The morning call., 1890-12-25
MILLS COLLEGE.
An Institution for the Higher
Training of Girls.
Its Pleas ant Location-Brief Sketch of Its
Founders-Ever Increasing Popu-
lari.y-Its Curriculum.

California is especially rich in her educa-
tional Institutions. and of these enc of the
best known and most completely equipped
is Mills College, the leading seminary for
young ladies on the Pacific Coast. The col
lege had its origin in boarding-school for
girls located at Benicia, conducted by Dr.
and Mrs. Mills. In few years the attend
ance became too large for the aceommoda-
tions, and Dr.. Mills, who had long desired
to establish in California a ladies' seminary
which should be permanent institution.
Irrespective OF his personality, selected the
present site of the college and erected suit
able buildings. which were opened for the
reception of students in 1871. The success
OF the seminary was assured from its incep-
ton, and good words are now said of it in
all parts of the United States.
In 4S77 the buildings and grounds, now
valued at 100000, were transferred by DR..
and Mrs. Mills TO Board of Trustees, with
the stipulation that the college must be
maint aimed as a non-sectarian, Christian
seminary, with high educat ional standard.
By the desire of the Trus tees DR.. and Mrs
Mills retained entire control of the semi
nary, and their joint management continued
unit the death of DR.. Mills. which
occur red in 1884. Prior to his
decesse he had arranged for the liquidation
OF the Indebtedness resting upon the insttu-
ton, leaving the property unincumbere d.
In furtherance of the plans of DR.. and Mrs.
Mills the Legislature in 1885 passed a bill
unde which the college was Incorporated
and provision made for all future contin-
gencies, SO that 1t is now chartered college
of assured fortune.
The faculty, under the Presidency of Mrs.
g 4
cludes distinguished graduates from many
universities. In the preparatory and col
lege departments there are courses Of study
in literature and the classics. In the SEM
mary and grammar departments there is
but one course. Music and art are separate
from and independent OF the other depart
ments. For the cultivation of these accom-
plishnents every facility has been provided.
The art department is under the direction Of
Professor r. d. Yelland; Professor Louis
Lesser OF the American College of Musicians
Is at the head OF the department of instru-
mental music, and Professor Alfred Kelle-
her, former pupil of Manuel Garcia. su-
perintends the instruction In vocal music.
The educational standard is being elevated
year by year, and the authorities will not
rest until Mills is the peer of any seminary
in America.
Eleven scholarships have been provided
and their income applied to aid deserving
pupiio III tile COSl Oh tultlOn, more
especially in the case of the daughters OF
clergymen. The scholarships aggregate
$4,000, and among the enduwments is
$4,000 donated by Mrs. Mills for the estab-
lishment and maintenance Of a Mark Hop
kins chair of Mental and Moral Philos-
0Dhy.
The pupils who have been enrolled at
Mills number nearly 5000, and about 400
young women residing in different parts of
the country have graduated from its halls,
many OF whom are now engaged in educa-
tiOnal work. The combined labors Of the
graduates alone. as teachers, approximate
400 years.
Mills College is beautifully located in one
OF the healthiest sections of the State
where the climate is genial and salnbrous
The grounds cover an area of 100 acres
and their natural beauty is enhanced by the
taste displayed in their arrangement. There
are charming walks, well-kept lawns, beau
tiful trees, rare flowers and shrubs, foun-
taIns and clear, running brooks.
In the midst of all this ply steal beauty
are the college buildings, the chief one be-
Ing three-Story ediiice, having a frontage
of over 200 feet. A little to the west is an
other large three-slory structure, having on
the lower floor a thoroughly equipped gym
nasium, and above the art studio we'll
filled museum and several class-rooms. On
the other side OF the main building is Col
lege Hall, erected in 1883, for the accOmmO-
dalton OF the advanced students. The most
recent building is well-equipped obserya-
tory, and the erection of a natural science
hall will soon be commenced.
"A valuable library is placed at the dis
posal Of the young ladies, and on the walk
of this apartment are hung many rare paint
ings of great merit. There are also many
beautiful gifts of statuary from graduates
Of the college, and at the east end Of the
room is magnificent memorial window,
presented by the alumn& in loving remem-
Drance Of Dr. Mills.
1t is great boon, not only to San Fran
cisco but to the entire Pacific Coast, to pos
sess in such convenient location au insti-
tuition so rich in educational facilities, along
with the, comforts and refnements of
Christian home.