History Corner

NASHVILLE HISTORY CORNER: SUSAN L. HOOD AND IDA E. HERON

BY RIDLEY WILLS II

Susan L. Hood and Ida E. Heron, neither of whom are wellknown in Nashville, were the founders of Belmont College for Young Women, located at Belmont, the former estate of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham.

Little is known of their lives before they moved south to become co-principals of Martin College in Pulaski, Tenn. Heron may have been from Philadelphia and Hood from Iowa. They met as classmates in Philadelphia and became great friends, announcing themselves to everyone as “Hood and Heron.”

After five years at Martin College, they moved to Nashville in 1890 and founded Belmont College located on the estate of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham. Despite not being Southerners, they educated young women in an atmosphere of

Southern manners. Their classes included academic achievement in the subjects of Latin, Greek and mathematics, all required courses, as well as more conventional courses for young ladies-elocution,

gymnastics and music. The two founders were devoted to their students and to the school, constructing new buildings, a swimming pool and riding stables.

Heron was strong-willed, and red-headed, the embodiment of graciousness and dignity. Hood was gentle, loved poetry and encouraged the students to achieve what was expected of them.

Hood and Heron retired in 1913, selling Belmont to its rival, Ward Seminary. The ladies built Braeburn, a beautiful home at 211 Deer Park Drive in 1916 and retired there. Susan Hood died in 1921 while Ida Heron lived until 1933. Their graves are side by side in Mt.Olivet Cemetery where they share a single monument whose inscription is titled Hood-Heron. Braeburn is now owned by Vanderbilt University.