It was a school home where young women systematically trained for the duties of becoming a wife and mother, where they are encouraged to recognize, and where they were required to prepare for, their present and future obligations.

The alumnae were resident in many countries of the world, including Alaska, Mexico, Canada, on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, in Europe, Australia, Hawaii, the Philippines, Guam, Japan, China, Ceylon and the West Indies.

Ewing University failed to meet with the success that an institution of its pronounced intention deserved, and accordingly, in 1869, it was closed and never re-opened.

After making some needed changes and improvements in the building, St. Mary's School was opened April 12, 1868, with three boarding pupils and a few day scholars.

In 1878, the building and outfit were valued at US$75,000, and another extension was required to complete the architectural plan and to provide for the increase of pupils.

The cost of the new school building, the new stone chapel and the improvement of the ground was about US$100,000, of which nearly one-half was provided by the legacy of Mr. Knox.

[5] The school building was situated on a 4 acres (1.6 ha) lot, on the corner of Douglas and Market streets, Knoxville.

The location of the school was removed from the excitement and interruptions of large cities, while at the same time, it was very accessible, being near the convergence of several great lines of travel.

[2] The aim of the school was to provide for girls of the West the best advantages for thorough intellectual training, combined with social culture and Christian influence.

Among them were original statues in Carrara marble, by Larkin G. Mead, Florence, Italy; and numerous statuettes in alabaster and lava, copies from old masters.

Among them was a complete set of Audubon's Birds and Quadrupeds of America, as well as some elegant volumes of photographs of European scenes collected by the Rector.

This relic of American enterprise was presented by Captain James Laning, who assisted in the construction of the fleet, and commanded one of the ships on the Mississippi River.

[1] St. Martha's School for Younger Girls was opened by Miss Emma Pease Howard in Knoxville in September 1911.

The building was designed and constructed expressly for this work and was located upon a campus adjacent to St. Mary's School, with which institution St. Martha's was affiliated.

The school was entirely distinct from St. Mary's, being complete in equipment and especially adapted in methods and management to the care and training of young children.

A corps of officers and teachers was provided, and everything possible was done to promote the physical, mental and moral welfare of younger girls.

The course of study included all branches taught in the public schools preparatory to the eighth grade, with instruction also in French and German, drawing, music, dancing, arts and industries.

[2] It was a unique and interesting development in educational enterprise, being the only school of high grade, which at the time was completely organized and equipped for the care of young girls exclusively.