USA > Nebraska > Douglas County > Omaha > Historical sketch of Brownell Hall > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4
transferred from the English to the Ancient Corps, The 'Sub-Junior battalion' is still be- sieging the commands of Generals Mitchell, Brown and Greenleaf. The 'Junior Corps' has taken in hand the divisions of Generals Loomis, Fasquelle, and Willard. They made a very suc- cessful raid throughout the camp of General Fasquelle and captured the entire baggage train, which was loaded with 'bon mots.' They forced General Willard to surrender. We have able commanders in Lieutenant General Herr-
43
BROWNELL HALL
mann, Brigadier-General Foote, and General Gillmore; they keep good discipline, and Quar- termaster Lauderback provides us regularly with rations. Chief Bugler Root has led us on to many a victory over Gottschalk, Bertini Von Weber and Richardson, and if the old Fort Edu- cation does not succumb before long t'will be the fault of the army, not the commanders.
"I shall write again before long and try to keep you posted in the affairs of the siege.
"Yours very respectfully, "LIEUT. HARRIE ROSEBUD, "Middle Division, "BROWNELL VOLUNTEERS, "Brownell Barrack, "N. T."
"Wanted-A competent and highly accom- plished young lady. Her principal occupation will be to write compositions for Angelica Know Nothing."
Here is a portion of a sketch of the pianos in November, 1865.
"We think that our pianos are old enough to have a word said about them. They have been badly slandered and abused and I feel it a duty that I owe the poor old things to become their champion. Kind hearers, or readers, would you believe me if I should tell you that they have been compared to old tin pans, a fid- dle with one string, bumble bees, etc. To be sure they are getting old and feeble, and very
44
BROWNELL HALL
often get a severe cold, but that is to be won- dered at, for they often have to stay in a room minus a fire. When they were brought to the Hall they were about in the prime of life, or perhaps verging a little on the brink of old age; but we fear that they have not been treated with due respect since they made this their home. Some of the young ladies have no mercy on them, but have pounded them so hard that they have broken a number of their bones."
"Wanted-Information of old Aunt Kate. In a fit of abstraction she wandered from her friends and when last heard of was hunting in the depths of Pompeii for some gladiator that bore a resemblance to an imaginary lover. A liberal reward will be paid by her anxious friends."
To which Aunt Kate herself responds in the same issue :
"Aunte Kate begs leave to announce to the young ladies that she did not return from Pompeii in time to prepare a lecture for them, and then she was clean done out travelling so far. She will be on hand the next issue of the 'Chimes' and the sauce boxes can save their reward or give it to her."
Here is a bit from their advertising columns :
"N. Ashton and R. Montague, Attorneys at Law, would respectfully announce to 'ye fairies' that their office on the corner of Betts and Din-
45
BROWNELL HALL
ing Room Avenue will be open after this date, where the gentlemen will attend to any business brought forward and endeavor to settle all dif- ficulties arising among 'ye fairies.' They solicit your patronage."
"What is the difference between the Hall and the last new pupil? One is Brownell, the other Nell Brown."
"Why is Miss Griffin musical? Because she is a Lute."
On October 13, 1865, appeared this article thanking a company of serenaders, which was copied into the Omaha Herald, greatly to the delight of its author, this being her first appear- ance in print :
"A company of serenaders visited our insti- tution in the 'wee sma' hours' last night, and discoursed sweet music to the faculty and fairies of said institution. That the music was appreciated can be testified to by the fact that shortly after the strains commenced, white robed fairies might have been seen issuing from every door and gliding noiselessly through the halls wending their way with one consent to a room directly over the spot whence the strains emanated : there they all collected with (strange to relate), a nun in the midst of them clad in her garments of deepest black, her eyes intently fixed upon the window, to which point the eyes of the fairies seemed also to be directed. Sev-
46
BROWNELL HALL
eral of the faculty were among the group, who seemed also to be regarding the scene without. The strains of music still filled the air and charmed the senses of the listening band. One of the serenaders had enticed the valiant pro- tector of our nightly slumbers into gambols quite unusual for him, and at last elevated him to a branch of one of the noble old trees which shade our beloved dwelling, from which he descended in rather a precipitous manner. At last the strains ceased, and the serenaders pre- pared to depart ; the fairies testified their grati- tude by clapping fairy hands and waving fairy handkerchiefs after the manner of the inhabit- ants of this mundane sphere. The serenaders in return joined their voices in a song which made us think (may they pardon us for the thought) of a couplet we have seen :
Swans sing before they die, 'Twere no bad thing Should certain persons die before they sing.
Far be it from us to wish our serenaders such a fate! but we would humbly suggest to them that perhaps vocal music is not the talent com- mitted to their keeping so much as is instru- mental.
Such an excitement as the serenaders pro- duced among the fairies (not equal perhaps to that produced by the two-legged rats of by-gone fame) but very great nevertheless: and we ven- ture to affirm when rosy slumbers visited their
47
BROWNELL HALL
eyelids once more that many a sweet strain of music mingled with their dreams. Vale.
MYSIE MARVIN.
Where the editorial voices welcome their new Bishop:
"We would fain tune our 'Chimes' today to a peal of welcome, for we have the pleasure of greeting in our midst our new friend and pa- tron, Bishop Clarkson. In times past we have learned to revere our Bishop above all men and to mark those days when he was present with us, as the happiest days in our school life, and now that his mantle has fallen upon another, our hearts go forth in a cordial greeting to him. Oft in times past have we met with Bishop Tal- bot round the festal board, his hearty laugh and social conversation adding greatly to the enjoy- ment of the time. Sad indeed was the part- ing with this dear father, for in truth he was a father to us, but he left us in the charge of his friend and brother whom we welcome today. This, we may say, is the first visit we have re- ceived from him in his new position and we trust that he will have no occasion to regret the time spent among us, for loving hearts and will- ing hands are ready to do his pleasure. In a few hours he will number among his numerous flock (probably in confirmation) several of our dear friends. In after years we hope we may all cherish the memory of our present Bishop as we now do that of the absent one."
48
BROWNELL HALL
To this the Bishop responded in the next number:
"When any one is compelled by duty to leave the home and friends of his lifetime and estab- lish a residence and prosecute a work among strangers, it is peculiarly grateful to be re- ceived with kindness and cordiality by those among whom we intend hereafter to live and labor.
"Hardly any one could have left a more de- lightful home and dearer friends than the new Bishop when he left for the great field commit- ted to his charge by the church, and no language could describe the pain of severing the holy ties of a long pastorate and parting from the young men and maidens, the old men and children of his united and beloved flock.
"But hardly had he set foot on the soil of Nebraska before he felt sure that willing and affectionate hearts would cheerfully greet his coming, and among the salutations of welcome that he has received none gratified him more than the beautiful and touching one that came to him in the sweet music of the 'Chimes.' Long will be the echo ring through the chambers of his memory, and he trusts that the children of the church gathered at dear old Brownell will always feel sure of their Bishop's interest, sympathy and affection. May God bless and keep you all evermore in his love and favor."
Had the "Chimes" still pealed when he laid
49
BROWNELL HALL
down his office, we all know with what mournfu! sound they would have tolled his requiem and how their tones would have spoken his praises for all the burdens he had so lovingly borne, the good deeds so unassumingly done for dear Brownell. Bishop Talbot laid the foundations. Bishop Clarkson reared the superstructure, and when the winds blew and the storms beat, as they will on all things earthly, his efforts were interposed to shield it from the blast and raise it even stronger and higher in beautiful pro- portions. He did not live alas! to see its full tide of prosperty.
Here is a wail, fittingly voiced, for every trembling school girl:
EXAMINATION.
'Tis now a calm and placid Friday eve, Fit time for thought and tranquil meditation, Yet every flitting thought will still come back And sadly dwell upon Examination.
We sit beside the window gazing out, And as we occupy this tempting station Right willingly would books be thrown aside Were it not still for that Examination.
Each object that attracts the wandering eye Appears to bear some undefined relation To that more dreadful, less inviting one, The terror of the Hall-Examination.
'Tis in the hum of study plainly heard, And claims a part in every conversation, And on full many troubled, anxious brows Are seen the signs of dread, Examination.
What hopes and fears do agitate the mind, What rapid changes in the heart's pulsation,
50
BROWNELL HALL
Whenever an unwelcome word is dropped Which brings to mind that near Examination.
But in the future gleams another scene, Well known to weary students as Vacation. And strengthened with the hope of reaching that, We'll brave the horrors of Examination.
In the editorial of Jury 12, 1866, occurs an account of a fair given by the faculty and young ladies, the proceeds of which were devoted to purchasing a new piano. Fancy work, made by the young ladies, refreshments, flowers, etc., were sold, and also a number of framed pictures of Bishop Clarkson, one of which most every young lady purchased.
Speaking of examinations reminds me of the story of a pupil of this time. On the Board of Examiners was Mr. O. P. Harford, a resident of Omaha in those days, who was blessed with a dry sense of humor which would keenly en- joy the dismay of the pupils and their too evi- dent awe of the august board. A class was up for examination in History. Mr. Harford picked up the text-book, and glancing at the questions with a perfectly sober face pro- pounded, "Whither went the Jews?" Evi- dently expecting the pupil to be overwhelmed with confusion at her inability to answer. But her common sense rose to the occasion and she as calmly inquired, "Where had they been?" Mr. Harford's enjoyment of the joke was prob- ably none the less keen that it was turned upon himself.
51
BROWNELL HALL
February 15, 1867. In looking over pictures fresh from the studio of time, and hung in the gallery of our memory, we find a painting not yet completed. With difficulty do we trace the outline, but the subject is Examination Day. In the foreground we see the Board of Examin- ers in formidable array, the "literatissimi" of Nebraska, propounding all sorts of questions to the trembling fairies, who shrinking far into the background secretly wish they had the magic lamp to summon genii who would convey them to some bright sphere where Examina- tion days would never dawn. Few of us, I be- lieve, have come forth unscathed today from the contest of sharpened wits. We wonder if Plutarch or Socrates held public examinations and if so who were the Board of Examiners.
April, 1867. Since we last listened to the Chimes, Brownell Hall has been favored with a call from General Sherman. He visited the school room and one or two received a quiet blessing, while others more favored ;were granted a cordial shake of the hand. It would be difficult to describe the enthusiasm of the young ladies after he had made his exit. Those who had been so fortunate as to receive his attention were seized and nearly torn in pieces ; the organ which he had leaned against during his stay was really an object of interest, inso- much that it was saluted almost as respectfully as if it had been General Sherman himself. We think even the General would have been flat-
52
BROWNELL HALL
tered had he known the sensation that his pres- ence created among the young Brownellites.
May 24, 1867. Order of Exercises at Brown- ell Hall :
Part First-6 o'clock a. m. Exordium, Morn- ing dawns followed by his majesty the Sun, which throws its golden rays over the earth giving all mankind a feeling of cheerfulness. Second-"Grand Martyrdom" with a coarse towel. Third-the devotee in bath-the Deluge. It is generally received in breathless state. After recovering breath anew, the "Grand Martyrdom with variations," excites a healthy action and rosy color. Fourth-Fif- teen minutes to don oneself in appropriate toilette. Fifth-Fifteen minutes to seven we are reminded by the faithful monitor the bell, to assemble in our pleasant school room where we all unite in praising God for his goodness and for our preservation; we read the psalms for the day, the Creed, ended by prayers offered up by our worthy rector. Sixth-Attack of hun- ger appeased.
Part Second-First-"Knowledge is Power" Study hour from eight till nine. Second-Reci- tation hours from nine till half-past twelve o'clock, with recess of five minutes between each recitation. Third-Variation on the pedals, duration thirty minutes. Hunger ap- peased.
Part Third-First, Croquet, duration thirty
53
BROWNELL HALL
minutes. Second-Recitation hours from half- past one till five minutes past three, intermis- sion as above. Third-the bell again sends its clear notes echoing through the walls of B. Hall summoning the teachers and scholars to the school room to read the evening psalm. Fourth -Exercise an hour, pedestrian or croquet or on rainy days gymnastic. Fifth-"The Harmony of all Things," study hour from half-past four until six. Sixth-Hunger appeased.
Part Fourth-First-Croquet, duration thir- ty minutes. Second-Study hour from half-past seven until half-past eight, intermission five minutes. The monitress rings the bell for even- ing prayers. Third-Half an hour to gossip, then the bell is rung for us to scamper to our rooms. Lastly the bell resounds through the hall for us to put out our lights. Morpheus, who visits the humblest cot as well as the princely mansion, is impatiently waiting for his weary Brownellites to rest their brains and invigorate them for the coming morning's duties. "Oh happy, happy be thy dreams."
In the editorial of July 12, 1867, we find the following :
"The sorrow of our farewells today are two- fold, for the dear proprietress of the Chimes will depart not to return again to this office. Since the first day of Brownell Hall's advent into the educational world, she has been with us always faithful, patient and kind, and not
54
BROWNELL HALL
only in the editorial sanctum will we miss her, but the school room, the table, every exercise, every nook and corner of Brownell will demand her back. Words are weak when we endeavor to express our thanks for her kindness, and we can only assure her that we shall ever cherish her memory in our hearts, following her with our earnest prayers for her safety and happi- ness." This referred to Miss M. Louise Gill- more, who gave up her position after occupying it for five years, and took up her residence in Chicago.
The editorials make frequent mention, and always with evident pleasure, of visits from "our beloved Bishop," and recount sometimes the devotion of some of their number to the Christian life through confirmation.
The Fairies even rung the Bells for woman's rights. Just listen! "My dear friends and fellow sisters: 'Tis fully time that we, the in- mates of Brownell, should heed the call which is resounding throughout our glorious Union, the call for recruits in the Army of Women. We must rouse ourselves from our lethargy and we shall soon revel in the enjoyment of privileges which our quondam lords and masters have monopolized. We shall see the White House in the possession of our East Army Corps before the first of January, and on the fourth of March we shall place one of our most worthy sisters in the presidential chair. We will tear down the pictures in the Senate Cham-
55
BROWNELL HALL
ber and substitute fashion plates. We will as- semble each month to select and adopt new fashions. We will build a lecture room for Dame Grundy and Madame Rumor. * * Intc the kitchen we will hurl our conquered mascu- lines. * We must collect immediately all the broom sticks, shovels and pokers into one place and bake a supply of ginger bread and cookies for the campaign before us. * Let us hasten our preparations to join the main army. Every volunteer will call at Dr. Vernon's office to- morrow and register her name."
Ah, now comes a name as editress that brings a tear of sadness, for its fair possessor left us years ago and joined the band beyond. She so beloved of all, dear Anna Barkalow, and her editorial seems an outpouring of her own na- ture, gentle, with a kindly word of encourage- ment for the striving beginner.
One young lady describes a trip to Europe, setting sail from Boston Harbor in the good ship "Imagination."
April 24, 1868.
" "TOUT A FAIT PASSE."
Dame Brains did come by merest chance In times long passed away Upon these words so strange and fit, "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
She sent post haste for keen Sir Wit, To hear what he would say, Or if perchance he'd ever seen "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
56
BROWNELL HALL
And also to her council called Lord Humorous, bland and gay, For much these words did trouble her, "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
Next to her trusty friend Satire She turned without delay, She turned without delay, That by his wisdom she might solve
But crafty Wit sent back reply He'd come some other day,
While Humorous said his answer was, . "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
And Satire, crusty and severe, Did shortly say her nay. He answer silly queries of "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
Then backward through the ages All wrapt in shadows gray She searched to find this mystery, "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
But though in every volume, In almost every lay, She found these words recurring, "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
They did not give her any aid, But in their dim array They seemed to mock at her and stare "You're 'tout a fait passé!"
This had no signature, but was too good to pass by.
CROQUET.
Had I a quill from the wing of Time, And a drop from an inky cloud, Had I with the highest powers of rhyme By Erato been endowed, Were I a favorite of "ye muse" Or an Everett's eloquence could use, No words that I might find to say Would justice do the game Croquet.
57
BROWNELL HALL
It rivals every balm and lotion For roseate cheeks and sparkling eyes, It gives you easy, graceful motion And makes you healthy, wealthy, wise, It smooths all ruffled tempers high And drives away both tear and sigh, It calls forth smiles and answers gay, This charming, witching game, Croquet.
A partial picture of life is found By the sober, sedate and grave, In this arch array of the croquet ground, The voyage from cradle to grave. Full oft one in life a booby begins, In the end from his fellows the battle wins, And those who start most successful and gay Do not always win in capricious Croquet.
It reigns supreme at Brownell Hall, And to assert its sovereign power A happy Faculty can call Its own at almost any hour. A little nonsense now and then Is relished by the wisest men, And e'en our rector feels the sway Of ir-re-sist-i-ble Croquet.
We "fairies" have only tried the game In matter of fact daylight, I've heard that far more wondrous fame It has won in pale moonlight. We have the moon, but genii need, Without whom it must be dull indeed, But the time will come when we can play In Luna's light that kind of Croquet. DI VERNON.
February 28, 1868. We are sure when our Brownell school days are past and gone that in calling up their pleasant memories we shall lin- ger longest on those of the Friday evening re- ceptions when the habitation of the "fairies" was lighted up so brilliantly for the entertain- ment of their friends. How hospitably they
58
BROWNELL HALL
were received by the two elected to give them welcome, how we used to suffer from the in- tensely intellectual atmosphere of the Library until the guests had arrived and we were per- mitted to pass out. One long breath and we are ourselves again. The halls resounded with the merry voices of the sylph-like beings who flitted about and mirth and happiness reigned supreme. Suddenly the sound of music is heard, then hand joins hand, and away we all go chasing the glowing hours with flying feet. But everything pleasant must have an end. In the very midst of enjoyment, the ever present monitor of the school rings out the unwelcome warning that the hour has arrived for the breaking up of the Fairy Festival. The trans- formation is complete; the bright and happy things suddenly resume their every-day exist- ence, a moment of prayer and they vanish into darkness and dreamland.
May 8, 1868.
MAY DAY AT BROWNELL.
We chronicle since our last issue one of the merriest fetes that has dawned upon sober old Brownell. 'Twas on May day evening that a stranger peeping into our fairy castle might have been as startled at the unwonted revelries as Tam O'Shanter of old. Where in every-day life the bare walls of our school room greet the sight, the monarchs of the forest towered their lofty heights, and the graceful vines twined in
59
BROWNELL HALL
rich festoons. Spring blossoms bloomed in all their native beauty, while crystal springs abounded from which we drank in long, refresh- ing draughts - lemonade. Benevolent fairies distributed in jeweled caskets not dew drops and rose leaves, but jelly cake. The chief fea- ture of the evening, however, was the recital of several favorite poems by our "fairy prince Arthur." Gaily we tripped the light fantastic toe until all too soon the evening drew to a close. In our dreams that night a band of angels visit- ed us with strains of heavenly music. Long will that evening linger in our memory, and oft in the far-off future our hearts will live over again this May day at Brownell.
"Why ought our teacher in Botany to be classed in the vegetable kingdom? Because she is a Flora."
October 5, 1866. Yesterday afternoon I was writing to-no matter whom-when Mr. Good- ale came into the room and invited us to go- no matter where-and help ourselves to musk- melons. Without waiting for a second invita- tion we went and were having a nice time pick- ing out the largest, but not the best melons, when a buggy drove up to the fence with the Hon. Geo. Francis Train and Mr. Ruth inside. With pleased countenances they watched us, some climbing over the fence, and some crawl- ing under laden with melons.
60
BROWNELL HALL
"What kind of liquor do the young ladies of this school like best? Good Ale."
GREAT EXCITEMENT !!!!! TRAGEDY IN HIGH LIFE !!!!! VILLAIN ESCAPED !!!!!! $300,000 REWARD OFFERED !!!!!
Since our last issue a great disturbance has been occasioned through the instrumentality of one individual. We have an account of the af- fair from good authority which runs as follows :
A fascinating young gent, calling himself Lieut. Harrie Rosebud, had made the acquaint- ance of the fair and talented Lulu M. and after a proper time had elapsed requested her hand in marriage. Being accepted, the wedding day was fixed upon for the first of November. The extensive preparations were completed and the friends assembled to witness the ceremony. In the midst of the solemn scene the doors were thrown opeu and Lawyer Ashton entered, lead- ing a pale, yet beautiful Italian in whose name he forbade the banns, stating that she was the lawful wife of the groom-elect. While the con- sternation was at its zenith, Lawyer Montague rushed in with a lovely French lady claiming also to be his wife, and forbidding the marriage. 'Tis needless to say the excitement was intense. The deeply dyed villain in his despair attempt- ed to put an end to his miserable existence with a dagger, which he had concealed in his bosom,
61
BROWNELL HALL
but was restrained by Ashton. He was con- ducted from the room followed by his fainting would-have-been bride borne in the arms of her attendants. It appears that he had married the first lady in Naples seven years before; after squandering her fortune he fled, went to Paris, married the lady No. 2, came to America with her fortune, and had nearly added Miss M. to his list of victims when Providence happily interfered. Mons. Hal De Vere, a rejected suitor of R.'s last wife, had succeeded in ferret- ing out his designs and brought them to this crisis. The friends of the wronged have offered $300,000 reward to any one who will bring him back or give satisfactory proof of his death. When last heard of he was lurking round Brownell.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.