Constitution of the Female Society for Instructing Poor Children.
Girls In The Classroom
Under The Auspices Of A “Presidentress”
[Education]. Constitution of the Female Society for Instructing Poor Children. Hagers-town, [MD]: Printed by William D. Bell, 1815.
Slim 18mo.; wrappers; sewn; disbound; two-inch closed tear along horizontal crease to cover. In a specially made cloth slipcase.
First edition of the Constitution for this society which provided schooling and supplies—books, stationery, and, when necessary, clothing—to indigent children for the purpose of gaining for them “usefulness and respectability in life.” The boys and girls aged 5-12 were taught reading, writing, and elementary arithmetic, with additional classes in knitting and plain sewing for the girls, and instruction in the fundamentals of Christianity once a week for all. According to the Constitution, the Society’s membership, exclusively limited to women, would be led by nine “managers,” including a “presidentress.” Though both “married and young ladies” were eligible for membership, all the managers in this inaugural year were listed as “Miss.” The founding of this early educational society run by women with an eye to the needs of females of all ages predates by five full years Emma Willard’s plea for state aid to improve the education of women in her Address to the Public and Legislature. Not in Imprints Survey. Rare and essential.
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