Institutions

Maplewood Institute

A large tract of land, near Friends' meeting-house, at Concordville, was purchased by Professor Joseph Shortledge, who erected thereon a building fifty by eighty feet, three stories in height, especially designed for a seminary of learning. In the fall of 1862 he established a school, which was conducted successfully, both sexes being admitted as pupils. The academy was well patronized, and soon won its way in public favor. On April 6, 1870, it was chartered by an Act of Assembly, as the "Maplewood Institute," with collegiate privileges. Shortly after this date the building was enlarged by the addition of a wing to the rear, forty by eighty feet, affording facilities which were much needed. The institute at the present time has accommodations for eighty pupils, a well-selected library, and is also well supplied with chemical and philosophical apparatus.[bib]703[/bib]

Shortlidge's Academy

In 1874, Swithin C. Shortlidge's school for boys, which had been for some time in existence at West Chester, was removed to Media, and opened in the building which had been formerly known as the Haldeman House. This was enlarged and improved for its new use, and made an admirable home for the school. The school has since been carried on without interruption, except the regular vacations, when (in the longer ones occurring in summer] the house is occupied as a summer hotel. The building is four stories high, with a basement, and contains fifty-five lodging-rooms, a large dining-hall, ample study-rooms, and five class-rooms. A large and well-equipped gymnasium building has been built near the main structure.

The corps of instructors is composed as follows:

Ward Academy

In 1882, Benjamin F. Leggett erected on the road from Concord Station to Concordville a commodious building for educational purposes, and therein established the Ward Academy. Although an institution of recent date, it has been well attended, and gives promise of extended usefulness. It has grown rapidly in public approval, and is firmly established.[bib]703[/bib]