USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Springfield > History of the "Old High School" on School Street, Springfield, Massachusetts, from 1828 to 1840 : with a personal history of the teachers : also, the names of 265 pupils, with their history in part : with portraits and a sketch of the building > Part 1
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OLD HIGHSCHOOL 1828. EMINARY 1832.
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Gc 974.402 Sp8ca 1981122
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL : GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01068 4568
HISTORY
OF THE
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL"
ON SCHOOL STREET,
AND THE
"FEMALE SEMINARY"
ON MAPLE STREET,
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS.
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/historyofoldhigh00chap_0
Letras. Wolahafrin.
HISTORY
OF THE
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL'
ON SCHOOL STREET,
SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS,
FROM 1828 TO 1840,
WITH A PERSONAL, HISTORY OF THE TEACHERS,
ALSO
THE NAMES OF 265 PUPILS, WITH THEIR HISTORY IN PART,
WITH PORTRAITS, AND A SKETCH OF THE BUILDING.
BY CHARLES WELLS CHAPIN, (A PUPIL AT EACH SCHOOL )
" Patience Passe Science."
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. : PRESS OF THE SPRINGFIELD PRINTING AND BINDING CO.
1 890.
Copyrighted, 1890, BY CHARLES WELLS CHAPIN.
1981122
PREFATORY NOTE.
A LARGE portion of this work was written in a front upper room of the "Old High School Building" itself, which is now, and has been for nearly fifty years, used as a private dwelling. The writer has been stimulated by the imaginary spirits which seemed to hover over his work ; and though in declining years, he is still hopeful of many returns to the mirthful times of the old school-boy days.
0010
) 9
DEDICATED
TO THE
SONS AND DAUGHTERS (PUPILS) OF THE "OLD HIGH SCHOOL" AND THE "SEMINARY" · OF SIXTY YEARS AGO.
If in my research (which has occupied my time nearly a year and a half) I have omitted to do justice to any one of the pupils in my efforts to gather up the recollections of our Alma Mater, it was not from want of due respect, but from a cause beyond my reach; therefore, if in the perusal of these pages they afford you the pleasure and gratification that I have received in hearing from so many of them with expressions of encouragement, in my endeavors to put on record these reminiscences, then I cannot but feel that I have been in some degree rewarded for my labors. To those who have given me assistance in this work, I tender my sincere thanks.
C. W. C.
SPRINGFIELD, MASS., January, 1890.
" Hominis est errare."
TEACHERS.
* STORY HEBARD,
t DAVID N. SHELDON, SIMEON H. CALIIOUN,
¡ WILLIAM E. DIXON, + SARDIS B. MORLEY,
¡ HENRY R. VAILLE,
+ SAMUEL KNOX,
Į JAMES N. SYKES,
# CHARLES C. BURNETT.
Six of the above teachers were graduates of t Williams College, two of $ Brown University, and one of * Amherst College.
HIGH SCHOOL HOUSE, 1828.
THE "OLD HIGH SCHOOL"
ON SCHOOL STREET.
ITS TEACHERS AND SCHOLARS FROM 1828 TO 1840.
THE first building erected in this town for a high school house is yet standing, being 43 and 47 School street, and is occupied as a dwelling. The main part remains the same as when first built. The cupola's outward appearance is but little changed ; "the bell that hung within " rings no more to call those who were to pass its doors. On the east part of the building wings have been added on the north and south sides, which increase its former proportions. What memories cluster around the venerated building, calling up the scenes of boyhood days! the teachers ! the scholars ! Of the former only two survive ; of the latter, alas! many have passed to the " other side," some hardly arrived to man- hood, others had entered middle life, a few had reached three-score and ten, while those remaining are verging on and many have passed the allotted time of life.
On the 2d day of April, 1827, " the town voted to choose a committee to report at a meeting some plan for establish- ing a high school, and where the same shall be kept, and also to make an estimate of the expense. The committee were Joseph Pease, Solomon Hatch, George Bliss, Jr., David Rice, Allen Bangs, Israel E. Trask, and William Child."
May 14, 1827, "the committee report, and recommend that the town build a school house of brick, 65 feet by 30 feet, two stories high, with a woodhouse under it, and a cupola and bell on one end, and with a proper outhouse attached :
HISTORY OF THE
the house to be fitted up in a plain, strong style for one school room on each story, and the ground fenced in ; that the whole entirely finished will not be less than twenty-five hundred dollars."
July 30, 1827, the town voted to accept of a lot, 8 rods 17 links by 42 rods, offered by Simon Sanborn. George Colton, Charles Stearns, Horace King, selectmen.
August 2, 1827, School street was opened from State to Union street. The first instructor of the school was Story Hebard, a native of New Hampshire, and a graduate of Amherst College in 1828. He took charge of the school soon after his graduation, and successfully conducted it until his resignation in 1830. His salary was seven hundred and fifty dollars a year. Mr. Hebard was a gentleman of much worth, and greatly esteemed in the community. After leaving the school he went to Beirut, Syria, as missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Mis- sions. He died at Malta, June 30, 1841, at the age of thirty-nine, respected and beloved by all who knew him.
The following reply was received from Dr. Sheldon, to my inquiry respecting his term of service as principal of the High School :-
Naturally Mr. April 29.1889 I was Principal of An High School in Springfield, Mas. a part of An yrar 1830. D. N. Sheldon
REV. STORY HEBARD.
II
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL."
David N. Sheldon, a native of Suffield, Conn., succeeded Mr. Hebard. He was the principal a part of the year 1830, having resigned, owing to the disobedience manifested by the boys. He received a salary at the rate of six hundred dollars a year. Mr. Sheldon graduated at Williams College in 1830. Brown University gave him the degree of D.D. in 1847. He received a course of study at the Newton Theological Seminary, and in 1835 was appointed by the Baptist assembly a missionary to France. He was absent about four years, principally in Paris. On his return to the United States he became pastor of a Baptist church in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1842 he was pastor of the Bap- tist church in Waterville, Maine, and the next year he became president of the Waterville College, now Colby Uni- versity. In 1853 he resigned the presidency and became the pastor of the Baptist church in Bath, Maine, where he remained until 1856. Meanwhile having experienced a change in his religious views, the result was the formation of a Unitarian church and society in the town, of which he became the first pastor. In 1862 he returned to Water- ville, Maine, and preached to the Unitarian congregation sixteen years, from 1862 until 1878. Dr. Sheldon was held with great respect in the community for his sturdy sense and many virtues, and greatly beloved as a pastor. He was a classical scholar, with clear perceptions of criticisms ; a fine linguist, and possessed the faculty of speaking several modern languages. He died at his home on Friday morn- ing, October 4, 1889, aged 82.
One of the scholars, now a merchant in Boston, writes : " There was at one time quite a degree of insubordination prevalent, especially among the older boys. This state of things made it necessary that the authorities, the school committee, should be informed thereof. One day an offi- cial called at the school to address the scholars upon the matter. He stated to them that if a change for better order did not speedily take place, it might be necessary to call out the militia. This seemed to have the effect of
I2
HISTORY OF THE
awing the boys into a state of respectful obedience and unusual attention to their studies."
The securing of a live hen and placing it in the teacher's desk, its sudden flight when he opened it surprising him as much as it delighted the boys, was one of the many diversions.
The school committee in 1831 were Josiah Hooker, Will- iam Hyde, and William Bliss. They after some effort secured as the next instructor Simeon H. Calhoun, a native of Bos- ton, and a graduate of Williams College in 1829. His salary was the same as his predecessor's.
Mr. Calhoun was a gentleman of much worth and great sincerity of purpose, and was held in high esteem by the community. He had, before taking charge of the school, been informed of the vicious conduct of the scholars. In entering upon his duties at the commencement of his first term, in the presence of the school committee, he addressed the scholars in this characteristic manner : " Boys, if you are mild with me I shall be mild with you ; if you are harsh with me I shall be harsh with you." After this gentle warning the scholars were disposed to be on their good behavior. The school moved along smoothly, without dis- cord. Mr. Calhoun was gifted with much religious fervor and loving kindness, enabling him to draw the scholars to him with much love and affection. He conducted the school for two years, until 1833, when he resigned. In 1834-36 he was a tutor in Williams College. In 1837 he went to Smyrna and became a missionary of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. In 1844 he was transferred to the Syrian mission. He established a seminary on Mount Lebanon for the education of native teachers. After many years of service abroad, he returned to the United States. He died at Buffalo, N. Y., Dec. 14, 1876, aged 72.
One of the scholars, now a citizen of Ohio, writes : "I remember well the morning of Mr. Calhoun's advent. We all saw at once he was not to be trifled with; he said :
REV. SIMEON H. CALHOUN.
I3
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL."
' Boys, I am going to teach the school ; if you obey the rules, all well ; if you don't, I shall flog you,' Not many wished from his appearance to try the latter. One qual- ification always appeared necessary for teachers at the school in those days, that they should be orthodox in relig- ious matters. I recollect attending some of the prayer meetings when revivals were going on at the 'old Parish House,' which stood in Sanford street, on the east side of Market street."
William E. Dixon, a graduate of Williams College in 1833, succeeded Mr. Calhoun. Owing to ill health he did not remain long in charge of the school. A near relative of Mr. Dixon writes from Kansas : "He was a retiring and modest man, who preferred to serve his God quietly and simply. He died in Enfield, Conn., in 1876, of no known disorder, but gradually wasted away, after the death of his wife, to whom he was most tenderly attached. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of equal ability as my uncle, James Dixon, a represent- ative in Congress from Connecticut from 1845 to 1849, also United States senator from 1857 to 1869, who died in Hart- ford, Conn., March 27, 1873, aged 59." One of the scholars writes of Mr. Dixon that "he was mild and gentle in his manners, and devoted to his duties."
One of the "boys " residing in this city recollects the following event, but does not remember the teacher who administered the punishment : One cold winter's morning one of the boys who was known to be fond of making experi- ments with chemicals " to gain knowledge," put upon the hot stove (a cast iron box stove) a quantity of brimstone, which in melting sent forth a peculiar, suffocating odor and smoke, filling the room so that the windows were obliged to be opened to ventilate it and purify the air. The teacher arriving before that could be accomplished, the scholars hurriedly took their seats ; but a considerable time passed before the windows could be closed. After the school became quiet the teacher made inquiries as to who was the
14
HISTORY OF THE
cause of this "breach of peace." It soon appeared that " Jim " A- was the guilty one. The teacher ordered him to come forward, and to hold out his right hand, with the palm of it up, on which he struck two or three hard blows with the ferule, which A- received with Spartan firm- ness, then smilingly took his seat.
Sardis B. Morley became the next instructor. He remained about one year. His salary was the same as his predecessor's.
A near relative writes as follows : " Rev. S. B. Morley was born in Otis, Mass., Sept. 17th, 1804. He graduated at Williams College in 1829, and at Yale Theological Semi- nary in 1833. He fitted himself for college and supported himself by teaching. While in college and afterwards he taught in various places, especially in Springfield, Mass., and Winsted, Conn. He supplied the Congregational churches at Bloomfield, Conn., 1833-4, and Attleborough, Mass., for a part of the time during 1834-7, where he was ordained and installed in 1851, remaining until 1857. He was city missionary in New York 1837-8. On account of ill health he was obliged to rest for ten years, 1841-51, during which time he was engaged in farming at West Hartford, Conn., where he was prominent in religious work, often preaching there and in neighboring towns. From 1857 till his death he lived at Williamstown and Pittsfield, Mass. While living at Williamstown he supplied the Congrega- tional churches in Becket and in West Cummington, Mass., each a year, where his ministry was blessed in both cases with revivals and many conversions. He was clear and pungent in his preaching, profound in his religious convic- tions, sturdy in his principles. He belonged to the Chris- tian wing of the anti-slavery reform, where he did good service. He was an earnest supporter of temperance. He was rugged in his nature, lacking some of the niceties of smoother and more polished men, but possessing marked ability, and when roused capable of speaking with great elo- quence. Mr. Morley evinced marked aptitude for teaching.
REV. SARDIS B. MORLEY.
I5
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL."
His own scholarship was thorough; he graduated with honor in college, receiving the Philosophical oration. In teaching he made his scholars thorough. He fitted his own sons for college and saw them graduate with honor. Many of his early pupils remember him after the lapse of fifty years with gratitude and affection. He was married July 21, 1834, to Anna Clarissa Treat, only daughter of Selah Treat, Esq., of Hartford, Conn. Mrs. Morley died, lamented by all who knew her, May 9, 1881. Mr. Morley died peace- fully at Pittsfield, Mass., October 1, 1889. One of his last utterances was characteristic : 'I know in whom I have believed.' Of their four children, Edward W. Morley is pro- fessor in Adelbert College, Cleveland, Ohio; Rev. John H. Morley is superintendent of the American Home Mission- ary Society for Minnesota, office at Minneapolis, Minn .; Elizabeth A. Morley, of Pittsfield, Mass .; Frank G. Mor- ley, who died in 1875, being at the time of his death prin- cipal of the High School in Bristol, R. I."
One of the scholars residing in Michigan, writes: "One instance of Mr. Morley's discipline is very distinctly in my mind. On the north side of the school room the wall be- tween the windows was painted black, and used as a black- board. During one noon intermission a boy, G- T-, had drawn the grotesque figure of a man, and, forgetting to erase it, it was the object of general attention. When the teacher came in a careful process of questioning on his part left no doubt of the picture maker. This with previous pranks of mischief seemed to justify heroic treatment. With his coat buttoned around him, the boy was ordered to come forward, with his hands held in front, out of the range of the three twisted switches, when the teacher struck three blows that brought the withes around his body with a loud crack that brought me to my feet. Not a word was uttered, for the blows stopped at this point, and the boy submis- sively took his seat."
One of the boys residing in this city remembers this incident : "One summer morning, before the teacher arrived
16
HISTORY OF THE
at the school, some of the boys were very busily engaged dig- ging a pit directly in front of the steps at the south entrance to the school room. Having completed this work, they cov- ered the top with light material, on this a layer of dirt, then taking favorable positions under cover, awaited the arrival of the teacher, who as he neared the steps unsus- pectingly stepped upon the covering, and suddenly disap- peared, all but his head. By his own efforts, with the help of sympathizers among the boys, he was soon brought to the surface, apparently receiving very little bodily injury. The countenance of the teacher as he entered the school room gave the impression that if he could find out the boys that dared to commit such an act he would give them a severe flogging ; but his efforts to discover the victims of his desires proved unavailing."
The old proverb, "Spare the rod and spoil the child," was not much in vogue in those days. Corporal punish- ment, coupled with a little moral suasion, was the most effective method in bringing the insubordinate pupil to obedience. At the present day the former practice is often dispensed with when the occasion demands heroic treat- ment.
One of the scholars residing in this city relates : "My brother George and I stole out of the school room by crawling under the seats, in order to see the first train from Worcester (in 1839) come in on the Western railroad. We witnessed the event and got back to school without being missed by the teacher. We thought it quite an exploit."
From a city in Western New York a voice comes : " I can remember how some of the bold small boys, in the warm summer days, when the school room door stood invitingly open, and the teacher was engaged at the other end of the room, would crawl on their hands and feet, and put out of doors to enjoy for a moment the fresh air and freedom. One day the boy who sat next to me came to school with a striped snake in his bosom, inside his shirt. It gave me a chill which I think has clung to me to the present time."
DR. HENRY R. VAILLE.
17
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL."
In November, 1830, the town paid Caleb Hopkins seven dollars for taking care of the school house; and Joseph Bull was paid five dollars for ringing the bell at 12 o'clock.
There were evening schools during Mr. Morley's admin- istration. Among those who attended were Henry Hills, William Winship, Eli Nutting, Henry Appleton, E. C. Ring, C. G. Hayes, C. Baxter Allen, Albert Eames, Rich- ard Moses.
Henry R. Vaille, a native of Marlboro, Vt., of the class of 1835, Williams College, became the next instructor, receiving a salary of $500 per annum. He was very active in his endeavors to bring the school up to a high standard of efficiency. During the autumn of 1836 he was prostrated by sickness, and Samuel Knox, of Blandford, Mass., a grad- uate of Williams College in 1836, conducted the school dur- ing his absence of nine weeks, for which he received $99.28. Subsequently Mr. Knox removed to St. Louis, Mo. ; he was a representative from that state to the 38th Congress, having successfully contested the seat occupied by Francis P. Blair, Jr. Mr. Knox took his seat near the close of the session ending in June, 1864, and was a member until March, 1865. Mr. Knox is pleasantly remembered. Mr. Vaille, having recovered from his illness, again assumed his position as teacher. He remained in charge of the school until about the year 1838, retiring with much credit for the successful management of the school. He soon after commenced the study of medicine with the late Dr. George Frost, who lived on the corner of State and Spring streets. (The house was moved back on to Spring street a few years since, and several years ago was torn down to make way for a more modern dwelling.) He attended the Berkshire Medical School, Pittsfield, Mass., where he grad- uated in 1846. He then went abroad to England and France, and passed a year studying in the medical schools of London and Paris. On his return he commenced to practice medicine. He was devoted to his profession, and
2
18
HISTORY OF THE
won the confidence of those who were his patients. He died July 15, 1885, in the 76th year of his age.
Mr. Vaille was accustomed to wear a pair of green gog- gles, which prevented the boys from seeing whether he was looking at them or not; if they made any noise or were not in their seats he was quick to detect it, much to their surprise.
James N. Sykes, of Suffield, Conn., and the Literary Institute, a graduate of Brown University in 1839, succeeded Mr. Vaille, and conducted the school about one year, receiv- ing a salary at the rate of $500 per annum. Mr. Sykes was very popular with the scholars, and his kind and pleasant ways deeply attached them to him. After leaving the school Mr. Sykes was ordained a Baptist minister in North Reading, Mass., in 1842 ; was called to Bristol, R. I., in 1843. At this time he was greatly interested in education, and became a prominent member of the school board. In 1848 he received a call to Chelsea, Mass., where he remained about three years. He was pastor in East Boston for eight years ; also a member of the Boston school board during his residence there. He spent eight years in Newburyport, Mass., and was a member of the school board. From thence he removed to Painesville, Ohio, and was a member of the school board for about three years. He was pastor of a church in Greenville, Conn., for three years. At this time, his health having become much impaired, he retired from the ministry. Mr. Sykes took a great interest in educational work and wherever he was located was always called upon to take an active part in its duties. "Of a genial disposition and fond of a good story, he was ever ready with an anecdote suitable for the occa- sion." He died at Agawam, Mass., Sept. 27, 1880, aged 68.
Charles C. Burnett, of Worcester, Mass., a graduate of Brown University in 1839, was the principal for about six months previous to its close in the spring of 1840. His salary was at the rate of $750 per year. After leaving the school Mr. Burnett became the principal of Connecticut
REV. JAMES N. SYKES.
19
"OLD HIGH SCHOOL."
Literary Institute, Suffield, Conn., for five years, and the Worcester Academy in 1849, remaining four years. He was classical teacher of Peirce Academy, Middleboro, Mass., from 1853 until 1863, when he removed to this city and became proprietor and principal of the Springfield English and Classical Institute, on West Court street, and remained until its close in 1883. His success in all of the above positions was fully assured. Mr. Burnett now resides in West Springfield, Mass.
Samuel S. Greene, a native of Belchertown, Mass., was superintendent of the schools in 1840-42, at a salary of $900 per annum. He graduated at Brown University in 1837. He was instructor in the English High School of Boston in 1842-49, superintendent of the public schools in Providence, R. I., in 1851-55, and professor at Brown University from 1855-64. He died January 24, 1883, aged 73.
" Ridentem dicere verum, quid vetat ?"
One of the " boys," an esteemed citizen and successful merchant residing in Michigan, contributes the following, which has the "Ring" to it with no " uncertain sound": "In 1835 I entered the High School, under the tuition of Mr. Vaille. He was a noble gentleman, and, withal, lovable, except to evil doers. He had a faculty of taking kinks out of boys, and took several out of the writer. I hailed from the 'upper Water Shops,' and was one of some ten or twelve who trailed through mud and snow from the 'upper' and 'middle Water Shops' to the High School. We had room enough for travel in those days, there being but six or seven houses on Central street between my father's house (corner of Central and Hancock streets) and the top of 'Sterns Hill.' We made our own path in the snow and on our return at night found it much the same as we left it in the morning. We usually crossed the now beautiful cemetery grounds, near the western entrance, on the dam of Hill & Winship, who were manufacturers of
20
HISTORY OF THE
joiners' tools. When, however, we wanted a 'whirl ' at snow-balling with the 'Lawtonites,' and the Seminary boys, we went via Maple street. We had many such strifes, out of which, from our standpoint, we always came off victori- ous. Our captain in such battles was John S. Miller, of stalwart frame, and with heart and 'sand' in full proportion to his frame. I have in mind very distinctly the history of the old High School from 1835 to 1840. The teachers dur- ing those years were Messrs. Vaille, Knox, Sykes, and Bur- nett. These were all gentlemen of education and great worth, teachers who made their marks upon the many boys under their tuition. Each had his own methods ; each of them, if my feeling is a criterion, fills a warm corner in the heart of many a boy of sixty to-day. Mr. Vaille was per- haps the most muscular Christian of all of these teachers, and the one most prone to let a self-sufficient boy 'drop.' I well remember several instances of this kind. I well know it for I was there. Entering the school at eleven years of age, I was in my own estimation a smart boy. On the first day of the term the new boys were called up to be classified and each was sent to the blackboard to show his points. I remember taking a lump of chalk and saying, 'Ready.' The teacher looked at me with, I thought, mischief in his eye. Seeing the ear-marks of greenness instead of bravado, however, he withheld reproof and said mildly, 'Reduce one hundred-weight to ounces.' I flourished my chalk and proceeded as follows : '28 × 4× 16-' 'Where is your one hundred-weight?' said the teacher. ‘No use set- ting it down,' said I. 'Set it down,' said the teacher, ‘and then, instead of multiplying 28 by 4, multiply 4 by 28.' My knees weakened and I was homesick, excited, and my head whirled. I could do no more. I was told to take my seat, and a remark was made to the effect that if I did not work hard I would probably be invited to leave the school. I was so thoroughly squelched that the teacher's sympathy was aroused, and he changed his tone suddenly, and said, ' Work, you will make a man yet, and you will be able be-
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