Atlanta Catholic Centennial

Among the early Catholic schools in Atlanta was the Atlanta Catholic Male School conducted by Mr. Patrick Walpole in 1869-70-71.

This school was located at a point on the west side of Broad Street, north of Hunter, the third building from the corner and south of the present Rich's Store. According to present numbering it would be about 63 or 65 Broad Street, S. W.

Mr. Walpole's classical training made him an important factor in the educational field in the days of reconstruction and before the opening of the Public Schools. Mr. Patrick Walpole came to Atlanta in 1867. After establishing his school in 1869, its growth and popularity necessitated additional teachers. He secured as his assistant his brother, James Walpole. Both Patrick and James Walpole received their degrees from the Dominican College of Limerick, Ireland. Mr. Mayer, another professor, taught singing, German and other languages.

His school supplied a complete academic course. Old pupils relate that their studies were not confined, however, to text books, but the social amenities were well instilled. During vacation periods, as well as during the school year, weekly balls and other entertainments were held. An old Atlanta newspaper of that period, the Daily New Era, of August 1, 1871, states that a large and brilliant assemblage attended the exercises given by the Catholic Male School in the City Hall on the night of July 31, 1871, and that the applause attested their appreciation.

Some of the outstanding leaders in the development of Atlanta attended this school. Among its pupils were: Joseph M. Corrigan; John Burckhardt; James J. Haverty; John Gardiner; John Roach; James Sullivan; John T. Connolly; C. J. Sullivan; Peter F. Clarke; John Ryan; Charles B. Crenshaw, and others.

Mr. Walpole was one of the first teachers of shorthand in the South, and also was one of the first young men in Georgia to employ shorthand in the State Capitol, where, as Court Reporter, he pursued his legal studies.

When Patrick Walpole began the practice of law his brother, James Walpole, took charge of the school.

In connection with the day school Mr. Walpole established a night school. Here with other studies, shorthand was taught. This was the first business night school in Atlanta.

These schools were closed when James Walpole went to New Orleans to accept a position on the editorial staff of the New Orleans Picayune.

Patrick Walpole

The founder of the Atlanta Catholic Male School was born in Limerick, Ireland, and it was in the Dominican College of Limerick that he received his degree. Before he made Atlanta his home in 1867 he and his brother James had been engaged in reportorial and editorial work. A gentleman and a scholar, Mr. Walpole was well suited to establish a Classical School. The school he founded in 1869 was the equal of any in the city at that time.

While conducting the school, Mr. Walpole secured an appointment as Court Reporter at the State Capitol. It was in this capacity that he became associated with Judge Lochrane, first as an understudy and then as a law associate. In those days there were few law schools and the legal profession was approached in this manner. In the pursuit of his studies he was one of the first Court Reporters to use shorthand.

While associated with Judge Lochrane, Mr. Walpole did all of the legal and field survey work of the Etowah Land Company and the Bartow iron Works around Cartersville as evidenced by field and note books now in possession of Mrs. Otis, his daughter.

Mr. Walpole married in 1875 Miss Mary Gardiner, the eldest daughter of a family identified with Atlanta's earliest days, and whose members had for several generations been engineers and builders. Their daughter is now Mrs. Robert R. Otis and their grandchildren are Walpole R. Otis of Atlanta and Mrs. Edward H. Oliver of Jacksonville, Florida.

Mr. Walpole died in Atlanta of typhoid fever in 1879 and old friends and pupils testify as to his outstanding character and integrity, and to the fact that his educational efforts were of much benefit to the community during this period of reconstruction.