Named after Franklin Pierce, the 14th and only New Hampshire-born president of the United States (1804-1869), Franklin Pierce University was founded by Frank S. DiPietro, the first president of the College. Originally located in the center of the town of Rindge, the college shared the town's library and study facilities. On November 14,1962, the College was chartered by the State of New Hampshire and Frank DiPietro bought the estate overlooking Pearly Pond. In 1965, the state legislature granted the College statutory authority to grant baccalaureate degrees. In 1973, during DiPietro's presidency, the Franklin Pierce Law Center was founded (the Law Center is still in operation, but has since become autonomous). Walter R. Peterson, who served two terms as the governor of New Hampshire, served as College President from 1975-1995. He is now President Emeritus. Dr. George J. Hagerty, a professor of political science and education educated at Harvard, became the third president in 1995. Under his leadership the College has established a Graduate Studies program offering a four Master's degrees, the revolutionary Grimshaw-Gudewics Activity Center, nine new sports, and more academic offerings with two new majors: political science and information technology. Oral tradition in Rindge has it that the estate was a station of the Underground Railroad for runaway slaves. The White House on campus was used to hide slaves until they could be brought out safely. The beautiful Franklin Pierce University estate was first owned by Captain Asa Brewer in 1854. In 1902, the estate was bought by George Emory, a wealthy importer of mahogany, who built the Manor to entertain guests and the carriage house to stable his prize horses. The Manor now houses the President's and Administrative Offices and the carriage house, which is now Rindge Hall, houses Admissions and Financial Aid. In 1924, the estate was sold to Arthur Lowe who turned over the property to the Trustees of the Fitchburg (MA) Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The grassy hill in front of the Manor served as a summer site for scout tents for 17 years. In 1948, Alma Monaco, a silent-movie actress, bought the estate. The estate changed hands for years until DiPietro bought it in 1962. |
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