Charles Wesley Reid papers

Charles Weasley Reid (1843-1920) was born June 10 in West Brandywine, Pennsylvania to James and Mary Reid. After attending Philadelphia High School he entered the junior class of Dickinson College and received his degree in 1865. He conducted a private school in Milford, Delaware but it closed in 1867. Reid traveled to Germany to study ancient languages spending a year at the University of Gottingen, a year at the University of Berlin, and six months at the University of Bonn. After his studies and travels in Europe Reid returned to the United States and started teaching at Mount Pleasant Academy in Sing Sing, New York for a year. He then took a position teaching languages at Alleghany College and then in 1886 he joined the faculty of St. John’s College. In September of 1889 he was elected President of Washington College. While president Reid worked to improve the structure of education at the college, even if it meant moving away from the classics he loved. Reid revised the curriculum for the 1889-1890 academic year. Coeducation was also adopted during his term, in 1891 women were admitted as day students. As more women enrolled a female dorm was built, Normal Hall, and completed in 1897. The college grew in buildings including a gymnasium, organizations, sports, and students during Reid’s presidency. Dr. Reid retired in 1903 and moved to Milford, DE with his wife, Almina “Allie” D. Anderson (1844-1939), they had married in 1872. Reid died March 26, 1920, in his honor Washington College renamed Normal Hall to Charles W. Reid Hall.