[Education. Women's Studies. Anti-Catholicism]. Hunter Girls' Grammar School, Philadelphia.

Petition, Proceedings and Testimony. In the matter of the Petition of Kelly et al., in relation to teachings in the Hunter Girls’ Grammar School. [Cover title.]

[Philadelphia: 1881 ]. First edition. The petition was presented to the Department of Education of the City of Philadelphia on March 8, 1881. Wrappers worn away at spine, though binding holds firm. Dust soiling to wrappers. Contemporary color pencil signature at top margin of front cover. Small open tear to corner of first leaf (at gutter). A very good copy of a scarce item concerning impartial education in schools. Original buff paper wrappers with printed title. Octavo. ix, 159 pp. Item #16923

Anna Scull (1832 - ?), the principal of the Hunter Girls’ Grammar School in Philadelphia, was accused by several parents of criticizing Catholicism and promoting the Lutheran Reformation during lessons she taught. The present work contains testimonies by parents and students alleging that Scull had “attacked, vilified, and abused the faith, religion, and belief” of Catholic students (p. 52). She was also accused of vocally favoring Lutheranism in class by discussing Luther’s opposition to the sale of indulgences by Pope Leo X (p. 59). The Board of the Department of Education ultimately dismissed the case against Scull, stating that they could not “recommend such deference to the religious zeal of any denomination or denominations as would prevent the impartial teaching in our public schools of the prominent facts of history,” (p. 159).

OCLC records only four copies: Georgetown, Notre Dame, the Library Company of Philadelphia, and Temple University.

Price: $450.00