Hamilton College (Kentucky) facts for kids
Hamilton College was a special school just for women in Lexington, Kentucky. It was open from 1869 to 1932. This private college became part of Transylvania University in 1903. It then worked as a junior college, which is a school offering the first two years of college. Hamilton College closed its doors during the Great Depression because fewer students could attend.
Contents
The College's Story
How Hamilton College Started
Hamilton College began in 1869. A banker named James M. Hocker founded it. At first, it was called the Hocker Female College. In 1878, the school received a large gift from William Hamilton. To honor his generosity, the college changed its name to Hamilton College.
Joining Transylvania University
In 1889, Transylvania University, which was then called Kentucky University, bought a share in Hamilton College. By 1903, Transylvania University took full control of Hamilton. Hamilton College then became Kentucky's first junior college specifically for women. It still had its own president and teachers, but it was connected to Transylvania.
By 1912, under the leadership of Dr. Richard Henry Crossfield, Jr., Transylvania University grew even more. It brought in other schools, like the College of the Bible. Transylvania also helped struggling private schools in Kentucky, such as Bourbon Female College.
Leaders of Hamilton College
Many important people served as president of Hamilton College. They helped guide the school through its history. Some of these leaders included:
- Robert Graham (the first president of Hocker Female College in 1869)
- Dr. John Thomas Patterson (he was president for 16 years, starting in 1876)
- Josiah Burnsides Skinner (served from 1848 to 1898)
- Barton Campbell Hagerman (president from 1898 to 1902)
- Luella W. St. Clair (she was president from 1903 to 1909)
- Dr. Hubert Gibson Shearin (served from 1909 to 1914)
- Ida Van Arsdell Thomson (president from 1914 to 1918)
- Errett W. McDiarmid (served in 1918)
- Thomas A. Hendricks
The College's Closing
Hamilton College closed in 1932. This happened during the Great Depression, a time when many people faced financial hardship. The number of students attending the college went down, making it hard to keep the school open.
The main building of Hamilton College was later used as a dormitory for women attending Transylvania University. This building was taken down in 1962. Today, the only building left from Hamilton College is the Graham Cottage Alumni House. It is used as a reception center for former students on the Transylvania campus. This building was originally built in 1863 for James M. Hocker. The college bought it in 1869 for Robert Graham, its first president.
Famous Former Students
Hamilton College had some very talented students who became famous.
- Maurine Dallas Watkins was a journalist and writer. She wrote the play Chicago in 1926. This play later became a very popular musical in 1975.
- Isabel Jewell was an actress. She appeared in several well-known movies. She played the seamstress in A Tale of Two Cities (1935). She also played Emmy Slattery in the classic film Gone with the Wind (1939).
