Oramel Whittlesey
In the early 1830's, Oramel's reputation as a teacher was already growing. In 1835, two young women knocked at the door and invited themselves in, stating they had come to recieve instruction, and hence, Music Vale was born. Oramel was so well liked and respected by his peers in Salem during the operation of Music Vale that he later became postmater, judge of probate, and was sent for a term of the Connecticut general assembly.
Music Vale Seminary Archive
1835-1870
Salem Historical Society
Henry Packwood Whittlesey
The youngest son of Rev. John and Sally Whittlesey was Henry Packwood Whittlesey, born October 26, 1812. Henry was in partnership of manufacturing pianos with his older brothers, John Whittlesey, born January 27, 1806, and Oramel, who started to drift away from the manufacturing business into the teaching aspect.
Music Vale Seminary Archive
Salem Historical Society
Two Pianos made by the Whittlesey brothers
Two pianos made by the Whittlesey brothers are seen here. The pianos were made of rosewood and mahogany with ivory piano keys that had been sawed by hand and mother-of-pearl inlay letters and ornamentation. On the inside of every Whittlesey piano was a brass plate bearing the family name. Henry and John excelled in the mechanics of manufacturing these pricesless painos, while Oramel leaned more to the instruction of music. These pianos would have existed at Music Vale Seminary. - Cindy Lee Corriveau
Music Vale Seminary Archive
1830
Salem Historical Society
Surviving Barn at Music Vale Seminary
Only the barn is left at the once thriving music school. A sign near Route 85 states rather unobtrusively: Music Vale Seminary. In the foreground is the cellar of Music Vale Seminary filled with water. -Cindy Lee Corriveau
Music Vale Seminary Archive
2006
Salem Historical Society
Charlotte Maconda Maginnis
Charlotte Maconda Maginnis, daughter of Jeanette, was born March 12, 1863. She became known as the prima donna in New York, where she studied and performed in famous operas until she married William Wellington Walters of New York City. Pictured is Madame Maconda dressed in costume for a concert at Music Vale. -Cindy Lee Corriveau "Images of America: Salem, Connecticut"
Music Vale Seminary Archive
1863-1876
Salem Historical Society
Karolyn (Kate) Bradford Whittlesey
The youngest daughter of Oramel and Charlotte was Karolyn (Kate) Bradford Whittlesey, born April 2, 1843. She taught harp, piano, and guitar at Music Vale. Kate never married. She moved to Topeka, Kansas, to teach music. She became head of the department at Bethany College in Topeka.- Cindy Lee Corriveau "Images of America: Salem, Connecticut"
Music Vale Seminary Archive
Salem Historical Society
1843-1876
Salem Historical Society
Professor Whittlesey and Students
On rare occasions Professor Whittlesey joined the young women in one of their productions. Here the girls are seen dressed in costume for an opera.
Music Vale Seminary Archive
Salem Historical Society
1835-1876
Salem Historical Society
Oramel Whittlesey is flanked by his two daughters and the rest of the faculty of Music Vale Seminary
Head of school and teachers at the Music Vale Seminary
Head of school and teachers at the Music Vale Seminary
Music Vale Seminary Archive
Salem Historical Society
1865
Salem Historical Society
Young Student with Chain-Link Cross Necklace
Young Student at the Music Vale Seminary
Young women came from the Carolinas, Kentucky, Kansas, Nova Scotia, and some as far as the West Indies.
Music Vale Seminary Archive, Salem Historical Society
Salem Historical Society
1835-1876
Salem Historical Society
Southern Gal'
A student from the South during the Civil War
Some of the Southern gal's parents were astounded when they were told that Oramel's intense loyalty to the Union cause made all the students make a declaration to the North. Thismay have resulted in some attendance drop. The Ladies Loyal Union League, with a strong book lock and key, held the names of members and their resolutions; however, most of the pages were blank. Oramel enthusiastically shot a cannon on the front grounds of the school every time the Union North had a victory. - Cindy Lee Corriveau "Images of America: Salem, Connecticut"
Music Vale Seminary Archive, Salem Historical Society
Salem Historical Society Collections
1835-1876
Salem Historical Society