Written by Kaitlin O'Neil & Julia LaPlante
Research by HIST223
When many of us think of the long history of Lasell, we picture it as one of the first schools in
the nation dedicated to the education and advancement of young women. Founded in 1851 as
Auburndale Female Seminary, Lasell University has been home to countless influential and
storied women. From painters, to designers, to teachers, the school has shaped the lives of many
people. This education would not have been possible without the dedicated professors, staff, and
caretakers who have devoted their lives and careers to Lasell. Over its long history, Lasell
University has not only cultivated notable young women as students, but it has been a leader in
the advancement of women professors, deans, and presidents. However, many who look back at
the history of Lasell may argue that there have not been any female presidents. For instance, if
you were to walk into Stroller Room in the Brennan library to gaze at the portraits of those who
have led Lasell, there would not be a single woman in sight. Many ask “how has a school so
dedicated to uplifting young women never had a female president?” These people can not be
faulted in missing the names of the women who have lead Lasell over the years, as those women
have been relegated to few pages in our history and nothing more.
One of the most well-known presidents of Lasell University was Dr. Charles Bragdon, who
served the school from 1874 to 1908. While Dr. Bragdon surely contributed much to the school history, he was often absent from campus as he traveled the world. While he was off exploring,
Miss Catherine J. Chamberlayne stepped up to lead Lasell. She had come to Auburndale with
Bragdon from his home state of Ohio and served as the seminary’s preceptress. However, as
Bragdon took more leaves from the school, Chamberlayne acted as a stand in principal. In 1890,
Bragdon left for an entire year, in which Chamberlayne led the school. In the late 1890s
Chamberlayne eventually left Lasell to found her own school, Chamberlayne Junior College. She
had dedicated nearly fifty years of her life to the school, but has yet to be recognized as an
important figure to its history.
Also serving as Lasell’s president during Dr. Bragdon’s absences was Miss Caroline A.
Carpenter. She worked at Lasell from 1873 to 1907. She was Assistant Principal to Dr. Bragdon
from 1891 to 1895. She also became a Preceptress early on in her career. This was in addition to
acting as president during one of Dr. Bragdon’s absences. In her years of working at Lasell, she
originally taught Mathematics, but later, more frequently taught Literature and History.
Oftentimes, she was left in charge when Dr. Bragdon wasn’t there. Miss Carpenter was a dear
colleague of Dr. Bragdon throughout her entire life. He brought her, along with Miss
Chamberlayne, from Ohio back to Lasell with him in 1873. She played an integrate part in
helping Lasell get back on its feet and reviving the school. Furthermore, she was regarded as one
of the most inspiring teachers at the school. She served at Lasell for 34 years and was regarded as the ”Queen of Lasell,” a nickname of hers given by Dr. Bragdon himself. Dr. Winslow said of
all the incredible female teachers at the school she was the model of them all. She died at the age
74 on June 13 th , 1907, the day after Commencement, where she served Lasell until her final
moments.
Many years later in Lasell’s history, the school saw its second female acting president. June
Babcock came to Lasell in 1942 as a professor of Latin and English. She also served for much of
her career as a dean. She first became acting president between the retirement of President Blake
Tewksbury in 1965 and the hiring of President Vincent DeBaun in 1966. She served again in
1968 when De Baun unexpectedly left Lasell, until 1970. This was a tumultuous time in Lasell’s
history as there was tension and dissatisfaction between students, faculty, and trustees. This
period saw multiple student protests. She finally retired in 1972 after serving Lasell for thirty
years.
Many women have been vital to Lasell’s history. Very few however have stepped up—or even
been allowed to—when men had abandoned the institution. Without the leadership of Catherine
Chamberlayne, June Babcock, and Caroline Carpenter, Lasell would have been left adrift in
times of need. Despite their commitment to Lasell, we have not committed to them. They are
relegated to a few passing mentions in our history books. They have no honorary mentions or
Lasell landmarks named after them. It is time the women dedicated so much of themselves to
Lasell find their ways out of our history books and onto the walls of our school.
Comments