,
(Baltimore
Pilesgrove Monthly
G r e e n w i c h , II. J i f i and W e s t e r n quarterly
Meeting, London Grove,
T h e followihg account in the Intelligencer of this last conference is doubtless
typical of the others; ^JTSwarthmore C o l l e g e .
T h e following M i n u t e s give information
of the efforts w h i c h have b e e n a n d are b e i n g m a d e , w i t h i n the limits of the W e s t e r n
Quarterly M e e t i n g , in order to p r o m o t e a n increasing interest in the p r o p o s e d s c h o o l .
< A t a C o n f e r e n c e , called by the A s s o c i a t i o n of F r i e n d s , of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y
M e e t i n g , engaged in a n effort for the establishment of a school at 'West D a l e ' , held
at L o n d o n G r o v e , 2d m o n t h 6 t h , 1 8 6 4 .
* A f t e r the b e n e f i t s to the Society of F r i e n d s , a n d to o t h e r s , to b e d e r i v e d
from such a school as p r o p o s e d , h a d b e e n p r e s e n t e d b y C . B i d d l e , E . P a r r i s h and o t h e r s ,
it w a s enjoined by the m e e t i n g , u p o n persons in a t t e n d a n c e , to u s e earnest endeavors
to stir u p a m o r e general interest in this important m o v e m e n t .
A l s o , that at the close
of the regular business of the several M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s , embraced in the Western quarter, it w a s enjoined on m e m b e r s now p r e s e n t to h a v e this subject duly considered, and
a committee w a s set apart to give p r o p e r a t t e n t i o n t h e r e t o , a n d a.s far as w a y opens
to secure s u b s c r i p t i o n s .
^ S a i d committees of the several M o n t h l y M e e t i n g s to confer together and cow o r k , a s on consultation they m a y deem b e s t , a n d u n i t e d l y to form a b o d y representing
the limits of the W e s t e r n q u a r t e r , a n d thus relieve the E x e c u t i v e Committee of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g o f this p o r t i o n o f its wide field of l a b o r .
J. H. JACKSON, Clerk.
- 6th.Month 21,1863;ibid,y«J~3a,f>.217//3 < - 9 t h . M o n t h 1 3 , 1 8 6 3 ; ibid.^Sel-p^B.376,
- 10th.Month 27,1863;ibid,Vol,3ft, y . 5 2 0 • ///* j -- 1^s tu..Mmo n^twh , 2 5 , 1 8 6 4 ; i b i d , V 8 l * 3 ^ B . 7 1 3 .
m - 1 s t . M o n t h 26,1864; i b i d . .
//7
- 1 s t . M o n t h 29,1864; i b i d ,
// 8-9 2 n d9 Q. M o n t h 6,1864; i b i d Z / V , / '
-^^tclll^egegg,
64 j V p
~ f*
' f l'*
^Irjpursuance of the above stated o b j e c t s , a m e e t i n g of such committees as
were appointed a n d others interested, w a s h e l d at L o n d o n G r o v e , on the 21st of 2 d
month, 1864.
^ C o m m i t t e e s from New G a r d e n and P e n n s g r o v e w e r e r e p r e s e n t e d , a n d the m e e t i n g
was informed that' some of the other M o n t h l y m e e t i n g s have the subject of appointment
under consideration.
£ T h e following p r o p o s i t i o n s w e r e offered a n d considered.; but in order that the
cooperation of those m e e t i n g s n o t represented here b y committees m a y b e h a d , it w a s
concluded to adjourn this m e e t i n g to the 20th of the 3 d m o n t h n e x t , at two o ' c l o c k , P .
M . , at L o n d o n G r o v e , for the further consideration of the s u b j e c t .
* T h e clerk w a s requested to inform F r i e n d s of the several m o n t h l y m e e t i n g s ;
of this c o n c l u s i o n , a n d a s k their p r o m p t a t t e n t i o n t h e r e t o .
E L L W 0 0 D M I C H E N E R , Clerk .
*
^
1st.
Propositions •
That
the p r e s e n t effort to establish a school e m b r a c i n g a p r e p a r a t o r y ,
a normal and a collegiate d e p a r t m e n t , is worthy of o u r s u p p o r t .
^*2d.
That the p r e s e n t condition of the m o v e m e n t demands of a l l interested in
right e d u c a t i o n , a n d d e s i r i n g the extended u s e f u l n e s s of the Society of F r i e n d s , to
throw their influence decidedly in favor of the early establishment of such a n institution, aini d^ h eto p ar io dp o by
u b s c 2r 0i tp ht i uo ln ts . , a n d a d j o u r n e d to m e e-t — at
— —
s e d just
m e e t ia n gd wreasonable
a s h e l d on s the
London G r o v e , on the 2 4 t h inst., when it is expected that some F r i e n d s from the city
will be p r e s e n t .
»
A general a t t e n d a n c e is requested."
^ W e regard this movement as one of deep interest throughout our Society; a n d
for the benefit of a g o o d cause think it right to m a k e some statements of its progress
in this r e g i o n .
^ W i t h i n the p a s t two y e a r s several conferences w e r e a p p o i n t e d by the Executive
Committee of P h i l a d e l p h i a Y e a r l y M e e t i n g , a n d a t t e n d e d by some of their number w i t h i n
IV
I the W e s t e r n q u a r t e r .
L
A t these a number of the y o u n g e r heads of families and a few
t
others g a v e their a t t e n d a n c e , and generously fostered the g o o d w o r k by p r o m p t l y subscribing to its s t o c k .
(The amount of subscriptions in our quarter h a s now reached
$2875, 115 shares of s t o c k , h a v i n g been taken by 60 f r i e n d s . )
M o s t of our stockholders
very properly assisted in a d o p t i n g the p r e s e n t constitution - choosing the l o c a t i o n ,
and in electing the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s to w h o m the a d v a n c e m e n t of this responsible a n d
arduous trust is at present c o m m i t t e d .
**The early contributors w e b e l i e v e generally u n d e r s t a n d the embarrassing position in w h i c h their chosen a g e n t s without a d e q u a t e m e a n s are i n v o l v e d .
T h e y are gen-
erally disposed to confide in their judgment as to the extent and arrangement of the
institution n e e d e d , a n d w h i c h it is their duty to decide u p o n , e r e c t , a n d organize in
such m a n n e r as will best subserve the objects
contemplated.
* I n a p p r o a c h i n g their task the M a n a g e r s h a v e m a d e k n o w n , that owning to circumstances peculiar to the times, a larger amount of capital is n e e d e d than at a n earlier
date, it w a s honed would suffice to start this institution with fair chance for s u c c e s s .
But even to p l a n such an establishment demands that the amount of capital the Society
is disposed to furnish shall be first a s c e r t a i n e d .
B a s e d to serve the wants of so
wide a territory, the Managers doubtless f e e l that to p r o c e e d to erect a c c o m m o d a t i o n s
for a small number of p u p i l s only would fail to m e e t the wants of the S o c i e t y .
^ S u c h p o r t i o n s of the establishment a s will be in first d e m a n d , do not admit
of being built by s e c t i o n s , a n d h e n c e such p o r t i o n s once c o m m e n c e d , the capacity of the
institution cannot well b e i n c r e a s e d .
W i t h this u n d e r s t a n d i n g of the m a t t e r , some
of our contributors favor a p e r s i s t e n t effort b e i n g now m a d e to canvass the merits of
the whole subject, confident that as it comes to b e b e t t e r u n d e r s t o o d , it w i l l commend
itself to a more general s u p p o r t , a n d the requisite capital be f u r n i s h e d .
Such is the
feeling of some who h a v e countenanced this m o v e m e n t from its s t a r t , and contributed of
their means.Whilst the records of our Quarterly a n d of our M o n t h l y m e e t i n g s a few years
3r I J l
^
' "back, show the dissatisfaction then felt with existing opportunities of education,
the;/ further ipanifest a general desire to get u p schools to he taught by members a n d
under the supervision of F r i e n d s .
|
In some instances we find allusion m a d e to an in-
stitution, such, in p a r t , as that now sought to be established; but no way seemed then
open to advance, beyond committee reports of an impracticable character.
In strange
contrast with the past feeling on this interesting concern, when the siibject in its
present practicable shape is p r o p o s e d , some of our members fear it as something tending
to the exaltation of man's intellectual powers at the expense of his religious sentiment .
^ S o m e Friends have long felt that our Society has not been meeting its duty
in the educational field.
Discouraged from working through the p u b l i c school system,
or co-operating in surrounding institutions, it becomes a duty to do our part of the
work in such other w a y as m a y seem b e s t .
^Accepting then the present attempt to establish a n educational institution
to comprise a normal and a collegiate department, a n d preparatory classes as incidental
thereto, as the practicable shape which surrounding circumstances and the judgment of
many earnest minds have finally given to this long-standing concern, we trust it will
soon receive more general support, and stand acquitted of hindering cavils, so at
variance with our Societv records on the subject.
J . H . J.\
The Ffiends of New Y o r k Yearly Meeting held a conference in the interests of
the college on 5 t h . Month 2 4 , 1864j
month l a t e r .
and those of Fishing Creek Half Year's Meeting one
The latter conference was h e l d , a correspondent reported to the Intel-
I2J
ligencer ,
"in order to promote an interest in the proposed boarding school.
All
present appeared interested in the progress of this great w o r k , and a committee was
appointed to call u p o n each m e m b e r of the several Monthly Meetings in that district of
country."
- m a , - v o l * s i , r* voQr-JZfs+oJU.
I b i d , V o l . Sl^TS.
2 8 1 . ~~
171 -
5
: T h e F r i e n d s of Cain Q u a r t e r l y M e e t i n g h e l d a conference a t E a s t C a i n , P a . ,
/ijL
on 7 t h . M o n t h 2 8 , 1 8 6 4 , ' the f o l l o w i n g "brief a c c o u n t of w h i c h a p p e a r e d in the
/
Intelligencer;
^ S c h o o l Conference at C a i n , Chester C o u n t y , P a . - A t the close of the
interesting Quarterly M e e t i n g , at C a i n , on the 2 8 t h u l t . , the School Conference was
h e l d , a s a g r e e d u p o n "by the E x e c u t i v e C o m m i t t e e .
w e r e in a t t e n d a n c e .
Several m e m b e r s of that Committee
These gave h b r i e f a c c o u n t of the origin a n d progress of this
c o n c e r n , a n d the claim w h i c h it has u p o n the m e m b e r s of the Society of F r i e n d s .
The
necessity for the establishment of such a n I n s t i t u t i o n was forcibly p r e s e n t e d to the
view of those p r e s e n t .
The g a t h e r i n g w a s s m a l l , a n d it is to b e regretted that m a n y
were in such h a s t e to return to their h o m e s that the subject did n o t obtain due consideration.
B u t from the expressions of interest w h i c h m a n y gave after the a d j o u r n m e n t ,
the m e m b e r s of the Committee believe that this section of country w i l l c o n t r i b u t e its
share of w o r k e r s , a n d a p r o p o r t i o n a l a d d i t i o n to the subscription list."*"
T h e F r i e n d s of L i t t l e B r i t a i n , Pa.., h e l d their conference on 1 0 t h . M o n t h
1 6 , 1864;
a n d those of Little C r e e k , D e l a w a r e , on 1 2 t h . M o n t h 1 , 1 8 6 4 .
T h i s last
conference was held on "the day on w h i c h the Y o u t h s ' M e e t i n g is h e l d , succeeding
Southern Q u a r t e r l y Meeting."
-
-
-fondort•Pp» 171 <
Oll.)-
I b i d , •Verl-.
p p . 2 9 7 , 3 1 3 . This conference was stated to b e "connected with the establishment of a first class Institution of L e a r n i n g , u n d e r the care of m e m b e r s of
the Society of Friends."junju,
8 t h . M o n t h 6 , 1864
345).
I b i d . V o l . 31v P . 5 0 6 .
/
I b i d , ¥«l.-3i>, -p. 6 0 0 .
L
9- j j j
feeye-app en rs-to bo-no account of -this- laot A n n u a l Meeting of the Fricivi
matirmnl ABfrqniation t which wao the first A n n u a l M a t i n g &f Llib Cui',uoi'ftt>ion. of Swai&feg
•f n^llagfi, -in
thp mfamioffript nr printniii r ° n H n p . n r H
1
rondo - Ittfrctti&saoer s(rrrbg-~fails
rven our hithrr-t
at thia critical p o i n w ^
"The Executive Committee to p r o m o t e subscriptions to F r i e n d s ' Educational Assoition"\ha£- published in the Intelligencer regular notices of the time a n d place of its
stings, during the years 1864 a n d 1 8 6 5 .
A t regular intervals, on 3 r d . M o n t h 1 0 , 6 t h .
ith 1 0 , 9 t h . Month 9 , 1 2 t h . M o n t h 3 , 1 3 6 4 , J 3 r d . M o n t h 1 0 , 1865 ; a"Quarterly Meeting of
the Committees ["for the collection of funds throughout P h i l a d e l p h i a Yearly
j 2$
Meeting^
/ 30
; h e l d . ' In the issue of the Intelligencer for 2 n d . M o n t h 2 7 , 1364,' "One of the E x .
l." contributed the following appeal:
^Swarthmore College.
T h i s concern is slowly but steadily in p r o g r e s s .
Those
z;aged in its working operations a r e endeavoring to m o u l d it into such shape as may meet
5 views of Friends in all sections.
We a l l have one common interest at h e a r t , - to
;ablish a school to w h i c h those parents who desire to place their children under m o r e
tended educational influences than a r e found in their own n e i g h b o r h o o d s , m a y send t h e m ,
r
sling a n assurance t h a t , while they a r e receiving useful learning u n d e r the care of
licious and competent p e r s o n s , they are also b e i n g trained in p r i n c i p l e s of piety and
* M o unprejudiced mind will deny that such a n institution is needed among u s .
>se who desire to qualify themselves for future independence as teachers, or for a n y of
! lea,rned p r o f e s s i o n s , are now necessarily obliged to seek such advantages beyond the
'luences of our Society; m a n y whose parents can a f f o r d to pay for an exoensive course
tuition are sent to schools of that character, w h i l e children in less favored circumnces enter the public schools.
Vol^SQ,
Thus two distinct classes a r i s e , w h i c h must
760, V o l . f f i , ftp. 5 7 , 1 2 1 , 2 6 5 , 3 4 6 , 4 8 8 , 699,~~76ZT
V o l : ® , p.
825 ,")fl (ol32Cr, fp.200,
V o l D O T , p p . 809 - 1 0 .
4 0 Q , 617, 809, 825.
'
eventually
&
—
/
7/
produce consequences totally a d v e r s e to the spirit of our o r g a n i z a t i o n .
«*To guard against this d a n g e r , it b e c o m e s indispensably incumbent u p o n u s to
make greater and m o r e liberal p r o v i s i o n for the school instruction of our younger m e m b e r s .
The m o v e m e n t , h a v i n g in view this r e s u l t , originated a n d is kept aliVe u n d e r a religious
concern for the guarded education of the children," a n d *as Friends a r e u n i t e d and cherish
a disposition of liberality for the a s s i s t a n c e of each other in this important work,^
they w i l l be made w i l l i n g to give of their p e n u r y oTf their a b u n d a n c e in order to accelerate its c o m p l e t i o n .
* T h o s e a c t i v e l y engaged in this w o r k , so deeply feel its importance to the wellbeing of our S o c i e t y , that they a r e willing b o t h to labor a n d to w a i t , if they can b e
made instrumental in p r o m o t i n g the establishment of such a n institution as the one contemplated **
17
[ ^ u j t <£>*«- :
1
"
T h e annual report of the E x e c u t i v e Committee w a s p r e s e n t e d on 5 t h . M o n t h 1 0 ,
1 8 6 ^ at a "General Conference of F r i e n d s , a n d those interested in the cause of E d u c a t i o n ,
particularly in relation to the efforts now m a k i n g for the establishment of a first
class school and c o l l e g e , u n d e r the supervision of m e m b e r s of our religious S o c i e t y ' . ^ ^
This "Report to the Subscribers to the Stock of Swarthmore College,'within the limits
of Philadelphia Y e a r l y Meeting" is of m u c h general a n d statistical interest* and in as
'
fnil
fit*-
-
7
'
'
dlrfL^
-
!2 -
I b i d , V 0 l \ « k , P. 136I b i d , Vffll. ? 1 , P p . 1 - 5 0 —
SJS-zka,
<0
j^^Roj^
\73T
I
Jtt
jfLat-
/ V
1-171-1
.
JUL.
A-r
/fcL.
6 Z u ^ j j k i .
A O L
fc
y h L ^
^ y O ^ t z ^ J L
^
/ w r .
I
I*
S C 3 j
^ w v asL*^
ii
r//
—
Executive Committee of Friends, within the limits of the Philadelphia
Yearly Meeting, for promoting subscriptions to Swarthmore College, present fchci following
Report:
the report presented a year ago gave in detail the origin and progress
of this enterprise, it will be sufficient in this to review the labors of the past
year, and to present to view the present situation and future requirements of the
concern.
^Conferences have been held, during the past year, at Kennett Square, London
Grove, New Garden, Fallowfield and Sadsbury, in the Fifth-month last; Radnor and
Goshen in the Sixth-month ;\Horsham and Byberry in the El event hr-mont h^, and Upper Greenwich, Woodstown, Salem and Lower Greenwich, in New Jersey, in the First-month last.
*These were all attended by members of this Committee, who endeavored to
arouse an interest in the subject of Education, among those who were willing to give
ear Jo their pleadings; and subscriptions were solicited to the capital stock of the
proposed Institution.
On some occasions we have been much encouraged, though
generally we have obtained subscriptions greatly disproportioned to the admitted
resources of the respective neighborhoods.
^Everywhere the young, who have experienced the disadvantages of the prevalent indifference to the claims of intellectual culture, have responded with alacrity
to the appeals made on behalf of this enterprise, and many have subscribed of their
small savings.
Young parents look with solicitude to the time when their own off-
spring, thirsting for knowledge, will be claiming from the Society, in which they have
a birth-right, those educational advantages which it should be one of the chief aims
of a religious society to supply, and of this class there are maqy impatient of the
slow progress being made in this concern.
* I n view of the small results from our recent conferences, we have encouraged
those alifte to the importance of the concern to organize joint committees for continuous
labor among their friends and neighbors. A n organization of this kind has recently
been formed within the limits of Western Quarterly Meeting, where much indifference
and some opposition remains to be overcome.
It is impossible for a Central Committee
located in Philadelphia to call upon Friends generally throughout the limits of our
Yearly Meeting.
We, therefore, recommend that the committee to be now appointed be
authorized and encouraged to obtain the co-operation of at least one friend of each
sex in all the Monthly Meetings, where it is believed further labor would be profitable.
Those belonging to the same Quarterly Meeting to constitute a committee, meeting at
least monthly till the time of the next Annual Meeting of the stockholders of Swarthmore
College, in the 12th month, or longer, if necessary, to call on all the members of their
respective meetings and solicit subscriptions, and to devise such means as will in
their Judgment best promote the interest in this important concern.
^Representatives from the local committees are desired to correspond with and
meet the Executive Committee at its stated meetings in the 6th, 9th and 12th months of
the present, and 3d month of next year.
^ T h e Executive Committee shall report to the next Ahnual Meeting of the Philadelphia contributors, to be held on Third-day evening of our next Yearly Meeting week,
as way may open.
?*Th.e action of the Annual Meeting of the Contributors, held at the Race
Street Meeting House on the 1st of 12th month, last, is well known; the important subjects of location and name were then determined upon, and the directions of the Contributors have, as we learn, been carried out by the Board of Managers as far as the
necessary legal forms could be perfected in advance of the taking out of the charter, and
the meeting of the corporators under it.
The charter has been issued within the past
week, as follows
=*A committee of the Board to investigate and determine upon the organization of
the proposed institution has been engaged upon the object of their appointment during
nU- / 7 /
LS
numerous interesting meetings, and one of their number has visited some of the institutions of learning in New England, with a view to aid in their deliberations..
*The wants of our Society demand that ample provision should be made to
accommodate a large
number of pupils; looking not only to those among our children who
would desire the advantages of a full collegiate education, but also to that much larger
number who will be so much benefitted by the care of our institution in its preliminary
department, and to those who will desire to fit themselves to act as teachers, the Board
are united that a preliminary, a collegiate, and a normal department should be included
in it, and that the buildings should be of a substantial character, and capable of
accommodating 300 pupils.
^The economy of instruction will evidently be closely connected with the
number of students; if the number be limited, the corps of professors and teachers
will necessarily be limited, or the cost of instruction increased, in the same ratio*
"This consideration, together with the present greatly enhanced prices of
materials and labor, must retard the work of building until the subscriptions are largely
increased an^paid in. ( ^ X ^ O X ^
i U ^ J x ^
y
^
/IL
* T o this end, therefore, we would recommend that a united and vigorous
effort should be made during the current year; the whole amount now subscribed leaves,
after paying for the purchase of the site, a sum which ought to be largely increased
before we should be justified in entering upon the work of building, and which must be
doubled before we can carry out the plans proposed.
If each subsciriber for the past
year would duplicate his or her subscription for the present year, payable between now
and the first of the year 1865, or failing in this, would procure another subscriber for
a like amount, we might look with confidence toward the erection of Swarthmore College
during the year following; and with the Divine blessing upon our efforts, might anticipate for thousands of children yet unborn the advantages of a sound and liberal education within its walls, under circumstances favorable to their imbibing the principles
87
Mr
///
and testimonies of Friends.
T
The amount paid in to C . M . Biddle, the general Receive^,is $34,275, a part
of which is at ihterest.
** SUBSCRIPTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA YEARLY MEETING
persons
Shares
Quar. Meeting
Monthly Meeting
Philadelphia
Green Street
Spruce Street
Radnor
Exeter
Abington
Byberry
Horsham
Gwynedd
Buckingham
Splebury
Wrightstown
Makefield
Middletown
Falls
Qpakertown,N.Jersey
Chester, Penna.
Darby
Goshen
Concord
Wilmington
Birmingham
Sadsbury
Kennett
London Grove
New Garden
Fallowfield
Cecil
Chesterfield
M t . Holly
Burlington
Chester,N.Jersey
Woodbury
Pilesgrove
Salem
Greenwich
Tithin Gennessee Y . M .
Indiana Yearly Meeting
Shares
Amount
Philadelphia
221
770
$19,250
Abington
127
178
4 i 600
101
179
4,475
211
462
11,550
Cain
32
37
925
Western
60
114
2,850
2
4
100
Burlington
41
89
2,225
Haddonfield
23
65
1,625
Salem
57
76
1,900
Bucks
Concord
100
I j
38
29
JC
1
4)
73*
14,»
Southern
2\
65'i
"22*
22'^
Contribution by a Member, Wilmington,
"
Green Street,
M"
M t . Holly,
1
1
877
105 }
1988
>
$49,700
$10
10
10
qbMjvK
nttf. i
ft
J>
-
CH^EEB
m .
172
-
THE BUILDI1IG OF SWARTHMORE COLLEGE, 1864 - 69.
The Location of the College.
The decision (in 5th. Month, I863) in regard to the method of voting was held,
at least by the editors of the Intelligencer, to place the final decision as to location
also in the hands of thelAssociation.
A paragraph of its editorial of 6th. Month 13
states: "The mooted subject of the location of the school is by this change so far taken
From the Board of Managers, that their duties in regard to it are rendered merely advisory,
the determination of the site requiring a stock vote in person or by proxy, after three
ionths notice has been given, and ample opportunities afforded to all to come to an intelligent conclusion."
The question had meanwhile been discussed with animation, both in private and
.n the Intelligencer. An editorial in the latter, dated the 11th. of Hth. Month, IS63,
>pened its columns to the discussion, but with the expressed fear "lest it may be carried
>n in a way to detract from the interest in the concern, now increasing and manifesting
.tself among Friends generally."
It therefore appealed for conciliation, directness and
irevity on the part of its correspondents, reminding them that the editors would be imlartial, and that the question was "of great interest and almost vital importance", since
;he contemplated movement is perhaps the most important which has taken place among Friends
'or years."
City
versus
Country
The vicinity of Philadelphia as the center of American Quakerism, was tacitly
accepted for the location of the new institution; but there remained the important question
.s to whether it should be located "in a strictly rural district, or within the range of
Ity conveniences."
The first correspondent, an anonymous one, contributed an article
j
2
0 the Intelligencer dated "*3d m o . 31st, 1863,^ which urged three advantages of a city
-
Vol. XX, p . 73.
- I£id» PP. 73 - 7^.
-
ver a country location.
These were:
172 -
a
greater convenience of access; the greater
lealthfulness of the city, during the period of the year that the school would he
S ^ f
/73J
-
SSb
er
11 session; and. the great! e c o n o m y , after the school w a s established.
Since railroads
T*
n d telegraphs centered in the c i t y , " p a r e n t s , g u a r d i a n s , oj| f r i e n d s , living within 100
.11 ss of P h i l a d e l p h i a , desiring to visit the c o l l e g e , could do so and. return h o m e the
erne night."
During J u l y , A u g u s t , a n d p a r t of S e p t e m b e r , "the p u p i l s would be at the
isoosal of their p a r e n t s " , and. could be removed from the city's h e a t ; w h i l e the urud a n d
now of the remaining m o n t h s of the y e a r w o u l d "so often interrupt the out-door
exercises
f the p u p i l s - p a r t i c u l a r l y the girls - a n d so often would prevent their w a l k i n g to
leeting, that the city (where the p a v e m e n t s soon dry a n d the snow is at once r e m o v e d )
'ould seem to present very great a d v a n t a g e s for daily out-door e x e r c i s e , so necessary to
.ealth and ohysical d e v e l o p m e n t ? ' A s to "the m o r e economical m a n a g e m e n t of the school in
be city after it is established", this correspondent u r g e d that even though the cost of
lie land in the city w o u l d be g r e a t e r than in the c o u n t r y , the greater cost of erecting
he b u i l d i n g s in the country w o u l d equal or exceed it; and that even if the greater ini^.al cost in the city should require a n a d d i t i o n a l interest expenditure of $ 1 , 0 0 0 p e r
innum, "the numberless dally expenses" should cost $2,000. p e r annum less in the city than
.n the c o u n t r y .
The lower p r i c e of f u e l , the cheap a n d b o u n t i f u l supply of w a t e r a n d g a s , the
:orrrpetitive price of farm products coming in to the city from all d i r e c b p a *
the fact that
;he city is the base of supplies of a l l k i n d s , w o u l d m a k e an urban l o c a t i o n m o r e economical;
h i l e "another great economy" in the city "would b e found in the employment of competent
irofessors, to give lessons or lectures on subjects not taught V
the resident teachers -
if you w i s h to emplcjr a p r o f e s s o r f o r one h o u r , y o u would only pay him for the h o u r yo-u
aiployed h i m - if it took h i m a n h o u r to g o , and a n h o u r to return from the school, you
rould have to r»ay for three h o u r s ' t i m e , a n d receive o n l y one hour's service."
One w e e k l a t e r , the Intelligencer
contained a l e t t e r , signed only
^
>l
r
3 -f^^^
ut/jwritteta b y a m e m b e r of the B o a r d of M a n a g e r s , who stressed the difficulty a n d responsibility of the task of deciding on the location a n d m a n y other vital questions
,
— 7
Ql
l i — — n r t r
W7Hi gi n r f Q ("•^-•'•".n
.T. nrir.conA-g-
connected
—
7V
/ y ^
Lth the school, and. advocated the appointment of a committee of the h o a r d to study
;her educational experiments and "to visit some of the normal and other schools in the
svera.1 S t a t e s , a n d especially in New E n g l a n d , where the greatest amount of experience has
:;en
attained."
T r ^ a ^ v i
Immediately following this letter came a reference to "Vassar Female College"
iich had been founded about two years b e f o r e .
Matthew V a s s a r had endowed this college
Lth $408,000 and 200 acres of land located about one m i l e east of P o u g h k e e o s i e .
Follow-
ft
ig this reference came extracts from Vassar»s deed of trust which emphasized especially
ie need of the h i g h e r education of women; a n a p e r h a p s as a n answer to his advocacy of a
female"college , the Intelligencer
printed a quotationffrom " J . N e a l " , who remarked in
sgard to the association of men a n d women: ^ffhat makes those m e n who associate habitually
Lth women superior to others?
"What makes that w o m a n who is accustomed and at ease in
ie society of m e n superior to her sex in general? - - - Solely because they are in the
•ibit of f r e e , graceful a n d continual conversation with the other s e x .
Women in this way
ase their frivolity; their faculties awaken; their delicacies and peculiarities unfold
LI their beauty a n d captivation in the spirit of intellectual r i v a l r y .
leir p e d a n t i c ,
rude, declamatory, or sullen m a n n e r .
A n d the men lose
Their asperities a r e rubbed o f f ,
r.eir b e t t e r materials p o l i s h e d and b r i g h t e n e d , and their richness, like fine gold, is
rought into finer workmanship by the fingers of w o m e n , than it ever could be by those
But co-fj^ducrtion was scarcely "a question" in the Society of Friends; and the
ivocates of the new school oursued. their discussion of its desirable l o c a t i o n . A n
i
rticle signed B appeared in the Intelligencer of 5th M o n t h 9 , 1 8 6 3 , w h i c h stated five
objections to a city locality" as follows: The exposure of the p u p i l s to the corrupting
endencies of metropolitan temptations, when absent from the protection of pure home inf l u e n c e s ; the menace to health when subjected to the contaminated atmosphere where h u m a n
32Z
—
V o l V s e , p . 157 (Fifth M o n t h 1 5 , 1 8 6 3 ) .
V a l ^ D O , P . lPfrs^ S C ^
j. . f3>f-,
St
79-/7^
life is closely congregated, a fit medium for the ranid sr>read of contagious and nesti-
7
lential diseases, and at all times enervating in its effects;'
the vastly enhanced cost
of site, unless it was intended to confine the children within brick w a l l s , or give
them the alternative of the street* p r o m e n a d e , either of which nronositions would meet
'
with little favor amongst Friends; the greater cost of erectionr
/
and the want of patron-
a g e , since Friends generally are wedded to a rural location.
In renly to the objections against a rural location, this correspondent
suggested that if it should be on a railroad within twenty miles of P h i l a d e l p h i a , coal
could be delivered direct from the mines; gas could be manufactured by the school (as is
done by the large city hotels); food in all its staple varieties could be procured direct
from neighboring farms; and ease of access would soon be facilitated by the anticipated
concentration of the termini of all the main roads entering the city in 'Test Philadelp h i a , so that under the same roof passengers will step from one train to the other and
in an hour's time arrive at the school.
, , .
_
,, .
"
Indianapolis, who said that he was "not without experience in the conduct of educational
establishments for both sexes", and who presented a dozen arguments in favor of a "rural
district not very remote from a city."
His arguments were in the main a repetition of
those already advanced; but he contributed some new light, as follows: The buildings,
"instead of being one towering structure, mounting some five or six stories in height,
as mast be the case in the city where ground room is scarce", should be several in
number, of few stories a.nd detached, "in case of accidental conflagration, to which
fearful casualty school edifices are notoriously more liable than almost rny others.'
3
A farm and a garden for fruits, flowers end vegetables should be owned by the school,frorp
\ - This argument was illustrated by the recent removal of several city military hospitals to the invigorating and. p u r e a i r of the country, where occurred a marked decrease of average deaths a n d an increased convalescence.
r..
X, - This argument was illustrated by the building of "the Training-school at Media" L r ^ V "
bids for whose erection varied from $70,000 and $75,000 by country contractors, to *
$100,000 and $150,000 by city contractors.
\ - Vol,
I'jL
which it could raise its own food a n d thus supply a p u r e r a n d fresher d i e t , as well as
reduce t^je cost of h o a r d i n g , e n a b l e the p o o r e r students to w o r k their w a y , a n d provide
for a department of scientific a g r i c u l t u r e .
"To the ""female students in p a r t i c u l a r " , this
writer a r g u e d , "these m e a n s of practical instruction a n d exaltation for"the b e a u t i e s of
H a t u r e , would be invaluable; for u p o n them must d e v o l v e , in a great m e a s u r e , the task of
b e a u t i f y i n g their future homes"; it m i g h t a l s o , he s u g g e s t e d , help to prevent "a, resort
to those trifling and senseless a m u s e m e n t s wlii3h so often tempt the y o u n g to a dissipation
of their time and e n e r g i e s " .
The m u d a n d snow of the c o u n t r y , h e t h o u g h t , could "be
readily compensated for by a p p r o p r i a t e covered enclosures for gymnastic a n d calisthenic
exercises. - - - The m o r a l and aesthetic influences of the c o u n t r y , w h e r e Nature is the
presiding genius over the habitudes of man. a n d the surroundings of h i s
earthly
home,
viewed in comparison with the w a r p i n g influences of a city life with its artificial
surroundings - - - a r e p r e e m i n e n t l y the m o r e consonant w i t h - - - Friends,"
The city is
more distracting to intellectual tasks; a. m o r e h o m e - l i k e school or college can. be
created in the country; a n d , while city p a r e n t s p r e f e r to send their children to country
schools, country parents will not send theirs to the city for a p r o l o n g e d
stay.
xa
^Lr-
In fcsie^same number of the I n t e l l i g e n c e r , Z replied to B , insisting that "the
protection of pure h o m e infl ences" could a n d s h o u l d be a s great in the city as in the
country; that a site for a school for healthy y o m ? p e o p l e , and not for a h o s p i t a l , was
L
being s o u g h t , and Friends' country schools (such as that£Nine P a r t n e r s , H . Y . , in 1814-15^
where experienced a n d skilful p h y s i c i a n s were l a c k i n g , suffered occasionally from
epidemics of typhoid, etc.; that " b r i c k walls" a r e w a r m e r in w i n t e r ana. cooler in s u m m e r ,
a n d the "street promenade" is b e t t e r than no p r o m e n a d e ; that b u i l d i n g - c o s t s are u s u a l l y
less in the city; gsaa. that country children are eager to start their careers in the city;
and that an unfailing supply of p u r e
r a t e r , d e l i v e r e d in a l l the rooms of the b u i l d i n g ,
1
is of i t s e l f , a l l things
to turn the scale in favor of a
O S * . else
*
jb^e inn fg ce q u a l , sufficient
1
•1 - V o l t 00, r . 10?n
city l o c a l i t y .
/0 - JlUct?
i
.
i
""
'7L-
U
J
'
XC ^ TdlLjSU^^U^
-
*—
B
t
11
ami b l'., veiBua.
f7i
~
^Philadelphia was doubtless intended by its founder to be a city endeared to
ts residents by mary of the charms of country life.
The capital of his beloved territory
ast have arisen in PENH'S imagination a cluster of modest dwellings embowered in shrubsry, resembling some pastoral town of his native Essex, but pierced with streetways of
neater width and stpmetry, and ventilated by means of its five public pleasure-grounds
Lstributed in the quincunx
form so familiar to the landscape gardening of the
ay. Pennsylvania, as one vast mine of valuable minerals, was then undiscovered; that
ineral (which especially represents her value in the commerce of the nation would have
ignified nothing to PENN if he had found it.
The utmost prosperity contemplated in his
odest hopes was a/e|^h.lth of cornfields and butter farms, enwreathing his garden city, such
s those through which our route will lie in this Excursion.
tf^In such a town, the arguments put forward by the moralist would have been arguments
or keeping the people at home.
The best securities for health and virtue would have
waited them in their own dooryards.
But Philadelphia is now a focus of commercial high-
ays and a port of floating trade, crowded with a population of eight hundred thousand,
nd supporting, among the penalties of prosperity, an unproductive family of over three
housand in its principal poorhouse alone, to say nothing of those who are less directly
tax upon its citizens, or of those who encumber its prisons.
ortions like these, it is proper to reverse the argument.
hould be shown.
When a city reaches pro-
The advantages of dispersion
Men of means should be persuaded to withdraw from the centres of popu-
ation, leaving room for the artisans, whose interests are damaged by their beine: removed
rom proximity to daily labor.
Every well-to-do merchant or manufacturer
lis home outside the metropolis where his business is conducted, enriches two localities
.nstead of one.
His prosperity adds to the wealth of the city at one end of the line;
i.t the other, a host of little industries spring up as the result of his presence.
lany are withdrawn from the crowded town to form his household.
So
So mary immigrants
.ssisting in the culture of his land are desirably planted in the country, instead of adding to the accumulation of city foreigners, whose tendency is always towards pauperism,
-o many farmers' boys, we may add, are kept busjr supplying his wants, instead of yielding
o the temptation to follow their produce to the city.
The example of so much refinement
nd cultivation takes root in the location, ameliorating manners and dispelling prejudices,
n short, we have a little spot, or so many scores or hundreds of little spots, where
he needs and polish of wealth go to enrich the country; where the healthful interests of
ural life replace the impure relaxations of the town; where, in fact, the advantages of
oth kinds of existence meet and enhance each other.
do not, however, adopt modes of existence from such abstract motives.
The
e.
erchant's villa is built neither for the sake of his gardner nor of his agricultural
A
eighbors, - it is built for his own.
rosperity of the city.
It is built because rents have advanced with the
It is built because, at thirty miles from town, it lies nearer,
n time, than his grandfather's estate had been at ten miles out.
It is there because
otion is more luxurious than of old, and the habit of motion without mental disturbance
s acquired.
To these causes, which actively solicit the business man to keep house
eyond the city, are added the assiduities of the railway companies, who, when their lines
re tributary, as in the present instance, to districts improved by citizens, take care to
eet the demand by frequent trains and accommodating time tables.
^This practice of transacting business in the city while living without it has long
btained in England, and of latter years has greatly increased in this country.
It is far
ore common in Boston and New York than it has yet become in Philadelphia, which does not
ery easily get rid of its enviable and time-honored credit as a congenial living-place.
>7L
New York, especially, from its size and. water-bound, situation, is a notable example of
the habit under consideration; the angle embraced by its rivers is abandoned to commerce,
and its chief business men frequently reside as far out as forty miles on the Harlem and
other roads, and pass to and fro daily.
Even a city like Pittsburgh, to take an example
from our own State, had advanced beyond Philadelphia in this desirable form of living.
It is the statement of HON.THOMAS A . SCOTT, Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Railroad,
that the local travel of that line is much heavier to the distance of twelve or fifteen
miles east from Pittsburgh than for a similar extent of road west from Philadelphia."^*
fL^L
177
While\*Ja4»» debate over location was proceeding, during the summer of
1863, the Board of M&nagers* Committee on Location prosecuted its task, and the
Board itself took action at its meeting on 9th. Month 23, 1863.
This meeting (the
fourth in the serieil^ was held "at the call of the Clerk", William Dorsey, who had
&
published a notice of it in the Intelligencer for 9th. Month 12,
with the following
request: "The committee on location request that the members of the Board from a
distance shall come prepared to remain a few days, that they may have an opportunity
of examining some of the locations offered to the Association."
The Board's meeting was held in Race Street Meeting-House, with seventeen
members present, and adopted the following minute^: "A report was presented by the
committee on location referring to various properties selected by them from the number
submitted for their examination; with the information that arrangements had been made
to visit them."
The following day was accordingly spent by the members of the "board
in visiting the various sites; and when fourteen of their number re-assembled at an
adjourned meeting on the 25th., the following minute was adopted? "After a frew and
interesting discussion, and expression of views upon the important subject of location the committee was continued to give it further attention."
On the 11th. of 11th. Month following, the Board met at the home of Edward
Parrish, No. 146 N . 10th. Street, Philadelphia, ten members being present.
The fol-
j lowing minute was adoptedj^On consideration of the whole subject of the location for
i
' the proposed Institution William D . Parrish, Edward Hoopes & Edward Parrish were appointed to obtain from the owners of the several properties considered most eligible
a refusal for thirty days, with specific offers in writing, and to draw up a desI cription of two or more, most approved by this Board and
I I - The third meeting of the Board had been held in New
conference there on 5th. Month 2 7 , 1863 (Cf. infra,
I $ - V o l . ^ , p . 424.
send the same to every
York in connection with the
frp. 170. r i
)
'
'
178
member of 1he Association, as far as practicable, with a notice of the time and place
of the Annual Meeting on the 1st. of the 12th. month, at which it is proposed that
the selection of a location should be submitted to a stock vote of the Association.*
Three weeks later, the 30th. of 11th. Month, 1863, the Board held a meeting at
Race Street, with twenty-four members present.
The committee of three reported that
"they had obtained the refusal of the West Dale property & also of the Wissahickon
property at fixed prices for thirty days and had distributed the information in the
form of Circulars amongst the subscribers to the stock of the Association.^ fhe Board
»
then appointed a committee consisting of John D . Hicks (of New York), Edward Parrish
(of Philadelphia), and Levi K . Brown (of Baltimore) "to prepare a report of this Board
to the meeting of the Association", which was to be held the next day.
At one o'clock
the next day, two hours before the Association m e t , twenty-six members of the Board
held a session and adopted the report prepared by the committee^
•gluce Eligible Dlbett
rjollaiumj tu Uko holding of the Association*^ meeting, the Board of Manogogp
directed a committee-of three of its members lu pieyaro and •distribute in print roplan.
i
r
p
j
j
f
the following "Circular to r the Stockholders of Friends' Educational Association: ^
<*Phe annual meeting of the Association occurs on the first day of the 12th
month next, at 3 o'clock P.M., at Friends' Meeting House, Race Street, Philadelphia.
* I n many respects this will be a most important meeting, as it is expected that
the Association, which has heretofore been ih a forming condition, will now complete
its organization, and several questions, which have caused ranch inquiry and discussion,
will come up for settlement.
fhe Location
-^f,
Committee
0
1
f the Board of Managers, who have had in charge the preliminary
selection of locations suitable for the proposed School or College, having advertised
It is printed in a leaflet of four pages.
for offers and received numerous descriptions of properties offered for sale, have
179
j visited many of these and others within twenty miles of Philadelphia.
A property in
the rural part of the city, which was looked upon with favor by some members of the
Board of Managers, has been ascertained to be so incumbered in consequence of the insolvency of one of the joint owners that we have been unable to obtain a definite
offer, which would bring it within the scope of the present report, and we have therefore selected, as the most eligible, the three described "below, which, by direction of
the Board of Managers, are to be submitted to the Stockholders at the approaching meeting for their adoption, of one or other, by a stock vote.
^PPhe West dale property, Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pa.» is situated
on the Philadelphia and West Chester Railroad, and on the Chester and Providence Boad,
which forms its eastern boundary, within three-quarters of a mile of the Philadelphia
and Baltimore turnpike.
By the railroad which runs through the property, it is ten
miles from the city; Westdale station being within three hundred yards of the building
site.
The plot, which it is proposed to purchase, embraces from 80 to 90 acres of laid,
most of which rises by a gentle ascent from the railroad, furnishing a fine building
site upon high ground sloping to the south, and commanding a fine view of the surrounding country and of the Delaware River in the distance.
There are ample springs rising
on the premises, several acres of woodland skirting the northern and western sides of
the hill, and a small grove in the vicinity of the building site.
and spring house are the only buildings.
A tenant house
On the western boundary of the property runs
Crum Creek, which is here a rapid stream from 15 to 20 feet wide with ample fall for
forcing water to any desirable point; near the southern line of the property the stream
becomes deeper, in consequence of being dammed about three-quarters of a mile below;
this famishes fine bathing and skating facilities, while no place offered to the Committee affords such romantic and secluded rambles as the rocky and sloping hill-sides
which bound this stream.
The Committee have secured the refusal of the property at a
price not exceeding $20,000 until after the date of the approaching meeting.
1 8 1
'g*Phe Wissahickon property. in Upper Dublin Township, Montgomery County, Pa.,
immediately on the line dividing it from Gwynedd, is situated at Wissahickon Station,
on the North Pennsylvania Railroad, 16 miles from Philadelphia.
This property is bound-
ed on two sides by turnpike roads, one of which leads to Conshohocken, on the Schuylkill,
and the other to Philadelphia, by the way of Chestnut Hill.
The whole plot consists
of about 140 acres, part of which could be disposed of without impairing its usefulness
for the purpose in view.
It contains a fine knob of elevated land near the station,
commanding a most beautiful view of the surrounding country, with Chestnut Hill and its
fine improvements in the distance.
There are two streams running through the property,
neither of them rising on it, each used for mill purposes, and the purchase would include a saw-mill, and fulling-mill on the premises; there are also two sets of farm
buildings on the opposite^ extremes of the place, and two tenant houses.
There is a
deep ravine along part of the line of the property on the turnpike, which is well wooded,
though the higher ground, most suitable for a building site, is destitute of fine trees.
There is a thriving orchard on the premises, and the soil is believed to be good and
capable of much improvement.
The price of this property is $200 per acre, and we hfjve
secured the refusal of it until after the annual meeting.
•JPfhe Hetchwoyth Farm, in Radnor Township, Delaware County, Pa., is situated on
a public road which intersects the Pennsylvania Railroad at Morgan's Corner Station,
about 12 miles from Philadelphia.
The building site is about one mile from this station
and 2 l/2 miles from Conshohocken, on the Norristown Railroad.
The land is high, and
commands an extended prospect of picturesque and varied scenery; the elevation is skirted
on the north and east by woods, exceeding 60 acres, chiefly of chestnut timber, beiides
a grove of about 10 acres, capable of being readily adapted to ornamental purposes. Several ample springs rise near the base of the hill and furnish a stream with sufficient
fall to propel water to the required elevation.
readily to improvement.
The soil, though thin, is said to yield
The distance of this property from the railway station and the
182
toilsome ascent from thence to the building site, have constituted objections in the
minds of many who have visited it, yet it is the only one we have met with on the Pennsylvania Railroad that has been deemed eligible for the proposed purchase.
It contains
about 140 acres, and the price is $100 per acre.tk
The Association Selects "West Dale"
The Annual Meeting of the Association had been anounced in the Intelligencer
ft
of 11th. Month 28, 1863,
with the statement that "the subject of the location of the
proposed School, the organization and adoption of a constitution, and other matters of interest will be presented for the consideration of the Stockholders."
A forthight later, the Intelligencer gave the following account of this important
n
meeting: jpThe first anniversary of Friends' Educational Association was held in Philadelphia on the 1st instant, consisting of an afternoon and an evening session.
^Several hundred contributors were present and the session was one of a high degree of interest.
The Board of Managers presented a report of their labors for the past
year.
^The selection of a suitable location for the erection of a College and its attendant buildings having claimed their serious and active consideration, and many sections
having been visited with reference to their appropriateness for such an object, the Board
of Managers unanimously agreed to present to the Association three different properties for
its selection.
^Previously to the Annual Meeting, a "Circular* was issued in which the three
locations were accurately described," and efforts were made to place this information in
r-
Vol:
601. This notice was signed by William D. Parrish and Edith W.Atlee, -laifc&^^u-,
the Intelligencer the week before (11th. Month 21, 1863,V^»3ft»p.585), there had appeared the following preliminary notice:
-*The subscribers to friends® Educational Association, are requested to pay to the local
receivers, the instalments now due on their subscriptions, which will entitle them to
vote at the approaching Annual Meeting. Receivers are desired to make their collections
I and forward returns of the same, on or before the 28th. inst., with a list containing
I full name and P.O. address of each subscriber. To accommodate those who find it inconI venient to make payments before that time, the books will be open at Race St. MeetingHouse, one hour before the time of the annual meeting, on the 1st prox.
I
CLEMENT M. BIDDLE. 131 Market St.,
4*.
1 Eleventh mo. 16th,1863.*'
Receiver for Phila. Executive Committee.
"
rpj-ioo-'-
183
he hands of every contributor, but fearing that all had not been made sufficiently
cquiinted with the respective merits of the different locations, two Friends, by appointent in the meeting, gave a full and favorable account of the two properties first named
n the circulars.
The decision of the subject was then, in accordance with the recommenda-
ion of the Board,submitted to a stock vote.
Inspectors of election were chosen to re-
eive vote8 from those in attendance, and ten days were allowed for those who were not
iresent to send in their votes in writing. The result was to be reported to the next meet*f7
ng of the Board of Managers
Pending the settlement of the question of location, the Association provided for
. new Board of Managers, a Charter, a Constitution, and a name. The Intelligencer's
cc
nominating committee was appointed to bring forward the names of
'riends to serve as Managers the ensuing year.
The meeting then adjourned till half-past
even o'clock in the evening.
*When the Association again convened, the committee appointed on the subject of
lanagers reported a selection from the names of the friends who had been nominated at preiou8 meetings held in Philadelphia, New York,and Baltimore, representing the contributors
Ithin the limits of those several Yearly Meetings.
They also recommended the reappointment
if the clerk and assistant clerk who had served the Association the previous year, which
•eport was adopted, and the Managers elected in accordance with the Constitution,
••The procuring of an act of incorporation from the Legislature of Pennsylvania was
leemed of great importance, and the Board of Managers instructed to give it early attention.
•The Constitution, with the amendments approved at informal meetings in New York
ind Baltimore, then claimed the deliberate consideration of the meeting
It was carefully
•evised and the amendments fully united with, and as the Constitution required that 'notice
if a proposed change in the Constitution shall be given and placed upon the minutes, and
ihall be decidedipon at the next Annual Meeting,' it was unanimously recommended for
adoption to the next Annual Meeting of the contributors*
184
(3
The Name of "Swarthmore" Adoptedjj
*Xa it was dearned expedient, "before making application for a charter, to conclude
»on a definite name "by which the school should "be designated, that of Swathmore £sicT|
•liege was suggested, and after a comparison of views, it was decided to accept this sugsstion, and insert the proposed name in the first article of the Constitution, in place
!" Friends' Educational Association, and that, in future, the Institution should be called
rathmore
College.^
<*?n accordance with the Constitution, we suppose a printed report of the proceedigs will be forwarded to each contributor.
The postoffice address of some of these not
>ing in possession of Friends ih the city, those who may not receive the Report will
.ease address Tfaj. D. Parrish, No. 1416, Arch St., Philadelphia.*
A week later (12th. Month 19, 1863), the Intelligencer completed its report of the
20
tnual meeting with the following statement s^Swarthmore College - The Report given in our
ist number of the action of the Annual Meeting of the Contributors to the projected In;itution, stated that the choice of location from those submitted by the Board of Managers,
is to be made by a stock vote of all the Contributors who had paid in an instalment upon
leir subscriptions.
Since that notice was written, the Inspectors of Election have made
leir report to the Boardof Managers as instructed, from which it appears that 1885 shares
sre voted by 636 individuals - of these, 1458 were voted for the property known as Westile, and 427 shares for that located at Wissahickon Station, on the North Pennsylvania
lil Rosld. It may also be interesting to know, that of the individuals voting, 508 voted
>r the former, and 17P for the latter property.
*fe understand that some of the Stockholders were necessarily prevented from reading their votes, while others had not complied with the conditions, by the payment of
le first instalment.
The very large preponderance in favor of the property in Delaware
junty, has of course influenced the Board of Managers to take the necessary steps to
- Margaret E. Hallowell, who suggested this name, may have been present at this annual
meeting of the Association and suggested it in person (Cf. supra, p.-6®-and infra,p.>00),
fo
649. See infra.
494,
185
| consummate the purchase.
]
We think it cause of congratulation that a decision has
I been reached on this question - the large number of persons interested, and the
; numerous considerations entering into the choice of a suitable location, have thrown
I around the decision unusual difficulties, but now that the selection has been made
j with such an approach to unanimity, we think all have abundant cause to be satisfied,
; and to renew their efforts in behalf of an institution promisi^ so much to future
generations.
^Phere are some considerations which tend towards a postponement of the work
of erecting and organizing the Institution, but there is a general disposition manifested to realize the hope entertained by so many parents, that their children, already under school instruction, may be able to avail themselves of this means of pursuing the higher branches of learning.
We hope that while the Managers are maturing
their plans, a vigorous effort may be made to increase the means at their disposal,
so as to warrant their moving forward as fast as circumstances will permit.^
The Association's Annual Meeting, 12th. Month 1, 1863
Besides the Intelligencer's accotlnt of this important meeting of the Association on 12th. Month 1, 1863, the official minutes of the meeting itself were printed in
I a four-page leaflet and were as followsiJ^She attendance of contributors from within
the limits of the Yearly meetings of Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore was large,
|
/
*The following report of the Board of Managers was read and accepted:-
| ^ T o Friends' Educational Association:!
^'The Board of Managers report that their labors during the past year have been
mainly confined to the selection of a location for the proposed college, and that having obtained offers of numerous properties in the vicinity of Philadelphia, the most
eligible have been visited and their fitness investigated by the Board; of these, three
are described in a circular, which was sent to each contributor as far as practicable in
advance of the present meeting.
It is now proposed that each contributor should vote for
186
one or other of these, according to the number of shares of stock he has subscribed, and
that the majority of votes shall determine the location of the proposed institution.
^'The number of members within the limits of Philadelphia yearly meeting nho
have paid an instalment is 589, they have paid $18,330 on a subscription of $34,025.
The whole subscription as far as reported paid and unpaid is over $46,000.
#'The sum of $73,875 has been subscribed to the stock of the Association, of
which $22,375 was subscribed within the limits of New Yor# Yearly Meeting, $46,000 within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and $5,500 from within the limits of Baltimore Yearly Meeting; of this sum about $37,000 has been paid in up to the time of the
present meeting.1
^The following friends were appointed inspectors of the votes to be cast for
the location of the school? B. Rush Roberts, of Baltimore, John D. Hicks, of New York,
and Clement M. Biddle, of Philadelphia.
•Plans of the West Dale and Wissahickon properties were presented to the meeting,
with descriptions of their respective merits.
^The Managers for 1865-6^J
^The following friends were appointed to nominate managers for the ensuing years
(New York), Samuel Willets, Samuel J. Underhill, Daniel Underbill, Hannah Haydock,
Phoebe Bunting, and Eliza Bell; (Philadelphia). Thomas Mellor, Daniel Foulke, Wm.Parry,
Rachel Johnson Q"acksonj, Jane Jackson jjTohnsonj and Ann A. Townsend; (Baltimore) .Gerard
H. Reese, Eli Lamb, Daniel Stubbs, Martha E. Tyson, Jane
Townsend, and Rebecca
Turner.
^The subject of the proposed purchase of a property for the location of the School
or College, submitted by the Board of Managers, was,
upon consideration, referred for
decision to a stock vote of the contributors, to be conducted by the inspectors chosen
for that purpose, the voting to commence at the adjournment of this meeting, and to
continue till the opening of our next session, after which Clement M. Biddle, in behalf
187
of Philadelphia; W m . C . Biddle, in behalf of New York; and Edward Hoopes, in "behalf of
Baltimore, are appointed to receive votes until the eleventh instant, at 12 o'clock, M . ,
at which time they shall report to the Board of Managers, who are authorized to purchase
the property indicated by the vote, and have the title vested in trustees until the
charter is obtained.
The present inspectors are requested to hand the votes they may
u
receive to their successors under seal.
*Then adjoiirned till 7| o'clock this evening.
f^At the adjourned meeting, convened at
o'clock P . M .
JPThe Nominating Committee reported the following named friends to serve as Managers the ensuing year; Prom PHILAUELPHIA, W m . Dorsey, Edward Parrish, Isaac Stevens,
David J . Griscom, Joseph Powell, Edward Hoopes, Deborah F . Wharton, Helen G . Longstreth,
Harriet E. Stokely j s t o c k l y ^ , Rachel T . Jackson, Phoebe W. Foulke, and Sarah P . Flowers.
^ N E W YORK; Samuel WilletS, Samuel J . Underhill, Ellwood Burdsall, John D.Hicks,
Valentine Everit, Edward Merritt, Hannah W . Haydock, Phoebe M . Bunting, Eliza H . Bell,
Ann S. Dudley, Caroline Underhill, Lydia S . Haviland.
^BALTIMORE: Thomas H . Mathews, Benjamin Rush Roberts, Gerard H . Reese, Levi K .
Brown, Rebecca Turner, Mary L . Roberts, Martha E . Tyson, and Jane S. Townsend.
Jl - The printed report of this meeting contains the following "Supplement"!
^Report of the Inspectors,
12th Month 11th, 1863.
**To the Board of Managers of Friends' Educational Association:^The Inspectors appointed at the meetihg of Friends' Educational Association
on the 1st instant, report that there have been cast in favor of the Wissahickon
Property 427 votes, and in favor of the Westdale Property 1458 votes.
Signed, EDWARD HOOPES,
WM. CANBY BIDDLE,
CLEMENT M . BIDDLE,
Inspectors.
#For the information of the contributors the following facts are submitted:Is nearly as can be ascertained, at the meeting held 12th month 1st, there
were cast in favor of the
Wissahickon Property by
66 persona
228 votes.
Since that time by
112
•
199
"
Making in all by
178 persons
427 votes
^And on 12th month 1st, in favor of the
Westdale Property by
338 persons
987 votes.
Since that time by
170
*
471
"
Making in all by
508 persons
1458 votes.**
188
fKho were
duly elected.
* W m . D . Parrish was nominated as Clerifc, and Edith W . Atlee, as Assistant Clerk,
for the ensuing year, which was approved by the meeting, and they were accordingly
appointed^*"
On the evening of 12th. Month 1 , 1863, after the adjournment of the second session
of the Association^ annual meeting, the Board of Managers met.
members were present.
Twenty-five of its
The only business transacted was the appointment of a committee of
three (Edward Hoopes, Edward Parrish and Joseph Powell) "to prepare a draft for a Charter
and report to a meeting of the Board."
William C . Biddle was also appointed Treasurer of
the Association.
The Purchase of "West Dale", 1864
At the Board's meeting in the Race Street Meeting-houBe on 12th. Month 11,1863,
with sixteen Members present, the Association's vote on the location and the name of the
college was reported, and the Board, appointed a committee of four (Edward Hoopes, Joseph
Powell, William D . Parrish, and William Dorsey) toj^examine the title of the property
offered for sale to the Association known as the West Dale property and if no obstacles
present of sufficient importance in their judgment to defer action in the premises they are
hereby directed to purchase the same and vest in the following named persons as Trustees
for the Stockholders to be conveyed by then as hereafter directed by the Association;
Daniel Foulke, Clement Biddle, Myers Fisher Longstreth; the said trustees to make a declaration of trust to William D . Parrish, William C. Biddle, and William
Dorsey of the
purpose for which it is held by them whose dut£ it shall be to see that the trustees make
such conveyance as the Association may direct.^
At the next meeting of the Board, in Race Street Meeting-house on 3rd. Month 1 ,
1864, seventeen members being present, the committee appointed to purchase the property
at West Dale reported "a right of way across the tract which it has been decided to purchase, belonging to the adjoining property on the West." The committee recommended a
/
SirThis was the roadway which then ran across the $outh college campus to the Railroad jo
^tation from the tl^st, and which was ranoved ^outh of the Railroad.
189
hange in this right of way to a point near the line of the Rail Road, to which all
.e parties in interest that now can be communicated with, are consenting."
It also
icoramended the removal of "the northern line of the property it is proposed to purchase
.rther north, so as to embrace certain springs on the land of John Ogden.
The price of
e Southernmost portion embracing about 42 Acres to be $200. per Acre and of the remainder
longing to John Ogden $250. per Acre."
"On consideration", the Board then ^ a g r e e d to instruct the Committee to proceed
the purchase of the property as presented ih their Report, securing the additional land
d springs on the north belonging to John Ogden and also the proposed change in the right
way, as far as practicable.
If the Charter shall have been obtained when the convey-
ce is made they are directed to have it made to the Corporation without the aid
ustees.
of
They are also directed to have a topographical survey of the ground made with
ference to the location of buildings and other improvements.**
At the next meeting of the Board, in Race Street Meeting-house 5th. Month 6 , 1864,
th eighteen members present, "the Charter as obtained from the Legislature of Pennsylvanwas read"; while "the Committee to purchase the property reported that the purchase had
en made bp.t the conveyance had not been executed on account of the necessity of waiting
2V"
e action of the Court of Delaware County."
The committee was continued, with Isaac
ephens added to its membership, and the Treasurer was "directed to pay the purchase
ney agreed upon by our Committee for the property in Delaware County to the respective
ners thereof on its legal conveyance to the Corporation of Swarthmore College."
Finally, at the next meeting of the Board in Race Street Meeting-house on 12th.
nth, 5, 1864, twenty-seven taembers being present,^the following report was read and
cepted; the committee further informing that, ih conveying the property temporarily
the parties named they had acted under legal advice.
I One year earlier (March 13, 1863), The Republican, of Chester, Pa., reported the sale
to R . T . Ogden of "a 15-acre lot, near ffestdale, on the West Chester & Phila. R.R.,
belonging to Mr. Rush, for $100 per acre."
- That is, in regard to the changing of the roadway.
190
Report
*The Conimittee have purchased three tracts of land contiguous to each other in
Springfield Township, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, at West Dale station on the line
of the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad; conveyances for all of which have been
made to Daniel Foulke, Clement Biddle and M . Fisher Longstreth appointed to receive the
title to the same*
1 Three Tracts and their Roadways I
5
^First - A tract of 26 Acres 140 TO Perches conveyed by Jajaes Markoe and Elizabeth B . Cox Trustees under the will of William M . Oamac d e c
d
for deed dated the 24th.
day of the Sixth month A.D., 1864, bounded on the north by the tract hereinafter referred
e. ^
•?
*
to as purchased from John Ogden, on the w^st by the Chester and Springfield road, on the
south by a 50 feet wide lane or Road dividing it from land of Sickles' and on the west
i
by the tract purchased from Daniel Smith Jr and next described. This tract has a front
6?
on the Chester and Springfield Road of 131 TOQ Perches, and said Road is 50 feet wide
throughout the length of the property by concession of the former owners of the land on
62
both sides. The cost of this tract was $5375 "TOO,
•^Secondly - A tract of 15 Acres & 123 Perches conveyed "by Daniel Smith Jr and
Wife by deed dated the 25th. day of the Sixth Mo. A.D. 1864 "bounded on the north "by the
tract next described purchased from John Ogden, on the east by the tract above described
purchased from Markoe & Cox, on the south by the said 50 feet wide lane or Road and on
4
the west by land belonging to the heirs of Benjamin W . Ingersoll d e c . This tract cos^*
$3153.75.
^Both the above tracts are intersected by the West Chester and Philad*. Rail Road
running nearly east and west at a distance of about 34 Perches from the southerly
boundary.
Both were purchased subject to two roads or passage-ways, one of 50 feet wide
the south line of which is the middle line of the Rail Road and the other of 25 feet in
width along the line of the tract purchased from John Ogden, and both appurtenant to the
tract "belonging to the Ingersoll heirs on the west.
The Trustees "by deeds dated the
8th. day of the 11th Month 1864 obtained a release of the interest of five (5) out of
seven of said heirs in said 25 feet Road and granted them in exchange a Road of the same
width across the above two tracts at a distance varying from 20 to 27 Perches north of
the Rail Road.
As to the remaining two sevenths of said Road one is owned by parties
residing in the Southern States who are not accessible, and the other by Alexander W .
Ingersoll who is insane.
Pour of the heirs of Benjamin W . Ingersoll have however by
agreement dated the 8th. of the 11th. Month, agreed to indemnify the owners of the two
tracts across which the Road exists against this last mentioned interest.
*0n the tract first described and south of the Rail Road there is a spring into
which the owners of the Tract secondly described\a£ the Ingersoll Tract have the right to
enter and introduce apparatus for forcing the water to the high grounds of the respective
tracts in common with the owners of the tract in which the spring exists.
"Thirdly - A Tract of 51 Acres 106.62 Perchds conveyed hy John Ogden and wife by
deed dated the 5th. day of the Seventh month A.D. 1864 bounded on the north by other
land of John Ogden,
on the east by the Chester and Springfield Road, on the south by
the tracts first and second described, and by the Ingersoll tract, and on the west by
Cram Creek.
This tract has a front on the Chester and Springfield Road of 27.45 Perches
and in the Creek of 172.6.
It cost $12,916.59.
It also contains three valuable springs
adjacent to each other with an ample supply of water and sufficient power to force it
to a suitable elevation.
4TThe parties to whom the conveyance was made have executed a Declaration of Trust
for the foregoing property dated the 12th day of the 8th Month A.D. 1864.
possession of William C. Biddle.*
«
It is in the
V,- f C ^
Such were the steps taken to untangle the skein of titles, rights of way and
trusteeships, in which the property was enmeshed; and by the Summer of 1864 the college
was given a local habitation.
Its name also had been decided upon, and a very happy name
192
it nas.
Famous in Quaker annals^from the days of George Fox and Margaret Fell, the
cradle and nursery of early Quakerism were associated with it; and as the center of
activities of the "First Publishers of Truth", it was an inspiring name for a school
of higher learning and the training of teachers. Precisely when it was suggested for
the proposed college is unknown; but it was decided upon at the first annual meeting
of the Friends' Educational Association on the 1st. of 12th. Month, 1863, and it took
the place of the Association's name in the first article of the charter which was procured a few months later.
The suggestion of the name is generally attributed to
Margaret Elgar, the wife of Benjamin Hallowell, and her eldest son gives direct testil y
mony to that fact.
Although the modern spelling of Swarthmore has been accepted in-
stead of the ancient Swarth Moor, it is curious to find a frequent error in the spelling of Swathmore perpetrated at the very beginning by the Friends themselves.
For
example, the Friends' Intelligencer for 12th. Month, 19, 1863, acknowledges the following "Erratum. - In our editorial of last week, the name of the new College was, by mistake of the printer, given 'Swathmore' instead of Swarthmore."
2l &
r
Edward Parrish, writing two years later, jtays of the selection of the site:
^ T h e selection of a location for the proposed institution called forth a zealous advocacy
of different sites, and was followed by corresponding disappointment among those whose
advocacy was unsuccessful, but the expression by a vote of a large majority of the
stodk, ftas provided by the constitution, was a final settlement of the question.
-
The property procured for the location of Swarthmore College is composed of a portion
of that known as West-Dale, from having been the birth-place of Benjamin West, with
contiguous land; it is located in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, about ten miles from
Philadelphia, with which city it connects by the West Chester and Philadelphia Railroad,
passing through the place, and furnishing a station at a convenient distance from the
building site.
It contains ninety-four acres and five perches of land, and is bounded
on one side
by the Springfield and Chester road, and on the other by Crum Creek, a
f
* *
°'
th,
^
6 4 rn
9
""TP —•
flr I
•
} i . Ill Essay on Education**
Ou *1866.-pp.49^.f
193
'winding and rapid stream.
After a thorough examination of the rural districts sur-
rounding Philadelphia, the managers were generally agreed that a more eligible location for such a purpose could scarcely be found.
The land is high, commanding an exten-
sive prospect of variegated scenery, and a distant view of the Delaware Eiver, the
ancient town of Chester, the first landing-place of William Penn in his Province, and
Media, the county town, distant one and a half miles, in which, it may be remarked, the
sale of liquor is prohibited by law, in all time to come.
There are several springs
contiguous to each other on the high ground, sufficient to furnish an abundant supply
of pure water, and water-power to pump it to the required elevation.
On the north-west
the land is covered with an abundant growth of trees, adapted to afford protection to
the grounds in winter; the wood-land is ample for shaded walks, and the banks of the stream
afford a feature of romantic beauty rarely surpassed.
The property cost $21,446.96.*
Having described the^three eligible sites, the "Circular" issued by the Board
continues as follows;\ f
( VThe Constitution of 1863
®The Constitution adoptecfat the first meeting of the Association having given
dissatisfaction to many friends, on account of the provision it contained for the election of Managers of the proposed School by a stock vote, movements were made at large
meetings of the contributors, held during the times of the late yearly meetings of Philadelphia and New York, to have the Constitution revised, so as to protect the moneyed
interests of the institution by providing for a stock vote upon any propositions affecting the purchase, sale, or disposition of the real estate, while the election of Managers
is by a majority of the members, each individual having one vote.
No charter having been
obtained, and the Association not having as yet exercised any functions of a corporate
body, the approaching meeting will be competent to adopt such a Constitution and draft
of a Charter as may meet the views of the contributors, who will accordingly be called
upon to decide upon those to be matured and submitted to then by the Board.
* T h e Corporate Title
^The name "Friends' Educational Association' having been adopted as a provisional
194
title, it is proposed that at the approaching meeting a distinctive name, to be applied
to the Institution and to the Association, should be considered of and adopted.
]
|
^Payments, etc.
)
*Those persons only who have paid an instalment on the capital stock of the Assoj ciation being entitled to vote at the elections, it is proposed that the local receivers
i
!
j should collect the instalments due upon all subscriptions as far as practicable before
5
| the time of the meeting, and furnish the Treasurer with a list of these, with their proper
)
| post-office address in time for use at the annual meeting.
for the accommodation of such
j
! as cannot conveniently make their payments sooner, the Treasurer will be in attendance,
| at the place of meeting, one hour before the time appointed.
i
*Proxy votes will be received, and individuals desiring to examine the properties
described, will be directed as to the best arrangements for visiting them by application
to either of the -undersigned.
Signed
WILLIAM D. PARRISH,
EDWARD HOOPES,
EDWARD PARRISH,
Philadelphia, 11th M o . 21st, 1863.
Committee of the Board of Managers.*
^Several Amendments to the Constitution being read and deliberately considered
were unanimously approved, and recommended for adoption to the next annual meeting.
^CONSTITUTION CONTAINING THE AMENDMENTS AS APPROVED AND RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION
AT THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
Article I.
*The members of the Association shall consist of those persons, male and female,
who shall become stockholders under an act of incorporation to be hereafter obtained.
The capital stock shall be fifty thousand dollars, which may be increased from time to
time to any sum not exceeding three hundred thousand dollars, to be divided into shares
of the value of twenty-five dollars each, transferable on the books of the Association
only with the consent of the Board of Managers.
195
Article II.
*Fhe first meetjlnjj^of the Association shall be held on the first Third-day in
the Twelfth Month, 1 8 6 2 ^ a t 3 o'clock P.M., in the 6ity of Philadelphia, and those held
thereafter at such times and places as may be designated by the Association.
clerk and assistant clerk, who shall be ex officio members of the Board of
Managers, shall be appointed at each annual meeting, who shall make and preserve regular
minutes of the proceedings, subject to the adoption of the meeting at the time.
Special
meetings of the Association shall be called by the clerks at the written request of any
twenty members.
Article III.
^ h e management of the Institution shall be under the direction of thirty-two
managers, sixteen of each sex, who shall be elected at an annual meeting, under the care
of three inspectors to be appointed at the time by the Association.
Eight of said man-
agers shall be elected for one year, eight for two years, eight for three years, and
eight for four years.
The term of service for each manager shall be decided by mutual
agreement amongst themselves, and eight managers shall be elected to serve for four years,
annually thereafter.
^They shall have power to fill any vacancy that may occur in their board.
They
shall all be stockholders and members of the Society of Friends, and an equitable proportion of them shall belong to each of the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New York,
and Baltimore, and other Yearly Meetings, the members of which subscribe to the stock.
Tlie election of managers shall be by ballot and votes by proxy shall be received, each
stockholder having one vote; and a majority of votes so cast shall determine the election,
and also all other subjects voted upon. Provided that all questions affecting the purchase of real estate, or locatioh of the college, the removal of the same after location,
or the sale of the whole or any portion of the real estate, shall be decided only at a
stated or special meeting by a majority of the votes cast, each share being entitled to
one vote, and no such purchase, sale, or transfer of the real estate shall be made without
having been proposed at a stated or special meeting held at least three months previously.
196
j
/^And. further provided that no alteration to this Constitution shall be made
except at a stated meeting of the Association, by a vote in its favor either in person
or by proxy of the majority of all the stock.
Notice of any proposed change in the Con-
stitution shall be given at the Annual Meeting, and decided upon at the next annual
meeting, the said proposed change shall be placed in full upon the minutes, and each
stockholder shall be notified thereof.
^Should the Association fail to elect at any annual meeting, the managers of the
i
i previous year shall continue in office until successors are elected, and the following
1
**
1 named persons shall act as managers until others are elected:
-
Article IV
* T h e Board of Managers shall appoint their own officers and frame By-laws for
their government subject to the approval of the Association.
•*When the amount of the capital stock is subscribed and paid in, they shall provide for the purchase, erection, furnishing, and future management of the College, which
it is the object of the Association to establish.
*No contract for real estate, building, or furnishing the Institution, shall be
entered into •unless the money for the same be in the hands of the Treasurer, and they
shall at no time incur expenses in its management beyond the available resources of the
current six months.
PThey shall appoint a Treasurer of the Association who shall cdllect, receive,
and hold the funds, subject to the order of such committees or officers as they may
authorize to draw upon him, and they shall audit and settle his accounts at least twice
every year.
^They shall make full reports of their proceedings to the members at the annual
meeting of the Association, and a printed copy of their report shall be furnished to each
of the members.^
^The Corporate title not having been heretofore agreed upon, on deliberate co&I
Here weretListed the thirty-two managers chosen for 1862-63 (See i n f r a , - i 4 6 r £
197
r
sideration Swarthmore College was adoptel".^
#The Board of Managers are instructed to take the necessary measures to procure
an Act of Incorporation from the Legislature of Pennsylvania, embodying the Constitutional provisions, as approved at this meeting, and submit the same to our next annual
meeting.
#Then adjourned tb meet the first Third day in 12th month next, at 3^ o'clock
P.M.
W . D. PARRISH,
EDITH W . ATLEE,
c l o r k s
^ j t u t f
*
Semultbeo on the Charter
The question of
charter for the\sohoo^ which had been raised in the first
and second meetings of the Board, wqs brought up in a special (the third) meeting which
was held in the Friends' Meeting-house on Rutherford Place, New York, the 27th. of 5th.
Month, 1863.
This change of place was doubtless made because of the holding of the
conference in New York on that date, and also probably to accommodate the New York members of the Board; but only twenty members in all attended.
TP
The minute of this meeting
st
reads as follows: *The Committee continued in 1
Mo. last, to obtain an Act of Incor-
poration, reported: that they had made application for it to the Legislature of the State
of Pennsylvania, but so late in the season that, although it passed the House of Representatives, the Legislature adjourned before it could receive the sanction of the Senate.
The Committee was continued to prepare another draft of a charter and submit it to this
1
; Board before applying for an Act of Incorporation. *
ffhe Charter,..5th. Month 4| 1064
The question
*
n ChnrtiWi whloh had boen-rleft in abeyance by the BoardV^nee
JL*?
*
*
its meeting in New York in 5th. Month, 1863,fwas taken up again with renewed vigor^- at
-tk^jmeeting ef tho Beard on the 1st. of 12th. Month, 1863. At this time a committee of
three (Edward Hoopes, Edward Parrish and Joseph Powell) was appointed "to prepare a
^
draft for a Charter and report to a meeting of the Board."
- Cf. supra, pp. -687—t&O,
At the next meeting of the
198
SeevA on the 11th. of 12th. Month, 1863, the committee "presented a draft of a Charter
which with some alterations was approved"^ and the committee was continued^"to apply
for its sanction "by the Legislature of Pennsylvania."
At the BeogAt^meeting on 3rd.
Month 1 , 1864, "Edward Hoopes on "behalf of the Committee to secure a charter, reported
that, owing to the delay in the organization of the State Senate the Charter had not
"been procured as yet, though introduced into the House of Representatives.
Ho doubt is
entertained in regard to its passage through both branches of the Legislature."
At the
next meeting of .tho BeopA. on 5th. Month 6 , 1864, "the Charter as obtained from the Legislature of Pennsylvania was read"; and the Board reported it to the Association at the
annual meeting, 12th. Month 6, 1864.
The manuscript minutes
include the following two paragraphs which
were omitted in the printed Proceedings:
^ T h e following Report was read and accepted
Friends' Educational Association
^ T h e Board of Managers report, that, as instructed by the Association at its last Annual Meeting they have procured a charter constituting a body politic and corporate, under the corporate title of Swarthmore College.
This charter,
approved on the Fourth day of the Fifth Month 1864 was subsequently accepted by the Corporators named therein, who at a meeting held on the 20" of Fifth Month 1864 declared
as their Associates, the subscribers to Friends' Educational Association who had then
paid or should thereafter subscribe and pay to the Treasurer an instalment of Five
dollars with the intention of joining the said Corporation.
^Whereas the action has been taken under the direction of Friends' Educational
Association and its organization has all tended to the procurement & acceptance of such
a Charter^Now therefore, we recommend that the Association by vote in its present meeting should formally merge itself into the said Corporation of Swarthmore College adopting
the Amended Constitution as approved at the last Annual Meeting. A certified Copy of
isaid Charter is forwarded herewith.%
199
The printed proceedings of the annual meeting continue as follows!
4*The Charter and minutes of the corporators named in the Act were read, as
follows!
An Act to incorporate Swarthmore College.
Be It enacted by tfoe Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania jjj General Assembly met, and It is hereby exacted; That James Martin
! John M . Ogden, Ezra Mlchener, Mahlon JC. Taylor, Thomas Bldgway, James Mott, Dillwyn
j
j Parrish, William W . Longstreth, William Dorsey, Edward Hoopes, William C . Biddle,
i
; Joseph Powell, Joseph Wharton, John Sellers, Clement Biddle, P . P . Sharpies, Edward
i>
' Parrish, Levi X . Brown, H^gh Mfcllvain, Pranklin Shoemaker, and their associates and
?
successors forever b e , and they are hereby made and constituted a body politic and
corporate, under the corporate title of Swarthmore College, and under that name shall
have perpetual succession, and are hereby empowered, and made capable in lair, to
purchase, take, hold, and enjoy to them and their successors, lands, tenements, and
hereditaments, stock, goods, chattels, and effects: Provided,
the clear annual value
thereof shall not exceed thirty thousand dollars, and to sell, demise £sic J , convey,
assure, transfer
and dispose of their estate, or interest therein, and also to im»
prove and augment, and apply the same, with the rents, Issues, profits and income
thereof, to the purposes of their institution; and the said corporation, by the name
aforesaid, shall and may sue, and be sued; plead, and be impleaded; answer, and be
answered; defend, and be defended, in all courts of law and equity, and shall have
power to make, have, and use a common seal, and the same to change, alter and renew
at their pleasure, and also to make and execute such by-lairs, ordinances and regulations, not contrary to the laws and constitution of this Commonwealth, as to them
shall seem m e e t .
20 3# .
The Charter was printed in a leaflet, in 18 65, and in a pamphlet, with Its
Supplement of 1870,.in 1870. It was also printed in the friends' Intelligencer.
v s i . m , A p . 15s
James Martin, the first named incorporator of the college, died March 3 , 1866,
at the.age of seventy-eight, and is referred to, in D r . Parrish»s diary as followsj
"One of my father's oldest & best friends & Mother Hunt's guardian when an orphan
child. He will be much missed in our Meeting & among a large circle."
200
8»ctlon 2*
That the said corporation b e authorized to establish and maintain a school and
college, for the purpose of imparting to persons of both sexes, knowledge in the various
branches of science, literature, and the arts, and the board of managers shall have
power, to confer upon the graduates of the said college, and upOn others, when, "by their
proficiency in learning, they may be entitled thereto, such degrees as are conferred by
] other colleges or universities in the United States*
| Section "S* That the capital stock, of the said corporation, shall "be fifty thousand
/
j dollar^? divided into two thousand shares of twenty-five dollars each, with the privilege
f to increase the same, from time to time, to a sum not exceeding three hundred thousand
dollars, and the said school or college may go into operation when the sjna of fifty
thousand dollars has been subscribed* and the stock shall be transferable in conformity
with the rules and by-laws of the corporation.
The meetings shall be held annually,
twenty-five stockholders shall form a quorum, and special meetings may be called by the
managers at their discretion, and notice shall he given of the animal and special meetings of the corporators, at least ten days previous to the time at which they are to be
held, by advertisement in three daily newspapers, one published in the city of Hew Y o r k ,
one in the city of Philadelphia and one in the city of Baltimore? the officers of the
coxporatlon shall he two clerks, a treasurer and thirty-two managers, all of whom shall
be members of the religious society of Friends, and shall be chosen by ballot from among
the stockholders at their annual meeting; but in case of failure to elect the officers
at the stated time, those in office shall continue until others are chosen. The clerks
shall he ex-officio members of the Board of Managers, and eleven members shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business*
The government and direction of the said
school and college, the appointment and employment of professors, and other officers concerned therewith, and the general management of the affairs of the College, shall he entrusted to the board of managers, who shall have power to enact such rules and regulations,
not Inconsistent with the constitution, and amendments thereto, adopted by the corporators
A Supplement to the Charter, dated April l U , I87O, p e m i t t e d the capital stock to he
increased to $500,000. (See infra. A .
).
201
as they shall see f i t .
Signed,
BERRY C . JOHNSON,
Speaker of the House of Representatives,
JOHN P . PENNEY,
1
Speaker of the Senate ^
Approved the first day of April, A . D . , 1864.
A . G . Curtin, Governor.
-^MINUTES OF CORPORATORS,
a meeting of the Corporators named in the Act to incorporate Swarthmore
College, held 5th month 20th, 1S6H, in Philadelphia:
^Present eleven Corporators*
^Edward Parrish was appointed Clerk.
^ T h e act of incorporation, as approved the first day of Uth month, 1S6U, and
certified by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, was read and accepted.
•fin testimony whereof a duplicate of this minute was duly signed by all present.
#The subscribers to Friends' Educational Association who have now paid, or shall
hereafter subscribe and pay an instalment of five dollars to the Treasurer of the Association, with the intention of joining this corporation, are declared our associates;
and in any election for managers, each subscriber shall be entitled to one vote*
1
The
clerk is directed to have the necessary notice given of a general meeting of the corporation, to be held on the sixth day of the Twelfth month next, at which an election for
officers and managers shall be held*
Then adjourned.*
The Constitution, 1865
The minutes of the second annual meeting of the corporation, in December, I865 ,
record that "the Committee appointed last year to engross the Constitution produced a
copy, which was satisfactory; and the Clerks are directed to enter it upon the Minutes*"
J -
A Supplement to the Charter, dated April lkf I970, permitted the
capital stock to
be Increased to $500,000 (see
22^")
29&X-0/-J
These mimites contain a manuscript copy of the Constitution, which is as
btf-
followss
C o n s t i t u t i o n of Swarthmore College,
^Article I . - The capital stock shall he fifty thousand dollars, which may "be
increased from time to time to any sum not exceeding three huhdred thousand dollars, to
be divided into shares of the value of twenty-five dollars each, transferable on the
books o£ the Association only with the consent of the Board of Managers*
^Article I I . - The annual meeting of the Stockholders shall be held on the
first Third-day in the Twelfth month, in the city of Philadelphia. A clerk and assistant
clerk, who shall be e3&»offlclo members of the Board of Managers, shall be appointed at each
annual meeting, who shall make and preserve regular mimites of the proceedings subject to
the adoption of the meeting at the time.
Special meetings may be called by the c l e r k s ^
at the written request of _any twenty Stockholders. ,
^Article I I I . V B w - a a i
ircnmnnt rif lilin Innti tiitl nn Bhnl 1 "hn under thn flj
thirty-two managers, sixt^fcp of each sex, who shall be e^edted at an annual meeting,
er ^ e care of three inspector's^ to be appointed at/the time, s^ght of said praagers
stfall be eleo^ed for/one year, eight KQr two years/eight for three yeax|s, /efd eight for
fojur years.
"jThe term o£\serrice for each ®dn£i&er shall be d e c i d e d l y mutual agjr&gment
ng tji&iselves, and eightNaembers sij^CLl be elected to s e r v e r or four years, annually
Sanftor,—They ohall' have powgat.to fill any vauAwy-stliat ukt^ uuuux- lu Llxtjlr Doarfl*lf-~ The Charter of 1864 (with its Supplement of April 1 4 , 1S70) , the Constitution and
By-Laws were printed in a pamphlet of 12 pages, without place or date. The Charter
of 1864 and the Constitution as adopted in I865 were printed in a leaflet of 4 pages,
without place or date. On Page 4 of the latter, there appears in the foot-notet"At
the same meeting Q l 2 t h . Month 5,1865 J the capital stock was increased to $200,000, and
, the Board of Managers then elected authorized to issjie certificates of stock to that
amount." When the Supplement to the Charter permitted the increase of the capital
stock to $500,000 (See infra. Al»
) , the stockholders at their seventh annual meeting (12th. Month 6 , I870) authorized the Board to issue certificates of stock to that
amount*
ay nha"!,! a],-] >e nt.nrMUblflprn rm^ TnTnHrg "f th? ^ii'Tivty
n
J
Trl t ^ n, ti r- -tfil I "11
tion of them shall belong to each of the X^arly^Meetings of Philadelphia, B&LtinJpre,
New \ o r k , and other Yearly Meetings, the cambers of which subscribe to th©/stock.
The election of Managers shall tie by ballot, a M votes by proam/shall be reV
ved, each Stockholder having one vote^/and a majority of Votes so cast/shall determine
h|B election, arid, also all other subjects voted u p o n .
"Provided, that all questions affecting the purchase ^f refcL estate, or loca^on of the College,^he removal of the same after location, or t l W s a l e of the whole or
ny portion of the realNesta^e, shall be decided only at a stated/o^ special meeting, by
majority of the votes osst, each share being entitled to one v6te; Nand no such purchas^,
ale or transfer of the real\estate shall be made without haviag been proposed at a
tated or special meeting held\at least three months previous
"And further provided^, that no alteration in this Constitution shall be made
xcept at a stated meeting of the Stockholders by a vote in its favor, either in person
r by proay«/of the majority of all the stock.
"Notice of any proposed change, in the Constitution shall be given at the annual
eetin^/and decided upon at the next annual\meeting; tfye said proposed change shall be
lacejf in full upon the minutes, and each Stc&diolder/shall be notified thereof.
\
"Should the Stockholders fail to e l e c \ a ^ any annual meeting, the managers df
» preriouo year shall continue lit ufflce imlll-jjudcessors aro olooted*
^Article I V . — The Board of Managers shall appoint their own officers, and
rame by-latfs for their govenment, subject to the approval of the Stockholders.
4*When the amount of capital stock is subscribed and paid in, they shall proide for the purchase, erection, furnishing, and future management of the College.
^HIo contract for real estate, building, or furnishing the institution shall
e entered into unless the money for the same be in the hands of the Treasurer, and they
hall at no time incur expenses in its management beyond the available resources of the
uxrent six months.
I-WThe Treasurer of the College shall collect, receive, and hold the funds, subject to the order of such committees or officers as they may authorize to dfaw upon him,
and they shall audit and settle his accounts at least twice every year.
<*They shall make full reports of their proceedings to the members at the annual
meeting of the Stockholders, and a printed copy of their report shall be furnished to
each of the m e m b e r s . ^
TjU^M^A^L
/ ft 7
G
Tfte Supplement to the Charter of 1864, granted on April 14, 1870 (which per2P
mitted Article I of the Constitution to be modified), is as follows: * k Supplement to
'An Act to incorporate Swarthmore College,' authorizing an increase of Capital Stock.
^Section 1 .
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in General Assembly met, and it is hereby enacted by the
authority of the same: That the Board of Managers shall consist of thirty-two Managers,
who shall choose a President and Secretary from their own number, and said officers
shall affix the corporate seal and attest all documents as may be directed by the Board
of Managers.
^Section 2 .
That the capital stock of said corporation may be increased so as
to amount in the whole to five hundred thousand dollars, and the said Managers may borfow money on bonds, to be secured by mortgage on the real estate of the corporation to
trustees for the bond-holders, to an amount not exceeding one hundred thousand dollars,
^Section 3.
That women, single or married, may be members^^f said corporation
and Managers thereof.
B . B . STlCANG,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
CHARLES H . STINSON,
Speaker of the Senate.
^Approved the fourteenth day of April, Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred
and seventy.
JOHN W . GEARY j^Governor^j
89B1->C I -pj
Office of Secretary of the Commonwealth,
Harrisburg, April 30, A . D . 1870
Pennsylvania, ss:
do hereby certify, That the foregoing and annexed is a full,
(
SEAL)
true, and correct copy of the original Act of the General Assembly,
entitled "A supplement to 'An act to incorporate Swarthmore
College,' authorizing an increase of capital s t o c k , ^ a s the same remains on file in this
Office.
^ I n testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of
the Secretary's Office to be affixed, the day and year above written.
J . M . WEAKLY,
Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth.*
The Seal, 5th. Month 12, 1865
The committee on the charter had also been authorized, at the meeting of
8
1st. Month 13, 1863, "to obtain a design for a seal ; and at the meeting of 5th. Month
6, 1864, it reported "attention" to the duty, and was directed to have a seal "suitably
engraved for the use of the corporation."
Seven months later (12th. Month 5, 1864),
the committee reported that it had not yet completed the seal, and the subject was referred to the incoming Board of Managers.
This Board at its meeting on 12th. Month 6,
1864, appointed Edward Hoopes, Isaac Stephens and Joseph Powell a committee on finance,
and instructed them "to procure a Seal and assist the Treasurer in the issue of Certificates of Stock: said Certificates to be sealed, and signed by the Treasurer and attested
by the Clerk."
Finally, at the Board's meeting on the 12th. of 5th. Month, 1865, "the
Finance Committee reported that they have procured a seal, an impression of which was
exhibited to the Board, and are prepared to issue Certificates of Stock."
The Curriculum, etc.
Meanwhile, during 1863-64, the Board worked upon various aspects of their
task other than the procuring of a charter and the purchase of a site. At its meeting
in Bace Street Meeting-house on the 11th. of 12th. Month, 1863, it appointed a committee
JSCW
of thirteen "to take into consideration the whole subject of the character of the proposed school or College, to visit Institutions of learning and obtain information which
might aid the Board of Managers in carrying into effect the object of their appointment."
This important committee's thirteen members were: Rachel T . Jackson, Edward Parrish,
Phebe W . Foulke, William Dorsey, Helen 0 . Longstreth^ David J . Oriscon and Harriet E .
Stockly, of Philadelphia, John D. Hicks and Hannah W. Haydock, of Hew York, and Gerard
H . Reese, Benjamin Rush Roberts, Jane S. Townsend, and Martha E , Tyson, of Baltimore.
Three months after its appointment, the committee presented to the Board at its
next meeting on 3rd. Month 1 , 1864, a report "on the organization of the School, &c.,
»eting-
.™.„rt
—
—
objects
brought into view by the report of the Committee on the organization of the School, &c.,
were furthered, discussed.
The number of pupils provided for at the commencement, it
was agreed, should be Three hundred, but that the collecting and lecture rooms should
accommodate at least Pour hundred, and the general plan should be such as to be extended
as occasion may require and should be adapted to secure the classification of the students
into separate groups having something like the family relation.
It was agreed that it
should be an object to combine completeness and economy as far as practicable throughout
the School, and that any restrictions upon the pupils in the matter of dress should have
reference to obviating unfavorable distinctions among them.
The branches to be taught
and the qualifications for admission to the preparatory department were much discussed
and referred with other details in regard to the buildings, their estimated cost
be further reported on by the Committee.
to
They are continued and Joseph Powell and Edward
Hoopes (both members of the Board from Philadelphia! added to their number.*
A correspondent who signed himself G , and was probably David J . Griscon, supplemented the meagre minutes of the Board by a brief article contributed to the IntelligeneBr
for 3rd. Month 12, 186^.^ This article was entitled "Swarthmore College", and was as
foliawsjIiVlt is well known that those who are most interested in the proposed School or
College are constantly ipet by the query, Why are you so slow in your movements?
you not inform us as to the kind of school you propose to establish?
sion, etc.?
Why do
terms of admis-
The answer has been, and, to a great extent must continue to be, These
points have not yet been determined, neither can they b e , until it is ascertained how
far the members of the Society of Friends are willing to extend aid and encouragement to
the work.
is, however, gratifying to learn that at the meeting of the Board of Managers,
on the first of this month, several important questions were presented for consideration
by the committee upon organization, appointed in Twelfth month last.
^Among these was the proposition to ascertain the prohable expense of a central
building, to comprise within its walls all the rooms needful for scholastic purposes,
including cabinets for collections in Natural History, library, laboratory for chemical
manipulations, lecture rooms, etc.; said besides this school building which could not well
be enlarged with the increased demand of such an institution, to ascertain also the cost
of smaller ones for boarding, lodging, etc.
#It was suggested that the grouping of the students into separate families might
be introduced as a feature in the discipline and culture out of school, and that by the
erection of these several smaller buildings this view might be carried out, and from time
to time, as the necessities of the institution may demand, the number of these be increased.
^ H o w to make this desirable feature accord with the necessary economy in the
cooking and eating arrangements was a question necessarily referred for future consideration, when the Managers shall have availed themselves of the judgment of experienced
teachers and architects.
was recommended that it would be well to provide as early as practicable for
fr - vol. -e^/fe. 10.
s r
r
"
~ ~
the laying out of the grounds, with trees in considerable variety and for a garden of
classified plants with reference to botanical instruction.
*The wants of the Collegiate and Preparatory department were separately considered, but no definite plan in connection with the course of studies to be pursued in
each was decided upon.
^ I t is obvious that in order to establish this Institution successfully (even
with a strict observance of economy) a larger sum of money will be required than has
yet been subscribed.
*Those already interested in this undertaking feel the want of a greater number
of active workers, especially from among the younger classes, and they ask of these such
an interest as will induce them to do their part in their different neighborhoods, by
presenting to their friends the necessity of a greater appreciation of the cause of
education, and the claims which this Institution makes upon them.
*In addition to this, they desire that every one may feel a confidence that the
religious concern which prompted the origin of this organized body, will preserve the
1
present, and any future Board of Managers in faithfulness to the trust committed to them. '*
l^Tassa^ Female College", which was coming into being at the same time as Swarthmore, was evidently one of the "Institutions of learning" very much in the minds of
Swarthmore's founders^ An editorial notice of it in the Intelligencer at this time
(3rd. Month 19, 1864)
reported t h a t ^ t h e trustees of this munificent enterprise met at
Poughkeepsie, on the 23rd ult., The founder read a paper, giving his views as to the
elevation of Woman, and he hoped that, in the selection of the faculty of the college,
'no distinction should be made on account of sex, where the candidates possess equal
qualifications.'
It was voted that the Executive Committee exert themselves to prepare
the building for the opening on the 14th of 9th m o . next. Liberal appropriations were
nade for the purchase of apparatus, etc."*
_
j
The site of the new college having been decided upon, and its general plan
fr ml ntt '
having been nnfcHngrir jgi
l 17 mil iifrpTlniii il' next step was to arrange for the necessary
•buildings. At its meeting on 5th. Month 6 , 1864, "the Committee on organization made a
report exhibiting plans of building &c; after much interesting discussion they were
continued"; and later in the same meeting, a committee of five (Gerard H . Reese and
Thomas H . Matthews, of Baltimore, Edward Hoopes and Edward Parrish, of Philadelphia, and
John D . Hicks, of New York) was appointed "to consider and report on the best plans for
the College buildings in accordance with the general features agreed upon by this Board."
-his meeting, like its predecessors, and all the Philadelphia conferences, had
been held in the Race Street Meeting-house; but even before the titles to the Westdale
fields had been duly acquired on June 24 and 25 and July 5, 1864, it was decided to
begin to introduce the new purchase to Friends generally.
The first Friendly organiza-
tion that appears to have met on Swarthmore's fair campus was the Friends' Social Lyceum
of Philadelphia, which had filled a prominent place for several years in the intellectual
life of Philadelphia Quakerdom.
£1
The Friends' Intelligencer for 7th. Month 2 , 1864,
gives the following account of the occasion: 'The Lyceum held a meeting on the property
recently purchased for Swarthmore College, on 3rd day, 21st ultimo.
Invitations were
extended to Friends in different sections, and as the day proved auspicious, about 300
persons were in attendance.
Philadelphia city, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks and
Lancaster counties, in Pennsylvania, were represented, and a number of our friends from
the adjoining States of Delaware and New Jersey also attended.
It was a pleasant fea-
ture of the occasion that the company was composed of old and young, all of whom participated in the pleasurable feelings inspired by the occasion.
Groups of Friends from
the various sections embraced the opportunity to exchange friendly greetings, and distributed themselves over the extensive grounds; some climbing the hills and rocky prominences, and others strolling along the valley, through which the lively stream, known
as Crum Creek, finds its way to the Delaware - while numbers of children amused themselves
with balls, skipping ropes, and other appliances, which had been generously provided by
one of the members.
^ o s t of the visitors had furnished themselves with refreshments, and about
12 o'clock groups were formed for the repast, which was generally spread upon the
ground, and a Friend in the neighborhood kindly furnished an abundance of pure milk.
3S
After being thus refreshed, the company collected in the woods,
j prepared for the occasion.
to hear the exercises
Seats had been arranged, and when all were comfortably acco-
mmodated, T . Clarkson Taylor, of Wilmington, was called upon to preside,
^ h e order of exercises was as follows:1.
Salutatory Address, by J . 3 . Hunt, M.D.
2.
Poem, written for the occasion, by Ann Preston, M.D.
3.
Lecture on the Influence of cell-tissue on animal and vegetable life,
by T . C. Taylor.
4.
Defence of (Quakerism, a poem, by Jacob M . Ellis.
5.
Where was the first Friends' Meeting organized in Pennsylvania?
which is
the oldest Monthly Meeting now existing in America, and which the largest
in the world?
by Ezra Michener, M.D.
6.
Elocutionary Reading, by Esther J . Trimble.
7.
The Tomb of Moses, a poem, by William H . Seaman.
8.
Remarks, by Edward Parrish.
9.
Is the theory of Professor Espy, in regard to the production of rain^ by
combustion, sustained by facts?
by Thomas Walter
10. Recitation, by Charles A . Dixon.
11. Did William Penn occupy the house at 2d St. and Norris' Alley?
give its
history, and also of the dwelling in Letitia Court, by T . Clarkson Clothier.
12. A Poem, by Susanna M . Parrish, written for the occasion, read by M . A .
Fulton.
j
)
After the conclusion of the exercises, the company again dispersed in pursuit
This may have been approximately the site of the Magill Outdoor Auditorium.
of enjoyment and recreation, and toward evening returned to their homes by public and
private conveyance5. We think all who were present will acknowledge that the day was
both pleasantly and profitably spent
The "Poem by Susanna M . Parrish, written for the occasion, read by M . A . Pulton",
was naturally inspired by thoughts of the Civil War still raging, and of the new
Quaker College just beginning.
1
It was published in full in the Intelligencer. and the
following stanzas give its lesson and flavor:
j
*Ohl what a thought that while we're blest
With this fair scene around;
The blood of brothers and of sons
Is crimsoning the groundl
ViWV**While here blest spirits might look down,
#
And smile approving smiles,
There, demon eyes might gloat to see
Their own destructive wiles. - - - - f Ohl
ye whose office 'tis to train
The early steps of youth,
And lead them in the pleasant paths
Of knowledge and of truth — — '
& Ohl let these times renew your zeal,
And with new purpose warm,
To shed the brilliant light of truth
Upon war's demon form.
^ T e l l them it has stalked down to u s ,
From a far distant age,
When man untamed and barbarous.
Let his fierce passions rage.
2
T
D
8
d
Q
r
t
^ ~ I l l ^ K ^ e same ocdsfon" , were°also Srfnlec^fr' the inte^llgencer toSi^ sl^ pp? 28§^ ,
'
300, 316), but were of a mire general character*.
1JM^^
; -/
|
rf^And
}
as ye show gigantic bones,
Hid in the sand-stone red,
|
i
'
Marking an era of our earth,
Unfit for human tread;
i «fc Tell them, as wondering and aghast,
i
They turn them from the view.
That war, the Mastodon, one day
i
Will mark an era tool
t
^ A n d let us build a temple here,
Sacred to peace and love;
The warlike eagle must not be
Its emblem, but the dove.
•f* We may not found a Prophet' s School,
But we may plan for one,
When the rapt prophet's dream of peace
May haply be begun.
Where knowledge shall not handmaid be
To falsehood, but to truth;
And all that's pure and beautiful,
I
Shall form the mind of youth
t
The Board and the Corporation j
fit.*-
Friendly interest in the new institution and a vision of its possible usefulness
were evidently growing.
By this time, too, the contributions to the stock of the college
were amounting to encouraging sums, despite the "hard times" at the end of the Civil
War and the very large financial, educational and other interest taken "by the Friends
in the newly enfranchised "freedmen."
The minutes of the Board at its meeting on
12th. Month 5, 1864, reveal that "by reports from the several local Receivers we are
informed that the subscriptions in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting amount to about Fifty
five thousand dollars, in New York to about Thirty two thousand dollars, in Baltimore
to about Six thousand dollars, which with interest accumulated amounts to about Ninetyfour thousand dollars."
At this meeting [^*the Committee on plans for the College buildings made a
report exhibiting plans and partial estimates , which claimed the attention of the Board.
I The Board was united in the conclusion to recommend £to the Corporation^the construction of buildings somewhat similar to those proposed, including a centre college building and at least two of those adapted to dwelling purposes so soon as the funds collected
will allow; and to look toward the rapid increase of the fund for its completion.*'
The Corporation's annual meeting had been announced in the Intelligencer for
LfO
11th. Month 26, 1864,
to be held in Race Street Meeting-house on "Third day the 6th of
Twelfth Month, 1864, at 3 o'clock P.M."
Edward Parrish, Clerk, signed this notice,
which stated also that the officers for the ensuing year would be elected at the meeting,
and that "by direction of the Corporators named in the charter, the subscribers to
Friends' Educational Association who have paid an instalment of five dollars, with the
intention of joining this Corporation, are constituted members of it, and all such are
invited to attend the meeting."
In preparation for this meeting, the Board at its meeting on 12th. Month 5,1864,
appointed a committee of seven (John D . Hicks, Edward Merritt, Benjamin Rush Roberts,
Isaac Stephens, Harriet E . Stockly, Hannah W . Haydock and Edward Parrish) "to framja
report to the Corporation."
The next morning, this committee presented to the Board "a
Report to be presented to the Corporators this afternoon, which was read, approved and
directed to be forwarded."
0 - V o l . ^ . A p . 600.
The
New
Corporation
The official minutes of this, the last Annual Meeting of Friends' Educational
Lssociation and the first Annual Meeting of the Corporation of Swarthmore College, into
?hich the Association merged, were printed in a 4-page leaflet, and read as follows:
=*At a Meeting of Friends' Educational Association held 12th month
6th, 1864, at Bace Street Meeting-House, Philadelphia:
P r e s e n t numerous members from within the limits of New York, Baltimore,and
'hiladelphia Yearly Meetings.
*The Meeting was informed of the death of our valued Friend, William D . Parrish,
!lerk of the Association.
^Edward parrish was appointed to serve as Clerk until an election should be
.eld.* ^ „ .. _
TOua^M-irynftog
ftf
TTHgnHgt
TjVWTi f i n n n l
fl ,
Ull.lllllt* unfltiinj., Tinn n m h nm , 1 Pft<1,
^•n-Lliiim u.b folluwm:
^After deliberate consideration, the said charter was, by vote, unanimously
pproved, and Friends' Educational Association is hereby declared to be merged into the
orporation of Swarthmore College, conveying to said corporation all its rights and inerests.
Our local receivers and Treasurer are directed to pay over to the Treasurer
o be elected under the charter, all monies on hand, or that they may receive; and
aniel Foulke, Clement Biddle, and M . Fisher Longstreth are directed to convey the propery held by them, to said corporation, when the Board of Managers shall request said coneyance.
^ T h e Constitution, with the amendments acs approved and recommended at the last
nnual meeting, was now read, and, by vote, unanimously adopted.
4%-.en adjourned."
*At a meeting of the stockholders of Swarthmore College, held at the adjournment
f the meeting, as above, according to due notice given at least ten days previously in
-
The original manuscript minutes, which begin with this meeting, are preserved in a
minute-book containing the minutes of twenty-one annual meetings from 12th. Month 6 .
1864, to 12th. Month 2 , 1884.
/
- )
one paper published in each of the cities of New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore:
ballot for clerks being ordered, Samuel J . Underhill, B . Rush Roberts and
Joseph Powell were appointed Inspectors of Election, who reported that Edward Parrish
and Edith W . Atlee were duly elected.
/The Constitution of Friends' Educational Association, as far as it accords with
the charter, was by vote unanimously adopted to govern this corporation.
To engross the
Mm constitution with such changes as may be required to adapt it to the corporation,
and report next year, William C. Biddle, Samuel Willets, Edward Hoopes, and B . Rush
Roberts were appointed.
**£o nominate a Treasurer and thirty-two managers for the ensuing
-'a -
This Constitution, adopted in 1865, is given infra, p p . •835
8 8 ^
^lTJ
^
-iti"
/ iJr.
yj?,.
John D . H i c k s , Samuel W i l l e t s , P h e h e M . B u n t i n g , M a r y H a v i l a n d , from N e w Y o r k ; J o s e p h
M . T r u m a n , J r . , Joseph C . T u r n p e n n y , L y d i a A n n S t e p h e n s , A n n e S h o e m a k e r , a n d M a h l o n
K . T a y l o r , from P h i l a d e l p h i a ; B . R u s h R o b e r t s , Gerard H . R e e s e , R e b e c c a T u r n e r , a n d
Martha E . T y s o n , from B a l t i m o r e , w e r e a p p o i n t e d .
"^"The following Report w a s read a n d a c c e p t e d :
•^REPORT OF THE B O A R D O F MANAGERS TO T H E CORPORATORS OF SWARTHMORE
COLLEGE
& T h e charter for Swarthmore College h a v i n g b e e n obtained from the L e g i s l a t u r e
of the State of P e n n s y l v a n i a , a proved b y the G o v e r n o r , a n d a c c e p t e d b y the corporators
named t h e r e i n , "Friends' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n " m e r g e s into the "Corporation of
S
Swarthmore College", w h i c h a s s u m e s all the r i g h t s , t i t l e ^ , and p r i v i l e g e s p e r t a i n i n g
to a c o r p o r a t i o n .
To carry this into e f f e c t , w e recommend that the B o a r d of Managers
about to b e elected b e instructed to issue the requisite certificates of stock, a n d to
collect the u n p a i d instalments as fast a.s they b e c o m e d u e .
• * B y reports from the receivers a p p o i n t e d b y Friends in Philadelphia., New Y o r k ,
and B a l t i m o r e , it appears that a b o u t $94,000 h a s n o w b e e n subscribed to the s t o c k , of
which a b o u t $75,000 has b e e n p a i d in to the several r e c e i v e r s .
W e regret that a larger
amount of subscriptions have not b e e n o b t a i n e d d u r i n g the p a s t y e a r .
This m a y p a r t l y
be a t t r i b u t e d to the general desire a m o n g F r i e n d s to see a m o r e definite p l a n of the
p r o p o s e d Institution; a n d the a t t e n t i o n of the B o a r d has been turned towards m a t u r i n g
such a p l a n .
fz-The result of the vote o r d e r e d at the last a n n u a l m e e t i n g , to determine the
location of the C o l l e g e , was soon after r e p o r t e d to the B o a r d a n d embodied in the p u b lished m i n u t e s , of w h i c h a copy w a s sent by m a i l to each s t o c k h o l d e r , as far a s practicable.
The decision of the stockholders to direct the purchase of the West-Dale
property has b e e n carried o u t , a n d the tract p u r c h a s e d , consisting of 94 a c r e s a n d 50
p e r c h e s , i n Springfield t o w n s h i p , D e l a w a r e c o u n t y , P a . , at West Dale s t a t i o n , on the
Westchester R a i l r o a d , a n d fronting on the Springfield a n d Chester road; distant a b o u t
ten m i l e s from P h i l a d e l p h i a .
The whole p r o p e r t y cost twenty-one t h o u s a n d , four h u n d r e d
a n d forty-five d o l l a r s , ninety-six cents ( $ 2 1 , 4 4 5 . 9 5 ) , a n d has b e e n conveyed to D a n i e l
F o u l k e , Clement B i d d l e , a n d M . Fisher L o n g s t r e t h , who w e r e a p p o i n t e d to receive the
oroperty on our b e h a l f , j f a j j ^
^
greatly enhanced p r i c e of m a t e r i a l a n d labor h a s p r e v e n t e d u s from
proceeding at once w i t h the requisite b u i l d i n g s .
O n the other h a n d , the u r g e n c y of
some who h a v e calculated w i t h confidence u p o n s e n d i n g children to this I n s t i t u t i o n ,
prompts u s not to postpone l o n g e r than n e c e s s a r y the commencement of this important
undertaking.
W i t h a v i e w , t h e r e f o r e , to m e e t this w a n t o ' p a r e n t s , and encourage fur-
ther interest in the concern, we h a v e concluded to r e c o m m e n d the erection of a centre
College b u i l d i n g , and two d w e l l i n g s , one on each s i d e , somewhat in accordance w i t h the
plans p r e s e n t e d , as soon as the funds subscribed w i l l warrant the e x p e n d i t u r e .
probable cost of these will not be less than $ 1 0 0 , 0 0 0 .
The
The remaining b u i l d i n g s , w h i c h
will be essential to the a c c o m m o d a t i o n of a sufficient number of p u p i l s to m a k e the Institution self-sustaining at a m o d e r a t e c h a r g e , to b e erected w i t h funds hereafter
obtained.
^ " U p o n the numerous subjects w h i c h naturally a r i s e in regard to the i n s t i t u t i o n ,
the grade of attainment required for a d m i s s i o n , the branches to b e t a u g h t , & c . , as far
as we h a v e p r o g r e s s e d , our conclusions h a v e b e e n u n i t e d a n d s a t i s f a c t o r y .
The object
with w h i c h we set o u t , to a f f o r d facilities "for p u r s u i n g a liberal and a n extensive
course of study to such as desire to do s o , equal to that of the best institutions of
learning in our country," has been kept steadily in v i e w ; a n d a l t h o u g h it m a y not b e
possible to carry this out at o n c e , the effort should n o t b e relaxed until the object
is a t t a i n e d .
A t the same t i m e , it is important to m e e t , to some e x t e n t , the great
demand w h i c h exists for a school of somewhat lower g r a d e , a f f o r d i n g less advanced educational f a c i l i t i e s , n e e d e d by ma ry who h a v e c o n t r i b u t e d , and m a y yet contribute to
v?-the stock.
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We therefore propose the o p e n i n g , a s early as p r a c t i c a b l e , of the pre-
liminary d e p a r t m e n t , in w h i c h p u p i l s m a y he p r e p a r e d for the collegiate course by the
time the necessary buildings are read;/, a n d the properly qualified teachers
selected.
In the organization of the collegiate a n d normal d e p a r t m e n t , it h a s been our
object to combine completeness a n a economy; the n u m b e r of teachers and p r o f e s s o r s , the
branches to be t a u g h t , a n d the arrangements to facilitate instruction in e a c h , h a v e
claimed separate and serious c o n s i d e r a t i o n , a n d r e s u l t e d in the p l a n s p r e s e n t e d , a s
far as they can be determined in a d v a n c e .
« W i t h a view to the p r o s e c u t i o n of investigations in Chemistry and n a t u r a l
H i s t o r y , a practical l a b o r a t o r y , m i c r o s c o p e , a n d a collection of m i n e r a l s a n d other
natural objects are designed; also a garden of c l a s s i f i e d p l a n t s , w i t h special reference to b o t a n i c a l s t u d i e s .
The laying out of the grounds w i t h ornamental trees in
considerable v a r i e t y , each jjroperly l a b e l l e d , is recommended to the early a t t e n t i o n of
the new B o a r d of M a n a g e r s .
c(
In the plan of i n s t r u c t i o n , M a t h e m a t i c s , the C l a s s i c s , some of the M o d e r n
L a n g u a g e s , English L i t e r a t u r e , H i s t o r y a n d R h e t o r i c , D r a w i n g , a n d Ornamental P e n m a n s h i p
will necessarily he included, a n d , when our funds will a l l o w , a Telescope should b e
provided for the special u s e of the a d v a n c e d c l a s s , a n d for the b e n e f i t of all the
students and t e a c h e r s . .
The extent to which the various departments of learning can be a l l o t t e d to
separate Professors a n d subordinate t e a c h e r s , must depend u p o n the number of pupils
and the means p l a c e d at the disposal of the B o a r d .
It is thought that a classifica-
tion of the students into g r o u p s , h a v i n g something, like the family r e l a t i o n , s h o u l d , if
p o s s i b l e , be introduced as a fea.ture in the discipline a n d culture of the students,
both in a n d out of s c h o o l , and in our p l a n s we h a v e endeavored to m a k e this desirable
feature accord w i t h the necessary economy in p r o v i d i n g and cooking for the whole n u m b e r
By p l a c i n g over each separate h o u s e h o l d a sixitable m a t r o n , u n d e r w h o s e superintendence
the p u p i l s of h o t h sexes n n y , at p r o p e r h o u r s , daily s i n g l e , it is b e l i e v e d that the
influence of each over the other would be iiost s a l u t a r y , and that m a n y of the disadvantages of boarding-school l i f e regretted by p a r e n t s g e n e r a l l y , w i l l b e o b v i a t e d .
In conclusion, the B o a r d would earnestly p r e s s u p o n the Corporators a n d
Friends g e n e r a l l y the great importance of the w o r k in w h i c h we are e n g a g e d .
The large
stun a l r e a d y s u b s c r i b e d , the a l m o s t u n i v e r s a l favor w i t h w h i c h the object is regarded
by the w i s e and good of our H e l i g i o u s S o c i e t y , a n d the excellence of the location now
secured, a n d paid f o r , a n d , a b o v e a l l , the u n i t y w h i c h h a s p r e v a i l e d in our c o u n s e l s ,
give p r o m i s e of u l t i m a t e
success.
A l l that is needed is a n earnest a n d persistent effort to raise the necessary
means; a n d , w i t h the b l e s s i n g of P r o v i d e n c e , w e b e l i e v e a great a n d beneficent w p r k
•afcmay b e a c c o m p l i s h e d , for the g o o d of our children a n d children's
^The
children.
plans s u b m i t t e d , ^ w i t h a m a p of the grounds as p u r c h a s e d for the location
of the C o l l e g e , were directed to b e p u b l i s h e d for circulation a m o n g the s t o c k h o l d e r s .
^ T h e subject of a u n i t e d effort to increase the subscription to the capital
stock, b e i n g before the m e e t i n g , fifteen of those p r e s e n t duplicated their previous
subscriptions, one F r i e n d triplicated h i s s u b s c r i p t i o n , one subscribed for twenty
shares, one for f i v e , a n d one for e i g h t , in all 114 s h a r e s , in a d d i t i o n to previous
subscriptions.
^ I n f o r m a t i o n w a s received of some p r o s p e c t i v e
subscriptions.
^ S i x Friends offered subscriptions of one thousand, dollars each (40 shares)
on condition of one h u n d r e d new subscriptions being o b t a i n e d for a like a m o u n t . '
A b a l l o t was o r d e r e d .
Daniel U n d e r b i l l , for U e w Y o r k , Clement M . B i d d l e , for P h i l a d e l p h i a , a n d
Dillwyn P a r r i s h , for B a l t i m o r e , were a p p o i n t e d Inspectors of E l e c t i o n .
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^ T h e Insjjectors reported in w r i t i n g that W i l l i a m C . Biddle h a d heen dulyelected T r e a s u r e r of the C o r p o r a t i o n , and the following
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
0
s
- - -
T h e n adjourned to meet on the first T h i r d - d a y in the 12th m o n t h , 1 8 6 5 .
EDWARD PARRISH,
EDITH W . A T L E E
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Clerks.
^ : In v i e w of the long time necessarily consumed in p h o t o g r a p h i n g the plans in sufficient n u m b e r s , it has been concluded to issue the p r e s e n t Circular without
them.
Those desiring copies will p l e a s e address Samuel W i l l e t s , N e w Y o r k ; Gerard H . R e e s e ,
B a l t i m o r e , or one of the C l e r k s , P h i l a d e l p h i a ; enclosing stamps for n o s t a g e , if to
be sent b y m a i l .
_
A p h o t o g r a p h of the "Plan of the Swarthmore College p r o p e r t y in S p r i n g f i e l d , Dela
a w a r e C o . , p e n n s '" is a t t a c h e d to the p r i n t e d copy (a 4 - p a g e l e a f l e t ) of the m i n utes of this meeting now in the Friends Historical L i b r a r y at the C o l l e g e .
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The new B o a r d of Managers elected by the Corporation for 1864-65 included
Hugh Mc Ilvain, Clement Biddle a n d Letitia S . C a d w a l l a d e r , instead of E d w a r d P a r r i s h ,
David J . Griscom and Sarah p . F l o w e r s , of P h i l a d e l p h i a ; J o h n G . H a v i l a n d , instead of
V a l e n t i n e E v e r e t t , of Hew York; and Susan H . J o n e s , instead of M a r t h a E . T y s o n , of
Baltimore.
David J . G r i s c o m , whose h e a l t h h a d been gradually declining for a d e c a d e ,
withdrew from the Boar^l w h i c h , on h i s death a few m o n t h s l a t e r , a d o n t e d a m i n u t e of
Si
appreciation of h i s devoted labors in behalf of the c o l l e g e .
M a r t h a Tyson had b e e n
a m e m b e r of the Board for 1862 - 63 and 1863 - 64; but h e r own a n d h e r h u s b a n d ' s declining health caused the loss h e n c e f o r t h of h e r a c t i v e , but by no m e a n s her sympathetic
and i n d i r e c t , a i d to the college of h e r d r e a m s .
Benjamin and Mar aret E . Hallowell
had also b e e n members of the first b o a r d in 1862-63; bat they too w i t h d r e w at the end
of that y e a r from official connection with the c o l l e g e , and one w e e k b e f o r e the Corporation's m e e t i n g on the 5th of 1 2 t h . M o n t h , 1 8 6 4 , they suffered a severe loss in the
death of their daughter Mary Hallowell B r o o k e , the y o u n g w i f e of W i l l i a m S . B r o o k e , w h o
died in-her twenty-fifth y e a r . _
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Edward P a r r i s h , who had b e e n a member of the B o a r d in 1362-63 and 1 3 6 3 - 6 4 ,
was not reelected for 1 3 6 4 - 6 5 , but w a s nevertheless a p p o i n t e d b y it one of its two
clerks, a n d on 5 t h . M o n t h 1 3 , 1 3 6 5 , w a s elected the first p r e s i d e n t of the c o l l e g e .
A s one of the two clerks of the S o a r
, and as one of the two clerks of the C o r p o r a t i o n ,
h e was considered ex officio a m e m b e r of the B o a r d ; but it m a y h a v e been w i t h a. view
to electing him to the presidency that he was not formally re-elected in 1864 a.
member of the Board, u p o n w h i c h the choice of a p r e s i d e n t w o u l d d e v o l v e .
The m i n u t e s of the B o a r d ' s meeting for 5 t h . M o n t h 1 2 , 1 8 6 5 , g i v e the following simple account of the election of the n e w p r e s i d e n t
ft*
-proposition b e i n g introduced to appoint a Friend a s P r e s i d e n t of the College w h o s e duty it shall b e to l o o k
n
- M i n u t e s , 5 t h . l.lonth 1 2 , 1 3 6 5 7
-2 ... -igfacro wore present at this m e e t i n g 19 of the SB munbcru*
vfc;*^
2Sr ^ t $
toward the organization of its several departments; the selection of T e a c h e r s , and
the creation and p r o m o t i o n of an increased interest in the concern l e a d i h g to larger
subscriptions to the s t o c k .
•^On m a t u r e deliberation it w a s u n i t e d w i t h a n d referred to the following
Committee: Samuel W i l l e t t s , R a c h e l T . J a c k s o n , Isaac S t e p h e n s , Gerard H . R e e s e , Jane
Townsend, Edward Hoopes.
fter a recess Samuel W i l l e t t s , on behalf of the C o m m i t t e e , reported t h a t ,
they all m e t a n d w e r e u n a n i m o u s in p r e s e n t i n g for consideration of the Board the name
of E d w a r d P a r r i s h for p r e s i d e n t , w i t h a. salarv of Two thousand d o l l a r s , and travelling
S I
e x p e n s e s , w i t h w h i c h full a n d entire u n i t y w a s e x p r e s s e d , by every m e m b e r p r e s e n t , and•
tie appointed to the O f f i c e .
4*The T r e a s u r e r is directed to p a y the same in quarterly
T r u l y , this w a s the day of small (material) t h i n g s .
instalments."
B u t it is noteworthy
that the same arduous tasks of o r g a n i z a t i o n , faculty s e l e c t i o n , a n d financial support
were exacted then as now of the college p r e s i d e n t .
T h i s essential step in the develop-
ment of the college doubtless caused a great deal of comment in F r i e n d l y circles;
b u t , strangely e n o u g h , there is no reference to it in the F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r , - not
f f
even in a r e p o r t , on 6 t h . M o n t h 3 , 1 8 6 5 ,
of the conference on the college h e l d in
P h i l a d e l p h i a at the time of Yearly M e e t i n g a fortnight b e f o r e .
A h a l f - y e a r l a t e r , the
Report of the Board submitted to the A n n u a l M e e t i n g of S t o c k h o l d e r s , held on 1 2 t h .
Month 5 , 1 3 6 5 , contained the following reference to the new p r e s i d e n t a n d to the new
f S
plan for increasing subscriptions to the stock: ^ " I n view of the v a r i e d a n d increasing
duties of raising the m e a n s for the completion a n d f u r n i s h i n g of the b u i l d i n g , and also
of organizing the several departments of the school a n d c o l l e g e , searching out the most
suitable t e a c h e r s , p r o f e s s o r s , a n d other o f f i c e r s , a n d embodying in p r a c t i c a b l e shape the
There were present at this m e e t i n g 1? of the 32 m e m b e r s .
VoMtWr, y . 2 0 0 . Edward p a r r i s h h a d b e e n prominently connected w i t h the editing of the
Intelligencer for some y e a r s , a n d this may b e a p a r t i a l though inadequate explanation of
its r e t i c e n c e .
Jrtgnth8*--IntPl11^PTiCfiJ, V o l . gr?t r .
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p l a n s and idea.s of those who have "been concerned, for its e s t a b l i s h m e n t , the B o a r d h a s
found it necessary to l o o k toward the apoointment of a P r e s i d e n t of the C o l l e g e .
Upon m a t u r e d e l i b e r a t i o n , w e h a v e conferred this a p p o i n t m e n t u p o n E d w a r d P g r r i s h , a.
Friend, who was early led into this concern from a sense of d u t y , a n d w h o , we b e l i e v e ,
has a c c e p t e d the position w i t h a just idea of its importance and r e s p o n s i b i l i t y , a n d
an earnest determination to devote his energies to its p r o s e c u t i o n .
He has p r e p a r e d
and p u b l i s h e d a small volume entitled, 'Education in the Society of F r i e n d s , P a s t ,
present, and Prospective,'
w h i c h is devoted to an exposition of the general subject
of education in our S o c i e t y , and of the plans and objects of our c o r p o r a t i o n .
It is
adapted to create an interest a m o n g those w i t h w h o m it w o u l d be impossible to obtain
satisfactory interviews, and if widely circulated and followed u p b y the right k i n d
of personal effort, w i l l , r e confidently h o p e , lead to largely increased
subscriptions'?*
Edward P a r r i s h ' s ' E d u c a t i o n in the Society of Friends**had been advertised
7
i
in the Intelligencer for 1 0 t h . M o n t h 7 , 1 8 6 5 , as follows:
"JUST P U B L I S H E D . -
Education in the Society of F r i e n d s , - P a s t . P r e s e n t , and P r o s p e c t i v e .
By Edward
p a r r i s h . - This little volume is p u b l i s h e d by J . B . Lippincott & C o . . P h i l a d e l p h i a ,
and sold, retail, at 60 cents a c o p y , or m a i l e d , p o s t a g e p a i d , a t 70 c e n t s .
It m a y
also be obtained by a d d r e s s i n g the p u b l i s h e r of F r i e n d s ' I n t e l l i g e n c e r . 3t 923."
f%
In the same n u m b e r of the Intelligencer,' it received an editorial review,
containing long quotations and the few following comments: ^ T h e v a r i o u s topics treated
of in this neat little volume should interest every m e m b e r of the Society of F r i e n d s .
^ T h e A u t h o r reviews the state of e d u c a t i o n a m o n g Friends from the rise of
the Society to the present time, a n d concludes w i t h a synopsis of the objects and p l a n s
of the corporation w h i c h h a s g r o w n out of F r i e n d s ' E d u c a t i o n a l A s s o c i a t i o n .
^ T h e claims w h i c h oxxr y o u t h have u p o n u s , a.na our duty toward t h e m , are
earnestly and ably p o r t r a y e d , a n d w e hope the w o r k will enlist the a t t e n t i o n w h i c h the
importance of the subject d e m a n d s . - - ~
Ibid, f . 4 9 6 . "
~ '
~
Ibid f . 4 8 3 - I t was p u b l i s h e d b y J . B . L i p p i n c o t t & C o . , 76 pages.plus an A p p e n d i x of
4 p a g e s containing "An A c t to incorporate S w a r t h m o r e College" a n d a list of the Managers for 1 8 6 4 - 6 5 .
commend the hook to the notice of F r i e n d s , a n d hope they will p u r c h a s e ,
I
* read and circulate it in their respective neighborhoods
A f t e r the laying of the corner-stone of the first college building (which
was later called Parrish H a l l ) , on the 1 0 t h . of 5 t h . M o n t h , 1 3 6 6 , Edward P a r r i s h
added to his •^Essay on E d u c a t i o n ^ an account of the Proceedings on that occasion.
This
account comprised 23 p a g e s , thus expanding the * E s s a y * from 76 to 99 p a g e s , and a
second edition of the b o o k was published in 1866 by J . B . Lippincott & C o .
The
frontispiece gives an exterior view of P a r r i s h Hall as the architects proposed to
complete it^
a.nd four pages (between the first and second parts of the ***Essay*j
are devoted to the interior plans and description of the buildings three stories a n d
"attics"
Y ^
— 1
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r ^ J U ^ t
How m u c h the first president of Swarthmore College was indebted for his
f *
views of h i g h e r education among Friends to its^founders, Martha Tyson and Benjamin
Hallowell, lias been foreshadowed in their *j^dressgS%f" 1 3 5 3 , 1354 and 136^.^"" During
the summer and autumn of 1365, a l s o , when the question of the prime object and basis
of the college was being hammered out among m a n y Friends of many m i n d s , Martha Tyson
and Benjamin Hallowell contributed their counsels through the columns of the Intelligencer.
&2>
The former, over the familiar initial of T_ , wrote an article of four columns,
in which she took up again her favorite thesis that a liberal education\waar essential
to the spread of early Q u a k e r i s m ^
Quaker w o r t h i e s ^
substantiating it by m a n y references to early .
and that if Swarthmore College could supply such an education it
would be of inestimable benefit to the present and future usefulness of Quakerism.
Three months l a t e r ,
Benjamin Hallowell contributed an article commending
Martha T y s o n ' s , and endeavoring to answer a feeling which was evidently prevalent
among Friends that a liberal education was actually deleterious to the spiritual
% i
Infra, k .
C 2 - Infra,
<»o - V o l . S B n P P . 342 -If3 (8th M o n t h 5 , 1 8 6 5 ) .
6 4 - I b i d , F p . 550 - i i (11th. Month 4 , 1 8 6 5 ) .
/ J W • %/
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SB.- PARRISH'S
Q.UALIFIOATIOligr
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(After referring to his home in the c o l l e g e , president P a r r i s h
I
continues:
feel humbled when I reflect that I h a v e had so large a share in the greet w o r k of
building this c o l l e g e , and that I am here-: at its b e a d w i t h the concurrence o f all
its m a n a g e r s & p a t r o n s . - M y short experience thus far ^ b o u t two m o n t h s ] indicates
that I am called to the p o s i t i o n & fitted for it by N a t u r e & b y p r e v i o u s p u r s u i t s .
In such learning a s a full college course gives I a m d e f i c i e n t , b u t I have h a d m o r e
experience in public affairs & in business than most scholars or scientists could
by their pursuits a t t a i n .
A n a this experience g i v e s m e facility in d e a l i n g with
«
m a n a g e r s , committees & the public & fits me to a d m i n i s t e r the v a r i e d & complex a f f a i r s
^
which lie outside the range of t e a c h i n g . - Then I h a v e facility in teaching by
l e c t u r e s , which is the kind of instruction most difficult to obtain in filling u p the
requirements of such a c o l l e g e . -
I have m o r e o v e r a n intense sympathy w i t h young
^ ^
people & feel that I can appreciate their w a n t s & overlook the deviations from proriety incident to their time of l i f e . - Frank & Lizzieybeing in thi school - Frank
es the head of the College Class - I h a v e an a d d i t i o n a l tie b i n d i n g m e to i t . - At-
A
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sm
D r . Parrish's own statement in regard to his election as the first president
of the college was written at the beginning of his "Private Notes & Memoranda" under
date of 1" Mo 1.186S as follows: W T h e most important event in my history during the
past year was election to Presidency of Swarthmore College in embryo. Salary $2000.
This entails a great deal of work & responsibility.
I must raise $100,000 in 1866
i
without if or but.
I must also oost myself up in every requirement."
r.A^tx.
a
A t the time this note was written, Edward and^Ife.rgaretypa.rrish^and their five
children had left their former home on Tenth Street, in Philadelphia, and were boarding
at No. 1015 Cherry Street.
Of this place, D r . Parrish wrote, under the same date: " ^ W e
are boarding - a great change - in some respects an improvement, less care for wife &
self - We have 4 rooms at 1015 Cherry - are well accommodated - Sarah Antrim as kind
as could be - keeps a clean & comfortable house.
Giving up our house in 10" St,
caused by the owner wanting it, seemed a hardship but is not now regretted - Our
furniture stored - We have a few other boarders in the house chiefest among then Dr
Thomas, a very learned man especially in
languages
& general literature, a most
instructive companion - I think he has a sincere friendship for m e , I know I have for
him - His society is of immense value to a man of my position & pursuits."^
The fellow-boarder thus affectionately and admiringlyXmffitioned was Dr.
Joseph Thomas, whom President Parrish mentions several more times in his Notes, and whom
he was to recommend to the board as one of the first professors in the new college.
Dr. Thomas's connection with Swarthmore was not to begin, however, until eight years
later; and meanwhile, under date of 5/l/l866, D r . Parrish records the following disappointment: "In the University of Pennsylvania an important election for Prof of English Literature - My friend D r . Thomas was the candidate on whom man}' of us had centered
(j - These "Private Notes & Memoranda" are written in Dr. Parrish's own hand on 46 pages
of a blank-book, which came into the possession of his son Clemmons and then into
that of its present owner, Clemmons' son Henry Clay Parrish, of the Class of 1895
in Swarthmore College. The Notes begin with January 1 , 1866, and the last of them
is dated January 14, 1872.
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our hopes.
We are disappointed.
C . Ji Stilled is elected.
for our excellent friend & are sadly disappointed."
We did all we could
1
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