The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 77

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345

USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II > Part 77

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BOARD OF TRUSTEES, 1883 .- A. A. Low, Peter C. Cornell, Arthur W. Benson, Joshua M. Van Cott, R. P. Buck, S. B. Chittenden, Henry P. Morgan, Bryan H. Smith, Tasker H. Marvin, William S. Packer, A. S. Barnes, Ripley Ropes, Henry Sanger, A. B. Baylis; the Mayor of the City of Brooklyn, ex-oficio; Pres- ident, A. A. Low; Treasurer, Abram B. Baylis, Jr .; Secretary, Henry P. Morgan.

WILLIAM S. PACKER was born in Albany county, in the year 1800. He was left at an early age entirely de- pendent on himself, but this was only a stimulus to ex- ertion, and he was noted, even in boyhood, for his energy, self-reliance and perseverance. In early man- hood, he established himself in the fur-trade in Albany, and founded the house of Packer, Prentice & Co., after- wards removed to New York. His rare sagacity, his

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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

strict integrity and his readiness to help younger men, who, like himself, had their own way to make, gave him an enviable reputation among men.

On retiring from business in 1840, he came to Brook- lyn to reside, and from that time thoroughly identified himself with this city, entering heartily into all plans for public improvement. A man of broad views, he believed in the future of Brooklyn, and devoted time, influence and money, to aid in establishing institutions for the good of the people. He was one of the founders of the Brooklyn City Hospital and of the Brooklyn Female Academy, and contributed liberally to the building of various churches. The population of Brooklyn at that time was less than 40,000. The vil- lage character still belonged to it, though it had been organized under the form of a city government a few years before.

All the important institutions and public works, which have since been commenced or accomplished here, were then still in the future, and the residence in the place of a man like Mr. Packer, who, though modest and unobtrusive, had foresight, courage, en- terprise, and influence with men, and who used his means with intelligent liberality, was therefore a matter of public importance. It opened before him a quite unusual opportunity of usefulness, which he gladly improved, and his energetic public spirit, with that of others with whom he was associated, has had its worthy and splendid memorial in the subsequent development of the city. He died at the close of 1850, and the Packer Collegiate Institute opened in 1854, was built by his widow with the desire of associating his name with some permanent public good.

Brooklyn Heights Seminary, 136, 138 and 140 .Montague Place .- This institution for the education of young ladies was established by Prof. Alonzo Gray, LL. D., in 1851; and, nine years later, passed, on his death, into the hands of the present principal and pro- prietor, Charles E. West, M. D., LL. D., formerly the Principal of the well-known Rutgers Female College, in New York city, during its palmiest days.

Dr. West has devoted himself for some forty years to the important subject of female education, studying the matter in all its branches and bearings, and ascer- taining, by a comparison of the systems of instruction employed in America and Europe, the most suitable methods to be adopted in carrying out his aim. By close application, and by giving himself over altogether to his subject with commendable zeal, he has succeeded in accomplishing his purposes.

The seminary is situated in one of the most eligible streets in Brooklyn, near the East River, and within a few minutes of New York. The edifice is seventy- five feet front, sixty-three in depth, and five stories in height. The school-rooms are large and well ven- tilated. The remainder of the building is occupied as

a residence for the principal and for the accommoda- tion of young ladies from abroad.

The seminary is divided into two departments, junior and senior, each of which is subject to subdi- vision. The course of study comprises mathematics, science, and English, ancient and modern languages; and the pupils also enjoy the benefit of the excellent library, and choice art-collections accumulated by Prof. West [whose modesty alone has placed an insuperable bar in the way of our speaking of him, and of his works, in the manner which we desire .- EDITOR. ]

The Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic In- stitute,-After the burning of the Brooklyn Female Academy in 1853, and the generous desire of Mrs. Packer to found and endow an institution in its stead, for the higher education of women, the insurance received on the burned building, and the sale of its site, con- stituted a fund to be returned to the stockholders, or, with their consent, to be transferred to an institution for the higher education of boys and young men. A few days after the fire, Messrs. James How, Dr. J. S. Thorne, Edward Anthony, Cyrus P. Smith, Luther B. Wyman and John H. Prentice, held a meeting at the house of the latter and selected the first Board of Trustees of the Brooklyn Collegiate and Polytechnic Institute.

At a subsequent meeting, held April 3, 1853, Messrs. L. B. Wyman, George S. Howland, R. S. Tucker, J. E. South worth, Isaac H. Frothingham, John T. Mar- tin, H. R. Worthington, D. S. Landon, C. S. Baylis, J. C. Brevoort, J. S. T. Stranahan, S. B. Chittenden, James How, and J. O. Low, were chosen Trustees, to which Board, H. B. Claflin, J. L. Putnam, and Chas. R. Marvin, were shortly afterwards added. January 20th, 1854, Isaac H. Frothingham was chosen Presi- dent of the Board; Josiah O. Low, its Secretary; John T. Martin having been previously chosen Treasurer.

January 31st, 1854, the present site of the institute on Livingston street, 103 feet wide by 150 feet deep, was purchased, and soon the erection of a suitable building was commenced.

About the middle of September following the insti- tute was opened, with the following Faculty:

John H. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., President; Geo. W. Collord, Latin and Greek; Richard S. Smith, Mathematics; Chas. S. Stone, Natural Sciences ; Jean Gustave Keetels, French and German ; R. R. Raymond, Rhetoric and English; E. C. Seymour, Principal of Acad. Department; John C. Overhiser and Nathan Ballard, Instructors.

Dr. RAYMOND, who left the Polytechnic to accept the Presidency of Vassar College (which position he held till the time of his death), was succeeded by DAVID H. COCHRAN, Ph. D., one of the most thorough teachers and accomplished scientists of the day.

Brooklyn Juvenile High School .- This school was organized in May, 1854, by Misses A. S. Dobbin

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

and S. E. Rogers, at 189 Washington street, opposite the Brooklyn Institute. It slowly but steadily increased in numbers, until its accommodations became entirely too small, and the principals, in 1865, purchased three lots of ground on Livingston street, near Court, and at once commenced the erection of a large and commodious building, forty-six feet front by seventy-eight feet deep, and three stories high. This building was opened for the reception of pupils, in April, 1866; and one year afterward, finding their play-ground too limited, they purchased two lots of ground running through to Schermerhorn street. The entire cost of the grounds and building was $48,600. The school was designed, especially, for the thorough instruction of boys under

T. J. Ellinwood became a partner with Mr. Lockwood, and the new edifice was opened for use, February 4th, 1868; the old quarters being kept as a preparatory de- partment.

The academy progressed rapidly; and, its importance being appreciated by the citizens of the neighborhood where it was located, a movement was inaugurated by Mr. Lockwood to place it upon the firm and enduring basis of a public endowment and incorporation. In June, 1869, therefore, the property was sold to Messrs. William S. Woodward, Buckley T. Benton, Alfred S. Barnes and others, for the sum of $100,000, and in August following the property was dedicated to the use and benefit of the public. The institution was duly

ADELPHI ACADEMY.

twelve years of age, in the rudiments of an English education.

The Adelphi Academy, Lafayette avenue, corner of Hall street, was started at 336 (old number) Adelphi street, in February, 1863, by Aaron Chadwick and Edward S. Bunker, both of whom had been long connected with the Polytechnic Institute. They sold out, shortly after, to Mr. J. Lockwood, who opened in September, 1863, with eleven pupils; and so rapid was the growth of the school that larger quarters were found at Nos. 338 and 340 Adelphi street, and, on the 23d of July, 1867 (the pupils at that time being over three hundred), the corner-stone of a large and elegant school building was laid at the corner of Lafayette ave- nue and St. James place. During the same summer, Mr.

| incorporated, with a Board of twenty-four Trustees, Dr. Budington, President. Disagreements with the new Board of Trustees led to the resignation of Mr. Lock- wood, who was succeeded by Col. Homer B. Sprague as Principal, from October 10, 1870 to 1875, followed by Prof. Stephen G. Taylor, Ph. D., to 1883. The school has collegiate, academic, preparatory, art and music de- partments, with a spacious room for physical exercise.

The building consists of the main edifice and two wings. The western wing was erected in 1871, at an expense of $40,000, which was donated for the purpose. The eastern wing was built in 1879, through the liberality of Messrs. Charles Pratt and H. W. Wheeler. The basement is fitted up as a calisthenium and gymnasium.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

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The curriculum of study embraces the branches usually taught in primary, preparatory, academic, and collegiate institutions; and both sexes are admitted to all the grades of instruction.

The Principals of this academy have been: John Lockwood, till May, 1870; Col. Homer B. Sprague, from September, 1870, to June, 1875; Stephen G. Taylor, from September, 1875, to June, 1883, and A. C. Perkins, Ph.D., the present principal. The average attendance has come to be 730.

In 1873, the Adelphi annual course of lectures was inaugurated, and it has ever since been maintained.

Lockwood's Academy (for both sexes), 139 and 141 South Oxford street .- Mr. JOHN LOCKWOOD, after

set on foot looking to the establishment of an institu- tion that would meet the wants of Catholics in this re- spect. The foundations of the College of St. John the Baptist were laid in the summer of 1868, and the build- ing was opened for educational purposes Sept. 5, 1871. Rev. J. T. Landry, C. M., was first President, serving from the opening until January, 1876. Rev. P. M. O'Regan, C. M., succeeded him, and held the position until September, 1877, when Rev. A. J. Myer, C. M., was appointed. Rev. J. A. Hartnell, C. M., followed him in January, 1882, and still fills the office.

This institution, the only Catholic institution in the diocese possessing the privileges of a university, has al- ways enjoyed a high reputation for the thoroughness

ST. JOHN'S R. C. COLLEGE, WILLOUGHBY AVENUE, CORNER OF LEWIS AVENUE. .

his retirement from the Adelphi Academy, of which he was the founder, was requested, at a public meeting, by a resolution unanimously adopted, to open another school in the neighborhood, to be conducted on the same principles which had given such prosperity and fame to the Adelphi Academy; and the present name was then proposed. Agreeably to that invitation, and with all but two of his former grade teachers, he opened the school, which, within three years, reached an aggregate attendance of 375 pupils. It is Mr. Lock. wood's intention to secure its incorporation.

St. John's College .- One of the principal objects Bishop Loughlin had in view in calling the priests of the Congregation of the Mission into his diocese, was to afford Catholic youth facilities for a higher education. Accordingly, soon after their arrival, measures were

of its training in the higher branches of education. To keep their colleges on a level with the best colleges of the state; to fit young men for a successful and honor- able career in business, in professional pursuits, or in the holy ministry, has been the constant aim of those connected with this institution.

The Brothers of St. Francis' Monastery have founded and now conduct several educational institutions in Brooklyn, which well deserve mention.

St. Francis of Assisi founded three orders during the early part of the 13th century, the first called of Friars Minors, who were principally priests; the second called of Poor Clares for women; and the third order for men and women. The Brothers in Brooklyn belong to the Third Order, whose primary object is to instruct youth in the principles of their religion, and in the

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

branches of education proper for business, and for the learned profession.

The first house of the order in this country was es- tablished at Loretta, Pa., where the Brothers conduct a college, and, in connection with it, several schools. The Brooklyn house was commenced in 1858. In 1859, a building on Baltic street, near Court, was purchased for a school, and a place of residence for the Brothers. It had been previouly used for a short time as a public school, and also as a place of worship. This became known, from that time, as St. Francis' Academy, and it formed the nucleus of the monastery and college which takes its place. It has a frontage of 125 feet on Baltic street, and extends through the block to Butler street.

Although Catholic education is not yet systematised throughout the Union, it is virtually established; and the rapidity of its growth, and its successful develop- ment and results, seem from a Catholic standpoint, to be phenomenal. Notwithstanding the comparative poverty of its supporters, yet, owing to their generosity, the Brothers have been able to make great improve- ments both in the appearance of the college and in the efficiency of its working.

In 1871 Bro. Jerome, the present superior, who had been about five years at the head of affairs, extended and raised the old building, and added a new wing larger than the old one, with the additions, and had the name changed to

St. Francis' College, a title by which it has since been known. The course of studies pursued embraces the mathematics in their various departments, English Literature, Rhetoric, Mental and Natural Philosophy, Chemistry, Physiology and Anatomy. The modern languages are joined to the classical in the collegiate course, and to the commercial in the business course. Music, Physical Culture and Elocution are made special- ties. The number of students attending the college at present is 250; more than two-thirds of this number are day scholars, the remainder are boarders. The build- ings and ground cost about $115,000, and the apparatus and library about $10,000 more. The philosophi- cal and chemical instruments are of the most improved kind; a good supply of standard works on science and history is supplemented by a number of well-approved volumes on fiction; these supply the more advanced students all the information they require, while suitable reading matter is also provided for the younger.

The Franciscan Brothers in Brooklyn conduct, be- sides St. Francis' College,

St. Leonard's Academy .- Early in the vacation of 1880, Bro. Fidelis, with the approbation and encour- agement of the most prominent residents of the East- ern District, succeeded in obtaining a location for a dwelling and school at 190 South Fourth street. It opened with 30 boys, but the number steadily increased to 75, and the classes increased from two to four. In the spring of 1882 every available space was utilized to

meet the growing demands for admission. In April of that year a more spacious building was purchased, and the present location, a lot adjoining Nos. 138 and 140 South Fourth street, was purchased. The site is healthy and exceedingly respectable ; the play-grounds afford most ample means of recreation to the pupils' hours of recess. Another large building is now in course of construction which will contain all the recent improve- ments, both sanitary and educational, of the first-class college. As the primary object of the academy is to impart a thorough commercial, scientific and clas- sical education, the religious belief of all is duly respected. The course embraces all the branches of both a business and collegiate education. A rigid examination in all these studies is exacted be- fore the honors of the Academy are received. This institution is one of the finest and most thorough of its kind in the city.

Besides those mentioned, the Brothers conduct two other academies and seven parish schools in the city. They will be mentioned in the order in which they were opened :-

St. Peter's Academy, Hicks and Warren streets, was given to the Brothers in September, 1870. Rev. Father Fransioli, Pastor. Pupils, 700.

St. Patrick's Academy, on Kent avenue, near Myrtle, was built by the Rev. Father Fitzpatrick in 1870. The Brothers took charge of it the following year. The number of pupils is 875.

St. Joseph's School, in connection with the church of that name, is situated on Dean street, near Van- derbilt avenue. The number of pupils (male) is 500. It was built by Father O'Neil, and had been a few years in operation before the Brothers took charge in 1859.

School of Our Lady of Mercy, in Debevoise place, built by Rev. Father McKenna. The Brothers took charge in 1861, at its completion. The number of pupils is 450.

St. Mary's School, "Star of the Sea," on Nel- son and Court streets, was built by the Rev. Father Cassidy in 1868. The Brothers took charge of it im- mediately. Pupils, 530.

St. John's School. 21st street, near Fifth avenue, was opened by the Brothers in February, 1870, by Rev. Hugh Maguire, Pastor. Number of pupils, 350.

St. Charles' School, Sydney place, was taken in September, 1870 ; Rev. Dr. Freel being Pastor. This, as well as the last school, was in operation before that time. Number of pupils, 350.

St. Anne's, on Front street and Gold, built by Rev. Father Gleason, in 1873. The Brothers have charge of it since that time. The number of pupils is 500.

In 1882, the Brothers went to the

School of the Assumption, in York street, near Jay. The number of pupils is 300.

In these schools, a business course is given; in St. Patrick's and St. Peter's Academies, elocution, music

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EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.

and a few other extras are added. Most of the others have one or more of these branches taught.

The Brothers have two outside branches, one in Rondout, N. Y., and the other in Minnesota.

Academy of the Visitation,* B. V. M., 209 Clin- ton avenue, was founded by Bishop Loughlin in 1855, and in 1863 was incorporated as the "Female Institute of the Visitation."

For more than twenty years the Sisters pursued the work of education in their first home on Johnson street, corner of Pearl street. In May, 1880, the Institute was removed to the residence known as the "Halsey Home- stead," 209 Clinton avenue, where a flourishing school for young ladies is maintained.

ACADEMY OF THE VISITATION.

The new building, now in course of erection, is of Jersey free-stone, with a frontage of 220 feet; the chapel is in the centre, with the convent and academy on either side. Designed in all the simplicity of monas- tic mediaval art, it presents an exterior at once pleas- ing and imposing, and will add another feature of in- terest to a neighborhood already unrivalled in Brooklyn.

The Academy of the Visitation, Villa de Sales, was established in 1864, at Bath, and, in 1865, it was removed to Parkville; in 1869, it was incorporated under the above title. In 1877-'8, a large brick build- ing was erected for the use of the institution.

St. Francis de Sales Institute, on Summer street, between Stone and Rockaway avenues, was opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph, September, 1877, as a home and school for boys. The Sisters who reside here also teach the church school attached to St. Francis de Sales Church, on Broadway.

St. Joseph's Academy, 834 Pacific street; estab- lished about 1878; in charge of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

St. Agnes' Academy, 396 Sackett street. Full academic course, under the direction of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Deane's Academy, 418 Carleton avenue .- Prof. Alfred T. Deane taught in the Bermudas for twenty- five years. Coming to Brooklyn about 1870, he opened a school for the usual educational branches, with primary department and special department for penmanship.

The College Grammar School, Hamilton Build- ing, was organized September, 1849, by Rev. E. B. Tuttle. There are five departments, viz .: preparatory; junior, senior, or business class; classical and scientific. The Rev. Levi Wells Hart, A. M., of Yale College, is the present Principal. Physical culture is secured by gymnastic appliances and military drill.

The Athenaeum Seminary for Young Ladies and Girls; established 1869. Geo. N. Bigelow, A. M., Principal .- Has three departments, viz .: preparatory, sub-collegiate and collegiate. Mr. Bigelow was for many years head of the State Normal School, Framingham, Mass., and is thoroughly acquainted with the school systems and methods of instruction in vogue in this country and Europe.

Greene Collegiate Institute, for young ladies and children, 277 Vanderbilt avenne, was established by the Carmen Sisters (so-called), in 1863, and was for a long time located on Clermont avenue, between De Kalb and Franklin avenues. It was removed to 277 Vanderbilt avenue, where it now is, four years ago. It has always been a school of superior reputation, the three Carmen Sisters conducting it with very fine success. In 1883, it was purchased by the present proprietor and principal, Rev. Harris R. Greene, A. M., and now has sixty-five or seventy pupils, ranging from five to twenty years of age. It offers a full and com- plete course of study-preparatory, academical, colle- giate-and has an excellent corps of teachers.

Brooklyn Preparatory School, Music Hall; estab- lished 1879, by Prof. C. H. Carpenter. Dr. S. G. Tay- lor became co-principal in 1883. Five grades of instruc- tion, including primary and intermediate departments.

Friends' School, in Friends' Meeting House, Scher- merhorn street; established about twenty years ago, under the care of the Society of Friends.

Charles C. Taylor, 163 Clymer street.

Nassau Institute, 429 Classon avenne; established 1867; has collegiate, academic, primary and kinder- garten departments. Misses M. R. Hotchkiss and K. L. Maltby, principals.

Stern's School of the Languages, 177 and 178 Montague street; established 1880, as a branch of Prof. Sigmon M. Stern's school in New York city.

Clinton Avenue Institute, corner of Greene street; established about 1876. Mrs. J. T. Graham and Miss J. W. Chandler, principals.

The Misses Crawford's School, 28 First Place; established 1871; separate primary department.

Miss Whitcomb's School, 191 Clinton street; col- legiate and primary departments, and special courses of study.

*The Order of the Visitation was founded hy St. Francis de Sales, Bishop and Prince of Geneva. The first house of the institute was at Annecy, in Savoy. The institute was erected into a regular monastic order in 1618 by Pope Paul V. The order rapidly extended. so that in less than 60 years from the first foundation, there were 130 monasteries. Thsintroduction of the Order of the Visitation into the United States was due to the Most Rev. Leonard Neal, Archbishop of Baltimore, and Mise Alice Lalor. The first monastery of the Visitation in this country was founded at Georgetown, Md., December 28, 1816.

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HISTORY OF KINGS COUNTY.

St. Luke's Academy, 163 Carlton avenue. Rev. J. H. Raden, director. English, French and German instruction, and kindergarten department.

Prospect Heights Institute, 448 5th street; es- tablished 1876. Mrs. Carter, principal. Instruction in English, modern languages and music.

Prospect Heights Juvenile High School, 56 St. Mark's avenue. Miss Hall, Principal. Established 1883. Kindergarten department.

Christiansen Institute, 207 Schermerhorn street; established in 1872, 360 State street, by Mrs. G. C. Stacker (née Christiansen), Principal. Primary and intermediate departments.

Mrs. C. P. Lane's School, 479 Classon avenue; established 1883. Primary and intermediate depart- ments.

J. Deghuee's Institute, 170 Pacific street. Eng- lish, German and French school for boys.

Adelphi Institute, 182 Adelphi street. Primary school for boys and girls. Miss E. Miller, Principal.

Miss Round's Young Ladies' School, 525 Clin- ton avenue. Primary, intermediate and academic de- partments.

Miss S. M. Kennedy's French and English School, 211 Carroll street; established about 1874.

St. Francis' College, Baltic street, near Court. Classical, scientific and commercial departments. Board- ing and day school.

Mrs. Harvey's School, 148 Pierrepont street. Pri- mary department for boys and girls.

Cheneviere Institute, 153 Schermerhorn street; opened in 1865. Prof. W. A. Flamm. English, French and German boarding and day school for young ladies and children.

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The civil, political, professional and ecclesiastical history, and commercial and industrial record of the county of Kings and the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., from 1683 to 1884, Volume II, Part 77

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed Publication date: 1884 Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co Number of Pages: 1345

Author: Stiles, Henry Reed, 1832-1909, ed
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: New York, W. W. Munsell & Co
Number of Pages: 1345