Circa 1870s albumen photograph of McNeely’s Normal School, later Hopedale Normal College, Hopedale Ohio.

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Educator and abolitionist Cyrus McNeely was the founder of The McNeely Normal School which then became Hopedale Normal College. It was the first co-ed college in Eastern Ohio and among its graduates was George Armstrong Custer in 1856.

Taken by an unknown photographer, this image shows the College as represented by two, possibly three buildings. In the scenery is a long fence and rail line and what appears to be an orchard. A pencil inscription on its verso reads: “Hopedale College. I was at he school winter of 1879 and 1880. Mary [indistinct middle name] Haverfield.” Numerous members of the Haverfield family settled in Harrison County, Ohio.

Price: $150.00