 The Sunday Gazetteer February 2, 1890 pg. 1 CHICKASAW FEMALE ACADEMY On Monday last, the new edifice erected at Bloomfield, I.T., was, after a minute and thorough inspection, formally received by Messrs. Col. Lem Reynolds and John Webb, of the school board, on behalf of the Chickasaw Nation. The spacious and commodious building is one of the finest structures of th is class ever erected in this part of the country. It is well ventilated, substantially built, and combines elegance with comfort and substantiability. Nothing is forgotten, everything properly arranged. Mr. D.H. Johnston, the affable and popular superintendent, is to be congratulated on the beautiful new home he and his school will occupy. The Chickasaw people deserve great credit for their liberal spirit and advanced ideas in regard to educational matters. Credit is due also to the architect, Mr. S.C. Dillery, and especially to the contractor, Dr. Jones. The Doctor has done finely by the Chickasaw Nation, and the Bloomfield Academy will be a lasting monument to the Doctor's fidelity to his friends. Quite a little party had gathered, Col. Sam Star, Judge I.M. Standifer, Mr. Hodges and Dr. Yeidel, graced the occasion with their presence. Many little speeches were made and toasts offered (dry toast, of course) eulogizing the Nation, committee, contractor, architect and everybody connected with the building. Dr. Yeidel gave the storm house a very critical examination. The Denison delegation left at a late hour, highly pleased with their trip. Col. Sam Star is now engaged writing a book, whose title page will bear the legend, "What I know about buggy riding."  "Bloomfield seminary: a school for the higher education of Chickasaw Indian girls" E.B. Hinshaw, Superintendent Robinson, Frank M., comp. Industrial Denison. [N.p.]: Means-Moore Co., 1901. Pg.43  In
the latter part of the 1890s a new building had been constructed to
house the school but by 1902 the demand for certificates to attend
Bloomfield Academy was so great that the building had become
insufficient to accommodate those who desired to gain their education at
the academy. In 1902 Hon. Holmes Colbert, trustee, secured an
appropriation from the legislature to have additional room added
so that the enrollment could be increased to 100 and to increase the
facilities to provide instruction in music; architect Leonard of
Denison was supervising the work. In the spring of 1902 work was
in progress to add an annex on the east end of the main building built
about five years earlier and would connect with the school building and
art room. The annex would provide a music room on the first floor
and sleeping apartments on the second floor. A double deck porch
was added along the front and single porches on the east and north.
A suite of rooms was provided on the east for the use of the
Superintendent. Dormer windows were placed in the roof and the
attic fixed up to be used as a trunk room, which was badly needed and
would be a great convenience for the staff and students. An
elevator would be used to reach the attic from the first floor while a
stairway would be used to reach the attic from the second floor.
All of the buildings were being newly painted. New pianos had been purchased from the factory for the new music room and an additional music teacher had been employed. A 400 barrel cistern was also being prepared. The buildings were to be completed and ready for occupancy by April 15 when Supt. P.S. Mosely and Hon. Holmes Colbert would issues certificates. (The Sunday Gazetteer, Sunday, April 13, 1902, pg.1) Bloomfield Academy History  Chickasaw Roots Native American Roots Schools Susan Hawkins © 2024 If you find any of Grayson County TXGenWeb links inoperable, please send me a message.  |