 She was known to spend her own money on books and supplies for the school, and even bought and prepared the first diplomas, presented in 1859.From early days, the school was known informally as "Miss Wadleigh's school," and became a popular stop for prominent visitors such as Henry Ward Beecher and Susan B. Anthony.Among the school's alumnae from Wadleigh's era was medical pioneer Mary Putnam Jacobi.