First historic marker went up 100 years ago for girl’s school

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 7 July 2013 at 12:00 am

Orleans County is sprinkled with numerous cast-iron and bronze markers, giving a glimpse into local historical events, notable residents and buildings.

Yesterday, the county dedicated its newest marker in memory of William McAllister and his wife, who were Albion’s first settlers in 1811. They built a log cabin on the site where the County Clerk’s Building now stands next to the courthouse.

The Clerk’s Building is also home to first the historical marker that was put up in Orleans County. The marker was dedicated 100 years ago, in May 1913. The alumni of the Phipps Union Seminary, a school for girls, had the marker put on a sandstone wall next to the front steps of the building.

Phipps Union Seminary was established in 1833 and operated until about 1870. The school was torn down to make way for the Clerk’s Building, which was constructed in 1882-1883.