- Belle Plain College
Belle Plain College , established in 1881, was a short lived college located in the now defunct town of Belle Plain, Texas Belle Plain , Texas . The college was established by the Northwest Conference of the Methodist Church. History John Day donated convert 10 acre m2 of land to the school, located in Belle Plain. In its beginnings local citizens donated generously to the institution. During its first year of existence, 1881 82, it operated in conjunction with the Belle Plain public school system. Franklin Wesley Chatfield served as Belle Plain College BPC president during most of its inaugural year. In the spring of 1882 the state awarded BPC a charter and Rev. J.T.L. Annis served as president of the college for the next two years. During his tenure enrollment increased to 122. Other presidents of BPC include John W. McIllhenny 1884 85 , C. M. Virdel 1885 87 , and I.M. Onins 1887 92 . ref name Belle Plain College http www.tshaonline.org handbook online articles BB kbb26.html Belle Plain College Handbook of Texas Online, University of Texas at Austin. ref Curriculum and campus From its inception the college boasted of its music program. By the end of the 1880s the school had fifteen pianos, a brass band, and an orchestra. Though the campus comprised two buildings by 1885 the entire school had been mortgaged to pay for classroom furnishings and instruments. The school s only funding came from the local school district, a fact which hastened its demise. ref name Belle Plain College Upon founding, the school had a girl s dormitory constructed. At the college s height over 300 people were enrolled and in 1885 a three story stone structure was built at the site. BPC had a military branch of its school in the small town of Belle Plain. The students there were required to wear blue and gray uniforms. ref http drewtimmons.net gallery view photo.php?set albumName album23&id belleplain0030 Plaque at site of Belle Plain College ref The end of Belle Plain College When the rail ... more details
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