HISTORY: The Misses Mackie's SChool; Newburgh, Orange co., New York

transcribed by W. David Samuelsen for USGenWeb Archives

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Portrait and Biographical Record of Rockland and Orange Counties New York
Containing Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative
Citizens of the Counties.
Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United
States.
New York and Chicago; Chapman Publishing Co., 1895

THE MISSES MACKIE'S SCHOOL. In the history of our country, nothing affords
greater encouragement than the increasing attention given to educational
matters and the enlarged opportunities offered to the young. Those to whom
this advancement is due deservedly occupy a high place in the regard of the
people. Their breadth of learning and culture has had an elevating influence
upon those placed under their charge, and the results have been beneficial to
the race.

Among the instructors to whom New York State, and especially the city of
Newburgh, is especially indebted, we may mention the Misses Mackie, who
conduct a boarding-school at No. 160 Grand Street. The success of this
institution has been most flattering, and proves the superior executive
ability of those who are at its head. Having recently completed the
twenty-ninth year of its existence, the school may be numbered among the old
and substantial institutions of the place. Among the pupils are the daughters
of some of the aristocratic and wealthiest citizens of the Eastern States.

The location of the school is especially attractive. As above stated, it is at
No. 16o Grand Street, the buildings standing in the midst of a fine lawn that
reaches back to Montgomery Street. The view is superb. On the west may be seen
the busy, thriving city, while on the east flows the majestic Hudson, whose
tranquil waters the pleasure-boats and river steamers gaily ply. The main
building is 80x50 feet in dimensions, being a brick and frame structure, three
stories in height, and containing recitation and study rooms. Adjoining the
school building, there is a substantial brick cottage of three stories.
The instructors of the school consist of seven resident teachers, besides the
music teachers. The classical course, which is completed in seven years,
prepares the pupils for the best colleges of the land, such as Vassar,
Wellesley and Smith. On the completion of the course, diplomas are granted.
There are at present thirty-four boarding pupils, and about fifty day
scholars. The progress made by the students has always been satisfactory to
their parents or guardians, for each one receives the personal and
affectionate supervision of their cultured teachers, who take the deepest
interest in the welfare of the pupils.

The school was originally established in 1866, on Chambers Street, as a
boarding-school for girls and young ladies, there being about thirty pupils at
first. In 1867 it was removed to the present site of the Leslie House, where
it remained for sixteen years, but the accommodations at that place becoming
inadequate to the needs of the school, it was removed to its present location
in 1884. The Misses Mackie formerly resided in New York City, where they
received exceptional educational advantages, Miss Mackie also studying in
Springfield, Mass., and her sisters in Connecticut. Since completing their
studies, they have given their entire attention to educational work, being
thus engaged in New York City prior to coming to Newburgh in 1866. They are
highly esteemed by the people of this city, who place the greatest confidence
in their ability and efficient management of their school.