In the mid-1800s, public schools in Cecil County didnât exist. They came along in the late 1800s. Private schools, such as West Nottingham Academy existed, but only boys were admitted. Wealthier people sent their daughters to schools designed for young ladies, where they would learn skills such as needlework, art, and music, that were considered appropriate for accomplished females. In the Cecil Whig, from February 1850 until February 1851, there appeared advertisements for a boarding and day school for young ladies. The school was outside of Port Deposit, in a spot called Smithâs Grove. Smithâs Grove was a farm, probably owned by Cornelius Smith. Unfortunately, a picture of this property could not be found, but according to an estate sale advertisement in the Cecil Whig in June 1860, this farm was approximately 160 acres. Ten of these acres contained an apple orchard and about thirty acres were woods. There was also a large frame house and two barns.