Monroe Conservatory classroom circa 1880. 13 Pemberton Square.

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Monroe Conservatory classroom circa 1880. 13 Pemberton Square.

Title: Monroe Conservatory classroom circa 1880.

Title: 13 Pemberton Square.

Record Type: classrooms

Record Type: photography (discipline)

Record Type: photographs

Record Type: black-and-white photographs

Date: 1880 circa

Description: The interior of Emerson College's first classroom (then known as Monroe Conservatory or Oratory). Rows of wooden chairs face a small platform framed by drapery, with what appears to be a wood-burning stove on one wall. The doors are etched with the words, Monroe Conservatory.. In 1880, Charles W. Emerson opened the Boston Conservatory of Elocution, Oratory, and Dramatic Art at 13 Pemberton Sq. in Boston. Ten students enrolled in the first class. Within one year, the school was renamed the Monroe Conservatory of Oratory. At the time, Pemberton Square was a mixed use enclave of residences and businesses surrounding a small enclosed garden (resembling Beacon Hill's Louisburg Square). By 1885, the construction of a large courthouse changed the character of Pembertboron Square. This neighborhood is now part of Boston's Government Center, currently occupied by Suffolk University and the state and county courthouses. Our conservatory moved from here to 36 Bromfield Street in September 1886. Look closely at this photo to find a framed image of the State of Liberty hanging on the wall. The much-anticipated statue was constructed in France and shipped to New York Harbor around this time period, but not unveiled and dedicated until the month after our school moved away from this address.

Extent: 3.17 x 4.06 in.

Subject: Government Center (Boston, Mass.)

Collection: RG 004.05 Office of Communication & Marketing Prints and Negatives Collection

Location: Emerson College Archives and Special Collections

Rights Restrictions: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) (http://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/). For questions about rights statements, or access to the original document please contact the Emerson College Archives and Special Collections at www.emerson.edu/library/archives.

Access Restrictions: No known access restrictions

Language: English

Identifier: PembertonSquare_89117_Correcteda.jpg

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