TEXAS FEMALE INSTITUTE. Texas Female Institute, a Baptist school in Austin, was established by William W. Fontaine in 1875 in the basement of a Baptist church. A new building was erected in 1876 to meet the need of increased enrollment. The institution had preparatory, academic, collegiate, and art departments, and many of the students became teachers. The institute discontinued operation in 1881, when Fontaine accepted a position with Baylor Female College.
Willie Madora Long, Education in Austin Before the Public Schools (M.Ed. thesis, University of Texas, 1952). Carl Bassett Wilson, History of Baptist Educational Efforts in Texas, 1829–1900 (Ph.D. dissertation, University of Texas, 1934).
Herman L. Crow
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