The essay conveys some of the history of the White Haven Academy on a typical opening day, from the perspective of both the students attending the school and the slaves working on the property. The building's later years as a private historic home are also discussed.
Glancing up from their childish pleasures of dust kicking and leaf rustling they saw through a cloud of dust a stage coach make the turn off the Union and Beaver Road. The four horses started to slow up, sensing they were nearing a breathing place and the driver pulled them to full stop at White Haven Academy.
Surely the one who designed the Queen of the West loved the river. At first sight one felt a giant steamer was at anchor in a green sea. This was the gingerbread era of design and six square columns that held the double porches were topped with scroll and filigree. This structure was of white clapboard, green shuttered, the wide verandas reaching across the front on both the first and second story. A white railing was around the second floor extension.
From the massive front door, glass paneled on each side, came Mr. Henry Cotton to bid welcome to the students of his academy for the fall term of learning. The first down from the stage was Shelly Moffett, having made the trip from Independence and right behind him was Eph Norman from Walton, The Kendall boys who had taken the Kentucky-Lexington Railroad from Williamstown were much in evidence with their faces grimy from the long journey.
Tom and Eph, quick to remember their training, started toting valises, catch balls and trunks into the wide hall, three being on one side and two on the other. The stairs were broad and of walnut, curving to a landing and on the second floor. On this level were the same number of rooms excepting two small rooms at the rear which were fashioned into a bath room and a primp room. All had their own fireplaces, the windows from ceiling to floor and wide woodwork decorated each.
Mr. Cotton showed the boys into the parlor and with some misgivings told them that due to the large enrollment of young ladies some of them would have to board-out for the term. Mr. Addison Huey had offered to take some of the lads to his farm and home which was about a half mile from the main road. Plans were made for their departure but first Mr. Cotton wanted to give them their numbers. As was the custom each student was known by his number and it is remembered hearing the number 176 being called in the classes of Geometry, Higher Mathematics and Algebra.
A life-long resident of Boone County, Kentucky, Shirley R. Ferguson had a love of historical and genealogical subjects. She wrote on these topics extensively throughout her life. She was a member of the Kentucky Historical Society, the Boone County Historical Society, the Filson Club and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Mrs. Ferguson passed away in 1971, at the age of 66.
