1868/2411 – 1910/2453
The reign of King Chulalongkorn
1870/2413
The land at Wanglang was bought. Reverend S. C.
George was in charge of the construction. But the
work was not completed due to budget had run out. He
had to return to the US for health reason. Mrs.
Harriet House solicited another 3,000 US. Dollars to
finish off the construction.
1870/2413
The Regent had announced freedom of religious creed.
1874/2417
On the 13th of May, Mrs. House began the
operation of Wanglang School. This is considered the
birth date of Wattana Wittaya Academy.
1875/2418
There were 15 pupils at Wanglang School. Miss
Arabella Anderson was the first teacher in Wanglang
School. Since Mrs. House was well-known among
courtiers, Phraya Surasakmontri (Saeng, who was the
ancestor of Saeng-Xuto family) sent 4 of his
daughters to Wangalang School. Their ID numbers were
14, 15, 16 and 17. Their names were Yuen, Lek, Zin
and Loy.
1875/2418
Miss Anderson married Rev.
H.B. Noyes, D.D. who was a doctor from China.
1875/2418
Miss S. D. Grimstead came to teach at Wanglang.
There were 20 pupils.
1877/2420
Mrs. House’s health deteriorated. Doctor and Mrs.
House had to return the the USA after 30 years work
in Siam. They took Mr. Korn Amatyakul and Mr.
Boontuan Boon Itt to the USA with them, for
education purpose.
1877/2420
Miss Jennie Koresen came to teach at Wanglang. Miss
Jennie married Rev. James McCauley D.D.
1878/2421
His Majesty King Chulalongkorn had decreed about
freedom of religious creed.
1878/2421
Miss Belle Caldwel became the Principal of Wanglang
School. There were 29 pupils. The school had expense
of US$490 and income of US$40.00. Miss Caldwel
married Rev. J. Culberton.
1878/2421
The second church was set up at Wanglang School.
1882/2425
In the Bangkok Centennial Celebration in April,
Wanglang School participated in Thai children
education exhibition and the school pupils’
handicrafts were on show in Somdej Phra Panvassa’s
stall (She was the royal Grandmother of King
Bhumiphol).
1885/2428
Miss Mary E. Hartwell and
Miss Auara A. Olmstead managed the school during the
time that there was no teacher from the Mission.
1885/2428
Mrs. Tuan, Mr. Boontuan Boon-Itt’s mother was both
housekeeper and teacher, looking after Wanglang
School.
1885/2428
Mrs. Tuan resigned. Pupils loved and respected her
very much. So, the older pupils also resigned.
1885/2428
Miss Cole asked teacher Yuan Tiang Yok and his wife
to come and help at Wanglang School. Miss Marry S.
Handerson become Miss Cole’s assistant.
1885/2428
There was a full improvement of classroom and
education equipment because school fee of 5 baht per
month were collected. On the first term, there were
only 16 pupils left. Miss Soi was an assistant
teacher to Miss Olmstead
1887/2430
Miss Van Emmon became Wanglang School Principal.
Later, she married Reverend Christian Berger
1888/2431
Miss Soi married Mr. Boonyee Boon-Itt and moved to
Chiangmai.
1888/2431
Miss Tim graduated and became a teacher. Miss Suwan,
Miss Chaem, Miss Ploy and Miss Tao also became
teachers at Wanglang School.
1888/2431
Prince Naradhip sponsored the school.
1889/2432
Prince Naradhip was the first royal family member
who was so pleased with the school that he sent his
eldest daughter – Princess Banbimol to study in the
same class as ordinary people. Her pupil ID number
was 131.
1890/2433
Miss S. E. Parker and Miss
L.J. Cooper came to help teachers in Wanglang
School. Miss Cooper went to open a school in Nakorn
Chaisri.
1891/2434
Prince Damrong, the Minister of Education sent Edwin
McFarland, Phra Artvidhyakom’s elder brother, to
study about USA’s education system.
1898/2441
King Chulalongkorn made a trip to Europe. He
appointed Queen Saovabha-pongsri as the Regent.
Women were roused by this event a great deal. Girl
schools were opened around Bangkok. Wanglang was
teachers training ground for both private and almost
all newly opened public schools. So, a person
graduated from Wanglang was appointed as school
principal immediately. Rajini and Wanglang Schools
cooperated to provide teachers for girl schools
around the country.
1903/2446
Miss Edna Bruner, an expert in art, came to join
Wanglang School for two years. Later, she married
Dr. L.C. Bulkley and moved to Trang
Province.
1904/2447
Miss Tard, Miss Linchee She, Miss Tongsuk and Miss
Chaem passed the boys’ examination.
1905/2448
Miss Magaret C. McCord came to join Wanglang.
1905/2448
Miss Aroon, the daughter of Mr. Tiensang Prateepasen
(later known as Khunying Aroon Medhadhibadi) went
for a further education in kindergarten teaching,
according to Froebel Theory, at Normal Training
College of Connecticut. Three years later, she came
back to start kindergarten teaching in Wanglang
School. So, Wanglang was the first school that
provided kindergarten education. Khunying Aroon was
the first lady to teach kindergarten in Thailand.
1908/2451
Miss Bertha Blount joined Wanglang School. At that
time, King Chulalongkorn had abolished all kind of
gambling. There was one large casino nearby that
villagers used as pig sty. Miss Cole rented the
place, cleaned it and used it as school as well as a
place where villagers could obtain free medicine.
Moreover, “Utissathan” was also a kitchen where Miss
McCord used to cook for pupils and Wanglang
society.