West Nottingham Academy’s distinguished history

|Cecil County History|

West Nottingham Academy: Training ground for a republic

By Gene Pisasale Contributing Writer

Not many schools can boast to having taught two signers of the Declaration of Independence or having a teacher who later became president and trustee of one of the nation’s most elite universities. West Nottingham Academy can rightly claim credit for all those and much more. Situated in Cecil County, the Academy has a rich history that dates back to when news traveled slowly, the fastest mode of transportation was a horse and the nation’s roads were not much more than muddy pathways through the woods.

West Nottingham Academy was founded in 1744 by Presbyterian Reverend Samuel Finley. Finley originally spent time in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and is believed to be a graduate of William Tennent’s Log College in Warminster. The college was known as a training ground for evangelical Presbyterian ministers during the period now called The Great Awakening. Finley was asked to lead a new congregation which had formed along the lower branch of Octoraro Creek as settlers developed the Nottingham Lots, around what would later be defined as the Mason-Dixon Line.

The church needed him there to serve the local citizens in all matters religious, including baptizing infants, preaching the Gospel and consecrating marriages. Finley felt strongly that to live a good and effective life as Christians, people needed training in all the teachings and concepts of the day, in order to allow them to function effectively in a rapidly changing world. Religious practice was important to the Finley family; his brothers James and Andrew also became ministers.

The Academy first operated in a small log cabin structure at the rear of Finley’s home, near the site of the present Rising Sun Middle School. A few years after its founding, the school was moved to a two-story building. Two tragedies—a fire and a storm—destroyed buildings constructed to house students, but in 1865 the red brick building known as the J. Paul Slaybaugh Old Academy was built and it stands to the present day. The Academy is believed to be the first of some 1,600 Presbyterian preparatory boarding schools built across the country. The school website states that West Nottingham is “the longest-standing boarding and day school in the United States.”

Finley’s teaching methods must have worked. They produced two students who would later shape the history of our young republic. Benjamin Rush, known today as one of the most respected physicians in the Philadelphia area during the American Revolution, was one of Finley’s students.

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PHOTO 1: Painting of Samuel Finley by Charles Walker Lind. PHOTO 2: A West Nottingham Academy historical marker. PHOTO 3: The West Nottingham Historic District. PHOTO 4: Richard Stockton, a former student at West Nottingham Academy, signed the Declaration of Independence. PHOTO 5: West Nottingham Academy

Finley’s first wife, Sarah Hall, was the sister of Susannah Hall Harvey, Benjamin Rush’s mother. It is thought by some historians that Finley convinced Rush to become a physician. Rush later studied at the College of New Jersey, today’s Princeton University, where Finley taught as well after leaving the Academy. Rush subsequently studied at the University of Edinburgh, receiving his medical degree. He later became the Surgeon General of the Continental Army. Rush became an influential teacher himself. He was later a professor of chemistry and medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Rush would sign the Declaration of Independence and become a strong supporter of the U.S. Constitution.

Finley’s life intersected with another man who would influence the course of our nation. His Academy student Richard Stockton also studied at the College of New Jersey, becoming an attorney and well respected for his legal acumen, as well as

a longtime friend of George Washington. Stockton A portrait of Benjamin Rush by Charles Willson Peale. Rush attended West

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was a member of the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia and also signed the Declaration of Independence.

With its rich heritage, West Nottingham Academy proudly anticipates a bright future. The school’s programs encompass a wide range of activities designed to guide students in a number of ways. The school’s website mentions “…from the classroom to the playing fields, art studios and club gatherings, students are exposed to a diverse community… Our environmental sustainability program with its community and global ethic is cutting edge. Our Artist-in-Residence program supported by Eric Fischl, a renowned American painter, is virtually one of a kind.”

West Nottingham Academy feels the school presents the “best of both worlds: a foundation in history and tradition that starts with the founding of the country and… innovation … that will propel us into the future.” Their facilities include the Chesapeake Learning Center with a focus on international students, the Foutz Student Center, Bathon Science Center and Durigg Plaza, an outdoor amphitheater for the school community. The nearby West Nottingham Historic District comprises roughly 85 acres with a stream and small lake and several buildings from the 19th and 20th century.

The Academy’s enrollment is small, at around 130 students, but it offers a wide variety of programs, including sports like soccer, basketball, lacrosse, cross-country and skating. Its figure skating program is renowned, with members of Team USA and Winter Youth Olympics having been on the roster.

Other notable West Nottingham Academy alumni include John Morgan and William Shippen, Jr., co-founders of the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Ebenezer Hazard, a U.S. Postmaster General from 1782 to 1789, Alexander Martin, an early governor of North Carolina and Austin Lane Carothers, the governor of Maryland from 1908 to 1912.

Gene Pisasale is an historian and author based In Kennett Square. His ten books focus on Chester County and the mid-Atlantic region. His latest book is titled Forgotten Founding Fathers: Pennsylvania and Delaware in the American Revolution. His books are available through his website at www.GenePisasale.com and on www.Amazon.com. Gene can be reached via e-mail at: Gene@GenePisasale.com.

Changing Landscape in Senior Living Options… Senior Livings Adapting to Future Needs

Senior Housing has become a leading sector for real estate development, and the industry is expected to only become stronger over the next decade. An aging population and longer life expectancy is boosting the demand for expansion of senior living options. Developing high-quality, desirable senior living communities is not just about an attractive place to live; it’s about creating space where people feel safe, supported, connected and cared for. Selecting strategic geographic locations that enable seniors to engage in the surrounding community and experience amenities outside their walls is also becoming key to a successful community. Site selection plays a key role in a successful senior living.

Frank DeMarinis, Leisure Care General Manager (The Vero) When deciding on development opportunities thought was made to not only what senior trends are on a high level but the needs of the local market. Newark downtown is a very attractive and desirable living space, however, seniors often cannot find available housing such as ranch homes or single homes of manageable size and accessibility at reasonable cost. They want to be part of the epicenter but have limited options in a development market heavily focused on townhome and student housing. Our location is integral to local restaurants and shopping as well as life outside the community living space. We are finding seniors in this market also have appreciation for higher level activities and our locality to the University and programs such as Osher Lifelong Learning.

According to the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF) 60% of the existing communities are 17-plus years old and not designed to meet customers’ needs. Most senior living communities are 20-plus years old (58%), while only 14.5% are less than five years old. Many older senior living communities were built without the ability to update technology, health, safety or mobility infrastructure, along with smaller units and less of an emphasis on community spaces. New communities are integrating a more hospitality-centered design to facilitate ease of living and social connections, as well as a sense of community among residents and integrate a more hospitality-centered design to facilitate ease of living and social connections, as well as a sense of community among residents.

A growing retirement population and lack of inventory presents opportunities but also challenges due to a new wave of seniors being more selective and discriminating in the services they need and embrace. The baby boomer generation often referred to as the next “wave”. Today the eldest of the group are now 75 and within 10 years even the youngest of that cohort will be at least 65.

Terri Doody, Leisure Care (The Vero) Having worked in the local senior living industry these past 10 years I can attest there is a strong need for new communities. The senior living options are aging more rapidly then the populations they serve. We are in the market of establishing true “communities” not a “facility”

Senior housing generally services those over 75 years and is typically divided into four categories: independent living, assisted living, memory care and nursing care.

A previous model of prevalence has been the Continuing Care Retirement Community Model (CCRC) offering a range of independent living to intermediate care often on a combined campus. Though historically a popular model some challenges include having to physically move one’s residence as their need(s) increase as well as sometimes having to “buy in” defined as a sizeable community fee in addition to monthly rent.

Frank DeMarinis, Leisure Care General Manager (The Vero) Having a community with multiple care types available requires an in-depth licensing process. As a brand we offer a more modern approach having an integrated living space for both independent living and assisted living allowing residents to age in place without having to physically move as their needs increase. We license the entire community so that we do not have to further disrupt a resident rather dispatch medical staff to where they are needed.

We incorporate hospitality, multifamily and health care all in one. Hospitality services include transportation, housekeeping, entertainment, dining options and other amenities. The multifamily component is focused on a homelike setting and if needed can provide care services such as assistance with bathing, eating and other activities.

The senior living sector was challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic with decreasing occupancy, negative press and increased expense. Some communities went into lockdown mode, allowing only essential team members in the building and implementing quarantine protocols for new residents and any resident having left the building. During the pandemic, “needs-based” residents moved in at a steadier pace in comparison to independent living seniors that do not need as much care. Post pandemic we are again seeing the trend move toward residents moving not for necessity alone but social needs, hospitality and lifestyle.

The greatest current and future demand trend for a truly successful community is the High Demand for Direct Care Workers. The senior living industry is already feeling the effects of not having enough direct care workers to provide care to the growing number of seniors.

Frank DeMarinis, Leisure Care General Manager (The Vero) Even before covid we were seeing trendsetters like Amazon raising the bar for the workforce. A paradigm change was already in works for “living wage” over minimum wage. The antiquated model of high priced living options serviced by one of the lower average wages per sector of non skilled workforce required a shift. Leading operators recognize “you get what you pay for” and competitive wages not only ensure a consistent skilled workforce but a strong product. I am proud we offer a leading wage to our workforce ensuring the best talent. Our proximity and partnership to the University of Delaware not only is a benefit to Seniors but tapping into educated and ambitious labor force with a desire to grow. As we continue to partner with the University our goal is to give back to the community at large offering internships, educational opportunities and vocational mentorship. Our culinary program offers hospitality opportunities and our wellness program a focus for Health Sciences.