 The
Athenaeum Rectory was begun in 1835 as a home for Samuel Polk Walker,
a nephew of President James K. Polk. It had been designed by noted architect
Adolphus Heiman, and built by Maury County's master builder Nathan Vaught.
He never lived in the house, however, and upon its completion in 1837
it became the home of Rev. Franklin G. Smith and his family. The Moorish-Gothic
architectural design, along with its other stylized features, makes
it unique among Tennessee's antebellum homes.
The Columbia Athenaeum School for Young Ladies was
founded by the Smiths in 1852 and for over fifty years it enjoyed a
national reputation for its quality and breadth of curriculum, which
offered courses in mathematics, science, and business...studies
which were normally reserved only for young men. The school offered
students well-equipped departments in art, music, history, science,
and later on, a complete business and commercial department. The
library contained over 16,000 volumes and the department of natural
science held over 6,000 specimens, some of which remain and are on
display.
Today, The Athenaeum Rectory is owned by The
Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities and is
maintained and operated by the Maury County Chapter of the APTA as a
historic house museum. In an effort to continue the outstanding
heritage of the original school, two important education events are
still offered.
The 1861 Athenaeum Girls' School will be conducted during
the week of July 12  through
18 in 2008. Young ladies age 14-18 come from all over the country, dressed
in authentic 19th century costumes, and study the same courses in etiquette,
penmanship, art, music, dance, and the social graces. In addition, they
participate in side-saddle horsemanship, archery and other sports. The
week is highlighted on Friday evening with graduation ceremonies followed
by the formal ball to which they are escorted by members of the Jackson
Cadets, a local group of young men dedicated to the study of mid-19th
century history and customs.
During the month of May, on May 2nd and 3rd of 2008, a
condensed version of the school is offered to women of ages
19 and above. Also attired in 19th century costume, for two
days the ladies participate in the same kinds of activities
taught by the same qualified faculty as do the young women.
For more information on the 1861 Athenaeum Girls' School
and 1861 Ladies' Weekend, you may call (931) 381-4822, or send e-mail
to girlsschool@athenaeumrectory.com.
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