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Brigham Young Academy

 Organization

Dates

  • Existence: 1875 - 1903

Administrative History

Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903) was established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints under the direction of Brigham Young for the instruction of church members in the area of Provo, Utah.

Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School. Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures. Despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks. With the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah. The Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew. In 1903, the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University.

Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1894). Benjamin Cluff also served as Academy president between 1894 and 1903.

Citation:
The Journal of pedagogy, Feb. 1895: t.p. (Brigham Young Academy)

BYU--national champions, 1985: intro. (Brigham Young University)

History of BYU (within Brigham Young University website), via WWW, 4 November 2010 (Brigham Young Academy established October 16, 1875 in Provo, Utah. Name changed to Brigham Young University in 1903. Sponsored by Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Provo City Library website, via WWW, Oct. 2, 2012 (Brigham Young Academy; founded in 1876; essentially a high school until 1896, with the founding of the College Dept.)

YFacts History of BYU, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy (1875-1903), Brigham Young saw the school as a place where all secular learning should be fused with teachings from the scriptures, despite steady growth during its early years, the Academy was threatened by a series of financial and physical setbacks, with the help and sacrifice of Abraham O. Smoot, the campus moved in 1891 to new facilities on University Avenue in Provo Utah, the Academy's curriculum strengthened and enrollment grew, 1903 the name was officially changed to Brigham Young University)

Yfacts BYU Presidents, via WWW, viewed Mar. 19, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy principals included Warren N. Dusenberry (1876), Karl G. Maeser (1876-1892), and Benjamin Cluff (1892-1903))

Brigham Young High School History, via WWW, viewed May 31, 2013 (Brigham Young Academy was the predecessor to Brigham Young University and Brigham Young High School)

Found in 4 Collections and/or Records:

Eleanor Nuttall signature book

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197233620761]
Identifier: MSS 7692
Scope and Contents

Contains one signature book created by Eleanor Nuttall for her classmates to sign upon her graduation from Brigham Young Academy in 1889. The signature book has 15 signatures in it.

Dates: 1889

Polysophical Society minutes

 File — Multiple Containers
Identifier: MSS SC 2879
Scope and Contents

Two pages of handwritten minutes of the society's first two meetings, held in the Lewis Building at Brigham Young Academy on November 30 and December 7, 1877. Minutes include summary of Karl G. Maeser's comments on the society's functions, and qualifications for membership. The society's first president was Joseph Keeler, a recent Brigham Young Academy graduate. Minutes recorded by Fannie Rogers, secretary.

Dates: 1877

Alice Louise Reynolds notebook on senior theory

 Item — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197239250670]
Identifier: MSS 9155
Scope and Contents

Contains the notebook Alice Louise Reynolds used while a student at Brigham Young Academy. Includes notes from courses on teaching, including theory, history of education, and educational systems. Written in cursive. Inscribed by Reynolds with the date of August 8, 1889 and the words "Senior Theory" on the inside cover.

Dates: 1889

David Henry Weech journal and life story

 File — Folder 1: [Barcode: 31197230331446]
Identifier: MSS SC 3013
Scope and Contents

Journal entries, 1901-1957, includes iformation on the founding and development of Pima, Arizona. Autobiography details memories of his childhood in Pima; attendance at Brigham Young Academy, 1892-1893; marriage; church service. Also includes information on his first wife, Estella Newell, and his second wife, Hannah May Allen. Also includes information on his parents, children and other family members.

Dates: 1901-1957