Gettysburg Academy Explained

Gettysburg Academy
Former Names:	Classical Preparatory School Gettysburg Gymnasium
Established:	Classical Preparatory School: Gettysburg Gymnasium: Gettysburg Academy:
Founder:	Samuel Simon Schmucker
Address:	66–68 West High Street
City:	Gettysburg
State:	PA
Country:	US
Zipcode:	17325
Coor:	39.8283°N -77.233°W
Campus:	Gettysburg College

Gettysburg Academy (also known as the Classical Preparatory School and the Gettysburg Gymnasium)^[1] was an antebellum boys' boarding school for which the vernacular architecture schoolhouse (now "Reuning Hall") was the "first home" of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Gettysburg College.^{[2] [3]}

The March 19, 1810 incorporation by the commonwealth appropriated $2,000,^{[4] [5]} and the academy opened in 1814 for the school year with Samuel Ramsay as the first teacher.^[6]

By 1822 the boarding school had three dormitories, libraries, and a gymnasium and beginning in 1826, the academy trustees allowed the Lutheran seminary to use the facility — D. Jacobs established a preparatory school in June 1827 (his brother was a mathematics professor).^{[7] [8]}

The facility was purchased at Sheriff's sale in 1829 by Samuel Simon Schmucker and designated the "Gettysburg Gymnasium".^{[5] [9]} The 1829 headmaster was Dr. Charles H. Huber, and 2 sons of Mexico's president-elect attended.^[10] The last graduation was in 1835.^[11]

When the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg began, the Reuning House was being used by Rebecca Eyster's Young Ladies Seminary, which acted as an American Civil War hospital for casualties during the battle. Eyster's "School Halls" were advertised for rent in 1877,^[12] the house was used as World War I officers' quarters, and Reuning House is now a private residence protected by a 1972 borough ordinance extending the historical district to include the building.^[13]

Notes and References

1. News: College Gets Old Manuscripts. 30 May 2016. Gettysburg Times. 25 January 1921.
2. Web site: Gettysburg Borough, Adams County Pennsylvania (PA) 17325. Living Places. The Gombach Group. 3 June 2016.
3. News: York's Convention. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Compiler. 50. 18 August 1896. 2.
4. Book: Beitel. Calvin G.. A Digest of Titles of Corporations Chartered by the Legislature of Pennsylvania, Between the Years 1700 and 1873 Inclusive: Giving the Dates of Acts of Incorporation, with the Several Supplements Thereto, with a Reference to the Pages of the Pamphlet Laws, where They May be Found. 1874. J. Cambbell & son. 5. 2. 3 June 2016. en.
5. News: 100 Years in Brief Outline. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Compiler. 7 March 1906. 4–5.
6. Web site: Christmas Decorations at the Gettysburg Academy Building Gettysburg Daily. Gettysburg Daily. 3 June 2016. 21 December 2008.
7. News: "Run Home as Quickly as You Can," 66-68 West High St.. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Times. 103. 30 June 2005. 20.
8. News: Local History - Theological Seminary and Pennsylvania College. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Compiler. 3. 21 September 1897. digital.
9. Book: Reily. John T.. History and Directory of the Boroughs of Gettysburg, Oxford, Littlestown, York Springs, Berwick, and East Berlin, Adams County, Pa: With Historical Collections. 1880. J.E. Wible. 13-14. 3 June 2016. en.
10. News: Sons of President-Elect of Mexico Students at Academy. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Compiler. 23 November 1929. 1. digital.
11. News: Last Graduation Held by Academy Friday Morning. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Compiler. 24. 8 June 1935. 1. digital.
12. News: July 5, 1877 . Gettysburg Female Seminary . Google news archive . Gettysburg Compiler . 2013-08-28 . The School Halls, corner of Washington and High streets, Gettysburg, so long occupied by Mrs. Eyster and others, as a FEMALE SEMINARY, are for Rent for school purposes. For particulars, inquire of MRS. EYSTER residing in the buildings..
13. News: List 38 More Properties in Historic Area. 3 June 2016. Gettysburg Times. 15 April 1972. 1.