Buford College collection, 1903-1920.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

Housed in Small Collections Box 3.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: Yearbook; commencement invitations; programs to performances, concerts and recitals addressed to the Meguiar family of Madison, Tenn.; clippings; a copy of the Buford final exam; and a funeral program for Mr. E.G. Buford.

The 1912 yearbook includes a wealth of information about the programs, course of study, and activities of the students and school, describing performances, recitals, and other events. These descriptions include the names of the individual students, the pieces they performed, and a variety of other information. The yearbook is illustrated with a number of photographs of students, faculty, activities, school buildings and grounds. Also included is information about alumnae and the mission of the school.

Cite as: Buford College Collection, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

This material may be protected by copyright (Title 17 U.S. Code).

Betty Hadley;,Gift;,1993.,Acc. RT-184.

Buford College was established in Nashville, Tenn. in 1901 by Mrs. E.G. Buford, the former Elizabeth Burgess. It was advertised as a "Limited Select Home College for the Higher Culture of Women," where young ladies ages 16-20 would study language, literature, art, music, expression and domestic science. Emphasis was also placed upon health and physical activity, including programs in archery, gymnastics, roller skating, and other recreation. Enrollment was limited to 100 girls a year of "acceptable social, moral and religious standing." Students came from all over the South and some foreign countries. Many daughters of Confederate veterans came to the school, and Mrs. Buford offered a scholarship through the United Daughters of the Confederacy. The original school was located in the Glendale suburb of Nashville. It was considered to be a very healthy and sanitary location because it was outside of the city limits. In 1917 the school was moved to North 12th Street and Gallatin Road in East Nashville. The school closed in 1919 or 1920.

Elizabeth Burgess was born in Cornersville, Tenn., the daughter of J.J.H. Burgess. Sometime between 1884 and 1895, she married Elbridge Gerry Buford. He served as regent of Buford College, while she held the office of president. Another member of the family, Mrs. Buford's sister, Louise Burgess, served as head of the music department. In 1919 Mr. Buford died, followed a year later by his wife.

Mrs. Buford spent her entire life in the educational field. She graduated from the Columbia Athenaeum and taught at Webb School and the University of Nashville. She served as lady principal at Martin College in Pulaski, Tenn. and at Dr. Price's School for Young Ladies in Nashville. From 1884 until 1895 she was principal at the Clarksville Female Academy. In 1901 she came to Nashville to start Buford College.

In English.

These items may have belonged to Betty Hadley's aunt, Mrs. F. Meguiar.

Process;,2006;,Linda Barnickel;,removed from Schools Ephemera Subject Files.

No further accruals are expected.