The Union Academy
The Union Academy,
On the East Side of Union Square, G.S.L. City, will be ready for admission of scholars on the 9th of April next.
This Academy will be under the general supervision of Professor Orson Pratt, and will commence with Messrs. Orson Pratt, jun., and James Cobb as Teachers, to whose aid other teachers will be added whenever the number of scholars may render it requisite.
No tuition will be charged to those who study Algebra, Surveying, or other higher branches of Mathematics, Astronomy, Chemistry, Mineralogy, Geology, and Modern Languages, which, with whatever else may be taught, it is expected will be taught and learned in a thoroughly practical manner, for which instruments, chemicals, &c., will be furnished.
It is also designed, as rapidly as practicable, to provide, to some extent, tools used in the different mechanical departments, and give the students an opportunity to learn their use, and at the same time develop and preserve their physical energies.
Those who wish to attend the Union Academy will please to give notice thereof immediately, for the schools to each teacher will be limited to the number he can properly take charge of and instruct.
Brigham Young, Sen.
[Deseret News, Feb. 22, 1860]
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Tabernacle
Elder Orson Pratt made some encouraging remarks on the subject of education, and congratulated the people of the Territory on the establishment of the Union Academy, in which the higher branches of science will be taught free. Gave notice of two lectures to be delivered the present week; the first by Cap. Gibson, on Tuesday evening; the second by himself, on Thursday evening. Both to be in the Social Hall. He likewise stated that President Brigham Young has had said hall fitted up for lectures on science and art.
[Deseret News, Feb. 29, 1860]
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The Union Academy
Was opened, pursuant to previous notice, on Monday morning, 9th inst., at 9 o’clock, in the large and commodious building on the east side of Union Square, formerly known as the Union Hotel.
Up to Tuesday morning the number of students who had presented themselves, was only twenty-six.
Two departments have been formed, thus far, including the whole number of students. The first department comprises the class in mathematics, thirteen in number, which is under the supervision of Mr. Orson Pratt. This class has entered upon the study of algebra, Day’s algebra being chiefly used as text books.
The second department is under the supervision of Mr. James T. Cobb, comprises the classes in the lower branches; namely, arithmetic, geography, history, &c. Reading, writing and other rudimental branches will not be taught in the Academy, for the present, at least.
Although the Academy is under the general supervision of Professor Orson Pratt, his immediate services, probably, will not be required till the classes in the higher branches shall have become farther advanced, or until applicants present themselves, prepared to enter into the study of the more abstruse sciences.
The auspices under which the Academy has been opened and the interest manifested by many in its success, together with the zeal already exhibited by the students in the prosecution of their studies, are strong guarantees of the permanency of the institution.
The opportunity here offered by President Brigham Young, to our young men, of acquiring a thorough, practical, scientific education cannot but be gratefully acknowledged and, we trust, will be duly improved by all whose circumstances will permit them to avail themselves of it. The benefits to be derived therefrom will doubtless be more fully understood and appreciate in years to come. Our most ardent wishes are for its complete success.
[Deseret News, Apr. 11, 1860]
[transcribed and proofread by David Grow, Sept. 2006]