out them a good education could not be had. Such was the private high school kept by Bernard Cornelius, whose advertisements appear in the State Republican for the years 1862–1863. Mr. Cornelius wrote several articles for the paper in the form of letters to Governor Gibbs. In one of these, October 18, 1862, he considers the probable influence on education of the proposed Agricultural College. He argues that it ought to fix certain requirements, taking students who have been prepared at other schools, and not become a rival of these schools by bidding for the class of pupils who form their support. The discussion suggests, what is undoubtedly the fact, that the so-called academies, high schools, graded schools, even colleges of that time, took in practically everybody who offered. There was no such system of grading as we now look upon as a matter of course. In fact, there is a close correspondence between these schools and the ungraded New Hampshire academy of the preceding decade.
We obtain a glimpse into the private school of the time from some of the advertisements. Mr. J. S. Gilbert offered to give instruction in "all English branches usually taught in schools and academies.' His charges were: For primary, $4.50; common English, $5.00; higher English, $7.00; bookkeeping, extra, $2.00. At the same time, Mrs. Odell opened a select school in the Cornelius building. Aside from English branches, she offered work in plain and ornamental needle-work. The charges ranged from $5.00 to $7.00. Instrumental music was taught by her for $10. The prices are always for a quarter, unless otherwise stated.[1]
In the fall of 1866 Rev. E. P. Henderson opened what proved to be the most important school of the decade. He was assisted by Mrs. W. H. Odell, a lady
- ↑ Journal, October 9, 1864.
