"In 1869, with the support of the Missionary Association of the Congregational Church (now the United Church of Christ) and the Freedman’s Aid Society of the United Methodist Church, Straight University and Union Normal School were founded. Later, they were renamed Straight College and New Orleans University, respectively.

Gilbert Academy, a secondary school, was a unit of New Orleans University. Straight College operated a law department from 1874 to 1886. New Orleans University in 1889 opened a medical department, including a school of pharmacy and a school of nursing. The medical department was named Flint Medical College and the affiliated hospital was named the Sarah Goodridge Hospital and Nurse Training School. The medical college was discontinued in 1911, but the hospital, including the nursing school, was continued under the name Flint Goodridge Hospital.

In 1930, New Orleans University and Straight College merged to form Dillard University. The trustees of the new university called for the implementation of a coeducational, interracial school, serving a predominantly African American student body adhering to Christian principles and values. The university was named in honor of James Hardy Dillard, a distinguished academician dedicated to educating African Americans". (Text and photo from Dillard University).

The lovely Greek Revival home was built by W. T. Walden in 1837 in what was then the town of Rickerville (Leontine and Octavia streets were named for Mr. Rickerville's daughters).  In 1884, Mary Bayle sold the home to the Methodist Episcopal Church.  Around 1926, Dr. O. E. Kriege, a methodist minister and treasurer of Gilbert Academy,  and his wife occupied the home and lived there until its demise.  Mrs. Kriege hosted Women's Temperance Union meetings there.

The Christian Brothers first occupied the property on July 1, 1949. In December 1949, the archdiocese offered to give the home to any individual or organization which would move, restore it, and open it for public use.  Despite public and private support the 112 year-old home was demolished in 1950.  It had once sat amid a three acre sugar planation and was often referred to as the "Gould Plantation home".  It was also known as the "President's Mansion" (used by the president of New Orleans University) and many New Orleanians called it "Gilbert Academy".   

New Orleans University and the old home can be seen on the right.  The univesity building was constructed in 1887 at a cost of $40,000.  The huge main building contained 80 classrooms with metal door plaques recognizing donations from churches across the U.S. who had supported the school.  It was demolished during 1930s after the university merged with Straight College to form Dillard University.  Gilbert Academy closed in 1948.