In 1881, Charles Neale was a senior at the Alexandria Academy, and he apparently was a good student. So much so, in fact, that he received this silver recognition medal from his instructors. It notes that he came in first in his class and was recognized for perfect lessons. It's part of the OurHistoryMuseum Alexandria collection.
The Alexandria Academy has an interesting history. It was founded by George Washington, Robert E. Lee attended school there, and when Washington died he left money for the school's endowment. Mount Vernon's website notes (more detail by following the link):
Incorporated by the Virginia Assembly in 1786, the Alexandria Academy, located in George Washington’s home community of Alexandria, Virginia, embodied his commitment to the education of all Americans, including the poor and women. Washington contributed significantly to the Academy during his life and with provisions in his will, as well as advising its Board of Trustees of his vision for the establishment.
A separate school operated on each of the three floors of the Academy. The first floor held the English School that taught grammar, writing, arithmetic, and physical sciences to paying students. The second floor held the Learned Language School, which taught classical Latin and Greek. The Free School was on the third floor, where similar skills were taught as on the first floor. A forerunner of the public school system, the Free School provided education at no cost to girls, orphans and other poor children.
Who is Charles Neale? Did he attend school in the building in Alexandria or Georgetown (I strongly suspect Alexandria since it separately notes "Alexandria" on the medal itself )? I really have no idea. I noted some references to the Neale family of Maryland. I note that there was a Charles Neale known for his headstone carving in and around Alexandria. There was even a Charles Neale who managed the farmers market in Alexandria for a while. Perhaps one of you readers can guess?
Here are some additional images of the Alexandria Academy and Mr. Neale's well-earned medal.
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