Where Southern Belles are made…

One of the most interesting and unique features of Columbia, Tenn, is the very old and well-established school for girls from 1852-1905, The Athenaeum. The Athenaeum was constructed from 1835-37 as a residence for Samuel Polk Walker, nephew of President James K. Polk (resident of Columbia). However, Mr. Walker never lived in the home. Reverend Franklin Gillette Smith was the first resident. He came to Tennessee from Vermont to be president of the Columbia Female Institute, an Episcopal school for girls, located across the street. Rev Smith resigned his position at the Columbia Female Institute to found the Athenaeum in 1851. It offered a quality education for young ladies and taught everything a young man would learn in school… including physics, calculus, and marine biology. Today the home is a historic landmark but education still lies its heart. The curriculum is a little less cerebral, but no less important. In July of each year the Athenaeum hosts girls from 14-17 years old to learn the skills of a southern belle circa 1861. Young ladies come to Columbia from around the country and beyond to dress in authentic 19th century costumes and study courses in etiquette, penmanship, art, music, dance, and other social graces. They also participate in side-saddle horsemanship, archery and other 19th century sports. The week is highlighted on Friday evening with graduation ceremonies followed by the formal ball to which they are escorted by members of the Jackson Cadets, a local group of young men dedicated to the study of mid-19th century history and customs. For those of us who missed the opportunity in our teens to attend, a ladies weekend is scheduled each May with a similar, yet abbreviated, curriculum. Hoop skirts and corsets optional.