Lydia Fowler Wadleigh
| Lydia Fowler Wadleigh | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
February 8, 1817 Sutton, New Hampshire, US |
| Died | October 27, 1888 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Educator |
| Known for | Principal of the first public high school for girls in New York City |
Lydia Fowler Wadleigh (February 8, 1817 – October 27, 1888) was an American educator, principal of the first public high school for girls in New York City, and "lady superintendent" of the precursor to Hunter College.
Lydia Fowler Wadleigh was born in Sutton, New Hampshire, daughter of Benjamin and Polly Marsden Wadleigh. Her father was a county judge. Her cousin was US Senator Bainbridge Wadleigh. She attended New Hampton Literary and Scientific Institution, graduating in 1841.
Miss Wadleigh remained in New Hampton teach Latin and Greek at her alma mater, and stayed for four years. She also taught at schools elsewhere in New Hampshire, and further from home in Freehold, New Jersey.
In 1855, she was hired as principal at New York City's first public high school for girls, located on 12th Street in Greenwich Village, in part because she was well-qualified to teach Latin. She was known to spend her own money on books and supplies for the school, and even bought and prepared the first diplomas, presented in 1859. From early days, the school was known informally as "Miss Wadleigh's school," and became a popular stop for prominent visitors such as Henry Ward Beecher and Susan B. Anthony. Among the school's alumnae from Wadleigh's era was medical pioneer Mary Putnam Jacobi. During the American Civil War, Wadleigh organized students to sew a flannel flag for display, to sing patriotic songs, and to knit stockings and roll bandages for Union Army troops.
When the Normal School was founded in 1870, Miss Wadleigh agreed to be its first superintendent. She was also appointed Professor of Ethics at the Normal School. Wadleigh was, again, generous with her time and resources on behalf of the students, helping with tuition or clothing or even shoes when the young women were unable to afford such basics. Wadleigh's Normal School was eventually developed into Hunter College.
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