University Student, CobOurg Ontario

In the fall of 1873 Arthur is twenty–one; he and his brother Lucius matriculate in the Bachelor of Arts programme at Victoria College.

Arthur is an excellent student and wins prizes throughout his time at the University. In 1873 he wins the Mills Prize for Freshman Classics, and in 1875 is awarded the Webster Prize for the first place English Essay. Coleman graduates in 1876 with the Prince of Wales Gold Medal. (The gold medal is awarded to the Victoria College student with the highest standing in a Bachelor of Arts degree.)

Arthur and Lucius' studies are partially financed by working at their aunts’ educational establishment—Brookhurst Ladies' Academy in Cobourg.

The 1874 diary shows Arthur lolling in a chair, at last he is on holiday.

June 16th, 1874 … ease does not seem to stick to me comfortably so that the holidays have not brought the perfect repose ordinarily supposed to attach to them. I have become head and under gardener assisted solely by a small boy, Rufus, who is only 1 ½ inches taller and 10 lbs. heavier than myself. I have become Lucius’ successor as bookseller and stationer to this establishment. I am drawing master, errand boy, man of all work; guide, philosopher and, friend, etc. to Brookhurst. Dr. Haanel claims me as his assistant

Drawing / Illustration. A.P. Coleman. "OLD VIC." in Acta Victoriana Vol. 6 no. 4 (1883), back cover

Photograph. G. Lawes. Portrait of A.P. Coleman, Cobourg. ca 1876.

Artifact. William Cowper. The Poetical Works of William Cowper, Cover (Prize awarded to A.P.C.)

Notebook. A.P. Coleman. Tuesday June 16th, 1874 in Diary No. 3, 1874 – 1878, Cover

Artifact. Paul Wilson. Brass Telescope late 19th. ca 1890. ROM Department of Natural History.

Artifact. Paul Wilson. Blow torch apparatus in a wooden box. n.d.. ROM Department of Natural History

2 hours every morning at blow pipe analysis.

Diary 3, 1874 - 1878, pages 4 - 5

Tuesday June 16th.1874.

Holidays once more and once more I start a diary. This time I shall make no promises for the future.

[Text broken here by a sketch of Coleman in his study surrounded by books tipping back in his chair.]

Books all pitched under the table, once more I can tip back any chair in calm unconsciousness of any lessons for the morrow. However ease does not seem to stick to me comfortably so that the [page 005] holidays have not brought the perfect repose ordinarily supposed to attach to them. I have become head and under gardener assisted solely by a small boy, Rufus, who is only 1½ inches taller and 10 lbs. heavier than myself. I have become Lucius’ successor as bookseller and stationer to this establishment. I am drawing master, errand boy, man of all work; guide, philosopher and, friend, etc. to Brookhurst. Dr. Haanel claims me as his assistant 2 hours every morning at blow pipe analysis. [page 006] Our red cow’s calf is a thriving creature and heartily enjoys a scamper over Aunt Augusta’s flower beds followed by one boy with a thistle [?] one boy without any, and a very anxious mully cow. Result. Calf caught by the forelegs by boy no. 1 and by hind legs by boy no. 2. and unceremoniously bundled out of the lawn altogether. Red cow in a fit of despair at the fate of her degenerate offspring hastily snips off a strawberry plant and is in her turn similarly ejected.

Notebook. A.P. Coleman. Tuesday June 16th, 1874 in Diary No. 3, 1874 – 1878, [page 4]

holidays have not brought the perfect repose ordinarily supposed to attach to them. I have become head and under gardener assisted solely by a small boy, Rufus, who is only 1½ inches taller and 10 lbs. heavier than myself. I have become Lucius’ successor as bookseller and stationer to this establishment. I am drawing master, errand boy, man of all work; guide, philosopher and, friend, etc. to Brookhurst. Dr. Haanel claims me as his assistant 2 hours every morning at blow pipe analysis.

Notebook. A.P. Coleman. Tuesday June 16th, 1874 in Diary No. 3, 1874 – 1878, [page 5]

Our red cow’s calf is a thriving creature and heartily enjoys a scamper over Aunt Augusta’s flower beds followed by one boy with a thistle [?] one boy without any, and a very anxious mully cow. Result. Calf caught by the forelegs by boy no. 1 and by hind legs by boy no. 2. and unceremoniously bundled out of the lawn altogether. Red cow in a fit of despair at the fate of her degenerate offspring hastily snips off a strawberry plant and is in her turn similarly ejected.

Notebook. A.P. Coleman. Tuesday June 16th, 1874 in Diary No. 3, 1874 – 1878, [page 6]

Notebook. A.P. Coleman. Cover, Diary No. 3, 1874 – 1878