Miss Sally Pierce was the real head of the school. According to her picture in Miss Vanderpoel’s delightful book of reminiscences of the famous school, Miss Pierce was a very handsome woman with eyes that suggest sensibility, and a mouth that could smile charmingly. But we suspect also that the little stiff curls might bob warningly and the lips settle down into a very firm line, while the tall cap standing up over the brow might strike terror to the heart of any child doubtful about the correctness of her examples, or nervous lest a half or a one-tenth of a “miss” should be counted against her. The truth is, however, that Miss Sally was very much beloved and so greatly admired that she must have been in danger of vanity. John Pierpont, a considerable poet in his day and not forgotten now, celebrated her worth in a passage in his Centennial Poem in 1851. He becomes almost eloquent.
Pierce, an honored name!
Yea, thrice and four times honored,
he cries. Then he contrasts her glories with those of the warrior.
Bloodless the garland on her temples laid.
To them, reproachful, no poor widow turns;
No sister’s heart bleeds, and no mother mourns
To see them flourish. Ne’er shall they be torn
From off her honored brows. Long be they worn
To show the world how a good Teacher’s name