USA > New Jersey > Essex County > Montclair > History of Montclair township state of New Jersey; including the history of the families who have been identified with its growth and prosperity > Part 20
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MOUNTAIN HOUSE, FORMERLY MOUNT PROSPECT INSTITUTE.
The pupils enjoy the comforts of a home in the family of the Principal, being invited to the parlor. where they associate with other members of the family and those who frequently visit the institution.
" The government of the School is conducted on strictly religions principles, and the pupils are controlled by appeals to their moral feelings, rather than by fear of punishment. The Bible is the standard of morals, and each pupil is required to study it daily : also to attend church with the Principal on the Sabbath."
The school was divided into sessions of five months each, commencing on the first of May and November. The charges for board and tuition in the English branches and Mathematies were from 840 to $45 per quarter; in the Latin and Greek languages, 850-extra for the French, German or Spanish language, 85; Drawing and Painting, each $5; Music, with the use of the Piano, 810.
The cireular states that : " Being desirons of securing a proper degree of correspondence in dress. and prevent some of the evils arising from different styles of clothing in the same family, a uniform dress has been adopted for the School." This was as follows: " The coat and pantaloons of very dark blue cloth ; the coat single-breasted, to button to the throat, with ten gilt buttons, two upon the eollar, placed three inches back-the collar to turn over, with the corners round.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
.. For summer, the dress snit is dark blue coat and white pantaloons. That for common use should be gray, made of the material known as . youth's mist." For very warm weather, brown linen or drilling."
ASHLAND HALL .- Rev. David . Frame, who for two years, 1544 5. had been the Principal of Bloomfield Academy, moved his school from that place to hi- residence in West Bloomfield (now known as " Chelsea Hall." a hotel or boarding-house, on Bloomfield Avenue). Under the name of - Ashland Hall." a " Family Boarding School for Boys." this institution flourished for some fifteen years, attracting wide attention for its many excellent qualities, and drawing patrons from all sections of the country. The pupils were limited to thirty-and no day scholars taken. Its discipline and studies were designed to prepare lads to enter intelligently and unembarrassed upon the duties of any class in college, and to discharge wisely and reputably the prospective duties of a good American citizen. William I. Ward, M.D. now an eminent physician in Newark, was the associate teacher till 147, when he was followed by Henry B. Mun. Esq. of Silas (16), now of Washington, D. C., who continued as principal assistant till 1-52. Others were associated with and followed him. Hon. Charles M. Davis, afterward County Superintendent of Schools : the late Rev. IL. R. Timlow. D. D .. and Prof. John Lowry, now of Lenapee College, Tenn., were among the number.
The average number of pupils was about the limit-thirty. They came from the neighboring towns and States, as well as from a distance. Cuba. Texas. New Orleans and Georgia had their repre- sentatives. About twenty per cent, became college graduates, and about fifty per cent entered some one of the learned professions.
Hon. A. M. Bliss and Hon. Edward Morton became members of Congress. Hon. Sam. L. Bigelow. Attorney General of New Jersey. Gen. Selmyler Crosby, of New York, and Judge Arnoux, with his two brothers, were also among the pupils.
The domestic affairs of the school were presided over by Mrs. Frame, wife of the principal, a lady of the most gentle manners, religions life, and of large experience in circles of the most cultivated and refined society.
The pre-iding genius of the school was its principal, the Rev. David A. Frame. He gave it the characteristics that attracted general attention.
REV. DAVID N. FRAME. was born in Bloomfield, in 1505. His parent-, of good Presbyterian stock. came from the North of Ireland. shortly after their marriage, about the time of the disastrous Irish rebellion of 179s, along with many others. They had two sons. William and David. The former became a clerk for Israel Crane, in his store in West Bloomfield. He developed remarkable business ability, and for many years was the senior partner in the leading mercantile house of Bloomfiekl, and sub- sequently became Sheriff, filling the office from 1946 to 1-49. David became a clerk in the store of Israel Holins, of Belleville, along with the late William H. Brant, of that place. After leaving the store he re- turned to Bloomfield, and learned the trade of a carpenter. Becoming a member of the Presbyterian Church he decided to obtain a collegiate education and enter the ministry. In 1-29 he entered Princeton College, which he left in 1-32. with the reputation of a brilliant and eloquent speaker, to commence his theo- logical studies in Auburn Seminary. N. Y. Subsequently he preached in Binghamton, in that State, in Connecticut, and in Morris County, N. J. His close application in the preparation of his sermons. coupled with an intense carnestress in their delivery, at length brought on a partial stroke of paralysis. From its effects he never entirely recovered, but regamed sufficient of his old health and strength to enter upon other duties, and to preach occasionally.
In 1941 he took charge of the Bloomfield Academy, succeeding as principal the late William K. MeDonald, of Newark, N. J. His administration was very successful, but in 1-45. finding himself not in accord with the controlling interests of the Academy, he moved his school to West Bloomfield. locating in a building of his own. purchased some years previously, and which had been fitted up for the purpose. This he named " Ashland Hall." and there continned his school with eminent success, until ill-health caused him to give up the responsibilities of its further care and management. He was much beloved and highly esteemed by his pupils. His government " wa- decided and uniform, with no excessive
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
indulgence on the one hand or indurating severity on the other." While members of his school, he took the keenest interest in their studies, and when they left he followed them in after-life, with alnost parental solieitude.
He died at his residence Sept. 24, 1879. When his death was announced in the papers it was truly said: " Mr. Frame will be remembered by all who ever heard him in the pulpit as a preacher of singular and thrilling eloquence. He was a writer of high excellence, ehaste and simple in diction, and a vivid thinker. His impassioned delivery gave his sermons the utmost effeet and left an impression not easily lost. In later years increasing deafness shut him off to a great extent from the social intercourse which he loved and which his genial nature, literary culture, commanding memory and conversational powers filled him conspicuously to adorn."
HILLSIDE SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES .- What is now known as the " Hillside " or " Montclair House," corner of Orange and Hillside Avennes, was opened for a girls' school about 1855, by Rev. Ebenezer Cheever, formerly pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church of Newark, but then residing in Paterson. There was at that time no house anywhere on the mountain side west of the Hillside Ilonse, except the residence of .. Squire John Munn." since transformed into the tasteful mansion of Seelve Benedict. Hillside Avenue and Mountain Avenue. as far as Hillside, had first been thrown open. but was still unworked and untraveled, and the former quite impassable. Henry Nason, whose untiring en- ergy contributed so largely to the upbuilding of Mont- clair in its early days, began, not long after, the erec- tion of the stone building at the head of Hillside Avenue, taking the stone from the cliffside, in the rear of the premises, and bringing all other needed material over the sod on Montelair Avenne. This afterward became the property of Nahum Sullivan. The mountain side was still in a somewhat wild state, as is indicated by the accompanying illustration. The opossum, weasel or owl were oceasionally eaught mak- ing a raid in the chicken yard of Hillside Seminary, and coveys of quail were not infrequent around the HILLSIDE SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES. barn or along the fences.
The Rev. Mr. Cheever carried on successfully a girls' school there for abont four years. From 1859 to 1872, it was kept as a boarding and day school by Rev. and Mrs. A. R. Wolfe, both of whom had been previously connected for some years with the " Spingler Institute for Young Ladies," on Union Square. New York City. The Hillside Seminary, under their supervision, became one of the most popular and flourishing institutions of the kind in the State. Among the last graduates were a daughter of the Rev. Oliver Crane, D. D., a daughter of Joseph Doremus. a daughter of George G. Draper, and a daughter of Mr. E. C. Fuller, the present Collector of the township. A large number from the families of the early residents of Montelair were graduates, all, for a time, pupils of Hillside Seminary. Among the patrons were found the old time names of Nason, Hening. Graham. Graves. Sullivan, Benedict, Frame, Harris. Baldwin, Crane, Morris, Seymour, Hubbard. Musgrave. Wiedemeyer, Wileox, Dwight, Holmes, Pratt. Pinney, Clark, Wolde, Elliott, as well as many of the township of Bloomfield, almost all of whom have now passed away. In its boarding department, Hillside Seminary had a fair and eneonrag- ing patronage, not only from the surrounding towns and States, but from the cities of New York and Brooklyn, even inelnding San Francisco. St. Louis, Baltimore, Washington and Tallahassee. It did good work, which its living pupils continue to appreciate, and which will never be lost.
Although it is more than twenty years since Mr. Wolfe and his estimable wife elosed the doors of the Seminary. they have continued to reside in Montelair, finding it one of the most delightful spots in New Jersey for suburban residence.
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The old house has been converted into a summer hotel. where hundreds of people flock during the summer season to enjoy the cool mountain breeze- together with the delightful and picturesque views.
REV. AARON ROBERTS WOLFE. Principal of Hillside Seminary for Young Ladies, was born at Mendham, N. J. Sept. 6. 1921. His grandfather. Aaron Roberts, served with the New Jersey troops in the War of the Revolution, and took part in the battle of Momonth. The latter was a great-great-grandson of Hugh Roberts, a native of Wales, who was one of the original settlers of Newark in 1666, having previously settled in the New Haven Colony. His name is found among the Branford settlers who signed the " Fundamental Agreement."
Rev. A. R. Wolfe. in his early youth, was a schoolmate of Rev. Theodore L. Cuyler. at Unele Ezra Fairchild's famous " Hill-Top School." in Mendham. He pur-ned his preparatory studies at Lam-borough, Mass., and was graduated at Williams College in the class of 1944.
The next eleven years, Union Theological Semi- in teaching and preaching
When he left Florida. he put all his effects-li- that sort-on board a sail- and with a simple grip- way of Nashville and Chi- York he learned that. on ing. the vessel had been mate killed at the foot of laden with turpentine. edge. He looked upon dence of God. shaping hi- for it made him a teacher a pastor of a church.
sociated with Rev. Dr. Spingler Institute for Square, in New York married to Laura F. Jack- tution, daughter of Luther York. In 1:59 he remov- and established the Hill- Ladies, which he conduct- ness and sneceess for thir-
Mr. Wolfe is the author
KEV. AARON ROBERTS WOLFE.
including his course in the nary. Is45-51, were spent in Florida. in the summer of Isas, brary, notes, and things of ing ves-el at St. Marks, sack returned North by rago. On reaching New the day appointed for sail- struck by lightning. the the mast, and the vessel. burned to the water's this as a special Provi- life and fixing his home. of the young rather than In 1-55 he became as- Gorham D. Abbott, in the Young Ladies, on Union City. In 185% he was son. a teacher in this justi- Jackson, Esq., of New ed to West Bloomfield. side Seminary for Young ed with eminent useful- teen years.
of a number of hymns. which were published in " Church Melodies," " Songs for the Sanctuary." and other well-known hymn books.
Mr. Wolfe is still living (1894) near the scene of his early labors, on Hillside Avenne. Montelair. Of his four children-three sons and a daughter-one is preaching in Iowa ; another is Professor of Latin in Park College. Missouri.
MONTCLAIR MILITARY ACADEMY.
In the spring of 1887 certain prominent citizens of Montelair-Mr. Thomas Russell. Mr. E. G. Burgess, Mr. E. A. Bradley and others-determined to secure a competent instructor for their sons, so that it would not be necessary to send them to the public school.
After careful consideration they engaged the services of J. G. Mac Vicar, giving him a guarantee of ten pupils, and granting him the privilege of increasing the number if possible.
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ILISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
At this time Mr. Mac Vicar was in his Senior year in Rochester University. He had during his college course taught three years in the public schools in Michigan; the last two years being Superin- tendent of the Union City schools, where he had seventeen teachers under his direction.
Coming to Montelair directly after his gradnation in June, he purchased a small building which he placed on rented land on Clinton Street. The school opened with sixteen pupils, but before the end of the year the number had increased to twenty-four. It then became evident that the school would outgrow its present accommodation.
The gentlemen who first engaged Mr. Mac Vicar offered to assist in the purchase of land and the
MONTCLAIR MILITARY ACADEMY.
ercetion of a suitable school building. The site on Walden Place, west of Bloomfield Avenue and north of Mountain Avenue, was selected and three and one half aeres of land purchased. The building erected here is intended to accommodate 100 boys, and is very complete in all its appointments. Special atten- tion was paid to the question of ventilation, light and heat, and six years of service have proved the perfection of the plans adopted.
A large physical laboratory is a special feature of the building, and great stress is laid on practical instruction iu the sciences. Two years later additional land was purchased and a large gymnasium sixty feet square was erected and equipped in a most complete manner. The building is provided with reading and music rooms, lockers, and hot and cold baths in the basement.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
From this time the same careful attention was given to the physical development of the pupils that had characterized the mental training. The Harvard system of physical examination and measure- ments was adopted. and a careful record kept of the physical defects and the development of each pupil. Mr. E. B. De Groot, the physical instructor, devotes his entire time to directing this work among the boys. Classes are organized and each cadet is required to spend one half hour each day in the gymnasium. The work is as thoroughly systematized as any other department in the school.
At about the time the gymnasium was built the school was organized on a military basis. This change was determined npon after a careful inspection of the best private schools in the vicinity of New York, and the results obtained amply justify this change in policy. Ercet carriage, promptitude and obedience have been the natural results. The principal is a strong believer in what might be termed
CADETS AT FOOTBALL EXERCISE.
individual instruction. Ile believes that the peculiarities and natural tendencies of cach pupil should be studied by his teachers and his future treatment thus determined. For this reason the classes are all small, seldom exceeding ten. The development of a strong moral character is considered of the same importance as a sound physical and mental training.
For the last three years a boarding department has been conducted in connection with the school, and plans are now being matured for enlargement in this direction. Three acres of land have just been purchased west of the school grounds, and a large building, with accommodation for the principal's family and thirty cadets will soon he erected.
The school has had steady increase in the number of pupils since its first organization, and its future seems assured. It has been the occasion of bringing to Montelair some of its most honored residents.
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
In 1869 the population of Montelair, still called West Bloomfield, numbered about 2,500. A good High School, as already named, had been established on a firm footing, and was prosperous under the management of Mr. John W. Taylor, principal.
But there was no library attached to the school, and there were no books for reference or enter- tainment to be obtained either by students or their parents. In some measure to supply this need, Mr. and Mrs. Israel Crane, just settled in their cottage home on Fullerton Avenue, resolved to interest as many friends and residents as could be approached in the formation of a subscription library. In this enterprise they were ably assisted by Mr. and Mrs. John W. Taylor. Through the efforts thus made thirty families became subscribers, which number, at that period, represented a goodly portion of the people. Initiatory steps for the organization of a library association were taken in the early part of 1869 ; the first meeting of the projectors was held at the house of Israel Crane, on the evening of February 23d of that year. There were present, J. W. Taylor, Geo. S. Dwight, F. II. Harris, Samuel Wilde, W. A. Torrey, and Mr. and Mrs. Israel Crane. At this meeting a committee, consisting of Geo. S. Dwight, Israel Crane and J. W. Taylor were appointed to draft a Constitution and By-Laws. This committee reported at a meeting held March 5, 1869, when a permanent organization was effected, and the following officers elected :
President, Geo. S. Dwight ; Vice-President, F. H. Harris ; Secretary, J. W. Taylor ; Treasurer, Israel Crane.
Directors : Samuel Wilde. W. A. Torrey, T. B. Graham, Mrs. Israel Crane, Mrs. J. W. Taylor. An annual subscription of $3,00 entitled subscribers to membership, and to the use of all books and periodicals.
The nucleus of a library was formed by the purchase of about a hundred books, which were placed in the care of Mr. Betzler, in his drug store on Bloomfield Avenue. The books were read with avidity, and the number of subscribers aud of books increased so rapidly that it was thought advisable to remove the library to larger quarters. Accordingly on April 11, 1871, the books were transferred to the Pillsbury Building, on the southeast corner of Fullerton and Bloomfield Avennes. During the winter of 1870-1, a charter was obtained from the Legislature under the name and style of " The Montelair Library Association." This charter provided for the issuance of stock to the amount of fifty thousand dollars, at ten dollars a share.
Through the personal efforts Mr. Israel Crane alone, five thousand of this amount was subscribed, of which 82,700 was paid in. The following persons were elected Directors under this charter, viz. :
Julius II. Pratt, Mrs. Edward Sweet, Mrs. Israel Crane, F. H. Harris, J. R. M. Hening, Rev. J. B. Ilarrison, Sammel Wilde and W. 11. Van Slyke.
The first officers were : President, Dr. J. J. II. Love ; Vice-President, Samuel Wilde ; Secretary and Treasurer, Israel Crane.
Library Committee appointed by Directors : Mrs. Israel Crane, Rev. D. S. Rodman, Rev. J. R. Berry, D.D.
The duties of the Library Committee were most arduous. The annual subscriptions were only sufficient to cover the running expenses, and it devolved upon this committee to provide funds for the purchase of books. All additions to the library were made either by donations of books, or by means of publie entertainments, which last were devised and superintended by Mrs. Israel Crane. Lectures, concerts, tableaux, and the first amateur theatricals ever given in Montelair, were given under her patronage and suggestion during successive winters, always with the cordial assistance of public spirited members of the library association and of the residents at large. These entertainments contributed much to the social enjoyment and growth of Montelair. By these means many hundreds of dollars were raised and in a few years the number of volumes was increased to two thousand. The last important entertainment given for the library was a large Lawn Fete and Supper held, by his generous consent, on
ยท
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HISTORY OF MONTCLAIR TOWNSHIP.
the beautiful lawns of Mr. Thomas Russell. in September, 1976. 8350 was raised on that occasion. In July, 1871, a lot was leased from Mr. N. O. Pillsbury, free of charge, on the site of the present Baptist Church, and a building erected at a cost of $1,700. The library was well patronized and proved a great hoon to the people, despite the curious fact that, upon the addition of Charles Darwin's " Origin of Species " to the catalogne, a small faction arose in opposition, declaring that the library was disseminating dangerous theories, and would harm the young people of the town. On the night of Feb. 28th, 1550. a large amount of property in the vicinity, and the library building, was burned to the ground. The books, however, were saved. There was an insurance of $1,000 on the building and contents.
A room was rented in the Morris Building on Bloomfield Avenue, over the present post office. and the books kept there until April 7th. los4, when they were transferred to the enstudy of the trustees of the Public School, with the proviso that, on certain days and hours of each week, the publie should have the free use of the library.
In 1891 the Legislature of this State passed " An Act to authorize the establishment of free public libraries in the towns, townships, or any other municipality."
Section 2 requires " That the provisions of this act shall remain inoperative in any town. township or any other municipality in this State, until assented to by a majority of the legal voters thereof. voting on this act at any election at which the question of its adoption shall be submitted to vote by direction of the legislative body of such town or township, etc. either at the time fixed by law for election of the municipal affairs, or at a special election to be held for that purpose," etc.
Section 3 requires. " That if at such an election aforesaid a majority of all the ballots east shall be . for a free public library." it shall become the duty of the legislative body of said town, township, etc .. annually thereafter to appropriate and raise by tax in the same manner as other taxes are assessed, levied and collected in said town, township, etc. a summ equal to one-third of a mill on every dollar of assessable property returned by the assessor of said town, township, etc., for the purpose of taxation thereon, which sum, when so appropriated, shall be used for no other purpose than that of a free public library."
Section & requires. " That the board of trustees of the free public library shall be immediately formed in any town, township, etc . where a majority of the votes cast shall be . for a free public library." consisting of five members, one of whom shall be the chairman of the legislative body of such town, etc .. and one the president of the board of education, and three to be appointed by the chairman of the town, township, etc., by and with the consent of the legislative body thereof, to serve for the term of one, two and three years respectively."
Soon after the passage of this act, the citizens of Montelair took action for the establishment of a Free Public Library. in accordance with the provisions of the above named act. The Montelair Times, referring to this matter, says :
" After the Ladies' Wednesday Afternoon Club had petitioned the Town Committee to have a vote taken on the subject, the people last year taxed themselves about $1,900, and this year voted for a permanent yearly appropriation at the same rate and for the organization provided by law to administer the affairs.
" The Town Committee appointed, as members of the Board of Trustees, Dr. J. J. II. Love, Dr. Richard C. Newton and Mr. John R. Howard. The chairman of the Town Committee is by law a member e-officio ; and so would be the president of the Board of Education, if the town at large had such a body, but it has only local Boards of the several school districts. The trustees appointed to find suitable quarters finally decided on the second story of Dr. Love's detached two-story brick office building on Church street, next door to the Montelair Club, as the safest and most convenient location for the purpose in the town. Dr. Love, who was president of the Board, thereupon thought it his duty to resign-much to everybody's regret ; and Mr. William E. Marcus was appointed in his place, and elected president of the Board, Dr. Newton being the clerk-that is to say, secretary and treasurer.
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