This brief history of the use of the Thomas Clapham “Stone House” (known since the mid-1900s as “Wenlo”) in Roslyn Harbor as a military school between 1882 and 1893 is based on documentation found in the Bryant Library Local History Collection. Among the Library’s holdings is an original prospectus for the Academy.

The timeline below, compiled by former resident Stewart W. Donaldson, includes information on both the Long Island Military Academy (1892-1893) and its predecessor, the Bryant School (1887-1892).

Timeline

August 20, 1881: Thomas Clapham sold large mansion overlooking bay to Dr. Lugo wealthy NYC gentleman.

March 12, 1887: Roslyn to have a Military School. A part of the Clapham estate has been purchased by Professor Hinds and Mr. Cortelyou of the Hempstead Institute, including the stone Mansion and will be used as a military school with boarding accommodations.

April 30, 1887: The Military School from Hempstead will move to its new headquarters on the Clapham property on Monday May 2nd (This became the Bryant School).

July 7, 1888: At a meeting of the managers of the Bryant School held June 3, 1888, Mr. Ephraim Hinds was appointed President of the board.

September 1, 1888: The Bryant School-Roslyn LI- An incorporated school of the highest class for boys: English, classical, commercial and military. Apply to George Bruce Cotelyou- principal.

September 27, 1890: The annual term of the Bryant School opened on Wednesday with 18 boys in attendance.

May 14, 1892: A great deal of interest will be aroused in Roslyn when it is learned that the fine piece of property known for several years as the Bryant school has been leased by Major Hyatt of the Peekskill Military School. It will be opened as an educational institution and known as the Long Island Military Academy.

September 10, 1892: The Long Island Military Academy boarding department opens.

September 14, 1892: Roll call at 6:00 pm- Day pupils report on September 15, at 9:00 A.M.- The price for tuition in the Day Department will be $100 for the scholastic year (10 months) and strictly in advance $25 at the beginning of each quarter, which included books and supplies. Catalogues containing courses may be had on application either in person or by mail. Major B.F. Hyatt, Principal, Roslyn, L.I.

March 25, 1893: B.F. Hyatt was arrested and arraigned in Jefferson market Court for passing bogus checks. He is well known in Roslyn when he attempted to conduct a Military Academy last year in the stone house on the old Clapham property. He traded in Roslyn and Had Roslyn mechanics renovate the old house and he gave them worthless checks in payment-the Academy went into bankruptcy last year.

November 4, 1893: The Clapham property including a stone mansion was sold under foreclosure on Monday and was bought for $25,000.

The 1892-1893 Long Island Military Academy prospectus

The Thomas Clapham House as it looks today.