As I shared in Part 1 of this series, the Hoag Library in Albion, New York, had a box of items from the Phipps Union Seminary. Included was the annual catalogue from 1851, which recorded my second great-grandmother’s enrollment in the Junior class.

While perusing the catalog I saw many of the names that were mentioned by Jeanie in her speech at the reunion held in 1907. It was a surreal experience to know that I held a document from 1851, one of which Jeanie would have had as well, and to know the people listed were very much a part of her formative years.

After reviewing the courses I had to wonder if I would have ever made it out of Phipps (if, indeed, I had even made it in!)

The Course of Instruction included at the Elementary level: Reading and Spelling, Written Numbers, Abbreviations, Definitions, Compend of History, and Vocal Music.

Preparatory Studies Pursued: Mental Arithmetic, General History, Moral Instructor, Beginner’s Botany, Natural Philosophy, Elementary Astronomy.

Middle Class: Grammar,  Geography (continued), History: Ancient and Modern, Arithmetic, Astronomy, Physiology, Roman Antiquities, Rhetoric, and Botany.

Junior Class: Algebra, Geology, Chemistry, Logic of Mathematics, Geometry, Botany, Philosophy, Trigonometry.

Senior Class: Science of Government, Intellectual Philosophy, Legal Rights, Logic, Technology, Moral Science, Rhetoric, Algebra, Trigonometry, Butler’s Analogy, Evidences of Christianity.

It was stated that “daily exercises in Reading, Writing, and Orghography, with Composition Exercises, weekly,” were required and indispensable. French, German, Latin, Italian, Art, and Music (Vocal and Instrumental) finished out the curriculum.

I don’t know about you, but that is an intimidating course load!