Margaret:

Having done a good deal of research on stitching in early schools I've found
one of the best resources to be looking at the early school records in
general and early educational materials used in the schools. Was this a
private academy? What time period? What needlework instruction books were
used in general in schools of that era, locale. Were there educational
curriculum standards? Did they apply to private vs. public/council schools?
Were schools inspected? Do inspection reports exist? What materials were
purchased for use in the school? Did the academy have accounts at local
shops? What did they purchase there in the way of materials? Do early
newspaper advertisements exist for the school listing subjects taught? Are
there family accounts of fees paid to the school?

Just a few places I tend to look. Right now I need a trip to Brookline, MA
to do some primary source research on a private school there. Good luck in
your adventures.

Linn Skinner
Skinner Sisters
www.skinnersisters.com
www.embroideress.blogspot.com
"Lee Smith" wrote in message ...
Hello,

I am writing from Winnipeg, and have been researching Miss Davis' Academy,
which is now known as "Twin Oaks", located a short distance north of here,
in the small town of "St. Andrew's".

My question is, are there any descendants of those who attended Miss
Davis'
Academy on this board, and if so, could you help in finding out what type
of
needlework she taught to her students?

In "The Road to the Rapids", it is briefly mentioned and described as
nothing more then "plain and ornamental". Also, was there a sampler made?

I have had zero success in finding answers to these questions, posed to
various heritage organizations, our Provincial Archives, including a
descendant of one of Miss Davis's students living in Calgary, and a
relative
of Miss Davis, in Winnipeg.

There is nothing in our Legislative Library either.

Thank you for your assistance!

Margaret Smith
http://www.angelfire.com/ca/heritageneedleworks/