|
Keystone Gazette January 8 1904, page 1
Important Academy News
"The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Bellefonte Academy was held Monday afternoon in the law office of John M. Dale, Esq. There was a large attendance of members and important business was transacted. Dr. R. G. H. Hayes and H. C. Quigley, Esq. were elected trustees to succeed C. M. Bower and George L. Potter, deceased. A committee was appointed to arrange a program for the Centennial celebration of the Academy which will occur in 1904. The committee consists of Gen. James A. Beaver, chairman, John Blanchard, Ellis L. Orvis, John M. Dale, and H. C. Quigley. This celebration will be the most interesting event from an educational standpoint in the history of the county. The old students will return in large numbers on this occasion to renew their school day memories and a jolly good time may be expected. At the meeting of the Board of Trustees, Prof. James R. Hughes reported that two friends of the Academy from distant cities had agreed to contribute $3000 toward needed improvements at the Academy provided the balance of $10,000 could be raised. Mr. Hughes rendered a very pleasing and satisfactory report of the success and progress of the Academy in every phase of its work."
Bellefonte Republican February 25 1904, page 1
THE ACADEMY MIRROR
"On Friday afternoon Feb. 19, the Academy annual, "The Mirror," was read before a large and appreciative audience of student s teachers and friends, of the school. The mirror is the comic of the Academy which contains scores of bits and jokes upon the students which have happened during the preceding year and in addition many articles upon the current questions of the day.
Some fifty artistic pen sketches illustrating the funny incidents of the year add interest to the paper.
The cover contains a very pretty water-color picture of the Mt. Vernon Home where George and Martha Washington, are entertaining the editorial staff. This pen and water color work is something extra fine and was executed by the staff artist Robert Valentine.
The reading of the paper was part interspersed by interesting exercises by the primary and intermediate departments under the direction of Miss Overton, Robert Walker, Mildred Locke and Edmund Joseph made hits in recitation and song, while the "Topsy Turvy" song by the intermediate girls and the callisthenic drill by both, primary and intermediate classes won rounds of applause. Tis needless to say that the Mirror jokes kept the school in a constant state of laughter.
The paper was read by Mr. Jas. R. Hughes and Stanley Valentine. The editors were: Elliott Vandevanter, Mahaffey Ferguson, Blair Holzworth, Stanley Valentine, Morris Walter, Earle Leathers, Louis Daggett, George Tapper, John Rankin, Raymond Acheson, Miss Anne Orvis and Miss Elizabeth Ardell."
Democratic Watchman March 4 1904, page 8
"The centennial committee of the Bellefonte Academy was entertained at dinner, Friday evening, at the home of Gen. Beaver, who is chairman. It was one of the General's plans to get the gentlemen together to talk over the arrangements for properly celebrating the 100th, anniversary of the founding of our growing educational institution."
Democratic Watchman March 18 1904, page 8
ACADEMY RE-ENGAGES TEACHERS
"It will be very interesting news to all friends and patrons of the Academy to learn that Prof. James R. Hughes has succeeded in engaging all of his present strong and successful corps of teachers for another year. The Academy teachers won a triumph this year when they took in charge a student from a distance who had failed to enter The Penna. State College in September, and not only enabled him to make up his preparatory work, but prepared him in the Freshman year studies for the February examinations so successfully that he went to State and passed all the examinations with not a grade lower than "B" and with several "A's". Now he is a Freshman high standing. Such facts as these speak volumes for the kind of work our Academy can do and is doing."
Keystone Gazette May 27 1904, page 8
Contest at Academy
"There was an interesting prize contest at the Bellefonte Academy Friday afternoon which drew quite a large audience of outside people. The contest was for the essay prize given by the Daughters of the American Revolution. The first prize was given to Mortimer Miller of Jacksonville, Florida, and the second prize was given to Thompson Henry of Martha."
Bellefonte Republican June 9 1904, page 1
New Teachers at the Academy
"Two extra teachers will be added to the faculty of the Academy for the coming year, making a corps of twelve instructors for that progressive institution.
Mr. L. B. H indman, who has been conducting in an interesting manner the Bible study in the boarding depart ment during this past year, will deliver during the ensuing year a series of features on Bible truth to the entire school. These lectures will occupy one period of every Wednesday afternoon.
Miss Rebecca Lyon, a pupil of Professor Philip Scharwenka, of Berlin, Germany, the celebrated Polish composer and teacher and a student under the leading artist of America will establish a department in music. She will employ the mason system of technique in general, and for very young pupils, will adopt the Kindergarten method, The music room at the Academy which has been fitted up so attractively this year and equipped with a new piano, will be Miss Lyon's studio.
The Academy is to be congratulated for laying a needed stress on Bible study and offering to the town rare musical advantages."
Bellefonte Republican June 16 1904, page 6
THE ACADEMY RECEPTION
Brilliant Social Event Which Marked the Close of the School Year
"Quite brilliant social event transpired at the Bellefonte Academy Friday evening. It being the annual reception which take place each year at the end of the school term. The reception lasted from 7.30 until 10 o'clock and between four and five hundred people wended their way to the historic old school on the hill and there enjoyed the delightful social intercourse, drank in the enlivening music of Prof. Christy Smith's excellent orchestra and admired the beautiful and exquisite decorations and illuminations.
The students and their parents, members of the alumni and friends and patrons of the institution were represented among the number present. The scene when the reception was at its height was a brilliant and inspiring one. The grounds were illuminated with many Japanese lanterns. The porches and drawing rooms were handsomely decorated with bunting. Potted plants, flowers and great banks of laurel were placed in different parts of the rooms and porches.
In every nook and corner cozy little tables were set and at these light refreshments were served, the waitresses being young ladies from Miss Hill's department.
The guests were met by the following ushers Messers, Stanley Valentine, Thompson Henry, Mahaffey Ferguson and William Louder. Later they were presented to the reception committee which consisted of Mrs. James R. Hughes, Miss Helen Overton, Miss Isabelle Hill and Miss Kate Davis, Rev. James P. Hughes and his son, Prof. James R. Hughes greeted the guests cordially and everyone was made heartily welcome.
Among the guests present from a distance were Mrs. Thomas and daughter, of Mahanoy City; Mrs. Ferguson and daughter of Mahaffey; Mrs. Dr. Thompson, of Stormstown; Mrs. Henry, of Martha; Miss Dairy Graham, of Mt. Washington, Md.; Mrs. Frank P. Bassett, of Sparrows Point, Md.; Miss Budinger, Arthur Budinger, of Snow Shoe.
After the reception the young people held a dance in the Armory, the music being furnished by the Smith orchestra."
Bellefonte Republican June 30 1904, page 8
Improvements at the Academy
"Mr. Jas. R. Hughes is already making interesting improvements at the Academy for the coming years work. Having se cured two extra teachers to further Bible instruction and provide rare musical facilities for this community, he is now beautifying the Primary room with new paper and likewise fitting up Prof. Meyer's room in most attractive style. Tuesday he received from Washington a very beautiful animal and nature study chart for instruction in the Primary and Intermediate departments. It contains 48 pages of pictures in richest colors illustrating bird life, fish life, animals, insects, flowers, plants, shells &c.
Indications point to a large school next fall. We wish the Academy the very best success."
Democratic Watchman July 1 1904, page 8
"The Academy mathematical prize of $10 has been equally divided between Clyde Orwig, of Mifflinburg, and Pearl Thomas, of Howard."
Democratic Watchman July 15 1904, page 5
SEVERAL NEW INSTRUCTORS AT THE ACADEMY
"Mr. James R. Hughes has been exceedingly fortunate in engaging a very strong corps of teachers for the ensuing year. In addition to Miss Overton in the primary department, Miss Hill in the English department, Mr. Myers in the higher mathematics and science department, Mr. Wharton in the classical and history department, all of whom are well known by their successful work of the past years at the Academy, Mr. Hughes has added to the faculty Miss Rebecca Pugh Lyon as instructor in pianoforte, Mr. L. B. Hindman lecturer on Bible history, Mr. Fred Clinton Miller, A. B, of New York, a graduate of Princeton, instructor in junior mathematics, civics and physical geography and Mr. Frank Clifton Smith, of Connecticut, instructor in French and German.
Mr. Miller is a very manly man and comes highly recommended by both Princeton faculty and Princeton students. He holds a recent certificate for teaching in the State of New York.
Mr. Smith is a graduate of Yale in 1887 a post graduate of Harvard and received the degree of Ph. D. at Leipsic, Germany, for successful work at that University in English, French and German. He has spent eight years in Germany and France, and a few weeks ago returned from Europe with an ability to speak French and German as fluently as he speaks English. He has travel led extensively in England, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, France and Germany. He has had valuable experience in teaching. His recommendations as a gentlemanly man of social standing, moral character, wide scholarship and thoroughness and conscientiousness in work are most satisfactory."
Keystone Gazette July 22 1904, page 1
THE ACADEMY IN RUINS
Historical Institution Becomes a Prey to the Flames
THE FAMOUS BELL MELTED
The Entire Third Floor Burned off the Building - It Contained Twelve Sleeping Apartments and Bath Rooms - The Balance of the Structure Damaged by Smoke and Water - The Structure to be Rebuilt at Once so There Will be no Delay in Opening for the Fall Term.
"Tuesday morning Bellefonte had quite a costly blaze. Shortly after 7 o'clock smoke was seen issuing from the tower of the Bellefonte Academy which for over a century has been the pride of the town. An alarm was sent in and as usual our firemen acted promptly but it proved to he a hard conflagration to fight. The fire was located where it was difficult to get at, but the boys did their level best to keep it from running its course, and destroying the building and rendering it perfectly useless. As it was, the entire roof and third story was burned off. On this story there were about one dozen bedrooms and a bathroom, together with the furniture all of which were destroyed.
The second floor was used as a dormitory and class rooms, but much of this bedding and furniture was carried out of the building. The first floor was used as class rooms and in one annex was is large library which was saved. The most damage done on the first and second floors was by water and smoke.
One of the greatest losses is the old bell. Not for its intrinsic value but the place it occupied in the world of relics. It was a Spanish trophy molded in 1 802 and placed in the belfry of the Academy in 1805, when t he building was erected. In that time thousands of pupils have been summoned to this institution, many of whom have been a power and influence for good in the world. The fire in the tower was so intense that the bell melted as if it had been put in a furnace. The lumps of brass were gathered up and will be held as souvenirs of one of the three oldest preparatory schools in the State.
No one was at home when the fire broke out except Mrs. James Hughes and Miss Helen Overton. Rev. Hughes had gone to the country for the day and Prof. James Hughes was transacting business in Williamsport.
The origin of the fire is believed to be due to the electric light wires which enter the building through the tower. The theory is that Monday evening during the heavy thunder storm the lightning struck the wires and passed into the tower setting it on fire. That being the case, the fire smoldered all night, breaking out in the morning.
Within six hours after the fire the board of trustees held a meeting in Gen. Beaver's office, when it was decided to rebuild immediately and if possible open the school at the regular time, Sept. 15th. If this is found impossible the time may be extended a couple of weeks. A committee composed of F. W. Crider, Harry Keller and Frank McCoy were appointed to look after the adjustment of the insurance and to instruct Robert Cole to draw up plans for a new full story on the building. Prof. Hughes and his father have been making preparations already to celebrate the Academy's centennial next year, and while the burning of the building may be a barrier to its program yet the intentions are to hold it. It is expected by that time everything will be in good shape again.
The loss is estimated anywhere between $7,000 to $10,000 with insurance enough to cover the loss. The policies were placed in companies represented by Frederick K. Foster, William Burnside, Samuel Goss and W. B. Rankin, the latter having policies on the furniture only. It is said that this is the first fire during a century and the insurance companies should not kick at that."
Keystone Gazette July 29 1904, page 1
THE LOSSES ADJUSTED
The Bellefonte Academy Gets $3890
"This week the adjusters finished their work adjusting the loss connected with the Bellefonte Academy. The trustees were awarded $3890 on the building besides the private insurance that Prof. James Hughes had on his household goods which was enough to put the furniture in good repair. While the Academy committee thought they ought to have had $3000 more, yet they are perfectly satisfied with what they received. They consider that they were treated fairly by both agents and adjusters.
Work will be commenced immediately to rebuild and the purpose is to have the building ready, if possible, by the time of opening school. Robert Cole has drawn plans for the repairs, which include changes in the old part and a third story to contain eighteen rooms and a bath room. It will be brick and then plastered to correspond to the old part. Mr. Cole has drawn two plans for the exterior of the building, and up to the time of going to press neither of them has been selected. They are practically the same, the one having a beautiful tower and a high colonial porch, which would give it a grand appearance but cost more money. The other plan has not the high parch or the tower and is plainer. The first plan is the best for a school of that kind. Don't make it look like a prison instead of a place that should be attractive, bright and cheerful."
Democratic Watchman August 19 1904, page 8
ITS CENTENNIAL YEAR
"The Bellefonte Academy, romantically known as "The School in the Mountains," enters in September upon her centennial year of successful service. Hundreds of our best men and women owe their success in life to the foundation education received within the old Academy walls. The memories of those school days ought to be dear to every student.
It is a fond and general purpose to make this centennial year the Red Letter year in the history of the school, to be concluded with a most fitting two days' celebration on June 15th and 16th, 1905. One very practical way in which to accomplish this worthy purpose is for every old student to persuade at least one new student to cast in his lot with the restored Academy and thereby enjoy the privilege of participating in the Centennial Jubilee jure discipuli.
The fall term will open on Tuesday, Sept. 13th, unless otherwise announced."
Democratic Watchman August 19 1904, page 8
REPAIRS AT THE ACADEMY
"There need be no cause for alarm among the Academy patrons as to the opening of school at the appointed time. It has required sometime to adjust the insurance and agree upon plans for rebuilding. The insurance has been adjusted most satisfactorily and plans have been decided upon which will give to Bellefonte one of the prettiest school buildings in the State. It will be of the Ionic style of Architecture with seven immense Ionic Columns rising three stories high in front of the middle section. The interior will be very much improved. Larger hallways, better stairways, more recitation rooms, a science laboratory and more sleeping rooms will all be provided for in the new plan which Mr. Cole has submitted with entire satisfaction to the trustees. Work with a rush gang will now commence in earnest. The school rooms being the least damaged of all can he made ready for opening in a week's time if necessary. The sleeping rooms for the boarding department can be provided in a short time when once the work has begun. As far as is known now the Bellefonte Academy will open school on Tuesday, September 13th."
Democratic Watchman August 19 1904, page 8
ACADEMY REPAIR CONTRACT AWARDED
"On Monday evening the trustees of the Bellefonte Academy held a meeting and opened the bids for the repair work on the Academy, which, according to the plans, virtually means a new middle section of the building. There were six bids handed in and after a thorough deliberation of each one the trustees decided to award the contract to Henry Lowery, on the completion of a few changes in his bid. These changes were made and the contract was finally awarded, Tuesday evening. The improvements planned provide for some elaborate additions to the old building, and when the work is finally completed, the Academy will then be one of the finest educational plants in the State. The building committee is composed of Messrs. F. W. Crider, Frank McCoy, James Harris, J. L. Montgomery and John Blanchard, all energetic men who have the welfare of the institution at heart, and who will not hesitate in seeing that the work is done well and as fast as possible. It is expected that the new addition, which is to have a capacity for housing forty additional students, will be completed in time for occupancy by Sept. 15th."
Keystone Gazette August 26 1904, page 5
Academy Students Attention
"The Bellefonte Academy, romantically known as the 'School in the Mountains" enters in September upon her centennial year of successful service.
Hundreds of our best men and women owe their success in life to the foundation education received within the old Academy walls. The memories of those school days ought to be dear to every student.
It is a fond and general purpose to make this centennial year the Red Letter year in the history of the school - to be concluded with a most fitting and delightful two days' celebration on June 15 and 16, 1905. One very practical way in which to accomplish this worthy purpose is for every old student to pursuade at least one new student to cast in his lot with the restored academy and thereby enjoy the privilege of participating in the Centennial Jubilee pure discipuli.
The fall term will open on Tuesday, Sept. 13, unless otherwise announced by the principal."
Democratic Watchman September 9 1904, page 4
THE ACADEMY FACULTY
"The Bellefonte Academy will open the fall term of her centennial year on September 20th, 1904. The faculty will comprise Rev. Jas. P. Hughes, A. M. (Princeton). Principal emeritus, mathematics and book-keeping.
James R. Hughes, A. M. (Princeton.) Headmaster, English and oratory.
Helen E. Canfield Overton, preceptress, and principal of primary department.
Isabella S. Hill, Ph. B. (Wesleyan.) English, rhetoric and literature.
Edward H. Myers, B. S., (Penna.. State.) Higher mathematics and science.
William P. Wharton, A. B., (Trinity and Columbia). History and ancient languages.
Frederick C. Miller, A. B., (Princeton.) Mathematic, and civics.
Frank Clifton Smith, Ph. D., (Yale, Harvard and Leipsic.) Modern languages.
Louis B. Hindman, A. B., (Washington and Jefferson.) Bible lectures.
Rebecca Pugh Lyon, (pupil of Philip Scharwenka, Berlin.) Pianoforte.
Ruth H. Case, (Bellefonte Academy.) First assistant in primary department; second assistant in primary department to be announced.
The music instructions will include pleasant beginnings for children and clavier instruction.
Miss Lyon uses the very latest and most advanced methods in her work. School schedules arranged to suit railroad schedules."
Democratic Watchman September 30 1904, page 8
"The Bellefonte Academy opened last week with the largest number of boarding students ever enrolled there. Naturally, both the students and teachers are experiencing some inconvenience at the present owing to the newly remodeled building not yet being finished, but work there is being pushed as fast as possible and it will not be long now until the Academy will be better housed and better equipped for the work than ever before."
Democratic Watchman October 7 1904, page 8
"Notwithstanding the fact that there are now more boarding students at the Bellefonte Academy than in any previous year additional students keep coming in. During the week two boys arrived, one from Maryland and one from Kansas, a fact in itself that shows the wide spread reputation of the good advantages of the Bellefonte institution of learning."
Democratic Watchman November 4 1904, page 8
"On Monday the Bellefonte Academy occupied all their rooms in the newly remodeled building and by next Monday or Tuesday the students who have been lodging in the Brockerhoff building on Bishop street as well at other places will move into the rooms on the second floor of the Academy building. The workmen have made such rapid progress that both the first and second floors of the building are practically finished and it will not be long until the third floor will be completed and the new Academy building will then be a monument to rejoice over."
Democratic Watchman December 16 1904, page 8
THE NEW BELLEFONTE ACADEMY
"Work on the rebuilding and remodeling of the Bellefonte Academy has been practically completed and now the town can boast of one of the most modern convenient and comfortable buildings of any preparatory school in the State. The recitation rooms are large, bright and cheerful while the dormitory room for students are all any young man could wish for. It is just about four months since the old Academy building was about half destroyed by fire and for the fact that today an almost entirely new building stands completed in its place the trustees of the institution as well as the faculty deserve great commendation. And all this was accomplished with only the loss of two weeks of school at the beginning of the term.
The new Academy will be thrown open for public inspection this evening, between the hours of 7 30 and 10 o'clock. Christy Smith's orchestra will probably furnish music for the occassion. Everybody is cordially invited to visit the Academy and see what interesting improvements have been effected. You will be agreeably surprised."
Democratic Watchman December 23 1904, page 4
THE ACADEMY HOUSE-WARMING
"The Bellefonte Academy house-warming, last Friday evening was an occasion the faculty can look back upon with considerable pride, inasmuch as it marked the completion of the remodeled building, a something they had been longing for for years past, and also showed just what interest was felt in the success of the institution by the hundreds of people of Bellefonte who were present on that occasion to inspect the completed building. The reception and inspection lasted from 7 until 10 o'clock, and in that time fully five hundred people had came and gone.
The building was illuminated from top to bottom and located as it is on Academy hill, presented a remarkably striking appearance. Christy Smith's orchestra was present and rendered music for the occasion.
It is not necessary to say that everybody was highly pleased with the new Academy. The second and third stories are practically new throughout. The new rooms include a laboratory, primary room and two recitation rooms. The students' rooms have all been newly furnished throughout and Friday evening were enhanced by lace curtains and other furnishings, which the students procured from their homes for the occasion. All in all, it was a pleasant evening for everybody and too much credit cannot be given the building committee, Messrs. James R. Hughes, Frank McCoy, F. W. Crider, Joseph L. Montgomery and John Blanchard, for the taste and judgment shown in the improvements, at well as the faculty used in pushing the work to such a speedy completion."
|
|
