MONROVIA YOUNG LADIES COLLEGE

In May 1889 Mr. E.F. Spence began the promotion of a seminaryor college for young ladies who wished to carry their educationbeyond the local high school level. His idea was to buy the W.N.Monroe place and convert it into a school of a very high order.He immediately pledged $5000 for the project and another gentle-man (probably Judge Bicknell) also pledged $1000. It was pro-posed to obtain the services of one of the leading educators ofsouthern California to take control of the institution.

In July Mr. Spence invited a committee consisting of Rev. Dr.Bovard, President of the University of Southern California; Dr.J.P. Widney, Judge R.M. Widney, Rev. A.M. Huff, Rev. P.H. Bodkin,editor of the Christian Advocate, Rev.Dr. Bresee, of Pasadena,George D. Whitcomb, of Glendora, and Rev. T.E. Robinson of Mon-rovia, to come to Monrovia and look over the Monroe property.The committee members came and were impressed with what they sawand at a meeting afterward in Mr. Spence's home it was agreed thatthe Monroe place, .consisting of ten acres of land and the finefourteen room house would be given to the directors of the Univ-ersity, provided they establish a branch here. The propositionwas accepted.

All necessary arrangements were carried forward and the dateof January~8,1890 was set for opening the Monrovia Young LadiesSeminary. Dr. Bovard said Miss Abbott, a lady of extended exper-ience, would be the acting principal; Mrs. James A. Foshay, ofMonrovia would have charge of the art department and other teach-ers would soon be appointed.

The opening ceremony for the school was an auspicious occasionfo11owe..d-::pysa::_1:un:c.he:Q.n2..at-::theS~flS'mee:_h:o_me.

In March 1890 the Prospectus for the college was publishedoutlining plans f?r the ensuing year,and 'announcing tr:risfaculty;

Rev. M.M. Boyard, A~M., D.D .. P~esident of the Univereityof Southern C_alifornia, Professor of Mental and Moral Science.

Miss M.E. Abbott, A.M. Principal, Professor of EnglishLanguage and Literature and Modern Languages.Miss M.L. Bennett, A.B. Professor of Mathematics and Latin

Miss Leila Breed, Instructor of Vocal Music ..

Mrs. James A. Foshay, Instructor of Pairtting and Drawing.

In June Mr. and Mrs. Spence and Dr. and Mrs M.M. Bovard issuedinvitations for the Annual Reception of the University of SouthernCalifornia to be given at "College Place" Monrovia, on Friday,June 27,1890 at 4 p.m. A special train over the Rapid Transit Rail-way, leaving Los Angeles at 3 p.m. and returning will leave Mon-rovia at 9 p.m. This affair was to celebrate the tenth anniversaryof the University of Southern California. A "good time was had byall" topped by a serenade by the Monrovia City Band before depart-ure for home.

Plans were made in August to enlarge the Monroe home by addingsixteen rooms on the east side. The expense of this addition wasunderwritten by E.F. Spence.

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In September the Monrovia Messenger announced that "An exceed-ingly neat pamphlet has just been issued--a catalogue and an an-nouncement for 1890-91. Besides giving the faculty, the course ofstudy, expenses, etc. it contains three handsome photogravures,the first of the original college building, the second a portionof the lawn and driveway, showing a couple of magnificent liveoak trees which adorn the grounds and shade the lawns and theorange orchard of C.O. Monroe adjoining. The third is a pictureof the falls in Saw Pit canyon. The following is the faculty:

Mrs. Henrietta Bancroft, A.M. Professor of Modern Languagesand English Literature and History.Miss M.E. Bennett, A.M. Professor of Classical Languages andMathematics.Miss May E. Curran, B.S. Professor of Natural Sciences andEnglish Studies.Mrs. James A. Foshay, Instructor in Painting and Drawing.

Miss Marie Cobb, Instructor in Instrumental Music and Harmony.

Miss Grace E. Whittemore, Instructor in Vocal Music and Violin."

On October 8, 1890 the new term began with increased attendanceand in December the teachers and pupils of the college gave aChristmas musicale. Despite a disagreeable rainy afternoon a largeaudience was present and enjoyed the program:

Tannhauser March SpindlerMiss Minnie Monroe

Song AfterwardsMiss Edna Bicknell

Les ArpeegesMiss Gertie Vaughn

Recitation GinevraMiss Helen M. Bennett

Duet Spanish DancesMisses Bicknell & Cobb

Song Le PrintempsMiss Grace Whittemore

La Dermere PenseeMiss Dora Whitcomb

PolonaiseMiss Marie L. Cobb

Unfortunately, after a brave start and with expenses largelyunderwritten by Messrs. Spence and Bicknell, the times were notpropitious for an enterprise of this kind and the institutionclosed after about one year's operation.

Mullen

C.Meyer

S. Coolidge

Moscowski

Gounod

Weber-Camer

Chopin

T.M. HotchkissSeptember 15, 1984.

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