Miss Dana's School for Young Ladies

Miss Dana's School for Young Ladies was a private boarding and finishing school active from 1877 to 1912 - from the late Gilded Age to the Progressive Era. It was founded in 1860 as the Morris Female Institute. Its location was in Morristown, New Jersey at 163 South Street, near Madison Avenue.[1][2][3]

Miss Dana's School for Young Ladies
1907 postcard illustration.
Address
163 South Street

Morristown
,
New Jersey
,
Morris County

United States of America
Information
Former nameMorris Female Institute
Established1860
Closed1913

In 1877, it was leased and renamed by Miss E. Elizabeth Dana, daughter of famed author, jurist, and progressive politician Robert Henry Dana, Jr., of Cambridge, MA.

Historian John W. Rae described it as "the most progressive school in Morristown at the turn of the century" and claimed it was described as a "school ahead of its time."[1]

The first graduating class was in 1891, and the final class graduated in 1912.[1]

The school closed in 1913 following the death of Miss Dana.[1][2]

Curriculum

Miss Dana's curriculum was classical and collegiate. Subjects included the usual Bible study, reading, writing, history, and math; teachers also taught geometry, chemistry, astronomy, Latin, art, and even a form of philosophy, which was considered very progressive for women's education during the Gilded Age.[1][2][3]

An 1894 advertisement states: "Reopens Sept. 19th. Resident, native French and German teachers. Special advantages in Music and Art. Certificate admits to Smith, Wellesley, and the Baltimore College for Women. Terms for boarding pupils, $700."[4]

By 1908, boarding/tuition had increased to $900 per student. By then, the school also included a gymnasium and courses in "Expression" (i.e., public speaking).[5]

A school brochure describes their art studio as complete with clay, casts, models, and photographs to use as reference. Art instruction included life drawing and landscape art in crayons, watercolor, and oil paint. Field trips to the Metropolitan and other museums were included in the arts curriculum.[1]

Classes were limited to 15 students to maximize student potential.[2]

Miss Dana ensured that her students were not only exposed to current social and political topics, but discussions on these topics were held weekly. Her philosophy was "intellectual and moral."[1][2][3]

Because of the well-rounded education Miss Dana provided, her students were automatically accepted to Vassar College, with entrance requirements being waived.[2]

Rules

As with most finishing schools, the rules were strict. There was no smoking, no eating between meals, no candy, no evening dresses, and no low-neck dresses. Jewelry was to be kept at a minimum, outings required chaperones and parents had to send monthly allowances by check on time. There were little exceptions to these rules.[1][2]

Notable alumni

References
  1. Rae, John W. (2002). Morristown: A Military Headquarters of the American Revolution. Making of America series. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 76, 77. ISBN 978-0-7385-2400-9.
  2. "History of Miss Dana's School". The Morristown and Morris Township Library. Retrieved 11 April 2011.
  3. Williams, Joan M. (1996). Morristown: Images of America. Arcadia Publishing. pp. 95–97. ISBN 978-0-7385-5024-4.
  4. Holland, Josiah Gilbert; Gilder, Richard Watson (1894). The Century Illustrated Monthly Magazine. Century Company. p. 25.
  5. Harper's Magazine. Harper's Magazine Company. 1908.
  6. Roberts, Russell (1995). Discover the Hidden New Jersey. Rutgers University Press. p. 129. ISBN 978-0-8135-2252-4.
  7. "Caroline Foster · The Legacy of Women of Morris County · North Jersey History Center Online Exhibits". womc.omeka.net. Retrieved 2022-03-27.

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