Mary Strong herbarium

Collection

Identifier: MS S580

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The collection consists of one volume of a herbarium, a collection of pressed plant specimens typically used for scientific or educational study. The leather-bound volume is arranged by biological classification, with special sections set aside to examine the various patterns of leaf formations. Ms. Strong's notations of the Latin designation accompany the specimens. The herbarium was likely used for teaching purposes at the Hudson Female Seminary. The first page of the herbarium includes a newspaper clipping of Mary Strong's obituary.

Dates

Creation: 1833

Creator

Strong, Mary, 1816-1854 (Person)

Restrictions on Access

The collection is open for research use.

Restrictions on Use

The collection is open for research use.

Biography of Mary Strong

Mary Strong (1816-1854) was born in Silver Lake, Pennsylvania, to early Hudson pioneers Ephraim (1771-1860) and Clarissa (1776-1854) Strong. When she was 13, her family moved to Hudson, Ohio. In the spring of 1843, at age 17, Mary became principal of the female department of a school known as the "Hudson Academy," a brick building on Aurora Street.

In 1845, Mary constructed a building on her father's property on Main Street, and established the Hudson Female Seminary. Mary ran the school until 1854 when her health failed and she was forced to close the school. Mary died on June 26, 1854 due to complications from tuberculosis. The Hudson Female Seminary continued after her death. In the autumn of 1855, an Association of Hudson citizens was formed, which purchased furniture, rented and repaired the school building, and hired teachers. The school went through five teachers in four years before hiring Emily Metcalf (1831-1915) in 1860, who ran the school until it closed in 1874.

Extent

1.75 Linear Feet (1 oversize volume)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Herbarium created by Mary Strong, founder of the Hudson Female Seminary.

Acquisition Information

Handwritten on inside cover: "This book was found by Wm. C. Werner 352 North St. Clair Street, Painesville, Ohio at Lake Erie College while he was looking over the scientific book collection there. It has no scientific value. B. Taylor, Librarian, Summer of 1931." (accession no. 1931-04)