One of the interesting institutions of San Mateo in the early days was known as Laurel Hall, a school for "Young Ladies and Little Girls." It was located just north of downtown at the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton..
The proprietor, Mrs. L. A. Buckmaster-Manson, opened Laurel Hall in 1864. Her background included service in public schools and seminaries in New York and Vermont.
Arriving in San Francisco in 1856, she taught in various places until she settled in San Mateo, where she purchased twenty-seven acres of land for $100 per acre. She then secured a loan without interest and erected a boarding school in May 1864, which was opened with eleven pupils.
She also added a gymnasium to the property.
However, in 1871, she had trouble renewing her loan. She decided to appeal to wealthy local citizenry for help. Many of them were public-minded and donated to her worthy cause. Said citizens became known as founders or donors of the school.
In 1875, Rev. E. B. Church assumed management of the school, remaining in charge for two years until June 1877. At that point, Rev. George H. Watson and Mrs. Watson of Freehold, New Jersey, succeeded Church.
In July 1878, Mrs. Buckmaster-Manson again resumed the institution's responsibility. The school flourished for a few years until operations were suspended. The Episcopal Bishop of San Francisco then acquired the property.
It then became known as the Armitage Orphanage and began housing boys. It continued operating until 1912, when it was finally closed. …
Everything else is just history
The photos used in this blog are courtesy of the Local History Room, Redwood City's best-kept secret. The Local History Collection covers all aspects of Redwood City's development, from the 1850s to the present day, with particular emphases on businesses, public schools, civic organizations, city agencies, and early family histories. The Local History Room is not affiliated with the Redwood City Public Library, but it is inside it.
