Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-07-06
TiIden Ladies' seminary.


axeroises of the Tilden Ladies' Seminary
located at West Lebanon, New Hamp
shire, have taken place. This institution
is in a sense Vermont school, lying jus
across the Connecticut, in New Hamp
shire, and receiving a large patronage
from our own state, as we'll as from the fac
that its distinguished principal has spen
more than score of years as an educator
and gained his well earned reputation il
our commonwealth. We purpose to give
an extended notice of the exercises an6
examinations that came under our obser
walton. Introductory to the services, il
will be interesting to review its history
and surroundings.
LOCATION GROUNDS AND BUILDINGS.
The seminary building is of brick, three
stories high, having a front of 1854 feet
long and 90 feet wide, making it among
the pleasantest and most convenient school
buildings in the country, possessing more
than ordinary attractions for the student
1t is located on hillside, overlooking
the Connecticut River and the valley of the
White River, commanding prospect of
unrivslled beauty. The landscape is made
up of hill, valley and rivers and wild
mountain scenery, so eminently impress
sive of good and healthful influence upon
both body and mind. The grounds en-
closed, with ample shade, consist of four
acres, which are tastefully laid out in
walks and drives affordiug pleasant places
for recreation purposes. The beauty of
this charming spot cannot be more fifty
described than in tho language of the late
Prof. Charles B. Haddock, L. L. d. of
DartmouthCollge, who said: I
"The structure itself is worthy of its
object substantial, commodious and
beautiful-one of the finest buildings of
the kind in this part of the country.
The site not ill.chosen, upon an emf
hence which commands, perhaps, the
most varied and loVeliest prospect upon
our emiuently beautiful river, is precisely
what it should be for such a structure.
We have Immediately before us the valley
OF the White River, rapid stream which.
rushing down from its sources in the
Green Mountains, has cut for itself deem
channel, covered, time out of view. with
venerable woods. The evening skv is. in
certain states of the atmosphere, more
beautiful than anything upon the earth
but if there is q spot where the sun goes
down in richer glories, or sheds his part
ing beams upon lovlier landscape, have
not seen it. To the south, Ascutnev rears
its head in sunshine or in clouds; to the
north the eye is never tired of the ever
changing outline of the Norwich Hills.
This is all as it ought to be- The eve ed
ucates us, less consciously, it may be, but
as certainly as the ear. From the scenery
upon which we open it with the first Wis
ion OF the morning, and that on which it
rests after the fatigues of the day-scen-
cry upon which it is not CLOSED for full
half ii life involuntary influences are con-
stuntly radiated, which have much to do
in determining our mental characters and
personal history. A salubrious and beau
tiful situation is essential to the happy
location OF an institution of learning.
Such a situation we enjoy here, in de-
gree noe surpassed, if equaled, in New
England"
ITS BENEFACTOR.
The whole expense of it's outfit, and all '
its improvements, costing nearly $4,000,
was the gift of the late William Tilden, s.
Esq, of New York, whose name il bears,
and 4s noble monument of large (
hearted and generous man.
The distinguished gentleman before re-
ferred o, said of Mr.. Tilden's donation :
1t is an instance of hberalty aud good I
judgement so uncommon and so emplary '
though it asks no reward but the con-
sciousness of having discharged flial
duty to the place of bis birth--aud de- n
serves public commendaton to the APP =
prevail and gratitude of the whole COM ,
munity. He chose to lay the foundation
of an institution of learning. He does -
not expect to he enriched by it. He does ~
not look to enjoy the sight of it's ripened y y
fruits. 1t begins in structure of stone !
and brick; it will stand for generations as l
! modest ornament of the landscape, ~
which the hand of God has sketched at -
the meeting of these rivers, and monu-
nent of the good will of one born here =
But this is not all; a fountain is here
opened which will never more cease to .,
low; light is here kindled which will
Tot go out. Generation after generation -,
will be trained for the duties of life here. =,
Here will be laid the foundation of oharac- u
er and happiness for families and com +
nunities, and as long as law and govern 81
nent and social order subsist among us +,
Here thought, hope and piety are to be =.
lourished forever"
William Tilden Blodgett, Esq, of New -
York, a relative of Mr.. Tilden, is Presi- !,
ent of the Board of Trustees. He is =,
sntleman of generous impulses, and mani %
ests deep and abiding interest in the :,
Institution. He was not present at the ~,
ecent anniversary, being absent upon su
European tour, but all were impressed ~
bat although amid the scenes of the Old -,
World, in spirit and thought he was not 90
mindful of the exercises that were tran A.
piring at the seat of learning in which
9 takes such pride, and whose interests ~
e guards with such watchful care. Mr.
'lodgett is not unknown in Rutland a,
ounty, having for many years spent his
ammers at his former country seat at
Brandon. This institution is fortunate in
aving such man as Mr.. Blodgett to look ~
nth such loving and filial care after its 'eS
rosperity. en
Hauinrr thna SpOl.0,, &c "