[2] On coming to St. Louis to establish a school, a name could not be decided upon, and it was while walking with her father, discussing the question, that they came upon Lenox Place—a beautiful residence portion of the city.

[2] Without a pupil registered or one promised, Thomas went ahead and opened Lenox Hall, engaging a faculty and arranging a course of study covering all grades of college preparatory work.

[2] Realizing the importance of definite training of the social instincts and the necessity of affording maturing womanhood an opportunity to exercise the natural tendencies of her social being, Thomas endorsed various forms of entertainment by which the young girl may learn the grace and charm which characterizes "gentle womanhood," and which gave every opportunity for enjoyment, instruction and means of acquiring ease and grace of manner in conversation.

[2] Social training was the means for the expression of education; it was the opportunity for "applied culture," and was as essential a factor in the development of an effective personality as was the storing up of facts which in themselves made but a "dead scholarship."

[2] It was the custom of the principal of Lenox Hall to entertain, at intervals, house guests of distinction and recognized culture, giving the pupils the opportunity of coming into close personal touch with men and women whose wealth of experience and achievement was an inspiration.

[2] Lenox Hall accommodated thirty-seven students and offered all the advantages of a country home to its pupils while enjoying the many opportunities for culture of a school in a large city.

[2] The aim of Thomas was to establish a relation of friendship between teacher and pupil, as well as to develop ideals which will be of lasting influence in building up a cultured and refined womanhood.

In large institutions general classifications and uniform demands are imperative, but in the small private school it was possible for each pupil to have such individual attention that her instruction was adapted to her especial needs, and her mental and physical growth stimulated and encouraged by a healthful and normal process.