of New York, came to Oregon City to teach in the Female Seminary.
The first term of the school was announced to begin May 19, 1851, with[1] "teachers of high and varied accomplishment and long experience, ... who will devote themselves to the pupils committed to their charge." The term was for eleven weeks. The school was divided into three departments with the following tuition charges per term: Primary, six dollars; higher English, eight dollars; and language, music and ornamental branches, ten dollars. The announcement further states that "a large and convenient Seminary building has been erected, and measures taken to secure all necessary books and apparatus for the school." The school was claimed to possess several important advantages, viz., "a well deserved celebrity for healthfulness, being free from intermittent fevers common to river towns,... and easy access by steamboats." Harvey Clark was secretary.
Although the seminary apparently flourished outwardly during the first year, the financial debt was heavy and the teachers were not altogether satisfied, for in 1852 one of the ladies opened a home school of her own. To offset this difficulty, Mr. Atkinson was sent east for a ten-month period to secure teachers and funds for the school. Here he secured[2] teachers and a small library for the seminary.
During the years of 1853 to 1855, the school prospered materially and reached a high standard under the direction of Professor E. D. Shattuck, "aided by competent assistants." Professor Shattuck was hired for a term of five years and it was at that time the purpose of the trustees to "make[3] the school permanent and to provide facilities for as thorough and systematic education as can be obtained in the Atlantic states." The school was divided into three departments: the primary department, the preparatory department, and the regular course of three years.
In 1855[4] Professor Shattuck left Oregon City to take charge
