Kentucky College For Young Ladies
The Kentucky College for Young Ladies was located on Ashwood Avenue. The building started out as Willow Glen, the villa of Thomas H. Crawford (the original house is on the left) and was converted to a school large enough for 100 students. It burned to the ground on August 28, 1900. From "Pewee Valley: Land of the Little Colonel" published in 1974 by Katie S. Smith
Like the Kentucky Confederate Home and Undulata, the building that once housed the Kentucky College for Young Ladies was lost to a fire. All that remains of the imposing ediface, which once counted nearly 100 rooms, is the entrance gate on Ash Avenue and the bell, now in display at a private home in Pewee Valley.
The Thomas Howell Crawford Years: Willow Glen
The college building itself began life as the country villa of Thomas Howell Crawford (March 1, 1803-June 17, 1871) and was mentioned in a December 25, 1871 Courier-Journal story called, "Country Seats. A Pen Picture of Pewee Valley." The anonymous correspondent included descriptions of the homes that could be seen from the train depot and noted that Crawford's villa was near Clovercroft, "... the picturesque Italian villa of Milton Rhorer" and "...'Valhalla,' ... the rural retreat of ... J.M. Armstrong..." Crawford called his 20-acre country estate Willow Glen, according to the article.
In 1871, at the time he died, Crawford was president of the Central Savings Bank of Kentucky. A decade earlier, as the country was heading for the Civil War, he was in the upper echelons of Louisville politics. This sketch of his life and career is from the "Encyclopedia of Louisville" edited by James Klebner (University of Kentucky Press, 2001), page 230:
CRAWFORD, THOMAS HOWELL...was the son of Thomas and Jane (Todd) Crawford. Crawford's mother was the first woman to have an ovariotomy. The operation was performed by the noted surgeon, Ephraim McDowell in Danville, Kentucky on December 25, 1809. The tumor weighed seven pounds. Jane Todd Crawford died in 1842 at the age of 78, She had four children: James, Alice, Samuel and Thomas Howell. (Editor's note: A later Pewee Valley resident, George Madden Martin, penned the story of Thomas Crawford's mother for Kentucky's sesquicentennial. It was published as a supplement to "The Kentucky Medical Journal" in 1935.)
In 1871, at the time he died, Crawford was president of the Central Savings Bank of Kentucky. A decade earlier, as the country was heading for the Civil War, he was in the upper echelons of Louisville politics. This sketch of his life and career is from the "Encyclopedia of Louisville" edited by James Klebner (University of Kentucky Press, 2001), page 230:
CRAWFORD, THOMAS HOWELL...was the son of Thomas and Jane (Todd) Crawford. Crawford's mother was the first woman to have an ovariotomy. The operation was performed by the noted surgeon, Ephraim McDowell in Danville, Kentucky on December 25, 1809. The tumor weighed seven pounds. Jane Todd Crawford died in 1842 at the age of 78, She had four children: James, Alice, Samuel and Thomas Howell. (Editor's note: A later Pewee Valley resident, George Madden Martin, penned the story of Thomas Crawford's mother for Kentucky's sesquicentennial. It was published as a supplement to "The Kentucky Medical Journal" in 1935.)
In 1857, Thomas Crawford was elected to the Board of Alderman on the Know-Nothing Ticket (editor's note: the Know-Nothing or American Party strongly opposed immigrants and followers of the Catholic Church) and served until 1858. He was president of the Board of Aldermen for about six months in 1858.
Crawford was elected Mayor of Louisville on April 2, 1859, and served until April 6, 1861. A strong supporter of the North during the Civil War, he ran again for mayor in 1863 representing the Union Party but was defeated by William Kaye, a marginal Union supporter who was backed by the seccesionist element in the city.
Crawford worked as a real estate agent in the mid-1860s. In 1870 he was an agent for the Piedmont and Arlington Life Insurance Company of Virginia. He was also president of the Central Savings Bank of Kentucky in 1871.
Crawford was elected Mayor of Louisville on April 2, 1859, and served until April 6, 1861. A strong supporter of the North during the Civil War, he ran again for mayor in 1863 representing the Union Party but was defeated by William Kaye, a marginal Union supporter who was backed by the seccesionist element in the city.
Crawford worked as a real estate agent in the mid-1860s. In 1870 he was an agent for the Piedmont and Arlington Life Insurance Company of Virginia. He was also president of the Central Savings Bank of Kentucky in 1871.
Crawford's gruesome death may serve as a lesson to early adopters of new -- and potentially hazardous -- technology, He was among the first Kentuckians to install gas lighting at his Willow Glen villa. On May 27, 1871, he was mortally injured in a gas explosion that also took his sister-in-law's life. He lingered for several weeks before succumbing to his injuries on June 17. The Courier-Journal covered the tragedy in their May 28, 1871 issue, pg. 4:
IN PEWEE VALLEY
____________
A Terrible Gas Explosion at the
Residence of Hon. Thomas B.
Crawford
_______________
FATAL INJURIES
A most frightful and mournful accident occurred yesterday at Pewee Valley, about sixteen miles from the city, on the Louisville and Lexington railroad. The family of Mr. Thos. H. Crawford, ex-mayor of Louisville, were sitting on the front porch of his house, together with some visitors. They remained there until a short while after dark, when Mr. Crawford got up and went to light the gas. Something was wrong with the gas works and it would not catch. Miss Martin, his sister-in-law, procured a candle and the two went down into the cellar to examine the meter. As soon as they opened the door below an explosion was heard equal to the report of a large cannon, which shook the whole house and the earth itself for a distance of several hundred yards. The other members of the family were still seated on the front porch and ran to the cellar to see what happened. The lower part of the building was wrapt in flames. Miss Martin was in the midst of them, and Mr. McCampbell caught hold of her and tried to take her from the room. Her clothes were ablaze, she was screaming and frightened, and jerked away from him only to go further back into the fast-spreading blaze. Mr. Crawford was more self-possessed and, though severely burned, made his escape through the consuming fire. Efforts were now made to extinguish the flames, and before this could be done, Miss Martin was well-nigh burned to death. All her clothes were reduced to ashes, and she was taken from the room almost dead. Mr. McCampbell was also severely injured by the blaze, as he tried to extricate the young lady. The house was not seriously injured, though several members of the happy group were.
Mr. S. Drabelle of the firm of Drabelle and Gardner, had gone there to see Mr. Crawford in regard to the purchase of some property, and he suggests two theories, either of which accounts for the explosion. The cellar was filled with gas which had escaped from an illuminating gas generator. When the candle was introduced the whole room became a sheet of flame, and the terrible explosion was heard. The other supposition is that Mr. Crawford had gone to the meter, was turning some type of screw, which suddenly released a great quantity of gas, and the blaze coming in contact with the stream, set it on fire and caused the whole meter to light and explode. The train passed soon afterward, and Mr. Drabelle was compelled to leave before he had learned more particulars. Miss Martin was in a dying condition when he left. Mr. Crawford was suffering a great deal, and the whole family was grieving over the sad accident.
IN PEWEE VALLEY
____________
A Terrible Gas Explosion at the
Residence of Hon. Thomas B.
Crawford
_______________
FATAL INJURIES
A most frightful and mournful accident occurred yesterday at Pewee Valley, about sixteen miles from the city, on the Louisville and Lexington railroad. The family of Mr. Thos. H. Crawford, ex-mayor of Louisville, were sitting on the front porch of his house, together with some visitors. They remained there until a short while after dark, when Mr. Crawford got up and went to light the gas. Something was wrong with the gas works and it would not catch. Miss Martin, his sister-in-law, procured a candle and the two went down into the cellar to examine the meter. As soon as they opened the door below an explosion was heard equal to the report of a large cannon, which shook the whole house and the earth itself for a distance of several hundred yards. The other members of the family were still seated on the front porch and ran to the cellar to see what happened. The lower part of the building was wrapt in flames. Miss Martin was in the midst of them, and Mr. McCampbell caught hold of her and tried to take her from the room. Her clothes were ablaze, she was screaming and frightened, and jerked away from him only to go further back into the fast-spreading blaze. Mr. Crawford was more self-possessed and, though severely burned, made his escape through the consuming fire. Efforts were now made to extinguish the flames, and before this could be done, Miss Martin was well-nigh burned to death. All her clothes were reduced to ashes, and she was taken from the room almost dead. Mr. McCampbell was also severely injured by the blaze, as he tried to extricate the young lady. The house was not seriously injured, though several members of the happy group were.
Mr. S. Drabelle of the firm of Drabelle and Gardner, had gone there to see Mr. Crawford in regard to the purchase of some property, and he suggests two theories, either of which accounts for the explosion. The cellar was filled with gas which had escaped from an illuminating gas generator. When the candle was introduced the whole room became a sheet of flame, and the terrible explosion was heard. The other supposition is that Mr. Crawford had gone to the meter, was turning some type of screw, which suddenly released a great quantity of gas, and the blaze coming in contact with the stream, set it on fire and caused the whole meter to light and explode. The train passed soon afterward, and Mr. Drabelle was compelled to leave before he had learned more particulars. Miss Martin was in a dying condition when he left. Mr. Crawford was suffering a great deal, and the whole family was grieving over the sad accident.
According to the 1870 census of Rollington, Thomas was living at Willow Glen with his wife, Clementine Martin Crawford; his son, Neal C. Crawford, who was 30; his daughter, Amelia Martin "Matilda" Crawford, who was 32; and his brother-in-law, Aston Martin, 50. Mrs. Crawford died on June 23, 1875 in Cleveland, Ohio, but put the Pewee Valley property up for sale before leaving the area. It was advertised in the September 11, 1872 Courier-Journal:
FOR SALE -- PEWEE PROPERTY -- The very desirable home of the late T.H. Crawford containing 20 acres, with all necessary improvements. A lesser quantity of ground will be sold if desired. Price very reasonable ... CHAS. B. COTTON, 153 Jefferson St. between Fourth and Fifth.
FOR SALE -- PEWEE PROPERTY -- The very desirable home of the late T.H. Crawford containing 20 acres, with all necessary improvements. A lesser quantity of ground will be sold if desired. Price very reasonable ... CHAS. B. COTTON, 153 Jefferson St. between Fourth and Fifth.
The Kentucky College for Young Ladies Years
On June 30, 1873, the Courier-Journal ran a story about plans to open "A New Female School" on Thomas Crawford's estate in September of that year:
A NEW FEMALE SCHOOL
_________________
Establishment of the Kentucky Col-
lege for Girls at Pewee Valley
Mr. Alfred E. Sloan, as principal teacher of the College Hill school for young ladies, situated near Cincinnati, and previously as the principal of a school at Danville, Kentucky, has during his years of service well merited the reputation of being one of the best educators in the West. Miss Lepha N. Clarke, as assistant to Mr. Sloan in the same school last year, and before that as the principle teacher in famous Vassar, is held at the front rank of her profession in America. She is a cultivated and elegant lady, with every evidence of possessing great firmness and the highest sense of duty. To these two -- Mr. Sloan and Miss Clarke, with an able corps of experienced assistants -- every encouragement has been given by the prominent residents of Pewee Valley, near Louisville, in the establishment of their new school in that pleasant town christened the "Kentucky College for Young Ladies" and to be opened the 10th of September next.
For the new school spacious and pleasant grounds have been secured in the charming town of Pewee, some sixteen miles from Louisville on the Short-line railroad, and the summer home of some of the wealthiest and most prominent gentlemen of Louisville. The town, in its appointments and surroundings, is probably the most attractive in Kentucky, within easy access of this city and its advantages, and just the place for the location of a female school. The college grounds embrace ten acres, well laid out, and said to be susceptible to the highest cultivation. The buildings are admirably arranged and commodious; formerly the country place of a wealthy Louisville gentleman, all the modern conveniences have been secured; the rooms are large and well-ventilated and newly furnished. The town itself is some 500 feet above the level of Louisville and is singularly healthy. All this information can be obtained, however, from Mr. Sloan, to whom those wishing it can apply.
The students of the school will, naturally, come mainly from the South, and to the Southern parents the reputation of Mr. Sloan will commend it. The students at Vassar, who knew Miss Clarke well, will be led by their affection for her to recommend their relatives and friends to put themselves under her care, and the success of the school is thus in a manner already secured by the connection of these two excellent teachers with it. As said, however, an able corps of assistants has been found, and the college altogether will open under the most favorable auspices. Kentucky, the South and Louisville, in particular, are fortunate in the establishment of an institution which promises so much for the better education of their daughters.
A NEW FEMALE SCHOOL
_________________
Establishment of the Kentucky Col-
lege for Girls at Pewee Valley
Mr. Alfred E. Sloan, as principal teacher of the College Hill school for young ladies, situated near Cincinnati, and previously as the principal of a school at Danville, Kentucky, has during his years of service well merited the reputation of being one of the best educators in the West. Miss Lepha N. Clarke, as assistant to Mr. Sloan in the same school last year, and before that as the principle teacher in famous Vassar, is held at the front rank of her profession in America. She is a cultivated and elegant lady, with every evidence of possessing great firmness and the highest sense of duty. To these two -- Mr. Sloan and Miss Clarke, with an able corps of experienced assistants -- every encouragement has been given by the prominent residents of Pewee Valley, near Louisville, in the establishment of their new school in that pleasant town christened the "Kentucky College for Young Ladies" and to be opened the 10th of September next.
For the new school spacious and pleasant grounds have been secured in the charming town of Pewee, some sixteen miles from Louisville on the Short-line railroad, and the summer home of some of the wealthiest and most prominent gentlemen of Louisville. The town, in its appointments and surroundings, is probably the most attractive in Kentucky, within easy access of this city and its advantages, and just the place for the location of a female school. The college grounds embrace ten acres, well laid out, and said to be susceptible to the highest cultivation. The buildings are admirably arranged and commodious; formerly the country place of a wealthy Louisville gentleman, all the modern conveniences have been secured; the rooms are large and well-ventilated and newly furnished. The town itself is some 500 feet above the level of Louisville and is singularly healthy. All this information can be obtained, however, from Mr. Sloan, to whom those wishing it can apply.
The students of the school will, naturally, come mainly from the South, and to the Southern parents the reputation of Mr. Sloan will commend it. The students at Vassar, who knew Miss Clarke well, will be led by their affection for her to recommend their relatives and friends to put themselves under her care, and the success of the school is thus in a manner already secured by the connection of these two excellent teachers with it. As said, however, an able corps of assistants has been found, and the college altogether will open under the most favorable auspices. Kentucky, the South and Louisville, in particular, are fortunate in the establishment of an institution which promises so much for the better education of their daughters.
On April 14, 1874, the Courier-Journal reported, "... more than 60 young ladies are in attendance, with nine accomplished teachers and only two of the rooms vacant in the boarding department..."
During the first summer break in 1874, President Sloan was entreated to open the college as a boarding house for vacationers, but he refused, because he "... knew eviction would be an unpleasant duty by the first of September..." (Courier-Journal, August 7, 1874, pg. 3). Future presidents, however, would prove willing to take that risk.
By 1875, some 75 students were enrolled and the college's first graduations were held on June 2. Nine young ladies, from as far away as Hannibal, Missouri, and Toledo, Ohio, graduated, says a June 3, 1875 Courier-Journal report.
During the first summer break in 1874, President Sloan was entreated to open the college as a boarding house for vacationers, but he refused, because he "... knew eviction would be an unpleasant duty by the first of September..." (Courier-Journal, August 7, 1874, pg. 3). Future presidents, however, would prove willing to take that risk.
By 1875, some 75 students were enrolled and the college's first graduations were held on June 2. Nine young ladies, from as far away as Hannibal, Missouri, and Toledo, Ohio, graduated, says a June 3, 1875 Courier-Journal report.
According to "History & Families of Oldham County, Kentucky; The First Century, 1824-1924," published by the Oldham County Historical Society in 1996 (Turner Publishing Company, Paducah, Ky.), pg. 238, the private, non-denominational school was the founded by, "... a group of enterprising individuals..." that included, "... E.F. Gallagher (the son of W.D. Gallagher of Undulata)...P.B. Muir, J.M. Armstrong, H.M. Woodruff, A.W. Kaye, Henry S. Smith, W.B. Gray and Mrs. Annie Craig," whose father, Rev. B.H. McCown, ran a private school for boys just down the road in Anchorage.
The June 29, 1873 Courier-Journal noted that Louisville businessmen John G. Barrett, John T. Moore, Col. W.A. Meriwether and J.B. Kinkead were also among those financing the project, which was viewed as a way to, "...improve the cultural advantages of our city and State..."
"...The college set about to create an atmosphere favorable to learning. Buildings were pleasant and meant to convey a family-like atmosphere. Rather than force the young ladies to be housed in crowded quarters, directors of the college limited two girls to each of the forty rooms. In addition to living arrangements, the college also required that all boarding students wear uniforms. Directors took this step to avoid both unnecessary wardrobe expenses to parents and to prevent rivalry among the students..." (From "History & Families of Oldham County)
Though originally slated to start classes on September 10, construction delayed the opening until September 24. Formal dedication exercises weren't held until December, right before the school's first holiday break, according to the Courier-Journal, which ran a page-four story about the festivities on December 25, 1873:
The June 29, 1873 Courier-Journal noted that Louisville businessmen John G. Barrett, John T. Moore, Col. W.A. Meriwether and J.B. Kinkead were also among those financing the project, which was viewed as a way to, "...improve the cultural advantages of our city and State..."
"...The college set about to create an atmosphere favorable to learning. Buildings were pleasant and meant to convey a family-like atmosphere. Rather than force the young ladies to be housed in crowded quarters, directors of the college limited two girls to each of the forty rooms. In addition to living arrangements, the college also required that all boarding students wear uniforms. Directors took this step to avoid both unnecessary wardrobe expenses to parents and to prevent rivalry among the students..." (From "History & Families of Oldham County)
Though originally slated to start classes on September 10, construction delayed the opening until September 24. Formal dedication exercises weren't held until December, right before the school's first holiday break, according to the Courier-Journal, which ran a page-four story about the festivities on December 25, 1873:
KENTUCKY COLLEGE
________
Formal Opening of the New Institu-
tion for Young Ladies at Pewee Val-
ley
The dedication exercises of Kentucky College for Young Ladies, at Pewee Valley, sixteen miles out from Louisville on the Shortline railroad, took place on Tuesday last. The college was opened for the reception of pupils on the 24th of September last, under the presidency of Mr. A.E. Sloan, formerly of the Caldwell Institute, at Danville, and last year principal of the Ohio Female College at College Hill near Cincinnati. By the efforts of some of the principle citizens of Louisville, Pewee Valley and others throughout the state,Mr. Sloan was induced to transfer his sphere of duties to Pewee Valley. An extensive ground lot was purchased, and within a few weeks a handsome edifice was erected as a college building. The building contains accommodations for about 50 students, and already forty young ladies have enrolled themselves as pupils. Applications have been made for all the remaining rooms, after the holiday vacation, which commenced yesterday. The immediate success of the institution has been very remarkable, and Kentucky College promises to become the most successful institution of its kind in the State. There are eight teachers employed: Mr. Sloan and his wife; Rev. H.J. Cook, a graduate of Amherst College, in Massachusetts, with his wife; Miss Lepha N. Clark, for six years one of the principle teachers at Vassar College, afterwards refusing to accept the position of principal at that institution, preferring to teach at College Hill, where she was most successful as a preceptor; Professor Bergstein and Professor Kasian, both well known in this city; and Miss Louise Monroe, for many years teacher of music at Mount Auburn Institute, near Cincinnati.
The formal dedication of the institution on Tuesday was a very pleasant occasion. A number of visitors were in attendance, embracing the parents and relatives of the students, and many friends of the institution. The exercises were held in the College chapel, and after music and invocation by Rev. A. H. Cook, and a reading of a selection of the Scriptures by President Sloan, addresses were made by Drs. Humphrey and Perkins of this city. Dr. Humphrey referred to the long acquaintance with Mr. Sloan, commencing when the gentleman was principal of the Young Ladies' Institute at Somerville, Tenn., and continuing through his connections with the schools at Danville and at College Hill. He adverted in very complimentary terms to the high capacity of Mr. and Mrs. Sloan as successful educators, and closed by congratulating the citizens of Pewee Valley upon the possession of such rare educational facilities, at the same time giving his idea of a truly educated man.
Dr. Perkins made an address of a more formal nature, based upon the words, "Except the Lord build the house, their labor is lost who build it." He spoke of the house in its material sense, as a building, and again to the house in its intellectual and moral sense...
After further religious exercises, together with an expression of thanks by President Sloan to those who have been instrumental in securing the present consummation of the enterprise, and also his desire for the hearty co-operation of parents in regard to the earnestness and punctuality of the children in performance of their duties, the entire company repaired to the dining room, where a pleasant repast was spread.
The holiday vacation of two weeks now intervenes, and the second session will commence Tuesday, January 6.
________
Formal Opening of the New Institu-
tion for Young Ladies at Pewee Val-
ley
The dedication exercises of Kentucky College for Young Ladies, at Pewee Valley, sixteen miles out from Louisville on the Shortline railroad, took place on Tuesday last. The college was opened for the reception of pupils on the 24th of September last, under the presidency of Mr. A.E. Sloan, formerly of the Caldwell Institute, at Danville, and last year principal of the Ohio Female College at College Hill near Cincinnati. By the efforts of some of the principle citizens of Louisville, Pewee Valley and others throughout the state,Mr. Sloan was induced to transfer his sphere of duties to Pewee Valley. An extensive ground lot was purchased, and within a few weeks a handsome edifice was erected as a college building. The building contains accommodations for about 50 students, and already forty young ladies have enrolled themselves as pupils. Applications have been made for all the remaining rooms, after the holiday vacation, which commenced yesterday. The immediate success of the institution has been very remarkable, and Kentucky College promises to become the most successful institution of its kind in the State. There are eight teachers employed: Mr. Sloan and his wife; Rev. H.J. Cook, a graduate of Amherst College, in Massachusetts, with his wife; Miss Lepha N. Clark, for six years one of the principle teachers at Vassar College, afterwards refusing to accept the position of principal at that institution, preferring to teach at College Hill, where she was most successful as a preceptor; Professor Bergstein and Professor Kasian, both well known in this city; and Miss Louise Monroe, for many years teacher of music at Mount Auburn Institute, near Cincinnati.
The formal dedication of the institution on Tuesday was a very pleasant occasion. A number of visitors were in attendance, embracing the parents and relatives of the students, and many friends of the institution. The exercises were held in the College chapel, and after music and invocation by Rev. A. H. Cook, and a reading of a selection of the Scriptures by President Sloan, addresses were made by Drs. Humphrey and Perkins of this city. Dr. Humphrey referred to the long acquaintance with Mr. Sloan, commencing when the gentleman was principal of the Young Ladies' Institute at Somerville, Tenn., and continuing through his connections with the schools at Danville and at College Hill. He adverted in very complimentary terms to the high capacity of Mr. and Mrs. Sloan as successful educators, and closed by congratulating the citizens of Pewee Valley upon the possession of such rare educational facilities, at the same time giving his idea of a truly educated man.
Dr. Perkins made an address of a more formal nature, based upon the words, "Except the Lord build the house, their labor is lost who build it." He spoke of the house in its material sense, as a building, and again to the house in its intellectual and moral sense...
After further religious exercises, together with an expression of thanks by President Sloan to those who have been instrumental in securing the present consummation of the enterprise, and also his desire for the hearty co-operation of parents in regard to the earnestness and punctuality of the children in performance of their duties, the entire company repaired to the dining room, where a pleasant repast was spread.
The holiday vacation of two weeks now intervenes, and the second session will commence Tuesday, January 6.
On February 28, 1876, the Kentucky College for Young Ladies was officially incorporated by the Kentucky Legislature (Acts of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, Volume 1, 1876). President A.E. Sloan was among the first group of trustees named in the articles of incorporation.
AN ACT to incorporate Kentucky College.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
§ 1. A. E. Sloan, Edward P. Humphrey, Edmund T. Perkins, Samuel S. Mark, John T. Moore, John M. Armstrong, John G. Barrett, Richardson Burge, Charles B. Cotton, James L. Dallam, Edmund L. Davidson, George Emerson, William Ernst, John R. Gaither, Waldo P. Goff, William J. McKnight, William A. Meriwether, Silas F. Miller, Henry C. Morton, Peter B. Muir, R. S. Ratcliffe, Jonas H. Rhorer, Robert L. Stanton, John Van Horne, George W. Williams, Henry M. Woodruff, and John M. Worrall, are hereby constituted a body-corporate, by the name of “ Kentucky College,” to be located in Pewee Valley, Oldham county, Kentucky; and by that name they and their successors shall have perpetual existence as a corporation; they shall constitute the first board of trustees, with power to fill vacancies as they may occur from time to time; to elect from their number a president, secretary, and treasurer. The said corporation shall have power to sue and be sued, to contract and be contracted with ; to make and use a common seal, and to alter the same at pleasure; to purchase, take, and hold, by gift, grant or devise, and to dispose of any real or personal estate.
§ 2. The object and purpose of said corporation are hereby declared to be to promote the education of young women in literature, science, and the arts.
§ 3. The college may grant to students under its charge, and to others possessing unusual literary attainments, diplomas or honorary testimonials, in such form as it may designate. It may also grant and confer such honors, degrees, and diplomas as are granted by any university, college, or seminary of learning in the United States.
§ 4. Diplomas granted by the college shall entitle the possessors to the immunities and privileges allowed by usage or statute to the possessors of like diplomas from any university, college, or seminary of learning in this State.
§ 5. Five trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and for all purposes except the purchase or sale of real estate. No purchase of real estate shall be made except with and by the approval of a majority of the trustees, nor shall any sale of real estate be made except
with and by the approval, in writing, of at least three fourths
of the trustees.
§ 6. The corporation may adopt by-laws, and make any other rules and regulations for the management of the college and to carry out its object, not inconsistent with this act, or, with the Constitution and laws of the United States or of this State.
§ 7. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Approved February 28, 1876.
AN ACT to incorporate Kentucky College.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:
§ 1. A. E. Sloan, Edward P. Humphrey, Edmund T. Perkins, Samuel S. Mark, John T. Moore, John M. Armstrong, John G. Barrett, Richardson Burge, Charles B. Cotton, James L. Dallam, Edmund L. Davidson, George Emerson, William Ernst, John R. Gaither, Waldo P. Goff, William J. McKnight, William A. Meriwether, Silas F. Miller, Henry C. Morton, Peter B. Muir, R. S. Ratcliffe, Jonas H. Rhorer, Robert L. Stanton, John Van Horne, George W. Williams, Henry M. Woodruff, and John M. Worrall, are hereby constituted a body-corporate, by the name of “ Kentucky College,” to be located in Pewee Valley, Oldham county, Kentucky; and by that name they and their successors shall have perpetual existence as a corporation; they shall constitute the first board of trustees, with power to fill vacancies as they may occur from time to time; to elect from their number a president, secretary, and treasurer. The said corporation shall have power to sue and be sued, to contract and be contracted with ; to make and use a common seal, and to alter the same at pleasure; to purchase, take, and hold, by gift, grant or devise, and to dispose of any real or personal estate.
§ 2. The object and purpose of said corporation are hereby declared to be to promote the education of young women in literature, science, and the arts.
§ 3. The college may grant to students under its charge, and to others possessing unusual literary attainments, diplomas or honorary testimonials, in such form as it may designate. It may also grant and confer such honors, degrees, and diplomas as are granted by any university, college, or seminary of learning in the United States.
§ 4. Diplomas granted by the college shall entitle the possessors to the immunities and privileges allowed by usage or statute to the possessors of like diplomas from any university, college, or seminary of learning in this State.
§ 5. Five trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and for all purposes except the purchase or sale of real estate. No purchase of real estate shall be made except with and by the approval of a majority of the trustees, nor shall any sale of real estate be made except
with and by the approval, in writing, of at least three fourths
of the trustees.
§ 6. The corporation may adopt by-laws, and make any other rules and regulations for the management of the college and to carry out its object, not inconsistent with this act, or, with the Constitution and laws of the United States or of this State.
§ 7. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.
Approved February 28, 1876.
Graduating seniors from the Class of 1876 invited friends and family to the college's first Class Day exercise. The Courier-Journal's May 9 edition carried a description of the event, which was haled by the reporter as ".... a day to be remembered, and quite original in the history of our schools for girls ..." The event started with a matinee musicale, then moved to the "... Beechwood Lawn, in the front of the building, ..." where guests were treated to a witty class history, and ended with a "... Parting Ode, composed by a member of the class ... and sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne..." Pewee Valley's resident poet, W.D. Gallagher, composed a poem for the occasion:
"THE PLANTING OF THE TREE"
I.
Plant, plant the tree of Youth!
Water it with tears of gladness;
Train it in the forms of truth,
That it will bear not fruit of sadness;
Tend it well through all the years,
All the seasons, all the hours --
Seeing that no worm appears
In the fruit or on the flowers.
II.
Plant, plant the tree of Love!
Nourish it with fervent feeling --
Day by day the vow above
Recorded, sealing -- newly sealing;
And as roll the years away,
Doubt not ever -- never falter--
Not ev'n for a moment stray
From the faith that bless'd the alter.
III.
Plant, plant the tree of Life!
God will help you watch and tend it,
So that all earth's storm and strife
Can not either break or bend it.
Fix your thoughts and hearts above,
Where the anthems still are ringing.
"Christ is risen!" "God is love"
Which the angel hosts are singing.
I.
Plant, plant the tree of Youth!
Water it with tears of gladness;
Train it in the forms of truth,
That it will bear not fruit of sadness;
Tend it well through all the years,
All the seasons, all the hours --
Seeing that no worm appears
In the fruit or on the flowers.
II.
Plant, plant the tree of Love!
Nourish it with fervent feeling --
Day by day the vow above
Recorded, sealing -- newly sealing;
And as roll the years away,
Doubt not ever -- never falter--
Not ev'n for a moment stray
From the faith that bless'd the alter.
III.
Plant, plant the tree of Life!
God will help you watch and tend it,
So that all earth's storm and strife
Can not either break or bend it.
Fix your thoughts and hearts above,
Where the anthems still are ringing.
"Christ is risen!" "God is love"
Which the angel hosts are singing.
"History & Families of Oldham County, Kentucky; The First Century, 1824-1924" notes that promotion of the Kentucky College for Young Ladies emphasized Pewee Valley's healthy locale, as well as its refined and highly-cultured residents. The college was also not above using friends of the founders to tout the school's merits, as this letter, which appeared in the August 15, 1878 Memphis Daily Appeal, from Annie Craig's father, the Rev. B.H. McCown, a well-known educator himself, attests:
My Visit to the Kentucky College To the Editor of the Courier-Journal: Although feeling a deep interest in the success of this institution from its first establishment in Pewee Valley, I had not, till a few days since, made a special visit to the college to satisfy myself by actual inspection as to its intrinsic merit. I must truly say that the very best way, in my opinion, to recommend the Kentucky college is to present it to the public mind just as it is, in its faculty, in their exceedingly accurate and careful manner of instruction, as well as in the character of the young ladies, the pupils of the school, whose modesty of demeanor and perfect gentility, with their preparations for the classroom, must elicit the admiration of any candid visitor. I witnessed the opening exercises of the school with the deepest interest, for there I knew I would see the moral and intellectual tone. A more beautiful picture I have never brought away upon my heart from the chapel of any literary institution. The discipline of the college is as near perfection as I have seen in my long acquaintance with schools. Parents could not well ask more for their daughters than is presented to the eye, that will carefully survey the neatness and comfort of all the chambers occupied by the young ladies. Hearts and minds most highly endowed, and absorbed with a sense of the high responsibility, watch over the health, manners, education, moral, spiritual and intellectual of the young ladies committed in trust to them. I feel I have but slightly expressed my judgment of the value of the Kentucky college. Rev. B.H. M'Cown Forest Academy December 15, 1877 |
Dr. & Mrs. Erastus Rowley
Dr. Sloan resigned from the presidency in 1879 and was succeeded by Dr. Erastus Rowley, D.D., who remained as president until 1894. Prior to arriving at Kentucky College, Rowley had conducted schools at GreenvIIle, S. C.; Rutherford and Asheville, N. C.; and Athens, Tenn. Just prior to taking over the Kentucky College, he had served as president of DePauw Female Seminary across the Ohio River from Louisville, in New Albany, In. According to "History of Higher Education in Kentucky" by Alvin Fayette Lewis (U.S. Government Printing Office, 1899),pgs. 256-257. "... an arrangement was made between the trustees and Rev. Erastus Rowley, D. D., whereby the latter leased its property and took entire charge of the college as its president."
Two years later, on May 6, 1881, the Courier-Journal reported that Rowley had purchased the college, including "... the entire property, buildings...and twenty acres of land ..." and provided the following description of the college's assets:
... The college building is large and commodious, the chapel one of the finest in the State, the rooms handsomely furnished, and the grounds ample and beautifully laid out...
During his tenure as president, Rowley made several important changes to expand the school's clientele, including opening day classes to boys; adding a primary department and a college-level scientific course; expanding the library, primary and preparatory departments; and adding normal (i.e. teacher training) and business departments in 1891. In addition, he opened the school to vacationers during the summer. The August 28, 1881 Courier-Journal noted, in an article entitled "Impromptu at Pewee:"
Among the sojourners at Pewee Valley this summer no merrier, more fun loving people can be found than those at Kentucky College. This place is opened during the season for summer boarders, under the direction of the President, Dr. E. Rowley, and his kind and hospitable wife...
The change in the school's summer boarder policy appears to have been the result of declines in tuition income. On December 3, 1894, Dr. Rowley sent a letter to Pewee Valley's Trustees asking for tax relief:
Town Hon. Body, for the last two years, has made each year a reduction in the taxes assessed upon my school property. This I have requested of you, especially as this school is important to the prosperity of this Place, in many particulars, and greatly reduced the expense incident to the better education of this community. But for this school, you would find it necessary to be at much greater expense in furnishing a good and satisfactory school for the more advanced children of this locality. I have sought a reduction of my taxes, as the financial condition of our people has so diminished the income of the school that it is now a hardship to pay any taxes...
He and his wife, Martha, also celebrated their golden wedding anniversary (From the September 15, 1891 Courier-Journal) during his tenure as president:
Two years later, on May 6, 1881, the Courier-Journal reported that Rowley had purchased the college, including "... the entire property, buildings...and twenty acres of land ..." and provided the following description of the college's assets:
... The college building is large and commodious, the chapel one of the finest in the State, the rooms handsomely furnished, and the grounds ample and beautifully laid out...
During his tenure as president, Rowley made several important changes to expand the school's clientele, including opening day classes to boys; adding a primary department and a college-level scientific course; expanding the library, primary and preparatory departments; and adding normal (i.e. teacher training) and business departments in 1891. In addition, he opened the school to vacationers during the summer. The August 28, 1881 Courier-Journal noted, in an article entitled "Impromptu at Pewee:"
Among the sojourners at Pewee Valley this summer no merrier, more fun loving people can be found than those at Kentucky College. This place is opened during the season for summer boarders, under the direction of the President, Dr. E. Rowley, and his kind and hospitable wife...
The change in the school's summer boarder policy appears to have been the result of declines in tuition income. On December 3, 1894, Dr. Rowley sent a letter to Pewee Valley's Trustees asking for tax relief:
Town Hon. Body, for the last two years, has made each year a reduction in the taxes assessed upon my school property. This I have requested of you, especially as this school is important to the prosperity of this Place, in many particulars, and greatly reduced the expense incident to the better education of this community. But for this school, you would find it necessary to be at much greater expense in furnishing a good and satisfactory school for the more advanced children of this locality. I have sought a reduction of my taxes, as the financial condition of our people has so diminished the income of the school that it is now a hardship to pay any taxes...
He and his wife, Martha, also celebrated their golden wedding anniversary (From the September 15, 1891 Courier-Journal) during his tenure as president:
1841-1891
_______
The Golden Wedding of Prof.
and Mrs. Erastus Rowley
at Pewee
__________
Fifty Happy Years of Wedded Life
Celebrated with Exquisite
Taste
Prof. Erastus and Mrs. Rowley celebrated their golden wedding last evening at their home at the Kentucky College for Young Ladies, at Pewee. The entertainment was a brilliant society event in the suburban town, and a large number of Louisville's society people were also present.
The college grounds were decorated with lanterns, and the building was made brilliant with colored lights and decorations. Prof. and Mrs. Rowley received their guests in the parlor, which was adorned with yellow flowers and orange silk hangings. They were assisted in receiving by their daughter, Mrs. H.N. Gifford. Mrs. Rowley was dressed in a handsome black silk gown, the somber effect of which was relieved by a bunch of flowers at the throat. Mrs. Gifford wore lilac cashmere trimmed with silk. Her daughter, Miss Helen, was clad in an exquisite chrysanthemum toilet.
Immediately over Prof. and Mrs. Rowley hung a wedding-bell of marigolds, with a bunch of darker marigolds for a clapper. Behind the aged couple were the years 1841-1891 in brierwood, gilded. The draping at the windows was of yellow China silk, hung upon rods of rough oak painted yellow. The whole room beckoned the peaceful and serene season, which blesses a golden wedding, and the perfect fitness of the entire decoration was admired by all.
Supper was announced at 8 o'clock, and the host, with his wife, led the guests to the dining room. The supper was rich, but simple. The tables were adorned with yellow flowers and leaves, and the young ladies of the senior class in the college assisted in serving the repast. At the conclusion of the supper, every one went into the chapel, where ex-Judge P.B. Muir presented Prof. and Mrs. Rowley a gift on the part of his friends and neighbors in Pewee. It was a handsome berry-bowl, heavily plated with gold. Judge Muir spoke of the unselfishness of Prof. Rowley's life, and the ceaseless benediction he has been in the community. He recalled the perfect devotion of his own wife, whom he called a bride of fifty years.
A poem by Mrs. Clelland, of Pewee, written in honor of the occasion, was read and greatly appreciated. Miss Katherine Whipple sang two songs, "At the Age of Twenty-one" and "The Golden Rod." Mrs. Bakewell sang the old ballad, "John Anderson, My Joe." At the conclusion of the song, little Margaret Swearingen recited, "When Does Love Die?" The guests then dispersed over the house and all enjoyed themselves in an unconventional and unrestrained way. The older members of the guests remained in the chapel talking over old scenes, while the younger set passed the time dancing...
_______
The Golden Wedding of Prof.
and Mrs. Erastus Rowley
at Pewee
__________
Fifty Happy Years of Wedded Life
Celebrated with Exquisite
Taste
Prof. Erastus and Mrs. Rowley celebrated their golden wedding last evening at their home at the Kentucky College for Young Ladies, at Pewee. The entertainment was a brilliant society event in the suburban town, and a large number of Louisville's society people were also present.
The college grounds were decorated with lanterns, and the building was made brilliant with colored lights and decorations. Prof. and Mrs. Rowley received their guests in the parlor, which was adorned with yellow flowers and orange silk hangings. They were assisted in receiving by their daughter, Mrs. H.N. Gifford. Mrs. Rowley was dressed in a handsome black silk gown, the somber effect of which was relieved by a bunch of flowers at the throat. Mrs. Gifford wore lilac cashmere trimmed with silk. Her daughter, Miss Helen, was clad in an exquisite chrysanthemum toilet.
Immediately over Prof. and Mrs. Rowley hung a wedding-bell of marigolds, with a bunch of darker marigolds for a clapper. Behind the aged couple were the years 1841-1891 in brierwood, gilded. The draping at the windows was of yellow China silk, hung upon rods of rough oak painted yellow. The whole room beckoned the peaceful and serene season, which blesses a golden wedding, and the perfect fitness of the entire decoration was admired by all.
Supper was announced at 8 o'clock, and the host, with his wife, led the guests to the dining room. The supper was rich, but simple. The tables were adorned with yellow flowers and leaves, and the young ladies of the senior class in the college assisted in serving the repast. At the conclusion of the supper, every one went into the chapel, where ex-Judge P.B. Muir presented Prof. and Mrs. Rowley a gift on the part of his friends and neighbors in Pewee. It was a handsome berry-bowl, heavily plated with gold. Judge Muir spoke of the unselfishness of Prof. Rowley's life, and the ceaseless benediction he has been in the community. He recalled the perfect devotion of his own wife, whom he called a bride of fifty years.
A poem by Mrs. Clelland, of Pewee, written in honor of the occasion, was read and greatly appreciated. Miss Katherine Whipple sang two songs, "At the Age of Twenty-one" and "The Golden Rod." Mrs. Bakewell sang the old ballad, "John Anderson, My Joe." At the conclusion of the song, little Margaret Swearingen recited, "When Does Love Die?" The guests then dispersed over the house and all enjoyed themselves in an unconventional and unrestrained way. The older members of the guests remained in the chapel talking over old scenes, while the younger set passed the time dancing...
Dr. Rowley retired as president in 1894, although he maintained his connection with the college as a professor of moral philosophy and as manager of some of its business affairs and continued to live on the campus until his death on February 28, 1896. His wife, Martha, died 11 years later, on June 16, 1907 at her daughter's home in Louisville. Both are buried in Cave Hill Cemetery.
G.M. Perry, A.M. succeeded Dr. Rowley as president after he retired. After Dr. Rowley's death, the property then appears to have come into the control of Morris Gifford, Prof. Erastus Rowley's grandson. "History of Higher Education in Kentucky" by Alvin Fayette Lewis (U.S. Government Printing Office, 1899), pgs. 256-257 maintains that the name of the college was changed in 1896 to the Villa Ridge College; however, newspaper clippings post-1896 continue to refer to the institution as the Kentucky College for Young Ladies.
In 1897, Gifford sold the institution to the Rev. T. Simpson McCall for $7,000. A Canadian by birth, Rev. McCall had previously served as president of Liberty College in Glasgow, Ky., from 1888-91; and as president of Bethel Female College in Hopkinsville, Ky., from 1891-1896, according to "The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America ..." George William Lasher (Ministerial Directory Company, 1899) pg. 475.
Dr. McCall continued to run the college and augment his income by using the building as a boarding-house during the summer, according to the July 25, 1897 Courier-Journal:
GAY PEWEE
________
Everyone Enjoying Much Social
Pleasure at this Fashionable
Neighborhood
Pewee Valley, July 24. --Special -- I can not say how old this pretty little valley is, but am told that the place has never in its history had so many summer residents as this season. As the Kentucky College is the most prominent place here, it deserves the first mention in this paragraph. Always a beautiful and comfortable home, it is even more so this year. It is now under the careful management of T. Simpson McCall, who bought the place last spring from Mr. Morris Gifford. The building has been refurnished and many good improvements made. The grounds, so large and shady, never looked more pleasing. Mr. McCall has an able assistant in his wife, who is a comely matron with most gracious manners. Their pretty daughter is with them, as also winsome Miss Esther Parey. They are all Canadians by birth, but are full of that sincere cordiality so dear to the Kentucky heart....
T.S. McCall actively sought to capitalize on the summer trade and ran this classified in the June 19, 1898 Courier-Journal:
BOARDING -- Kentucky College, Pewee Valley, Ky., now open for summer boarders; a most delightful home during the heated term. Table, rooms, service first class. Acres of cool, refreshing shade. Handsomely refitted and refurnished throughout last season; all modern conveniences. T.S. McCALL, Pewee Valley, Ky.
G.M. Perry, A.M. succeeded Dr. Rowley as president after he retired. After Dr. Rowley's death, the property then appears to have come into the control of Morris Gifford, Prof. Erastus Rowley's grandson. "History of Higher Education in Kentucky" by Alvin Fayette Lewis (U.S. Government Printing Office, 1899), pgs. 256-257 maintains that the name of the college was changed in 1896 to the Villa Ridge College; however, newspaper clippings post-1896 continue to refer to the institution as the Kentucky College for Young Ladies.
In 1897, Gifford sold the institution to the Rev. T. Simpson McCall for $7,000. A Canadian by birth, Rev. McCall had previously served as president of Liberty College in Glasgow, Ky., from 1888-91; and as president of Bethel Female College in Hopkinsville, Ky., from 1891-1896, according to "The Ministerial Directory of the Baptist Churches in the United States of America ..." George William Lasher (Ministerial Directory Company, 1899) pg. 475.
Dr. McCall continued to run the college and augment his income by using the building as a boarding-house during the summer, according to the July 25, 1897 Courier-Journal:
GAY PEWEE
________
Everyone Enjoying Much Social
Pleasure at this Fashionable
Neighborhood
Pewee Valley, July 24. --Special -- I can not say how old this pretty little valley is, but am told that the place has never in its history had so many summer residents as this season. As the Kentucky College is the most prominent place here, it deserves the first mention in this paragraph. Always a beautiful and comfortable home, it is even more so this year. It is now under the careful management of T. Simpson McCall, who bought the place last spring from Mr. Morris Gifford. The building has been refurnished and many good improvements made. The grounds, so large and shady, never looked more pleasing. Mr. McCall has an able assistant in his wife, who is a comely matron with most gracious manners. Their pretty daughter is with them, as also winsome Miss Esther Parey. They are all Canadians by birth, but are full of that sincere cordiality so dear to the Kentucky heart....
T.S. McCall actively sought to capitalize on the summer trade and ran this classified in the June 19, 1898 Courier-Journal:
BOARDING -- Kentucky College, Pewee Valley, Ky., now open for summer boarders; a most delightful home during the heated term. Table, rooms, service first class. Acres of cool, refreshing shade. Handsomely refitted and refurnished throughout last season; all modern conveniences. T.S. McCALL, Pewee Valley, Ky.
The school's 26th commencement, held in June 1899, was destined to be its last. According to the May 29, 1899 Courier-Journal, there were four in the graduating class. Rev. T.T. Eaton delivered the baccalaureate address in the college chapel, seniors planted a class tree during an afternoon lawn fete, and the college's annual concert was held in the evening.
On August 28, 1900, the Kentucky College burned to the ground. By that time, the school no longer appeared to be operating -- there was no commencement story in the local paper -- and Rev. T. Simpson McCall had sublet the building to Rev. C.Y. Smith to run as a boarding-house. Both McCall and Smith placed classified ads for boarders at the Kentucky College in the June 24, 1900 issue of the Courier-Journal.
On August 28, 1900, the Kentucky College burned to the ground. By that time, the school no longer appeared to be operating -- there was no commencement story in the local paper -- and Rev. T. Simpson McCall had sublet the building to Rev. C.Y. Smith to run as a boarding-house. Both McCall and Smith placed classified ads for boarders at the Kentucky College in the June 24, 1900 issue of the Courier-Journal.
The Courier's account of the fire the next day is nothing short of lurid and sensational. Many of the facts are wrong. The mild-mannered ex-mayor of Louisville, Thomas Howell Crawford, has been transformed into a combination riverboat captain/mad scientist and one of his daughters into a lunatic -- just the sort of tale schoolgirls might tell on dark and stormy nights, when they want a good scare.
LIKE TINDER
________
GIRLS' SEMINARY AT PEWEE
VALLEY BURNS
________________
Historic Old Home of 100
Rooms -- Experiences of
Capt. Crawford
The old house in Pewee Valley at which gas was first made in Kentucky and which in its varied life of fifty years served as everything from a summer villa to a girls' boarding school, finished its career last night by burning to the ground. Once before it burned partially, and the burning cost two lives, besides sending a third person to end her days in an insane asylum. That tragedy put a stigma of bad luck on the place that has held ever since. Nothing has been a success there.
Last night by the merest chance and the pluck of a boy a repetition of the old tragedy was averted, for two men were sleeping in the building, when a fifteen-year-old boy broke through the window to awaken and tell them that the house was ablaze over their heads.
It was a narrow escape that Mr. McCarty, the foreman of the Pewee road, and "Old Tom," a negro, had. A little better was that of Mr. James T. A. Baker and his family and Mrs. Baldwin Berryman, with her daughter, all of whom moved out of the house within six hours before the fire started. That must have been around 10:30 o'clock. Who discovered it must also be a mystery, for there were fifty to claim the honor. The twenty-five acknowledged first comers agree that the first light showed in one of the second-story front rooms. There was no one in that room or near it.
Arson was hinted at and strongly suspected by the neighbors, who are now earnestly recalling traditions that the old house would burn down. Anyhow, the blaze spread rapidly.
The people stood around to watch the old house burn, and then some one remembered that McCarty and "Old Tom" were asleep on the ground floor of the blazing building. A front window was broken in and the sleepers were aroused just in time.
The room where they lay was already stifling hot, but they were sleeping, unconscious of the danger.
Then some men gathered courage sufficient to drag three pianos and an organ from the house. Nothing else was saved. There was not enough water for a bucket brigade. The crowd could only stand around and watch the old house burn. It went like tinder. At midnight there remained only a red smoking mass of debris.
The place was originally built by Captain Crawford, a well-known and wealthy Louisville man, over fifty years ago. Capt. Crawford was a deep and earnest student. He bought a handsome place at Pewee Valley, then far in the country; built an elegant country villa, and moved out there with his two daughters to live and practice his scientific theories. He had a plan to make sugar from beets, as sugar is now made. In accordance with his scheme, he planted the whole place in beets and raised a big crop. He failed in the scheme for want of proper machinery. Next he became interested in a bone phosphate idea, then distinctly new. Great piles of bones were bought and piled up all over the place. For the second time, when success seemed certain, failure resulted from lack of proper working instruments.
His third scheme cost Capt. Crawford his life. After the failure of his two plans, the scientist undertook the manufacture of gas. He wanted to make an illuminating gas to use in his own home. Incidentally, he realized there was a fortune in it.
He set up his machine in the cellar of his home. The gas was certainly made and it would burn, as Capt. Crawford soon found out to his cost.
One day the machinery became deranged. The inventor went into the cellar with a lighted lamp in his hand. There was a terrific explosion and part of the foundations of the house were blown away. Capt. Crawford's daughter rushed down, to be immediately suffocated by the flames. Her sister came to the cellar door and was horribly burned, but was rescued by the servants. From the shock of the explosion and the sight of her mutilated father and burned sister, the girl's mind gave way. She died in a sanitarium not long ago.
By some strange chance, the house was not totally destroyed. It passed from the Crawford family into other hands, being owned by several persons until 1879 when Dr. Erastus Rowley founded the Kentucky College for Young Women. Within years, the house had taken on size until it counted almost a hundred rooms. Dr. Rowley conducted his school until 1893, when he died. Then the place was bought by Dr. Thomas McCall, a Baptist minister of Owensboro. He had a school for several years, and lately rented the house to the Rev. Curtz Y. Smith, a Methodist minister who turned it into a boarding-house. Ten days ago, Rev. Smith left the place and also his boarders without breakfast.
Since then the boarders have been moving out, and the house was considered closed.
Mr. McCall held insurance on it for $4,000. The loss will be greater than this, however.
LIKE TINDER
________
GIRLS' SEMINARY AT PEWEE
VALLEY BURNS
________________
Historic Old Home of 100
Rooms -- Experiences of
Capt. Crawford
The old house in Pewee Valley at which gas was first made in Kentucky and which in its varied life of fifty years served as everything from a summer villa to a girls' boarding school, finished its career last night by burning to the ground. Once before it burned partially, and the burning cost two lives, besides sending a third person to end her days in an insane asylum. That tragedy put a stigma of bad luck on the place that has held ever since. Nothing has been a success there.
Last night by the merest chance and the pluck of a boy a repetition of the old tragedy was averted, for two men were sleeping in the building, when a fifteen-year-old boy broke through the window to awaken and tell them that the house was ablaze over their heads.
It was a narrow escape that Mr. McCarty, the foreman of the Pewee road, and "Old Tom," a negro, had. A little better was that of Mr. James T. A. Baker and his family and Mrs. Baldwin Berryman, with her daughter, all of whom moved out of the house within six hours before the fire started. That must have been around 10:30 o'clock. Who discovered it must also be a mystery, for there were fifty to claim the honor. The twenty-five acknowledged first comers agree that the first light showed in one of the second-story front rooms. There was no one in that room or near it.
Arson was hinted at and strongly suspected by the neighbors, who are now earnestly recalling traditions that the old house would burn down. Anyhow, the blaze spread rapidly.
The people stood around to watch the old house burn, and then some one remembered that McCarty and "Old Tom" were asleep on the ground floor of the blazing building. A front window was broken in and the sleepers were aroused just in time.
The room where they lay was already stifling hot, but they were sleeping, unconscious of the danger.
Then some men gathered courage sufficient to drag three pianos and an organ from the house. Nothing else was saved. There was not enough water for a bucket brigade. The crowd could only stand around and watch the old house burn. It went like tinder. At midnight there remained only a red smoking mass of debris.
The place was originally built by Captain Crawford, a well-known and wealthy Louisville man, over fifty years ago. Capt. Crawford was a deep and earnest student. He bought a handsome place at Pewee Valley, then far in the country; built an elegant country villa, and moved out there with his two daughters to live and practice his scientific theories. He had a plan to make sugar from beets, as sugar is now made. In accordance with his scheme, he planted the whole place in beets and raised a big crop. He failed in the scheme for want of proper machinery. Next he became interested in a bone phosphate idea, then distinctly new. Great piles of bones were bought and piled up all over the place. For the second time, when success seemed certain, failure resulted from lack of proper working instruments.
His third scheme cost Capt. Crawford his life. After the failure of his two plans, the scientist undertook the manufacture of gas. He wanted to make an illuminating gas to use in his own home. Incidentally, he realized there was a fortune in it.
He set up his machine in the cellar of his home. The gas was certainly made and it would burn, as Capt. Crawford soon found out to his cost.
One day the machinery became deranged. The inventor went into the cellar with a lighted lamp in his hand. There was a terrific explosion and part of the foundations of the house were blown away. Capt. Crawford's daughter rushed down, to be immediately suffocated by the flames. Her sister came to the cellar door and was horribly burned, but was rescued by the servants. From the shock of the explosion and the sight of her mutilated father and burned sister, the girl's mind gave way. She died in a sanitarium not long ago.
By some strange chance, the house was not totally destroyed. It passed from the Crawford family into other hands, being owned by several persons until 1879 when Dr. Erastus Rowley founded the Kentucky College for Young Women. Within years, the house had taken on size until it counted almost a hundred rooms. Dr. Rowley conducted his school until 1893, when he died. Then the place was bought by Dr. Thomas McCall, a Baptist minister of Owensboro. He had a school for several years, and lately rented the house to the Rev. Curtz Y. Smith, a Methodist minister who turned it into a boarding-house. Ten days ago, Rev. Smith left the place and also his boarders without breakfast.
Since then the boarders have been moving out, and the house was considered closed.
Mr. McCall held insurance on it for $4,000. The loss will be greater than this, however.
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