Sarah E. Sanford, Union Hall Academy

Sarah E. Sanford, age 9 and a student at Union Hall Academy in Jamaica, New York, worked this fine sampler with a religious poem centered within a very stylish flower wreath. The sampler brought this school, which was previously unknown to us, to our attention, and we became aware of another sampler made there. Now in the collection of the Hanover Historical Society in Plymouth County, Massachusetts, this was made by Abigail Hammett circa 1819.

(link to Hanover Historical Society site)

Sarah’s sampler is more beautifully developed than Abigail’s but they share obvious characteristics.

These samplers led us to research the school and an article, “Old Union Hall and Early Education in Jamaica”, published in Long Island Life, May and June 1917, provides much information. The school opened its doors on May 1, 1792, at that time admitting only boys. After some years and once the school was well established, the following notice appeared: 

“The Trustees of Union Hall Academy, Jamaica, purpose [sic] to open a Female Academy May 20th 1817 in a building which will accommodate from thirty to forty boarders. They have engaged two ladies of approved talent and experience, Miss Elizabeth Bartlette and Miss Laura Barnum, by whom young ladies will be instructed in all the branches of a polite and well finished education.” 

Sarah Sanford and Abigail Hammett were among the first female students to attend the school.

When the boys’ division was relocated in 1820 to a new building in Union Hall Street (so named for the presence of the school), the girls were transferred to the original 1792 building. A copy of this article accompanies the sampler.

An historic marker about the school, located in the sidewalk of what was the entrance to the Union Hall Street Station on the Long Island Railroad, reads, "Founded in 1792, the main building of this prestigious academy for young men and women stood here from 1820 until 1872 when the school was closed. It was named Union Hall because it was established through the united efforts of the residents of Jamaica, Newtown, and Flushing. Students came to the school from all over Long Island as well as other parts of the country and boarded with families in Jamaica Village."

A family note on the back paper of Sarah’s sampler reads, “Sampler made in 1818 by Sarah Sanford, married to James MacKnight.” Further research may provide information about Sarah and her family. 

The sampler was worked in silk on linen. There are some other motifs stitched outside of the wreath that are original to the sampler and may have been added by Sarah as she was learning further patterns. It is in excellent condition, conservation mounted and in a molded and black painted frame.