RoundHill'sched ALUMS: American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 18 The Round Hill School. 19 readings of N.S. Vol. 27 (1917):18-62. ideal Bancroft's capacity of doing things that tell. The man that Bancroft, his partner, but he did not have and of the school was his, he was its executive head, when its progress seemed to halt it was he who THE ROUND HILL SCHOOL By JOHN SPENCER BASSETT When tried to carry the enterprise forward to success. and shouldered the responsibility, financial and otherwise, the school was in need of money it was he who The Round Hill School, conducted at Northampton, Massachusetts, from 1823 to 1834, is chiefly remem- men who loved him for his fine nature and later got it from wealthy friends in New York and Boston, bered because one of its founders was George Bancroft. forced him to accept their stock as donations to the It has a better claim to fame because it was an early the progress of the institution. It was he, also, who experiment in education that deserved a better fate life hearts of the pupils, ruling them by his invariable won than it found in a new country, whose intellectual authority of respect while in school and living in their was really undeveloped. At that time only a few good esteem to the end of his days. preparatory schools had been founded, with courses This does not mean that Bancroft was not an im- that led to the freshman class in the colleges. They portant factor in the life of the school. He conducted in a routine manner, the object excellent scholar in Greek, Latin, and German, was which an were that the boys should be ready for college when branches he taught, and he was devoted to their being the proper time came. The best of these schools, Andover like suit. He was a strict teacher, and it is of record that pur- two founded by the Phillips family at the boys who were interested in their studies learned the and Exeter, did not endeavor to give each pupil much from him. But he soon became absorbed in individual treatment, and at that time physical train- literary duties and was often SO much engaged with was not considered a notable part of the school's Hill them that school duties became tiresome. Mis- ing function. In these two particulars the Round who chievous boys took advantage of his thing out of else schoolroom thinking weakness, about some- crept while he was School was distinctive. It may be asked by one when reads its history whether the time has not come be than the conduct of the pupils, and made the experiment that failed in Northampton cannot fun of his eccentricities. His own words tell us what carried to a successful issue with such modifications he thought about the life of a teacher. "I should be of plan as a changing society would make necessary? in grateful could I obtain that personal leisure, which For the creation of the school and its conduct might enable me to enter the career of letters with the Cogswell, a man whose pure and faithful life" can larger phases credit chiefly belongs to Joseph Green some reasonable expectation of doing myself justice. lance, restrain the frivolity, mend the tempers, and But at present I am doomed to bear with the petu- only charm him who reviews it. He had, in devotion a rare degree, intelligence, simplicity of soul, and his ideals; but he lacked that other essential quality the did more teaching than his partner, and did it well. he improve the minds of children." Nevertheless, of to getting himself remembered among the great, which Cogswell himself bears witness in his letters to the ability of his partner. In this sketch of the school faculty of selecting a large and showy scene on to display his efforts. He was probably a greater 138. "Correspondence of Bancroft and Sparks," Smith College Studies in History, II, Also, Bassett, "Middle Group of Historians," 165. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 20 The Round Hill School. 21 attention will be given largely to the executive head, support, those who now have heretofore been used to resort to not because the Greek teacher is not important, but When I hear procure it by the basest and most industry for their because it is around the efforts of the executive head man can succeed our first lawyers, and even our judges, unprincipled acts. that one finds the facts and ideas that make the school first character of the profession; but blush for the here by uprightness and honorable avow dealing, that no I itself worth remembering. Joseph Green Cogswell was born at Ipswich, Mass- here; principles and the of laws religion are absolutely unknown so it to is a portion The achusetts, September 27, 1786. His father, who died in 1793, was a man of moderate wealth, and left to people He was especially shocked at the way in of morality are wholly disregarded." great his son the consciousness of good standing among His views meaning in the inner life of town had a singular life in an old New England up in the well regulated spent Sunday, which to one brought which the his fellows. Joseph graduated from Harvard in 1806, having spent most of his vacations teaching school, the custom of many of the students of the day. For since he of the town were probably not the people. six years he was employed either as supercargo of some New England ship bound for Europe or India, He admitted to have nothing to do with the with the determination seems to have started life there entirely just, or reading law in the offices of Fisher Ames and Judge Prescott, father of William H. Prescott, the historian. ceased clients. In 1813 he gave up Belfast house and except as way and that none of. them entered his in a social that he saw none of the inhabitants people. The Prescotts, father and son, with George Ticknor, to be a lawyer. Jared Sparks, Edward Everett, Samuel A and William H. Eliot and George Bancroft made an interesting Harvard. The next two years were spent as a Latin and inspiring group of men, all keenly interested in ant to one The duties of the position were not tutor at developing the intellectual life of New England. They all had some kind of touch with European con- ditions, and it was their ambition to plant in the time which often prevents him from attainment of his object with an eagerness for the said, were "associated whose talents, as Ticknor pleas- New World some of the best ideas they had encoun- suffered enough to secure it," and his health and devoting tered in the Old. In 1812 Cogswell was admitted to the bar and terranean a Boston merchant, who had business in William Gray, set out for Europe as agent for resigned Mr. forth- with and as a consequence. In 1815 he spirits married Mary Gilman, daughter of Governor John Taylor Gilman, of New Hampshire. He settled seems to spring on a sudden fancy and in the fol- lowing ports. He returned to Boston Medi- Grays forthwith in Belfast, Maine, then an outpost of civilization. The year he spent there was saddened by the sudden collapse of his wife's health. She was more to In Boston he received an remaining in business. have been a flattering prospect gave of up what seized with a virulent form of tuberculosis, which him to his liking. Mr. Israel Thorndike offer much carried her off in the summer of 1813. In his anguish to remain go abroad with his son, Augustus engaged Belfast became for her husband the synonym of all than kind of employment appealed to compensa- tion. This for two years, or longer, at good Thorndike, that was terrifying. He described life in these words, probably too dark for even that newly settled place: where commerce. Ticknor Late in 1816 he arrived in him more "The more I become acquainted with mankind in this part of the a sojourn of four and years Everett in Europe. were students, Göttingen, and began country, the more degraded I find the human character here; as the Miss Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of distresses of the people increase, their vices appear to multiply, and the war with Great Britain added to Joseph the distrega Green of Cogswell," the people 17-19. of Belfast. At this time, 1813, American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 22 The Round Hill School. 23 It was a period of delightful study, travel, and a because they had the happiness to be placed for their education in observation. At Göttingen he manifested much them. school, the head of which was rather a father than a master interest in science, particularly in mineralogy, which toward I saw a thousand proofs of the sentiments they entertain to he studied enough to make him an enthusiast. Be- sides the professors in the university he met many tionate parent, surrounded by a family of obedient and affec- and solicitous each other, and nothing could resemble more a tender men of distinction, notably Goethe, who showed time children. There was the greatest equality and at the him his cabinet of minerals. He found much to ate and pupils walked arm in arm together, played fear; instructors the greatest respect, a respect of the heart I mean, not of same delight him in Rome, Paris and London. In his at the same table, and all without any danger to their together, desire to learn everything that opportunity offered ciple rights; of how delightful it must be to govern, where love is reciprocal the prin- obedience!"3 he studied the classification of the Göttingen library, having Benecke for instructor. With this eminent lozzi at Yverdun, where he spent a day. He was The other school was the establishment of Pesta- scholar he spent many hours in the library, getting the principles upon which the books were arranged. evidently disappointed in the place. His It was done without special object in view, but it yielded practical results years later when he became examining his institutions and minerals.-Hatred was: "Called on Pestalozzi and spent the comment day in the first librarian of the Astor Library in New York. and envy of Fellenberg-bad order-no obedience in During these years he made many journeys on foot, scholars." Pestalozzi: In another place he said of a visit to through the Harz Mountains, the Alps, and less romantic regions. He was always a good walker, "A painful visit it was to me, to see this good old man and even before he left New England, and in his letters philanthropist he going broken-hearted to his grave, for broken-hearted rcal he speaks of some of these tramps as the most enjoy- which must be, in contemplating the ruined state of the institution able experiences of his life. In four weeks in Switzer- he has been laboring his whole life to establish. land he walked nine hundred and rode one hundred method believe that his system carried to the extent he docs, is the not regrets, however, are more for himself than for the public, for I My do and eighty miles. of storing the mind with knowledge. It would exclude true In Switzerland two famous schools drew his atten- memory altogether as a medium of instructing, and make tion and he made journeys to visit and examine them. of be reason ideas laid all for alone, the memory many This furnished is these the use must with which is absurd. Reason must be of One was the school of Fellenberg, at Hofwyl, near materials of its ratiocinations, and of up in and recalled by the Berne. This philanthropist had established his systems, that the makers of them are never satisfied miscry with school to teach agriculture. He made it the occasion a foolish vanity of giving them universal applicability." putting them in practice as far as they are true, merely, but have of instilling in the minds of the pupils the elements of good character. It was his plan to have among the There had been talk that he should come back to take His long rambles came to an end in October, 1820. pupils sons of the rich and high born as well as sons of paupers, believing that in doing SO he would teach a professorship in Harvard, but he put it aside respect for the rights that each class had against the robes the ground that he was not capable of wearing the on other. He discarded rewards and punishment and of a professor as a Harvard professor should allowed each boy to defend his position when reproved. Speaking of the pupils Cogswell said: of librarian, for he felt competent to discharge its wear them. He would, he said, accept the position "More heartfelt joy I never witnessed in my life, not, as it seemed 3 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 87. to me, because they were about to relax from their labors, but Ibid, 81 n 1, 115. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 24 The Round Hill School. 25 duties. For all these resolves he accepted at Harvard Bancroft. He is a most interesting youth, and is to on his return the professorships of mineralogy and make one of our great men. " chemistry and the post of librarian, the combined It was late in the autumn of 1822 that the two men salaries being $1960 and fees. The lectures in began to consider a project for establishing a school, chemistry and mineralogy were not numerous, and he in which boys would be taught in the thorough manner seems to have taken most seriously the task of libra- of the best European schools. Such an institution, rian. The books were classified on the plan of the they thought, would become a model for other schools Göttingen library. and would lead to general improvements. Here Ticknor, now professor of Modern Languages and again Ticknor tells us what was going on. He wrote, Belles Lettres at Harvard, was deeply interested February 1, 1823: in the plan of giving instruction something of the "Cogswell has put the library in perfect order, and is now finishing European caste. His efforts were received by the his catalogue of it, but the corporation neither comprehend what he conservatives in the faculty as the efforts of young has done, nor respect him enough for his great disinterested labor. and ardent reformers are usually received. He was Bancroft is making great exertions to teach Greek thoroughly, and too wise to become discouraged, but Cogswell, who succeeds; but is thwarted in every movement by the President. I am very desirous they should stay, and by patient continuance sympathized with him, was less philosophical. In carry through all their projects, as they will in time; but they one of his letters Ticknor said: "Cogswell, however, declare they will not, whether they establish their school or give it is in a state of mortal discontent. He is weary of the up. imperfect state of education at College, and bitterly In one of Bancroft's letters, December 3, 1822, he vexed with the want of liberal views in the Corpora- announces the purpose that led the two men, saying tion, as to the principles on which the Library shall in his exuberant way: "I am going to turn school- be managed and increased. If he would but wait master. I long to become an independent man, name- a while, I think all things would turn out right; but ly, a man who lives by his own labours. Mr. Cogswell perhaps, he lacks patience and constancy for this. has seen SO much of the world, that he knows it and At least, he now protests if things are not speedily " its folly; he will join me in my scheme; we will together reformed, he shall quit the College entirely. establish a school, the end of which is to be the moral When these words were written, October 29, 1822, and intellectual maturity of the mind of each boy that George Bancroft had recently begun his duties at we take charge of; and the means are to be first and Harvard as tutor in Greek. This brilliant young man foremost instruction in the classics. We intend going had received the bachelor's degree at Harvard in 1817 into the country, and we shall choose a pleasant site, and the degree of doctor of philosophy at Göttingen where nature in her loveliness may breathe calmness in 1820, when he was but twenty years old. He re- and inspire purity. We will live retired from the turned to America in 1822 and was appointed a tutor clamour of scandal and the disputes of the irresolute. immediately. He, also, made a portion of the party We will delight ourselves with letters, and instead of of reform in the college, supporting Ticknor and Cogs- warring against the corporation and contending with well in their contentions. For him Cogswell had scandalous reports, we will train up a few minds to conceived a high regard in Gottingen. Leaving there virtue and honour, and hope that when we die there in 1819 he wrote: "It was sad parting, too, from little Ibid, 107. Ibid, 134. Ibid, 135. In personal matters President Kirkland and Bancroft were very friendly. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 26 27 will be some hands to throw flowers over our tombs better fitted than they are now. "10 The suggestion We will plant gardens, lay out walks, beautify nature, was well received by Bancroft, who took pains to and propagate good knowledge. We call our estab- study the methods in use in the German gymnasia, lishment a school, and mean to consider ourselves as and while in Italy, on his circuitous return to the schoolmasters. We might indeed assume a pompous United States, he entered in his journal his idea of speak of instituting a Gymnasium; but school- let the what a good school should be like. name, name be modest. I like the sound of the word Seven main points were set down: 1. Greek should master. " be the first foreign language taught. Natural history Before passing judgment on these gushing words should be taught, especially to the poor who would should remember that the writer was then but have to do with the cultivation of the soil. 3. Emu- we twenty-two years old and that by nature he was the lation must not be stimulated by offering prizes, nor warmly imaginative. His words do not express in any other way; for it was the object of good teach- nature of the situation at Harvard. Cogswell, ing to get each pupil to do the best in him, and it was true of a more judicious temperament, is a better witness the likely that prizes would discourage those who were in that respect. He said the trouble arose out of not bright mentally. 4. Corporal punishment tended fact that all the American colleges were established to to degrade the pupil and to encourage fear and decep- make ministers and not scholars and the old system had tion and for these reasons should not be used. 5. had been preserved in spite of the changes that Classes should be formed according to each boy's occurred in other parts of the world. He wishes that capacity. 6. Poor boys should be educated for school- Harvard might be the first in the United States to shake masters in order to supply the rural districts with good off the old traditions. In that connection he said: teachers. and 7. "Eventually a vast printing estab- "A strange notion prevails in Cambridge against lecturing. the elc- If lishment might be annexed to the school. The institution is intended to be a mere school, to teach is third, fourth, and fifth points here enumerated be- the of language, and the first principles of science, the opinion views, came distinctive features of the instruction at Round ments undoubtedly correct; but if, in addition, they have higher business Hill, and the first and second played their parts, but and would draw to them men who are making learning a of life, or build up a name for themselves they must have lecturers, to a less pronounced degree. Some of these points and lecturers, too, who can keep an audience awake." were also embraced in the system employed by Fellenberg at Hofwyl, where Cogswell had studied That both men should turn to the field of secondary them; and since he and Bancroft had foregathered instruction is not singular. In the first place, all the the at Göttingen and probably talked about the scheme, reformers at Harvard and their sympathizers near it is possible that they came to the younger of the men college were convinced that a good school, based on from the Swiss model, which Cogswell admired. 11 modern methods, was the thing most needed 10 Howe, "Life of Bancroft,' I, 166. ward Everett had written to that effect in 1819, say- 11 Ibid, I, 128-130. The following extract from a letter of Bancroft's to President ing: "We can do nothing at Cambridge till we con- far Kirkland, November 5, 1820, is also interesting in this connection: "Besides the public trive the means of having the boys sent to us schools there is at Berlin a private institution, which promises to become very useful. Ten young men, animated by the eloquence and patriotism of Fichte, formed a plan some years ago of establishing a school after the new principles. Each of them chose a peculiar To S. A. Eliot, Bancroft MSS., Mass. Histl. Soc.; also in Howe, "Life of George branch, in which he was to perfect himself, and which he was afterwards to teach. Three of them went in the meantime to live with Pestalozzi and became acquainted with his Bancroft," I, 161. Anna F. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 45. principles from the man himself. An ardour and a perseverance, such as the young men have manifested, deserve to meet with the most decided success." Ibid, I, 91. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 28 1917.] The Round Hill School. 29 While in Germany Bancroft visited the celebrated gymnasium at Schulpforte, near Naumberg, in Prus- in the neighborhood was satisfactory to them and they sia. This institution was founded by Maurice of went on to Northampton, where Bancroft's sister, Jane Bancroft, had taught school a year earlier. Here Saxony early in the sixteenth century, occupying an they found a site to their liking. old monastery in which masters and pupils lived in It is not surprising that they fell victims to the an industrious family. On the first floor were the wonderful charm of Round Hill. Cogswell described public rooms, on the second the rooms of the instruc- it in the following words: tors and their families, on the third the study rooms of the boys, and on the fourth the sleeping rooms of "About half a mile from the village of Northampton, on the brow the pupils. The discipline was strict, and the boys of a beautiful hill, overlooking the Connecticut, and the rich plain through which it flows, and the fine picturesque hills which form were required to work from five in the morning, in its banks, we found two houses to be let for a very small rent, and, summer, or from six in winter, to five in the afternoon, as all the circumstances connected with the situation were exactly with only an hour at noon for dinner and recreation. to our minds, we concluded, at once to begin our experiment there. There was a great deal of intensive work, and the Accordingly we have engaged the houses from September, and expect to enter upon our new duties the first of October." summer vacations were short. The boys entered at twelve years of age and generally remained until Round Hill is an eminence of more than one hun- they were eighteen, when they were ready for pro- dred feet above the center of the town of Northamp- fessional schools or the university. The subjects ton. On the eastern side the hill drops off abruptly taught embraced "all the branches of philosophy," for about fifty feet and then runs down to the level Latin, Greek, Hebrew, German, French, and Italian. of the town in a rather steep slope. It is bounded on Mathematics were taught thoroughly, through differ- this side by Prospect Street, on which in 1823 were ential calculus. History, geography, music, and three or four of the fine old houses that now stand, a dancing were also taught, as well as religion and reminder of olden days. East of Prospect Street morals by the chief preacher in the school. A large lay the rambling town, half a mile wide, beyond that number of themes were required in German and were the broad meadows that border the Connecticut, poetry and orations in Latin. The institution had a and on the far side of the river rose the beautifully revenue from vested funds of 53,000 rix-dollars a year, notched Holyoke range of small mountains, behind and of this fund 46,000 rix-dollars were spent on which the sun rises in rosy majesty or the full moon instruction. The teachers had good salaries and 12 in dreamy splendor. In whatever light I have seen lived in comfort and without anxiety for the future. it, it has fascinated me. If it is a summer day of The school probably gave as good an education as a brilliant sunshine, or a shimmering golden autumn boy got in an American college of the day. afternoon when the deep blue hills are broidered in Having determined to embark in the enterprise, gold, or some winter's morning when the timbered Cogswell and Bancroft set out in the spring of 1823 slopes of the range overcast with snow strike out in to find a place in which to settle. It seems that defiance through the vibrant atmosphere, or some Bancroft directed the quest; for the first place exam- murky season when the bluish gray mists nearly hide ined was Worcester, where his father lived. Nothing the crest of the mountain chain, or some full-mooned 12 Bancroft to Professor Levi Hedge, March 6, 1821. Bancroft MSS., Mass. Histl. summer night when the whole valley floats peacefully 13 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 135. Soc. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 30 The Round Hill School. 31 beneath a wealth of haze-shot silver, or in any other the public the objects which we have in view, and the principles by of its many moods it holds one spellbound, calling which we shall be guided. up the deepest feelings of beauty and delight in the "If we would attempt to form the characters as well as to culti- vate the minds of the young, we must be able to control all their human soul. Many an old Round Hill boy has come occupations. For this reason we intend to have them under the back in mature manhood to drink again its charms, same roof with ourselves, and we become responsible for their man- and Jenny Lind, who once saw its glories on a pro- ners, habits and morals, no less than for their progress in useful fessional trip came back later to spend her honey- knowledge. It does not enter into our plan to have day scholars; moon on this Hill. It is to this day worthy of all the and WC shall never receive any, excepting a limited number from the town in which we shall reside adoration that Cogswell, Bancroft, and a thousand "The institution, which we purpose to establish, is designed to other devotees have given to it. furnish occupation for those years, which in France are spent at a In 1681 four acres on its eastern slope were granted Collége, and in Germany at a Gymnasium. A boy, who has com- by the town to Rev. Solomon Stoddard, pastor of the pleted his ninth year, is old enough to commence his regular studies, and to delay them longer would be to waste precious time, and (what town, and in 1726 the rest of the property, about is of still more moment) the period, when good habits are most easily forty-six acres, was granted for forty pounds to his formed. For learning the modern languages these years are SO son, Colonel John Stoddard. In 1803 the Stoddard valuable, that the loss of them is irreparable, because during these heirs sold it for $1600 to the Shepherd brothers, sons a purity of pronunciation (we speak with particular reference to the of Dr. Levi Shepherd. One of them, Thomas Shep- French) may readily be acquired, which in after life no efforts can attain.' herd, was especially charmed by the view, and three years later built a handsome stone house on the edge The writer of the prospectus would not undertake of the hill, at a cost of $12,000. Shortly afterwards to say how young a boy should be to make it unwise his brother, Levi Shepherd, built a good brick house to send him to the school, but he left us to think also on the edge of the hill and a little north of the that it would be well to send a boy when he was nine stone house of his brother. A cousin of the two men, years old. He was clear as to the maximum age, saying Colonel James Shepherd, built a third house, of wood, that none would be received who had completed the north of the other two. Into two of these buildings twelfth year; and he seemed to mean that no boy the school was adjusted. The stone house fell to would be received who had been at another school, Bancroft who took a portion of the pupils with him, where the methods of instruction were SO different the brick house to Cogswell, who took the rest of the from those at Round Hill that it would be impossible boys. Mr. Shepherd seems to have remained in the to teach him satisfactorily. To secure power over wooden building. With them came, also from Harvard, the morals and minds of the pupils the numbers must N. M. Hentz, whom Ticknor called the best French be small, and not more than twenty pupils would be teacher the college had employed. received at first, preferably only fifteen. There were The "Prospectus of a School to be Established at to be two vacations each year, of three weeks each, Round Hill, Northampton" is written in Bancroft's which the pupils might spend with their families. style. It begins with this announcement: The government would be parental, but it must be ample. Punishments in the ordinary sense would "In the autumn of the present year we propose to establish at Northampton an institution for the education of boys. As our copy of the Prospectus of 1823, an "Account of the School," etc., 1826; and "Outline of the Round Hill School," 1831, are in the possession of the Massachusetts an plan may in some degree be novel, we decm it proper to explain to Historical Society. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 32 33 not be inflicted, but no boy would be kept in school It would be pleasant to believe that the town of whose conduct was such that in ordinary discipline Northampton received the school gladly, but as a he would deserve punishment. Prizes for industry matter of fact the town was not superior to the small and obedience to rules were not to be offered, and the vices of country towns, as we may see from Mrs. spirit of emulation was not to be encouraged. Finally, Lyman's letters. She herself had "misgivings in it was announced that each boy should pay three regard to the efficacy of their plan, though I have done hundred dollars a year for all expenses, a sum about everything to cultivate faith that anyone could. The one hundred and twenty-five dollars larger than the idea of a number of children being educated without amount announced at that time as the minimum rewards or punishments, I can hardly believe possible; necessary expenses of a Harvard student. because it bears no analogy to any system, human or In 1823 Northampton was a town of more than divine, that I am acquainted with. The Almighty ordinary importance. It had long been noted for has seen fit in his providence to keep up a system of the eminence of its leading men, among them Jona- chastisements from which the best of his creatures than Edwards, Seth Pomeroy, Joseph Hawley, and are not exempt." Others thought even worse of the Caleb Strong, to say nothing of several men who had project than Mrs. Lyman; and, indeed, that lady felt borne the names of Stoddard, Lyman, and Williams. better as time passed. In February, 1824, when it Of the "River Gods" of the Connecticut Valley it was likely that the school would be moved to Red had a liberal share. It had just begun to respond to Hook, on the North River, she said: "Notwithstand- the impetus for manufactures, which was destined to ing all that may be said, I feel great regret at having make its neighbors, Holyoke and Springfield, greater them leave, believing that they would secure the esteem industrial centers in the course of time; but it has of the people by a longer stay, wherein the redeeming clung tenaciously to its social distinction. The open- traits of their characters might po-exhibited. ing of the school at Round Hill was the beginning of The other side of the matter was presented by Cogs- an eminence in education that has continued to this well in replying to a Boston friend who had reproved him for treating the Northampton people badly. day. He said: To the people of the town the announcement that new kind of school was to be established in their "You do us injustice in supposing that we have shown any dis- a midst caused much talk. In one of her vivacious respect to the people of this place. We did not formally return all visits which were made to us, it is true, because we meant that letters Mrs. Lyman said: they should understand our duties would not allow us to exchange the common civilities of society, and that our lives must be those "Did I tell you in my last, that on the first of October Mr. Cogs- of retired scholars. At the same time we never omitted any oppor- well and Mr. George Bancroft-two professors from Cambridge- tunity of manifesting our respect and reciprocating courtesies, which were going to open a school on the plan of a German Gymnasium; did not interfere with our regular and necessary vocations. If we of course Joseph is to be an alumnus of the institution. It proposes have not been faithful to our charge, we must expect to hear the to teach all that is taught in any college in the United States. I language of complaint, but if we have given up our pleasures and do not feel quite so much enthusiasm as to the success of their plan gratifications for the sake of a more scrupulous fidelity, our motives, as many others do; but, at any rate, they will be an immense acces- at least, ought to be a justification for omissions of other duties, sion to our society, as they are distinguished for their learning, piety, which it would have been better not to have left undone."17 and wisdom. Ibid, 197, 203. 17 Anna E. Tioknor, "Life of Cogswell," 153. 15 Memoir of Mrs. A. J. Lyman, ed. 1876, p. 195. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 34 1917.] The Round Hill School. 35 The situation is not hard to understand. An old and self-conscious society agitated by the arrival of writers refer as planning excursions, making talks to three young gentlemen from Cambridge, all of whom the pupils, issuing supplies, and doing whatever stood were widely traveled, at least two of whom had seen for the out-of-class regulation of the school. He and talked to Goethe and many another man of dis- is sometimes referred to as the teacher of certain tinction in Europe, had introduced the school as a classes. Bancroft is rarely mentioned by these boys, means of opening a brilliant act in the social drama of and when his name occurs it is apt to be in connection the town. The people were doomed to disappoint- with his classes. He was never a favorite with the ment; for the scholars, with their charges, remained Round Hill boys. steadily on the hill. It is true they were absorbed The first term opened, October 1, 1823, with fifteen with the life there. When the cattle-show came, that boarders and ten day pupils. Each boy was given an sacred event in Northampton's year of existence, examination. Although they came from the most neither the boys nor their masters attended. Then prominent families in Boston and New York, and from tongues wagged. One gentleman remarked that he the surrounding regions, they were poorly advanced had never seen a more ordinary group of boys in all in learning. Said Cogswell: "Every subject exam- his life. Mrs. Howe wrote a lampoon, in revenge, ined gave me the promise of one trial, at least, in the it was said for something Cogswell did to thwart her work before me. It was either obtuseness to be sharp- plans for a declamation. After much discussion quiet ened, obstinacy to be subdued, roughness to be was resumed; and the relations between the town and smoothed, rudeness to be snubbed, habits of idleness school were more pacific, if not more cordial. It is to be corrected, new notions of study to be infused, or, not hard to see from the infrequent reference to the worse than all, mind to be created. I soon found townspeople and town events in the letters of Cogswell that the only course to be followed_was, to begin de and Bancroft that they were really not interested in a book for the first time novo with every one, and to consider them as opening their surroundings; and it was natural that the citi- I am more con- zens should feel themselves ignored. On the other vinced than-ever of the necessity of a reform in our hand, Cogswell was right in saying that their duties system of instruction, for there is not a single boy of were SO important that it was not well to dissipate the our number, collected, as they are, from the several time in local social activities. Many another student extremes of our country, who bears the marks of even and serious minded man has had to make the same tolerable teaching or discipline." The picture was, perhaps, a little too dark. It is worthy of remark choice. 2. THE INNER LIFE OF THE SCHOOL that when the school had been going twelve days In regulating the inner life of the school it seems Cogswell felt much encouraged, saying: "The effect that Bancroft had much to say about the methods of of our labor is already seen in manners, habits, of instruction and Cogswell much about the manage- study and interest of what is to be learnt, and I do ment of the boys. Four series of letters by Round such believe there must be some satisfaction in cultivating a fine field. Hill boys to their parents have passed through my Further experience fully justified 18 In them it is always Cogswell to whom the this confidence. Two weeks later he reported much hands. improvement in manners, and obedience, but he said Ward Histl. 1. Soc.); 2. George C. Shattuck, Jr., to his father, Boston, Mass. (Mass. Y. Public Henry W. Rivers and George Rivers to their parents, Providence, R. 1. (Mass. Histl. 3 Samuel Ward, 3d., and Henry Ward, to his father, New York, (N. Letters 19 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 140. Soc.) Library); and 4, Thomas Gold Appleton to his parents (printed in "Life and of Thomas Gold Appleton," 38-61.) [April, 1917.] 36 American Antiquarian Society. The Round Hill School. 37 that the students were still far below the standard In winter the boys dressed by candle-light and were "in regard to improvement in knowledge." at work by sunrise. In this rigid system we see the The system of mental training adopted in the school with trace of influence from Germany. likely to reveal the case of the backward boy each It was also in imitation of European schools that was unusual distinctness. No classes were formed, uniform dress was adopted. The "Account of the boy being assigned to the book which was deemed told School, "21 1826, has this on the subject: for his state of advancement. He was and "The dress which is adopted among us is as follows: Coat or proper to prepare as much matter as he wished roundabout and trowsers of blue grey broadcloth with bright but- to When he came up he was questioned on the text report to the master when he was ready to recite. with tons, waistcoat of light blue kerseymere, for winter. Blue broad- cloth is allowed instead of blue gray. Blue nankin or cotton suit complete, for summer; and for holidays-blue silk or bombazine great attention to detail. The first question the he coat or roundabout, white jacket and trowsers, drill or marseilles. missed he was sent back to his seat to repair Our object is, to establish a general uniformity. A plain blue cloth deficiency and could not come up again until no other cap in winter, or a straw hat in summer, is allowed, instead of a hat." was ready to recite. The advantage of this sys- The first vacation was to begin at about the end boy was that no boy studied with reference to full the of March, and the other at the end of September. tem of another boy, and while he was allowed The proprietors advised parents who lived near North- progress opportunity to learn all that his interest prompted stud- ampton to have their boys with them during these him to learn, he came to esteem excellence in his vacations, holding that it was better for the pupils to ies for its own value. This system threw much labor have that much relaxation from school. But arrange- the instructor, reducing him nearly to the position ments were made for other students to stay at the on of private tutor. It was a system not to be followed But school, one of the proprietors remaining with them, by a master who had many pupils at one time. and assigning easy tasks to keep them from falling must remember that the School at Round Hill was into idleness. In this respect the work was very exact- we established on a liberal basis. The costs to each stu- ing upon the teachers. This vacation duty usually fell dent--three hundred dollars for all expenses-was to Cogswell, who never shrank from it, although he equal to liberal expenses at Harvard at the time. complained that it kept him from visiting his friends The School expected to employ as many masters as in Boston and Cambridge, whose cultured homes he the system demanded. missed sadly. The regimen was as follows, using the words for of In selecting two short vacations instead of one long- Cogswell: "We rise at six and meet soon after er holiday we see again the influence of European hab- study till eight, at which hour we breakfast, its. The proprietors would agree with those of today prayers, then play till nine, from nine till twelve Stunden, to who think that American vacations are needlessly dine at half past twelve, play till two, from two and long and wasteful of time and impulse. five Stunden, sup at half past five, play till seven, In the Round Hill discipline great stress was laid then assemble for the evening occupation, which thus on physical exercise. Games and sports were not far has been reading only, as there was scarce one emphasized, as in modern time but such wholesome the number who could read English decently. bed."20 exercise as walking, skating, swimming, and riding among A little before nine they are dismissed to go to 21 Page 19. 20 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 141. 38 American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 39 on horseback. Long tramps were one of Cogswell's favorite diversions, and he trained the boys to take three days. One of the students tells his mother of a them. One of his first concerns was to lay out a half- visit to Mount Tom in these words: mile track around the grounds and to lead the boys "We did not have to walk any, but rode all the way. We started in races around it. It was run in 31/4 minutes, and at about eleven and got there at about one o'clock. We ate Cogswell ran it twice on "Sunday but after dark" dinner (which was carried in the provision wagon) at the foot of our the mountain. While we were eating, it began to rain and did in 61/2 minutes. Every Saturday afternoon, in good stop for more than an hour. When it did we started to go not the weather, there was a walk of several miles. The day it mountain but soon were caught in the rain again. We did not up mind after Thanksgiving, 1823, Cogswell started with six but went on and by the time we got to the top we were as wet pupils on a jaunt to Hartford, a distance of nearly as drowned rats. You can imagine what a prospect there is from the mountain when I tell you that we could see a meeting-house in a fifty miles. At Springfield, after walking twenty-one town seventy miles off notwithstanding the rain. It cleared off miles, he hired a wagon and drove the rest of the way, little It is SO that looking on the valley it seemed like a piece of Calico. a returning next day as he went. In thirty-seven hours here as different as can be from Holyoke, and I think if the party walked forty-two miles without complain- Mr. this summer you will miss a great deal if you do not you there. come ing, the latter part of it over the meadows in the dark but Bancroft told me yesterday that I must speak at the exhibition, go he has not given me a piece yet. at the rate of four and a half miles an hour, Cogswell always setting the pace. One of the boys reported In all such excursions, as wèll as in other while going out that a tack was hurting his foot. The Cogswell was the leader of the boys. On a certain sports, master examined his shoe and found that a peg had Saturday the he "took the boys a walk of ten miles through worked through the stocking and wounded the heel woods in search of berries, and had a good frolic until blood ran. "As there was no remedy," says with them. For four miles we could discover Cogswell, "I told him that we had but seven miles track by which to direct our steps, and often could not no further to walk and that he must bear it; he said not which we crawled and crept. Still no creature of them see the sun from the thickness of the shades through a word more of the pain. To pay him for his forti- tude I bought him a new pair of shoes at Hartford, flinched, although the flock consisted of eighteen of and with them he came back as briskly as any of us. "22 the smallest, including Daniel and Sam. Dexter. We In later years the long tramps seem to have been less frequent, but the school did not cease to encourage boys their mirth and gayety." preserved our tranquility and our industry, and the hardy outdoor exercise. Horses were bought and One of the boys, recalling his schooldays later in the boys were given regular turns riding. Accompan- life, had this to say of Cogswell's method with the ied by a master they dashed along the roads in small pupils: cavalcades until they became well known to the people of the country-side. At other times the great sleigh where he led off the procession, a boy of a larger growth and "He was in his school, as in one of his summer excursion walks, was loaded with boys, sometimes as many as fifty turer experience, but nevertheless one of the party, and by no means ma- were thrust into its capacious sides, and the afternoon a Jupiter Tonans, frowning from his arm-chair on a raised was spent in a jolly tour. In summer a great wagon, form, aloof and apart from the rest. Indeed, his relation to plat- the or two wagons, would start out with one of the teach- boys was scarcely even that of a teacher. He was the ers and a company of pupils, to be gone for two or manager, and father of the community, while his partner, organizer, Mr. Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 146. 24 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 154. George Rivers to his mother, July 5, 1829, Mass. Histl. Soc. 40 American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 41 Bancroft, did a great deal more of the teaching; and a large staff of German, French and Italians, as well as eminent young men fresh less valiant adventures. The place was called " Crony from our college training, all worked assiduously under his general Village" and for a time it played an important part supervision. His department especially was that of moral and in the discipline of the school and exercised some affectionate influence, beside which he was head farmer, builder, educational influence; but there were boys who could gardner, and treasurer of the place. not be trusted, and when it became evident that the Extreme neatness was his ambition, and he prided segregation of the pupils for a large portion of the day himself in the fact that the boys had a clean table- gave them opportunity to form bad habits secretly, cloth every day and "clean napkins almost as often" the order was given to demolish the village. It is an with a "clean wiping towel every other morning." evidence of the obedience of the pupils that the order The tone of confidence with which he spoke of these was executed without serious protest. When the achievements indicates that such precautions were school began to exist, friends, and the proprietors unusual at the time. We may have some idea of what themselves, feared that there would be some attempt kind of table-cloths were in use from the following order he gave to Bancroft on a visit to Boston: 'Go influence soon removed any such a fear. to turn the masters out. Cogswell's big-brotherly to Ballard and Prince's, Marlboro Street, and get 5 For Bancroft the pupils came to have a less respect- yards of 6-4 checked cotton table-cloth, red and black, ful attitude. He had his cccentricities, one of them to match as near as you remember, that which we being the shaking of his head in a peculiar manner, and have." Perhaps we should remind ourselves that he was SO near sighted that he was quite dependent cotton cloth cost more in 1824 than at present. It upon his glasses. The boys gave him the nickname was required of the boys that they cut their own wood of "The Critter," and they played mild pranks on for fires and that they keep their rooms, and although him. One pupil, an ingenious fellow, out of a much was said about the evils of prizes in the studies, piece of lead drain-pipe whittled a fairly good plate it became the custom to offer a reward for the neatest representing Bancroft as an erect Prussian drill- room. Other prizes were given, as a cross-bow and master, from behind whose body appeared a long books for excellence in deportment. With the cross- and graceful tail with an arrow-pointed tip, a military bows the boys hunted squirrels and birds, which were incarnation of the devil. From this plate were abundant in the chestnut and oak woods near the printed copies of the picture for secret circulation. school. On the margin of the issues of the school's literary On a slope covered with pines the boys were allowed several impressions of it. weekly,-a very creditable paper of its class-appear 25a to build little houses for themselves, out of lumber provided by the school. Many a youngster had here without inflicting serious discipline on the pupils, the Although the proprietors endeavored to get along his first longings for proprietorship gratified. The cabins, with chimneys, all built by their own hands school was not free from the ordinary breaches of good under supervision of a sympathetic master and friend, deportment. For the punishment of the worst offend- became a popular place of resort. In them they ers a strong room, known as the "dungeon," was cooked birds and squirrels, taken by their own cross- vided, and to be confined in it was the severest punish- pro- bows or snares, and sometimes chickens obtained in ment short of suspension. Sam. Ward, 3d, tells his Word 25a Thomas Gold Appleton, "A Sheat of Papers," 12. Mass. Hist. Soc. "Proceedings'*, XLVII, 222. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 42 43 father of an incident connected with this "dungeon," and the pupil concerned, it is related here in each form. December 17, 1826, as follows: The boy was Sam. Ward, 3d, and his story is as follows: "I have a great deal to tell you, about a thing which if it had "Last week, when reciting my Latin to Mr. Gheradi after we continued would have been a rebellion here. Several boys went a had finished our lesson, as we had some time left, we began to scan, skating without leave. Mr. Cogswell found it out and as a punish- as we often do, my turn being the last of all. I began to scan, in ment told them to stay in an hour every day until Christmas. One the beginning of a line. I said that a certain word was long by of them (a very large boy from baltimore) did not stay in one after- authority. Mr. Gheradi asked me what I meant by authority. noon and Mr. Cogswell called him down the next day in the after- I told him it meant the use of the poets (which by the by was noon and skolded him for it and told him that if he did not stay in the perfectly right) and he told it meant when there was no other rule next day, he would put him in a place where he could not get out; to be found, which was right also. I went on scanning and scanned says the boy that is if you are able to. If I am able said Mr. C and several words by authority, upon which he being angry, got up and at the same instant collared the boy. the boy collared him and said. Well by my authority you lose your dinner. Mr. Gheradi down they went together, but Mr. Cogswell being on a sort of a said I, Mr. Bancroft shall know this if you are in carnest. he said platform and consequently higher than and having the advantage nothing and upon which I went up to Mr. B. and told him about it. of the boy came down on top of him but the boy turned him and But Mr. Gheradi had anticipated me and I found Mr. B. wholly they struggled a while together at last the boy loosened his hold prepared to receive me unfavourably. When I spoke first he inter- and said, Mr. Cogswell, I could hurt you if I wished but I never rupted me immediately (Sam Ward hold you tongue you know that want to raise my hand against a master, but at the same time I you are a lazy fellow and did not get you lesson, but went on scan- think that this is no way for a master to treat a boy. then Mr. ning by authority, because you did know the right rules). here Cogswell told him to follow him, the boy went, and Mr. Cogswell put I told him that we had no lesson set as to study but he went on him in a dungeon. After supper several of the large boys went down Hold your tongue, if you say anything more I'll punish you severely to the dungeon having filed a key to unlock it. Mr. Cogswell found go to your seat and obey Mr. Gheradi. I went to my seat in a them out, called them in to his room at 9 o'clock at night, scolded passion (as I am ashamed to say) I went to dinner for who will not them and sent one a way that very night in a gig to Chesterfield say that I was right. After I had been at table about 1/4 of an put another in the dungcon, and the school has been a continual hour Mr. Bancroft happening to think of me came to my seat and state of confusion almost ever since." found me there, In a terrible passion he exclaimed, Leave the table immediately. Now you shan't have any dinner for a whole week. A hundred years ago the American school-boy was I got up from the table immediately. Now here is my story which much less tractable than at present. Fired by tra- is plain and simple and also true, as can be proved if proofs are wanting. ditions of resistance to the masters, he felt that life was a failure if he obeyed all the rules. A rebellion When the elder Samuel Ward received this letter he in the school, or a locking of doors against the teacher, wrote to Bancroft,2 who replied in these words to was to be expected in most places. But Cogswell, the part of his inquiry which concerned this incident: who took no large boys, had a right to think that he "Sam. failed in Prosody, and his instructor in Latin found it right would escape such affairs. And he did escape them one day to tell him to stay away from dinner. Sam. replied he would in general. In all the letters I have seen from the speak with Mr. Bancroft about it, and he knew that I should not boys there is not another case like that just cited. insist upon his submitting to the punishment &c'. But on learning the case I thought the instructor had done precisely right. Sam. In one instance, however, we have an interesting view nevertheless went to dinner. I was displeased at this, and told him of the punishment inflicted on certain offenders; and to stay away from dinner for the coming week, at the same time as the incident happens to be one of the few that ever telling him I would take a favorable report of him from the Latin come down to us in the words of both the instructor instructor each day as a sufficiency, which should entitle him to 27 Sam. Ward, 3d, to his father, Feb. 25, 1827. N. Y. Pub. Libr. March 7, 1827, N. Y. Pub. Libr. Ward Letters, N. Y. Pub. Libr. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 44 1917.] The Round Hill School. 45 freedom from the punishment. The reports have been regularly property. During the spring vacation Bancroft made brought me, and have been generally very much to his credit, and never against him, in one instance only doubtful. One thing in a visit to Boston, regaling himself with the society of connection with this I ought to add. I reasoned with Sam as to his old associates of a literary turn, in order to make his course in this matter, and endeavored to show him, it was incon- up for a long period of rustication. Cogswell remained sistent with self-respect and the manliness of character which be- on Round Hill looking after improvements in houses come him and might be expected of him, and that he must respect and grounds. Partitions were removed SO as to make himself to gain the respect of others. He declared himself at the It a large dining hall, and trees were set out on the moment indifferent to the good opinion of one of the instructors. was an expression of petulance, less manly than I could have wished. eastern slope of the hill, among them a hundred sugar This whole matter has passed away without any injury to Sam. and maples. with the advantage of his being led more circumspect." One of his annoyances came from the presence of 3. THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL Mrs. Thomas Shepherd, who had occupied the wooden residence during the winter and was slow in giving it When the two proprietors rented the two houses up after the property was purchased. In what way on Round Hill from Mr. Thomas Shepherd, in 1823, she displeased Cogswell is not clear, but it is worth it was agreed that after a year they should have the while to preserve his humorous account of her de- opportunity to buy the property for a specified sum. parture. He wrote: When they undertook to complete this agreement their landlord charged them a larger sum than had "Mrs. T. Shepherd has given me her word to quit the premises been mentioned, and announced that he must have a before night, and I know not when I have taken such satisfaction higher rental, if the property was taken another year in saying bon voyage to anyone as I promise myself in saying it to her. It seems to be the custom of the place to make a present to on that plan. Nettled by this treatment the two the wife when she relinquishes her dower, and if she behaves decently men agreed to seek another location. Cogswell I think it would be well for us to part in peace. Therefore, I wish made a journey to New York and inspected several you would buy a silver sugar bowl at Stoddart and Frobisher's in sites in the vicinity. He finally found at Red Hook, Cornhill or at Jones's in Market Street, not the most costly, say New Jersey, a large and commodious house with about $25 to $28, but in good taste, as it must be to please you, and if she deserves it she shall have it. If not, it will do to go with our several acres of land, to be bought on favorable terms. cream ewer to show out now and then when the great folks come From Mrs. Lyman we know that the announcement to see us." that the school was to leave Northampton was received in the town with regret. But at the last In a postscript we are told that Mrs. Shepherd moment Mr. Shepherd relented and offered the Round did in fact leave Round Hill about noon, as promised, Hill property at a sum within the reach of Cogswell but whether or not she deserved the sugar bowl we and Bancroft. It was thus agreed in the spring of are not informed. In justice to that lady, I should 1824 that he would convey the property, containing add that she was connected with prominent families fifty acres, more or less, with the three buildings and and left behind her a reputation as a lady of fashion outhouses on it, for twelve thousand dollars, the and good breeding. It is not likely, therefore, that school to give his son tuition without charge for eight she made herself personally objectionable. Her pres- years. The price was low, even at the time. ence on the estate was probably an assertion of some The pleasure of owning an estate was strong in the technical right, in connection with the conveyance of purchasers, and they set out at once to improve their the property, with which we are not familiar. [April, 1917.] 46 American Antiquarian Society. The Round Hill School. 47 The Round Hill estate lay between the Albany that his own business enterprises should be conducted road, now known as Elm Street, and a road then just on a basis independent of Cogswell's. It was in 1826, beginning to be called Prospect Street, but it was not therefore, that he got from the latter a deed by which contiguous to the former. It was reached at the Cogswell released to him for $3400 a considerable part time by a private way running up the eastern slope, of the Round Hill property. The dividing line was and in order to control a better approach from that drawn SO that it left to Bancroft the house in which side the proprietors bought four acres of land from he lived, the stone house built by Thomas Shepherd, Solomon Williams, "minister of the gospel," thinking and twelve acres of garden and woodland on the side of opening a road across it. 29 Later, it was concluded of the property nearest Elm Street. 30 On it was a that a better approach would be from Elm Street. schoolhouse, situated near the dividing line. In fact, Here, a quarter of a mile from the edge of the town, the line veered northward at the northwest corner, was a little group of houses to which the name "New lest it leave a small part of the house on its other side. Boston" had been given. Judge Samuel Henshaw, From Elm Street Bancroft opened a road to his house, William and Jared Clark, George Bridgman, the known now as Round Hill Road, and not to be con- tanner, Mrs. Lucy Barnard, and Timothy Jewett, fused with the lane that was opened to the school were among the residents on the north side of the road. property proper, which left Elm Street two hundred On the south side were only two or three inconsequen- feet west of Bancroft's road. The latter went no tial places, while below the hill, on the edge of the farther than Bancroft's house. river, was George Bridgman's tannery. The road The school property, though reduced, still sufficed was nobly protected by the fine elms, set out by John amply for the needs of the institution, of which Ban- Hunt about 1730, which then at their maturity at- croft and Cogswell remained joint owners. In the tracted SO much attention that they gave the road a summer of 1826 a contract was made to enlarge the new name. Cogswell saw the beauty of this region wooden building on the hill. It is interesting because and bought several acres of land in small parcels on from it we may see the size of the structure. It pro- Elm Street, and opened a road from the school across vided for a building situated south of the former build- this new purchase. He seems to have had the fatal ing, and 47 feet long and 27 feet wide, exclusive of land hunger of a young man, for he bought in small the piazza that ran along the side nearest the drive- lots over thirty-five acres of land contiguous to his way. It was to be exactly like the older wooden build- original property, and besides that a considerable ing, with which it was to be connected by a central farm lying between Elm and Prospect Streets, and hall 40 feet wide and 37 feet deep. Thus the whole extending from what is now Franklin Street to front façade of the building was 127 feet. Each wing Massasoit, or nearly that far. The latter was to raise contained six rooms on each floor, and over the hall supplies for the school, whereas the former were used was an equal number, a long passage-way running for a vegetable garden. At its maximum size the down the center of the second floor, and admitting property was three-fourths of a mile square. to the sleeping-rooms on each side. This arrange- These purchases seem to have been chiefly the ment provided thirty rooms and was ample for the results of Cogswell's ambitions. Bancroft was more boys in attendance in 1826. But the numbers grew canny and probably came at an early day to realize shire County, Book 55, p. 261, see also Book 184, p. 456. 80 Cogswell's quit claim is recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds in the Hamp- See Records in Office of Register of Deeds, Hampshire County, Book 51, p. 601. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 48 The Round Hill School. 49 SO rapidly that it was enlarged by building an ell on soon realize that there is a limit to the size of his the north end, running off to the west some seventy- family. five feet. In 1827 the attendance was 135; and in The responsibilities of his position also wore hard 1831, when this number was somewhat reduced, it on Cogswell, whose mercurial temperament was not was announced that each boy could have a separate well suited for the steady jog of the schoolmaster. room if he desired it. Round Hill was a school for The scheme of having two vacations a year of three well-to-do boys, and the accommodations were such weeks each made it necessary for the boys from a as that class would approve at the time. remote distance to remain in the school during the On the northwest side of Round Hill, the gymnastic period. It fell to him to care for them. When the grounds were laid out. They were on both sides of number was small he would take them to some place what is now Crescent Street north of Third Avenue near Boston and give himself the opportunity to renew and embraced eight or ten acres, bordered on the west his acquaintance with old friends; but when the school by a brook. In the middle of the grounds was a became large the number left over was too great mast, while bars, ladders, and other pieces of the for such an undertaking. This continual demand on simple outdoor apparatus of the day were placed in his time weighed heavily on his spirits. "I am now on convenient places. There was an instructor in gym- my fifth year." he said in 1828, of an entire devoted- nastics, and much importance was attached to his ness to one object, and one which affords little or no teaching. Neither rain, cold, nor snow interfered intellectual gratification, and still less comfort to the with outdoor exercise. The ideal was to "make a heart. There must be a change ere long or I die. "31 man" of a student. Cogswell had the idea in his There seems good reason to believe that at this mind and seems to have urged it on his patrons. He time, or soon afterwards, the relations between the told his sister-in-law to send her son to Round Hill, two proprietors began to be strained-not seriously where he could be made a man, and young Sam. strained, but just enough awry to make it evident Ward urged his father to send a younger son to the that the two men were not properly adjusted to one school for the same purpose. The heroic treatment another. Bancroft was tiring of the routine life of was well received by the boys, who eagerly endured a schoolmaster, and Cogswell was weary of managing the hardening process. immature boys, Under such circumstances it was The growth of the school was rapid in the first five natural that a break should occur. We may get an years of its existence. The 25 boys who were there idea of its immediate cause in a letter from Cogswell at the opening had increased to 69 in 1825. In the to his partner, March 3, 1830. The letter begins as following summer the number was 80; but the fame follows: of the institution was SO well established that in the "As I am about to make you a proposition which may appear autumn of the same year there were 127; and in to have some connexion with the events which took place during May, 1827, it was 135. This was about the crest of my absence, I must begin by giving you the most positive assur- the wave. In fact, Cogswell now began to turn off ances, that I believe your management was in the highest degree applicants, and in 1828 he was determined to reduce judicious, and not only deserves my entire concurrence but also the expression of great satisfaction with the efficiency and firmness the number to one hundred. If one means to be truly by which it was distinguished. In the view however of the various a father to his pupils, guiding their sports, reading, difficulties of discipline, which have arisen during our connexion, and morals as well as directing their studies, he must 81 Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 160. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 50 1917.] The Round Hill School. 51 I am persuaded that entire unity of purpose and plan would do much toward effecting the most desirable end of education, docility the last named city he secured subscriptions for & uniform obedience, & am induced by this consideration to pro- twelve shares one of them from Daniel Webster, whose pose to you the following modifications of our connexion." name he placed at the head of his list. In New York he received substantial aid from Samuel Ward, the Here follows certain proposals which need not be second of the name, a prominent banker who had sent repeated, since they were not adopted as made. In- three sons to Round Hill, and whose friendship for stead, the following terms were accepted two days Cogswell was to last through many critical years. later as proposed by Cogswell: March 13 he reported that he had sold more than "1. That on the joint property being conveyed to me, I shall ninety shares, and it is probable that he sold others in discharge the mortgage, or discharge you from any obligation on a trip he made in April to Charleston and Savannah. account of it and in addition give you $5000 to be paid as you pro- pose in ten semi-annual payments the first to be made Nov. 1, There were two hundred shares in all, and those not 1830, and the remaining at regular intervals of six months, with sold to individual subscribers remained his own interest. property. On the whole he felt encouraged, and "2. That the plan of conveying the property in whole or in part November 6, 1830, at an adjourned meeting of the to a joint stock company shall, if effected, be for my exclusive benefit, and all the obligations entered into in furtherance of it be corporation, having acquired Bancroft's share of the property by a deed of quit claim, he leased the estate transferred to myself individually. "3. That six months from the first of April be allowed me for to the corporation for a term of five years, until Jan- completing my arrangements, during which time your connexion uary 1, 1836, for a rental of $1200 a year, it being with the school to remain as heretofore and the specific sum of agreed that the lessees would spend $400 annually in $1000, of which $500 shall be paid you in May and $500 in August repairs. For the conduct of the school he was retained to be received in lieu of your proportion of the proceeds. And as I propose to be absent during the month of April and part of May, as superintendent, but I cannot find any mention of [and] must therefore rely on your presence at the Hill, it would be the compensation he was to receive for such services. a matter of course that you should have an opportunity of absent- It could hardly have been less than $1600 a year, since ing yourself two or three weeks during the term should you desire it. that sum was promised to Bancroft, who was retained "4. That it is to be understood by us both and to be made known as a teacher until the end of October, 1831. Notwith- to our mutual friends, that this change in our relations proceeds from no conflict of opinions or feelings, but is agreed upon in the spirit standing the evidence of this contract, preserved in of the most cordial amity and from a desire to promote each other's writing in the Bancroft manuscripts, the Round Hill welfare." estate was sold outright to the corporation by a deed March 26, 1830, these terms were formally accepted made by the two partners and dated November 3, in an instrument signed by both parties, Cogswell 1830, in which both Bancroft's release to Cogswell and Cogswell's lease to the corporation seem to have been pledging fifty shares of stock in the corporation as security for the $5000 he was to pay Bancroft in ignored. I cannot explain the seeming contradic- tion. semi-annual payments. The Round Hill Corpora- tion was chartered by the General Court February When he agreed to buy the entire property Cogswell 18, 1829, but it was not organized until January 6, valued it at $34,000 and said that it had cost $50,000. The purchase of 1824 had been made through assist- 1830. Immediately afterwards Cogswell took a jour- ney to New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Wash- ance from Harvard, whose authorities lent $8000, ington endeavoring to sell stock in the company. In Hampshire County, Bk. 66, p. 201. See Bancroft MSS., Mass. Histl. Soc. and Records in office of the Register of Deeds, American Antiquarian Society. |April, 1917.] 52 The Round Hill School. 53 taking a mortgage which Cogswell paid off December When this decision became known a movement ,1830, evidently from the proceeds of the sale of stock was started in Northampton to have it reversed. in the company. It is hard to say that the condition Seven of the leading citizens, Lewis Strong, I. C. Bates, of the enterprise was satisfactory. Bad debts had Charles A. Dewey, T. Napier, Judge Hinckley, Judge been one source of losses and Cogswell complained Lyman, and Ebenezer Hunt, prepared an appeal in that the food consumed by the pupils in the six years behalf of the school and circulated it in the news- during which the school had run cost $5000 more than papers. Next Samuel Ward, of New York, started Ward the allowance made for it. It was his habit to spend a movement by which the stock-holders were to sur- freely on the table. Keeping horses for the use of render their stock to Cogswell, thus relieving him of the boys was another undue expense, and the system embarrassment. The scheme succeeded generally, in use demanded a large number of instructors in and he took courage and agreed to carry the school proportion to the attendance. Add to this the fact on another year. At the end of 1833, however, it that Cogswell had bought rather more real estate was apparent that he could go no further and in the than he needed, and it will be evident that he was in following spring, at the close of the winter term, it no pleasant situation. seems, he definitely closed Round Hill, and accepted His sanguine disposition enabled him to enter the a position to conduct an academy established by the new stage of existence in the school's history in the Episcopal Bishop Ives in Raleigh, North Carolina. best spirits. "I have never felt younger," he said, In this place he remained for two years conducting "more zealous, higher hopes or greater confidence of successfully a school of the best grade. He had sever- success than I now do in the view of the prospect al offers to remain in the South in a more conspicuous before me. I have had a burden upon me which capacity, two or three being for college presidencies weighed me down to earth. I am now free, and shall and others for professorships; but the life there did soar on my own wings. "33 Nevertheless, the tide not attract him, and he gave up all such inducements was against him. His own success had, for one thing, to become a tutor in New York. Later he was led other persons to establish schools which professed selected by Mr. John Jacob Astor to supervise the to follow his example. Probably, also, the results of organization of the Astor Library; and thenceforth the instruction did not support the early claims for he lived, until he reached a ripe old age, the quiet and the schools' superiority. Whatever the reason, it is congenial life of a librarian, dying in Cambridge, certain that numbers failed, and as the expenses of Massachusetts, in 1871. the school were not reduced in a corresponding way, the institution ran into debt. This situation brought THE INSTRUCTION AT ROUND HILL discouragement to Cogswell, who, to make matters It is not to be denied that the experiment at worse, fell into a state of melancholy on account of Northampton was made to meet a condition greatly the death of his sister, his only near relative. Greatly in need of improvement. In all but a few notable depressed he announced to his friends in July, 1832, schools instruction was in a wretched state; and in that he intended to give up the School as soon as he the best schools it was less efficient than now, due could settle his affairs and pay the debts he owed. probably to the prevalence of routine methods and low educational ideals. The majority of school- 88 A. E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 167. masters sent their pupils droning through declensions American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 54 55 and formulae without regard to the development of June and the place to which the excursion was made intellectual culture. "You can have no conception," was eight miles from Northampton. The school said Cogswell after he had examined the pupils that started in the early morning, half in wagons and carri- were sent to him, "of the sham which school-masters ages and half on foot. At a tavern five miles from the make of the work of instruction, without a chance for school the pedestrians exchanged places with those proving them, similar to that which we now have.' who rode; and on the return those who walked first Edward Everett said he could prepare a boy for an on the way out rode last on the way back, SO that each American college in Latin and Greek in six months. shift walked but eight miles. On the side of a hill In order to effect improvement he and Bancroft red with fruit the boys found the objects of their search. took for their model the secondary education in "We staid there about an hour," says our informant France and Germany, where pupils were taught with "and then we came back to the house [the tavern]. longer terms and longer hours, and with a greater We found upon our arrival there long tables set out insistence on details than in Great Britain. Upon in the yard in the open air, large bowls of milk were this collége, or gymnasium, system were superim- placed there, one for each boy, the table was plenti- posed the ideas they got from the Fellenberg School fully covered with bread, fresh butter, cheese, cold at Hofwyl, near Berne. For the first group of pupils, ham, sugar &c. I had a pint bowl three quarters full twenty-five in all, none of them over twelve years of of delicious strawberries, and the rest filled up with age, three teachers were provided, all highly educated, milk, and as much loaf sugar as we wanted, for Mr. and it was possible to give much time to the individual Cogswell had brought out a couple of loaves. Imagine pupil. Each boy recited in a class alone and went to yourself one hundred and 35 boys all seated at forward as rapidly as he could. It was like giving table, enjoying themselves as much as possible, after to each the advantages of a private tutor. Well dinner we set out to return home in the order which I directed gymnastics were prescribed for each pupil, have described above." In such recreations it was as much for educational results as for the sake of sought to stimulate healthy love of nature and interest exercise. The school gave due weight to the mental in innocent and elevating sport. effects of co-operative forms of play. The first prospectus of the school, issued in 1823, One of the things that had impressed Cogswell at gives an idea of the subjects taught and the purpose Hofwyl was the happy mingling of students and in teaching them. The general object, it was an- masters in rural festivals and games; and he was care- nounced, was to train the boys "for the world as it ful to introduce such opportunity into the life at is," not for some ideal world. First of all came the Round Hill. Many excursions were made in fine ability to read and write correctly, to write a good weather to nearby places of rural or sylvan beauty. hand, and to become proficient in arithmetic. Be- An account has already been given of a visit to Mount yond that the pupils would be given a familiarity with Tom,35 and another is given herewith of a visit to a the best works in English literature. Next were the certain field in strawberry time, taken from the Greek and Latin classics as "the basis of learning and narrative of a schoolboy participant. The month was taste." Instruction was also to be given in French, Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 145; T.W. Higginson, "Gottingen and Harv- German, Italian, and Spanish. French was taught ard," Harv. Grad. Mag. VI, 16. by N. M. Hentz, a protestant graduate of the Uni- See p. 39. 86 Samuel Ward, 3d, to his father, June 28, 1827, N. Y. Public Library. 56 American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 57 versity of Paris, whom George Ticknor pronounced The course of study it is true, remained nearly the the best tutor in this language that Harvard had seen. same; but now it was openly announced that the boys Bancroft himself taught German for a time, but within were taught in classes, not more than six in each. a year or two G. H. Bode was brought over from This departure from the old custom of having the Germany and given the work. The average salary boys recite individually as they were able-a custom of an instructor was $500 the first year, with the dear to Bancroft's heart-was probably the result of prospect of an increase of $100 the second. Prob- a desire to economize in the employment of tutors. ably no other school of its kind in the United States At this time several new subjects appear in the list gave such good advantages in the modern languages; of those taught; as Bookkeeping, Horticulture, Sta- for besides a native Frenchman and a German there tistics, and Surveying. Drawing, dancing, music, was generally a native Spaniard. In mathematics which had been introduced gradually as polite accom- the boys were carried through algebra, geometry, and plishments, generally taught in the summer term, trigonometry, and at a later time even higher branches were also mentioned. As a school for the sons of were taught. In natural sciences they had less ad- leading families, the place was the scene of much vanced instruction, while moral philosophy and his- gayety in a simple way. One of its activities was to tory were taught in general outlines. This much publish a very creditable literary paper, and on occa- from the prospectus. sions dramatic exhibitions were given which proved In a description of the work done at the school, the ability of teachers and pupils. In the announce- issued in 1826, much of this was reiterated and some ment of 1831 Cogswell inserted the following para- of it was enlarged. Added emphasis was given to graph .38 gymnastic instruction. "We are deeply impressed," "A question may here arise, if the Institution is intended to said the circular, 'with the necessity of uniting physi- supersede the necessity of resorting to the University and prepare cal with moral education; and are particularly favored a young man for professional studies or for active life. The answer in executing our plans of connecting them by the is, that it was established to advance the cause of education, and, assistance of a pupil and friend of Jahn, the greatest therefore, acts in concert with all other Institutions, which pro- modern advocate of gymnastics. We have proceeded mote the like design, but that its plan of study is independent of every one, and only when specially requested, is regulated by req- slowly in our attempts, for the undertaking was a new uisites for the admission to the Colleges respectively. It aims, one; but now we see ourselves near the accomplish- however, at all times, to put its pupils, pursuing a classical course, ment of our views. The whole subject of the union in a condition to be transferred to any other literary Institution, and of moral and physical education is a great deal simpler, continue their studies with that class, in which their advancement than it may at first appear. And here, too, we may should properly place them. It is acknowledged with great satis- faction, that this principle has been acted upon by some of the say, that we were the first in the new continent to most distinguished Institutions in the country, in which the exam- connect gymnastics with a purely literary establish- ination of pupils sent from this, has been made with reference to ment. "37 the state of their knowledge, and not to the books from which they A third statement, published in 1831, after Ban- may have acquired it." croft had withdrawn, shows still more decided changes. In this respect the Round Hill School was true to its European model, which sent a boy from the College 87 "Some Account of the School," etc., 1826, p. 12. In 1828 C. Beck was "professor of Latin and Gymnastics." He wrote a "Treatise on Gymnastics." Sam. Ward, 3d, or Gymnasium straight to the professional school, Page 56. to his father, May 18, 1828, N. Y. Pub. Libr. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] The Round Hill School. 58 59 the university, or the active walks of life. It was, fellow laborers in the great cause, entitled to the however, badly adjusted to the work of the American respect which we sincerely give, and having a claim on college, which has grown up between the strictly regard, corresponding to the confidence which we man- preparatory work and the specialized work of the ifest in recommending from time to time our pupils university. Our American college really undertakes to your charge." to do part of the work of the Gymnasium and part of Bancroft, who wrote in behalf of his partner also, the work of the European university; or, putting it urged that in the case of advanced-standing students from another point of view, Round Hill, following the the character of the work at Round Hill was such that Gymnasium, was trying to do part of the work of the the students should be received at Yale on the same preparatory school and part of that of the American basis as students transferred from colleges, provided college, and it was badly adjusted to the system into they passed the examinations, and in doing this he which it was thrust. It was of no avail to say that had the following to say about the instruction at his the system was bad and needed amending. Cogswell school: and Bancroft were not strong enough to change the "In our instruction we have reference to the subject to be taught, whole system. The colleges, against whose prerog- more than the books. For example, in the Latin, while Horace, atives they arrayed themselves, would not give way. Livy, Virgil, and Cicero are regularly used, we sometimes read Parents who wished to send their sons to college had Tacitus, and Ovid, Juvenal and Persius, and occasionally should to choose between sending them to a school which take the letters, not of Cicero only, but of Pliny, and even some- would prepare for the Freshman class and one which times read a Latin tragedy. In Greek we have still kept the Gracca Majora in use, though we are fast methodizing a plan by which gave preparation that made it possible for the boys, the works of Greek writers themselves and not extracts will be used. with special care, to enter the Junior class, and they In mathematics we have thus far followed the French manuals, generally chose the former. though our preference is not on all points a strong one." In coming to this conclusion they were naturally To all this pleading the Yale authorities turned a aided by the rule to which the colleges held that a deaf ear. Harvard's general rule was like Yale's on boy who entered with advanced standing, should not this subject, 39 but I have not been able to learn wheth- be relieved from the obligation to pay tuition for the er or not it was relaxed, as was urged in the applica- time he had escaped study in the college classes. tion to President Day. As for advanced standing, Thus, if a boy completed the work of the Freshman Round Hill boys secured it on examination at several and Sophomore classes at Round Hill and entered institutions. Samuel Ward, 3d, entered the Sopho- Yale, he must nevertheless pay tuition at that college for the full four year course. The point was the sub- more Class at Columbia, when the class was nearly at the Junior year, graduating in little more than two ject of a correspondence between Bancroft and years. George C. Shattuck, Jr., writing to his father President Day, of Yale. Bancroft pointed out that four proposed to try to enter advanced Sophomore at men were teaching at Round Hill who had the "right Harvard, go to Paris for a year, and on his return to instruct and lecture publicly and privately at any continue with the class he had joined. He said that he of the regularly constituted universities of Germany"; was fitted for the Junior year in Latin and Greek, and, and, he continued, "We hope you will, in the spirit of liberal justice and of harmony acknowledge us, in in fact, he graduated in 1831, two years after leaving SO far as your public immunities are concerned, as 89 See Appendix to the Catalogue of 1825. American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] 60 The Round Hill School. 61 Northampton. The Round Hill examinations he three-fourths of the real work of a college course, the considered very difficult. To mathematics the exam- Gymnasium was the seat of sounder learning. These iners gave eight hours. He did not fear the examina- subjects were generally finished in the American tion in Greek and Latin, subjects in which Bancroft college by the end of Junior year; and the time of the had given the class much drill "and tried us to the seniors was given up to many subjects taken in short utmost.' George Shattuck said that boys in the courses. In 1825 a Harvard senior was required class with him had entered the Senior Class in Yale. to take Intellectual Philosophy, Optics, Astronomy, How well he was taught in mathematics may be seen Paley's Evidences, Butler's Analogy, Political Econ- in the fact that he was studying calculus, as well as omy, Philosophy of Natural History, Chemistry, surveying and nautical astronomy. In Greek he went Mineralogy, Geology, or a substitute for the last threc as far as Pindar and Callimachus. in ancient or modern languages. The smattering a At this time, in 1825, the Harvard catalogue an- student got of these several subjects taught in such nounced the conditions under which students entered a small space and time, could have had little educa- the Freshman Class as follows: tional value. It is, therefore, not too much to say "To be received into the Freshman Class, a candidate must be that the net results of the gymnasial education at thoroughly acquainted with the Grammar of the Latin and Greek Round Hill was about as good as a college education languages, including Prosody; be able properly to construc and a century ago. So nearly were they equal that it was parse any portion of the following books, namely, Jacobs' Greek Reader, the Gospels in the Greek Testament, Virgil, Sallust, and not to be expected that both could thrive in the same Cicero's Select Orations, and to translate English into Latin cor- country. rectly. He must be well versed in Ancient and Modern Geogra- The failure of the Round Hill School was thus fun- phy, the fundamental rules of Arithmetick, vulgar and decimal damentally due to the impossibility of adjusting the fractions; proportion, simple and compound; single and double fellowship; alligation, medial and alternate; and Algebra to the end gymnasium to the existing system in the country. of simple equations, comprehending also the doctrine of roots and In fact, with all the advantages of this type of school powers, and arithmetical and gcometrical progression.' as a means of securing accurate and intense instruc- tion, it has not been adopted in our educational life. Competent boys at Round Hill, who had been at the school two or three years, were generally able to Cogswell was forced to realize it, and when he gave up the struggle in 1834 his excellent plant remained un- meet these requirements at thirteen years of age, occupied for a time. The sole ownership of the when they were too young for college life. It was natural, therefore, that such boys should be retained property reverted to him through the generosity of in the school until they were able to enter college with the shareholders, who transferred their shares to him, he assuming the indebtedness of the Institution. advanced credit. But this fact shows how much the These obligations he paid off by selling the lands he whole system of higher education was awry. In fact, if we compare the curriculum of the American college had bought adjacent to the estate, and by using the money he earned in other capacities. The estate of the time with that of the Gymnasium, at Schulp- itself remained a financial burden on his hands. Fi- forte, we must conclude that in teaching Latin, nally, in 1848 he sold it to the Round Hill Water Cure Greek, and mathematics, which then constituted Retreat Company for $15,000. Adding to this sum George C. Shattuck, Jr., to his father, Jan. 10, 25; Aug. 28; Sept. 21; Nov. 9, 28; the $3400 he had received from Bancroft for half Dec. 7, 1828; March 1, 8; May 26; Aug. 23 1829. Mass. Histl. Soc. interest in the portion that had been sold in 1826 he 62 American Antiquarian Society. [April, 1917.] Some Early American Pioneers. 63 received a total sum of $18,400 for property which, with the improvements, had cost fully twice that amount. It was a bad financial venture, but it was a long time before he ceased to feel the influence of his old dream. Visiting Northampton in 1846 in connection with the project which eventually resulted SOME EARLY AMERICAN PIONEERS. in the sale of the estate, he wrote: "Round Hill never By EDWARD H. THOMPSON. looked more beautiful, and I feel quite tempted to come back to this enchanting spot. I am staying on The brief paper that I venture to offer aims not SO the hill with Mr. Clark and a single night here has much to present new facts as to emphasize some little quite revived me. ,,41 A considerable portion of this known old ones. Interwoven amid these old facts can property has been used for residences by the people be clearly seen the red threads brought down from dim of the thriving town, which in these days has spread American pre-history through its history to the present its streets around, and far beyond, what was a subur- day warfare in Mexico. These red threads and old ban elevation in 1823; but the Hill proper and some facts, when rightly scanned, will tell far more clearly of the buildings that once sheltered the busy Round than mere words can do why certain areas of Mexico Hill boys and masters are now owned and used by the are ever under the thrall of blood lust and war vio- Clarke School for the Deaf. lence, and why other areas are by nature law abiding and prosperous under difficulties. Anna E. Ticknor, "Life of Cogswell," 237. Edward Clarke purchased part of George Bancroft's estate and lived in the stone house. In order to understand clearly these facts in their sequence, we must go back almost to the beginning of things on this continent. At a-period when that which is now the United States of North America was probably a tenantless waste, a large portion of what is now the Republic of Mexico was peopled by a wide- spread race with many branches. So widespread was it that science has not yet been able to say the last word as to its general extension and much less fix its definite boundaries. It was a brown rather than a red-skinned race, although the red shows clearly through the brown. It was short of stature, but thick- set and sturdy, its religion was nature worship with the Sun and the Serpent as its deities. This was prob- ably the primitive race of Middle America and Mexico and very possibly of a certain large area of North America as well. When we speak of the ancient builders of America our thoughts almost instinctively revert to the Mound Builders or the Aztecs, but this is a mistake. The llsummit.com 48 RoardHill Rd. Apts. Connectly located off Elm St. ,just north of Smith College. Round Hill, its History and Romance It has long been conceded that Round Hill, the sightly crest of Northampton, commands one of the loveliest culti- vated views in America, many a famous traveler declaring that no landscape has appealed to him in its beauty more than this. Indeed, one would need wander far to find any- thing of the same character to surpass it; for where can be duplicated its three thousand acres of unbroken fertile meadows, bordering, in varied colors, the boundaries of several towns? Though dwarfed in size, if compared with the western prairies, these broad lands, in their harmonious setting, are no less unique. Facing the rising sun with the half-rural city nestled at its feet on the winding streets, outlined by wide-spreading trees; with the Connecticut sweeping down from the north in graceful curves; and all encircled by the mountains, and more distant rim of hills,- the scene as viewed from Round Hill today cannot be greatly changed from what it was a century or more ago. The history and romance of Round Hill seem closely interwoven. Its history might be briefly told were it not for the romance-and the romance ! How define it in words? Numberless romantic facts may be related; but who can speak of the deep, still current of life that has coursed beneath the surface of events like a subterranean stream? It is not known how much consideration had been given the Hill before the town, in 1681, granted Rev. Solomon Stoddard four acres on its eastern slope. Not caring to build on what seemed to him, doubtless, a lonely spot, he bought an adjoining lot and placed there his now historic dwelling-a part of Mr. Henry R. Hinckley's present home on Prospect Street. In 1726, the town granted his son, Colonel John Stoddard, the remainder of the Hill for forty 218 EARLY NORTHAMPTON pounds. It was he who added the fine gambrel-roof struc- ture to the old Stoddard house. Eighty years then passed, and during that time no one ventured to make a home on Round Hill. But in 1806 the Shepherd brothers, sons of Dr. Levi Shepherd, having bought the entire Hill of the Stoddard heirs, in 1803, for $1,600, decided to build upon its summit. Thomas, father of the late Henry Shepherd, built the first of the three houses then erected there. This is still standing, being a part of the property bought by the trustees of Clarke School for Deaf Mutes, at the time this institution was removed from Gothic Street in 1870. It is now known as Rogers Hall, named in honor of Miss Harriet B. Rogers, the first principal of the school. To accommodate subsequent needs, additions have been made at both the south and north ends of the building. The west front of the original house, facing the road, is of brick; the other walls being of stone which was quarried in Middlefield, twenty-five miles distant, and drawn by ox- teams to the Hill. The house cost $12,000, which was con- sidered a large sum in those days. It was two stories in height on the west until after coming into possession of its present owners, when a French roof was added. The hill falling away toward the cast allowed an additional (base- ment) story on that side. Verandas overlooked the old- fashioned garden and orchard below, stretching then to Prospect Street; and beyond, as now, were the town, meadow, river and mountains. Thomas Shepherd was an ardent lover of nature, which led him to select this spot for his new home. That his mother, Mary, daughter of General Seth Pomeroy, did not alto- gether sympathize with him in this choice, is evidenced by a few lines in her journal, written under date of January 11th, 1806; "Yesterday the brick house was sold to Mr. (Josiah) Dickinson. Thomas is pleased with the bargain, and now he has sold his house he, with his brother Levi, intends building on the Hill in the Spring. Their father bought the brick house on purpose to prevent their ever building on that airy 218 EARLY NORTHAMPTON pounds. It was he who added the fine gambrel-roof struc- ture to the old Stoddard house. Eighty years then passed, and during that time no one ventured to make a home on Round Hill. But in 1806 the Shepherd brothers, sons of Dr. Levi Shepherd, having bought the entire Hill of the Stoddard heirs, in 1803, for $1,600, decided to build upon its summit. Thomas, father of the late Henry Shepherd, built the first of the three houses then erected there. This is still standing, being a part of the property bought by the trustees of Clarke School for Deaf Mutes, at the time this institution was removed from Gothic Street in 1870. It is now known as Rogers Hall, named in honor of Miss Harriet B. Rogers, the first principal of the school. To accommodate subsequent needs, additions have been made at both the south and north ends of the building. The west front of the original house, facing the road, is of brick; the other walls being of stone which was quarried in Middlefield, twenty-five miles distant, and drawn by OX- teams to the Hill. The house cost $12,000, which was con- sidered a large sum in those days. It was two stories in height on the west until after coming into possession of its present owners, when a French roof was added. The hill falling away toward the east allowed an additional (base- ment) story on that side. Verandas overlooked the old- fashioned garden and orchard below, stretching then to Prospect Street; and beyond, as now, were the town, meadow, river and mountains. Thomas Shepherd was an ardent lover of nature, which led him to select this spot for his new home. That his mother, Mary, daughter of General Seth Pomeroy, did not alto- gether sympathize with him in this choice, is evidenced by a few lines in her journal, written under date of January 11th, 1806; "Yesterday the brick house was sold to Mr. (Josiah) Dickinson. Thomas is pleased with the bargain, and now he has sold his house he, with his brother Levi, intends building on the Hill in the Spring. Their father bought the brick house on purpose to prevent their ever building on that airy ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 219 Hill." The brick house mentioned was the one on Pleasant Street, below River Street, long known as the Benjamin North place. Thomas Shepherd had married, the previous autumn, November, 1805, Catherine, daughter of Judge John Tryon of Lebanon Springs, N. Y. Time would fail ere one-half were told of the joys and sorrows of that first home on Round Hill; of the hospitality and good cheer enjoyed there, often extended to the clergy, who received frequent and generous entertainment within its walls. Before a mahogany side- board-still treasured by the family-that stood in the din- ing room on the cast front, more than one minister of the old school drank his glass of brandy and water, before "Old Judge," the family horse, with the two-wheeled chaise was brought to the door of a Sunday to take him down to the First Church where, in exchange with the regular preacher, his zeal and eloquence, we are told, were none the less be- cause of "the cup that had cheered," but which, we are bound to believe, had "not inebriated." It is hardly neces- sary to add that these practices were not continued after the first wave of the Washingtonian Temperance movement swept over the land. Doubtless Parson Allen of Pittsfield, Betty Allen's son, "the fighting parson" of Revolutionary fame, was often a guest at the stone house in the early years of the last century, as the families were intimate. Mary Pomeroy Shepherd, to quote again from her journal, writes July 11, 1806; "Re- turned home after making a short visit at Pittsfield to Parson Allen's, for whose kindness and attention I shall ever stand indebted. Parson Allen is a persecuted Republican, but he bears the reproach like a real Christian, and will in the event of things come out like gold, purified in the fire." By this we can see that politics then shared with religion the atten- tion of the clergy. This real daughter of the Revolution lived much at her son's home on Round Hill during her later years, her husband having died in October, 1805. Christmas Day, 1806, the precious old journal records for our present-day reading a 220 EARLY NORTHAMPTON brief mention of the first Christmas ever celebrated on Round Hill: "This is the day that history says gave birth to our Savior, a day celebrated throughout the Christian world. It is strange that it was ever discontinued by any Christian sect. It has never been kept by the Dissenters, or rather Independents, who first peopled this country, only by the Church party. But it's now coming into fashion. I don't mean by preaching, or anything really good, but only by social meetings and entertainments. I spent this evening at my son Thomas', where a number of our friends were present, Judge Sedgwick, Judge Tryon, and our family con- nections-a very fine supper. These family meetings with my children are all the diversion that 1 now enjoy." Beneath this roof many children came to enliven, with their cousins in the other houses, the connecting fragrant gardens at the east, and the chestnut grove opposite, that descended the western slope of the hill. Of the many, only four little ones survived the early years of childhood. But it is easy now to envy the bliss of one who could pass the entire span, of even a brief life, on such a lovely height. The children who grew to maturity, and far beyond, were Cath- erine, Henry, Henrietta and Thomas. One day nearly a hundred years ago, a childish cry went up under the old trees on Round Hill's first home-a wild and plaintive wail! "Tommy's in the well! Tommy's in the well!" and then, what happened? Jabez French, a good neighbor at the foot of the orchard on Prospect Street, came to the rescue and brought Thomas Shepherd, 2d, up in safety, to his grateful mother's arms, else there would have been one less in that adventurous band of "forty-niners" who crossed the plains in their search for gold; riding and following; following and riding, with their pack mule trains. Jabez French, too, often set the pace with his violin-only a "fiddle" then-for merry dancers in this old house, where he and his wife were always greatly beloved because in SO many kindly ways they brought joy to its first inmates. The second house on Round Hill was built by Levi Shep- herd and is now also a part of the Clarke School property, 220 EARLY NORTHAMPTON brief mention of the first Christmas ever celebrated on Round Hill: "This is the day that history says gave birth to our Savior, a day celebrated throughout the Christian world. It is strange that it was ever discontinued by any Christian sect. It has never been kept by the Dissenters, or rather Independents, who first peopled this country, only by the Church party. But it's now coming into fashion. I don't mean by preaching, or anything really good, but only by social meetings and entertainments. I spent this evening at my son Thomas', where a number of our friends were present, Judge Sedgwick, Judge Tryon, and our family con- nections-a very fine supper. These family meetings with my children are all the diversion that I now enjoy." Bencath this roof many children came to enliven, with their cousins in the other houses, the connecting fragrant gardens at the east, and the chestnut grove opposite, that descended the western slope of the hill. Of the many, only four little ones survived the early years of childhood. But it is easy now to envy the bliss of one who could pass the entire span, of even a brief life, on such a lovely height. The children who grew to maturity, and far beyond, were Cath- crine, Henry, Henrietta and Thomas. One day nearly a hundred years ago, a childish cry went up under the old trees on Round Hill's first home-a wild and plaintive wail! "Tommy's in the well! Tommy's in the well!" and then, what happened? Jabez French, a good neighbor at the foot of the orchard on Prospect Street, came to the rescue and brought Thomas Shepherd, 2d, up in safety, to his grateful mother's arms, else there would have been one less in that adventurous band of "forty-niners" who crossed the plains in their search for gold; riding and following; following and riding, with their pack mule trains. Jabez French, too, often set the pace with his violin-only a "fiddle" then--for merry dancers in this old house, where he and his wife were always greatly beloved because in so many kindly ways they brought joy to its first inmates. The second house on Round Hill was built by Levi Shep- herd and is now also a part of the Clarke School property, ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 221 being the older of the two brick buildings north of Rogers Hall. In its day it stood for a very fine mansion indeed. May 14th, 1807, Mary Shepherd made this entry in her journal, announcing the first birth on the Hill: "This day has given birth to a child of my dear son Levi, a girl, and a very fine one she is.-1 wish for thankfulness to that kind Providence that inclined that young man to leave the lone- some state of a bachelor and in exchange take a fine young wife." This daughter was Emeline Shepherd, and her mother, Elizabeth Hutchins, was an aunt of the late Mrs. Horace I. Hodges. The third house, and the last to be added for many years to those already mentioned, was of wood, and built by Colonel James Shepherd. This stood until within a short time where now Miss Parsons has her home, and will be remembered by many as the main entrance part of the old Round Hill Hotel. Colonel James was a cousin of the other Shepherds, but having been brought up in their father's family as a son, in that rare old-fashioned way, he was also like a brother in the household. He lived in this house but a short time, disposing of it to his cousins, and Charles Shepherd, a lawyer and younger brother of Thomas and Levi, was the next occupant. About this time Colonel James, with Thomas and Charles, started at "Shepherd's Hollow," now Leeds, the manufacture of woolen cloths. Their mill was one of the first of its kind in the country. By the year 1820 Thomas Shepherd had bought of his brothers their interest in the property, and was sole owner of Round Hill until it was sold by him Marth 17th, 1824, to George Bancroft, the noted historian, and Joseph Green Cogswell. These gentle- men had started there, October Ist, 1823, the famous "Round Hill School," leasing the buildings during the first year. At the time of purchase they agreed to pay "$12,000 for the whole estate, and the day-schooling of a young son (Henry) of Mr. Shepherd, for eight years." On June 14th, 1825, when Lafayette visited Northampton, coming by stage over the mountains from Albany, he was Round Hill in 1810 Showing the three Shepherd houses, 222 EARLY NORTHAMPTON met at an old inn at Roberts meadow by an escort of cavalry. accompanied by prominent citizens in carriages, and with great ceremony conducted into town. On the way down Elm Street the party made a detour up to the famous Round Hill School, which it is recorded "General Lafayette visited with great apparent satisfaction." George Bancroft's fame rests chiefly on his "History of the United States," but he gained distinction in many other ways; notably as United States minister to England and to Germany. He was, besides, Secretary of the Navy under President Polk, and established the Naval Academy at Annapolis. His connection with the Round Hill School lasted between seven and eight years, until 1830, when he disposed of his interest to Mr. Cogswell. While living on Round Hill, Bancroft occupied the stone house, and under its roof he was first inspired to write his great historical work. When residing there, he also married, March 1st, 1827, a niece of Thomas Shepherd, Sarah Hopkins Dwight of Spring- field, daughter of Sarah Shepherd and Jonathan Dwight, Jr. Mrs. Bancroft died ten years after her marriage, leaving two sons: John Chandler Bancroft of Milton, the artist, and George Bancroft, Jr., who married in St. Coulomb, France, Miss Louise Tailandier, a French lady,-and they after- wards resided there. Joseph Green Cogswell, after leaving Northampton, arranged, in connection with Washington Irving and Fitz Greene Halleck, plans for the Astor Library, which John Jacob Astor of New York was then about to found for his native city. Mr. Cogswell was also for many years the librarian and a trustee of this library. Another distinction which the prolonged life of the late Julia Ward Howe seems to bring very near, was his position as an early tutor of this remarkable woman, who visited Northampton shortly before her recent death. Bancroft and Cogswell built the connecting links be- tween the Charles and Levi Shepherd houses, forming the continuous structure familiar to all who knew Round Hill previous to the removal of these historic buildings. After ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 223 George Bancroft's departure, the school, in charge of Mr. Cogswell, was incorporated as "The Round Hill Institution," but was discontinued four years later, in 1834. The build- ings soon began to be used for a water-cure establishment. This was in charge of different physicians for a number of years, with varying success until 1848. Before this time Dr. Edward E. Denniston was there for a while, but did not remain long, for in that year he opened the Springdale Water Cure, near the present site of Dickin- son Hospital. Dr. Denniston's association with Round Hill, though brief, added distinction to a locality destined to attract so many distinguished people. He was born in Coxheath, Ireland, receiving his medical education in Dublin. Coming to New York in the early thirties he there met Mr. Samuel Whitmarsh, a public-spirited resident of North- ampton, who persuaded him to locate in this town. It was esteemed a great privilege to know Dr. Denniston, for his was no ordinary personality. Tall, dignified, of commanding presence, and possessed of fine conversational powers; kindly, able, and skilled in his profession, he always, during his long .residence here was looked up to as a unique and valued citizen. His distinguished bearing and many of his characteristics were inherited by his daughter, Miss Anna Denniston. Another celebrated physician who had to do with early Water Cure days on Round Hill was Dr. Austin Flint, the first of the three famous physicians bearing the name. It was not until 1848 that Mr. Cogswell deeded the property on Round Hill for $15,000 to the corporation known as "The Round Hill Water Cure Retreat," Dr. Alfred Randall and Dr. Chauncey Hall, being the proprietors. The property was sold by them in 1854 to Dr. Hatfield Halstead for $25,000. In July, 1851, the town experienced a sensation, that even in retrospect causes a throb of excitement-Jenny Lind, "The Swedish Nightingale," through the efforts of a number of public-spirited citizens, came to Northampton and gave her famous concert in the "Old Church." Not ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 223 George Bancroft's departure, the school, in charge of Mr. Cogswell, was incorporated as "The Round Hill Institution," but was discontinued four years later, in 1834. The build- ings soon began to be used for a water-cure establishment. This was in charge of different physicians for a number of years, with varying success until 1848. Before this time Dr. Edward E. Denniston was there for a while, but did not remain long, for in that year he opened the Springdale Water Cure, near the present site of Dickin- son Hospital. Dr. Denniston's association with Round Hill, though brief, added distinction to a locality destined to attract so many distinguished people. He was born in Coxheath, Ireland, receiving his medical education in Dublin. Coming to New York in the early thirties he there met Mr. Samuel Whitmarsh, a public-spirited resident of North- ampton, who persuaded him to locate in this town. It was esteemed a great privilege to know Dr. Denniston, for his was no ordinary personality. Tall, dignified, of commanding presence, and possessed of fine conversational powers; kindly, able, and skilled in his profession, he always, during his long .residence here was looked up to as a unique and valued citizen. His distinguished bearing and many of his characteristics were inherited by his daughter, Miss Anna Denniston. Another celebrated physician who had to do with early Water Cure days on Round Hill was Dr. Austin Flint, the first of the three famous physicians bearing the name. It was not until 1848 that Mr. Cogswell deeded the property on Round Hill for $15,000 to the corporation known as "The Round Hill Water Cure Retreat," Dr. Alfred Randall and Dr. Chauncey Hall, being the proprietors. The property was sold by them in 1854 to Dr. Hatfield Halstead for $25,000. In July, 1851, the town experienced a sensation, that even in retrospect causes a throb of excitement-Jenny Lind, "The Swedish Nightingale," through the efforts of a number of public-spirited citizens, came to Northampton and gave her famous concert in the "Old Church." Not 224 EARLY NORTHAMPTON alone in Northampton, but music lovers from surrounding and distant towns were wild with anticipation. People who never had paid such a price before to hear a concert and knew they were extravagant, parted recklessly with three dol- lars, and in some instances even a larger sum, to secure a seat. The audience which greeted the young singer crowded the church and responded with unprecedented enthusiasm to the following selections: "I know that my Redeemer Liveth;" "Casta Diva;" "Home, Sweet Home; and "Comin' thro' the Rye." Jenny Lind returned by special train to Springfield after the concert; but a few days later, after a trip to Mt. Holyoke, she drove to Northampton and visited Round Hill, with which she was so much charmed that the next year, after her marriage to her Concert Manager, Otto Goldschmidt, they came here and spent their three months' honeymoon at the Round Hill Hotel. They occupied a suite of seven rooms on the second floor, east front, in the main part of the house. The newly married pair became familiar figures on North- ampton streets, and there are persons who still recall, as a charming vision, the fair, happy face of Jenny Lind as she sat beside her tall, dark-eyed husband, in the open barouche in which they used to drive about the town. Before their departure for Europe, in May, 1852, she gave another con- cert here, this time in the Town Hall, and when the seats cost only one dollar; the people of Northampton having first choice. The proceeds, above expenses, she generously divided between "The Young Men's Institute"-afterwards the nucleus for Clarke Library-and a sum to be given to local charities. When Doctor Halstead, in 1854, came to Round Hill from Rochester, N. Y., with his interesting family of daughters, like the former proprietors, he did not conduct the establishment strictly as a water cure, and it became under his management a much frequented summer hotel and health resort combined. The Halstead family was a valu- able social acquisition to the life of the town, interested in its best activities, and entertaining freely in the large ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 225 drawing room of the hotel, where many a dowager wall- flower of today has "tripped the light fantastic toe." One of Doctor Halstead's daughters married Dr. John W. Noble, who distinguished himself in the Civil War, and during Benjamin Harrison's administration was Secretary of the Interior. The popularity of the water cure treatment in North- ampton waned at last, but not until many townspeople, with others from distant parts, became familiar, either by expe- rience or hearsay, with the virtue of cold and hot packs- which meant lying for an indefinite time between wet sheets; of sprays; of showers, and many other applications of water at various temperatures; besides an agency more curative, perhaps, than any other employed-th delightful social atmosphere pervading all these resorts. Doctor Munde's famous establishment at Florence was another Hydropathic Cure operated at this time in the vicinity. Though as a beauty spot the popularity of Round Hill has never diminished, people who formerly had passed the summer there, began to seek cooler resorts, on the coast and among the mountains. Mr. Olney and Doctor Backus were among the last proprietors of the old house, but it soon became unprofitable and was abandoned as a hotel. In 1869, the property passed into the hands of a syndicate, when the buildings were detached and used again as private dwellings. John Clarke, the founder of Clarke School, and of Clarke Library, was one of Northampton's most generous bene- factors. Born in the old Washburn place on Hawley Street, formerly the home of his father, Samuel Clarke, he later, and until his death in 1869, lived on the corner of Hawley and Bridge Streets in the house since incorporated in the "Norwood." Besides the estates already mentioned that were acquired by the trustees of Clarke School, they purchased the Edward Clarke place; also the grove opposite the three houses. Later, beside the old brick house, a new one, similar in style, was erected. Before the Thomas Shepherd homestead was ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 225 drawing room of the hotel, where many a dowager wall- flower of today has "tripped the light fantastic toe." One of Doctor Halstead's daughters married Dr. John W. Noble, who distinguished himself in the Civil War, and during Benjamin Harrison's administration was Secretary of the Interior. The popularity of the water cure treatment in North- ampton waned at last, but not until many townspeople, with others from distant parts, became familiar, either by expe- rience or hearsay, with the virtue of cold and hot packs- which meant lying for an indefinite time between wet sheets; of sprays; of showers, and many other applications of water at various temperatures; besides an agency more curative, perhaps, than any other employed-the delightful social atmosphere pervading all these resorts. Doctor Munde's famous establishment at Florence was another Hydropathic Cure operated at this time in the vicinity. Though as a beauty spot the popularity of Round Hill has never diminished, people who formerly had passed the summer there, began to seek cooler resorts, on the coast and among the mountains. Mr. Olney and Doctor Backus were among the last proprietors of the old house, but it soon became unprofitable and was abandoned as a hotel. In 1869, the property passed into the hands of a syndicate, when the buildings were detached and used again as private dwellings. John Clarke, the founder of Clarke School, and of Clarke Library, was one of Northampton's most generous bene- factors. Born in the old Washburn place on Hawley Street, formerly the home of his father, Samuel Clarke, he later, and until his death in 1869, lived on the corner of Hawley and Bridge Streets in the house since incorporated in the "Norwood." Besides the estates already mentioned that were acquired by the trustees of Clarke School, they purchased the Edward Clarke place; also the grove opposite the three houses. Later, beside the old brick house, a new one, similar in style, was erected. Before the Thomas Shepherd homestead was 226 EARLY NORTHAMPTON bought for the school, besides Bancroft and Cogswell, it had the following owners: Edward Church; David Joy; Sher- man Peck: Samuel Kirkland and Major Harvey Kirk- land. A daughter of Mr. Peck-Emma, married the late Doc- tor Bonney of Hadley. Mr. David Joy, with his wife and adopted daughter, Lilla, came to Northampton from New- buryport, and were most interesting people, remembered by a few families still living here. They were Quakers, very simple, refined and cultivated in their manner and mode of life. Upon leaving Northampton the family made their home in Hopedale, Mass., where Lilla Joy married young William F. Draper, who in later years was known as Gen- eral Draper and our distinguished embassador to Italy. His younger brother, the late Eben Draper, was for several years Governor of Massachusetts. The late Edward Clarke, a brother of John Clarke, and an uncle of Christopher, was a native of Northampton. There must be many who remember this quaint gentleman of the old school as he used to ride his ambling horse about the streets. He was very slender, and of genial, benevolent aspect. In early manhood he went to Boston, where as a successful merchant he acquired a large fortune, and return- ing in 1836 bought land of Mr. Cogswell, where he built a house on the site south of Rogers Hall. Mr. Clarke added to this estate from time to time on both sides of Round Hill road. Having married the beautiful and accomplished Mary Blake, who belonged to a prominent and wealthy Boston family, they furnished their new home in great comfort and elegance. It was known for many years as a center for culti- vated and refined society. Mrs. Clarke delighted to gather musical people about her, being herself a fine musician; and pleasant recollections of these occasions are still cherished by Mr. Christopher Clarke. The beautiful Kate Phillips, Mr. Clarke's niece, who lived with them then as an adopted daughter, and afterwards married Mr. Blake of Boston, was the mother of Mrs. H. H. Chilson, wife of the present Clerk of the Courts for Hampshire County. ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 227 Mr. Clarke died in 1858. In 1859, the homestead was sold to Lafayette Maltby of Kentucky, who took up his residence here, Mrs. Clarke building a smaller house for herself on the west side of the road. This is now the home of Miss Moody. In 1865, Mr. Maltby sold the old place to Professor Josiah Clarke and James S. Spaulding; these gentlemen opening there the second Round Hill School for boys, which was carried on until about the time the property was bought by the present owners in 1870. Mr. William B. Hale, cashier of the Holyoke-now the First National-Bank, built his attractive house on Round Hill in 1860. In 1867 he increased his holdings by a pur- chase from Lewis L. Hopkins, then occupying the old Henshaw homestead on Elm Street, now the home of Mrs. Sessions. His son, Phillip Hale of Boston, is prominent as a well-known musical and dramatic critic. Mr. A. L. Willis- ton bought the property in 1880. Before the erection of his larger house, the Hale house was moved south to its present location, and is occupied by his son, Robert L. Williston, who through his mother (Sarah Stoddard) is a lineal de- scendant of Rev. Solomon and Col. John Stoddard, the first owners of Round Hill. The house that for so many years has been the home of Mr. Merritt Clark was built on land bought of Edward Clarke in 1839, by Judge Charles P. Huntington, a native of Hadley, and brother of the late Bishop F. D. Huntington. The town of Huntington in Hampshire County was named for him, in recognition of his services in obtaining from the state legislature, in 1855, permission for the old town of Norwich (now Huntington) to annex portions of Chester, and Blandford, and to change the name of the newly organ- ized town. Judge Huntington made a gift to the town of $100 with which to start a public library; the town appro- priated an equal sum and voted a yearly tax for its main- tenance. In a few years, unfortunately, the building in which the books were housed was burned and the library destroyed. Judge Huntington's family was greatly beloved and ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 227 Mr. Clarke died in 1858. In 1859, the homestead was sold to Lafayette Maltby of Kentucky, who took up his residence here, Mrs. Clarke building a smaller house for herself on the west side of the road. This is now the home of Miss Moody. In 1865, Mr. Maltby sold the old place to Professor Josiah Clarke and James S. Spaulding; these gentlemen opening there the second Round Hill School for boys, which was carried on until about the time the property was bought by the present owners in 1870. Mr. William B. Hale, cashier of the Holyoke-now the First National-Bank, built his attractive house on Round Hill in 1860. In 1867 he increased his holdings by a pur- chase from Lewis L. Hopkins, then occupying the old Henshaw homestead on Elm Street, now the home of Mrs. Sessions. His son, Phillip Hale of Boston, is prominent as a well-known musical and dramatic critic. Mr. A. L. Willis- ton bought the property in 1880. Before the erection of his larger house, the Hale house was moved south to its present location, and is occupied by his son, Robert L. Williston, who through his mother (Sarah Stoddard) is a lineal de- scendant of Rev. Solomon and Col. John Stoddard, the first owners of Round Hill. The house that for so many years has been the home of Mr. Merritt Clark was built on land bought of Edward Clarke in 1839, by Judge Charles P. Huntington, a native of Hadley, and brother of the late Bishop F. D. Huntington. The town of Huntington in Hampshire County was named for him, in recognition of his services in obtaining from the state legislature, in 1855, permission for the old town of Norwich (now Huntington) to annex portions of Chester, and Blandford, and to change the name of the newly organ- ized town. Judge Huntington made a gift to the town of $100 with which to start a public library; the town appro- priated an equal sum and voted a yearly tax for its main- tenance. In a few years, unfortunately, the building in which the books were housed was burned and the library destroyed. Judge Huntington's family was greatly beloved and 228 EARLY NORTHAMPTON admired, his wife being of the distinguished Mills family, connected with the Hunts, who lived in the house where now is the Burnham School. Mr. Huntington was appointed a justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Court, after which the family removed to Boston. When living in Northamp- ton, the eldest daughter, Fanny, an accomplished musician, played the organ in the Unitarian Church. She later married Josiah Quincy, and became the mother of Ex-Mayor Josiah Quincy, Jr., of Boston. Rev. William Silsbee, pastor of the Unitarian Church during the fifties, was the next owner of the place, purchas- ing in 1856. Here he and his family received with gracious hospitality, not only the people of his parish, but a large circle of other friends. Mr. Clark has lived in this home 46 years, longer than any previous owner, having bought it of the Silsbees in 1864, and seems on this pleasant hillside to have found the secret, if not of perpetual youth, at least that of a green old age. To the list of Round Hill's distinguished residents has recently been added a name second to none in the honor it brings to the history of this famous locality-that of Dr. L. Clark Secyle, the first president and now President Emeritus of Smith College. The beautiful modern home of Miss Parsons, located with its gardens and shrubbery to command one of its finest assets-the eastern view-marks a spot of ground that is fairly saturated with the history and romance of the Hill. Occupants of other houses of the present Round Hill colony are: Mr. Oliver Walker; Dr. Gardner; Dr. Minshall: Ex-Mayor J. B. O'Donnell; Judge Strickland and Mr. Maynard. Mr. Lucien A. Dawson, in the early seventies, crected the first house built on the lower level of the Hill. In 1886, Crescent Street, at about the same elevation, ruth- lessly carved its way through the old orchards and gardens, Henshaw Avenue, of earlier date, having proved an entering wedge. The old Fourth of July Tea Parties, frequently mentioned, ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 229 even in these later days, were events which the village people felt loth to give up, but as the town became larger they were discontinued. The first of these is described as taking place in 1820 on "Shepherd's Hill," as Round Hill was then called, and this spot, oftener than any other, was chosen for their celebration. Anyone who has read Mrs. Susan Leslie's and Mrs. Caroline Butler's delightful accounts of these occasions, will hesitate to describe them again. Their pen pictures bring before the reader, among these sylvan surroundings, the group of now shadowy figures who once made Northampton society famous. Surely no place could have been found more perfectly adapted to these gatherings than the large, beauti- ful grove, a fine part of which fortunately remains. One summer when the party was held on Round Hill, the wonder- ful violinist, Ole Bull, during his first visit to Northampton, was present-one of the most noted guests ever entertained at any of these Tea Parties. There seems no last word to say for old Round Hill, robed in memories, and crowned with fame. But it should be here recorded that the sons and daughters of Northamp- ton, whether living under her shadow or remembering her from afar, have ever been loyal to the charm of her beauty, her history, and her romance. None ever loved her more than one of the boys born in her first home, now nearly a hundred years ago, who used to come here often, especially after the shadows grew long. Not as a pilgrim, but mounted like some knight of old, he rode to the crest of this height, grown sacred to him- From this fair eminence again to look Upon the open leaves of Nature's book; To gaze once more on mountain, meadow, stream, And once more to recall a life-long dream. ROUND HILL, ITS HISTORY AND ROMANCE 229 even in these later days, were events which the village people felt loth to give up, but as the town became larger they were discontinued. The first of these is described as taking place in 1820 on "Shepherd's Hill," as Round Hill was then called, and this spot, oftener than any other, was chosen for their celebration. Anyone who has read Mrs. Susan Leslie's and Mrs. Caroline Butler's delightful accounts of these occasions, will hesitate to describe them again. Their pen pictures bring before the reader, among these sylvan surroundings, the group of now shadowy figures who once made Northampton society famous. Surely no place could have been found more perfectly adapted to these gatherings than the large, beauti- ful grove, a fine part of which fortunately remains. One summer when the party was held on Round Hill, the wonder- ful violinist, Ole Bull, during his first visit to Northampton, was present-one of the most noted guests ever entertained at any of these Tea Parties. There seems no last word to say for old Round Hill, robed in memories, and crowned with fame. But it should be here recorded that the sons and daughters of Northamp- ton, whether living under her shadow or remembering her from afar, have ever been loyal to the charm of her beauty, her history, and her romance. None ever loved her more than one of the boys born in her first home, now nearly a hundred years ago, who used to come here often, especially after the shadows grew long. Not as a pilgrim, but mounted like some knight of old, he rode to the crest of this height, grown sacred to him~- From this fair eminence again to look Upon the open leaves of Nature's book; To gaze once more on mountain, meadow, stream, And once more to recall a life-long dream. 2/29/2020 ABIGAIL, the Library Catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society Massachusetts Historical Society ABIGAIL Founded 1791 the Library Catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society Search Titles History Help ABIGAIL Home Database Name: Massachusetts Historical Society Search Request: Keyword Anywhere = Sa,uel Gray Ward family papers Search Results: Displaying 38 of 1000038 entries Previous Next Bibliographic Holdings Table of Contents MARC View Round Hill Woods portraits of the principal and some of the boys Relevance: III Format: Visual Material Call number(s): Photo. Coll. 77 Place Request Title: Round Hill Woods portraits of the principal and some of the boys [photograph albums], ca. 1870-1880. Description: 60 photographs in 2 albums. paper. Scope: Two albums of photographs of former students of the Round Hill School in Northampton, Mass., probably taken ca. 1870-1880. Subjects include Joseph Green Cogswell, librarian and co-founder of the School, as well as former students Philip Kearney, John Murray Forbes, George C. Shattuck, Charles S. Storrow, Samuel Gray Ward, Samuel Torrey Morse, George 2/29/2020 ABIGAIL, the Library Catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society Bradstreet Shurtleff, and James H. Perkins, among many others. There is also one photo of a drawing of the Round Hil School, and a printed poem about Philip Kearny by Edmund Clarence Steadman, entitled, "Kearny at Seven Pines." None of the photographers are idenitified. (cont.) The two albums are identical, excepting eight photographs in Album 1 that were added to the album in 1925 and 1926. The photographs in each album appear to have been collected by former Round Hill School student John Murray Forbes and presented to classmates George E. Ellis (Album 1) and Samuel G. Ward (Album 2) in May 1892. Album 2 includes an attached letter from M. B. Motley to Samuel G. Ward that identifies many of the photographs. Notes: In the Massachusetts Historical Society Photo Archives. Local notes: Former call number: Dowse Cabinet B, Collection #11 Subject(s): Appleton, Thomas Gold, 1812-1884 --Photographs. Cogswell, Joseph Green, 1786-1871 --Photographs. Ellis, George Edward, 1814-1894 --Photographs. Forbes, John Murray, 1813-1898 --Photographs. Kearny, Philip, 1815-1862 --Photographs. Morse, Samuel Torrey, 1816-1890. --Photographs. Perkins, James H. (James Handasyd), 1810-1849 -- Photographs. Shattuck, George C. (George Cheyne), 1813-1893 -- Photographs. Shurtleff, Nathaniel Bradstreet, 1810-1874 -- Photographs. Storrow, Charles S. (Charles Storer), 1809-1904 -- Photographs. Ward, Samuel Gray, 1817-1907 --Photographs.