New Market, VA
Jessie Rupert headed the New Market Female Seminary during the Civil War years, although she was a supporter of the Union. Many of her neighbors resented this and after her husband died in 1867, she lost her job.
In 1868, she opened a new school in this building on Congress Street. At first it was another school for young women, but around 1870, she got funding for the "Woodward Cottage Institute," which provided free education to local white and African American children. These students typically could not afford tuition to local private schools.
Sadly, the school only lasted for a year or two. The school faced opposition from the community and Mrs. Rupert faced threats of violence. After the school closed, she continued to live in New Market and earned money as a traveling speaker. She died in 1909.
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| Tuesday Treasures |
The facade looks so unique
ReplyDeleteI suppose it's not hard to work out why she faced opposition. But it's a good looking building. Cheers - Stewart M - Oakhill, Somerset, UK
ReplyDeleteIt is sad the school only lasted a year, Mrs Rupert had the courage to stand up for her beliefs and for other young girls and women. Take care, have a great day!
ReplyDelete...so Mrs. Rupert faced threats of violence, I wonder what her life would be like today with Trump's MAGA maniacs?
ReplyDeleteOld schoolhouses are so cool. If only those walls could talk.
ReplyDeleteA good building that has many memories of laughter of children, I'd imagine.
ReplyDeleteCourageous soul.
ReplyDeleteA person of principle.
ReplyDelete