Table of Contents

School Boarding
During the early years pupils were boarded in teachers' homes or in other local residences. The Minutes do not clearly specify what pupils were charged for boarding at that time. In 1836, Nathan C. Brooks' house was purchased for $2,000 and used as a boarding house. Charges for boarding, washing, mending and fuel started at around $90 per annum (1834) and rose to $190 per annum (1886). Students were required to pay additional boarding charges if they remained in the boarding house during vacations (1834); students were banned from the kitchen or dining room except during meals or by special permission of the Principal (1873); and they were subject to room inspections at all times (1873). A boarder was expected "to bring with him at least two blankets, one comforter or quilt, two pairs of sheets, towels, napkins and ring, pillow and pillow cases, slippers, blacking brushes and blacking, and one linen bag for soiled clothing." (32)

The Principal managed the boarding house and the boarders residing there. In an 1834 school catalogue there were 41 boarding students listed, but in 1851 J. J. Sandford took so long to assume the position of Principal that the boarding house patronage was withdrawn. In response, the Board of Trustees placed Mrs. Catharine D. Trippe in charge of the boarding house (1851). Also, during the Civil War the number of boarders dropped and by 1866 there were only 20 boarders.