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Democratic Watchman July 24 1868, page 3
BELLEFONTE ACADEMY
"It would be very strange antenna town like this, which has always enjoyed a reputation for intelligence and culture, is now rapidly acquiring a name for enterprise and public spirit, a first class Academy could not be sustained. An experiment for one year under many disadvantages has demonstrated the fact that the families of the borough are awake to the importance of maintaining such an institution, both for the benefit of their own children, and for the improvement of the town.
The school year recently closed has been a very prosperous one. Begin last fall was six pupils in the lecture room of the Presbyterian Church, fiscal rapidly filled up so that it has fully paid the salary guaranteed to the principal, besides a heavy bill of incidental expenses.
The success of the past year certainly warrants the Board of Trustees and taking prompt measures to enlarge the accommodations and secure the services of a principal who expects to establish himself permanently in this community, in his testimonials are of the highest character. The trustees have recently filled up a number of vacancies in the Board, examined the condition of the treasury instead on a foot a thorough repair of the old academy building, so estimated suitable for the residence of the principal and the accommodation of the number of boarding pupils. They expect to be in possession of the property in September next.
The situation of the academy cannot be surpassed for conspicuity and beauty. Mr. J. C. Sydeny, architect of Philadelphia, the gentleman who designed the beautiful plan for the new Presbyterian Church in this place, has furnished to plan for the improvement of the academy within and without, and will furnish besides a designed for the laying out of the grounds. If these plans are carried out, we shall have a handsome school property which will be a credit to the town, and no doubt a stimulus to its future growth. The building is at present much out of repair, and will require a much larger sum then the board have on hand to put in good condition. The trustees have less than two thousand dollars to expand at present, but they will do what they can with this. They trust to be able to satisfy the community that the institution is now a permanent thing, and worthy the patronage of the public, and their liberal contribution of property holders to its further improvement. In a neighboring county town known to the writer the building up of a classical school has been the means of giving the Holt and a wonderful impetus in the way of improvement and growth, from the county, with children to educate, are moving into the borough, and investing their money there. The same result will undoubtedly follow the building up a good classical school in this town. Citizen should look at it in this light, and put his shoulder to the wheel. There are those who are already to do the work, and watch over the interests of the institution, but the citizens will furnish the means for giving a respectable appearance to the property.
The trustees have lately elected as principal, the Rev. James P. Hughes, Tipton, Iowa, formerly principal of the Edgehill school at Princeton, New Jersey, an institution of established reputation throughout the whole country. Mr. Hughes will remove to Bellefonte during the coming month, and will be ready to open the next term about the first of September. We bespeak for him a cordial welcome, and the cooperation of all interested in the cost of liberal education. He is that many years as successful experience and preparing young men for college, and instructing young ladies in the branches usually proceeded in a first-class boarding school.
The Board of Trustees has at present Constitution, consists of the following persons: Andrew Gregg, Joseph Green, James Armor, Harvey Mann, H. M. McAllister, Samuel Linn, Gov. Curtin, E. C. Humes, Edmund Blanchard, Charles McCafferty, Gen. James A. Beaver, Dr. E. W. Hale, John P. Harris, A. S. Valentine, Jacob V. Thomas, A. O. Furst, R. B. Valentine, Adam Hoy, Samuel Van Treis, George M. Yocum, Rev. Alferd Yoemans. The attention of the public is called to an advertisement of the Academy in another column.
Democratic Watchman July 24 1868, page 3
BELLEFONTE ACADEMY - Advertisement
"The next term of this institution will be opened on Wednesday, September 2nd, and the North wing of the academy building, the room is being thoroughly repaired and furnished, and will be ready for use by the opening of the term.
The Board of Trustees take pleasure in announcing that they have engaged to as principal, the Rev. James P. Hughes, formerly of the Edgehill school, Princeton, New Jersey. Mr. Hughes, is a graduate of Princeton College and seminary, and has had 15 years successful experience as an instructor. He is devoted himself to teaching as the business of his life.
The trustees invite the patronage of the public in the full confidence that the school now offer is unusual advantages for thorough and judicious instruction. The principal with his family will reside in the Academy, and is the intention to provide accommodations for boarding pupils, as they may be required.
The estimates put upon the abilities of the principal, both as a teacher and a disciplinarian, but as well qualified to judge, may be seen from the following testimonials selected from a number of like imports in an Edgehill catalogue.
From Rev. P. G. Gurley, D. D., pastor of the New York Avenue Church, Washington, D. C.
January, 19th 1860
I am well acquainted with the Rev. James P. Hughes, of the Edgehill school, New Jersey, and that had two sons under his care. It is with unusual confidence that I recommend him to parents as a thorough and efficient teacher, exerting a happy influence on his pupils, and judicious and the administration of discipline.
P. D. Gurley
From Professor (now president) Cattell, of Lafayette College.
July, 1859
I have known Mr. Hughes intimately for a number of years. He was one of the assistant instructors during part of the time I was at an Edgehill, and having DOS had ample opportunities of observing his character and qualifications, I am the more willing to express my high opinion of this thorough and effective teaching, and is unusually happy influence over his pupils. In this latter respect, Mr. Hughes hats, and my opinion, the superior, and the few equals.
W. C. Cattell
From Rev. Alex L. McGill, D. D., professor in the theological seminary.
Princeton, June 30th, 1859
I have great confidence in the Rev. James P. Hughes as a good teacher, both in his aptness to give instructions, and his tact and the administration of discipline. I've had two sons under his care, and from the most careful observation, I am free to recommend the school as one of safe and thorough instruction.
Alex T. McGill
From the Rev. Charles Hodge, D. D., professor in the theological seminary.
Princeton, June 20th, 1859
Higher for several years been acquainted with the Rev. James P. Hughes, principal of the Edgehill school, Princeton, N. J. I believe him to be a faithful incompetent teacher, sincerely devoted to the construction and welfare of his pupils.
Charles Hodge
For terms and further particulars application may be made either to the principal or to Rev. Alfred Yeomans, president of the Board of Trustees."
Democratic Watchman September 11 1868, page 3 - Advertisement
BELLEFONTE ACADEMY
"The rooms in the north wing of the building had been partially renovated and are now open for the reception of the pupils.
The sessions opened on Monday September 2nd with encouraging prospects for a good school.
It is the purpose of the principle to furnish a thorough instructions in the elementary and hire English branches, mathematics, ancient and modern languages, book keeping and all the departments of a complete school course.
Particular attention will be given to music, both vocal and instrumental.
The moral character of the students will be guarded a special care.
The scholastic year will be divided into two sessions of 20 weeks each.
Examinations will be held before the Christmas holidays, and at the close of the year.
TERMS
For day pupils - $25 per session
Music extra -- $25 per session
Modern languages extra -- $20 per session
For further particulars address, reverence J. P. Hughes, principal, or Rev. A. Yeomans, Pres't of B. T."
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