1835

Wheaton Female Seminary Opens

On January 23, the first public announcement of Wheaton Female Seminary appeared in the Boston Recorder. Trustees, mostly local ministers or businessmen associated with Laban Morey Wheaton, had been engaged from Norton and surrounding industrial cities.

The announcement was careful to specify that “young ladies of mature age” would be welcomed, while “younger misses” should seek education elsewhere. This rule was clarified to mean that girls thirteen years and older could enroll. Later, the age of matriculation was closer to eighteen.

On April 22, the doors opened to fifty pupils, and a 22-week summer term commenced. The principal, Eunice Caldwell, was assisted by two teachers.