Polytechnic Institute (Gilbert, PA)

Polytechnic Institute was founded by the Rev. F. W. Smith in the spring of 1886 in the village of Gilbert, Monroe County, PA., primarily to educate teachers. Smith was pastor of Pleasant Valley Charge. For several years its home was the Salem Reformed Sunday School Chapel. In 1895 it moved into its own building. The school was nondenominational, but had a strong Christian influence. It was forced to close in 1922 when a change in state regulations required certification for teachers.