Julia S. Quinby, Class of 1863


Sophia F. Knight McCollester, Westbrook, ca. 1865

Sophia F. Knight McCollester, Westbrook, ca. 1865
Item 29176   info
Abplanalp Library, UNE

During the early 1860s Westbrook Seminary closed briefly.

In June 1861, trustees informed the Maine Universalist Convention that the Seminary was "unfurnished with teachers," probably as a result of male teachers in the North enlisting in Civil War regiments.

In February 1862 a committee was charged with appointing a principal and board of instruction "for opening as soon as possible."

The Rev. S. H. McCollester was appointed principal, his wife was appointed assistant, and Charles S. Fobes, a recent Westbrook Seminary and Tufts graduate, was appointed associate principal.

Two women teachers were hired -- a preceptress and teacher of music, and a teacher of ornamental branches.

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