Former names |
|
|---|---|
| Active |
|
| Founder | Samuel Simon Schmucker |
| Address |
66–68 West High Street
,
Gettysburg
,
PA
,
17325
, US 39°49′42″N 77°13′59″W / 39.828307°N 77.232982°W / 39.828307; -77.232982 |
| Campus | Gettysburg College |
Gettysburg Academy (also known as the Classical Preparatory School and the Gettysburg Gymnasium)[1] was an antebellum boys' boarding school for which the vernacular architecture schoolhouse (now "Reuning Hall") was the "first home" of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and Gettysburg College.[2][3]
The March 19, 1810 incorporation by the commonwealth appropriated $2,000,[4][5] and the academy opened in 1814 for the school year with Samuel Ramsay as the first teacher.[6]
By 1822 the boarding school had three dormitories, libraries, and a gymnasium and beginning in 1826, the academy trustees allowed the Lutheran seminary to use the facility — D. Jacobs established a preparatory school in June 1827 (his brother was a mathematics professor).[7][8]
The facility was purchased at Sheriff's sale in 1829 by Samuel Simon Schmucker and designated the "Gettysburg Gymnasium".[5][9] The 1829 headmaster was Dr. Charles H. Huber, and 2 sons of Mexico's president-elect attended.[10] The last graduation was in 1835.[11]
When the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg began, the Reuning House was being used by Rebecca Eyster's Young Ladies Seminary,[7] which acted as an American Civil War hospital for casualties during the battle. Eyster's "School Halls" were advertised for rent in 1877,[12] the house was used as World War I officers' quarters, and Reuning House is now a private residence protected by a 1972 borough ordinance extending the historical district to include the building.[13]
The School Halls, corner of Washington and High streets, Gettysburg, so long occupied by Mrs. Eyster and others, as a FEMALE SEMINARY, are for Rent for school purposes. For particulars, inquire of MRS. EYSTER residing in the buildings.
