Letter to the Editor

To the Editor:

We are two local residents who are seeking reader assistance with a research project focused on the Juniata Collegiate Institute (also known as the Martinsburg Indian Training School). We are diligently working to compile information on the building – which was once located at the 400 block of E Allegheny Street – with a focus on the time period in the late 1800s when Native children from the Osage and Oneida tribes studied and lived there. Approximately 100 children arrived by train to the school, which was overseen by P.H. Bridenbaugh and his family. Also known as “The Seminary,” the building was also once a borough high school, a private home, a college prep school, orphans home, a hotel and a public meeting place. It was affiliated with St. John’s Reformed Church in Martinsburg, and its teachers were members of the congregation. Two Osage students who died here now rest in Fairview Cemetery. The four-story building was torn down in 1946 by Dr. Howard Kerr and Claudius Hershberger to make way for new homes. We are trying to uncover facts regarding the history of the building (and specifically the Indian School) in order to bring to light more public education and awareness regarding this period of history in our community. After perusing old Heralds and other publications, we are now hoping readers will contact us with any written or anecdotal information – big or small – that they may have about this building and/or the Indian School. We hope to one day host a public presentation and/or Website featuring our research. You may contact us at (814) 515-0118 or stoufferjodi57@gmail.com.

Thank you,

Cori Bolger & Jodi Stouffer