Mrs. Metcalf tutors Harry Cobb, son of the Steward and Horsemanship teacher. He is the first of about ten young Norton men who enroll during the period of 1872 to 1878, to prepare themselves for admission to college. None of… Read More »
1871Reverend Albert H. Plumb Speaks at Commencement
The Reverend Albert Hale Plumb, D.D., of Chelsea, Massachusetts, gave the Commencement speech. An alumna would later write, “We shall never forget Dr. Plumb’s impressive messages to us on Commencement days. He taught us how to live, and I say… Read More »
1872Reverend George Harris Speaks at Commencement
The Reverend George Harris of Providence, Rhode Island spoke at Commencement. The Rev. Dr. George Harris, D.D., LL.D. (1844 – 1922) was born in East Machias, Maine, graduated from Amherst College in 1866 and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1869,… Read More »
1872 - 1893Reverend Alfred Emerson
The Rev. Alfred Emerson (1812-1896) served as Wheaton Seminary Trustee from 1872 to 1893 and Treasurer from 1880 to 1891. He and his wife were among Eliza Baylies Wheaton’s closest friends and advisors. Emerson provided fundamental leadership for the Seminary… Read More »
1872 - 1875Mr. Clapp Attends Wheaton Female Seminary
A longtime occupant of the Amen-Gulley House, Mr. Clapp frequently told his niece, Lucille Clapp Zwicker 1937, that he had attended Wheaton, and an F. A. Clapp is listed as having advanced to junior class status in the 1874-5 catalog.… Read More »
1873Courses Offered to Alumnae
A program of continuing education through home study is offered to alumnae in the subjects of literature, history, natural science, music, and drawing.
1873Reverend E. B. Webb Speaks at Commencement
Reverend E. B. Webb of Boston, MA, speaks at commencement.
1873Annie Austin Emerson
Annie Austin Emerson, W1871, taught in the mathematics and English branches in 1873 and 1875-76.
1874Reverend Alexander Twombly Speaks at Commencement
Reverend Alexander Twombly of Boston, MA, speaks at commencement.
1874 - 1917Cheese Box Observatory
In 1874, to celebrate the Seminary’s 40th Anniversary, Mrs. Wheaton purchased a 4″ refracting telescope (which is in the Archives) from the famed London firm of John Browning. Local workmen built a small observatory to house it.
1875Seminary Rules Compiled
Student, Amelia Pond compiles a list of “Rules and Regulations of Wheaton Seminary,” which can be considered typical of seminary life.
1876Ellen M. Haskell Named Principal
Named the 8th official principal of Wheaton in 1876, Miss Haskell brought a different approach and demeanor to the school. Students remembered her as a “Christian Gentlewoman,” carrying herself with elegance and charm.
1876Reverend Michael Burnham Speaks at Commencement
Reverend Michael Burnham of Fall River, MA, speaks at commencement.
1877Reverend John L. Withrow Speaks at Commencement
Reverend John L. Withrow speaks at commencement.
1878Photographer Visits Wheaton
A traveling photographer visits Norton, taking numerous pictures of Wheaton buildings and students’ room.
1878Archery and Baseball Clubs Formed
Students practice archery for the first time.
1878First Class Day Held
The first Class Day is held.
1878Reverend Daniel Merriman Speaks at Commencement
Reverend Daniel Merriman of Worcester, MA. speaks at commencement.
1879 - 1880Martha W. Sprague
Hired in 1879 with the help of a commercial employment agency, Martha Sprague‘s tenure as principal seemed doomed from the start.
1879Reverend Reuen Thomas Speaks at Commencement
The Reverend Reuen Thomas speaks at commencement.