Mrs Mc'Keige's Seminary for Young Ladies

In 1807, a Mrs Cranch and her daughters opened a school for young ladies in Jamaica Plain. The following entry is a transcription of a notice published some time before 1823 for a second young ladies' academy in the village. A scan of the original sheet is available for viewing online at the Boston Public Library web site.





MRS. Mc'KEIGE'S

SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES.

JAMAICA PLAIN, FIVE MILES FROM BOSTON,

WHERE THE FOLLOWING BRANCHES OF EDUCATION ARE TAUGHT:


The English, French and Italian Languages... Sacred, Ancient and Modern History... Geography... Astronomy... The Uses of the Globes... Composition... Drawing and Painting of Figures, Landscapes, and Flowers... Writing and Cyphering... With Useful and Ornamental Needle Work, including Embroidery, Tambour, and Rug Work.



Instruction in the above branches, and Board,......$50 per Quarter.

Music, ............................................................................15 "

Use of the Piano, .............................................................3 "

Dancing, ..........................................................................12 "


N.B. Should any further information be required, respecting the great attention paid by Mrs. Mc'Keige to the Morals and Manners of her Pupils, the healthy situation, the convenience and spaciousness of the house and grounds attached to the establishment, rendering it in every respect a most eligible residence for Young Ladies, apply to


Gen. ARNOLD WELLES, Boston,

THOMAS AMORY, Esq. Roxbury,

REV. MR. GRAY, or JOHN PRINCE, Esq. Jamaica Plain.


==================================================================



REGULATIONS

TO BE OBSERVED BY YOUNG LADIES ENTERING

Mrs. Mc'Keige's Seminary.


The hours for rising, from May to December, are at half past five; and from December to May, at half past six. In summer, the bell rings for prayers at half past six, and in winter at half past seven; all the Pupils are expected to attend, with their hair, teeth, and nails, in exact order; having made their beds, and regulated their clothes.

The Young Ladies enter class at eight, and pursue their studies until one; during which period, at eleven o'clock, twenty minutes are allowed for recreation. After dinner, the Pupils retire to their chambers to dress for the afternoon. At three, they enter the class again, and prepare their duties for the ensuing day, until five; after that hour, they amuse themselves with reading, music, or walking, until half past eight; when the bell rings for prayers, and they retire, in silence and good order, to rest; no conversation or noise will be allowed afterwards. In half an hour a person will attend, to take the lights. It is also a regulation of the Seminary, that a young lady cannot receive or write letters, without the inspection of Mrs. Mc'Keige, or receive visitors until the afternoon; as such interruptions during the morning, would be detrimental to improvement.

As French is constantly spoken during the hours of class, and at meals, it is expected every young lady will use her endeavours, after studying that language a short time, to comply with this regulation, as it will greatly facilitate their progress in the knowledge of that language. The Pupils entering the Seminary, are expected to be diligent, attentive, and obedient, as those qualifications are necessary to all who wish to make a rapid progress. Every indulgence compatible with improvement, will be acceded to with pleasure by Mrs. Mc'Keige, to add to the happiness or comfort of the Pupils of JAMAICA PLAIN SEMINARY.

Each Young Lady brings a silver Tea and Table Spoon, Knife and Fork,Blankets, Sheets, Towels, Tumbler, Mug and Basin, which are returned when the Pupil leaves the Seminary.