New Principal Martha Vose advised her pupils that “one thing well learned, is better than a dozen, half committed and not half comprehended.”
1840 - 1903Martha E. W. Vose
1840Library Established
Fanny Morey Wheaton established the Seminary Library with a gift of $100.00. The money was used to purchase Harper & Brothers newly established and pioneering publisher’s series, the “Harper’s Family Library” of titles in travel, history, and biography.
1842 - 1912Martha C. Sawyer
A member of Wheaton Female Seminary’s first graduating class in 1839, Martha Sawyer remained at Wheaton to become a full time teacher. After three years of service, Miss Sawyer replaced Martha Vose as principal in 1842.
1844Sweet Hall Constructed as Wheaton’s First Gymnasium
In 1844, a small gymnasium was built between Seminary Hall and the Boarding House (Old Metcalf Hall). It is believed to be the first freestanding gymnasium built at any women’s college in the U.S. In 1878, Mrs. Wheaton donated the… Read More »
1846Death of Judge Wheaton
Judge Laban Wheaton, founder of Wheaton, died at the age of 92. His funeral oration was given by the Rev. Sylvester Holmes, Wheaton Female Seminary Trustee and pastor of the Pacific Congregational Church of New Bedford, MA.
1846 - 1965Holmes Cottage
Laban Morey Wheaton built this home for his mother, Fanny Morey Wheaton, after the death of his father in 1846. Originally built on the southeast corner of Howard and Main Streets, it was moved across the street in 1856 when… Read More »
1846Judge Laban Wheaton Dies
Judge Laban Wheaton, father-in-law of Wheaton’s founder, husband of Fanny Morey Wheaton, was a successful civil servant and entrepreneur. A congressional representative from 1809 to 1817 as a member of the Federalist Party, Judge Wheaton also served as the first… Read More »
1847 - 1849Elizabeth A. Cate
In the spring of 1847, Mrs. Wheaton’s personal appeal brought a new principal to the Seminary: Elizabeth A. Cate, a long-time friend of Martha Vose from their days at Bradford Academy.
1849 - 1885Margaret Mann
The Board of Trustees elected Miss Margaret Mann as principal in 1849, hoping she possessed the qualities to continue Miss Cate’s improvements.
1849Mary Lyon Hall
The new Seminary Hall, the main classroom building, was constructed in 1849 to replace “The Sem.” Seminary Hall was enlarged in 1878 to include a science wing (south wing), gymnasium and library (west wing), additional classrooms (east wing), grand stairway… Read More »