I have a letter from my g-grandfather, Robert Buchanan Curtis, where he refers to a school that I would like more information on. He writes and I quote, "At age 13 I was sent to California where I lived on a ranch - attended school in the Winter time and did a man's work until I was about 17. When I finished Public School, I took a Business college course at Stockton, Calif., and graduated and then attended a Normal Institute - there until I was 21 when I returned to New York...." He was sent to California at 13, (orphaned)in the year 1886. I don't have any idea to whom, although I have a letter from an F. Adele Bennett who wrote to him in 1929. She lived (in 1929) in Richmond, CA.

My question is whether you have any idea what Business school would have been in operation in the late 1880's and what is the Normal Institute? I would appreciate any help or any names to help me in my quest.

Thank you,
Linda Curtis Zimmerman