History Of The "Old High School" 1828-1840
by Charles Wells Chapin




Boys, I am going to teach the school; if you obey the rules, all well; if you don't, I shall flog you,' Not many wished from his appearance to try the latter. One qualification always appeared necessary for teachers at the school in those days, that they should be orthodox in religious matters. I recollect attending some of the prayer meetings when revivals were going on at the 'old Parish House,' which stood in Sanford street, on the east side of Market street."
        William E. Dixon, a graduate of Williams College in 1833, succeeded Mr. Calhoun. Owing to ill health he did not remain long in charge of the school. A near relative of Mr. Dixon writes from Kansas: "He was a retiring and modest man, who preferred to serve his God quietly and simply. He died in Enfield, Conn., in 1876, of no known disorder, but gradually wasted away, after the death of his wife, to whom he was most tenderly attached. He was beloved and respected by all who knew him. He was a man of equal ability as my uncle, James Dixon, a representative in Congress from Connecticut from 1845 to 1849, also United States senator from 1857 to 1869, who died in Hartford, Conn., March 27, 1873, aged 59." One of the scholars writes of Mr. Dixon that "he was mild and gentle in his manners, and devoted to his duties."
        One of the "boys" residing in this city recollects the following event, but does not remember the teacher who administered the punishment: One cold winter's morning one of the boys who was known to be fond of making experiments with chemicals "to gain knowledge," put upon the hot stove (a cast-iron box stove) a quantity of brimstone, which in melting sent forth a peculiar, suffocating odor and smoke, filling the room so that the windows were obliged to be opened to ventilate it and purify the air. The teacher arriving before that could be accomplished, the scholars hurriedly took their seats; but a considerable time passed before the windows could be closed. After the school became quiet the teacher made inquiries as to who was the

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