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m →‎Campus life: Added Spanish and corrected full publication name ("The Abbot Forum" not "The Forum").
Expanded AA Association, added class size; added Spanish. Fixed info about architectural graphic. Clarified "first" building. Added Maple Walk. Added notable alumna.
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|enrollment =
|enrollment =
|faculty =
|faculty =
|class = 115 seniors (1973)<ref name=Forum>"The Abbot Forum", Abbot Academy, Vol. IV, No. 2, June 1973, p. 22.</ref>
|class = |ratio =
|ratio =
|year = 1829-1973
|year = 1829-1973
|SAT =
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== History ==
== History ==
[[File:Abbot Academy proposed sketch 1829 buildings and grounds Andover Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|right|320px|The campus had four main buildings, with three buildings around a circle. The largest building was Draper Hall.]]
[[File:Abbot Academy proposed sketch 1829 buildings and grounds Andover Massachusetts.jpg|thumb|right|320px|The campus had three main buildings grouped around a circle, plus a gymnasium, a laundry, and several dormitories. The largest building was Draper Hall. This is the partially implemented 1886 plan by architects Hartwell and Richardson.<ref name="LorenGary">Loren Gary, "A Widening Circle: Abbot Academy and the Abiding Significance of Place", Andover: Phillips Academy, 1997, p. 14.</ref>]]
The first discussion to propose a school for young women was held on February 19, 1828.<ref name=NewEnglandMagazine>Annie Sawyer Downs, New England Magazine, 2011, [http://www.newenglandmagazine.com/the-new-england-magazine/vol1-no2jan-1886/abbot-academy/ Abbot Academy], Accessed August 10, 2013</ref> The school was incorporated in 1829 with 85 pupils from eighteen to twenty years of age for the "exclusive work of educating women".<ref name=NewEnglandMagazine/>
The first discussion to propose a school for young women was held on February 19, 1828.<ref name=NewEnglandMagazine>Annie Sawyer Downs, New England Magazine, 2011, [http://www.newenglandmagazine.com/the-new-england-magazine/vol1-no2jan-1886/abbot-academy/ Abbot Academy], Accessed August 10, 2013</ref> The school was incorporated in 1829 with 85 pupils from eighteen to twenty years of age for the "exclusive work of educating women".<ref name=NewEnglandMagazine/>


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{{Quote|Parents’ Weekend was Abbot’s response to formalize parent visits to the school. In the past, parents would visit the school on many different occasions. The event created one specific weekend for all parents to visit.|Tim Sprattler, 2009<ref name=Salton/>}}
{{Quote|Parents’ Weekend was Abbot’s response to formalize parent visits to the school. In the past, parents would visit the school on many different occasions. The event created one specific weekend for all parents to visit.|Tim Sprattler, 2009<ref name=Salton/>}}


After the merger, Abbot's endowment became the basis for the Abbot Academy Association which funds various educational programs.<ref>[http://www.andover.edu/About/AbbotAcademyAssociation/Pages/default.aspx Abbot Academy Association]</ref><ref>February 1, 2013, Boston.com, [http://momsevents.boston.com/andover_ma/events/show/303201527-andover-welcomes-best-selling-author-reza-aslan Andover Welcomes Best-selling Author Reza Aslan], Accessed Aug. 10, 2013, "...funded by the Abbot Academy Association.'''</ref>
After the merger, Abbot's endowment became the basis for the Abbot Academy Association, which funds various educational programs.<ref>[http://www.andover.edu/About/AbbotAcademyAssociation/Pages/default.aspx Abbot Academy Association]</ref><ref>February 1, 2013, Boston.com, [http://momsevents.boston.com/andover_ma/events/show/303201527-andover-welcomes-best-selling-author-reza-aslan Andover Welcomes Best-selling Author Reza Aslan], Accessed Aug. 10, 2013, "...funded by the Abbot Academy Association.'''</ref> The original endowment was $1 million. In 2004, it had grown to $6 million.<ref name="LorenGary">Loren Gary, "A Widening Circle: Abbot Academy and the Abiding Significance of Place", Andover: Phillips Academy, 1997, p. 7</ref>


== Campus life==
== Campus life==
Line 42: Line 43:


== Traditions ==
== Traditions ==
The locally-based Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums led graduation processions on the Abbot Circle.<ref>[http://clanmacpherson.org Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums]</ref> This tradition continues today at Phillips Academy.<ref>"Class of 2013 graduates from Phillips Academy", http://www.andover.edu/about/newsroom/pages/commencement2013.aspx</ref> Students were divided into two groups called ''Gargoyles'' and ''Griffins'' for sports teams and for other purposes that required dividing groups into teams; their colors were green and orange, respectively.<ref>Susan McIntosh Lloyd. A Singular School: Abbot Academy 1828-1973, p. 234</ref> Dual-color felt beanie hats with an image of a gargoyle or griffin were distributed to students.
The locally-based Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums led graduation processions on the Abbot Circle.<ref>[http://clanmacpherson.org Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums]</ref> This tradition continues today at Phillips Academy.<ref>"Class of 2013 graduates from Phillips Academy", http://www.andover.edu/about/newsroom/pages/commencement2013.aspx</ref> Students were divided into two groups called ''Gargoyles'' and ''Griffins'' for sports teams and for other purposes that required dividing groups into teams; their colors were green and orange, respectively.<ref>Susan McIntosh Lloyd. "A Singular School: Abbot Academy 1828-1973", p. 234</ref> Dual-color felt beanie hats with an image of a gargoyle or griffin were distributed to students.


== Buildings and Campus ==
== Buildings and Campus ==
In 1863, the Abbot campus consisted of one acre surrounded by a fence. By 1878, it was approximately 22 acres.<ref>Susan J. Montgomery and Roger G. Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2000. pp. 98-9.</ref> Abbot's three main buildings (Abbot Hall, Draper Hall, and McKeen Hall) are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="LorenGary">Loren Gary, "A Widening Circle: Abbot Academy and the Abiding Significance of Place", Andover: Phillips Academy, 1997, p. 5.</ref> The first academy building is an "exceptional" early example of the Greek Revival style. It was built in 1828-9.<ref>Quote from Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 103.</ref> An art gallery was added to the left side of Abbot Hall in 1906-7. It was designed by Andrews, Jacques, & Rantoul of Boston. The art gallery housed the collection of Mrs. Esther Byers.<ref>Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 104.</ref> The Abbot Circle, around which the main buildings are grouped, was re-dedicated on 3 May 1997.<ref name="LorenGary" />
In 1863, the Abbot campus consisted of one acre surrounded by a fence. By 1878, it was approximately 22 acres.<ref>Susan J. Montgomery and Roger G. Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2000. pp. 98-9.</ref> Abbot's three main buildings (Abbot Hall, Draper Hall, and McKeen Hall) are listed on the [[National Register of Historic Places]].<ref name="LorenGary">Loren Gary, "A Widening Circle: Abbot Academy and the Abiding Significance of Place", Andover: Phillips Academy, 1997, p. 5.</ref> The first academy building, Abbot Hall, is an "exceptional" early example of the Greek Revival style. It was built in 1828-9.<ref>Quote from Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 103.</ref> Since 1996, it has housed Phillips Academy's Brace Center for Gender Studies.<ref>The Center was opened through the gift of Donna Brace Ogilvie, Class of 1930, "History of the Brace Center", http://www.andover.edu/Academics/BraceCenterforGenderStudies/Pages/History.aspx], Accessed Aug. 16, 2013.</ref> An art gallery was added to the left side of Abbot Hall in 1906-7. It was designed by Andrews, Jacques, & Rantoul of Boston. The art gallery housed the collection of Mrs. Esther Byers.<ref>Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 104.</ref> The Abbot Circle, around which the main buildings are grouped, was re-dedicated on 3 May 1997.<ref name="LorenGary" /> The tree-lined Maple Walk, which once connected the dining room at the back of Draper Hall with Phillips Street, remains in use. (The dining room was demolished.)<ref>Gary, p. 12.</ref>


== Headmasters and Headmistresses ==
== Headmasters and Headmistresses ==
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* Lucy Lippard (1954) - Art theorist<ref name="Ibid" />
* Lucy Lippard (1954) - Art theorist<ref name="Ibid" />
* [[Priscilla Martel]] (PA 1974) - Chef and cookbook author<ref>Ibid. p. 53</ref>
* [[Priscilla Martel]] (PA 1974) - Chef and cookbook author<ref>Ibid. p. 53</ref>
* Mary McCabe (1971) - District Court judge<ref>http://www.eagletribune.com/haverhill/x2076994665/Lawrence-lawyer-gets-confirmed-as-district-court-judge, Accessed Aug. 15, 2013.
</ref>
* [[Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward]] - Early feminist author
* [[Elizabeth Stuart Phelps Ward]] - Early feminist author
* Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (1949) - Anthropologist<ref name="Ibid" />
* Elizabeth Marshall Thomas (1949) - Anthropologist<ref name="Ibid" />
* [[Sara Nelson]] (PA 1974) - editor-in-chief of ''Publishers Weekly''
* [[Sara Nelson]] (PA 1974) - Former editor-in-chief of ''Publishers Weekly''
* [[Francesca Woodman]] - photographer
* [[Francesca Woodman]] - Photographer


== See also ==
== See also ==

Revision as of 01:45, 18 August 2013

Abbot Academy
formerly Abbot Female Seminary
Location
Map
Andover
,
Massachusetts

United States
Information
TypeIndependent, Boarding
MottoFacem Praetendit Ardentem
(She Holds Aloft a Burning Torch)
Established1829[1]
Grades9–12
Average class size115 seniors (1973)[2]
CampusSuburban
Color(s)Light Blue and White   
NicknameAbbot Rabbits
Websitewww.andover.edu

Abbot Academy (also known as Abbot Female Seminary and AA) was an independent boarding preparatory school for women boarding and day students in grades 9-12 from 1828 to 1973.[3] It was notable as the first incorporated secondary school for educating young women in New England.[1] It merged with Phillips Academy in 1973[4][5] and campus buildings along School Street continue to be used for the combined school. Some Abbot traditions continue at the combined private boarding school such as Parents' Weekend.[6] Since the 40th anniversary in 2013 of the merger of the two schools, there has been renewed interest in Abbot's history and traditions.[7]

History

The campus had three main buildings grouped around a circle, plus a gymnasium, a laundry, and several dormitories. The largest building was Draper Hall. This is the partially implemented 1886 plan by architects Hartwell and Richardson.[8]

The first discussion to propose a school for young women was held on February 19, 1828.[9] The school was incorporated in 1829 with 85 pupils from eighteen to twenty years of age for the "exclusive work of educating women".[9]

...to regulate the tempers, to improve the taste, to discipline and enlarge the minds and form the morals of youth...

— Abbot Constitution, 1829[1]

The school received financial support from Sarah Abbot who pledged substantial money, which allowed for loans to begin construction; Sarah Abbot died in 1850 and left a substantial sum for educational purposes.[9] Major changes happened in 1853 with the first principalship being offered to a woman, and additional monies raised for the construction of dormitories.[9] It was during the late 1800s that the school had a "golden age", according to one view.[1] The campus was visited by luminaries such as Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan and Bronson Alcott.[1] The leadership of Philena and Phebe McKeen was characterized by substantial fundraising and growth.[1] According to Susan McIntosh Lloyd, Abbot's curriculum "may have surpassed that of Phillips" during these years.[1] After 1910, the only structures built were "gates".[1] The school merged with Phillips Academy in 1973 and many Abbot traditions were carried forward, such as having a designated weekend in the fall for parents to visit.

Helen Keller and her teacher Anne Sullivan both spoke at Abbot.

Parents’ Weekend was Abbot’s response to formalize parent visits to the school. In the past, parents would visit the school on many different occasions. The event created one specific weekend for all parents to visit.

— Tim Sprattler, 2009[6]

After the merger, Abbot's endowment became the basis for the Abbot Academy Association, which funds various educational programs.[10][11] The original endowment was $1 million. In 2004, it had grown to $6 million.[8]

Campus life

Activities included the Fidelio Chorus, school government, and the school newspaper. Athletic programs included basketball, crew,[12] cycling, ballet and modern dance, fencing, soccer, softball, and tennis. In the late 1960s, Abbot's math department set up a paper-tape terminal connected to a computer at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. This provided the high school students with early BASIC-language computer programming skills. In 1973, the languages taught included English, French, German, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.[2] The student newspaper was called Cynosure. In 1974, it moved to Phillips where it became a monthly magazine.[2]

Traditions

The locally-based Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums led graduation processions on the Abbot Circle.[13] This tradition continues today at Phillips Academy.[14] Students were divided into two groups called Gargoyles and Griffins for sports teams and for other purposes that required dividing groups into teams; their colors were green and orange, respectively.[15] Dual-color felt beanie hats with an image of a gargoyle or griffin were distributed to students.

Buildings and Campus

In 1863, the Abbot campus consisted of one acre surrounded by a fence. By 1878, it was approximately 22 acres.[16] Abbot's three main buildings (Abbot Hall, Draper Hall, and McKeen Hall) are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[8] The first academy building, Abbot Hall, is an "exceptional" early example of the Greek Revival style. It was built in 1828-9.[17] Since 1996, it has housed Phillips Academy's Brace Center for Gender Studies.[18] An art gallery was added to the left side of Abbot Hall in 1906-7. It was designed by Andrews, Jacques, & Rantoul of Boston. The art gallery housed the collection of Mrs. Esther Byers.[19] The Abbot Circle, around which the main buildings are grouped, was re-dedicated on 3 May 1997.[8] The tree-lined Maple Walk, which once connected the dining room at the back of Draper Hall with Phillips Street, remains in use. (The dining room was demolished.)[20]

Headmasters and Headmistresses

School principals:[21]

  • Charles Goddard 1829-31
  • Rev. Samuel Gilman Brown 1835-38
  • Rev. Samuel Lamson 1832-34
  • Rev. Lorenzo Lorraine Langstroth 1838-39
  • Rev. Timothy Dwight Porter Stone 1839-42
  • Rev. Asa Farwell 1842-52
  • Peter Smith Byers 1853 (Elected but did not serve)
  • Nancy Judson Hasseltine 1854-56
  • Maria Jane Bancroft Brown 1856-6
  • Emma L. Taylor 1857-59
  • Philena McKeen 1859-92
  • Laura Sophia Watson 1892-98
  • Emily Adams Means 1898-1911
  • Bertha Bailey 1912-35
  • Marguerite Capen Hearsey 1936-55
  • Mary Hinckley Crane (Mrs. Alexander) 1955-66
  • Eleanor Tucker (Acting) 1966-68
  • Donald Gordon 1968-73

For further information, consult The Philippian:[22]

Notable alumnae

See also

Suggested reading

  • Susan McIntosh Lloyd. "A Singular School: Abbot Academy 1828-1973", Hanover, NH:Published by Phillips Academy, Andover, 1979
  • Susan J. Montgomery and Roger G. Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2000.
  • Philena McKeen (Headmistress) - author
  • Susan McIntosh Lloyd - school history

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Francesca Balboni, Andover Historical Society, Andover Townsman, March 17, 2011, Andover Stories: Abbot Academy a leader in its own right for 150 years, Accessed Aug. 10, 2013
  2. ^ a b c "The Abbot Forum", Abbot Academy, Vol. IV, No. 2, June 1973, p. 22. Cite error: The named reference "Forum" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  3. ^ NY Times, NEEDS OF THE ABBOT ACADEMY.; ALUMNAE TRYING TO RAISE $150,000 FOR NEW BUILDINGS, Accessed August 10, 2013, "...the female university at Andover, Mass"
  4. ^ Jonathan Phelps, Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, October 14, 2013, Addison draws attention to Innu exhibit with large banners, Accessed Aug. 10, 2013
  5. ^ Amanda Bergeron, Boston Globe, Sept. 6, 2007, Barbara Sisson, retired teacher active in arts, Accessed Aug. 10, 2013, "...Abbot Academy, a boarding school for girls in Andover... 1973, when the school became part of Phillips Academy, Andover...."
  6. ^ a b Alex Salton, thephilippianonline, October 26, 2009, Parents’ Weekend Tradition Began with Abbot Academy, Accessed Aug. 10, 2013
  7. ^ "Calling all Alumni from the late '60s to the late '70s!" in Andover the Magazine of Phillips Academy, Spring, 2013, p. 57
  8. ^ a b c d Loren Gary, "A Widening Circle: Abbot Academy and the Abiding Significance of Place", Andover: Phillips Academy, 1997, p. 14. Cite error: The named reference "LorenGary" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ a b c d Annie Sawyer Downs, New England Magazine, 2011, Abbot Academy, Accessed August 10, 2013
  10. ^ Abbot Academy Association
  11. ^ February 1, 2013, Boston.com, Andover Welcomes Best-selling Author Reza Aslan, Accessed Aug. 10, 2013, "...funded by the Abbot Academy Association.
  12. ^ Note: through Phillips Academy
  13. ^ Clan MacPherson Pipes and Drums
  14. ^ "Class of 2013 graduates from Phillips Academy", http://www.andover.edu/about/newsroom/pages/commencement2013.aspx
  15. ^ Susan McIntosh Lloyd. "A Singular School: Abbot Academy 1828-1973", p. 234
  16. ^ Susan J. Montgomery and Roger G. Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2000. pp. 98-9.
  17. ^ Quote from Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 103.
  18. ^ The Center was opened through the gift of Donna Brace Ogilvie, Class of 1930, "History of the Brace Center", http://www.andover.edu/Academics/BraceCenterforGenderStudies/Pages/History.aspx], Accessed Aug. 16, 2013.
  19. ^ Montgomery and Reed. "The Campus Guide. Phillips Academy Andover", p. 104.
  20. ^ Gary, p. 12.
  21. ^ http://www.andover.edu/About/AbbotAcademyAssociation/AboutTheAssociation/Pages/AbbotAcademyPrincipals.aspx
  22. ^ "Abbot Academy Principals", The Phillipian, Vol. cxxxv No. 16
  23. ^ David Chase, "Aunt Hattie: Telling Tales" in Andover the Magazine of Phillips Academy, Winter, 2013, p. 19.
  24. ^ a b c Ibid.
  25. ^ Ibid. p. 53
  26. ^ http://www.eagletribune.com/haverhill/x2076994665/Lawrence-lawyer-gets-confirmed-as-district-court-judge, Accessed Aug. 15, 2013.
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