Bakersfield in Franklin County, Vermont — The American Northeast (New England)
South Academy
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St. George Church and Bakersfield Historical Society
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2024
1. South Academy side of marker
South Academy
Bakersfield's role as a secondary educational center began in 1839 with the founding of the local Association for the Promotion of Education. Construction of the Greek Revival-style academy building on land leased from Capt. Elijah Barnes was funded by subscription. The school opened for its first term in September 1840. Owned by the Association and Methodist Chapel Society, Bakersfield Academy was chartered in 1845 as Bakersfield Academical Institute, known as South Academy. Enrollment peaked by 1850 with 13 instructors and 361 pupils under Principal Jacob Spaulding and his wife Mary Taylor Spaulding. preceptress. College preparatory curriculum focused on writing, geography, philosophy, chemistry, math, and languages.
St. George Church and Bakersfield Historical Society
In 1867 the congregation of St. George Catholic Church began buying sections of South Academy, owning it entirely by 1885. Renovations ca. 1906 for the new use included removal of the second floor and windows to create a sanctuary, division of the entry hall with rooms on each side, and application of Gothic Revival-style detailing. From 1924 to 1928 the church was closed; upon re-opening the Mass was celebrated every Sunday until the church finally closed and was deconsecrated in 1996. The Diocese
this page online
Erected 2022 by Vermont Division for Historic Preservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation Markers series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1840.
Location. 44° 46.908′ N, 72° 48.004′ W. Marker is in Bakersfield, Vermont, in Franklin County. It is on East Bakersfield Road (Vermont Route 108), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 80 E Bakersfield Rd, Enosburg Falls VT 05450, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Vermont’s Champlain Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in New England. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Peter Bent Brigham / Brigham Academy (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chester A. Arthur (approx. 4.8 miles away); George Washington Henderson (approx. 5.4 miles away); West Enosburg United Methodist Church (approx. 6.2 miles away); a different
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2024
2. St. George Church and Bakersfield Historical Society side of marker
Also see . . . St. George's Catholic Church (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the structure, which was listed in 2001. (Prepared by Sarah E. Wilcke, University of Vermont Historic Preservation; via National Park Service) (Submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 4, 2024
3. South Academy / St. George Church and Bakersfield Historical Society Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 137 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
