Along the Road: From Wanglang
   School to Wattana Wittaya Academy

                       
                  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.