Booth Free School

The only Girl at School

I've mentioned before that my grandmother, Jessie May, was the only girl in the country school of Roxbury, Connecticut.  The fact that she had no girl her age with which to share secrets and friendship--books and school work were her closest friends.

However, she knew that once she finished 8th grade curriculum she would not be able to move on to high school.  There was none in Roxbury.  Jessie was devastated until a cousin from Danbury offered to let her stay with them while school was in session.  Reluctantly her parents agreed to the arrangement.

A Roxbury resident by the name of Booth stepped forward and agreed to finance a high school.  He had a rigid stipulation:  He forbid teaching from or reference to the Bible in the school.  His money paid for books and to hire a teacher.  Finding a location proved difficult.  Ironically the only building available and suitable was the Congregational Church.  So, while the Bible was banned from the classroom, school was held in the House of God.

The high school was called:  "Booth Free School".  Soon after opening the doors, Mr. Booth died.  The Bible was immediately added to the curriculum.

Jessie May was thrilled to be able to attend and live at home.  Her only regret was that her father, Bruce Ward, refused to allow her to take Latin, stating:  "It is not necessary for a young woman to fill her head with so much knowledge." 

Despite the limits her father placed on her education--I can testify that Jessie May Ward Garlock was not only a lady of refinement and grace--but her "head" was full of wisdom and knowledge.