The Selma Female Academy
From "Selma; Her Institutions, and Her Men" by John Hardy, pub. 1879:
On the 28th day of November 1840, the wonderful iron steamboat, W. W. Fry. Landed at Selma loaded with all kinds of freight, and perhaps, attracted more attention than did the arrival of the first steamboat. People from the surrounding country visited this craft, not comprehending exactly how a boat made of Iron could be made to float upon water.
The first of the year 1841 found the people of Selma somewhat discouraged, but they soon cheered up and endeavored to forget the misfortunes of the past year.
The "ladies’ Educational Society" had fully organized, and had done much good work. The society had used every laudable means to raise a fund in connection with the Masonic Order of the town, to erect a female academy. Several lots having been tendered the society for the purpose, W. J. Norris, Dr. McNair and Dr. Jefffries were the committee appointed to choose between the lots. On march the 20th, 1841, they selected the lot at the foot of Alabama street, where now stands the court house, and on the 24th day of April, St. John’s day, Selma Fraternal lodge celebrated the day by laying the corner stone of the building. The ceremony commenced about 10 o’clock, t the ringing of the town bell. The Masons assembled at the Episcopal Church, where the Rev. Mr. Thomas read from 1st Samuel, 20th chapter; and after addressing the Throne of Grace, a procession was formed and marched to the place of building. The cornerstone was then laid in Masonic order, followed by an appropriate and eloquent address by the rev. W. W. Thomas, upon the subject of female education.
A splendid dinner, prepared by the ladies for the occasion, was spread, and at 1. o’clock the Masonic Fraternity and a large number of ladies and gentlemen of the town and vicinity were seated, and partook of it with the most perfect harmony.
At night they reassembled at the same place and partook of an elegant supper prepared by the same hands.
Dr Lyon, of London, delivered a public lecture, in the Methodist Church, on the 27th of March 1841, upon the "Respiratory Organs of Man.".
The State Convention of Teachers met in Selma on the 1st day of July 1841.
On the evening of the 30th of April 1841, a splendid ball was given in the Assembly Rooms of the Railroad Hotel. P. H. Earle, G. T. Gardner, H. W. Wallis, A. H. Conoley, T. R. Minter, D. Fair, C Houston, D. A. Boyd, W. W. English, J. Johnson, J. .W. Lapsley, T. K. Kornegay, T. P. Harvey, W. Shearer, G. W. Seaman, G. L. Brewer, were the managers.
There was one feature about the history of Selma, and that feature was, that the 4th day of July was always celebrated in some way, and in accordance with this custom, the 4th of July, 1841, though it came on Sunday, was not overlooked. The "Selma Rangers," a volunteer company, held a meeting and determined to celebrate the 4th.
Rev. W. W. Thomas was the stationed Methodist Preacher at Selma for 1841.
W. T. Waddill, W. H. Fellows and R. L. Downman, were candidates for Magistrates at the March election, 1841, for Selma Beat, and Pressley A. Berry was candidate for constable,
John M. Strong was appointed postmaster at Selma, on the 20th day of January 1841.
Among the business firms in Selma, in the fall of 1841, we mention J. H. Norris, A. S. Jeffries & Bros., Ferguson, Boyd & Co., Thomas S. Fellows, Jeweler, James Kenan & T. Kenan, T. E. King, Lea & Barlow, Drinking saloon. "The Shakespeare," opened by Samuel R. Browning, Douglass & Hale, Conoly & Boyd, Lawley & Downman, grocery keepers, Alex, G. Brown, saddle maker, Dr. W. F. Pratt, Dr. Lyon, of London, Dr. E. W. Hamilton, Dr. R. Hathaway and Dr. B. R. Thomas, and the legal profession by W. H. Fellows, J. W. L. Childers, and Giles Pettibone.
<- PREVIOUS PAGE | INDEX | NEXT PAGE ->
site by Com'See
