Delaware Literary Institute
Encyclopedia
The Delaware Literary Institute was a secondary school
located at Franklin, New York
. In the mid-19th century it was one of the most prominent educational institutions in New York State. It operated from 1835 to 1902.
constructed to replace the Old Stone Hall that was destroyed by fire.
Enrollment declined after the American Civil War
and remained at about 225 through the next 30 years. Enrollment dropped in the 1890s due to competition from public schools. In 1902, Delaware Literary Institute succumbed to public and financial pressures and leased its buildings for use as a Union Free School. Chapel Hall and the New Stone Hall are the only remaining structures. Chapel Hall is used by the Franklin Stage Company, a local theatre company founded in 1996.
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
located at Franklin, New York
Franklin (village), New York
Franklin is a village in Delaware County of the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 402.The Village of Franklin is in the Town of Franklin.-Geography:Franklin is located at ....
. In the mid-19th century it was one of the most prominent educational institutions in New York State. It operated from 1835 to 1902.
History
The Delaware Literary Institute was chartered in 1835 as a "literary institution for the instruction and education of youth of both sexes," with a primary aim of educating ministers and missionary teachers. The first building opened in 1836 (Old Stone Hall) and enrollment was 45 male and 38 female students. In 1852, the student body stood at 409. In 1852, a large three story structure known as Ladies Boarding Hall was constructed. In 1855-1856, Chapel Hall was built and the New Stone HallNew Stone Hall
New Stone Hall is a historic school building located at Franklin in Delaware County, New York, United States. It was built in 1855-1856 and is a three story rectangular building, eight bays wide and three bays deep. It features a slate covered hipped roof and octagonal cupola...
constructed to replace the Old Stone Hall that was destroyed by fire.
Enrollment declined after the American Civil War
American Civil War
The American Civil War was a civil war fought in the United States of America. In response to the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States, 11 southern slave states declared their secession from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America ; the other 25...
and remained at about 225 through the next 30 years. Enrollment dropped in the 1890s due to competition from public schools. In 1902, Delaware Literary Institute succumbed to public and financial pressures and leased its buildings for use as a Union Free School. Chapel Hall and the New Stone Hall are the only remaining structures. Chapel Hall is used by the Franklin Stage Company, a local theatre company founded in 1996.
Prominent graduates
- Charles W. GilletCharles W. GilletCharles William Gillet was a U.S. Representative from New York.Born in Addison, New York, Gillet attended the public schools and the Delaware Literary Institute, Franklin, New York....
- Samuel F. Miller (US politician)Samuel F. Miller (US politician)Samuel Franklin Miller was a United States Representative from New York during the latter half of the American Civil War.Miller was born in Franklin, Delaware County, New York on 27 May 1827...
- Charles J. KnappCharles J. KnappCharles J. Knapp was a politician and a banker from Deposit, New York. He served in the New York State Assembly and in the United States House of Representatives. He was involved, and indicted, in the failure of the Binghamton Trust Company, the Knapp Bros. Bank, and the Outing Publishing...
- Ferris Jacobs, Jr.Ferris Jacobs, Jr.Ferris Jacobs, Jr. was a United States Representative from New York.-Biography:Born in Delhi, Delaware County, N.Y., attended Delaware Academy, Delhi, N.Y., and Delaware Literary Institute, Franklin, N.Y.; was graduated from Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts, in 1856; studied law; was...
- Washington Irving WarreyWashington Irving WarreyWashington Irving Warrey was an American pioneer settler and county official in Steele County in the U.S. state of North Dakota. He operated a hotel in Sherbrooke, North Dakota and served as county judge from 1894 to 1905.-Early life:Washington I. Warrey was born in Columbia County, New York,...