Vigo County Historical Society

Postcard display recalls The Old Seminary

From the beginning, the State of Indiana was interested in educating its young citizens and passed legislation that provided for the establishment of schools.

Even though it was public education, students were charged tuition. Only those who could afford it were able to attend school.

Students entered district school, then graduated to seminary and then on to university. Today, we use the terms grade school, middle school and high school for the same time in school.

The Old Seminary, also known as Vigo County Seminary and Terre Haute Seminary, was opened in the winter of 1847. It educated both boys and girls.

The front of the building had two entrances: one for the women’s department and one for the men’s department. By 1870, the Seminary had closed, was razed and the administration building for Indiana State Normal School was built on the same location.

The current ISU administration building is on the same site.

One of the Seminary’s most famous teachers was Benjamin Hayes. Some called him "Uncle Benny" and others called him "Old Benny." He was a dedicated teacher and was known for his unique style of discipline.

If a child had not completed his or her work on time or misbehaved, they were sent to Mrs. Hayes, who assigned tasks as punishment. Some might have to pick grapes, polish silver, wash windows, weed the garden or any other work she might need done.

Our historic treasure today is a postcard commemorating both the Old Seminary and Benjamin Hayes. In addition to the pictures of the school and Mr. Hayes, the following inscriptions are on it: "In the morning you will hear, The old cowbell on the bridle steer," and "Old Benny, Young Benny, Old Benny’s son; Old Benny grabbed a switch, Young Benny run." Also the words: "Compliments of George H. Hebb, Terre Haute, Ind."

These inscriptions lead some to believe that it might have been printed for one of the school’s reunions that took place after the turn of the century.

This and other postcards can be found in a display case on the second floor hall of the museum and is a part of the "Celebrate the Century" exhibit.

The Historical Museum of the Wabash Valley, 1411 S. Sixth St., is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.