To give you more context about the time period in which Twilight lived, we decided to provide some background information.
In 1777, Vermont passed a law against slavery. However, this did not completely end racial tensions in Vermont. Even though slavery was illegal, people could still find their way around the law. The law stated that an African American woman could be kept in slavery until she turned 18 and, for men, it was until 21. Many slave owners found legal loopholes such as claiming that the slave owed them money. The idea that, at any moment, you could be kidnapped from your home was scary. African Americans often tried to keep low profiles in hopes not to be noticed by any slave traders. Conflicts were close to home. In fact, only miles away in Canaan, New Hampshire, an integrated school called Noyes Academy was ripped off its foundation and dragged blocks away by angry townspeople. Alexander Twilight probably heard of this hateful act. What if this had happened to his school? What if the townspeople had found out he was African American? Would they have acted out? What do you think? Let us know in the comments. Alexander Twilight Girls, Old Stone House Museum Associates
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Alexander was an exceptional teacher and a great role model for his students. When we were researching his effects on his students, we needed some primary sources, so we visited the Old Stone House Museum. There, we were shown a quote from one of his students.
“But who could ever forget him… That pursy, rotund form, the inevitable calico gown, the bronzed yet mirth-provoking face, the jest-loving propensity, the perennial fun, sometimes breaking out in the midst of the school room, the abrupt, contagious but quiet laugh.” This quote came from one of his students, E. A. Stewart, when he was asked to describe Twilight on August 30, 1888. This quote clearly shows his students love him and they have a trustworthy friendship. So we’ve already established that Alexander had a strong relationship with his students. The question is: did he tell them about his heritage? We have no way of knowing for sure, but we do suspect they may have known because, in the quote, the student described him as “bronzed” and “swarthy”. This is not usually a term you would use for a white man. Alexander Twilight Girls, Old Stone House Museum Associates |
AuthorsGabrielle and Esme have been researching Twilight thoroughly for three years. They started off working on their Vermont History presentation and eventually ended up, more recently, presenting at Boston History Camp in Boston, Mass. Archives
December 2019
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