A History of the University of Pennsylvania from Its Foundation to A. D. 1770/Chapter 17
The Charity School was set on foot before the first term had expired, but could not be accomplished without a proper head. At the meeting of 9 April, 1751 "The Trustees taking into consideration that, by their Engagements, the Charity School ought to be open'd very speedily; and it being mentioned that Mr. Martin had recommended some person in Trenton who was well qualified for Master of such a school, the President is desired to speak to Mr. Martin to write to that person in order to know whether he will accept of that charge, and upon what terms." Mr. Martin wrote in compliance with this request, but at the May meeting he was not able to report an answer. At the June meeting "it appearing to the Trustees that the Person formerly proposed for Master of the Charity School, is not so well qualified as could be wished, and that his Terms are high, some other person is to be sought for to undertake that charge." The some other person came in time in George Price. The Trustees on 13 August, 1757, reported "having made a proposal to George Price to teach a Charity School consisting of twenty Boys, and do some services in the other schools, for the consideration of Thirty Pounds per annum, to be paid him, besides his House Rent and Living during the Winter Season; which proposal he desired some Time to consider of. But having since signified his Willingness to accept of the Terms offer'd him the President is requested to reduce the Agreement to Writing, and get the said Price to sign it." And "publick advertizement" was directed to be made, so soon as the Trustees were ready to open a Charity School. Accordingly the announcement was made in the Pennsylvania Gazette of 12 September, 1751.
The "some services in the other schools" may have had reference to other than strictly scholastic services, if the minute of 10 September is any indication of their character.By Order of the Trustees of the Academy
Notice is hereby given, That on Monday, the 16th of this instant September, a Free-School will be open'd (under their Care and Direction) at the New Building, for the Instruction of poor Children gratis in Reading, Writing, and Arithmetic. Those who are desirous of having their children admitted, may apply to any of the Trustees.
The Trustees considering that no Reward, except having Rent free, has been yet given to George Price, for his Care and Trouble in removing the Rubbish occasioned by Workmen, sweeping the Schools, making and putting out the fires, and other services performed by him, from the first opening of the Academy: It is ordered, That the Sum of Five Pounds be paid to the said George Price for the said Services.
His efficiency and zeal were successful in the management of the School, as on 12 April, 1752, it is recorded "The Trustees being willing to take more poor Children into the Charity School, the President is desired to make Enquiry for some fit Person to assist the Master of that School." And at the June meeting, "Patrick Carroll, who for some time has assisted Mr. Price in the Charity School, was allowed at the rate of Forty-five pounds per annum for his services in the said School." Mr. Carroll subsequently became, as before mentioned, a Tutor in the English School, his place was supplied 12 December, 1752, by Mr. John Ormsby, "who offered himself as a tutor in the Charity School," and was accepted, and on like terms as those paid Carroll. Mr. Price also had the assistance of Mr. A. Dunn for a few weeks, he being paid "two pounds, twelve shillings for three weeks attendance in the Charity School, his affairs now calling him beyond Sea." The Charity School was kept before the Community and public means were availed of to secure a better support for it. The Pennsylvania Gazette of 19 April, 1753 tells us:
Monday last an Excellent Sermon was preached in the Academy Hall by the Rev. Mr. Peters, on the Charity, Necessity and Advantages of providing suitable Means of Education for the Children of the Poor; when a Collection was made towards the Support of the Free School in the Academy amounting to £95.12.8 Half penny.