The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1868-07-29
The Educational Advantages Of staunton.

AlmOSI every ndvelef WIZ slSioo WI
Mountain City has been surprised at the &C
tivity and business appearance of Staunton,
and we have seen frequent and gratifying al
lusions in our exchanges to its rapid growth
and prosperity. Turn where you will, and
you can hear the busy hammer Of the me-
chanic, and the hum of foundries and shops
Idle loungers are seen less frequently here
than in any other place Of the size Of Staun-
ton, and we venture to say, without fear Of
contradiction, that Staunton stands unriyal-
ed in the amount of trade carried on by its
sagacious merchants in proportion to its pop
ulation. All these, with delightful climate
and fertile lands, have given to Staunton
preponderanee over any town in the South
But these are only the effects Of the great
Decentralization. And to the unusual ad-
vantanges which Staunton presents to the
sons and daughters of the South, we refer
with pride and satisfaction.
Apart from the allurements Of a city life,
in most salubrious climate, in a community
known for its correctness of morals and chris
tian principles easy Of access by rail, she
stands, proud and peerless, sending forth the
influences of her schools-like the sun its
rays-a blessing over our Southern land.
The Virginia Female Institute, Rev R.
H. Phillips, Principal, is perhaps the Oldest
and most commodious of our schools for
young ladies'. No school in the South enjoy
ed a greater confidence or larger patronage
before the war than this. The vicissitudcs
of war closed its doors, however, to the pur-
poses for which it was intended
But nothing could battle the energy Of its
Principal, after the close of the strife. In
short time be was reconstructed" and again
'sin the field" with corps of able assistants,
to impart to the mind knowledge and wis
| dom.
| The few clouds of doubt that were hang
ing over its former prestige have been dis
PEELED by its most Aattering success. Year
!, after year has added to the list of its pupils,
until it has become necessary to provide ac-
commodations for the largest number Of
boarders the buildings will hold. The
buildings were especially designed for a
young ladies' school; the grounds are ample
embracing four acres-and have been laid
out and adorned in beautiful manner
This is the school of the Diocese of the
Episcopal Church Of the State It's corps Of
instructors is fourteen, embracing some Of
the best talent Of the town. Rev. J. G.
Wheat, the Vice-P Principal, has been one Of
the most successful teachers of youth. Prof.
e. Louis Tde's musical soirees and exhibi-
tons have been the best it has been the priv
ilege of our citizens to attend. The depart
mcnt Of the French language is in the ha nds
Of Prof G. Louis Therry, native Of France
and an accomplished scholar. With all
these advantages, the success Of the Virginia
| Female Institute is beyond doubt.
The Augusta Female Seminary, presided
over with great success by Miss II. j. Bald
win, is the school of the Presbyterian
| Church The course of instruction in this
school is large and COMPREHENSIVE, and the
patronage which it has enjoyed is sufficient
evidence that her efforts are appreciated by
the public. Struggling under many disad-
vantages during the war, as most schools
were, it has come out with success. To Prof
Joel Ettinger is due the credit Of having
raised music to the standard which it takes
among our schools, and it is generally admit
ted that it never was SO high in the Augusta
Female Seminary as now. The other branch
es Of learning are entrusted to faithful and
experienced teachers. We understand that
| it is contemplated to erect new hall, on ssthe
grounds recently added to the property Of
| this school,
The Wesleyan Female Seminary is the
school Of the Methodist Church This might
be called a new school, for it was raised from
almost nothing to the level of prosperity by its
present Principal, Rev. VIM. Harris. In the
present attitude of affairs we think it the du-
ty of every citizen of our State to patronize
home institutions, and we doubt not that the
Wesleyan Female Seminary will continue to
receive that support which it SO we'll deserves,
if its merits are known to the good people of
the South. Prof. Yancey, graduate Of the
University of Virginia, is connected with
this school, and Prof. j. H. Hewitt, the we'll
known composer, takes charge of the musical
department.
The "Kalorama" is strictly family school.
The number of pupils is limited, and for ma
ny years it has enjoyed an undiminished pa
tronage. Many are the pupils in and Of
Staunton, that still speak with affection and
gratitude Of the Kalorama For "home
school," where teacher and pupil come in
contact, not only in the recitation room, but
at all times, none can compare records with
the Kalorama.
One of our new schools is the Masonic Fe-
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