Raynors HCA 2016-10
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/21/2016
Printed Letter Signed "Mary A. Blanchard, Sec'y." in type, 1 page, 7.75" x 9.85". Integral leaf addressed in unknown hand to "Alvin Wales / Massillan / Stark Co. / Ohio," postmarked Cincinnati, April 9 [1845]. Light toned spot on letter from show through. Fine condition. Headed "Circular of the Ohio Ladies' Education Society." In part, "…The increasing colored population of this State, deprived of the benefits of the system of Common Schools, and oppressed and opposed by their enemies; taxed to educate poor white children when they have any property, and when they have not, often unable to furnish means for their own education; coming, as many of them do, houseless, naked and ignorant, from slavery - their imploring cry to us is, 'come over and help us!' Without aid from abroad, your Committee cannot respond satisfactorily to these urgent calls. We desire at this time not only to assist destitute settlements in procuring and compensating teachers, but to have it in our power to aid a large and interesting class of colored youth, who are thirsting for knowledge, but cannot obtain the means necessary to give a finished education. "There is now established in this city (where, above all other points in our country, such an institution was called for, having a large resident colored population, and being so convenient to pupils from the Southern States, an institution such as your Committee have long earnestly desired, and although one year has not yet elapsed since it commenced operations, it already numbers one hundred and fifty pupils, and is still rapidly increasing, so that the rooms at present fitted up are too 'strait' for them, and a new building is about to be erected. Rev'd H. S. Gilmore (the Principal) has shown great and disinterested zeal in establishing it, and using endeavors to make it all that such an institution should be. He is aided in his duties by competent male and female teachers. The number of pupils, we have reason to believe, would be very greatly increased were your Committee able, through your well bestowed bounty, to render some assistance to the indigent who are worthy of aid, and very desirous to attend, but who have not the means of paying their tuition… "Disenthralled millions will soon be demanding instructors - we have youth, talent, institutions, all, every thing save the pecuniary means, to raise up a mighty host of educated men and women to go as messengers of light and love to the benighted, now held in cruel bonds, - when their shackles fall, and they stand up men confessed in the image of God. We desire to raise, to apply here and in different parts of the State, three or four thousand dollars for this cause this year…" The Cincinnati High School, a black high school, was established in Cincinnati in 1844 by Hiram S. Gilmore (1819-1849), a wealthy young British clergyman. As principal, Rev. Gilmore offered his students courses in English, Greek, Latin, art, and music.
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