1852: An Acadia Tragedy Unfolds (Part 20, Jun 24/25)
Looking for Isaac Chipman’s influence in the Archives today
No longer called the ‘historical collection’ per se, the archives started by Professor Chipman in 1846 remains at Acadia in both spirit and essence. The provenance of books, published before 1852 and donated to the College, often continues to be a mystery. Information about the donors no longer exists. Archivist Wendy Robicheau explains that Professor Chipman’s influence can still be found.
In this series of posts, Wendy has mentioned numerous examples of historical evidence in the Archives and Special Collections. Baptist newspapers and minutes have been vital to this research. But other sources fill her research files too.
James Doyle Davison wrote biographies of three, key individuals in Isaac Chipman’s life. William of Pleasant Valley (published in 1996) is a detailed account of Isaac’s father and family as well as the strong ties to Acadia and Horton. Eliza of Pleasant Valley (published in 1983) provides a diary transcription of Isaac’s stepmother, Eliza Ann. Isaac’s life features prominently in the diary. Although mentioned less in Davison’s book, Alice of Grand Pre (published in 1981), it is known that Isaac influenced Alice Shaw to pursue an education at Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts. She followed his advice and returned to Nova Scotia to found a Seminary for girls and women, which we later knew as the Acadia Ladies’ Seminary.
Equally exciting are the objects owned and used by Isaac Chipman during his life. Wendy has referenced his diary and letters, which are included with the papers of the Chipman family and preserved in the Archives. If these items are not interesting enough, then let me tell you about the diplomas, an academic hood, and a handkerchief. Professor Chipman’s Bachelor of Arts diploma for 1839 and Masters of Arts diploma for 1843, both from Waterville College in Maine (now Colby), are kept in the Archives. The May 1941 Acadia Bulletin indicates that these parchments were donated by Dr. And Mrs. O.N. Chipman, who was a half-nephew of Isaac. His academic hood, also from Waterville College, is preserved in the Archives too. Imagine, during Professor Chipman’s life, he would have worn this hood to class and to other academic events such as the public exhibition. A linen handkerchief is also kept in the Archives. This item was supposedly on his body and helped to identify him. All these objects are available digitally on the Acadia Archives’ website.
It has been many days since the accident and Chipman’s body is still missing. When will they find him? Wait and see in the next post.
Plan to attend a historical commemoration on 27 June 2025. Professor Chipman and the other victims will be commemorated at the Wolfville Baptist Church and the Old Burying Ground in the style of an 1852 funeral service. The family-friendly commemoration is open to everyone. Please join us at 6.30pm in the Wolfville Baptist Church to hear Rev. Dr. Cramp give a short funeral sermon before we process to the graves of Isaac Chipman and William Grant.
