May 17, 2012

Quaker School

Located at the southwest corner of Foote Avenue & Allen Street

In 1833, Mrs. Mary E. Osborne, a Quaker widow, came to Jamestown to establish a boarding school. The property she purchased was on what was then known as Frewsburg Road, later as Quaker Street, and now as Foote Avenue, about 165 feet south of the intersection of Prather Avenue on the west side. Here she erected a plain building to serve as the school, which flourished, requiring several additions.

Teachers were of the highest quality, most of them from Europe. Among them, was Clarissa D. Wheeler, who later founded the Jamestown Female Academy. The only male faculty member was Gilbert W. Hazeltine of Jamestown, who taught botany and lectured on the physiology, chemistry, and natural philosophy. The young ladies attending the school came from all parts of the country.

A horrible tragedy in 1843 led to the school’s demise. That year, Mrs. Osborne’s brother, Alvin Cornell, killed his wife and attempted to kill himself in the kitchen of the school.

Gradually, the school additions were torn down until only the original structure remained. It was kept in good repair by its occupants and in 1909 was moved to Catlin Avenue.

QUAKER SCHOOL
FROM 1833 TO 1843 ON THIS SITE MARY E. OSBORNE, A QUAKER WIDOW, CONDUCTED A BOARDING SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LADIES.