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CALHOUN COUNTY MICHIGAN CALHOUN COUNTY
It was formally opened on Oct. 22, 1855, with an able corps of teachers. Charles P. Dibble, Dr. Joseph Sibley, and Hon. ' Charles T. Gorham were the three trustees. The institute at once took rank with the best in the State. and the first term closed with 100 young ladies, many from abroad, in attendance. Among the pleasant mementoes of these olden days yet preserved by many of the former pupils are copies of "The Oak Leaf, " a semi-annual paper issued from the college. The copy shown us by Mr. Charles P. Dibble bore date of June, 1857, and was edited by Misses Allie A. Phelps and Jennie E. Burgess. Drill in vocal music was made a special feature of the daily curriculum, and much proficiency was acquired by the young ladies. Prof. Pierce, who was a fine singer and acted as chorister for years in the old Presbyterian church, was the instructor.
At the end of four years Prof. Pierce and wife left to accept a position in the public schools of Watertown, N. Y., and the institute was discontinued. Charles P. Dibble purchased the buildings and grounds. The school-house was removed and the former Mansion house thoroughly overhauled and repaired and made to assume its present elegant appearance.
A sketch of his life is given in the Troy Daily Telegram of Dec. 23d, from which we clip the following:
"The death of Henry A. Pierce has caused profound sorrow, not only in the educational circles, but also among the host of personal friends whom he had attracted to himself by his many virtues. Mr. Pierce was born among' the beautiful hills of Berkshire county, Mass., in 1826. He enjoyed the stern and rugged training of farm life, and the excellent primary drill of New
England common schools.
Michigan
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