Increasing alternatives
The unique location of the Boylan Industrial Dwelling College in LaVilla was on the intersection of Lee and Duval streets. | College of Florida
In April 1886, the Methodist Episcopal Church established the Boylan Industrial College and Dwelling for Negro Ladies in LaVilla. Its mission was clear: to offer newly freed African People with alternatives for training, vocational coaching, and independence within the aftermath of the Civil Conflict. The varsity was named after main benefactor, Ann Boylan DeGroot.
The varsity started modestly, working out of a six-room cottage on the nook of Davis and Duval Streets. Beneath the management of missionary Hattie E. Emerson of Manchester, New York, the college housed seven younger ladies in its first yr. By the next yr, that quantity grew to 18.
College students have been educated in abilities that ready them for self-sufficiency, together with needlework, dressmaking, housekeeping, and cooking. Whereas some ladies lived within the residence, many attended courses in the course of the day. As demand elevated, night courses have been additionally launched, guaranteeing broader entry to training.
The curriculum expanded over time, most notably with the addition of nurse coaching. In 1901, the Nurse Coaching College formally opened, laying the groundwork for what would finally change into the Brewster Hospital and Nurse Coaching College, the primary hospital for African People in Jacksonville.
Progress, mergers, and relocation
By 1910, the Boylan Industrial College and Dwelling had outgrown its unique location and moved to Jacksonville’s Eastside neighborhood. In 1932, it merged with the Haven Industrial Dwelling and College, one other establishment devoted to educating African American youth, that was based in Savannah, Georgia in 1885. Collectively, they turned the Boylan-Haven College, a revered establishment that served generations of scholars.
The Boylan-Haven College remained in Jacksonville till 1959, when it merged with Mather Academy and relocated to Camden, South Carolina to economize funds. Resulting from declining enrollment, the Boylan-Haven-Mather Academy completely closed in 1983. Though it will definitely closed, its legacy lives on via the numerous lives it formed and the communities it strengthened.
Boylan-Haven College historic pictures
In 1910, Boylan-Haven relocated to the Eastside. The Eastside campus was positioned at 1214 Jessie Avenue.
Younger college students within the classroom at Boylan-Haven College. | United Methodist Church Digital Gallery
College students play exterior the Eastside’s Boylan-Haven College. | United Methodist Church Digital Gallery
College students pose for a category portrait on college grounds. | United Methodist Church Digital Gallery
Editorial by Ennis Davis, AICP. Contact Ennis at edavis@moderncities.com