The Virginia Female Institute, Stuart Hall 123 years ago:
This year is Stuart Hall's 179th year. Originally a school for a few girls in a small house, it has since evolved into the yellow brick buildings we attend today. We are made aware of the history of our school: the Stuart Hall ring and what it symbolizes, its history with the girl scouts, its aid in the war, and other such great developments. But, what of the mundane? What was Stuart hall on a daily level? Here, a lens into 1900 Stuart Hall is seen.
Four buildings, heated with steam and lit with gas, provided comfort for all the girls who attended what would later be referred to as ‘Stuart Hall.’ Constructed in the town of Staunton, Virginia with 10,000 inhabitants, electrical lights, and a long running railway, it was considered a pleasant location with seasonal weather in the valley. The brick buildings of the school had large rooms-- study rooms, recital rooms, and classrooms-- all with no outdoor pathways to protect the students from any weather which may affect their passage. Though, education, of course, has been the main priority, achieved with the newly built auditorium which also functioned as an assembly hall, the extensive library, and the many programs offered.
Stuart Hall has always been an artistic school, even before it was Stuart Hall. The Virginia Female Institute was equipped with a new organ in the three story music building and many music teachers, including a professional organist. All instruments were professionally tuned for the student’s ease in use. Thus, extensive musical practice, exams, and frequent recitals became part of a students musical curriculum. In grades one through two, one and a half hours of practice daily was required and for grades three through five, the required daily practice was raised to two hours.
Next, the 2D art program spanned over four years just as the musical program. The students would begin with the geometry of form in their first year, then move to further mediums in their second, studying shadow and drawing from models for their third, and, finally, design, illustration, and painting from models. Additional programs such as sketch classes and free hand drawing classes were offered to art students as well.
The vocals program formed in a similar development as the artistic one. Through the first year, students would learn to form a tone, manage breath, and read music. In the second, forms of singing such as vocalizes, the trill, and arpeggio were taught. Continuing these ideas in the third year, solfeggio and exercises of flexibility and agility were taught. The history and reading of musical ideas became more prominent here as well. In the fourth year, the study of opera and dramatic action became a primary part of the curriculum and more musical studies and history. As a graduation requirement, a recital before the faculty was required and, as an opportunity, listening to musical performances from local artists and lectures was something provided for vocal students.
The courses of study for students were split into two categories: the academic and the collegiate. The intention of the educational system was not only to educate the students, but also instill in them refined manners, right principles, and spiritual attainments. The academic course stretched over three years, teaching the students English, history, and mathematics, while the collegiate course was over four years and had an addition of Latin to the main subjects of study in the academic course, as well as having differing curricula for the individual subjects. Practical life skills, such as bookkeeping, demeanor, and giving the students access to advanced, electrical typewriters were other options given for furthering the student’s education.
As many current students at Stuart Hall know, the school used to use a far more defined dress code-- even in recent years. This was no different in 1900. During formal events, such as church, students were expected to wear a white pique, a sailor hat and, as an optional change for the winter, a black skirt suit. For everyday wear, plain, modest dresses were expected and one evening dress, preferably with a high neck and long sleeves, was another expectation for each student. Furthermore, dorm activities were also under more specificity. Visiting hours were four to six in the afternoon on Saturdays and a man would only be permitted to visit if he showed a letter from the parents of the student he wished to visit to the principal. Even then, was still subject to the principal's scrutiny as to whether he could enter.
Many students have seen black and white pictures of groups of girls taken in various parts of the campus, sometimes dressed in white dress, sometimes in a previous uniform, and some in sports uniforms, all framed and hanging on the walls or resting on a table. We know there used to be tennis courts on Strickler Field and the Arcade floor was not always gray and red. And, now, more of such aspects of Stuart Hall’s history can be known beyond shades of color on paper.
The daily schedule
Rising bell 6:30
Breakfast 7:30
Morning walk 8:15
School opens 8:45
Dinner 1:30
Afternoon walk 4:00
Supper 6:00
Evening service 6:30
Study 7 to 9:00
Room bell 9:30
Light bell 10:00
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Source: the Virginia Female Institute Catalog of the year 1900
Ingrid Anderson