Worcester Academy (Worcester, Mass.)

The Worcester County Manual Labor High School, incorporated by an act of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on 28 February 1834, was established by "... a group of prominent Worcester citizens [who] felt the need for a boys' school that would give elementary instruction, '... of the first order, under the highest moral and religious influences, at low cost, and with emphasis on productive manual labor.' The group were almost all of the Baptist faith, prominent in business, in civic life, and 'in all good undertakings.'" The name of the school was changed to Worcester Academy by act of the General Court of Massachusetts on 24 February 1847.

A student organization called the Legomathenian (later changed to Legomanthenian) Society was established on 23 June 1834 during the first semester of Worcester Academy, with its objective being "... the improvement of its members in debating and public speaking." The members of the Society debated, gave improvised speeches, and held social gatherings and an annual exhibition. The Society also accumulated a library of several hundred volumes that served as the library for the Academy.

From the description of Records, 1832-1967. (American Antiquarian Society). WorldCat record id: 191259854