USA > Pennsylvania > Susquehanna County > Harford > Franklin Academy reunion, June 14, 1900 : Harford, Susquehanna county, Pa., embracing pictures of the institution, and portraits of its principals, history, proceedings of the reunion, addresses, etc., and a complete catalogue of all students ever attending the academy > Part 2
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Many students in the earlier days have vivid recollections of their own methods of boarding themselves. Some would
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bake their potatoes on the top of a box stove, covering them with a small iron basin or kettle. Students have maintained themselves here on potatoes and salt at a cost of twenty-five cents a week.
In August, 1865, Lyman Richardson sold the property to Charles W. Deans, and November 7 the Soldiers' Orphan School began its first term. In 1868 it passed to the ownership and control of Prof. Henry S. Sweet, a former student at Franklin. In 1886 Prof. J. M. Clark purchased and took charge, and in 1896 Superintendent James E. Mathews became manager.
The older generation regret the setting of Franklin Acad- emy, the putting out of an educational light of fifty years' dura- tion. But the place is still consecrated to education; the mag- ical charm is yet unbroken. An average of nearly two hundred pupils are yearly preparing themselves for life's duties.
To thousands the spot is hallowed ground. Who that has looked from this favored location eastward, to the noble hills, yea mountains, that seem to meet the sky, and has seen the rising sun flash his beams over their tops, can repress a mur- mur of admiration? So must that venerable principal have felt; for in his last days he once remarked that life would be worth living had it no other enjoyment than earth's beautiful land- scapes.
Ten days ago the writer wandered about the old chapel. The interior is so changed as to be unrecognizable. But the outside is still old Susquehanna Hall. In the rear are dimly seen, through the paint, the initials of many students cut in the clapboards. The old bell has forsaken the belfry. On the sec- ond floor, where the societies waged hot war in debates, is the dormitory of the boys of S. O. S. The buildings, too, are changed through the grounds. The old willow is gone. Into the chapel comes no more the bent form of "Good Uncle Lyman." In that laboratory I shall never see again the dear "brother" (as we called each other), Prof. E. K. Richardson, who, in after life, filled high positions in teaching. Oh, so untimely, his tak- ing off, just before he was to join with us in this last glad Re- union! But God doeth all things well. No mistakes in his government. But Time is ever writing these words:
"Passing away; passing away."
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Three Richardsons were the controlling spirits of Frank- lin Academy during its life. They had marked differences of administration. A brief epitome must suffice.
Preston Richardson was tall, thin, erect in figure, intellect- ually mathematical rather than classical. Failing health broke life's plans. But with the intuitions of his New England blood,. idleness, even though in declining health, was a condition which he could not reconcile with existence this side the grave. So he revived the classical school of his brother, Lyman. In his teaching he was opposed to any political or religious discus- sions, and especially any personalities that would create any feeling. Composition exercises were dull affairs. Seven years. closed his work and his life. Unpretending, unselfish, unam- bitious; a gentle and lovable man; a Christian.
Rev. Willard Richardson was graceful in figure and move- ment; quick and decisive; effusive in speech; with an enthus- iasm that was catching. He had not the tact and judgment of his father. He was a natural teacher and a born leader of the young. He was more deeply interested in the ambition of stu- dents to excel in composition, rhetoric and declamation, than in their becoming thorough masters of their daily recitations. He was connected with the Academy seventeen years, ten of. which he was chief.
Assuming control in '37 or '38, fresh from college, Prof. Richardson awoke it from the prosaic life under Preston. In this he was ably assisted by Mr. Streeter, also just from an In- stitute, Clinton, N. Y. Mental Arithmetic proved a powerful lever, and greater freedom was allowed in composition writing. Prof. R.'s recital of the way this came about is humorous and interesting. 'Twas a bold venture. Wednesday afternoons be- came noted. Each student was stimulated to do his or her best. Exhibitions and colloquies became a finality. In a letter to the writer May 13, 1889, Rev. R. says: "Mr. Streeter and myself labored and worried much in working up the exhibitions, which were to Harford Academy and Harford, in an educational direc- tion what Harford fairs are in an industrial direction.
The Apostle Paul often refers to the Olympian Games of Greece, which suggested to myself and Mr. Streeter what these exhibi- tions would do to educate the country-to rouse it far and near.
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Judge Streeter had a peculiar adaptation for the work."
Willard Richardson returned to Franklin in 1848. We have already dwelt at length on the seven years following. As first County Superintendent he met with many difficulties. Even conservative men thought he was working more for the teach- ers than for the schools. Says Prof. E. K. Richardson: "Wil- lard took ground against mental qualifications alone as a test for teaching abilities; and was among the first to recognize the professional and moral qualifications of the teacher. Where- ever he went teachers felt the need of being better prepared. He was careful in issuing certificates; and was quick to recog- nize the teaching ability."
Two reports as County Superintendent are in existence. They are able. Those in office today thrash over the straw, to - some extent, of their predecessors. This man had a new field, a new experience, to report upon. But we can only cull one re- mark. It shows the man. "Mental arithmetic forms the base of our operations. With this we teach a child to think; we open his mind to conviction; we teach him to reason; we give him a habit of fixed attention which he can acquire nowhere else; it is the geometry of early life."
Lyman Richardson was of medium height; good bodily proportions; but bowed or stooping in figure; a deformity that increased with age.
Prof. William S. Tyler, his earliest pupil at the "Center," thus estimates him: "Lyman Richardson was not a thorough classical scholar. He was a self-educated and self-made man. But this does not mean in his case that he was not educated at all, nor made at all. He disciplined his mind by observation, reflection, and the best books within his reach. He was a live man, wide-awake, intensely in earnest, all on fire from his heart's core to the end of his tongue and his fingers with the ardor of his temperament and the fervor of his love to God and man. Full of enthusiasm himself, in the teacher's chair as well as in the pulpit, he was able to inspire his pupils with genuine enthusiasm in their studies. To him belongs the honor of having originated, and originated well, the classical schools which have proved such an ornament and blessing to his town."
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Says Ex-Governor Carpenter, of Iowa: "I never think of him without a feeling of thankfulness that it was my privilege in my young manhood to know him. He was entirely absorbed in his devotion to the school; and his fatherly interest in the students, no matter how wayward and ungrateful they might be, has been the wonder of my subsequent life. He had a natural love of the physical sciences. He was an original and constant thinker. If he had not been driven to the field of practical affairs and daily work, he would have dwelt in the dreamland of the mental and moral philosopher. In his sermons and lec- tures in the old Academy chapel upon religious topics, he never apologized for his faith. He was not a mental or moral cow- ard. I here and now, take him all in all, without mental reser- vation, declare he was the best man I have ever known."
Says Loomis: "'Good Uncle Lyman' "-as the students fondly called him-never had an enemy among all those that . were under his instruction and management. To say he was beloved by all his pupils would not half express their affec- tions for this kind and Christian man. While he was a strict disciplinarian, it was done in such simplicity and fatherly man- ner that all could not fail to see that his rules of government were for the common good. Of course there were students a little unruly at times, full of vitality, bubbling over; and in the nature of things must find vent in numerous pranks and antics. But he never punished without the clearest proof of guilt. No hearsay evidence would do. He was always on the alert, and what he saw with his own eyes was sufficient for him to deal with the refractory."
Loomis says: "Always on the alert." A number of anec- dotes are on record, proving this. Actions of students that would not be noticed, ordinarily, caught his attention. Quietly the thread was followed up, and the consummation either pre- vented, or caught in the act. There is testimony to prove many sleepless nights; and no night when he might bid adieu to all care. And there were painful episodes in which the unprinci- pled, the degraded, wrought folly or misery. Truly, this man suffered as well as labored.
Says Rev. Adam Miller: "He possessed sterling common sense. Franklin Academy gained great popularity. Without
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greediness of gain, he was ready to subject himself to incon- venience and toil, without such compensation as justice might claim."
Thus in review stand the three Richardsons. There were others of the family whose lives, though less prominent were equally good.
Says Stocker: "No family that ever lived in Northern Pennsylvania ever did more for the cause of education, sound morality, and the pure principles of Christianity than the Rich- ardsons."
June 14, 1900.
W. L. THACHER.
I
FRANKLIN ACADEMY REUNION.
PRELIMINARY EVENTS.
At the annual Church roll-call, June 15, 1899, of the First Congregational Church of Harford, Pa., Pastor Manwell in- quired whether the members would remember the centennial of the Church, June 15, 1900, or suffer it to pass by unheeded.
Moved by Watson Jeffers, "That we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of this Church." Seconded.
Amended by E. E. Jones to include a reunion of Franklin Academy students.
Mr. Jeffers accepted the amendment. Discussion. Now was the time for a Reunion, if ever. The older students are fast passing away. The youngest one, in the last term, is nearly fifty years old. Many might be glad to attend both celebrations. Harford could better unite these occasions than make them separate.
The motion, as amended, was carried.
Aug. 19. At a Church meeting the following were elected officers of the Centennial celebration: Watson Jeffers, presi- dent; E. T. Tiffany, vice-president; W. L. Thacher, secretary; C. S. Johnston, treasurer.
Oct. 2. Secretary reported an examination of Academy catalogue. He had made a list of all whom he knew, and whom he supposed to be alive. Included in it names in the period of 1855-65, as he recollected them. Secretary was instructed to write Prof. E. K. Richardson for information as to students from 1855 to 1865. Rev. Manwell moved that a committee be appointed to select from entire list, such persons as would capa- bly serve on committee. Carried. W. L. Thacher, E. T. Tif- fany, C. S. Johnson, were selected. Friday, June 15, 1900, be- ing the centennial of the Church, Thursday, June 14, was chosen for Reunion.
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Dec. 4. Secretary reported receiving from Prof. Richard- son documents from which he had made a complete list of students in the missing period, 1855-'65. Very much labor would be necessary to put it in proper shape.
Jan. 8, 1900. Committee reported the selection of nineteen students, and named them a "Committee of Franklin Academy students on Reunion." They were:
Prof. H. S. Sweet, New Orleans, La.
Julius Tyler, Ararat, Pa.
D. C. Ainey, M. D., New Milford, Pa.
Prof. E. K. Richardson, Berwick, Pa.
Hon. J. B. McCollum, Philadelphia.
Hon. G. A. Grow, M. C., Washington, D. C.
Prof. E. S. P. Hine, Brooklyn, Pa.
C. Heber Dickerman, Milton, Pa. Roswell Miller, Chicago, Il1.
Hon. S. B. Chase, Hallstead, Pa.
F. E. Loomis, Esq., Scranton. Rev. C. M. Tower, Oneida, N. Y.
A. A. Eaton, Binghamton, N. Y.
F. I. Lott, Esq., Montrose, Pa. Samuel Smyth, Pittston, Pa.
L. T. Birchard, Birchardville, Pa.
E. M. Tiffany, Hopbottom, Pa.
S. J. Adams, Kingsley, Pa.
Capt. A. T. Sweet, Harford, Pa.
Circular and list were forwarded to each in December. Responses indicated almost unanimous choice of Hon. G. A. Grow for orator of the day. Also that a "Home Committee" selected from the "Nineteen" would be amply sufficient for all duties necessary to a successful Reunion. Roswell Miller was the first to respond. And several letters afterwards. Valuable advice was given by Prof. E. S. P. Hine, Hon. S. B. Chase, Prof. H. S. Sweet, C. H. Dickerman, Judge McCollum, Rev. C. M. Tower, F. I. Lott, Esq.
Said Prof. H. S. Sweet: "I believe the two days will be a grand success, as Harford people generally succeed in their undertakings. I have always felt that I belong to the Harford people, and I shall be pleased to be with them in June, but
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would like to be excused from being placed on any committee of arrangements, as my health is such that I feel unable to attend to the duties of such a place."
He was indeed in Harford on these memorable two days, but too weak to attend either occasion, having suffered an exhausting sickness many months. Thus we lost our chairman, and his guidance and judgment.
Previous to this the Pennsylvania Commission of Soldiers" Orphan Schools had granted the request, presented by Hon. James W. Adams, member of the commission from this county, that the grounds of old Franklin Academy and the chapel should be given to the Reunion, for their enjoyment, June 14, 1900. They requested us to confer with Prof. Matthews, superintendent of Harford S. O. School, as to fuller and more definite arrange- ments.
The committee, selecting the "Nineteen" again made choice of a "Home Committee." From the "Nineteen," five were named: Prof. Hine, S. J. Adams, Capt. A. T. Sweet, E. M. Tiffany, F. E. Loomis. On suggestion of E. E. Jones that the secretary, W. L. Thacher, be added to that committee, it was so moved by Rev. J. P. Manwell, and carried unanimously.
With the formation of the above committee, the Church Centennial Committee relinquished all further control or con- cern for the Reunion. To Edward E. Jones belongs the credit of initiating and setting in motion the Reunion. Mr. Jones's father, Hon. Henry M. Jones, was a student; his mother, Mrs. Mariette Blandin Jones, a teacher in Old Franklin.
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The "Home Committee," Franklin Reunion, met at Kings- ley, March 3. Organization: Prof. E. S. P. Hine, President; W. L. Thacher, Secretary; Capt. Sweet, Treasurer.
Fully awake to the duties before them, the committee spent the whole day in earnest consultation. The outcome was (1) The publication of a pamphlet-catalogue, containing history, proceedings of the day, and complete catalogue of the 2200 students attending from 1830 to 1865. Secretary to edit the work. (2) Dinner free to students. (3) Engagement of the Harford Cornet Band. (4) Invitation to S. O. S. Band to assist. (5) Invitation and program to be sent to every known living student. (6) Hon. G. A. Grow for orator of the day. (7) Prof.
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E. K. Richardson, the last living representative of Rev. Lyman Richardson's family, to deliver the historical address, dwelling more particularly on the closing years of Franklin Academy, and personal traits of his father. (8) An open program, having much time for social enjoyment. Hine, Thacher, Sweet, com- mittee. (9) Engagement of a stenographer. (10) Services at grave of Lyman Richardson,-(a) Scripture, Prof. Hine; (b) Prayer, Rev. C. M. Tower; (c) eulogy, W. L. Thacher.
From this time to Reunion day the president and secretary worked unremittingly. Capt. Sweet was alert and ready for the numerous trips, consultations, etc., attending such an under- taking; S. J. Adams and E. M. Tiffany gave encouragement ; and all three remembered the cash necessary to a successful Reunion. C. Heber Dickerman gave much needed advice be- fore his departure for Europe. F. I. Lott, Esq., maintained constant correspondence on the details as they came in for ac- tion. Attorney H. M. Hannah, of Scranton, though not a student, took a lively interest in the preparations, and revised many names for the catalogue. Edward E. Jones was watchful to lessen the burdens of the secretary in numberless ways. Hon. S. B. Chase promised to be the orator of the day, should any- thing prevent Hon. G. A. Grow's attendance. F. E. Loomis greatly assisted in the negotiations regarding publication of pamphlet-catalogue. He revised many names, and published several articles in the Scranton dailies. We copy one:
"Fellow Students: The time is at hand when the 14th June, our reunion, will occur and pass into history. For the commit- tee of arrangements, I urge you all to be present. Prepare now to make your pilgrimage to that Mecca that we all love so well, and worship at its shrine for one day only, with love and devotion. The broad fields on which the great exhibition of July 1854 occurred, when the assembled thousands were ad- dressed by Horace Greeley, will greet you once more. The walks and grounds are there, but echoing not to the footsteps of the loved ones that have passed from our sight. But they echo to the tread of the orphans of the soldiers of the republic. Who knows but the departed may be with us in the spirit, and touch us with hands unseen, at this last reunion of the old students of Franklin Academy."
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The president and secretary carried on a large correspond- ence; and labored unweariedly upon the proposed catalogue. The magnitude of this part of the work was very faintly con- ceived by them at the beginning. The complete revision of 2200 names, giving residence, occupation, achievement; the examina- tion of hundreds of letters received on that subject; comparison of long lists sent in, with the originals; study of the numerous catalogues issued by Franklin from 1840 to '55; and the restora- tion of the years of chaos ('55 to '65) wherein only faulty lists were accessible; formed a task that neither would undertake again.
In Supt. J. E. Matthews, S. O. S., the committee found a friend, adviser, and willing helper. The annual examination of the school unfortunately fell on June 12 and 13. These are al- ways days of labor, care, anxiety; alike to manager and em- ployees. But all shouldered the added burden of another day cheerfully. The State Commission, remembering the import- ance and efficiency of Franklin in days past, and taking notice of the long list of eminent men, who, in student days, were at this institution, generously donated all provision for the large dinner. And Supt. Matthews would take no· recompense for the turmoil, vexation, and care inseparable from such a gather- ing. He modestly asked for a small remuneration to the over- worked employees, in doors and out, who so cheerfully and at- tentively waited on the crowd of 400. The committee can never forget his kindness nor generosity.
The following invitation and program was issued in May. The students whose addresses were known, but had not been counted, exceeded the expectations of committee, and at the last, some were omitted, regretfully, because the stock of pro- grams and invitations had given out. Four hundred were mailed. Some never reached the persons addressed. Others were overlooked unintentionally. It is believed there are 700 students yet living.
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FRANKLIN ACADEMY REUNION. THURSDAY, JUNE 14th, 1900.
We purpose a meeting of Franklin Academy's sons and daughters, on the old familiar grounds, on the above day. The institution was, in later years, known as Harford University. You are cordially, earnestly invited to be present, and enjoy the day with us. We enclose program. Each student will bring his wife; each lady student, her husband. We meet to look in each others' faces once more. To grasp the hand of friendship. To talk over old school days. To remember our dear teachers, especially Rev. L. Richardson-"Dear Uncle Lyman."
Dinner will be provided for all. Aside from this the Com- mittee are unable to offer other accommodations.
We mail this invitation to every known living student whose address could be ascertained. We have also, through repeated articles in many newspapers, given ample notice.
We purpose a souvenir of the occasion,-a pamphlet-book. It will contain the old engraving of Franklin Academy, found on certificates granted by Revs. Lyman and Willard Richardson. Found also in catalogue of 1855. Next, a photo of the build- ings and grounds today. Next, photos of the two above named principals. To be followed by a history of the Institution, pro- ceedings of the day, and speeches. Lastly, a complete catalogue of the two thousand students, attending from 1830 to 1865, at which time the school closed. Great labor is being spent to make this list as perfect as possible. One line is given to each name; and residence, business, achievement, honor, will be noted for each, so far as we can learn. Enlistment in Civil War is especially worthy of note. Lady's name will be followed by her married name, whenever ascertained; with the abbreviation, Tea. if she was at any time a teacher. All students not living will be marked *. The whole book will number one hundred pages or more.
Will you respond to this invitation at once? Be with us if possible. If you cannot come, but desire a book, it will be mailed you on receipt of sixty cents. Address either president
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at Kingsley, or secretary at Harford. Make postal money order payable at either place, according to person addressed. Part of the book will be ready for inspection Reunion day. It will be plain to you why the finished book cannot be obtained until after June 14.
This is the last call for such a gathering. The youngest student, attending the very last year, is now fifty years old. And the earlier ones are rapidly passing away. A successful reunion will be the final cap-stone to the history of "Old Franklin." While we are yet on the shores of time let us do what we can for our "Alma-Mater." It will be a sweet memory when past. E. S. P. HINE, President, SUMNER J. ADAMS,
CAPT. ABEL T. SWEET,
F. E. LOOMIS, Esq., EDSON M. TIFFANY,
W. L. THACHER, Secretary.
PROGRAMME.
10:00-Harford Cornet Band, March "General Miles".By Farrar Harford Cornet Band, "Battle of Santiago."
By Southwell
10:30-Historical Address Prof. E. K. Richardson 11:15-"The United States Forever". By Terrill Harford Cornet Band.
"Erminie" By Jakobowski
Soldiers' Orphan School Band.
11:15 to 12-
Social Reunion. Dress Parade. Military Company . S. O. School
12:00 to1- Dinner. "Sparkling Gems Waltzes" By Ripley Harford Cornet Band.
1:00 to 2- Five minute speeches. "Revival"-(Sacred airs) . By Linter
Soldiers' Orphan School Band.
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2:00 to 3-
Social Reunion. "Frolic of the Coons" By Beebe Harford Cornet Band.
"Independentia" March. By Hall
Harford Cornet Band. 3 to 3:30- Oration Hon. G. A. Grow
"Auld Lang Syne".
Harford Cornet Band. (Audience will sing poem, with Band.)
3:30 to 4:15-
March to cemetery, Harford Village.
By Stackhouse "The Last Greeting,". Harford Cornet Band.
4:30-Scripture . Prof. E. S. P. Hine
4:40-Prayer. Rev. Chas. M. Tower
4:50-Dirge, "The Last Tribute" By Kellar - Harford Cornet Band.
5:00-"Lyman Richardson" W. L. Thacher
5:20-"Dearest Spot on Earth". By Chadsey- Harford Cornet Band.
5:30-Formal Close. E. S. P. HINE, President. W. L. THACHER, Secretary.
AULD LANG SYNE.
We gather here, as friends, once more, Upon this festal day; Our hearts beat lightly as of yore We sing the ancient lay; We tread once more the paths we trod In days of "Auld Lang Syne;" Our grateful hearts we lift to God And seek His grace divine.
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The sod we pressed in by-gone days By other feet is pressed; And other eyes have fixed their gaze On fields with verdure dressed; Yet memory with gentle voice Calls back those halycon days; And bids our willing hearts rejoice And utter words of praise.
How oft we heard the morning bell Resounding through the air; A sound we knew and loved so well Which called away to prayer. Can we forget that "grand old man" To whom our hearts were given? His words live as no others can And turned our thoughts to heaven.
What though the silver threads are more Than dark or golden hair! What though the brows so smooth of yore Are furrowed o'er with care! To-day we drive "dull care" away, We cease the restless strife; And though our locks are growing gray We'll make the most of life.
When favoring fortune fills our sails, And happiness is ours, We welcome the propitious gales And grateful, tread on flowers. Should sorrow come and come it will, For all that path have trod, We bid our wondering hearts be still And know the hand of God.
Should "auld acquaintance be forgot?" The fragrant winds that blow, The scenes of this beloved spot,
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All seem to answer "No." No length of time, no breadth of space Can still that voice divine ; It speaks though years march on apace Of days of "Auld Lang Syne."
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