The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-22
The Virginia Female Institute.

The Virginia Female Institute.
For some years prior to 1914, Mrs. Maria
Sheffey conducted a most excellent school
for young ladies in Staunton. 1t was located
at Kalorama, and furnished accemmods-
ton for twelve pupils. In 1874 the school
was merged into the Virginia Female Insti-
tute, and Rev. Jos. McElroy, christian
gentleman and cultivated scholar, was
placed at the head of it. He continued to
occupy the position for several years, and
was succeeded by Mr.. B. B. Minor who In
turn conducted the Institute until 1S4S. In
that year Rev. R. II. Phillips, then conduct
ing fine female school in Maryland, was
elected principal, and late in the autumn
season assumed Econtrol. With him came
five of his old pupils. At that time these
five and one other constituted the whole
number OF boarders, who,. together with
twelve day scholars, made up the school,
The present front building was then the
only one, and that was situated in an unen-
closed four acre lot, destitute Of ornamental
tlon, and by no means inviting. Mr.. Phil
lips went to work with will, and when
the second half session commenced the
number OF scholars had increased to forty
five. The next year the school opened with
eighty-iour on its roll, its full capacity to
accommodate, and from that time onward
to the commencement Of the war, an unin i
terrupted career of prosperity was enjoyed.
New and commodious buildings were erect
ed, the grounds were tastefully laid off and
beautified with flowers, shrubbery, &C., and
young ladies representing almost every State
OF the Union, were seeking an education with
in its walls. In 1861, in consequence OF the
disturbed condition Of the country, the
school was abandoned, and the buildings
were occupied by the pupils Of the D., D.
and B. Institution, who had been forced
from their own home by the Confederate
governments taking the Institution for an
army hospital. When the war closed, the
Virginia Female Institute was revived, and
under the conduct of Mr.. Phillips, pressed
forward with renewed energy and the most
encouraging prosperity. Pupils came from
every quarter of the Southland, and at one
time there were one hundred and twenty
four boarders and forty-five day scholars.
Improvements were added, the grounds were
again placed in the most perfect order, foun-
tains were erected and everything that taste
could suggest or skill devise was brought
into requisition for tie ornamentation Of
the place. From that day to this it has con-
tinued to be one Of the most admirable in
stitutions for the education of girls in the
Union. Thousands of young women have
been sent from its portals into the sphere
of active life,. possessed not only of solid
requirements and the more attractive &C.
compliments, but having also that full de-
the true woman. It has not been uncom,
mon for two generations OF the same family
to be graduated from this school, and many
a girl has. thus been permitted to grow up
moulded her mothers character, and many
a mother has had the qualification of know
ing the surroundings in which her child was
reared. Some fiity-six hundred pupils OF
this school, under Mr.. Phillips management
are now scattered throughout the Union.
Several years ago, Mr.. Philips thinking it
advisable to secure some one to supply bis
place in case of enforced absence, entered H.
to a correspondence with Prof. Minor, late
President of the Blacksburg College, with
view to associating Prof. Minor in the con.
troll of the Institute. The proposition was
favorably considered, but never carried into
effect. At the commencement Of the present
session Mr.. Philips was suddenly prostrat.
ed by an attack of paralysis, and forced to
abandon the duties Of his position. His
daughter, Miss Florence, an accomplished
lady and cultivated instructor, was made act
ing principal, and a worthy co-laborer,
Miss Parran, associated as vice Principal.
Under the direction Of these ladies the
school has since been conducted with mark
ed ability.
On Wednesday last called meeting OF
ing members being present: Rt. Rev. Bishop
White, President, and Gen. F. II. Smith,
Rev. DR.. Chas. Minnegerode, N. H. Massie,
Judge II. W. Shelly, Col. Jas. Skinner. Maj.
H. NJ. Bell and John NJ. Miller.
Mr.. Philips, owing to ill-health, rendered
mis- resignation and urged that successor
be appointed. The Board reluctantly ac-
cepted the resignation but declined to go
into an election and. further action in the
matter was postponed until on the Oath of
February. In the meantime advertisements
will be published for principal, and the
whole subject will come up for determination
at the adjourned meeting. 1t Is understood
that Prof. Minor, an accomplished gentle
man and ripe scholar, will be one of the ap-
plicants, and perhaps Miss Florence Phillips,
will be another.
The Board also determined to make i'm
extend and beautify the grounds
and generally add to the attractions and
enlargement of the school. To this end
number of small frame houses about the
place, will be replaced by substantial brick
building for servants quarters sc. The old
Klce house on friedrich street will be remov-
ed and the yard extended and ornamented
to the Moffett line. It is the purpose to in
every way increase the facilities OF the school
aud leave no stone unturned that will con"
tribute to its prosperity.
Mt. Scion Items.
Reported for the VIRGINIAN.]
The events transpiring in and around our
village cannot be of much interest to the
general reader. l will therefore endeavor
To ha brief and avoid substituting verhiana