Education in early Liverpool

The alley or third storey was reached by a ladder from the second floor, which provided lots of room for games. There, the daughters of members of all churches were taught dancing and card playing. Music was furnished by the girls who could whistle tunes.

The records of the Academy from 1886 to 1897, when Liverpool Town was incorporated, are still in existence. In 1898, the Academy burned to the ground, and in the summer of that year was re-built and named the "Old Academy.''

The Gorhams transferred the bell that topped the building of the Gorham School to the Academy, where it rang for more than 60 years to summon the students of the day.

Miss Janet Mullins led all other teachers of her era and was considered a genius, excelling in history, preparation, and for guiding the careers of many Liverpool citizens. Miss Mullins wrote "Some Liverpool Chronicles,” which was printed and published by The Liverpool Advance in 1941. The book chronicles the history of Liverpool from early times and is a very interesting read. In later years the original publication was re-printed in soft cover by pharmacist C.D. Hemeon and Son.

Mrs. Catherine A. Andrews, daughter of John Randal, married two brothers, John and Charles Andrews. She taught a private school in her own home for about 30 years. She began her school in her home, which is now occupied by the Raddall brothers, dentists, on Main Street, beginning in 1825.

Robert J. Long, Liverpool historian, remembered that Mrs. Andrews spent her first day in her school making pot hooks (writing) and sewing patchment bags. Hours were long, benches with no cushions were hard, but her classes received a good foundation reading aloud and writing on bits of parchment. Mrs. Andrews died in 1879, age 76. A monument is erected in her memory in the yard at Trinity Church to record with affection her faithful 50 years as a teacher.