Call Number:

001.046

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.01 linear ft. (1 folder )

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

John Gummere letter to Thomas Kimber (HCS.001.046) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1834

Abstract:

This collection contains a single letter, dated January 18, 1834, sent by John Gummere to Thomas Kimber.

John Gummere (1784-1845) was born near Willow Grove, Pa. to Samuel and Rachel (James) Gummere. Gummere was a teacher, and taught at Horsham, Pa. (1803) and Westtown School (1808-1815), before opening his own school for boys in Burlington, N.J. (1815). He married Elizabeth Buzby in 1808, and the couple had 11 children: Elizabeth, Francis, George, Henry Deacon, John, Martha, Mary, Rachel, Samuel James, Susan, and William. In 1825, Gummere earned his M.A. from Princeton and in 1833, he became a teacher at Haverford College, where he would later become superintendent. Among Gummere's published works were: "Treatise on Surveying," "Treatise on Theoretical and Practical Astronomy, and "An elementary treatise on Astronomy."

This collection contains a single letter, dated January 18, 1834, sent by John Gummere to Thomas Kimber. The letter discusses conclusions made during a recent council meeting regarding proposed changes to the structure of Haverford College. Among the topics discussed was the rigorous instruction in the sciences and literature, proposed in order to make Haverford stand out from other colleges. Gummere agreed with this sentiment. The following proposal was to increase the number of weeks allowed for vacation time. This increase would apply to both students and faculty. Gummere also agreed with this thought, citing evidence from his school in Burlington, N.J., which saw increased productivity as a result of longer vacations.

Materials are arranged chronologically