BAXTER SEMINARY
History
-BAXTER TENNESSEE-
Brief History
Nuggets
History Sketch 1934
Historical Marker
Jere Baxter
Tennessee Central Railroad
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History Nuggets
Baxter Seminary was founded in 1908, with the Rev. S.E. Ryan as its first
president, followed by Rev. Frank S. Ditto. Mr. Patton R. Broyles followed Rev.
Ditto as president, and served until Dr.Upperman’s election.
"Truth, Honor, Loyalty, and
Service"
are not only words over the chapel door,
but have been the ideals of Dr. Upperman for Baxter Seminary as it challenges students
to the best in life.
June 23, 1895. Graduate of Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York.
Married to Miss Elma Elizabeth Clark, of Williamsport, PA. Minister and
teacher, Pastor for six years in New York state. At present President Baxter
Seminary. Rev. Upperman is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Mason and President of Baxter
Booster’s Club. He traveled and studied abroad in 1922. Taken from: A
History of Putnam County, TN by Walter S. McClain
Dr. and Mrs. Upperman Faced Challenges and Survived.
On June 23, 1923, Dr. Harry Lee Upperman
and his bride came to close Baxter Seminary, which had only a "C" rating and
many needs. Dr. and Mrs. Upperman saw the tremendous need for a school in the mountains.
They began to envision what it could be if there could be financial backing. The property
was valued at $35,013, with an indebtedness of $5,000. (When the Uppermans retired well
over $1,000,000 had been brought to Baxter Seminary.) More than 10,000 boys
and girls and the whole Upper Cumberland had been aided and improved. Stray
leaves from Putnam County, Tennessee by Mary Hopson pg. 83 Dr. and Mrs.
Upperman Faces Challenges and Survived. Photo from the 1942 Highlander
Yearbook.
Tim Denny went to Baxter Seminary. He remembered Miss Hill. "She was a
strict individual", he said. "When Miss Hill was teaching herself to drive a
car we would watch her with a driving manual in one hand and the wheel of a car in
the other. She would be trying to drive and read
the manual at the same time. The car would be jumping all over the lot.
Story told to Audrey June (Denny) Lambert by her father, Tim Denny. www.ajlambert.com
Sitting on the Steps of Baxter Seminary L to R: Faculty - standing; Marjorie Kanable; sitting on steps, Ethelyn P. Hill; & Vera Swallow she md Morris C. Medley. L to R: Children sitting on the steps; unknown female; Tim Denny, s/o Virgil Timothy Denny & Audra Camilla Anderson & unknown male student. - Picture developed by Harding Studio, Cookeville, TN.
* Most photos on this page are sourced from Baxter Seminary
Yearbooks 1934-1960 by Mike and Audrey Lambert, www.ajlambert.com
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Harry Lee Upperman Born in Baltimore, Maryland,
Ivy Hall, the first building on the campus, had its cornerstone laid in 1911. It was completed and dedicated
three years later in 1914. Ivy Hall housed the president, administrative offices, the chapel,
library, and classrooms. In the basement were the dining room, kitchen, home
economics and the science departments. As more buildings and classroom space were added
to the campus, IVY Hall was renovated and became the dormitory for girls.
Baxter Seminary. Photo courtesy of Charles A. Reeves, Jr. to Vanderbilt University Special Collections..
Miss Ethelyn P. Hill joined the
Uppermans in 1924, in the survival of the school. Miss Hill left her home in
Aibion, MI to come to Baxter Seminary to teach high school students foreign
languages, particularly Latin, Spanish, some Greek, and Hebrew. She was
under the supervision of Dr. Harry Upperman. It was under the sponsorship of
the Methodist churches and missionary work. She was there until Dr. Upperman
retired in 1957 when she became associated with Deberry Academy until 1964.
In all she taught school for 62 years. She was the school Dean. Stray
leaves from Putnam County, Tennessee by Mary Hopson pg. 83 Dr. and Mrs.
Upperman Faces Challenges and Survived. Photo from the 1942 Highlander
Yearbook.
Joseph Daniel Harris, born in
Putnam County, June 28, 1871. Graduate of University of Chattanooga.
Married Miss. Martha Anderson in 1891. Taught school for several years and
then prepared for the ministry. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, of Holston Conference. Rev Harris has been a leading citizen of
Baxter for many years. founder of Baxter Seminary, Chairman of first board
of Trustees and financial agent for four years. has served as pastor in
five states, built sixteen churches and parsonages in Middle Tennessee. At
present engaged in evangelistic work.