The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 1850-1873, 1871-09-01
Go urnbIa Female Institute.

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Among the many evidences of local
improvement which we have had occa-
sion to note in the last year or two,
none have given US more satisfaction
than such as pertain to this old and
justly popular institution.
1t was incorporated by the Legisla-
lature of the State upwards OF thirty
five years ago; PETER BOOKER, R. PAT
RICK MAGUIRE, \. Q. HARRIS, JAMES
WALKER, LUCIUs J. Polk, EVAN
YOUNG, HENRY LANGTREE, GEORGE G.
SKIPwITH, SAM'L-D. FEIERsoN, and
LEoNIDAs POLK, being the original trus
tees, all of whom, with one exception,
are now dead; but so long as there is a
votary TO female education in the South
their names should be remembered.
We venture nothing in saying that the
institution thcyfounded has done as much
for the improvement of the women of
our beloved South as any that can be
named, North or South. The rude hand
of war, which spared nothing because it
was beautiful or sacred, did not spare
the Institute. The school was closed,
the building desecrated, and the beau
tiful grounds laid waste. Our impov-
erished community We're in no condition
to contribute to its improvement; but
fortunately, at the earnest solicitation
of the Trustees, the present Rector, the
Rev. GEO. BECKETT-a man singularly
devoted to the noble profession oiteach-
ing, and alike eminent for his high NOR
al and social virtuos-was induced to
take charge of it, and make it again an
ornament to the South, and a means Of
unsurpassed educational advantages.
Year by year he has persevered in his
improvements, until it has assumed
proportions in every respect superior to
its most prosperous days, and is now a
subject of special pride with our citizens.
Alphabetically the exteriorof the In
stitute is unoqualled by any public
building in the State; whilst its internal
arrangements give it all the conven-
fences OF a well regulated home-hap-
ply combining taste, comfort and
health. OF the high order of its educa-
tional and domestic arrangements, spe>
cial mention is needless, in 4 communi-
ty where the lady principals areso well
known, and are so distinguished for
their culture and refinement.
r--1-r !, +al- Cr, cara IN, craf1r-
ing a musical director in place Of the
late eminent Prof. ESTEvE, to engage
talent ofthe highest order. Signor Jo-
sErH CoMMELLAs, has the first re.
concentrations of the first men of his
profession. The vocal department will
be, as heretofore, under the able man
agement of Madam L. EsTEvE. The
Art Department, as we learn from the
new circular, viii be under the direction
of Miss LAURA Norwood, OF high repu-
tation asAn artist.
We are especially pleased with tbs
constant improvement that has been 60
ing on in the beautiful grounds around
the building, inviting pleasing ant
healthfHl exercise among the children
and love for the cultivation of flowers
We arc gratified to learn that past sue
cess and future promise, encourage thu
enterprising Rector to plan a large ant
silly addition to the present building
in the natu of a wing, one hundred
and ten feet in length, and thirty il
width. When we take into considera
ton that the Institute is not privat,
property, the public cannot fail to ap
preciate the benevolence which prompt
ed such improvements.
There is no portion Of tho country s.
inviting for purposes Of female educa
ton, as Columbia, and as a matter O
| lust pride, rs well as interest, our citi
zers should keep fully alive to thei
duty in everything that will Strengthen
| and increase the usefulness OF our justl,
popular institutions.