{"id":2046,"date":"2013-06-30T22:33:26","date_gmt":"2013-07-01T02:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/?p=2046"},"modified":"2017-11-01T19:27:47","modified_gmt":"2017-11-01T23:27:47","slug":"not-homesick-in-the-least","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/not-homesick-in-the-least\/","title":{"rendered":"Not homesick in the least . . ."},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The campus in 1841, from an old engraving. The single school building, the “White Seminary,” is at right. Next to it is the “Town Hall,” formerly the Meeting House, but no longer functioning as such since the construction of the First Congregational Church, at left, in 1836.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Among the Archives’ collection of student letters are three by Albert Montague, class of 1843.\u00a0 Albert was born in the village of Sunderland, Mass., in 1822, to a large and reasonably prosperous farming family.\u00a0 Having attended the Amherst Academy, Albert enrolled in newly-founded Williston Seminary at the start of its second academic year, in September 1842.\u00a0 Typically of many students at the time, he interrupted his education during the 1843 farming season, then returned for one term the following fall.\u00a0 At the time he first enrolled he was nearly twenty years old,\u00a0 This was not unusual in the Seminary’s early years.\u00a0 He was enrolled in the “English” (i.e. Scientific, as opposed to Classical) curriculum.\u00a0 Since at this time the students were not grouped into annual classes, and academic transcripts were not yet kept, it cannot be determined whether Albert completed his studies.<\/em><\/p>\n

The three letters, dated September 5 and December 22, 1842, and October 26, 1843, are addressed to Albert’s younger sister Phila (1828-1869). They are the oldest student documents we possess and, sadly, are in such fragile condition that they should not be handled.\u00a0 Fortunately someone — we don’t know who — produced an accurate transcription many years ago.\u00a0 The first letter has unique qualities.\u00a0 Written on both sides of a very large (ca. 17 x 21 inches) single sheet of paper, much of it comprises Albert’s daily diary of his first days at Williston Seminary.<\/em><\/p>\n

The first and third of the letters are reproduced here.\u00a0 Some punctuation and spelling idiosyncrasies have been corrected, but by and large the syntax is Montague’s own.<\/em><\/p>\n

Letter no. 1<\/h2>\n

Easthampton, Sept. 5 1842<\/p>\n

Dear Sister<\/p>\n

Although it is but a short time since I left home I thought I would commence writing as I want to give you the substance of my proceedings for awhile to come in the shape of a diary and not knowing but that I might have a chance to send as I wish to before long for the class in Astronomy was organized last Thursday I found I had not the right book as it was the small work that I needed and I had the large one.\u00a0 So I wish you to tell Father to say to Mr. Adams that it is not the right one.\u00a0 And that I wish to return it as soon as I can get it to home as he said I could exchange it if it is not the right one as I presume Father recollects and I also wish him to tell Mr. Adams that if he has sold so many books to come here to Williston Seminary as he tells for it must have been to those that come from that way and not to those that lived near Northampton for we can obtain books here much cheaper than at Amherst, viz.Grays Chemistry which we gave .75 cts. for in Amherst can be obtained here for .55 cts., for it is so that Father must speak to Mr. Adams about it the first chance he can get.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Of the teachers Albert names, David S. Kimball (1813-1857), a Union College graduate, taught Mathematics, Natural Philosophy, and Astronomy at Williston Seminary, 1841-1848. Richard Salter Storrs (pictured above), Amherst ’39, taught Mental and Moral Philosophy, Rhetoric, and Chemistry, 1841-1843. He went on to a distinguished career in the Congregational ministry. William D. Clapp (1820-1884) professed Arithmetic, English Grammar, and Geography, 1842-1843, and taught at various times in several neighboring towns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I like it here very much and wish my father was of such means so that I could stay 3 years which is the time required to fit one for College I believe.\u00a0 3 of my lessons I recite to Mr. Kimball the best teacher I ever saw.\u00a0 He is always good natured, mild, pleasant and sociable and in fact he has numberless good traits of character about him and one in particular which shows a very sound mind, vis. he has just got Married<\/span>.<\/p>\n

There are about 130 scholars connected with the Seminary and nearly 40 of them are handsome misses<\/span>.\u00a0 <\/em>In my grammar class there are nearly 40, Chemistry class nearly 25, Astronomy class about 15 and geometry class 7.\u00a0 There is 20 in the club of which 2 of them are teachers viz<\/span>. Mr. Storrs & Mr. Clapp.\u00a0 We do not live quite so well as I did at Amherst but it does very well to study upon.<\/p>\n

Last Saturday afternoon as there was no school 8 of us went on to the top of Mount Tom but it was a hard afternoons work but I think I got paid for it as I could see Cabbot (Holyoke), Springfield South Hadley Belchertown and various other cities too numerous to mention.<\/p>\n

I have had 5 papers from H. W. Taft, Esq. done up in 2 wrappers so that I saved 3 cts<\/span> postage.\u00a0 But I am getting off my subject as well as writing up hill.\u00a0 When I commenced I did not intend to write but 6 or 8 lines before commencing my diary.\u00a0 Well then to commence.\u00a0 Arose this morning about 20 minutes before the bell rang.\u00a0 The bell rings at 5 for the students to get up.\u00a0 Study until breakfast time which is 20 minutes before 7.\u00a0 Had griddle cakes with molasses to put on them.\u00a0 At\u00a0\u00bc before 9 went into prayers.\u00a0 After prayers came into my room and studied until noon.\u00a0 At noon or about 25 minutes past 12 went to dinner.\u00a0 Had fish for the rest of them which smelt as strong as the fish cellars in Boston.\u00a0 I made out with wheat bread and butter.\u00a0 Recited almost all the afternoon.\u00a0 Had warm wheat bread and well salted butter (but no molasses) and apple pie sweetened with \u2014.\u00a0 In the evening had the the headache so that it troubled me a little.\u00a0 About 9\u00bc o’clock commenced writing and at\u00a0\u00bc after 10 am about ready to get into bed.\u00a0 In Haste.\u00a0 Must close for this night.<\/p>\n

Tuesday, Sept. 6.\u00a0 Arose this morning about 4 o’clock.\u00a0 And after lighting a lamp went to studying until it was light enough to do the chores.\u00a0 Went to breakfast when the bell rang.\u00a0 Had griddle cakes for breakfast, beef steak for dinner and bread and butter for supper and the remainder of the day was spent nearly as yesterday.\u00a0 Every day I like better [so] that the longer I stay I shall be more loth to [leave] when I am compelled to.\u00a0 I dreamed a night or 2 ago that I had returned to Amherst to school which I did not like much but soon awoke and found myself in Williston Seminary.\u00a0 It has been a good hay day today: wonder if our folks are haying, wonder if they have got out the rest of the manure; wonder if Austin has took his stint<\/span> [?]; wonder if the water mellons are all gone and last though not least wonder if the folks are all well and if Phila helps mother all she can and tries to improve her manners and mind daily.<\/p>\n

Sept 7 \u00a0 As it is Wednesday today the school closed about half past 2 and I went over to the Town Hall to hear a Black Abolition lecture.\u00a0 I thought he did very well.\u00a0 There is going to be another one on Friday evening next by the same gentleman.\u00a0 Had a boiled pat for dinner but there was was wheat bread and decent butter on the table.<\/p>\n

Sept 8\u00a0\u00a0 Some 2 or 3 scholars have come in today so that the exact number is 142 that daily assemble here.\u00a0 There are 10 lessons recited in the forenoon each day and about the same number or perhaps a little less in the afternoon.\u00a0 Apple sauce for supper tonight which was not so wholey prepared for the table as Father would call if it\u00a0 was not wholey mashed.\u00a0 Here pains is taken to hash, warm apple pie, warm baked apple and warm everything which I have not been use to at home but do not have any warm tea, no warm biscuit or warm molasses.\u00a0 We met today to form a Lyceum but adjourned until tomorrow afternoon at \u00bd past 4 as no Constitution was prepared.\u00a0 I expect if I join I shall have to pay 25 cts as admittance fee to defray expenses.\u00a0 I have not heard from home yet.\u00a0 I should like to.\u00a0 I wish I had some of Mother’s tea.\u00a0 I live well enough though and feel well.\u00a0 Have not been homesick in the least.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Rev. Luther Wright was Williston Seminary’s first Principal, 1841-1849. Of “Boss Wright,” as he was called when not nearby, it has been said that he managed the school in the same way that Samuel Williston expected his foremen to run the factories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Friday Sept 9\u00a0\u00a0 Have just returned from the Town Hall where I went and heard another Negro lecture and a pretty fair one too.\u00a0 There has been one scholar (Smith) expelled here today for High Crimes and other misdemeanors.\u00a0 He is a pretty fair little fellow but full of the \u2014\u00a0 His offense was in the first place bad conduct at prayers upon which Mr. Wright obtained raw hide and he (Smith) told Mr. Wright he was not to be whipped by him and consequently he was ordered to leave the premises in one hour.<\/p>\n

Saturday Sept 10\u00a0\u00a0 Nothing occurred worth relating today and as I have not much more room to write and do not intend to send until Tuesday I must save it so that if any extraordinary event takes place I can record it.\u00a0 I should like to hear from home.\u00a0 How do you get along there?\u00a0 Give my love to Grandmother and ask her for an apple for me but do not pick one from under the tree.<\/p>\n

Sunday Sept 11\u00a0\u00a0 Attended church both parts of the day and a Sabbath School concert at \u00bd past 5.\u00a0 Rev. Mr. Lord of Williamsburg preached here in the afternoon.\u00a0 Mr. Bement preached in the forenoon and as he is very slow I got almost asleep once.\u00a0 Mr. Kimball gave his class in Arithmetic a sum in addition which I should like to have you do and as you have been half through the book I suppose you will have the answer by the time I come home.\u00a0 The sum is \u2013 A tree came up in the spring and grew the first year without any sprouts.\u00a0 The next year there was a sprout and every year succeeding it there was a new sprout to the old tree and likewise a new sprout to each of the sprouts that was a year old.\u00a0 How many trees was there at the end of 20 years?\u00a0 I will give you the answer when I get home.\u00a0 How does Francis get along: does he have the ordering of the business?\u00a0 If I thought he did I should rest contented here and think the work would be done to the best advantage or at least in the easiest<\/span> way.\u00a0 Do you have to hire much?\u00a0 Often do I imagine Father and Francis and perhaps some 2 or 3 hired men at work on a fair day and puttering around on a rainy one.\u00a0 Do not hire more than you can help.<\/p>\n

Is business any more lively in Great Swamp since the President has signed the tariff bill?\u00a0 Heard it was in Boston.\u00a0 Mr. Temple our teacher in Euclid at Amherst Academy is here on a visit to Mr. Storrs.\u00a0 I think he does not recognize my countenance as he has not spoken to me and I think he would if he knew me.\u00a0 Give my best respects to brother and sister Hubbard, to Grandmother and Aunt Lucy.\u00a0 My respects to Uncle Moses’s family.\u00a0 I wish you would write me a letter.\u00a0 If you cannot let Father & Mother or Harriet write.\u00a0 I want to hear how you get along.<\/p>\n

Letter no. 3<\/h2>\n
\"\"<\/a>
Albert Montague later in life. He managed the family farm and became a leading citizen of Sunderland. He died in 1885.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Nearly thirteen months have passed since Albert’s first letter.\u00a0 He has been home for the summer, and now lives in an Easthampton boarding (“boring”) house instead of the Seminary dormitory.\u00a0 He is preparing to leave school in December and hopes to do some teaching.<\/em><\/p>\n

Easthampton, Oct. 26
\nSister Phila,<\/p>\n

As an opportunity presents itself I will write a few lines and state a piece of the leading events that have occurred since I left home.\u00a0 The first day after I came I felt rather dizzy but did not study much but the next day I felt as bright as a new cent and have felt well ever since.\u00a0 We have lectures in Chemistry now so that I do not have to study quite as hard as I did before I went home.\u00a0 And we also have writing schools or take lessons of about half or three quarters of an hour long daily.\u00a0 The rest goes along in about the same old track as it did before I went home.\u00a0 We have our food provided for us at the boring house as usual but of all the butter that was ever made I think this must be the poorest.\u00a0 The next day after we got down here we had some butter of which I eat one mouthful at a meal which was quite sufficient for me.\u00a0 Such frowy [frowzy] butter as that Phila you never tasted of and I hope you never may for I veryly believe it was some that Noah’s wife put up and had left over after the Ark rested on Mount Ararat.\u00a0 We had it on the table 3 or 4 meals and all began to grow uneasy and Kingsley made a motion that we use it for boot grease.\u00a0 After supper that night the teachers staid and probably gave word not to have it set on as we had no more of it.\u00a0 Then we had good butter for a day or two when I we had salt mixed with a little butter and buttermilk but not enough to hurt it much and tonight we had butter that was not quite as frowy as that last week probably made in the time of the revolution.\u00a0 So you see I have not eaten much butter of late and shall eat my bread butterless rather than eat such butter.<\/p>\n

Well about what I am to do this winter I should like to have Father get me a school if he can but I suppose that the schools are all taken up before this time.\u00a0 If not I wish he would try and if I do not not get a school this winter I suppose that Father is intending I shall go to school.\u00a0 If not I would like to have you inform him that such are my intentions.<\/p>\n

I was exceedingly glad to see Martha tonight.\u00a0 Dexter and I had got started to go down to Mr. Shoals and met her with Diana and Lucretia Shoals coming up here.\u00a0 Some how Martha seems like our folks than Diana does or any of Aunt Rhoda’s folks do.<\/p>\n

I was very glad also to get that letter and I wish you would give my respects to Harriet and thank her for filling out that letter after you had got through.\u00a0 But I suppose she has family cares to attend to that she has no time to write the days she has got her carpet out.\u00a0 Tell her to cut it big enough so that she will not have to work so hard to get it down as Martin and I did to get one down on Friday before the ever memorable 9 of June and tell her to get it down and I am of opinion that I shall be there in three weeks to tread upon it.<\/p>\n

Is A. N. Smith going to teach our district school this winter?\u00a0 Who is going to the Meadow School and Plumtree School?\u00a0 I wish you would write and tell me all the news not forgetting the sick hog and Francis or any other folks in which I am interested and give my best respects to Grandmother and Aunt Lucy and tell her we had a rainy day when the moon was in the right place proving to all minds or at least I think it does that we are liable to have rainy days when the moon is in certain parts of the heavens (be sure if it is cloudy).\u00a0 I must now close.\u00a0 Give my respects to all inquiring friends and to Uncle Moses whether they inquire or not and if they inquire give them a double portion.\u00a0 Remember me to Francis and ask him how much 5 dollars less 62\u00bd cts<\/span> is and remember me to your brother.<\/p>\n

A. Montague<\/p>\n

We welcome your comments and questions!\u00a0 Please use the reply form below.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Among the Archives’ collection of student letters are three by Albert Montague, class of 1843.\u00a0 Albert was born in the village of Sunderland, Mass., in 1822, to a large and reasonably prosperous farming family.\u00a0 Having attended the Amherst Academy, Albert enrolled in newly-founded Williston Seminary at the start of its second academic year, in September … Continue reading Not homesick in the least . . .<\/span> →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_s2mail":"yes","footnotes":""},"categories":[96,453,25],"tags":[238,241,240,239,242,243],"class_list":["post-2046","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-student-letters","category-student-life","category-williston-seminary","tag-albert-montague","tag-david-m-kimball","tag-luther-wright","tag-phila-montague-darling","tag-richard-salter-storrs","tag-william-d-clapp"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2046"}],"version-history":[{"count":34,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2627,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2046\/revisions\/2627"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2046"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2046"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/willistonblogs.com\/archives\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2046"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}