The handwritten diary of Mary Jane Sergeant (Larison) contains a series of journal entries from 1855-1856 describing her experiences and studies while attending the New Jersey State Normal School in Trenton, New Jersey. The diary encompasses the first term of the Normal School and provides a glimpse into the earliest days of its opening years, highlighting the variety of subjects studied including Latin, arithmetic, climatology and cartography and reflecting theory and practice in teachers' colleges in the mid-19th century. Some entries in the latter half of the diary appear out of chronological order. The diary makes mention of the laying of the cornerstone of the first permanent building at the Normal School, the first Principal Willian Phelps, as well as several instructional texts for teachers' education of the period.
Larison, Mary Jane Sergeant, 1837-1917A letter by William H. Phelps, first Normal School Principal, to the Judges of the New Jersey Court of Errors and Appeals, inviting them to examine programs of the institution. Phelps includes a list of events to occur. The letterhead features a printed image of the Normal School main building. This letter was a gift of Charles S. Aitkins, 1935.
Transcription:
[letterhead with lithograph of the Normal School building in Trenton, captioned “New Jersey State Normal School”]
Trenton, June 18th, 1857
To the Honorable the Judges of the Court of Errors and Appeals:
I am directed by the Board of Trustees of the State Normal School to extend to your Honorable Body a cordial invitation to attend the Examination of the Institution now in progress and to conclude this day.
The order of the day is as follows:
Examination of classes from the Model School until 12 o’clock noon.
Review and rehearsal by the Divisions in Local Music
An address by Prof. J. C. Moffat of the College of New Jersey [Princeton University], and select performances of the Glee Class, including the grand chorus from Handel’s Messiah.
Hoping that the engagements of your Honorable Body will permit you to accept this invitation.
I remain [great] respect
Your obedient Sevt.
Wm. Phelps, Principal
Blank Commencement invitation and envelope from New Jersey State Normal School, undated but similar to those printed c. 1869.
New Jersey State Normal School (Trenton, N.J.)Normal School Commencement invitation from Lucy Vail, June 1869
The photograph shows students and faculty sitting on steps in front of a closed doors. Several people are leaning on columns in front of the doorway. Several students are holding bows and arrows. Others are holding other objects such as books, umbrellas, and croquet mallets. There are croquet mallets on the ground in front of the group.
New Jersey State Normal School (Trenton, N.J.)Commencement speech "I Have Wandered in my Dreams,” by unknown, however the 1870 "Annual Report" lists Mary F. Chadwick and Rosalie A. Collins for presenting "honorary essays," and Katie L. Wilson was valedictorian.
Gift of Mrs. Ralph Prall.
1875 New Jersey State Normal School Commencement program.
Clipping about 1875 Normal and Model School Commencements.
1876 Commencement program
Clipping about 1876 Commencements