The Closing of the Priory School for Girls in 1882

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On Tuesday, October 31, 1882, one of Pelham's most beloved residents climbed aboard the steamship Alaska of the Guion Line and sailed for Europe, never to return to Pelham again.  Her name was Nanette Bolton.  She served for more than thirty years as headmistress of the Priory School for Girls founded in Bolton Priory in today's Pelham Manor in about 1845.

Nanette Bolton did not want to close her beloved school.  She did not want to leave Pelham.  She was forced to leave by her failing health due to a terrible fall in the Priory.  While on a stairway in the home, she slipped and fell against a carved newel post.  Badly injured, she never truly recovered.  Due to her failing health after her devastating injury, she closed the Priory School for Girls in 1881 and, on October 31, 1882, she departed for Europe and settled in Switzerland where she spent the last years of her life until her death in 1884.  

As I have noted before, Anne "Nanette" Bolton was the oldest child of Rev. Robert Bolton and his wife, Anne Jay Bolton, of the Priory in Pelham Manor.  She was a pious and intelligent woman who participated in the establishment of the Priory School for Girls and served for many years as its headmistress.  According to an account published in 1933: 

"Tradition has it that a friend of Mr. Bolton's, living in Savannah, Georgia, desired him to take his young daughter into his family in order that she might share in the home schooling given by Mr. Bolton to his eight daughters and five sons.  No decision was reached until one day, about 1845 or 1846, a carriage and pair drove up to the Priory and the gentleman, his daughter and her luggage were deposited before the door.  The die was cast and the first pupil of what was to become the unostentatious but famous Priory School had arrived." 

Source:  Lindsley, Emily Earle, The School for Girls at Pelham Priory, 9(4) THE QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 86, 86 (Oct. 1933). 

For the next several decades, the school welcomed some fifty or sixty students each year consisting of local girls as well as girls from throughout the country (many from southern states).  Classes were held in the mansion’s “Armory” – a large room in the center of the home decorated with suits of armor, swords, daggers and other such objects.  According to one account, students “sat at the head of a long, black oak table, made by the brothers Bolton, from wood which grew on the property.  The scholars occupied chairs arranged along the sides and across the lower end.”  Id., p. 87. 

By the mid-1850s, the Priory School for Girls was quite a success.  But, the Bolton Family suffered a tragedy with the death of one of their daughters, Abby. Abby’s death reportedly affected Robert and Anne Bolton profoundly and, shortly thereafter, they left for England where Robert Bolton died in 1857 followed by his wife two years later. Nanette Bolton took over the Priory School, assisted by one of her sisters, Adele, and managed it successfully for many years until closing the school in 1881.

There are suggestions that the Priory School for Girls was a tremendous success because it was one of the few such institutions for young women in its early years.  In its later years, the school had become one of many located throughout the country and, consequently, "the former glories of the Priory . . . gradually faded away" until the institution finally closed its doors.

Less than two weeks after Nanette Bolton sailed away for Europe in late October, 1882, local newspapers carried a story about the closure of the school, its history, and plans by the family to sell the Priory and its thirty-acre estate.  Like the Priory School, by that time the former glories of the estate likewise had "faded away."  As the story noted:

"The grounds connected with the Priory consist of about thirty acres of land much run down and neglected, sadly reflecting its former high state of cultivation.  The grounds are somewhat elevated and commanding a beautiful view of Long Island and the Sound, as far as the eye can reach.  What will be the future of this historic ground cannot be surmised.  It is for sale, and undoubtedly will ere long pass into the hands of the speculator, and if we mistake not the spacious hall of the crumbling edifice will yet re-echo to the voice of the Sheriff or modern auctioneer."

Though it took many more decades than thought at the time, the prescient newspaper story was correct.  Eventually most of the estate acreage was bought by real estate speculators who divided the land and erected hundreds of homes that now form the neighborhood in that region though the Priory remains and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

The Priory by William Rickerby Miller (1818-1893).

Watercolor on Paper, 1856, Showing the Terrace in Front

of the Home that Formed a "Promenade" as Noted in the

Article Quoted Below.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The Priory by William Rickerby Miller (1818-1893).

Watercolor on Paper, 1856, Showing Front Entrance with

"1838" Formed by Bricks Set Into the Stone Above the

Doorway.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

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Below is the text of the article published in 1881 that forms the basis for today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog.  It is followed by a citation and link to its source.

"Pelham Priory.
-----

The doors of this old and celebrated institution, known throughout this country and abroad as the 'Bolton Priory,' are, at last, forever closed to the public as a female seminary.  The history of this grand old institution of learning reaches back through the corridors of misty time for upwards of half a century.  Miss Nanette Bolton, at an advanced age in life, in broken and failing health, retires from the long and laborious cares as proprietress of the same, and sailed on the steamer Alaska of the Guion line for Europe on Tuesday last.

The 'Priory,' situated in the town of Pelham, within stone throw of the village line of New Rochelle, was opened by the Boltons as a Young Lady's seminary in the spring of 1838 [sic].  It soon, under successful management, took first rank, not only throughout the United States but in England, as one of the most reliable institutions of the kind connected with the Established church.  For upwards of thirty years success liberally crowned the efforts of watchful teachers and those in charge.  About this time other similar institutions sprang into existence throughout the country, and the former glories of the Priory, from that period to the present, have gradually faded away.  Many ladies of rank and wealth throughout this country, from both Northern and Southern States, can point to many pleasant and happy girlhood days passed under the roof of the old Priory, now only a landmark of the past.  The Priory originally was the private residence of Rev. Robert Bolton, a native of Savannah, Georgia, and a son of Robert Bolton, Esq., a merchant of that place.  History does no more than justice in speaking of the Rev. Robert Bolton, when it says the house, which is of stone, affords a good specimen of the old English style, and accords well with its romantic situation.  The building has two towers, affording splendid views, in which wood and water are beautifully blended.  The interior arrangements correspond with the style of the house and carry the mind back to the days of old.  There are family pictures by Etty, of the Royal Academy of England.  There is also an original portrait of Bunyan, formerly in the possession of the Rev. George Whitefield.  The library contains the original Italian edition of Pisanese, collected for Napoleon, bearing his initial, and surmounted by the imperial crown.  This extraordinary work on ancient and modern Rome consists of forty-two volumes royal quarto.  There is also a copy of Macklin's Bible, the largest ever printed, in six volumes royal quarto, a copy of Elliot's Indian Testament, said to be the first work written and published in the United States, printed at Cambridge, Massachusetts, A. D. 1661, by Samuel Green, the first printer in America.  When Elliot had finished this translation, he wrote in his diary:  'N. B. -- Prayer, faith and patience can perform wonders.'  Here is also a valuable cabinet of coins collected by the Rev. Bryan Hill, rector of Hodnet, Shropshire, England.  Among the most interesting are those of Alexander the Great, Caesar Augustus, and a series of Roman and ancient English.  Among the medals of the Popes is the celebrated one of Adrian the Sixth, upon the reverse of which is the idolatrous inscription 'Quem Creant Adorant,' (whom we create we adore.)  There is also a good collection of autographs, the oldest of which is that of Henry VII.  The signatures of Elizabeth, with her council, and of her successor, Queen Mary, are worthy of notice, as are also those of Oliver Cromwell and Richard Cromwell, presented by the late Oliver Cromwell, of Chestnut Park, England, who was the last direct male descendant of the Proctor.  We have also to notice in this collection an original of Addison's 'Spectator' and a letter of Pope's, a note of Cowper's, one of Chatterton, Lord Nelson, Napoleon, Sir Christopher Wren, Percy, the author of the ballads, 'Bishop Burnet,' 'Kosciusko,' etc.  Among the American autographs are those of William Penn and his sons, the proprietors of Pennsylvania, Francis Lovelace, Governor of New York in 1671, Jonathan Edwards, Increase and Cotton Mather, Washington, La Fayette, Franklin, Jefferson, Schuyler, Sterling, Arnold, and various other eminent characters.  The terrace in front of the house forms a fine promenade, and the gardens are laid out in the French and landscape style.  The grounds are ornamented with natural walks leading to various objects of interest, among which deserves to be noticed the 'rocking stone.'  This natural curiosity is a rock supposed to weight about twenty tons, so nicely poised that

'A strippling's arm can sway
A mass no host could move.'

A short distance from the house stands a neat Gothic church of stone.  This edifice was erected in 1843 and consecrated to the service of Almighty God by the name and style of Christ Church, Pelham, on the 15th of October, the same year.  The act of incorporation bears date the 25th of September, 1843, Richard Morris and Henry Grenzebach, wardens; Isaac Roosevelt, George F. Mills, John Jay Bolton, William Jay Bolton, Peter N. King, Jacob LeRoy, Cornelius Winter Bolton, and Robert Bolton, vestrymen.  The Rev. Robert Bolton was the first pastor, and the Rev. Charles Higby [sic; Higbee] the last and present incumbent.  The grounds connected with the Priory consist of about thirty acres of land much run down and neglected, sadly reflecting its former high state of cultivation.  The grounds are somewhat elevated and commanding a beautiful view of Long Island and the Sound, as far as the eye can reach.  What will be the future of this historic ground cannot be surmised.  It is for sale, and undoubtedly will ere long pass into the hands of the speculator, and if we mistake not the spacious hall of the crumbling edifice will yet re-echo to the voice of the Sheriff or modern auctioneer.

-- New Rochelle Pioneer."

Source:  Pelham Priory, The Port Chester Journal, Nov. 2, 1882, Vol. XIV, No. 728, p. 1, cols. 4-5.  

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I have written extensively about the Priory School for Girls, Nanette Bolton and other members of the Bolton Family, and the home the family built known as the Priory, Bolton Priory, and Pelham Priory.  See, e.g.:  

Mon., Jul. 18, 2016:  Obituaries of Two of the Bolton Daughters: Adele and Mary Bolton.

Fri., Apr. 01, 2016:  The Portrait of "Mrs. Bolton" Attributed to Thomas Gainsborough That Once Hung in The Priory of Pelham Manor.

Thu., Mar. 31, 2016:  Adele Bolton, a Founder of Grace Episcopal Church and Administrator of the Priory School for Girls.

Wed., Mar. 09, 2016:  The Passing of an Era: The Bolton Family Sells The Priory in 1883.

Wed., Mar. 02, 2016:  Daughter of Priory School for Girls Instructor Who Attended the School Details History of Historic Pelham Manor Institution.

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015:  Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Tue., Jun. 23, 2015:  Nanette Bolton of the Priory School for Girls in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Oct. 02, 2014:  Brief History of Grace Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1886.

Wed., Sep. 24, 2014:  Where Was the Bolton Family Cottage Where Stained Glass Windows Were Created?

Thu., Sep. 04, 2014:  The Closing of the Pelham Priory School for Girls in 1882 and the Departure of Head Mistress Nanette Bolton for Europe.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014:  Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Wed., May 14, 2014:  Noted American Novelist Margaret Deland Attended Bolton Priory School in Pelham Manor. 

Thu., Sep. 03, 2009:  Advertisement for the Pelham Priory School Published in 1881. 

Wed., Sep. 02, 2009:  The Bolton Family's Sale of Bolton Priory in 1883.

Thu., Aug. 13, 2009:  History of Bolton Priory Published in 1910.

Tue., Jan. 20, 2009:  An Account of the Rev. J. L. Ver Mehr Regarding His Brief Stint as an Instructor of French and Italian at Pelham Priory in 1843. 

Fri., Mar. 2, 2007:  A Brief Account by American Author Margaret Deland of Her Education at Pelham Priory in the 19th Century.

Thu., Dec. 14, 2006:  Items from Bolton Priory in the Collections of The Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture, The New-York Historical Society.

Thu., Nov. 16, 2006:  Robert Bolton, Jr.'s Inscription to His Father Inside Book He Authored That Was Published in 1855.

Fri., Jul. 28, 2006: Image of Bolton Priory in the Town of Pelham Published in an 1859 Treatise on Landscape Gardening.

Wed., Jul. 26, 2006:  A Brief Account of Visits to Bolton Priory in the Early 1880s.

Wed., July 5, 2006: Bricks Laid by Washington Irving and Ivy from Kenilworth Castle at the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., March 15, 2006: A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899

Wed., March 1, 2006: 1909 Real Estate Advertisement Showing Bolton Priory

Wed., Feb. 22, 2006: Doll Depicting Nanette Bolton in the Collection of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham

Wed., Dec. 7, 2005: The Sale and Subdivision of the Bolton Priory Estate in the 1950s

Tue., Nov. 29, 2005: An Early, Interesting Photograph of Bolton Priory in the Village of Pelham Manor

Wed., Sep. 21, 2005: The Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel Building at Christ Church in Pelham Manor

Tue., Aug. 23, 2005: Society Scandal: The "Strange" Story of Mrs. Adele Livingston Stevens Who Acquired the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., Jul. 13, 2005: 11 Priory Lane: The Rose Cottage

Fri., Jun. 10, 2005: Pelham's Most Magnificent Wedding Gift: The Bolton Priory

Tue., May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Thu., Apr. 7, 2005: Another Volume of William Jay Bolton's Sketches and Ruminations Located?

Mon., Apr. 4, 2005: Art and Poetry of William Jay Bolton of Bolton Priory in Pelham

See also Bell, Blake A., A Brief History of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No., 16, Apr. 16, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

I also have written about the history of Christ Church, an institution the history of which is integrally intertwined with that of the Priory, on numerous occasions.  Below are a few of the many articles on the topic.

Thu., Dec. 31, 2015:  Laying of the Cornerstone of the Parish House at Christ Church on June 10, 1928.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2015:  Charles Higbee, Eighth Rector of Christ Church in Pelham Manor, 1871-1893.

Tue., Oct. 27, 2015:  The Ghostly Gardener of Bolton Priory: A Pelham Apparition.

Tue., Oct. 20, 2015:  Address Delivered by Reverend Robert Bolton on April 28, 1843 at the Laying of the Foundation Stone of Christ Church.

Thu., Oct. 15, 2015:  The Creation of Christ Church and its Consecration on September 15, 1843.  

Tue., Sep. 29, 2015:  Christ Church's 80th Anniversary Sermon by Rev. J. McVickar Haight on November 18, 1923.

Fri., Nov. 21, 2014:  Another Advertisement for Fair Held in 1842 to Fund Construction of Christ Church.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014:  Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Fri., Dec. 25, 2009:  1906 Christmas Day Celebration at Christ Church in Pelham.

Fri., Aug. 14, 2009:  The Consecration of the Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel at Christ Church in Pelham Manor on April 28, 1887.  

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.

Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

Daughter of Priory School for Girls Instructor Who Attended the School Details History of Historic Pelham Manor Institution

Archive of the Historic Pelham Web Site.
Home Page of the Historic Pelham Blog.
Order a Copy of "Thomas Pell and the Legend of the Pell Treaty Oak."

For nearly forty years during the mid-19th century, one of the finest and most famous women's finishing schools operated in Pelham Manor.  Known as the "Priory School for Girls," the institution operated out of the Priory built by Rev. Robert Bolton and his family beginning in 1838.  The Priory, a private residence, still stands at 7 Priory Lane.  It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  

Although there is evidence that a few boys were permitted to attend the school as day pupils only, the Priory School for Girls was clearly a female academy.  Among the many noted American women who attended the Priory School for girls were American novelist Margaret Deland, American artist Rosina Emmett (later Rosina Emmett Sherwood), Eleanor Adams Stanton (later, Eleanor Adams Stanton Bush, daughter of Edwin Stanton, Secretary of War during the Administration of Abraham Lincoln), and many others.  

The headmistress of the school was Nanette Bolton.  Anne "Nanette" Bolton was the oldest child of Rev. Robert Bolton and his wife, Anne Jay Bolton, of the Priory in Pelham Manor.  She was a pious and intelligent woman who participated in the establishment of the Priory School for Girls in about 1845.  She served as its headmistress for about thirty-five years. 

During the mid-19th century, the school welcomed some fifty or sixty students each year consisting of local girls as well as girls from throughout the country (many from southern states) and, occasionally, a local boy (as a day pupil only). Classes were held in the mansion’s “Armory” – a large room in the center of the home decorated with suits of armor, swords, daggers and other such objects. According to one account, students “sat at the head of a long, black oak table, made by the brothers Bolton, from wood which grew on the property. The scholars occupied chairs arranged along the sides and across the lower end.”

By the mid-1850s, the Priory School for Girls was quite a success. But, the Bolton Family suffered a tragedy with the death of one of their daughters, Abby. Abby’s death reportedly affected Robert and Anne Bolton profoundly and, shortly thereafter, they left for England where Robert Bolton died in 1857 followed by his wife two years later. 

Nanette Bolton took over the Priory School, assisted by one of her sisters, Adele, and managed it successfully for many years until yet another tragic event. While on a stairway in the Priory, Nanette slipped and fell against a carved newel post, injuring herself. This was the “contributing cause that brought an end to the useful and self-sacrificing career of Nanette Bolton” and, in turn, the end of the Priory School for Girls.  After the accident, Nanette’s health declined.  She closed the school in 1881, left for England and then traveled to Switzerland where she died in 1884.

The Priory by William Rickarby Miller (1818-1893).

Watercolor on Paper, 1856.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

Today's posting to the Historic Pelham Blog transcribes an article that appeared in the local newspaper on December 1, 1933.  It was written by Emily Earle Lindsley whose father taught at the Priory School for Girls during which time she also attended the school.  The article was based on an article also written by Lindsley that appeared in The Quarterly Bulletin of the Westchester County Historical Society published in October 1933.  

Lindsley's article provides fascinating descriptions of how the students were taught, how the school was arranged, what the students' days were like, and what the instructors taught.  It further provides an important glimpse into the history of the Priory School for Girls when that institution, led by Nanette and Adele Bolton, was at its peak -- one of the finest of the nation's many schools for girls at the time.

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"The School for Girls at Bolton Priory
-----
By Emily Earle Lindsley

When Rev. Robert Bolton, father of the Westchester historian of that name, built his home in Pelham in 1838, he probably had not the faintest idea that the Priory, as it was named, was destined to become a school for young ladies.  A school so unique in many ways, so unusual in its atmosphere, surroundings, methods and ideals, that it left an indelible impression upon the thought and lives of all who were fortunate enough to come under its influence.

Tradition has it that a friend of Mr. Bolton's, living in Savannah, Georgia, desired him to take his young daughter into his family in order that she might share in the home schooling given by Mr. Bolton to his eight daughters and five sons.  No decision was reached until one day, about 1845 or 1846, a carriage and pair drove up to the Priory and the gentleman, his daughter and her luggage were deposited before the door.  The die was cast, and the first pupil of what was to become the unostentatious but famous Priory School had arrived.  With the exception of five or six children of friends living in the neighborhood, some fifty or sixty pupils made up the large school family, for it seemed more like that than an educational institution.  The oldest daughter, Miss Nanette Bolton, after her father's death in 1857, became the head of the house.  So young did she look, in spite of her varied responsibilities, that she was obliged to wear caps to give her a more dignified appearance, though she was never lacking in that quality.  Blue eyes and the clear, fresh complexion of an English girl, her attractive personality and splendid mind, made it a high privilege to be one of her girls.

My father, Rev. Charles E. Lindsley, D. D., of New Rochelle, had classes at the Priory, in Greek, Latin, and Biblical History, and that gave my sister, later Mrs. Frederick Haviland, and myself the opportunity of attending the school.  A daughter of my sister, Mrs. William H. Bonnette and Miss Julia Miller, who later married Charles Pryer of Pryer Manor, Larchmont were also pupils.  Others from outside, while I was there, were Rosina Emmett, the artist, her young brother Devereau, Miss Annie Hunter, now Mrs. Ellis of Pelham, and Louis and Grace DeLuze of the Schuyler family.

The Armory, a large room in the center of the house, was where my father and one or two others held their classes.  The sat at the head of a long, black oak table made by the brothers Bolton, from wood which grew on the property.  The scholars occupied chairs arranged along the sides and across the lower end.  A log fire burned in the large stone fire place, and there were deep niches at the side where one could sit and watch the blaze.  Stained glass windows, made by one of the sons of Mr. Bolton, filled the east end of the room.  Mounted suits of armor, the walls decorated with a variety of swords, daggers, spears and other warlike implements, carved high backed chairs from the time of Charles the First and many objects of artistic and historical interest, made a most unusual setting for recitations.

Here also, Miss Bolton had her class in history, after a method of her own, and it was one of the most interesting and inspiring sessions of the week.  A door from the Armory led into the Sanctum Sanctorum, Miss Bolton's study; and another, into the study room of the scholars, where lessons were prepared.  Miss Adele, the 'Aunt Delie' of the younger generation of the family, presided here.  Seated at a large table in the center of the room, before her lay a large square bulletin on which the various classes were scheduled, and these were called out as the time for them arrived.  Meanwhile, she kept an eye on her charges, though apparently engaged in sewing, writing or reading.  There were no desks but heavy oak tables were placed along the sides of the room at which groups of girls sat, studying from books which were tied to the backs of the tables by long strips of tape.  High glass cases filled with stuffed birds, shells and geological specimens lined the room.  The school was in session from nine until five, and no books were allowed to be taken from the room except by special permission.  

Living in New Rochelle, I walked to The Priory and back, two miles each way, every day including Saturday mornings, as also did my father and the other day pupils.  Each morning the boarders also took a constitutional.  The troupe walking two by two, attended by one of the resident teachers, came along the Pelham Road as far as Drake's Lane, now risen to the dignity of Drake Avenue.  I remember one morning as I was walking down, Dr. William C. Pryer, who attended occasional patients at the school, picked me up, and, glancing at the many footprints in the road, remarked that a drove of calves must have passed!

The Priory building at this time had three stories, though not at first.  The long hall on the second story was named 'Broadway,' and that on the third, 'Fifth Avenue.'  Quaint, meticulous Miss Allen, the housekeeper, occupied a room, the short entrance to which was known as 'Maiden Lane.'

The resident teachers were all women, but a group of professors came from New York for the various classes.  Mr. Brown taught the harp, and Miss Adele's beautiful harp, which was used for the lessons, is now in the possession of her niece, Miss Arabella Bolton of Pelham.  Prof. Mueller was the pianist, a doughty personage who brooked no mistakes.  M. Barst, the French teacher with a beard and black piercing eyes, sent a chill down the spine at the 'Composition De Memoirs,' as he held the tip of his pencil as a support to his long nose, and riveted his eyes upon the stammering pupil.  In the French Room, as in the other classes, we were grouped about one large table.

M. Frederick Rondel had charge of the Art Department.  A will lighted studio was furnished with everything necessary for work, and he was very popular.  Margaret Deland, the author, was one of students who worked there, and I well remember a bas-relief of two cranes she made in clay, which was afterwards cast in plaster.

The professors were driven down from the railroad station in New Rochelle in an ancient, swaying hack by an equally ancient colored driver named Wilson.  I often wondered how long this vehicle would bear up under the weight of so much learning, and one morning I caught up with a disconsolate driver, a hack poised on only two wheels, and an irate and gesticulating group of gentlemen who had to take the road on foot.

Leaving New Rochelle at eight in the morning, the two mile walk on cold, snowy winter days was quite a feat, and on arrival Miss Allen beckoned us into her retreat where a steaming hot glass of ginger tea was insisted upon.  I cannot say my gratitude was boundless but there was no denying the good intention!

The girls had various outdoor sports; archery, now again popular, was one, and in winter, fine coasting and skating.  St. Mary's Spring, covered by a small stone building, still standing, supplied the water for a charming little lake, down to which the joyous coasters made high speed.

Eleanor, the youngest daughter of Edwin Stanton, President Lincoln's Secretary of War, was a Priory scholar and a member of my father's classes.  Others came from many of the prominent families in Boston, Providence, the South and West.  From New York the names of Bliss, Agnew, Burrell, Rich, Kemble, Morris, swelled the long list.

The school was closed in 1881, owing to the failing health of its beloved head.  Miss Bolton left for England the following year.  After visiting members of her family living there, she went to Switzerland, where, in 1884, she passed on into the school of higher learning -- under the Master Teacher.  The influence of her life and accomplishments in character building, and that of her less known, but well loved sister, Adele, will ever remain with us, who were the 'Priory Girls.'

The sun goes down behind the hills,
The evening mists blot out the day,
But ever in our heart of hearts
Its happy memories stay."

Source:  Lindsley, Emily Earle, The School for Girls at Bolton Priory, The Pelham Sun, Dec. 1, 1933, Vol. 24, No. 37, p. 2, cols. 4-5.  This is a version of an article that Emily Earle Lindsley prepared for the October 1933 issue of The Quarterly Bulletin of the Westchester County Historical Society.  See Source: Lindsley, Emily Earle, The School for Girls at Pelham Priory, 9(4) THE QUARTERLY BULLETIN OF THE WESTCHESTER COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 86, 86 (Oct. 1933).

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I also have written extensively about members of the Bolton Family and the home they built known as the Priory, Bolton Priory, and Pelham Priory.  See, e.g.:  

Fri., Mar. 20, 2015:  Fire in 1932 Devastated the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor.

Tue., Jun. 23, 2015:  Nanette Bolton of the Priory School for Girls in Pelham Manor.

Thu., Oct. 02, 2014:  Brief History of Grace Church on City Island in the Town of Pelham Published in 1886.

Wed., Sep. 24, 2014:  Where Was the Bolton Family Cottage Where Stained Glass Windows Were Created?

Thu., Sep. 04, 2014:  The Closing of the Pelham Priory School for Girls in 1882 and the Departure of Head Mistress Nanette Bolton for Europe.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014:  Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Wed., May 14, 2014:  Noted American Novelist Margaret Deland Attended Bolton Priory School in Pelham Manor. 

Thu., Sep. 03, 2009:  Advertisement for the Pelham Priory School Published in 1881. 

Thu., Aug. 13, 2009:  History of Bolton Priory Published in 1910.

Tue., Jan. 20, 2009:  An Account of the Rev. J. L. Ver Mehr Regarding His Brief Stint as an Instructor of French and Italian at Pelham Priory in 1843. 

Fri., Mar. 2, 2007:  A Brief Account by American Author Margaret Deland of Her Education at Pelham Priory in the 19th Century.

Thu., Dec. 14, 2006:  Items from Bolton Priory in the Collections of The Henry Luce III Center for the Study of American Culture, The New-York Historical Society.

Thu., Nov. 16, 2006:  Robert Bolton, Jr.'s Inscription to His Father Inside Book He Authored That Was Published in 1855.

Fri., Jul. 28, 2006: Image of Bolton Priory in the Town of Pelham Published in an 1859 Treatise on Landscape Gardening.

Wed., Jul. 26, 2006:  A Brief Account of Visits to Bolton Priory in the Early 1880s.

Wed., July 5, 2006: Bricks Laid by Washington Irving and Ivy from Kenilworth Castle at the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., March 15, 2006: A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899

Wed., March 1, 2006: 1909 Real Estate Advertisement Showing Bolton Priory

Wed., Feb. 22, 2006: Doll Depicting Nanette Bolton in the Collection of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham

Wed., Dec. 7, 2005: The Sale and Subdivision of the Bolton Priory Estate in the 1950s

Tue., Nov. 29, 2005: An Early, Interesting Photograph of Bolton Priory in the Village of Pelham Manor

Wed., Sep. 21, 2005: The Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel Building at Christ Church in Pelham Manor

Tue., Aug. 23, 2005: Society Scandal: The "Strange" Story of Mrs. Adele Livingston Stevens Who Acquired the Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Wed., Jul. 13, 2005: 11 Priory Lane: The Rose Cottage

Fri., Jun. 10, 2005: Pelham's Most Magnificent Wedding Gift: The Bolton Priory

Tue., May 3, 2005: Colonel Frederick Hobbes Allen, An Owner of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor

Thu., Apr. 7, 2005: Another Volume of William Jay Bolton's Sketches and Ruminations Located?

Mon., Apr. 4, 2005: Art and Poetry of William Jay Bolton of Bolton Priory in Pelham

See also Bell, Blake A., A Brief History of Bolton Priory in Pelham Manor, The Pelham Weekly, Vol. XIII, No., 16, Apr. 16, 2004, p. 8, col. 2.

I also have written about the history of Christ Church, an institution the history of which is integrally intertwined with that of the Priory, on numerous occasions.  Below are a few of the many articles on the topic.

Thu., Dec. 31, 2015:  Laying of the Cornerstone of the Parish House at Christ Church on June 10, 1928.

Thu., Nov. 12, 2015:  Charles Higbee, Eighth Rector of Christ Church in Pelham Manor, 1871-1893.

Tue., Oct. 27, 2015:  The Ghostly Gardener of Bolton Priory: A Pelham Apparition.

Tue., Oct. 20, 2015:  Address Delivered by Reverend Robert Bolton on April 28, 1843 at the Laying of the Foundation Stone of Christ Church.

Thu., Oct. 15, 2015:  The Creation of Christ Church and its Consecration on September 15, 1843.  

Tue., Sep. 29, 2015:  Christ Church's 80th Anniversary Sermon by Rev. J. McVickar Haight on November 18, 1923.

Fri., Nov. 21, 2014:  Another Advertisement for Fair Held in 1842 to Fund Construction of Christ Church.

Fri., Aug. 29, 2014:  Announcement of Two-Day Fair in Pelham in 1842 to Raise Money to Build Christ Church.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926.

Fri., Dec. 25, 2009:  1906 Christmas Day Celebration at Christ Church in Pelham.

Fri., Aug. 14, 2009:  The Consecration of the Nanette Bolton Memorial Chapel at Christ Church in Pelham Manor on April 28, 1887.  

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The Laying of the Cornerstone of Pelhamville's Church of the Redeemer on June 21, 1892

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For many years a beautiful church building stood in the Village of North Pelham.  It was the Church of the Redeemer.  The church congregation laid the cornerstone for the structure on June 23, 1892.  It stood for many years on Second Avenue in today's Village of Pelham.

The church congregation later built what became its combined Parish Hall and Church located at 20 Fifth Avenue.  Today that structure is the Richard J. Daronco Town House that serves as the Town of Pelham's community center.

In 1969, the original Church of the Redeemer was vacant and suffered a terrible fire. Authorities made a decision to raze the structure.  Within a short time (1974), the Church of the Redeemer combined with Christ Church in the Village of Pelham Manor to create the Parish of Christ the Redeemer.  Three years later the Church deeded the Parish Hall and Church at 20 Fifth Avenue to the Town of Pelham for use as a community center.

1910 Post Card View of the Original Church of the Redeemer.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

The early history of the original Church of the Redeemer is quite fascinating. A simple ceremony celebrated the laying of the cornerstone for the Church of the Redeemer on June 23, 1892.  A group of clergy from throughout the region gathered at the site.  Mrs. Isaac C. Hill led a children's choir that performed appropriate songs.  The Rector, Cornelius Winter Bolton, read an extensive history of the small church and the cornerstone was laid.  The cornerstone had a Maltese cross and the date "1892" chiseled on its face.  Within the cornerstone, those gathered that day placed a copper box to serve as a time capsule.  That time capsule contained a number of items (listed in the article quoted below) including the day's newspapers, 1892 silver coins, church publications, and much more.  The time capsule also contained a copy of the history of the church prepared by Rev. Bolton and read at the time of the cornerstone laying.

It is fortunate that Reverend Cornelius Winter Bolton's entire history was published in a local newspaper two days later.  As one would expect, it sheds important light on the early history of the Church of the Redeemer. 

The cornerstone and the bell from the original Church of the Redeemer now stand as a monument in front of the Richard J. Daronco Town House on Fifth Avenue in Pelham.  The recovery of the cornerstone and the rediscovery of the forgotten time capsule within make for a fascinating story as well. 

Cornerstone and Bell from the Original Church

of the Redeemer.  Now Kept as a Monument in

Front of the Richard J. Daronco Town House on

Fifth Avenue in the Village of Pelham.  Photograph

by the Author, 2004.  NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

On December 18, 1969, a demolition crew worked to demolish the Church of the Redeemer.  According to papers in the collection of The Office of The Historian of The Town of Pelham, "as the steeple roof and large stone chimney fell . . . North Pelham Police Chief Adolph V. Rusillo stopped by."  Chief Rusillo asked whether anyone had thought to remove the cornerstone of the building so it could be kept by the congregation at the congregation's new location in the combined Parish Hall and Church at 20 Fifth Avenue.  To his surprise, no such arrangements had been made.

Chief Rusillo thoughtfully asked that the cornerstone be removed and saved.  As the stone was lifted, a heavy copper box appeared beneath -- an 1892 time capsule placed by the congregation 77 years earlier!  Within that time capsule were the items listed by Reverend Bolton when he delivered his remarks at the laying of that cornerstone.  (See below.)

Drawing of the Church of the Redeemer,

as it was Planned to be Built, Published

in 1892.  Source:  Corner Stone Laying --

THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN --

A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville -- HISTORY

OF THE PARISH, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon,

NY], Jun. 23, 1892, Vol. 1, No. 72, p. 2, cols. 2-4.

NOTE:  Click on Image to Enlarge.

*          *          *          *          *

"Corner Stone Laying
-----
THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN.
-----
A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville.
-----
HISTORY OF THE PARISH.
-----

Tuesday was a great day for Pelhamville, our thrifty neighbor to the east, especially among the parishioners of the Church of the Redeemer the corner stone of whose new edifice was laid with imposing ceremonies by the Rt. Rev. H. C. Potter, assisted by Arch-deacon F. B. Van Kleeck, assisted by the Revs. Charles Higbee, Pelham; Charles Smeck, Norwalk, Conn.; John Drissler, Gouverneur Cruger; Thomas Siel, of New York; John Bolton, Westchester, Pa.; William Samuel Coffey, Eastchester; Stephen F. Homes. Harry I. Bodley, of Mount Vernon.  The singing was in charge of Mrs. I. C. Hill, and was rendered by a chorus of children in a manner to elicit warm praise.

The history of the parish was prepared and read by the Rector, C. Winter Bolton, which appears in full in this connection.

The architect of the new edifice was Henry S. Rapelye, of this city; W. A. Thomas, of Rye, mason; builder, James Thompson, of Rose Bank, Staten Island; metal work, Richard V. Drake, Mount Vernon; slating, F. T. Rich; glass, Tyrolese Art Glass Company, of New York.

HISTORY.

This Parish was commenced in 1859-'60 by Miss Nanette Bolton, of Pelham Priory, who was asked to come over and hold a Sunday school by a resident of the place as they had no religious worship there.  The first service was held in the orchard under the trees.  Miss Bolton was assisted by the lady teachers residing with her.  Soon after this the Misses Schyuler [sic] were urged to join the mission party, and the work was committed into their hands.  A service was held by the Rev. John Bolton in the upper room of the R. R. depot.

After this the loft of a carpenter's shop was obtained which the people had to ascend by means of a ladder.

The classes from the first were well attended by adults and children.  At length the use of the school house was procured.  Here services were conducted by the Rev. Mr. Lyle, Rector of Christ Church, Pelham.  The building was unusually full.  This continued for two years.  Mr. Schuyler, Senior Warden of Christ Church, united with the Rector in trying to obtain a site and building for permanent worship.  They succeeded in buying the present lot on Fourth avenue, and also an old carpenters shop which was moved and placed on the lot.  Money was raised by subscription among friends to pay for it.  But the work was suddenly arrested by the death of Mr. Schuyler in 1865.  During the absence of Misses Schuylers Miss Bolton again assumed charge.

The Rev. Mr. Lyle resigned Christ Church, Pelham, to return to the mission in China, and the Rev. Mr. Harding was called to the Parish Church.  In 1869 the Misses Schuyler returned to work at the request of Miss Bolton who found that her duties at home required all her time. 

In 1870, on the resignation of Mr. Harding, the Rev. Mr. Higbee, present incumbent, was called to the parish.  He thought it would be to the interest of the mission to throw it on its own resources.  The services of a student from the General Theological Seminary were secured and Mr. Pentreath commenced as a Lay Reader.  In February, 1872, he called a meeting of the villagers for the purpose of organizing a parish, and it was Resolved, 'That they incorporate as a distinct church and parish to be known as The Church of the Redeemer, Pelhamville.'

The first wardens were Wm. H. Sparks and James Parish.  The vestry were Ed. A. Patterson, Jas. W. Roosevelt, Chas. Barker, Wm. H. Johnson, John Case, Frederick Wahl, Wm. H. Penfield and William H. Leonard.  The first vestry meeting was held on March 6th, 1872.  The church at Pelham then handed over to them the deed of the property.

Robt. W. Barnwell, another student, succeeded Mr. Pentreath.  The Rev. Dr. Coffey, rector of St. Paul's, Eastchester, kindly officiated when either of the sacraments were desired.  From 1872 to '80 the parish was served by students.  There was no visible growth in the place, rather a backward tendency, and it was a constant anxiety to all interests to sustain and provide for its support. 

At the expiration of 18 months Mr. Barnwell was ordained, and left.  The Rev. Mr. Howell, rector of Grace Church, City Island, was requested to take charge of the work in connection with his own.  This he did for a short time until he removed to New York City.

The neighboring clergy were then asked to look after the little parish and give an afternoon service.  This they kindly consented to do for some time.

Again it was thought wise to look once more to the seminary for a student, and Mr. Beavan took charge of the work.  He was followed by Mr. Nelligan, but in his health soon failed and he died in Bellevue Hospital, New York. 

Here a cloud arose and threatened the welfare of the parish for a few months.  During this period it was thought best to return the deed of the property to the rector, wardens and vestrymen of Christ Church, Pelham, to prevent its passing into the hands of another denomination.  On the return of spring the clouds began to disperse.  The Misses Schuyler and Miss Bolton again rallied to the rescue, and the services of the Rev. Mr. Lewis, of New York City, were secured.  This arrangement lasted for about a year, when he left for England.

I was strongly urged to take charge of the work, which I did on the first Sunday in November, 1880, and found an interesting male Bible class under the charge of Miss Fanny Schuyler, a female Bible class under Miss Bolton's care, while the smaller children were grouped in classes under different teachers.  There were 21 families and 18 communicants on the roll.   There was only a Sunday afternoon service.  The next Sunday we commenced a morning service as well as the afternoon.  The two services have been sustained ever since. 

The first thing to be done was to reorganize the parish without delay, and a request was made to the rector, wardens and vestry of Christ Church to return the deeds of the property which had been entrusted to their care.  This they kindly granted.

It was felt necessary that the rector should live among the people.  There being no house, it was proposed to build a parsonage.  In the fall of 1886 the rectory was completed and has been occupied ever since.

The lot on which the rectory stands was bought by the vestry, and Mrs. H. H. Seaver very generously gave the remaining three lots, on one of which the church is now being built.

We have at present 47 families belonging to the church, with 57 communicants and a Sunday school of over 50 children.

We would take this opportunity to thank the neighboring clergy for all their past favors; and Almighty God for His protecting care and many blessings.

THE CONTENTS OF THE BOX.

A Bible and Prayer Book.
Copy of the last General Convention.
Copy of the last Journal of the Diocese of New York.
Digest of the Canons.
Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of New York.  1888.
83d Report of the New York Bible and Common Prayer Book Society.  1891.
The Church Almanac for 1892.
Whittaker's Churchman's Almanac for 1892.
Copy of the New York Churchman, June 18, 1892.
Copy of The Parish Visitor for June, 1892.
A 'History of the Parish,' as read by the rector.
Silver coins for 1892.
Copy of the New York Tribune for Jun. 21, 1892.
Copy of the Mount Vernon Chronicle.
A list of the present church officers, Sunday School teachers and choir."


Source:  Corner Stone Laying -- THE CHURCH OF THE REDEEMER BEGUN -- A Pretty Edifice For Pelhamville -- HISTORY OF THE PARISH, The Daily Argus [Mount Vernon, NY], Jun. 23, 1892, Vol. 1, No. 72, p. 2, cols. 2-4. 

*          *          *          *           *

I have written about the Church of the Redeemer on a number of occasions. For examples, see: 

Fri., May 02, 2014:  Early History of the Church of the Redeemer in the Village of North Pelham.

Fri., Feb. 28, 2014:  Brief History of the Role Churches Played in the Growth of the Pelhams Published in 1926. 

Wed., Nov. 08, 2006:  The Time Capsule in the Cornerstone of the Church of the Redeemer in the Village of North Pelham. 

Wed., Mar. 15, 2006:  A Biography of Cornelius W. Bolton Published in 1899. 

Mon., Mar. 07, 2005:  What is That Bell Resting on a Stone Pedestal in Front of the Richard J. Daronco Townhouse at 20 Fifth Avenue?

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