Granville Female College facts for kids

The Granville Female College was a school for young women in Granville, Ohio, in the United States. It first opened in 1827 as the Granville Academy. Later, in 1867, its name changed to Granville Female College. The school taught many subjects and aimed to give young women a good education. It closed its doors in 1898.

A Look Back: The College's Story

The school started in 1827. It was first called Granville Academy. People connected to the Presbyterian Church founded it. Their goal was to give young women a strong education. This education was based on Christian ideas.

In 1838, the academy moved to a new, lasting home. Then, in 1867, its name changed. It became the Granville Female College. At this time, the school also offered more classes.

By 1896, the college was very old. Its catalog said it was "the oldest school for the education of young women in the State." The college closed just two years later. Today, a famous building stands where the college once was. It's called the Granville Inn. It was built in 1923.

What Students Learned

Granville Female College had different parts for students. These were the Primary, Academic, and College Departments. Any young woman could attend classes. She did not have to plan to graduate.

The Primary Department was for younger children. They learned basic skills like reading and math. The Academic Department, or Academy, also taught younger students. Here, students learned how to study well. They also learned how to use their knowledge in real life.

The College was the only part that required a test to get in. Here, women studied many subjects. These included English, Math, Geography, History, and Science. Students could also join clubs. They could take music lessons, both singing and playing instruments. Art classes were also popular. Students could learn drawing, crayon art, landscape painting, and portrait painting. They even learned wax-work. The school would show off the students' art.

People Who Fought Against Slavery

Theodore Dwight Weld was an early abolitionist in Granville. Abolitionists were people who wanted to end slavery. In 1834, he gave talks at Granville Female College. His ideas were very new and strong for that time. Some people did not like what he said. They even threw eggs at him during his talks. His ideas also led to discussions about ending slavery. Another group, the American Colonization Society, came to Granville to talk about it too.

The Granville Riot of 1834

In 1834, there was a big event called the Granville Riot. This happened because of strong disagreements. People who wanted to end slavery and the American Colonization Society had different views. One day, female students from the college were walking home. They were with some men. A group of abolitionists, who had been drinking, met them. The women quickly ran to their boarding house. But the men started fighting. Many people were hurt, but no one died.

Important Trials at the College

Important trials also took place at Granville Female College. These trials decided if a runaway slave could be taken from Ohio. Ohio was a northern state where slavery was not allowed. The trials decided if they could be sent back to the South, where slavery was legal. Judge Samuel Bancroft made a key decision. He ruled that Ohio's laws for sending people back were against the constitution.

Famous Students

• Mary Hartwell Catherwood (graduated 1868)
• Lorinda Munson Bryant (graduated 1892)