Archive of Lecture and Letters on the Value of Education for the Advancement of Women
Paper Memorabilia
Women's Education Archive. This archive includes one lecture and three autograph signed letters on the value of women's education, 1813-1926. Pamphlet copy of Frederick J. Gould's lecture "Why Educate?" which he delivered to the meeting of the National Union of Women Teachers in Chesterfield, England in 1926. In his introduction, Gould opines the value of education outside the classroom, "Education must no longer bend over thedesk and cramp its soul into spelling, writing, and sums, or, indeed, into any list of "subjects." It must live in, and live by, and live for, great ideas." The letters written by female students from 1813-1879 demonstrate his meaning. In one letter signed by a student at Western Female Seminary in Oxford, OH dated "Oct. 19th 1879," the subject writes to her mother about the recent gubernatorial elections and upcoming presidential elections; this significantly shows one woman's interest in political affairs, years before she was allowed to vote. “The principal topic here for the last week has been the election. I was disappointed that Ewing did not gain, but from the way the Republicans carried on after they heard the returns one might have supposed it was the first time they were ever victorious and the last time they time they expected to be…It will be so nice to be at home next Presidential Election.” In a letter signed by Eloise Hemstreet to her mother in 1854, the subject writes about her school which she describes as “the best of schools and one of the edens of the earth.” She writes on her interest in astronomical observations and how she is looking forward to looking “at the eclipse through the telescope.” Autograph Letter Signed by the Guardian of Eliza Climer, student at Bethlehem Female Seminary, to Rev. Andrew Benade, “Director of the Seminary at Bethlehem,” to send Ms. Climer to Philadelphia “as soon as a convenient opportunity offers.” He receives a response written on the same sheet, below the initial letter on April 22, 1813 from the new director, Louis Hillner. Stating in part: "I have delivered your letter to Miss Eliza Climer directly to her; but instead of her being pleased with her soon leaving the Seminary, she lamented and wept, and insisted upon me, to write a few lines to you and beg of you, whether you would give her leave to stay in this seminary for some time longer. As she rose my whole compassion, I could not do otherwise, as to give her the promise, to write to you. I am of the opinion, dear Sir, that it would indeed be for her best if she could stay here at least six months longer, and I am convinced that if it is in your power, dear Sir, you will readily grant the petition in her behalf. You will be so kind as to let me know your intention on this head as soon as is convenient to you, and I shall then act according as you think proper.” A lovely archive putting subjects across decades into direct conversation on the value of education for personal development and expansion.Item #15036
Price: $225.00
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