Nineteenth Century

1844 - 1878First 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 »

1850 - 1876Caroline Cutler Metcalf

Mrs. Caroline Cutler Metcalf was one of the few truly historically influential members of the Wheaton community. Hired in 1850, at age 41, to replace Margaret Mann, she remained at Wheaton for 26 years, providing superior leadership until 1876.

1870Professor J. Lewis Diman, Commencement speaker

Professor J. Lewis Diman, D.D., Professor of History and Political Economy at Brown University, gave the Commencement address.

1870Wheaton Alumnae Association founded

The Wheaton Seminary Alumnae Association held its first meeting after graduation exercises on July 13. Mrs. Metcalf was elected the association’s first President. Plans for the association were formulated in 1869 by the Class of 1870.

1871Reverend Albert H. Plumb, Commencement speaker

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 »

1871Wheaton welcomes male students

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 »

1872Reverend 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 »

1872Reverend George Harris, Commencement speaker

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 »

1873Annie Austin Emerson

Annie Austin Emerson, 1871, photographer: Frank Rowell

Annie Austin Emerson, W1871, taught in the mathematics and English branches in 1873 and 1875-76.

1873Reverend E.B. Webb, Commencement speaker

Reverend E.B. Webb of Boston, Massachusetts, offered the Commencement address.

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.

1874 - 1917Observatory/ Cheese Box

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.

1874Reverend Alexander Twombly speaks at Commencement

Reverend Alexander Twombly of Boston, Massachusetts speaks at Commencement.

1875Wheaton Seminary rules

Seminary students on upper campus, circa 1900

Student, Amelia Pond compiles a list of “Rules and Regulations of Wheaton Seminary,” which can be considered typical of seminary life.

1875Scholarship money raised

Alumnae raise money for scholarships for the first time, establishing an endowment of $10,000 in honor of Principal Caroline Cutler Metcalf’s 25th anniversary.

1876 - 1879Ellen M. Haskell

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.