To Beaver County belongs the distinction of having the first Soldier's Orphan School in Pennsylvania the need of which was the direct result of the Civil War.
It was located in Monaca, then known as Phillipsburg.
Although the State would not provide funds for grounds, buildings, furniture and equipment, they were receptive to the idea of an established Orphan's School in Beaver Valley. The need for $20,000 for 30 acres of ground for the school, books, buildings and other necessary items was immediate if the School was to be opened. After a time, the State agreed to allow the -small sum of $115, for each orphan under 10 years of age, and $150 over and up to 16 years of age, per year.
But the choice of an organizer and supervisor for the proposed school presented the greatest difficulty of all. Nevertheless the Reverend William Q Taylor, D.D., whose ability in organizing weak and faltering churches and favorably known in the Pittsburgh District, was contacted by the County Superintendent of Schools In Beaver, Allegheny and Washington Counties, prevailed upon him to accept this responsibility. Dr. Taylor agreed to come to Monaca and explore the situation.
In December of 1865 Dr. Taylor bought the former "Water Cure" Summer Resort Hotel, repaired it and furnished it and the school was opened in March, 1866, with Walter F. Rathburn as the first pupil. A 34x44 buildIng containing four stories was completed and a classroom 27x44, was added to the first building. In a few months a chapel, boys' hall, girls' hall and 20 assistants added to the staff. All buildings both new and old were handsomely and tastefully furnished with Brussels carpets, chairs, piano and organ. The result of this culture and training showed itself everywhere, in public, private, and in church.
The State prescribed eight grades as the extent Of the educational course. Dr. Taylor found he could add four grades of a mathematical and scientific course, and one-fourth of the orphans were able to finish these four grades. No one was promoted unless his standing was at least 75. When the State examiners conducted tests in July, 1869, it was found the average standing of the students was 93 to 100.
Hygiene was a must at the School and the laws of health were encouraged-and carried out by Dr. Taylor and Mrs. Taylor. Food was served for bone making, muscle, nerve and brain building. Clothing was properly fitted and adapted to the times. Perfect cleanliness of body was required at all times. Nine hours of sleep, common sense shoes, and good ventilation in each room and dorm was promoted. Ten hours of work on a fixed detail and one hour regular military drill for boys was carried out each day, except Sunday. The girls participated in homemaking courses, and the 'out houses' were thoroughly washed and cleaned by the students. All class rooms were scrubbed and desks polished each week.
Six hundred and seventeen orphans were thus cared for, and over 200 of whom required medical attention on being received.
With the aid of Mrs. Taylor the girls were taught housekeeping, domestic work, and cooking. Each girl was encouraged to attend classes in scrubbing, washing clothes, ironing, diningroom work, how to' set a table, dressmaking, bonnet trimming, bed making, and how to entertain guests who came to inspect the school. Guests were invited to view every room in the school every day except Sunday. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Moral and religious training was stressed. Dr. and Mrs. Taylor conducted a Bible class for all pupils, employees, (no one was employed in the school who declined to attend the Sabbath services), and all of their, Immediate family. He preached Sabbath afternoon, and lectured in the evening on such weighty matters as biography, Bible history, archaelolgy, government, and current events.'
He also gave two table talks each day, of about ten minutes, on moral, historical and economical subjects. Competent and efficient teachers were hard to secure and the good Doctor met this problem In a rational way-by training young ladies and gentlemen for the several positions. Teachers were required to read on an average of 75 volumns per -year. Thus the teachers were highly trained. High moral standards were achieved over the years that were second to -none. The school became known far and wide and officials came from as far away as Philadelphia to visit the school and give their approval.
In addition to the teaching staff the school employed a physician, seamstress, shoemaker, butcher, cook, launderess, farmer, and gardener, and general caretaker.
On the 22nd of August, 1876, at 11 a.m. during the absence of Dr. Taylor, the main building caught fire and was wholly destroyed in the amount of $25,000. The building was insured for only $10,300. Owing to the heavy expenses and the shortage of cash it was impossible to erect buildings to comply with the original contract with the State (about two and, one half years to run) it was decided to discontinue the operation. After a period of ten and one half successful years the school was closed and the pupils placed in other schools scattered throughout the state. The attendance at the time of the fire was about 180.
Many friends and relatives of the students sought to re-open the school but no one came up with an answer - where can we obtain the necessary funds to educate and train these unfortunate orphans to take their rightful place in society.