PP 32 - 33
Commencement marked the end of the academic struggles in more ways than one. Of course, it held its traditional, official meaning of denoting the completion of the required course of study and the awarding of degrees. But commencement also meant that a different type of struggle had come to an end as well - the fight to maintain honor when it had been continuously assailed by the very academic system that had educated them. Graduates would never again have to be in a situation in which, on such a constant basis, they would be in danger of losing face - of being humiliated before their peers. They would not have to create distractions or overcome as many obstacles in their paths. They were now educated men of the world, but more specifically, honorable men of the South. Indeed, they had a sense that life for them was changing, and that they were going to miss the joys of college life - the friendships, the intellectual environment, and the adventure of being away from home. But what they would not miss was the constant potential of being proven dishonorable. The sense of relief they felt at this stage of their lives coming to an end was well represented by Samuel Lander Jr. in his valedictory speech at Randolph Macon College's 1852 commencement:
It also gives us much pleasure to know that we will never again be forced to apply our attention to the uninteresting textbooks of a College course. We have been called upon to admire the beautiful manouevers of your Phosphorutted Hydrogen struggling into being: We have given up in despair, after having made strenuous endeavors to remember the characteristics of your Asclepiadic Choriambic Tetrameters - We have perplexed our brains by attempting to comprehend the mysterious non-tangibility of the Asymptotes of the Hyperbola: - We have stood in mute astonishment in contemplation of the alleged simplicity of your ultimate ideas...And shall we, under these circumstances, profess to be almost heart broken, while shouts of joy would more significantly express our feelings?
Lander and his fellow graduates were leaving the academic world they had entered as boys, and were entering into the world beyond. Their academic training would serve them well as they rose to positions of power on the plantation or in the halls of government. But beyond the oratorical skills and knowledge base they had acquired, they had also been trained in what was expected of them as men of honor. They had earned their stripes on the academic field of battle , and now they could advance as victors of the honors war.
Showing posts with label publications. Show all posts
Showing posts with label publications. Show all posts
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Monday, October 13, 2008
Items of interest (Misc)
This notice of Samuel Lander's death appeared inside the front cover of the 1904-1905 W.F.C. catalog
1904-05 Application for Admissions to W.F.C.
The inside front cover of the 1880 catalog featured the train fares to Williamston from a variety of cities from NC, SC & GA. Take a look at the note typed out at the bottom of the page. Very interesting. These were obviously rates that Samuel Lander had personally negotiated.
Here's a small program for the annual Thanksgiving dinner...this one from the year 1897. The toasts show a sense of humor and the menu sounds delicious.
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Here's a small program for the annual Thanksgiving dinner...this one from the year 1897. The toasts show a sense of humor and the menu sounds delicious.
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This is an artist rendering (possibly Dr. Lander) of the pin that Lander would give upon graduation. A framed certificate of graduation was optional for all those who completed their course of studies.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Excerpt - Mary Black's Family Quilts by Laurel Horton & Michael Owen Jones
PP 54 - 59
Williamston Female College
It is unclear how many years Mary went to local schools. In 1878, however, she was a student at Williamston Female College, some thirty miles from home. It is also unclear how she chose this particular school, as the Reidsville Female College was not only much closer to home but was also run by the Reverend R.H. Reid, the minister at Nazareth Presbyterian Church and the man who performed her parents' marriage. Mary may have preferred the philosophy or the curriculum at Williamston, or, perhaps, like many seventeen-year old girls, she simply wanted to go to school a little bit farther from home. In 1876 the Danville Richmond Railroad laid a track through Beech Springs, and a new town called Welford developed around the new depot and water tower. Mary could catch the train in Welford and transfer in Greenville to go to Williamston.
Williamston Female College developed from unlikely beginnings. Dr. Samuel Lander (the same
"S. Lander" who authored Our Own Arithmetic) had taught in North Carolina and served as a professor at the Spartanburg Female College before deciding to return to the pastorate. In 1871 Lander arrived in the small town of Williamston, accompanied by his wife and seven children, to serve as the new Methodist preacher. As there was no available housing, the Lander family moved into a vacant hotel building. Within two months the Landers had hired teachers and recruited thirty-six students for a girls' school. The privately operated college proved remarkably successful. In 1904, when it outgrew the Williamston facility, the college was relocated to Greenwood, South Carolina, where it still operates as Lander University. According to Samuel Lander, the object of the school was "to furnish at low rates, to those young ladies who desire it, a thorough education, as far as its course extends, giving them opportunity, encouragement, and assistance, to lay deep and well the foundation, and erect theron, with care and patience, the beauteous superstructure of accurate scholarship, combined in symetrical proportions with physical vigor, cultivated manners, and sanctified affections."
The Williamston curriculum featured a "One Study" plan, allowing students to focus on one department for a five week period. The four departments were Mathmatics, Natural Sciences, Latin and Belles-Lettres. Although himself a Methodist minister, Lander stressed that the school was "strictly non-sectarian...and, while it will be our constant effort to induce the ungodly to embrace Christianity, no one will be allowed to join any branch of the Church without the approval of her parents." As to discipline, Lander stated the aim that "the government of the Institution shall be that of a well ordered Christian family. No espionage is practiced, but, instead, every practicable effort is made to cultivate mutual confidence between teachers and pupils."
Lander's educational philosophy is further reflected in his requirement that each student read "privately every day a prescribed number of pages in some approved book of acknowledged merit and practical value." The college also emphasized musical instruction: "Our pupils all receive stated lessons, free of charge, in the science of Vocal Music, with especial reference to cultivation and practice of sacred song...we regard Instrumental Music, not as a mere expensive luxury, but as a very valuable study for the cultivation of the mind, and as an economical instrumentality for making home attractive, and for cultivating harmony and happiness in the family circle." Instruments specified for this edifying experience were "The Piano-forte', the Guitar, the Reed Organ, and the Orchestra Bells."
Physical education included a twice-daily routine of "light calisthentic exercises, under the inspiring stimulus of a stirring march." The school offered students the use of a piece of gymnastic equipment. "Dr. Johnson's Health Lift, under the immediate supervision of a prudent lady teacher, securing them from any injurious effects which might accrue from it's excessive use." Students were also encouraged to take regular walks to the mineral spring, or "occasional romps in the play-ground," as "protection against the enervating tendency of a sedentary life."
Williamston alumnae from the early years recalled Lander's participation in the prescribed outings: Early in the morning the signal was given, and a happy group assembled at the front door, all eager for the morning walk with the beloved president. Arriving at the spring, each partook of the sparkling water; but more enjoyable still was the sparkle of wit, as story after story, or incident, was recounted to the listening girls. Whenever one saw Dr. Lander outside of school hours, he was surrounded by a group of girls, all fascinated by the easy style with which he dispensed his unending fund of story and antecdote.
Mary was enrolled in the Collegiate Department for the spring session, which ran from early February until June 20, 1878. It is not clear when she first entered, as the college's "semi annual plan" allowed students to enroll either spring or fall. A single surviving letter from Mary to her father offers a glimpse into the concerns of a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl, including family, health, studies, clothing, religious activities, and her classmates. It also reveals much about Mary's attitudes about herself, her family and others.
Williamston SC
May 15, 1878
Dear Pa,
I received your postal this morning, also one from Jimmie saying ma was no better but I guess you were at home last . [Correction in original] I hope she will be well in a few days. You didn't say how your back was, suppose it must be better. I also received a tolerably long letter from Sis this morning. She says cousin Maggie doesn 't go about much. Gus has managed to get her out to ride once. I am somwhat surprised at her. She need not wait for pleasure to come to her, if she does, it will not be apt to make it's appearance.
I have been quite sick for sometime. I feel better this week. The people had the picnic on last Saturday. Think it was nearly a failure. Very few attended. Mr. Lander made a speech for them.
Mathmatics will soon be over. Friday is the last day. I won't grade out by a half-bushel. Very few in our class will manage to get out. I haven't learned anything this Section. I was so irregular in my studies. My Arithmetic was nothing of importance. I ought to have been in interest or something of that kind. But I had to do what Mr. Lander said. There are so many contrary girls. I would like for him to have a better opinion of me.
I will be glad to see my clothes coming. I would like to have the express paid on it at Wellford. That is, if you can arrange it so. Then it will be less trouble to me especially. Mr. Lander gets enough without that. I haven't but two pairs of summer stockings. Shall I get them here? Or will you get them at Wellford? I will have to have a piece or two of ribbon but will send off and get them where I can get them cheaper. If you get this before you leave home, send my slippers and the pink bows I had last summer. If you don't get it in time, it won't matter much. I ought to have written this last week, but was sick and forgot.
There were two Presbyterian ministers here last Saturday and Sunday. Both from Due West. They preached some splendid sermons. The older was named Mr. Pearson. The young man was a Mr. Brownlee, just through college. He is going to preach for them the rest of the year. He preaches splendidly. Has a good education. Two school girls joined on Sunday.
Miss Hattie is in bed today. She has sore throat. She suffered all night and all day today. We couldn't sleep any scarcely last night. I thought she would choke. All she could do to breathe.
Carrie Parrot received a box from home two weeks ago with several new calicos and a beautiful white dress, gaiters & etc. Three large cakes and several other things. Tell you what, we eat in a hurry.
As I have nothing to interest you, I will close.
Your daughter,
Mary Snoddy
(continued)
Williamston Female College
It is unclear how many years Mary went to local schools. In 1878, however, she was a student at Williamston Female College, some thirty miles from home. It is also unclear how she chose this particular school, as the Reidsville Female College was not only much closer to home but was also run by the Reverend R.H. Reid, the minister at Nazareth Presbyterian Church and the man who performed her parents' marriage. Mary may have preferred the philosophy or the curriculum at Williamston, or, perhaps, like many seventeen-year old girls, she simply wanted to go to school a little bit farther from home. In 1876 the Danville Richmond Railroad laid a track through Beech Springs, and a new town called Welford developed around the new depot and water tower. Mary could catch the train in Welford and transfer in Greenville to go to Williamston.
Williamston Female College developed from unlikely beginnings. Dr. Samuel Lander (the same
"S. Lander" who authored Our Own Arithmetic) had taught in North Carolina and served as a professor at the Spartanburg Female College before deciding to return to the pastorate. In 1871 Lander arrived in the small town of Williamston, accompanied by his wife and seven children, to serve as the new Methodist preacher. As there was no available housing, the Lander family moved into a vacant hotel building. Within two months the Landers had hired teachers and recruited thirty-six students for a girls' school. The privately operated college proved remarkably successful. In 1904, when it outgrew the Williamston facility, the college was relocated to Greenwood, South Carolina, where it still operates as Lander University. According to Samuel Lander, the object of the school was "to furnish at low rates, to those young ladies who desire it, a thorough education, as far as its course extends, giving them opportunity, encouragement, and assistance, to lay deep and well the foundation, and erect theron, with care and patience, the beauteous superstructure of accurate scholarship, combined in symetrical proportions with physical vigor, cultivated manners, and sanctified affections."
The Williamston curriculum featured a "One Study" plan, allowing students to focus on one department for a five week period. The four departments were Mathmatics, Natural Sciences, Latin and Belles-Lettres. Although himself a Methodist minister, Lander stressed that the school was "strictly non-sectarian...and, while it will be our constant effort to induce the ungodly to embrace Christianity, no one will be allowed to join any branch of the Church without the approval of her parents." As to discipline, Lander stated the aim that "the government of the Institution shall be that of a well ordered Christian family. No espionage is practiced, but, instead, every practicable effort is made to cultivate mutual confidence between teachers and pupils."
Lander's educational philosophy is further reflected in his requirement that each student read "privately every day a prescribed number of pages in some approved book of acknowledged merit and practical value." The college also emphasized musical instruction: "Our pupils all receive stated lessons, free of charge, in the science of Vocal Music, with especial reference to cultivation and practice of sacred song...we regard Instrumental Music, not as a mere expensive luxury, but as a very valuable study for the cultivation of the mind, and as an economical instrumentality for making home attractive, and for cultivating harmony and happiness in the family circle." Instruments specified for this edifying experience were "The Piano-forte', the Guitar, the Reed Organ, and the Orchestra Bells."
Physical education included a twice-daily routine of "light calisthentic exercises, under the inspiring stimulus of a stirring march." The school offered students the use of a piece of gymnastic equipment. "Dr. Johnson's Health Lift, under the immediate supervision of a prudent lady teacher, securing them from any injurious effects which might accrue from it's excessive use." Students were also encouraged to take regular walks to the mineral spring, or "occasional romps in the play-ground," as "protection against the enervating tendency of a sedentary life."
Williamston alumnae from the early years recalled Lander's participation in the prescribed outings: Early in the morning the signal was given, and a happy group assembled at the front door, all eager for the morning walk with the beloved president. Arriving at the spring, each partook of the sparkling water; but more enjoyable still was the sparkle of wit, as story after story, or incident, was recounted to the listening girls. Whenever one saw Dr. Lander outside of school hours, he was surrounded by a group of girls, all fascinated by the easy style with which he dispensed his unending fund of story and antecdote.
Mary was enrolled in the Collegiate Department for the spring session, which ran from early February until June 20, 1878. It is not clear when she first entered, as the college's "semi annual plan" allowed students to enroll either spring or fall. A single surviving letter from Mary to her father offers a glimpse into the concerns of a seventeen-year-old schoolgirl, including family, health, studies, clothing, religious activities, and her classmates. It also reveals much about Mary's attitudes about herself, her family and others.
Williamston SC
May 15, 1878
Dear Pa,
I received your postal this morning, also one from Jimmie saying ma was no better but I guess you were at home last . [Correction in original] I hope she will be well in a few days. You didn't say how your back was, suppose it must be better. I also received a tolerably long letter from Sis this morning. She says cousin Maggie doesn 't go about much. Gus has managed to get her out to ride once. I am somwhat surprised at her. She need not wait for pleasure to come to her, if she does, it will not be apt to make it's appearance.
I have been quite sick for sometime. I feel better this week. The people had the picnic on last Saturday. Think it was nearly a failure. Very few attended. Mr. Lander made a speech for them.
Mathmatics will soon be over. Friday is the last day. I won't grade out by a half-bushel. Very few in our class will manage to get out. I haven't learned anything this Section. I was so irregular in my studies. My Arithmetic was nothing of importance. I ought to have been in interest or something of that kind. But I had to do what Mr. Lander said. There are so many contrary girls. I would like for him to have a better opinion of me.
I will be glad to see my clothes coming. I would like to have the express paid on it at Wellford. That is, if you can arrange it so. Then it will be less trouble to me especially. Mr. Lander gets enough without that. I haven't but two pairs of summer stockings. Shall I get them here? Or will you get them at Wellford? I will have to have a piece or two of ribbon but will send off and get them where I can get them cheaper. If you get this before you leave home, send my slippers and the pink bows I had last summer. If you don't get it in time, it won't matter much. I ought to have written this last week, but was sick and forgot.
There were two Presbyterian ministers here last Saturday and Sunday. Both from Due West. They preached some splendid sermons. The older was named Mr. Pearson. The young man was a Mr. Brownlee, just through college. He is going to preach for them the rest of the year. He preaches splendidly. Has a good education. Two school girls joined on Sunday.
Miss Hattie is in bed today. She has sore throat. She suffered all night and all day today. We couldn't sleep any scarcely last night. I thought she would choke. All she could do to breathe.
Carrie Parrot received a box from home two weeks ago with several new calicos and a beautiful white dress, gaiters & etc. Three large cakes and several other things. Tell you what, we eat in a hurry.
As I have nothing to interest you, I will close.
Your daughter,
Mary Snoddy
(continued)
Saturday, October 4, 2008
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