Reporting on the progress for the East Alabama Masonic Female Institute in Talladega, in his annual “Report of the Committee on Education,” an autograph manuscript, signed by him in 1850, addressed to A. P. Pfister, Montgomery, Alabama, with a note requesting that he “please see that the above report is published free from typographical errors.”
4to. Five pages, approximately 1100 words, in part: “Your committee feel no ordinary gratification in announcing to the Grand Chapter, the speedy completion, and admirable arrangements of the East Alabama Masonic Female Institute, at Talladega. The brethren of Clinton Lodge, No. 38, aided by the liberality of brethren of sister Lodges, and many friends, who are not Masons, have erected a noble brick edifice, one hundred and two, by fifty two feet, with twenty seven large and airy rooms. This institution will go into operation, the first Monday, in February next [1851] with six professors, and teachers. Your committee congratulates these brethren, upon the success of their enterprise.” Wright also included a bit about the importance of universal education to civilization and reported on several other schools supported by the state Masons. The Talladega school was short-lived, being turned over to the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1855, in hopes that the church might succeed with its operation; that effort failed as well, and the building (with photos available online through the Historic American Building Survey) was sold to the state in 1860 to house the Alabama School for the Deaf.” Armand P. Pfister (1802-1857) owned a book and stationery business in Montgomery and was Grand Secretary to the Grand Lodge of Alabama.” Folded for mailing (one edge with a little wear). Very good. Item #66899
Price: $450.00