Cardigan Mountain School History 1945 - 1995

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C A R D IG A N

HISTORY 1945-1995



The Cardigan Mountain School

HISTORY Part O n e 1945 to 1960 by R O B E R T C. H O P K IN S Part Two 1960 to 1995 by R IC H A R D R. REARICK


This book is published by the Corporation and Trustee members of the CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

CANAAN, NEW HAMPSHIRE

Copyright I960, try Cardigan M ountain School Copyright 1995, by Cardigan Mountain School

Cover: Cardigan Mountain School shield adopted 1995 Se in viam dare: to start on one's way Augere virtutem; dirigere mentem: to build character, to m ould m inds

First Edition RUMFORD PRESS CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE Second Edition SHERWIN DODGE, PRINTERS LITTLETON, NEW HAMPSHIRE


DEDICATED TO THE BOYS OF CARDIGAN MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF THE PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE AND TO THEIR TEACHERS


Cardigan Mountain School on Canaan Street


Introduction of 7 J a n u a ry 1958 I received a letter from R oland W. Burbank, H eadm aster of C ardigan M o u n tain School w hich was m uch less form al th an this bare statem ent of fact would indicate. T he salutation was “ D ear Bob” and the sig­ na tu re was “ R o ” . H aving been a salesm an most of m y life I failed to recognize his letter as m ore th a n a very cordial, courteous, appreciation for m y tax exem ption gift to the School. I t was nice I believed, and still do, for him to acknowl­ edge my m odest gift w hen $500 to S I0,000 gifts were cluttering up his desk. T here was a b it ab o u t the progress of the new scholastic center, Hopkins H all, in w hich I have a vicarious interest. By then I was relaxed an d casually read on: U nder date

“ I w onder” , w rote “ R o ” , “ if I could persuade you to take on w h at I think is a very necessary and valuable chore? W e need a history of the school to date. I have in m ind, a t the m om ent, having a w ealth of historical detail available. . . . . . w ould you be willing and able to undertake such a task?” T h e last letter I h ad received from a H eadm aster was one I now wish I had saved, for in 1908 he h ad urged me to con­ sider adding G reek the next year to the schedule of studies I was already laboring under. M y first reactions to these H ead ­ m asters’ letters were sim ilar and best described as a feeling of hollowness in the stom ach. I w anted in both cases to be co­ operative for som ew hat different reasons. W ithout going into detail as to w hat these reasons were for m y disinclination to go through life w ith the adm itted advantage of Greek com pre­ hension, I felt strangely lured tow ard answering “ R o ” B ur­ bank’s letter affirmatively. This I did; and for better or worse the historical story of the C ardigan M ountain School is avail­ able in the following pages. 5


A list of living m em bers of the "Cardigan Family", their status, their locale, and the informal names to which they re­ sponded in 1960: W illia m R. B r e w s t e r “ B ill”

Owner and Director of Birch Rock Camp for Boys, East Waterford, Maine

R o l a n d W. B u r b a n k “R o”

Headmaster of Cardigan Mountain Canaan, New Hampshire

C h a r l e s E. C o t t i n g “ C h a rlie ”

Chairman of the Board, Lee Higginson Corp., Boston, Mass.

R a l p h E. F l a n d e r s “ S e n a to r”

Former United States Senator, Springfield, Vermont

E d w a r d S. F r e n c h “N ed”

President, Jones and Lamson Machine Co., Springfield, Vt. & Boston, Mass.

S id n e y C. H a y w a r d “ S id ”

Secretary — Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire

D r . C r a w f o r d H . H in m a n “ D o c ” o r C ra w fo rd

Practicing Obstetrician, Boston, Mass.

H a r o l d P. H in m a n “ H ap”

President — Cardigan Mountain School, Canaan, New Hampshire

J o h n H . H in m a n “J o h n ”

Chairman of the Board — International Paper Co., New York City

H a r v e y P. H o o d “ H a rv ey ”

President — H. P. Hood & Sons, Boston, Mass.

E r n e s t M a r t in H o p k in s “ H op”

School,

Chairman of Board, N at’l Life Ins. Co. of Ver­ mont, President-Emeritus, Dartmouth Col­ lege, Hanover, New Hampshire

R o b e r t C. H o p k in s “ B ob”

Retired — The New Yorker Magazine, N . Y. C. 25years, Darien, Connecticut

John

Ginn and Company, Boston, Mass.

B. K e n e r s o n “J o h n n y ”

F rank M . M organ “ F ra n k ”

Former President of Clark School — Retired, Hanover, New Hampshire

J e r a l d B. N e w t o n “ J e rry ”

Owner & Director of Camp Pinnacle for Boys, Lyme, New Hampshire

C h a r l e s A. P r o c t o r “ C h a rle s ”

Professor-Emeritus of Physics, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 6


J u s t in S m it h

R o b e rt

W. “ Bob”

Adm inistrator, Hitchcock Clinic, Hanover, N . H .

S to d d a rd

President, Wyman-Gordon Company, Worcestir, Mass.

F r a n k J. S u l l o w a y “ F ra n k ”

Senior Partner, law firm of Sulloway, Hollis, Godfrey, & Soden, Concord, N . H.

S in c l a ir W e e k s

Recently resigned from active service to his Country as Secretary of Commerce, 1953-1959, Lancaster, N. H.

J.

W a l k e r W ig g in

Senior Partner, law firm of Wiggin, Nourie, Sundeen, Nassikas & Pingree, Manchester, N . H.

“ W alker”

P h i l ip R a y A l l e n “ P h il” (Resigned)

President, New England Conservatory of Music, Boston, Mass.

D onald D . D u r r e l l “ D o n ” (R e sig n e d )

Professor of Education, Boston University, Boston, Mass.

John

Industrial Engineer, New York City

E. F o s t e r “John” (Resigned)

Montclair,

N.

J.

and

J en s F r e d e r ic k L a r so n “ F r e d ” (R e sig n e d )

Architect, Winston-Salem, North Carolina

E d w a rd

Treasurer, Ginn & Company, Boston, Mass.

H arold W a lter Stoke “Doctor” (R e sig n e d )

President of Queens College, Flushing, New York

Jam es

Portland, Maine

K. R o b in s o n “ R obby” (Resigned)

F. W o o d s “Jim ” (Resigned)

D e c e a se d “ M

em bers” and

F r ie n d s

of

C a r d ig a n

W H O L IV E IN T H E FO L LO W IN G PA G ES

H a m il t o n W a l l a c e B a k e r ...........................Boston, Mass. C o l . C h a r l e s W . T e n n e y ...........................Springfield, Mass. J a m e s C . C a m p b e l l ........................................ Pawtucket, R. I. R i c h a r d C . C u l l e n ........................................ New York, N . Y. D . S a m u e l G o t t e s m a n ....................................New York, N . Y. A r t h u r A . W i l l i a m s ................................... Holliston, Mass.

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THE FIRST FIFTEEN YEARS



The Tear 1944 I t is n o t an uncom m on experience in this great N ation of ours th at very real achievem ent develops from w hat, a t the tim e a t least, seems an inconsequential suggestion. T h e story w hich is to follow is th a t of the C ardigan M o untain School w ith m odern fireproof buildings housing over a h u n d red students, w ith a H eadm aster and faculty second to none in the pre-preparatory school field. Fifteen years ago this present achievem ent w hich is still growing started from an idea and a deficit. “ A deficit” as defined by a form er Finance M inister * of W est G erm any, “ is the am ount th a t you have less th an you h ad a t the tim e w hen you h ad nothing” . No better definition could be given of the m onetary situation w hich existed w hen the C ardigan School, later changed in nam e to the C ardigan M o untain School, was founded. But we are getting ahead of our story, for m uch was to be thought over, prayed over and accom plished betw een the triggering suggestion of one m an to the im agination and years of secret hoping of another. W illiam R. Brewster, H eadm aster of K im ball U nion A cad­ em y a t M eriden, N ew H am pshire, was calling a t the hom e of M r. and M rs. Preston T . M iller a t C anaan, New H a m p ­ shire on the evening of D ecem ber 2, ’44. “ Bill” Brewster had never been on C an aan Street before b u t even though d ark ­ ness was closing in he was impressed w ith the wide and straight sweep of C anaan Street lined w ith its great m aple trees. Bill, who had travelled over m ost of the U nited States in his capac­ ity as a H eadm aster of renow n and the beloved head of Birch R ock C am p in M aine, always had an eye o ut for unusual locations for new schools, the need for which he envisioned even a decade before the missile age dram atized such need. T o the M illers he exclaim ed “ W hat a wonderful place for a boys’ school” . H e placed no p articular im portance to this com m ent inasm uch as his reason for m aking this call was to console the bereaved M illers for the loss of a second son to die in the service of their country. T h e Preston M illers were friends of H arold P. H in m an and his wife M arion. F or some * Fritz Schaeffer

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unaccountable reason, the M illers passed on to “ H a p ” H inm an the com m ent Bill Brewster h ad m ade. This review of the Brewster-M iller conversation did m ore th an stick in H ap H in m an ’s m ind; it exploded there and set up a chain reaction w hich is the them e of the C ardigan M ountain School’s historical story. H a p H in m an had been a resident of C an aan Street for sev­ eral years. C anaan, New H am pshire h a d been the hom e town of his wife, M arion. After their m arriage they had m ade their hom e in Barre, V erm ont, w here H a p h ad risen to a high posi­ tion in the granite business, the quarries of w hich were lo­ cated there. T hey had two children; a d au g h ter and a son, and as is n atu ral w ith fathers, M r. H in m an h ad great dream s for his growing boy’s future. W hen the boy died a t 16 years of age in 1931, the tragedy left a void in these loving parents’ lives w hich could n ot be filled. H e becam e m ore interested th an ever in observing the de­ velopm ent of boys to responsible m anhood and the m ethods w hich different organizations used to this end. In his travels he took his son along in the later 1920’s not only for com pan­ ionship, b u t for w hatever educational value there m ight be for the boy in seeing different parts of the country. D uring this period there developed in H a p ’s m ind a thankfulness for the privileges w hich he knew his son enjoyed and would increas­ ingly so, as the years progressed, b u t also he felt the strong urge to contribute in some w ay to bettering the lot of less privileged boys. T here arose alm ost unconsciously an increas­ ing interest in this field which detracted som ew hat from his enthusiasm for the granite business. H e dream ed of the pos­ sibilities inherent in school work. H e w ondered if he possessed the qualifications for becoming the Principal of a H igh School. But his first d uty was earning a living w hich would provide adequately for his growing fam ily and he was pretty sure of his future in his business. Even so he liked to leave it w hen he could and talk w ith those in school work. H e was interested in the grow th of sum m er cam ps over the country, b u t chiefly in N ew England. H ap was a C h arter M em ber and President of the Barre, Vt. R otary C lub and took its good works seriously. D uring the year in which this history is being w ritten, 1959, he was called back to Barre, where he was given a very real


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tribute by R otarians there for the years he h ad spent strength­ ening their organization, and for his continuing loyalty to R o tary in H anover, N. H . where he also served these later years. H a p h ad m et Bill Brewster in the late 1930’s a t a R o tary m eeting in Lebanon, New H am pshire. Brewster h ad already earned recognition as a prom ising educator by his success as head of the D ay School in N ew ton, M assachusetts. This rec­ ognition was greatly enhanced after he took over an old New E ngland preparatory school w hich h ad declined to an alm ost worthless plant, a vanishing faculty and a school enrollm ent of six students. As Brewster m odestly p u t it: “ T here was only one w ay the school could go . . . it h ad ju st narrow ly es­ caped oblivion.” I t was a H erculian task which Brewster took over. T h e m onum ent to his success now stands for all to see in M eriden, New H am pshire w here Brewster’s form er able Assistant H eadm aster, Frederick C arver, now directs K im ball U nion Academy, a flourishing and well recognized p rep a ra ­ tory school. H ap H inm an had come to learn m ore of the genius of W illiam R . Brewster through his brother Jo h n H in m an whose sons h ad attended Brewster’s Birch Rock Sum ­ m er Cam p, and one h ad later gone to K U A to prepare for D artm outh. H ap had reason to be impressed w ith the acum en of his brother Jo h n who was about to becom e President of the In tern atio n al Paper Com pany. I t is not too difficult now to recognize the logical sequence of events w hich took place after Brewster’s spontaneous exclam a­ tion over the beauty of C anaan Street as a location for a boys’ school. In H a p H in m an ’s m ind, w hich over the years had stored aw ay thoughts of a boys’ school, the urge becam e p a ra ­ m ount to call Brewster and ask w hat significance m ight be attached to his com m ent. Probably no one could have been m ore surprised th an Bill Brewster to receive this phone inquiry from H inm an. “ N o,” said Brewster, “ I am n o t interested in starting a new school. I have troubles enough right here a t K U A ” . “ Look,” said H ap, “ Come rig h t over here (to C anaan) this m orning. I w ant to show you a real location for a school; you haven’t seen anything yet.” Still protesting th a t no partic­ ular significance should be attached to his conversation w ith the M illers, Bill Brewster agreed, nevertheless, to drive over again to C anaan.


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T he “ location” which H a p showed Brewster was know n as the Haffenreffer Estate. This consists of approxim ately 140 acres of land very m uch in the shape of a triangle w ith its blunt point ju ttin g out into C anaan Street Lake, a beautiful body of w ater fed by springs and edged by w oodland. T he unique fea­ ture of this crystal clear body of w ater is its elevation of two hundred feet above the m ain traffic artery of C anaan. From the even higher elevation of the property itself one sees a sweeping p anoram a overlooking valleys, foothills, and in the distance, soft colored m ountains beyond. N o w onder Bill Brew­ ster was incredulous lest his eyes were deceiving him . H e h ad travelled and observed m uch of the U .S.A ., yet, since becom ­ ing interested in boys’ cam ps and schools never h ad he seen a location so perfect, and right there in his ow n front yard. W hen he could speak, he asked who owned this property w ith the sturdy m ansion standing like a sentinel. T h e Haffenreffer Estate had been given to D artm o u th Col­ lege through the beneficence of T heodore Haffenreffer a t the request of H arold P. H inm an. H ap, who h ad graduated from D artm o u th in 1910, h ad h ad a n increasing interest in D a rt­ m outh affairs. H e had been his Class Secretary for 25 years and signally honored by being elected President of the Alum ni Council for two term s. T h rough this intim ate connection w ith the college adm inistration, and even m ore through his progressive adm iration for Ernest M a rtin Hopkins who had been inaugurated President of D artm o u th in 1916, H ap had come m ore and m ore to seek advice and counsel from Presi­ dent Hopkins. H a p h ad reviewed his efforts to obtain the H affenreffer Estate for the college and found a receptive ear from the President. In M ay, 1939, Hopkins m ade a trip over to C anaan to explore the possibilities of the college using this property. W ith the increasing grow th of D artm outh, a d d i­ tional acreage becam e of m ore im portance. Even though the H affenreffer E state was tw enty-tw o miles from H anover this presented no great handicap to Hopkins who h ad no inhibi­ tions about accepting free equities w ith no strings attached. M oreover, he felt the G raduate School of Engineering, better known as the T hayer School, could m ake good use of this property for its field work. This idea gained fruition and for some summ ers classes from the T hayer School m ade the


Corporation and Trustee Members, Canaan, N. H., October 12th, 1946 Seated, left to right: Edw. K. Robinson, Arthur A. Williams, Philip Ray Allen, E. M. Hopkins, John H. Hinman, Harvey P. Hood, Harold W. Stoke. Standing, left to right: Robt. L. McMillan, Business Mgr., Richard Sawyer*, John B. Kenerson, Wm. R. Brewster, non-resident Headmaster, Harold P. Hinman, President, Sidney C. Hayward, * Asst. Headmasters. R. C. Hopkins, William Everts*.



T h e Y e a r 1 9 44

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M ansion their headquarters while surveyors roam ed the countryside. T hus the M ansion w ith recitation rooms and blackboards installed, m ore and m ore assumed an educational atm osphere. This aroused H in m an ’s im agination. Alm ost from the m om ent H ap had leaped a t Bill Brewster’s ra th e r off-hand com m ent he had thought of nothing else th an getting hold of the H affenreffer property. But before he m ade his move to this end he leaned m ore heavily th a n Brewster realized on the assurance th at this idea of a new school had m erit. In the words of Brewster himself: “ H ap, in his ever per­ sistent way, called me a t least once a day for several days and w ould ask ‘A re you still h ot on th a t subject?’ (of a new school). M y answer was always an innocent, ‘O h, sure’.” T h en the bom b exploded . . . H a p called to say he had talked w ith none other th an Ernest M artin Hopkins . . who saw no im propriety in approaching Halsey E dgerton, then T reasurer of D artm outh College, as to the purchase of the Haffenreffer Estate for the site of a new school.” In Bill Brewster’s interesting letter to the au th o r covering this particu lar era in the school’s history Bill writes th a t he hustled over to H anover “ the next day (April 1st, 1945)” to jo in w ith H a p in negotiating w hat turned out to be a favorable p lan for obtaining the Estate. O ne of the known stipulations was th a t the then nam ed C ardigan School would m ake a dow n paym ent of $1,000, along w ith a dem and note and a m o rt­ gage for $16,000. Brewster and H in m an left E dgerton’s office and were walking dow n M ain Street w hen H a p suddenly turned to Bill and said: “ W e ought to have a bank account!” Brewster agreed, so they w ent into the D artm o u th N ational Bank and each deposited $100. This was the beginning of H a p H in m an ’s genius in guiding the school from indebtedness to greater indebtedness to prosperity. A few details having to do w ith the final deeding of the property from the college to the school exemplify dow n to earth Yankee trading. First of all it took H ap H inm an and Bill Brewster from April 1st to D ecem ber 21st to raise the first $1,000 — as initial paym ent on the $16,000 — m ortgage. Halsey Edgerton as T reasurer of D artm outh was a renow ned w atchdog of the college’s finances as H a p and Bill well knew. T hey were therefore impressed all the m ore over E d gerton’s


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cooperation and fairness in w aiting until D ecem ber 21st to close this deal. T hey w eren’t quite prepared, however, on th a t date to have Edgerton tell them the price of the m ort­ gage deed was raised to $17,104. H e pointed o ut th a t the school had taken over the property as of A pril 1st; th a t there was an accum ulation of interest and pro-rated taxes in the interim . T h e first shock to H a p and Bill was a bit staggering b u t they both knew the original deal was a good one and th a t they were getting extrem ely valuable property. T he papers were signed, the $1,000 were handed over to D a rt­ m outh College. As Bill Brewster later could facetiously com ­ m ent: “ W e h a d no m ore idea w here we could raise $16,000 than $17,104 so why quibble!”


The Tear 1945 through A u gust 1946 M rs. E. M . Hopkins in those late w inter and early spring days of 1945 used to facetiously say th a t unless she saw H ap H inm an sitting in the living room in H anover she would fear lest his car had broken down betw een C anaan and the Hopkins hom estead. But as everyone knew, Hopkins was retiring from the Presidency of D artm outh and she was delighted th a t all this concentration on a new school was going on. It was no secret th a t Hopkins was giving m uch tim e and thought to this new school. W hat kind of school should be planned for? President Hopkins, who h ad served for years on the Board of Trustees a t A ndover and as President of D artm outh, was well briefed on the secondary school situation all over the country and urged th a t a pre-preparatory school be founded. T he re a ­ sons for such a school are so well stated in a letter he sent to M r. “ Phil” Allen a few years later th a t the author will here urge the indulgence of the read er until, in the sequence of events, this letter shows up in its rightful place in this historical story. M r. Allen who was later a m em ber of the C orporation of the C ardigan M ountain School had asked why any norm al hom e would send boys of so tender an age as to qualify for grades six through nine, aw ay from parental care. W e dwell on this point as illustrative of the thoughtful planning w hich h ad to be done before even the organization of the new school was considered. T he success of this school goes back to the sound reasoning which preceded its every forw ard step. T h e am ount of tim e spent on planning and organizing by H ap H inm an long before the first pupil arrived was nothing short of prodigious. H e has often said, however, th at his rew ard was the pleasure derived from working w ith m en he considered great, am ong whom none surpassed Ernest M artin Hopkins. T h e first m eeting of the Incorporators was held a t the D a rt­ m outh Club in New York City, M ay 10th, 1945. “ A t th at time, the group gathered to discuss prelim inary plans and sign waiver of notice for the first form al m eeting to be held a t the C ardigan School Ju n e 9th, 1945. Those present a t th a t m eet17


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ing were M essrs.* H arold P. H inm an, R obert C. Hopkins, Jam es F. Woods, Jam es C. C am pbell, Jo h n B. Kenerson, W illiam R . Brewster, J o h n E. Foster, and Sidney C. H ayw ard. Subsequently a second m eeting on Ju n e 9th, ’45 was held on C anaan Street, C anaan, New H am pshire as planned and form al action was taken to establish the school and adopt its C h arter and Articles of Incorporation.” Sid H ayw ard, who was later elected Secretary of the T rus­ tees and who for years h ad been Secretary of D artm outh Col­ lege, points up m ore of the “ trem endously im portant planning w hich had gone on before the first plan of organization was followed in respect to establishing a working Board of Trustees, seven in num ber, an d a very valuable second group th a t form ed the m em bership of the C ardigan M ountain School C orporation which was to elect the Trustees (annually) and to m eet twice a year to consider top policies.” President H in m an (who was elected by the original Incor­ porators as listed above) set his sights on recruiting m em ber­ ship in the C orporation of nationally know n m en. In this im ­ p o rtan t m atter, he was greatly aided by President Em eritus Hopkins of D artm outh, who constantly em phasized com pati­ bility am ong m em bers of the C orporation, as well as very o u t­ standing abilities and achievements. T h e result has been ex­ traordinarily happy and fruitful. T he Trustees are in their own rig h t prom inent and respected persons in the fields of education and business. T hey have worked w ith such respect for the C orporation as to m ake wholly productive and con­ genial the relationships betw een the two groups. Discussions in the Board of Trustees have led to reports to the C orpora­ tion on m atters of most im p o rtan t policy w here full u n d er­ standing and decisions by both groups are im portant. Results have been achieved in a highly cooperative and friendly spirit. W hen the original group of selected m em bers of the C or­ poration first m et th a t early day of M ay, 1945 in New York City it could have been as m uch a com edy as the serious con­ clave w hich those in attendance w anted it to be. H ere were eight m en gathered together who w eren’t too sure why they h ad been selected w ith the exception of one or two. C ertainly the procedure of starting a new school was foreign to the * N a m es listed in o rd e r show n in m in u te s of th a t first m eetin g .


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19

thoughts of most of these men. W e little knew back in 1945 how im portant an adventure we were em barking on. W e were, however, given some leeway to collect our thoughts by getting acquainted w ith each other and learning how legal the found­ ing of a new school m ust be. T he most im p o rtan t step we took was to “ waive notice of a m eeting of the Incorporators of C ardigan School to be held a t C anaan Street Lodge a t 8 p . m . on J u n e 9, 1945 . . . to adopt by-laws . . . to effect an or­ ganization, and to take any other action th a t m ay lawfully be taken a t an Incorporators’ m eeting.” T h e volum e including the m inutes of C ardigan M ountain School m eetings will assure the legally m inded th a t we were peculiarly blessed to have a t th a t tim e the advice and counsel of Jo n a th a n Piper of Concord, New H am pshire, a highly re­ spected friend of Bill Brewster. Piper had w on a m ost im por­ ta n t legal decision for Exeter A cadem y vs the State of New H am pshire on the m atter of taxation. T h rough his expert guid­ ance we as laym en did upon m otion duly m ade and seconded, unanim ously vote: “ T o organise a corporation in accordance w ith the provisions of the foregoing Articles of A greem ent of Association under C hapter 272 of the Revised Laws of N ew H am pshire, under the nam e of C ardigan School for the purposes specified in the foregoing Articles of A greem ent of Association. “ T here was then presented to the m eeting a code of By-Laws w hich h ad been drafted by counsel. T h e proposed By-Laws were read article by article and after full discussion, it was upon m otion duly m ade and seconded, unanim ously . . . voted and adopted. . . T he eight m en who attended the N ew York m eeting in M ay, 1945, as M em bers of the C orporation voted themselves in as Trustees a t the Ju n e 9th m eeting. I t was also voted th at out of this group of m en the following officers be elected and were so voted: President........................................... H a r o l d P. H in m a n Vice President.................................. R o b e r t C. H o p k i n s Clerk........................................ .. S i d n e y C. H a y w a r d Treasurer................................................. J a m e s F. W o o d s


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T h e Y e a r — 1945 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1946

Optimism was growing and it was voted to designate the Dartmouth National Bank of Hanover, New Hampshire, as a depository for funds of this Corporation. Jim Woods was au­ thorized to deposit funds and withdraw same from time to time. It is not suggested anywhere in the records that these duties became too arduous for some time. At this June 9th meeting, John B. Kenerson was elected Temporary Clerk and “ took the oath of office before Jonathan Piper, Justice of the Peace.” It was also voted that Kenerson be “authorized to obtain a seal for the Corporation.” On July 5th it was attested by Johnny Kenerson that . . . Sidney C. Hayward had appeared and made oath before Notary Public (whose signature defies recognition) that Sid Hayward would perform the duties of Clerk faithfully, im­ partially, etc., etc. Lest there be any raising of eye-brows over what might seem a short tenure of office for Kenerson as Clerk, it should be made clear that this was the first step toward concentrating the official personnel as near as possible to the school. Sid Hayward, an “old pro” in the office of Secretariat was 22 miles from Canaan, whereas John Kenerson was 125 miles away in the suburbs of Boston. As a school seal was necessary, Sid Hayward and Fred Larson prepared a design. The seal was made and presented to the new organization. It has served the school well to this day. If there ever was a doubt as to President Hinm an’s agility in moving toward the consummation of any deal important to the school the following would reassure such a doubter. A Trustee writes: “ I recall being named to a small committee to ar­ range with Dartmouth College for the purchase of the ‘Point’ at the north end of Canaan Street other­ wise known as the Haffenreffer property. This was owned by Dartmouth College. The other members of the negotiating committee were Messrs. Hinman and Brewster. I don’t think the Committee ever met, nor was I ever consulted in advance of the several steps in complex negotiations. . . . This is not re­ called with the slightest criticism of President Hin-


T h e Y e a r — 1945 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1 9 4 6

21

m an, ra th e r in a spirit of adm iration. T h e m any con­ versations w ith T reasurer E dgerton a t D artm o u th needed to be handled by one of the C ardigan group. I t was a case of one N ew E ngland Y ankee trad er pitted against another a n d there w ould have been no room or reason in those private conversations for C om m ittee activity!” Because of H a p H in m an ’s genius, one conversant w ith the inner workings of this new school venture cam e to believe in the inevitability of the program as a whole either sooner or later. T he m inutes of the J u ly 14th m eeting (and still in the year 1945) lend credence to this: “ After viewing the Haffenreffer property, now owned by D artm o u th College, and which will be pur­ chased by the Trustees of the School . . T h e fiscal year financial statem ent of D ecem ber 20, 1945, showed receipts and disbursem ents as follows, w hich m akes the above claim seem very brave: G if t s

M r. and M rs. H . P. H in m a n .......................$1,000.00 M r. Jam es C. C a m p b e ll............................ 1,000.00 M r. W illiam R . B rew ster.......................... 600.00 T o t a l R e c e i p t s ......................................$2,600.00 D is b u r s e m e n t s including dow npaym ent

of $1,104.75 to D artm o u th C ollege. $2,366.82 233.18

C a s h o n H a n d .................................................$

This was a hap p y way to end the first year of form al organ­ ization. O ne and all accepted the form al organization as the fait accom pli. This was a m eeting held, Sept. 26, 1945, in the C anaan Street Lodge w here the Trustees had been bounti­ fully fed by M rs. D avid Austin, attractive and genial wife of Dave A ustin who operated the Lodge a t personal profit. T here was the m ood th a t accepted expansiveness of thought as a logical sequence to the pleasantries surrounding these Trustees. T hey in the secret of their own hearts felt they were


22

T h e Y e a r — 1945 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1946

contributing quite a bit to the school-to-be by paying their own car fares or burning their own gasoline up to and back from C anaan. T hey listened w ith serious and ra p t attention to J . Frederick Larson, architect, who h ad been brought in to back up w ith well draw n sketches M r. Brewster’s conception of the school for w hich we should strive. These plans totaled a m odest $500,000. I t is interesting, in view of future costs, to note the breakdow n of this p lan t expenditure: F our D orm itories and M asters’ H ouses. . $160,000.00 M ain B uild in g .............................................. 140,000.00 G ym nasium and Crafts B uilding............ 150,000.00 T o w e r............................................................. 20,000.00 Drives and B oathouse................................ 10,000.00 D evelopm ent of P ro p e rty .......................... 10,000.00 M iscellaneous............................................... 10,000.00 T o t a l .................................................... $500,000.00

“ T h e Board approved M r. Larson’s tentative developm ent plan and b ird ’s-eye view of the p lan t.” T here were some am ong the Trustees who felt expenditures were piling up a little fast. We had not a t th at tim e actually purchased the property. W e were now voting approval of plans calling for a half million dollar expenditure for construction thereon. This was quite a projection from the $200 deposited in the D artm outh N ational Bank by H ap H inm an and Bill Brewster. President H inm an quickly brought the question period to a close with: “ Hells-bells, we’re getting nowhere by this kind of talk . . . you fellows have to have m ore faith, m ore vision . . . these plans represent the goal we have to strive for . . . we’ll raise the m oney . . . b u t you’ve got to get out and work. Now let’s take up the next m atter for con­ sideration. . . .” This was the pattern which other meetings were to follow. H ap had the vision and he kept the faith. H e never knew quite how these plans were going to be realized b u t he would never countenance “ doubting Thom ases” even though he w ent through agonizing moments of discouragem ent himself. These he kept to himself until he had overcome them .


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23

Bill Brewster had consented to become the school’s non­ resident H eadm aster working as advisor to two young m en he had in m ind as his resident assistants. Bill’s willingness to work in this advisory capacity took a big burden off the shoulders of H a p H in m an w ho knew little about courses, teaching personnel and innum erable details connected w ith the actual day to day routine of a school. Jo h n K enerson was to be of help to Brewster because of his intim ate knowledge of secondary schools, text books used, possible candidates avail­ able for our new faculty, etc. T he Trustees were now confronted w ith ways and m eans of enrolling students for our new school. It was suggested th a t a brochure be w ritten on the school. T he Trustees voted $400 to cover the expense. R o b ert C. Hopkins was assigned to write the story and supervise its production. In this he was ably assisted by Fred Davis, Vice President of R um ford Press who took the beautiful photographs used in the brochure and gave m uch of his tim e and effort to assure an outstanding p rin t jo b a t lowest possible cost. J . Frederick Larson, architect, furnished his conception of the school-to-be in a double spread sepia projection. Jo h n Cone did a m asterful jo b in furnishing hand sketched illustrations. All in all this was accepted as a fitting piece of prom otion and was used to the extent of a second printing. A last m inute correction had to be effected since a change of nam e of the C orporation was voted by the Trustees a t their m eeting of O ctober 13, 1945, to C ardigan M ountain School. H ap H inm an had never been satisfied w ith the original nam e: “ C ardigan School.” H e solicited help from D on T u ttle who was D irector of the New H am pshire Develop­ m ent Commission and was greatly interested in this new enter­ prise. T hey ruled out any individual’s nam e. H ap and T u ttle finally thought of inserting the nam e “ M o u n tain ” since C ardigan M o untain is the m ost dram atic piece of landscape visible from the school cam pus. Thus was Article O ne of the By-Laws changed. A rticle Tw o was also changed to read: “ T h e Seal of the C orporation shall consist of two concentric circles w ith the words ‘C ardigan M ountain School’ betw een the outer and inner circles and the words ‘Incorporated New H am pshire’ around the innerside of the inner circle, together w ith the d ate ‘1945’ horizontally across the center.”


24

T h e Y e a r — 1945 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1946

I t was voted th a t “ not less th an three nor m ore th an 15 Trustees be elected for the ensuing year.” J . Frederick Larson was elected to the Board of Trustees m aking a total of nine m em bers. T h e Board of Trustees form alized the purchase of the H aff­ enreffer P roperty from D artm o u th College. R o b ert L. M cM illan, whose services as Business M anager of the School were about to be utilized for a nom inal fee, a t­ tended as guest of the Board. Bob M cM illan cam e to us from the L ipton T ea C om pany w here he h ad been sales m anager after serving his country as a M ajor in the A ir Corps. A t this m eeting a first and vital step forw ard was m ade in anticipating a separate u n it in the school organization w ith the title “ M em bers of the C orporation.” T o be sure the origi­ nal M em bers of the C orporation had voted themselves in as Trustees b u t it was early seen th a t there should be a separation of these two bodies better to serve the interests of the school. As a first step to this end it was voted: “ th a t the President a p ­ point m em bers of the C orporation after securing the advice of friends of the school such as President Hopkins of D a rt­ m outh, and others.” A charge of $1,000 was established as the tuition for the first year beginning the following Septem ber. Things were beginning to fall into place and action was succeeding discussion. A t a m eeting held a t the A lgonquin C lub in Boston M arch 18, 1946, the following new m em bers of the C orporation were voted in: E r n e s t M a r t i n H o p k i n s ................... Hanover,

N . H. Mass. E d w a r d S . F r e n c h ............................... Boston, Mass. J o h n H . H i n m a n ..................................... New Tork City E d w a r d K. R o b i n s o n ......................... Boston, Mass. H a r o l d W . S t o k e ................................. Durham, N. H. A r t h u r A . W i l l i a m s ...........................Holliston, Mass. R a l p h E . F l a n d e r s ..............................Springfield, Vermont J . F r e d e r i c k L a r s o n ........................... New Tork City H a m i l t o n W . B a k e r ........................... Boston, Mass. P h i l l i p R . A l l e n .................................. Boston,

T he perspective which the passing of tim e gives an operation such as starting a new school lends hum or to its telling and to


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25

a n extent replaces the grimness of the situation a t the time. As m eeting after m eeting cam e along the organization of the school becam e a reality whereas financing becam e m ore and m ore of a deep concern. It was argued, and rightly so, th a t if the school could begin w ith an enrollm ent of 35 boys current expenses could be met. T he Trustees had upped the initial tuition figure from $1,000 to $1,100 and th a t would help. But where was some $20,000 com ing from to m eet the purchase of the Lodge on C anaan Street and refurbish same? T he idea of operating the new school on “ T he P oint” had to be given up since the M ansion was too small to furnish both dorm itory and recitation room space. T here were no kitchen or dining room facilities either. I t was entirely natu ral th a t purchase of the Lodge should take place after conversations betw een Dave A ustin and H a p H inm an. I t was know n th a t the operating of the Lodge was becom ing too m uch of a burden for the Austins who h ad passed the prim e of life; also the holders of First and Second M ortgages were receptive to a b it m ore collateral th an a declining patronage of the Lodge guaranteed. M otels were creeping into the field form erly controlled by the old wayside inns and even the delicious meals offered by Mrs. A ustin could not com pete w ith the new trend of “ drive-ins.” T h e picture of Bill Brewster doing the talking w ith Dave A ustin while H a p H inm an offered w hat has become known in T V language as “ cue cards” is a story to delight any raconteur. I t should also be related th a t the Austins could not have been m ore cooperative during the transition of the In n into a school building. Also, during the early years, the A nnual M eetings of the C orporation M em bers and Trustees were held in the spacious and com fortable living room in the A ustin’s home across the street from the Lodge. N o better contrast could be offered as to the variety of finan­ cial decisions facing the Board of Trustees th an financing a $20,000 deal and okaying expenses for opening a n office in C anaan w here the school’s Business M anager, Bob M cM illan, m ight hold forth. R ental for office space cam e to $10 a m onth; part-tim e office girl for 50^ an hour; telephone a t $3.50 a m onth. N ot having ready cash m ade the difference academ ic to all intents and purposes betw een these m odest charges and

$ 20, 000 .


26

T h e Y e a r — 1945 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1946

H ap H inm an as head of all comm ittees was given most of the responsibility in this early stage. It was not th a t the Trustees wished to evade any responsibility, b u t rath e r th a t H ap gave every indication of preferring to do things his own w ay and showing p retty conclusively he had been and would be successful. Every once in a while, however, som ething happened to show th a t the Trustees could contribute h a n d ­ somely to this school endeavor. J im Cam pbell from R hode Island cam e through w ith a gift he had obtained am ounting to $5,000. This was a terrific shot in the arm a t the p articular tim e since it cam e from a n outside source and one entirely unrelated to the school. But J im was to continue to m eet all kinds of school needs by such gifts as a station w agon for the school when, in these early days, m oney ju st was not available for such purchases. But m ore about this loyal supporter later. M uch was accom plished a t th a t jo in t m eeting of Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation held in Boston, M arch, 1946. Details of the H affenreffer property deed from D artm outh College to the C ardigan M ountain School were gone over. A uthorization was given to purchase or lease the Lodge w ith property backing up to the Lake. H ap H inm an h ad m ade his famous pronouncem ent as to the qualifications we should bear in m ind in choosing new m em bers for the Trustees or C orporation, nam ely: “ they m ust have Affluence, Influence, Interest; and lacking any one of those three they m ust have m uch of the other two.” This was the opening challenge to all Trustees. T he prelim inary period of discussion and planning was over and the tim e for realistic action was a t hand. It was soon evident th a t the M em bers of the C orporation were no less cognizant of the situation. Jo h n H inm an, who was a pillar of strength right from the beginning, but like other m em bers of the C orporation had not had the occasion to m ake known generally w hat dimensions their interests m ight assume, neatly sum m ed up the status: “ You fellows have done a good jo b up to now . . . you have the organization, the property (Ed., p u r­ chase had only been voted), the assistants. You’re ready to go, but have no m oney . . T his was obliquely seconded by E. S. French, one of New E ng­ lan d ’s staunchest citizens who suggested . . . “ L et’s talk


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27

turkey. . . . G et this thing started now. . . . D on’t waste a m inute. . . . T o open in Septem ber we have a lot of work to do since we are starting from scratch. . . . G et some m oney coming in . . .” T h a t is ju st w hat happened for J im C am p­ bell, Bill Brewster, E. M . Hopkins, Ned French, Jo h n H in ­ m an and H ap H inm an each pledged $1,000. It can be argued th at while these very m en over the years have far exceeded this sum in their gifts to the school, no gift has m eant m ore to C ardigan M ountain School th an the sum of these initial con­ tributions. These got the whole conception of the school off the ground. This all was tim ely which accounts for its trem en­ dous im portance. T he next day in C anaan, New H am pshire, the deal for the heavily m ortgaged Lodge was closed a t a price of $15,500. A down paym ent of $1,000 was m ade. A n unsecured note for $3,297.24 was given, plus a 5% m ortgage for the balance. We had a building w ith 34 rooms furnished w ith beds and m a t­ tresses, cooking utensils, a baker, a stove and electric refriger­ ator. Almost in the tw inkling of an eye each and everyone connected w ith this proposition felt he belonged a t last to som ething concrete even though the building was wooden. T h e Lodge was attractive, h u t needed paint, papering, and a leaky roof repaired. In the m eantim e Bill Brewster selected two young and a t­ tractive fellows to act as Assistants in running the school, scheduled to open Septem ber 17, 1946. These young Assistant H eadm asters were W illiam Everts — H arvard, 1938, and R ichard Sawyer, D artm outh, 1941. Everts had received his discharge from the A rm y earlier th an had Sawyer and set up bachelor quarters in the M ansion. Bill Everts almost overnight becam e farm er, groundskeeper, and road cleaner-upper. He was shortly joined by Dick Sawyer lately of the Air Corps who discovered the M ansion attic full of bats. T h eir stories of breaking into the educational field w ould fill a comic m aga­ zine, for the m enial tasks these fellows took on of their own volition were m any. H a p H inm an in his Bulletin of April 24, 1946, wrote: “ Bill Everts and Dick Sawyer eager to have the educational program begin in the fall . . . none will ever realize the physical labors these two young m en have contrib­ uted tow ards this end.”


28

T h e Y e a r — 1 9 4 5 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1946

T reasurer J im Woods obtained from the Commissioner of In tern al R evenue a “ Certificate of E xem ption.” This p u t us on an equal basis for the solicitation of funds w ith other educa­ tional institutions and was a very necessary recognition a t this particular time. O th e r contributions came to give added courage to all, especially to H a p H inm an who from day to day faced in­ num erable problem s of financing basic expenditures. T here was never a m om ent w hen H ap could retire a t night feeling the school was financially ahead; and it has taken little re­ search to m ake one w onder how he h ad the courage to go on w hen accum ulating funds disappeared in the quicksands of ever recurring expenditures. T he other contributions ju st referred to: Charles Tenney Philip R . Allen

$ 500.00 $5,000.00

were alm ost im m ediately swallowed up in ju st one expenditure for a steam heating unit, radiators and oil tank for the M a n ­ sion. W hile the Lodge on C anaan Street was to be the m ain school building, the hope even then of getting up on the Point was strong. U n d er the guise of needing the M ansion to take care of the overflow of some 15 boys in addition to the n u m ­ ber the Lodge could accom m odate the expenditure for heating the M ansion becam e of prim ary im portance. T here was the recurring question as to the advisability of pouring money into the Lodge w hich was looked upon as a tem porary location for the C ardigan M ountain School. However, the investm ent in rehabilitating the Lodge was little com pared to constructing new buildings up on the Point. T here was no final disposition to fight through for an im m ediate school on the Point, b u t to m any it was gratifying to have the M ansion ready for the em ergency of increased enrollm ent. As it was, the school was starting w ithout a dim e in the bank, in a renovated building b u t w ith no student in sight. T he news th a t an application for adm ittance to C ardigan had been re­ ceived was electrifying. Russel Thom as Chase from O ld Lyme, Connecticut now has the distinction of being the first student to be enrolled in C ardigan M o untain School, b u t he actually never entered. This applicant raised the hope th a t Bill Brew­


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29

ster’s goal of an initial enrollm ent of 35 boys m ight be realized. T here was the quiet m ental assurance too th a t we had room for 15 m ore boys in the M ansion. After m ature deliberation, however, the cost of m aintaining a split operation and the inefficiency of directing same caused the Trustees to play it safe and voted a t an August 2, 1946, m eeting: “ T h a t the Fall enrollm ent be lim ited to about 35 boys who, w ith the required staff, can com fortably be taken care of in the Lodge and the W ierum H ouse.” T he lease of the nearby W ierum House was b u t the first of additional properties acquired on C an aan S treet where the school was to be established for years to come. W hatever ex­ ceptions there were to such procedure, and there were m any, all were finally convinced by the President th a t the costs of establishing the plant already well started on C anaan Street were m uch sm aller th an building a new p lan t up on the Point. As it was, the Trustees voted to authorize the President to negotiate a 4% , $25,000 loan on the school properties. A t this time in the school’s developm ent C ardigan’s first bank borrow ing started alm ost on the personal guarantee of Jo h n H inm an, who, from his earlier N o rth C ountry days, had been a director of the Siwooganock G uaranty Savings Bank of Lancaster, New H am pshire. J o h n had subsequently resigned because of the press of his later business responsibili­ ties in New York, b u t a t Siwooganock his w ord was accepted later as it had been earlier and this institution loaned C ardigan $25,000 a t 4% and later added another $10,000. This was the beginning of C ardigan’s bank credit w hich has always been kept excellent through m eeting am ortization requirem ents prom ptly, and even ahead of tim e. In attain in g this enviable position C ardigan is indebted to the support of outstanding m en who are m em bers of the C orporation and whose very nam es carry weight in financial circles. T his was a far cry from trying to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for a new plant, to say nothing of the delay in start­ ing the school. However, there was evidence th a t the accom ­ m odations w ould be am ple, for there was no great surge of applicants for the Fall T erm .


30

T h e Y e a r — 1 9 4 5 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1946

This did not prevent all m em bers and their wives m eeting for the first time, J u n e 1st, 1946 to see for themselves ju st w hat had been accom plished and to h ear of plans for the future; 17 were in attendance. Enthusiasm was expressed by all and reached its peak w hen Phil Allen exclaim ed he was going “ to back the school until hell froze over.” E. M . Hopkins, who was sitting w ith his back to a roaring fire in the Austins’ hospitable living room appreciatively replied, while wiping his brow: “ If the tem perature of this room is any criterion, Phil, you’ll be w ith us for a long, long tim e!” A fter the laughter ended H a p expressed the feelings of all, th a t Phil Allen’s words were “ sweet to the listeners.” Good fellowship existed. T he m em bers were delighted to welcome H arvey P. H ood, President, H. P. Hood & Sons, Boston, Mass., to the C orpora­ tion. H arvey, one of N ew E ngland’s best known and honored citizens, had been the choice of m any institutions as a candi­ date to first seek for their Boards of Trustees. H e had but re­ cently turned dow n two well known boys’ schools as well as two w om en’s colleges. T here was a lim it beyond which he felt he could not serve well the various directorships and educa­ tional boards desiring his help. H arvey H ood’s acceptance to serve as an additional m em ber of the C orporation m eant m uch to C ardigan a t this p articular tim e in term s of prestige alone; but he in tu rn was to w rite . . . “ the fact th a t Ned (French), H a p (H inm an), E. M . Hopkins were all interested in C ardigan was too m uch for me . . .” Paraphrasing an old adage th a t prestige begets prestige was never more true than in this instance. Looking ahead, it was H arvey H ood who in tu rn brought another m ost valued m em ber into the C orpora­ tion, R o b ert W. S toddard; b u t m ore about him later. A telegram was received from H am ilton W . Baker who was confined to his bed in Phillips House in Boston w hich read: “ T o you m en who have realized your dream of C ardigan M ountain School m y heartiest congratulations and best wishes. I am w holeheartedly w ith you in spirit and regret th a t I cannot be present.” M r. Baker had, as a m em ber of the C or­ poration also shown his interest in the school in a m aterial way two m onths earlier by contributing $3,000. T here is no doubt b u t th a t his interest was the greater because his nephew was Bill Everts, of w hom he was justly proud. O nly two weeks


The Old North Church — where Commencement Exercises are held



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31

later did we receive w ord th a t M r. Baker had passed away. Suffering from an illness from w hich he could not recover, his loyalty to C ardigan M ountain School was an inspiration to those of us who knew his great desire to actually see for himself the achievem ent w hich already had taken place. T h e m em ory of his faith will live on. T here was an item in the m inutes of the August 2nd T rustee M eeting w hich was to recur in one form or another for years to com e. “ T here was a full discussion of the current financial situation of the school in w hich it was clear th a t ad d i­ tional support m ust be found if the school is to begin operating next m o n th .” I t was a bit disquieting th a t J im W oods should subm it his resignation as T reasurer ju st a t this tim e. However, the Trustees accepted in good faith his reason: “ because of pres­ sure of other duties.” T he Board expressed “ very deep a p p re ­ ciation . . . for his fine work in behalf of . . the school. H arold P. H inm an was elected T reasuer to hold the jo in t office of President-Treasurer. T he Board of Trustees closed ranks w ith the feeling a suc­ cessor would be available as Sid H ayw ard dutifully m ade notes for the records. T h e Trustees m oved and voted (on the question of general organization). . . . “ T h a t the President appoint a finance com m ittee, of which one m em ber shall be the President of the Board, to authorize com m itm ents and expenses in behalf of the Board of Trustees. (The President a p ­ pointed the two additional m em bers as follows: Messrs. Brewster and H ay w ard .)” T h e wisdom of this move was to be even more ap parent later. I t was early established th a t M em bers of the C orporation h ad been wisely chosen. T he original group carried the pres­ tige w hich m ade it possible to a ttra c t other im portant per­ sonages. M r. R ichard J . Cullen, an outstanding m an p a rticu ­ larly in the paper industry, was elected as a new m em ber of the Corporation. H e soon showed his appreciation by giving the school a check for $5,000. H e prefaced this action by say­


32

T he Y ear

1945 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1946

ing there were three reasons why he was m aking this contribu­ tion: his friendship for J o h n H inm an, his adm iration for E. M. Hopkins, and his real interest in and desire to help boys. This was b ut the beginning of Dick C ullen’s largess to C ardigan. It was such recognition th a t eased for the time being the w or­ ries confronting H ap H in m an who saw substantial gifts swal­ lowed up by necessary expenditures. N o one who didn’t have alm ost constant exposure to the problem s as seen by H a p or knew how m any things H a p w anted to see done beyond bare necessities can appreciate w hat this m an carried around w ith him day in and day out. T he reassuring fact was th a t m oney did come in and while there was no tim e w hen one could be sure such procedure would continue, nevertheless bills were being paid and interest on loans was being m et. Also, there was th a t great guy J im C am pbell who always seemed to show up w hen the going got the toughest. H aving given some $2,000, J im would look around to see w hat was badly needed: he gave for instance a sailboat, a horse, paper supplies of all kinds; one tim e it was a typew riter; another tim e, he found a pick-up truck was needed, so bought a new Chevrolet % ton. Smilingly he would say these were purchased for the school on the basis of “ deferred paym ents.” O th e r problem s had to do w ith getting additional m em bers for the school faculty. Bill Everts had recom m ended an a ttrac ­ tive couple, T ed and Dolly Peach, who m ade a most favorable impression and were m ade m em bers of the C ardigan faculty. Dick Sawyer had m arried a delightful young lady, B arbara K enney, who had graduated from M t. Holyoke in 1939. T he Peaches were graduates of M iddlebury. These two couples in addition to Bill Everts exuded enthusiasm and created an a t­ m osphere of youthful assurance w hich was the delight of boys and elders. T here is no doubt th a t the trial and tribula­ tions of being associated w ith this new educational venture dim m ed into insignificance after the tensions of the w ar years. C ardigan is indeed indebted to them for all they gave to m ak­ ing th at first year a success. As the opening of school approached the financial picture brightened by additional contributions: an anonym ous gift of S I,000, and $5,000 from M r. E. H. Neese of Beloit, Wisconsin, whose interest was aroused by Jo h n H inm an and R ichard Cullen.


The Tear Septem ber

1946

T h r o u g h A ugust

1947

C ardigan M ountain S chool opened on Septem ber 19, 1946, w ith an enrollm ent of 24 boys. This total was a disappointm ent only to three m en who had been in alm ost daily contact w ith visiting parents. T h e figure of 35 had been held to as a m ini­ m um to expect. As far back as April 20, 1945, J o h n K enerson h ad w ritten Bill Brewster: “ W ithout question we will have no difficulty in the next three or four years of having m ore ap p li­ cations th an we can possibly take care of.” J o h n was m aking no wild guess for he knew the secondary school picture forw ard and backw ard. Also, Bill Brewster predicted up to alm ost the week before school opened th a t 35 boys would enroll. T h e third disappointed m em ber of the C ardigan fam ily was H a p H in ­ m an. H ap had counted on tuition income from 35 boys. This lesser num ber of 24 boys, later increased to 26, caused no little concern to these three stalwarts as to breaking even in the first year of operation. T o the other m em bers of the Trustees and C orporation the opening was an auspicious occasion. Sight m ust not be lost of the handicaps Bill Brewster and H ap H inm an had to face in selling interested parents on a school w hich physically did not exist up to w ithin three m onths of the then theoretical opening date. Bill Brewster now really w on­ ders how the parents of these 26 boys had the courage to sign up only on the basis of a great idea. H e relates how he w ould take the prospects and their parents up to the Haffenreffer property and ask a rhetorical question: “ W here have you ever seen so beautiful a location for a school!” In the m eantim e his two Assistant H eadm asters would be scraping paper off the walls of the M ansion or cutting the grass. T o m ost who really knew the situation it was nothing short of m iraculous th a t 26 boys eventually showed up. A reception was given these boys by M r. and M rs. Brewster, ably assisted by Bill Everts, Dick and B arbara Sawyer, T ed and Dolly Peach and Bob and N atalie M cM illan. It w ould have been difficult to select a m ore attractive group to welcome 33


34

T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

boys, m any of w hom were aw ay from hom e for the first time. M rs. Brewster h ad welcomed boys most of her life and had the gracious touch to w hich the youngsters eagerly responded. T h e fine appearing young m en were boys a t h e a rt and knew how to gain the confidence of the hesitant and bashful to say nothing of the homesick youths. T he attractive young wives h ad the poise and sym pathetic understanding to reach the hearts of the m ost skeptical. W ithin these first hours an entente cordiale was established which was to last the rest of the school year. No w onder H a p and M arion looked on w ith almost unbelieving eyes. H a p ’s dream of years gone by was unfolding there before him . N one begrudged him these hours of hap p i­ ness. T here was a m an literally behind the scenes who was to becom e an enviable m em ber of the C ardigan fam ily an d be­ loved by a generation of boys. H e was distinguishable a t this first dinner because he wore a tall c h e fs headdress and had cooked a m eal boys like. Dick C lancy h ad been selected by Bill Brewster fresh from the Army. Bill h ad know n Clancy even before the w ar w hen he lived in nearby W indsor, V erm ont. Dick, Nellie, his attractive wife and d au g h ter have m ade the C ardigan M o untain School their hom e ever since. A father and his son recently called on the w riter to thank him for p u ttin g them in touch w ith C ardigan two years previously. T h e father m entioned n ot only the food b u t its preparation, an d said: “J im can ’t w ait to get back to school and one of the outstanding reasons is the good meals served there . . . your chef there, Clancy, m ust be quite a rem arkable fellow for the boys like and respect him so m uch.” As far as the boys are con­ cerned “ C lancy can do anything.” R ig h t from the beginning he has been a n influence for good. A m ong Brewster’s m any contributions to the school, none has w orn better th an Clancy. T his year, the annual m eeting of the Board of Trustees and the M em bers of the C orporation was of p articular interest, for the opening of the school had taken place. T here had been further gifts to report: $5,000 from Phil and A nne K . Allen $1,000 from R alp h E. Flanders $100 w orth of books from N ed Robinson


T h e Y e a r — Se pt e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A ugust 1947

35

These contributions p u t one and all in a happy m ood to re­ view the accom plishm ents of the previous year. T hus did the two groups gather together on O ctober 12, 1946. T he Trustees m et together once again in the Lodge on the second floor w here the financial situation was reviewed by President H in m an along w ith the opening of the school. L ater the M em bers of the C orporation arrived and w ith the Trustees joined the school boys for dinner. T he organization and discipline in the dining room m ade a m ost favorable impression. W hite jacketed boys organized by B arbara Sawyer served the dinner. T he boys entered into their various tasks w ith enthusiasm . I t was learned th a t there was a ro tation of the work so th a t no one group was exem pt from tasks perform ed by others over the year. Each boy was responsible for the care of his room and team s of students carried on necessary chores around the premises. A fter an enjoyable m eeting w ith the boys, the M em bers of the C orporation and Trustees w ent across the street to hold their jo in t m eeting in the living room of the Austins. A sum ­ m arized financial report showed: Cash Gifts to D ate R eceipts from Tuitions O th e r In co m e ..............

$26,755.00 11,375.00 2,325.63

T O T A L ............. Cash on H a n d .......... C apital Expenditures

$40,455.63 11,630.19 14,053.45

O th e r expenditures including salaries, brochures, food, fuel, insurance, interest, taxes, etc., absorbed the balance. This was recognized by all as a p retty good statem ent by the President and he was highly com m ended for all the effort he h ad m ade to bring this about. W illiam R . Brewster re­ ceived appreciation for the personnel he had organized for the new school; the 26 boys who were starting off the first year of C ardigan M ountain School. T here was indeed a feeling of restrained satisfaction over all th a t had been accomplished. Greetings were extended to Charles E. Cotting, H arvard 1911 a new m em ber of the C orporation.


36

T he Year ■ — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

“ C harlie” Cotting, one of n a tu re ’s most m odest individuals, possesses nevertheless the keenness of m ind and a dedication of his unique faculties to further a cause to w hich he has once given his support. T o those who know him best it comes as no surprise th a t a t the tim e of this w riting he is C hairm an of the Board of Lee H igginson to say nothing of his other various im p o rtan t connections. I t is no w onder th a t Ned French m arshalled the services of E. M . Hopkins, Phil Allen, and H arvey H ood to interest C otting in joining the C orporation of the C ardigan M ountain School. J u s t how fortunate this selection was will be proven in the year to year story of the school’s progress. E. M . Hopkins who had been asked to preside a t this, the jo in t m eeting of the C orporation and Board of Trustees, asked th a t a vote be taken “ to m ake valid all elections th a t have taken place since the original Incorporators becam e m em bers autom atically” . T he following were voted M em bers of the C orporation: E. M . Hopkins, Philip R. Allen, H am ilton W . Baker (now deceased, b u t by the wish of all, his nam e was re ­ corded as a M em ber up to the tim e of his recent death), Charles E. Cotting, R. J . Cullen, R alp h E. Flanders, Edw ard S. French, Jo h n H. H inm an, H arvey P. H ood, J . Frederick Larson, E dw ard K. R obinson, H arold W. Stoke, A rth u r A. W illiams. President H arold P. H in m an should be included in this list, although his nam e does n ot ap p ear so in the m inutes of this m eeting. T he election of these nam ed individuals was m ade retroactive to cover the period since the organization of the school. Next, an election of the Board of Trustees was called for and the following were elected thereto: W illiam R. Brewster, Jam es C. Cam pbell, J o h n E. Foster, Sidney C. H ayw ard, H arold P. H inm an, R o b ert C. Hopkins, Jo h n B. Kenerson, Jam es F. Woods. T rustee Officers: President and T reasurer, H arold P. H in ­ m an; Vice President, R obert C. Hopkins; Clerk, Sidney C. H ayw ard; Assistant T reasurer, R ichard A. Sawyer; H ead ­ m aster, W illiam R . Brewster. C om m ittee to study organization of the school: E. M . H o p ­ kins, E dw ard S. French, Jo h n H . H inm an, W illiam R . Brewster, H arold P. H inm an.


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

37

All were asked to be on the lookout for a new T reasurer. T h e new school year started auspiciously w ith a gift of a thousand dollars by A rth u r Williams. By adjournm ent tim e it seemed to all th a t a very n eat pack­ age had been effected; the school was actually operating, some $40,500 had been raised by one way or another, and as far as could be seen funds would be available to carry opera­ tions through the year 1947. This was surely a far cry from less th an eighteen m onths before when H ap H inm an and Bill Brewster each deposited $100 to the account of Cardigan. M em bers of the C orporation and Trustees departed their respective ways. 1946 Y ear-End Gifts were announced as com ing from: Charles C otting. . . R obert C. Hopkins E. M . H o p k in s. . . John H i n m a n . . . . A nonym ous............ T otal

$ 250 250 250

2000 1000

$3750

T he w inter semester started out on a well established rou­ tine and over a t the Lodge the next m orning the Rising Bell sounded a t 7 a . m . T he boys washed, m ade their beds, fixed their rooms for inspection which m ight come any day a t any tim e. From 8:00 a . m . to 8:30 “ school keeping” jobs were as­ signed for the day. A t 8:30 a . m . breakfast was served. Nine o’clock to 10:45 classes were attended. T en forty-five to 11:00 recess cam e w ith milk, cookies or crackers available. Eleven to 12:30 m ore classes. Luncheon hour was from 12:45 to 1:45. By 1:45 each boy m ust be in his room for rest. Tw o forty-five to 4:30 was given over to supervised afternoon activities. A special study hour for those who needed it was set aside from 4:30 to 5:30. From 5:30 to 6:00 was wash-up and dress-up tim e w ith the supper bell ringing a t 6:00 sharp. Seven to 7:30 was assembly time for the whole school. Seven-thirty to 8:45 Supervised Study in the H all (dining room) took place. N ine p . m . lights out for all except seniors who could have until 9:30 to flick o ut theirs.


38

T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1 9 4 6 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1947

N one of the boys was troubled w ith insom nia after this busy day. Various assignments h ad been draw n up for the boys to work on. These were designed to m ake the individual boy feel a responsibility tow ard the school while draining off excess energy; keeping him busy doing constructive things and lessen­ ing the opportunities for mischief. Needless to say, there were types of work the boys m ight not relish b u t having to take them if assigned developed a fundam ental discipline which h ad its educational value. T he different assignments were: waiters, dishwashers, assistant to cook, washing tables after meals, dining room sweepers, vehicles, furnace, wastebaskets, cook helpers Saturday and Sunday nights, woodboxes and fires, night lights, cleaning first floor, assembly, library and first floor halls, checking lights out, m ailm an, infirm ary, e x tra work loading and unloading dishwasher, sweepers, drym oppers, assistant a t church, livestock (outm oded in new school), senior lights, porch (outm oded) and outside policing. Needless to say all faculty m em bers including wives were busy from m orning ’til night and they p u t the kind of enthusi­ asm into the training and building up of these first year boys w hich was to prove so rew arding. J u s t to illustrate some of the extra-curricular feats perform ed after busy hours of teaching: Dick Sawyer gave the boys training in baseball, T ed and Dolly Peach took boys on nature hikes, B arbara Sawyer was in charge of the office after getting the small fry up and dressed for school, a n d actually bathing them a t night. T here were some six of these smaller boys to w hom B arbara was m ore th an a house m other in the W ierum House aw ay from the Lodge. Bill Everts took charge of the boys over a t the b arn about 24 of a mile from the Lodge. Those boys who selected horse­ back riding were taught cleaning out of stables, w atering and bedding dow n of horses and clipping same (five in num ber). O thers were tau g h t feeding of cows and pigs. T he school was fortunate too in having the tem porary services of D eborah Austin who h ad recently graduated from Sm ith, cum laude, and was an attractive daughter of M r. and M rs. Dave Austin. She worked w ith Dolly Peach on the school pap er and dram atics.


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

39

C hurch (of the boys’ choice) was obligatory. This is b u t a sketchy picture of how the week’s program m ight develop. D uring the w inter m onths the program was given over to w inter sports. T here were six teachers for the 26 boys which guaranteed close individual attention and supervision. T he results a t the end of the year were truly quite rem arkable. Testifying to this was the letter from a grateful m other who wrote: “ W e appreciate all you have done for our son. T h e im provem ent is rem arkable. A t C ardigan he seems to have gained confidence in himself, especially in his studies which he so sorely needed . . . it is gratifying to find him so com pletely h ap p y .” T he first Com m encem ent Exercises of the C ardigan M o u n ­ tain School were held Ju n e 14th, 1947 in the O ld N orth C hurch a t 11 o’clock. T h e century old church w ith doored pews and handm ade glass windows contrasted its mellowed age w ith the young m en graduates of a year old institution. “ Parents, grandparents, faculty, M em bers of the C orporation and well-wishers am ong the townspeople totaling some 125 people gathered to see seven boys receive their diplom as.” This truly was an historic event a t C ardigan. After the Exercises a buffet luncheon was served up on the Point on the M ansion lawn. T he panoram a em bracing lake, m ountain and rolling hills under a w arm sun was a sight to behold. These seven young m en were already enrolled in Exeter, G overnor D um m er and K im ball U nion Academies. It was all hard to believe. T he first year a t C ardigan M ountain School was ended, and the result was good. C ontributions a t the end of the school year were: $ 5,000.00 500.00 5.000.00 1.000.00

from R ichard J . Cullen from A rthur W illiams from M rs. Lily Johnston from M r. and M rs. H arold H inm an (given to literally m eet M ay 1 pay rolls) 50.00 from N athaniel Leverone 50.00 from Sam uel Aronowitz

$11,600.00


40

T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1 9 46 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

A “ Baker R ange” was donated to the school by the D artm outh C lub of New York City through its M anager, Ned R edm an. W ith all the success of the first school year mistakes were m ade, some serious insofar as they affected individuals; others hum orous. T he dual role of a C ardigan absentee H eadm aster who was Active H eadm aster of another school was too m uch for any one m an to carry through even though aided by two unusually capable young m en in residence, neither of w hom had had experience in this particular field of education. This is in no way a reflection on the inspired jo b done. T o all intents and purposes, here were two am bitious fellows, one m arried, com peting for the eventual headm aster’s position. T h e disci­ pline of the school was dum ped in the lap of one of these m en by other m em bers of the faculty. Little surprise is there, in looking back objectively, th at strained relations did exist a t the end of the year. Disillusionment set in and two young, attractive fellows left educational pursuits. Some of the trouble lay in the m eager accom m odations afforded the faculty. T here was little privacy. Pressure was on each individual w ith little tim e for relaxation. T his was especially difficult for m en ju st out of the service and for the girls who m arried them . Discipline was all right in a w ar as were privations; but in peace one hoped for a better break. H ow could these fine young people be expected to know w hat it m eant to be associated w ith a brand new school which was continually battling to m eet the pay roll. T he school had not m isrepresented anything; the young people joined up with their eyes open. I t is a w onder things turned out as well as they did. All those presently connected w ith C ardigan M ountain School realize m ore each year how m uch these good people contributed. We have affectionate regard for them and hope they have the same for C ardigan M ountain School. T h e same holds true in the case of others who were to follow. All of us were living and learning, giving and taking. T h e original brochure showed an entrancing color scene on the cover depicting a red “ sugar b arn .” U nderneath the pic­ ture were the words: R eading — ’riting — ’rithm etic plus G randfather’s Farm


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1 9 4 7

41

T he idea of having boys ru n a farm was especially appeal­ ing to us in the early days. O ne thing we had a lot of was land, barns, hay, and a slightly exaggerated idea of balancing a farm budget. Also we had not counted on the short duration of the boys’ enthusiasm for farm chores. T o begin w ith we purchased a pregnant cow, the better to instruct the boys on the facts of life in the anim al kingdom. T he cow was not cooperative at all and gave b irth to her calf w hen m ankind least suspected. This was a great disappoint­ m ent as the boys had worked diligently keeping the stable clean. A nd as for learning to milk the cow, th a t was entirely out. W e were in no position to force this issue for we h ad h ad a h ard enough time getting the boys to come to C ardigan as it was. So we closed out our bovine departm ent. This was done at a profit, too, due to the fact we were selling a “ fresh cow” ra th e r th an an expectant m other. O u r next experim ent was the creation of a riding stable. “ W e obtained an excellent riding m aster and five horses one of which was given us by Philip R. Allen, the other four being borrow ed from M rs. R u th Parks, the owner of a sum m er cam p. “ W e soon learned,” as H ap H in m an relates, “ th at riding enthusiasm reached its peak during the fall m onths and th at it dim inished in direct proportion to the lowering of the tem perature w ith the coming of w inter.” A pparently, in addition to the upkeep, the horses “ ate us out of house and hom e.” By Spring only three or four boys out of an initial group of fifteen showed any recurring interest in horses. So, in the interests of a balanced budget we got rid of the horses. By this tim e we were getting a bit fed up w ith the idea of continuing anim al husbandry as a p a rt of the educational pro ­ gram of the C ardigan M o untain School. T hus we quickly cancelled an order for th irty bushels of seed potatoes and one thousand chicks. W e now were back in full cry for R eading — ’R iting — ’R ith m e tic ! Bob M cM illan, now p artn er of a successful Boston advertis­ ing agency, it will be recalled had joined the C ardigan M oun­ tain School official fam ily as Business M anager of the school. T h e hope h ad been th a t we had hit upon a form ula w hich w ould bring increasing contributions to the school. This was a n experim ent th a t ju st did not work out. As Bob can now


42

T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1 9 4 6 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

afford to w rite from his position of strength: “ These were dreary days and disappointing ones. H a p felt, I am sure, th a t I was a poor salesm an b u t later on . . . he realized how very difficult it was to obtain funds from people who h ad college a n d church obligations as well as boys of their ow n to e d u ­ cate.” This was all p a rt of the trial an d error period through which the school h ad to go. W hile we lost valuable dollars in the various experim ents valuable lessons were learned. T h e financial picture of the first school year as set forth in one of H a p H in m an ’s periodic bulletins, shows, as of Ju n e 27th, 1947, the following figures: Checking B alan ce............................................ $6,188.04 Accounts R eceivable (students) 575.00 Building F u n d ................................................... 2,854.20 T o t a l ........................................................ $9,617.24 In Savings B a n k ...............................................$1,218.10 (Represents 5% of tuitions set aside for endow ­ m ent as previously voted by the Trustees.)

It was characteristic of H a p ’s realism th a t a t no tim e did he allow any com placency to exist nor loss of m om entum to take place in his drive for an outstanding school. “ Sure,” he w ould say to the Trustees, “ we have done well b u t we have to do better.” H e always had a list of new and pressing needs for the school, for instance: For the L o d g e .................................................$ F or the M a n sio n ............................................ F or Barn R e p a irs........................................... For Insulating S h o p ...................................... Beach W a g o n ..................................................

8,900.00 9,600.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,000.00

T o t a l ...................................................... $22,500.00

H a p did not spare M em bers of the C orporation in present­ ing his continuing program of needs for the school. His thrusts a t them were masked behind a genial smile w hen he would say: “ T he function of the Trustees is to present to you the needs of the school; it’s up to you fellows to raise the m oney.”


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1946 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1947

43

T o one who h a d ju st joined the M em bers of the C orporation as a friendly group interested in educating boys this forth­ rightness cam e as a bit of a shock; b u t it was not long before they adm ired the President who knew w hat the goal was and preferred to m ince no words to obtain it. T he M em bers of the C orporation h ad been well screened. T hey were m en dedicated to the principles underlying the founding of the C ardigan M ountain School. T hey were re­ m arkably successful in their individual business or profes­ sional pursuits. T h eir word carried weight w ith others of sim ilar stature. T hey welcomed the direction given by H arold P. H inm an for he was always well prepared; his succinct presentations allowed a m axim um am ount of tim e for p u r­ poseful discussion.


The Tear September 1947 through August 1948 As an item of interest let us review the am ount of m oney listed on page 39, am ounting to a total of $22,500 and which was presented by President H in m an as necessary for the proper functioning of the school. Also we m ight recall, these items were presented for reflection right after the books had been closed a t the end of a successful school year in Ju n e. H ere is w hat happened: Announced on August 6, 1947........................... $10,000.00 (Gift by John Herbert Kieckhefer) Announced on September 4, 1947..................... $ 2,000.00 From Arthur Williams Announced on October 10, 1947....................... $ 3,000.00 From John Hinman Announced on October 10, 1947....................... $ 1,000.00 From Harvey Hood $16,000.00 Previous Listed Bank Balance.............................$ 9,617.24 T o t a l ............................................................ $25,617.24

This was a n encouraging beginning for the second year of school. T here had been an additional contribution of $500 from C harlie C otting for the Scholarship F und bringing th at to a total of $1,500. A new and highly successful form ula had been found for raising m oney through the cooperation of M em bers of the C orporation w ith President H inm an. Presi­ dent H inm an h ad little trouble in getting the support of the Board of Trustees for his program . T he innum erable meetings w ith individuals for advice and counsel or w ith the Executive, Financial, Building, etc. Com m ittees, can h ardly be observed by an outsider w ithout considering the whole operation cyn­ ically as a “ one m an show.” Surely no m an ever gave m ore of himself for a cause in which he believed th an has H arold P. H inm an. H e has been an d is a great leader who of necessity has stepped on tender toes. Strange as it m ay seem a t this 44


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1 9 4 7 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1948

45

point H a p ’s toughest days were ahead. T here would be days to try his soul and test his stam ina even m ore th an he had ex­ perienced already. His fortitude is indeed p a rt and parcel of this incredible story. In one of the bulletins a t this tim e H ap writes: “ Late last w inter (1946-1947) Bill Brewster, sensing the need for a resi­ dent headm aster, had urged the Executive Com m ittee to look for such a m an, stating th a t he would resign as soon as one was obtained.” R eluctantly this idea was accepted. “ Person­ ally, we believe th at Bill Brewster, w ith his vast reservoir of experience, can be m ore valuable to the school in his avail­ ability as an advisor th an he could be w hen tied dow n by innum erable details of operation.” C ertainly the school was fortunate th a t this acknowledged leader of boys was going to be closely affiliated w ith Cardigan. Brewster would accept no rem uneration for his m any services to C ardigan. T he appointm ent of R obert M oody K im ball as H eadm aster was announced after m onths of interviews. H e was a New E nglander, born in N ew buryport, M assachusetts w here he graduated from high school in 1926, and in 1930 from D a rt­ m outh College. Before coming to C ardigan he had been Assistant to the H eadm aster a t St. M arks School. M arried to an attractive wife, they had a daughter 9 years old. Bob K im ball was himself interested in a boys’ cam p and was unable to divorce himself entirely from its sum m er oper­ ation w hich m eant, of course, th a t fall enrollm ent suffered. W e had originally hoped to be able to open our own sum m er cam p since all the ingredients for a unique location were at hand. Bill Brewster who for years had ru n his own cam p in M aine had returned to it. T he paradox was th at C ardigan M o untain School h ad everything for a C am p except boys. T here were those im patient to start our cam p right then but cooler heads prevailed. T he attention of all was to be concen­ trated on getting boys lined up for the regular fall term . By O ctober 10, 1947, when the second A nnual M eeting of the Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation took place at the school there were 29 boys enrolled. T here was no denying the fact of disappointm ent since one and all had hoped for at least 35 boys starting the second year a t C ardigan. However, Bob K im ball and his wife m ade a most favorable


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T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1947 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1948

impression. T h e tidiness of the school was noted. T h e furni­ ture which the K im balls h ad added to the living quarters on the first floor was a delightful addition causing especially favorable reaction from the wives of the C ardigan family. These fall meetings were becoming increasingly interesting the farther we w ent into the business of running or helping direct the running of a new school. T he Trustees were faced w ith the ever recurring deficit since the tuition from 29 boys would not m eet the operating expenses. Some of these boys w ould be unable to continue w ithout scholarship help. T he im portance of how to m eet increasing needs for the Scholar­ ship F und w hen current expenses could not be m et was a thorny one and a subject w hich was briskly discussed by the Trustees and later by M em bers of the C orporation. Also, w hat was to be done about the creation of a R etirem ent Fund? W e could not hope to com pete w ith other schools for teachers w ithout this fringe benefit. R em edial education was first brought up in these meetings b u t had to be dropped as beyond the limits of our present scale of instruction. Everyone a t C ardigan regretted the resignation from the C orporation of H arold Stoke who was leaving the Presi­ dency of the U niversity of New H am pshire to becom e Presi­ d en t of Louisiana State University. H e h ad served us well. I t seemed a short tim e ago th a t we were happy over the accom plishm ents of the first year of the C ardigan M ountain S chool! Now we were to learn th a t a successful school does not autom atically go along after it is first started. M ore and graver problem s were facing us. Also, in w hatever direction you looked things needed to be done. T h e Lodge needed paint; the furnishings inside on the first floor w hich gave a hom ey look to the parents of prospective students were not posses­ sions of the school; there h ad been serious pipe leaks; fire escapes outside the building were a must. These were illus­ trative of problem s facing the adm inistration of C ardigan the solution of w hich was m ade no easier by the slowness w ith which student applications had come in. However, the Trustees were not unm indful of those who had so m aterially helped in bringing the school thus far. Resolutions were passed and the Secretary was instructed to write letters of apprecia­ tion:


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1) T o Dave and H a rriet A ustin for their past and recent help and aid to the School. 2) T o M r. and M rs. W illiam R. Brewster for their devotion and untiring efforts, given w ithout com pensation, during the first year of operation. 3) T o Jo h n H . H in m an for his generous personal gifts and for the sizeable gifts w hich he has ob­ tained from others since the founding of the School. 4) T o H arold P. H in m an for uncounted tim e and unlim ited energy w hich he has poured into C ar­ digan M o untain School. T h e concerns of m eeting various school problem s were kept well w ithin the official fam ily circle and never touched the carefree young life. T ed and Dolly Peach had indirectly focussed the collective undergraduate attention on an un d e­ term inable date, for the Peaches were expecting. H ead ­ m aster Bob K im ball h ad entered into the spirit of the occasion by announcing th at a half holiday would be given the school if the baby was a girl; b u t if a boy cam e along a full day would be granted. K ind Providence answered the prayers of all 29 students who on N ovem ber 8th were given a full day off. H ow did the boys choose to spend this day? By clim bing C ardigan M ountain. U pon returning to the school tired in body and soul, one boy was heard to com m ent th a t it would be all right w ith him if the Peaches had a baby girl the next tim e ! H a p H inm an thoroughly enjoyed this by-play. H e loved the boys and their reactions. H ardly a day passed th at he d id n ’t visit the school and m ix w ith the young fry. D uring the first year there were questions raised by the young faculty m em bers w hether or not he was breaking dow n the discipline by encouraging the boys to call him “ H a p ” . But as he adm itted he “ got a great kick out of this” ; and who was to deny him this fun? T he tru th is he also had a fondness for the K im balls and the Peaches, and for those fine young people the Sawyers and Bill Everts. H e drew a definite line of dem arcation betw een his personal feelings and those of official lineage. This was


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m ore easily understood by the older generation a t times th an by the younger. O ne tracing the developm ent of C ar­ digan M ountain School has no difficulty in determ ining H ap H in m an ’s guiding principle: th a t w hich is good for the school took precedence over all other considerations. W ere there any question in his own m ind in com ing to a decision of high policy he knew to w hom to tu rn for advice. By M arch of 1947 contributions to the Scholarship F und h a d reached a total of $5,300. T h e m ore recent additions were: E dw ard S. F re n c h ..................................................$ 500 Charles E. C o ttin g ................................................ 500 Jo h n H. H in m a n ................................................... 1,000 A rthur A. W illiam s............................................... 1,000 Jim C am p b ell......................................................... 500 H . R ichardson L a n e ............................................. 300 T o t a l .............................................................. S3,800

President H inm an had a good policy of looking forward to the Sem i-Annual M eetings of the Trustees and C orpora­ tion M embers and in fact letting them know in advance by m eans of Bulletins or reports from Com m ittee M eetings ju st w hat to expect. A good illustration of such planning is noted in the m inutes of a m eeting of the Executive Com ­ m ittee held in H anover, New H am pshire Ja n u a ry 22, 1948. It was decided at this m eeting w hich was attended by H ead ­ m aster K im ball, H. P. H inm an, W illiam R . Brewster and Sidney C. H ayw ard th at it would be wise to concentrate on renovating the A nnex to the Lodge, thereby increasing accom modations to some 50 boys; and to postpone for some years the developm ent of school property on the Point. This was all by way of recognizing the excessive cost of building and lack of funds. H eadm aster K im ball was in accord with this. Plans were m ade to secure, through investigation by Messrs. H inm an and K im ball, a local architect who would serve the school best and to get estim ated costs. A t this m eeting the C om m ittee was reassured th at H ead ­ m aster K im ball considered his position w ith the school a continuing one and th at he contem plated no change at this


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tim e. (Recognition was given to “ the valuable work of Mrs. K im ball . . . appreciatively.” ) It was the concensus of the Executive Com m ittee th a t future plans w ould need the active direction of the H eadm aster over a considerable period of tim e. A dded rem uneration was practically assured “ as con­ ditions p erm it.” T he following represents the real punch line: “ the Execu­ tive Com m ittee is compelled to urge all m em bers of the Board of Trustees, w ith the assistance of M em bers of the C orpora­ tion, to secure funds for the school . . .” Thus by April 16, 1948, all were alerted to the directions the meetings would take. Plans for the school and problem s were discussed. M r. Brewster expressed confidence in the future u n d er the direction of Bob K im ball who continued to make an excellent impression. Jo h n H inm an took exception to a com m ittee being ap ­ pointed to raise funds as he favored group action. N o com ­ m ittee was appointed. Jo h n em phasized his desire to see cur­ re n t requirem ents m et (some $20,000) by Septem ber, as well as securing building funds for the future. It is interesting to note th a t by the first of April the new A nnex renovation was underw ay a t an estim ated cost of $5,033, plus a 5% bonus if finished by Ju ly 1st. This was the first m ajor building project. As H ap w rote: “ . . . the psychology of th at fact is far reaching . . . it dem on­ strates action . . . progress.” It also dem onstrated to the groups m eeting April 16th th at H ap w aited for no m an and th a t funds better be raised. E. M . Hopkins, whose words were always welcome, had this to say: “ Com pared w ith sim ilar projects C ardigan’s progress has been good and needs no apologies. If you do not go ahead, you cannot get increased m eans . . . and if you do not get increased means, you cannot go ah ead .” L ater he said: “ T he surest signs of grow th are th a t im perative needs keep rising.” As one looks over this whole gam ut of accom plishm ent, the intense loyalty and continued and substantial contributions by the m em bers of the C ardigan School official family is extraordinary. T he Scholarship F und continued to grow as H ap H inm an added $1,000 to bring the total to $6,300.


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D uring J u n e and after the sem i-annual meetings a t the A lgonquin Club in Boston h ad passed into history, Jo h n H in ­ m an contributed $1,000, while H arvey H ood added another $1,000 for carrying out the renovation program . Tw o years previous to this second year of the school actually in session, N ed R obinson had uncovered a source for scholar­ ship m oney w hich in spite of excellent presentations seemed to have m ade no impression. However, the “ source” becam e alive w ith interest through the persistent effort of Bill Brewster, N ed F rench and President H inm an. T hus it was th a t the Lindsay Foundation contributed a total of $2500 to be paid in installm ents of $500 each over the next five years. E. M . Hopkins spoke of the publicity value of this gift as announced in the newspapers, for, as he wrote: “ . . . T he value of these scholarships does not lie so m uch in the m oney received as it does in the fact th a t C ardigan M ountain School is recognized as a n active, deserving educational institution.” However, the m oney value ju st a t this ju n ctu re was in itself of really great value for it released funds for construction paym ents the deficits for w hich had m ounted to relatively sizable proportions. T he school was continuing to ru n behind in m eeting current expenses. T he goal of enrolling 50 boys seemed as far aw ay as ever. T he disappointm ent in the enrollm ent figures was the greater because the new A nnex had been finished so th at there were actual accom m odations for additional boys. T he Lodge had been repainted and this along w ith the new paint on the A nnex gave the school a very prosperous look. T he second school year drew to a close w ith the graduating of 7 boys who were privileged to be addressed by Bishop Dallas of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese of New H am p ­ shire. H appy parents congratulated one and all connected w ith the adm inistration of the school for stim ulating the desire for education am ong their sons. T h e happiness of the collective gathering was enhanced by the graciousness of H eadm aster K im ball and his charm ing wife. H ardly h ad the sun set and the graduating boys left for their respective homes before the Executive Com m ittee of the Trustees was called into session to discuss the raising of funds to com plete the building and furnishing of the Annex.


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T he cost of the A nnex had exceeded the original estim ate of $5,033 to a figure nearer $11,000. But even so this ad d i­ tional investm ent was wise since a new building accom ­ m odating as m any boys would cost nearly ten times as m uch. T he Trustees and M em ber of the C orporation had taken satisfaction in learning from an Insurance A ppraiser th at the Lodge in w hich they had invested capital funds to the extent of some $20,000 could not be built as a new building for less th an $100,000. M oney m ight be h a rd to come by b u t it was m ost assuredly being spent wisely. T he question of enrollm ent was again rearing its ugly head. C ertainly the school couldn’t for long continue to operate a t a yearly loss of $5,000 to $10,000. At the T rustee’s Executive C om m ittee m eeting H eadm aster K im ball who was in a t­ tendance “ volunteered full responsibility for securing the necessary enrollm ent of 50 boys by Septem ber.” T here were those on the Board as a whole who questioned in their own m inds w hether this goal was obtainable w ithout a highly con­ centrated drive of all concerned. T he fact th a t Bob K im ball could give but one day a week because of his C am p affiliation added to the doubt. T h e feeling th a t the school m ust have a H eadm aster who w ould devote his whole tim e tow ard the interests of the school was growing. This raised the question of additional salary for such a H eadm aster, for all knew we could not get the m an we w anted on the salary paid our H eadm asters the last two years. Bob K im ball h ad done well and the fact we could not ask him to give up his direction of C am p K iniya on Lake C ham plain was no fault of his. T o some it seemed we had reached an impasse, expecially those to w hom a sum m er cam p of our own seemed the sound solu­ tion for utilizing the year round plant and equipm ent. H ow ­ ever, a t the tim e we w ent along w ith Bob K im ball’s convic­ tion as related in the m inutes of the Executive Com m ittee m eeting held J u n e 10, 1948, th a t “ O n the question of sum m er use of the property . . . entrance into the highly com petitive sum m er cam p field is not feasible, but th a t operation of a school during the sum m er m ay be a desirable possibility for the future.” This was n ot the last to be heard as to a sum m er cam p for other years a t least. T he need for m oney did not cease w ith the ending of the


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school year. T he Finance C om m ittee of Messrs. H inm an, Brewster and H ayw ard m et on Ju n e 21, 1948, and authorized the T reasurer, H arold P. H inm an to negotiate a loan up to and not exceeding $10,000 to pay for construction and renovation of the Annex. O ne m atte r which the h ard working H a p H inm an had disposed of during the sum m er was the term ination of leased houses on C anaan Street. W hile these did serve a useful p u r­ pose they were a source of contention by C orporation M em ­ bers and some Trustees who disliked the paym ent of m uch needed funds for any such purposes.


The Tear S e p te m b e r

1948

th ro u g h A u g u st

1949

So i t w a s th a t the sum m er flew by and the K im balls returned from their sum m er cam p on Lake C ham plain and the Peaches from Cam bridge, Mass., where T ed Peach had attended the H arvard Sum m er School. Food, books and furnishings for the new A nnex arrived via different m eans of transportation. But w hat enrollm ent was the school to enjoy? T here was the ru b ! T he School opened on Septem ber 16th w ith 31 boys in attendance. Five in this num ber were day students. This m eant another prospective deficit of some $8,000. It is rem arkable in retrospect to know th at on O ctober 8, 1948 the Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation had u n 足 usually good m eetings which were thoroughly enjoyed by those in attendance even w ith cold fall rains drenching you the m inute you stuck your head out of the door. It was a delight to see the boys already organized for the new year. T hey were bright looking fellows and they m ade you glad you could mingle w ith them . T he K im balls and the Peaches w ith the other three faculty couples w ith their eagerness and enthusiasm m ade one forget there was no sunshine outside. O ne of the faculty wives had returned to C anaan Street hoping th a t the feeling little short of claustrophobia she had experienced the year before m ight not recur. She had never given any evidence of the struggle raging within, for she liked the boys and looked forw ard to the prospects of a new school up on the Point. Suddenly on this black, rainy night and w ith two couples w hom she counted am ong her closest friends in the C ardigan family, a wave of defeat overwhelm ed her. T here was affection and understanding am ong those w ith her. T here was also the feeling in the heart of one closely connected w ith the school th a t here was an om en for the future. It was a pretty sad occasion all of which was held in strictest confidence. T h e only reason for m entioning it now is to point up the fact th at we were asking young people to sacrifice too m uch to expect them to rem ain w ith the school any length of time. This was a m atter discussed no 53


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end a t the T rustee meetings. W e lost good teaching m aterial for superficial reasons; the turnover was becoming the deep concern of all. Some knew th a t night we were going to lose m ore; b u t to w hat extent no one could have known. A t the com bined m eeting of the Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation deficits were discussed; enrollm ent cam e in for its share of attention. T h e com pletion of the renovation program was good news. W ithout too m uch im agination one could believe there was a feeling of optim ism for the future of the school w ith the exception of one person. It was good to have one the likes of Phil Allen in the group. H e w asn’t too sure he felt enthusiastic over the prospects for the C ardigan M ountain School. H e had the courage of his convictions. H e im plied th a t were it not for his confidence and adm iration for “ H op” (E. M . Hopkins) and “ N ed” (E. S. French), he w ouldn’t w ant to face the future of the school on the basis of w hat he had heard. T he continuing inability to increase enrollm ent and to m eet current expenses were not to his liking; nor did he like the building on the Point which he thought architecturally was abom inable. W h at was the sense he argued of “ pouring m oney” into the M ansion w hen we couldn’t operate successfully w ith w hat we had dow n on C an aan Street. These points had ju st enough validity to challenge the best thinking on the p a rt of all directly con­ nected w ith the school and it is safe to say M r. Allen enjoyed seeing his friend Ernest M artin Hopkins rise to the occasion saying: “ . . . let’s not judge the destiny of this project e n ­ tirely on the speed w ith which we realize all th at we strive for. Actually, we are off to a wonderful sta rt!” These differ­ ences of opinion were the life of the unusually good meetings held sem i-annually and in tru th were the life of the school, for, to paraphrase a well known T V advertising slogan, these m en “ . . . cared enough to give their very best” both in thought and deed. T w o gifts were announced a t this m eeting: $500 from Jim Cam pbell, and $1,000 from A rth u r W illiams. A nnouncem ent followed in H ap H inm an’s Novem ber 15th Bulletin of another $500 gift from C harlie Cotting. It is interesting to note in the sequence of events con­ nected w ith this educational venture there always seemed to


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be certainties m atching uncertainties. Im p o rta n t as m oney was to the school there could easily have been those who in the secrecy of their own m inds m ight have questioned w hether or not C ardigan M ountain School represented any contribu­ tion to boys’ lives. So, it was gratifying a t this p articular tim e to have verbal bouquets come our way. T h e C hristian Science M onitor w rote: “ You are to be congratulated on the splendid progress m ade in such a short space of tim e.” Also, from a n H a rp e r’s B azaar M agazine interviewer: “ I was very favorably impressed by all I saw . . . there is everything to m ake the boys com fortable and happy. T h eir surroundings could not be m ore to the taste of a discrim inating person. . . .” T h e Boston Sunday Post headed a feature article on the school: “ School to inspire old Yankee virtues.” It was good to know th at on the outside favorable words were being passed around about the C ardigan M ountain School. O n O ctober 15th the School lost one of its m ost loyal and interested benefactors through the death of R ichard J . Cullen. This was a great personal loss to Jo h n H inm an who was w ith him to the end. It was because of M r. C ullen’s great regard and affection for J o h n th a t his interest paralleled J o h n ’s in C ardigan. Even in d eath was C ardigan to benefit. O ver a period of tim e J o h n H inm an had been interesting a M r. D. S. G ottesm an in m aking a scholarship aw ard to the school. M r. G ottesm an beside being a personal friend of J o h n ’s and the late Dick Cullen was a leading industrialist and philanthropist. H e was an idealist and a hum anist inter­ ested in youth. H e m ade a gift of $10,000 in total, or $2,000 each year for five years to enhance the scholarship fund. This was to be known as T he Cullen Scholarship F und to P erpetu­ ate the N am e of R ichard J . Cullen. I t m ust be evident th a t the C ardigan M ountain School was benefiting m ore and m ore by the early conviction th a t to be successful the school m ust a ttra c t a nucleus of interest of sufficient prestige to appeal to an ever w idening group of influential men. This was not an original idea but certainly few schools can point to as successful an application of the idea as C ardigan experienced and continues to experience. It m ight well be the hope th a t posterity jealously guard against any dim inution of this original high resolve.


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O ne benefactor of the school continued a steady and highly appreciated support under the title of “ Anonym ous.” M ay he a ttrac t other influential anonymouses! If mystery should enter into a story to hold reader interest we subm it this generous character as our num ber one candidate. T he records show th a t on N ovem ber 24, 1948, another gift of $500 was announced as coming from this same source from w hich others periodically have em anated. T he only clue is th a t the giver has an uncanny sense of tim ing. M ore power to him . . . or h e r ! O n D ecem ber 3, 1948, a unique gift to the school was announced — an audio-visual unit, from D r. Ernest M . Hopkins. As H a p H inm an said: “ . . . . this is a forw ard step which places C ardigan M ountain School in the relatively small group of secondary schools privileged to enjoy . . . m aterial integrated w ith the courses. D r. Hopkins was of the opinion th a t the use of films can supplem ent the instructor to the extent th a t will m ake his work m any times m ore effec­ tive.” H e felt, too, th a t this would m ake C ardigan a better school for it would add to the enjoym ent of teachers and teaching. H e well knew th a t the reaction from the boys themselves would be most favorable. This was all in line with “ H o p ’s” belief th a t the opportunity existed for m aking C ardigan a distinctive school. T h e Christm as season was near a t hand on the campus. A Glee C lub trained by M rs. M ullis was practicing faithfully, for Carols were to be sung up and dow n C anaan Street. A Christm as tree and all the trim m ings were being readied. Bob and V irginia K im ball had issued invitations to the parents of the boys to come to the school and spend the day and night w ith their progeny before the beginning of the C hrist­ mas H oliday. T h e response was gratifying and the parents were shown first hand how C ardigan “ provides im portant things in a boy’s life th at are necessary . . over and above studying. T he p arty was a success if for no other reason than bringing the parents closer to the school. A new calendar year, 1949, was celebrated by sum m arizing the previous year-end gifts to the school: Jo h n H in m a n .................................................. $2,000.00 H arvey H o o d ...................................................$1,000.00


T h e Y e a r — S e p t e m b e r 1 9 4 8 t h r o u g h A u g u s t 1 94 9

Elbert H. Neese H. R. W eaver. . R. C. Hopkins.

57

$ 1, 000.00

$ 100.00

$ 100.00

While contributions such as these, and others throughout the year, never seemed to catch up with the varying needs of the school, they were of inestimable psychological value especially to our President, Hap Hinman. It was the team play which Hap emphasized as being the all important part in the school’s progress. Among the givers of money some gave more, others gave less; among the givers of time to the school the same relative situation existed. The fact that almost all were showing an active interest was the tonic which drove Hap on in his own indomitable way. By the time of the April 22, 1949, meeting, Hap was carry­ ing much on his mind. The financial picture was not favor­ able. In studying the situation, the Trustees learned $13,000 was needed to finance the school through the summer toward which there was only $3,000 available. This was, of course, due to lack of enough enrollment with accompanying tuition to carry the load. The Trustees agreed “ that some use of the school during the summer season should be secured.” This brought up again the question of a full time Headmaster, for by now it was all too apparent that the school was losing ground through lack of year round direction from the Head­ master. The immediate stop-gap was the appointing of Ted Peach, upon the recommendation of Mr. Kimball to be in residence at the school the coming summer at an additional fee. There was discussion at long last as to better faculty housing. The Peach’s baby was getting almost too big to continue sleeping in the top drawer of the bureau. As a matter of record, it might be well at this point to list the names of the Trustees and Members of the Corporation attending these meetings for they in the main were the ones who had loyally supported these important Cardigan gather­ ings since the school started. The attendance of the official Cardigan family to these functions twice a year is indeed the envy of independent schools generally. The names of those gathering together on April 22, 1949, are:


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Trustees:

H . P. H inman , President R . C. H opkins , Vice President S idney C. H a y w a r d , Secretary

Corporation Members:

H . P. H inman , President

E. M. H opkins , Presiding Officer

C harles C otting A rthur W illiams E. S. F rench

W illiam R . B rew ster J ames C. C ampbell J ohn E. F oster J ohn H inman H arv ey H ood E. K. R obinson P hilip A llen D r . C raw ford H inman

(Guest and son ofJohn Hinman) An interesting talk was given by Ted Peach, Assistant Headmaster, who informed us that the Honor Roll at the School had increased and that the entire school had an average of 80. He expressed appreciation to E. M. Hopkins for the audio-visual movie equipment which was being used as the donor had hoped it might and with encouraging results. Mr. Robinson inquired (an inquiry which was on everyone’s mind) as to what use was being made or was contemplated of the Haffenreffer Mansion. President Hinman replied that no use at the present was being made of this building, but that it was “ planned to make full use of this excellent facility at a later date.” Phil Allen was observed to squirm in his chair! Enrollment showed 31 boys in attendance; 6 boys would graduate in June; 25 boys were expected to return as against 17 who had returned the previous fall. This was a long way from the goal set for 50. Executive meetings were to follow to resolve the question of a new Headmaster and the deteriorating financial situation of the school. These were probably the darkest days for our President. It was not easy to think of replacing Bob Kimball as Headmaster because Bob had done an admirable educational job at Cardigan. Few knew what Bob knew, which was that he could not ask Virginia, his wife, to take further punishment in the cramped living quarters afforded by the school; he realized he could not sign up as a full time Headmaster at Cardigan.


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Virginia was an extravert which was one of her great assets. The fact that Bob today is the successful Headmaster of The Town School for Boys, in San Francisco, but proves the wisdom of his resignation from Cardigan. M any of us would like to sample Virginia’s hospitality again. Cardigan will always be indebted to this fine couple. In April, 1949, Headmaster Kimball had reported the school needed $9,277.12 with which to operate through that current year ending in early June; also another $3,800 for the period from the school’s closing to its reopening in Septem­ ber. These figures did not include any funds for improvements and changes he had recommended in his Headmaster’s letter. The school had $2,718.68 in the Endowment Fund resulting from 5% set aside from tuitions paid in over the last two years. In another account there was $4,256.50 of which $1,000 represented one half of the Gottesman gift allocated for scholarships in the latter half of 1949. No one needed to tell Hap Hinman the school needed money and as if to prove it he dug down into his own pocket again to come up with $1,000.— for Cardigan. As Bill Brewster would say: “Boy! Those Hinman brothers are something, aren’t they?” From the Building Fund $3,200 was taken to add to H ap’s gift to pay salaries included in the projected $9,277.12. Now $5,000 was needed to carry the school through June 10th, the closing day. There is no record available to the writer of what happened in a situation such as this, but the important thing is that through some mysterious means, Charles Cotting decided to give Cardigan $250., John Hinman donated $3,000, Arthur Williams $1,000, John Foster sent $200 and our old friend Anonymous added $1,000. Of course, it was no secret the school needed money, but was it just by chance six individ­ uals in less than three months gave a total of some $6,000? This was the continuing and wonderful story of this school’s progress. There were other gifts to further prove the interest in Cardigan. Jim Campbell who was always looking around to see how he could enhance the happiness of the boys offered the school two fine saddle horses only to learn our stables were closed. He accepted this turn down with good grace


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and smilingly added: “ I guess it is more important to be able to feed the boys well than have horses eat us out of house and home.” Sid Hayward presented the school with a boy’s delight; the Hunter's Encyclopedia, a book of 1150 pages of every phase of hunting, fishing, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Cheever of Cape Cod gave a wire recording unit which was useful for class room development of speech. Mr. Phillip Allen had written his friend E. M. Hopkins early in June, 1949, seeking answers to questions arising in his countinuing efforts to interest boys and boys’ parents in the Cardigan Mountain School. We feel Hopkins’ letter covers so thoroughly the questions continually put to all of us now, and we believe will be in the future, as to warrant submitting it as a creed of Cardigan. L etter

Dear Phil:

fr o m

H op

to

P h il A l l e n

June 9, 1949

I have just returned from a fishing trip to Canada, up at the St. Bernard Club, with various friends, including Ned French and Laurence Whittemore, hence the delay in commenting on your letter of June 2 to Harold Hinman, of which you kindly sent me a copy. I want to comment particularly upon your statement about in­ ability to interest your friends in sending a young boy to the Cardigan Mountain School, and to answer your questions as to why any par­ ent should send his or her boy away to any school at the tender age of ten to fourteen. My answer to these comments would be that I should expect your experience among your own friends to be what you have found it, and that furthermore I should argue strenuously that there was no reason at all for sending a boy away to a school, either of this sort or any other, if home conditions were such that he could be maintained there happily. This phrase, however, in regard to home conditions being such that a boy could be maintained happily there is subject to interpre­ tation, and interpretation could well come from a study of the rea­ sons why the boys in Cardigan at the present time are enrolled there. First, boys from rural homes whose parents have a desire to send them to college but who live in communities where the local school ad­ vantages are not such that their sons could receive adequate prepa­ ration for getting into any first class preparatory school without the loss of one or two years.


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Second, boys from metropolitan areas whose parents realize that in their residential section there is no possibility for their sons to have normal boyhoods either socially or recreationally. Third, boys from homes where there is a dominant personality represented by an older brother or sister. Fourth, boys who have a potential ability which is in process of being crushed through their inability to take the initiative in large classes such as characterize many, if not most of the public schools, and other boys of potential ability who are given no challenge in free schools because of the poor quality of the teachers who are at­ tracted into teaching only by the present salary scales. Fifth, boys in families where there are personality clashes either between father and mother or between one parent and the son. Such are the characterizations of certain homes in every commu­ nity and often times to the outsider these homes appear perfectly normal. Nevertheless, there are or have been boys in Cardigan from each one of these classifications, and mighty fine boys, too. My experience, however, in the thirty years that I was in academic administrative work made plain to me that there were a host of people outside any one of these classifications where the boy’s interest as well as the interests of the parents were in finding the best sub­ stitute for home life that could be found. It isn’t simply the child of parents of a broken home where the mother has to work under circumstances that deny her any real supervision over her child, or where the father is left with responsi­ bilities which for financial or other reasons he is incapable of meet­ ing, but it is likewise the child who is a son of families in the armed services, the child who is a son of missionaries who want their chil­ dren educated in this country, and the children not infrequently of career diplomats. I would hesitate to generalize in regard to the numbers of these, but they are very large. Personally, I would expect it to be very rarely that parents living together in harmony, with opportunities for a normal home life, would be sending children of that age away to school. On the other hand, any understanding parent who is constantly moving about would have to consider the relative interests for his son in moving about with the family or in spending the nine months of the school year in cumulatively developing progress in orderly fashion so far as educational instructions are concerned. At Dartmouth we became reluctantly convinced by the data which turned up year by year that as a college prospect the boy was un­ desirable who had been shifted from school to school four to five times in the pre-preparatory and preparatory school stage. The broken homes proposition, which is becoming increasingly


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large in dimensions year by year is something else again, but I have known a lot of fathers and mothers sincerely solicitous for their children’s interests, who have wanted more than anything else to be reassured in regard to the opportunities of an educational nature available to them. I understand at this point you may repeat your query as to why the school doesn’t grow faster, and if you do I should repeat my as­ sertion that it is growing faster than could have been normally expected. In so important a matter as a boy’s school, a parent, even a fairly desperate one, is suspicious of new enterprises in a field where tradition has always been so much emphasized. I do not doubt at all that the few schools catering to a like clientele in the country which have prestige of years behind them are, as they claim, turning away considerable numbers of boys of this pre-preparatory age. This can all be true without the parents being convinced that he wants to make the investment required in a project like the Cardigan Mountain School until it has a few more years of experience as a background. The analogy is very fallacious in a number of respects, but it is somewhat justifiable as a comparison between Yale and Devens. A parent might perfectly well be prepared to send his boy to Yale and yet hesitate to send him to Devens or Sampson or some such newly established institution without background and without prestige. The analogy breaks down, however, in that comparatively the Cardigan Mountain School has more to offer compared with the best in its field than have any of these fly-by-night institutions of the col­ legiate level which have been developed largely by the G. I. Bill. Please don’t feel under the slightest necessity of replying to this screed. What I started out to do and wanted to do was simply to say that I did not think that the Cardigan Mountain School would ever apply to anything but the smallest proportion of homes such as those to which you refer. Meanwhile there is a satisfaction in sitting down and discussing the matter quietly with you in which I have been happy to indulge myself. Yours very sincerely, E rnest M. H opkins Phillip R. Allen, Esq. Walpole, Massachusetts


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1949 T h r o u g h A u g u st 1950 m in u te s of the Executive Meeting held on August 31, 1949, show the seriousness of the situation confronting the school. All financial reserves had been used up. President Hinman pointed out no net progress in enrollment had been made in four years. The discouraging part was this fall the school was opening with but 31 boys and this total included 6 local boys. The total boys from outside of Canaan was 25 or the number which entered the first year. Various proposals were discussed for the Trustees to consider and recommend for increased enrollment, by the time of the Annual Meeting in October. The meeting on October 13th was well attended. All were sorry to learn that Mr. and Mrs. Edward Peach had sub­ mitted a letter stating their unavailability for the position of Headmaster for next year. Ted and Dolly Peach were a very popular couple both on and off the campus. Ted had been thought of as the one to step in when Bob Kimball left his position as Headmaster. Now the school had no one in mind. Needless to say, it was moved and voted by the Trustees “That the Executive Committee and Mr. Kenerson be au­ thorized to seek a new Headmaster and report to the Trustees.” Sid Hayward was to write later so perceptively: “ . . . one young Headmaster succeeded another, finances were a con­ stant and harassing problem, the Trustees could never meet without facing an agenda of one problem after another . . . no blue sky to be seen, only the gray clouds of worry and concern about whether the project could succeed which everyone was determined it would, most of all President Hinman.” How true a picture! The remarkable part was the poise shown by President Hinman. He told of the new members joining the Cardigan faculty, “ all young and enthusiastic . . . round out the best staff to date at Cardigan.” The Financial Report was accepted and placed on file. It was

T he

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agreed to write off some of the accounts receivable. As one member said: “As I sat and saw and heard everything running so smoothly I wondered if I felt like the fellow who is served a juicy sirloin just before the execution!” Another school year was underway. If we couldn’t find a new Headmaster by the end of the year we’d call the old pro William R. Brewster back to carry on. W hat an insurance it is to have Bill Brewster smiling and saying: “Why you don’t know what troubles are yet!” And to have E. M. Hopkins add he doesn’t see why there is so much concern, everyone is too impatient . . . the school is going ahead. He backed up his faith in the school by presenting it with another $500 — “for new films that will be desirable for the audio-visual program.” On October 31st it was announced that an increase from $2500 to $3000 from the Lindsay Foundation was effective. Another sign of confidence in Cardigan. Also, the President announced a Retirement Fund for faculty members whereby Cardigan donates 5% of salary against 5% from individual faculty members. Also, that about $3,000 for capitol improve­ ments would be spent. Indeed it didn’t look as though much was wrong that could not be taken care of. One thing that had to be thought of and acted upon at once was the depletion of furniture and furnishing which would take place when the Kimballs moved out. The Austins also wished to terminate their loan of furnishings the coming spring. Certainly the first floor elegance would be gone. The Trustees voted to have Jim Campbell and John Kenerson solve this important problem. The records aren’t too clear as to how Johnny Kenerson raised $300 toward this end. Jim Campbell got wind of an estate liquidation, sought out the principals, saw the furniture, etc. up for sale, liked it, bought it, and the school was again equipped to carry on with that hospitable appearance so necessary as a first impression on prospective applicants and their parents. When Jim Campbell was asked how much more than the available $300 was neces­ sary to make so wholesale a purchase he tossed off the easy answer that the Estate Trustees “were awfully nice people.” We venture to say that people were nice in Jim ’s eye-sight because he was that way himself. But later we were to learn


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much more of Jim ’s adroitness in interesting himself in estate matters. The fall of 1949 brought out more evidences of confidence in the Cardigan M ountain School. Once again John Hinman’s friend Elbert E. Neese, President of the Beloit (Wisconsin) Iron Works gave the school $1,000 because he believed “America’s future lies in the sound education of its youth in their formative years.” Senator Ralph Flanders donated a very useful book entitled Trees, published by the U. S. Depart­ ment of Agriculture. This is the kind of book in the school library which boys would find of interest in both their cur­ ricular and extra curricular projects. Dr. Emile Boulanger a member of the Nashua, New Hampshire School Board and his wife showed their appreciation for what the school was doing for their son then in the Sixth Grade. “His most recent letter which arrived yesterday shows he had matured men­ tally . . . he described his life there in terms which really gave us . . . a picture, and even analized how he thought he was getting along with his work. This is entirely new in his letters. . . . He seems extremely happy there . . . You must have a competent staff . . . Our sincere appreciation goes to you . . .” These were hopeful signs to President Hinman who, as always, faithfully reported them in his Bulletin to the Mem­ bers of the Corporation and Trustees. He also reminded one and all that the school would like to be remembered by those toward the end of the calendar year who were wont to support with cash worthy endeavors! Hap Hinman would be the last to take credit for contributions which he was sure would come in anyway, but he was no less appreciative in reporting the following in December, 1949: $ 500.00 — E. S. French $1000.00— John H. Hinman $ 500.00 — E. M. Hopkins $1000.00 — Mr. and Mrs. Harvey P. Hood $1000.00 — Anonymous The second year contributions from the Gottesman Founda­ tion of $2,000 stretching over a five year period was accom­ panied by the following comment: “We are indeed pleased


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with the distribution you have made and feel confident that the funds are being used to great advantage.” A note from E. M. Hopkins read in part: . . I am so much a believer in this audio-visual program that I want to be sure that all needful facilities in it are available to you.” Hap Hinman in his New Year’s salute to the men behind the Cardigan School wrote: “ It is a grand collection of business and professional men who are backing this school . . . . and with the next four years promising to show as much advancement as the first four years, you are going to take increasing pride in what you have created and made possible.” How true this prophecy was to be no one then could have imagined. The boys themselves were working hard toward their edu­ cation. They were getting the utmost out of their outdoor activities. In the fall these had consisted of hikes, bicycle trips, athletics, clearing up the brook at the Old Mill, sailing and canoeing more than ever. They had built ski trails now being used in the winter. All this had been done through the able leadership of Bill Coolidge of the faculty. Scholasti­ cally, there were eight boys on the Honor Roll. Cardigan teachers were by no means easy markers. The new year was now well on its way. A special committee was still screening candidates for a new Headmaster. Along with this action was increasing regret as the time grew nearer when Bob and Virginia Kimball along with Ted and Dolly Peach would be leaving. They had been held in high regard by all, and their loss would be surely felt. Announcement came of the date for the semi-annual meet­ ing at the Algonquin Club in Boston, April 24, 1950. Recogni­ tion was again made of the material hospitality of E. S. French in “picking up the check” and arranging the details for these meetings each year since 1945 at this exclusive club. At a meeting of another year a facetious resolution was drawn up thanking Ned French “for his hospitality for previous years and all the years to come! ” This is as good a time as any to bespeak the gratitude of all members of the Cardigan family for Ned’s wise council and the innumerable times he has aided the school quietly, so quietly in fact that the ac­ complishments he effected are nowhere reported. There


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isn’t much about New England he doesn’t know but New England is continually hoping to know more of him. The school benefits by his membership in the Corporation as he has a reputation for allying himself with operations he helps make successful; and has a high degree of selectivity of projects he cares to sponsor. At the Corporation Meetings he will hardly be seated before he will close his eyes. Were one to think this action denoted weariness or disinterest he himself would be due for a surprised awakening. The writer recalls a time when discussion had about reached the voting stage when Ned opened his eyes and quietly said: “ I see no need for such a resolution.” He seemingly had been unconscious during the whole discussion, but bided his time ’til he could most effectively prove his point. The m atter was dropped. Special interest in the April 24th meeting stemmed from the probability of meeting the candidate for Headmaster. . . . President Hinman had received a check for SI,000 from Arthur Williams who expressed his regret over missing the coming meeting. . . . Congratulations were due Charles Cotting on being made President of Lee Higginson, along with Harvey Hood who had been elected to the Directorate of the New England Telephone Company. “ Wilfred Clark made a favorable impression. He will take over at mid-June as the new Headmaster.” Thus was a new era announced in President Hinman’s Bulletin of M ay 11, 1950. The trustees at their April 24th meeting voted not to increase the tuition at this time from the original figure of $1,275; nor was the total school insurance increased beyond $48,300. The disciplinary action of dismissing a boy from school by the Headmaster was approved. W ith total enroll­ ment still less than 35 it was even more tragic to lose a boy by such drastic action. In view of the breaking down of dis­ cipline all over the country this dismissal was of more than ordinary significance. For the first time a summer school camp was to be inaugurated. Mr. Clark, who at this time was merely an observer created real hope by expressing his confi­ dence that such a venture would be successful. The minutes of the meeting of the Members of the Corpora­ tion show that it was moved and voted that “the Board . . . hereby expresses its appreciation for the contribution that


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Robert E. Kimball has made to the improvement and up­ building of Cardigan M ountain School during his three years as Headmaster. The Board offers its best wishes for his future success and thanks for a job well done.” There existed a sort of feeling . . . “ the king is dead, long live the king” ; and while there was no celebration over the change in the school leadership there was a kind of exhilara­ tion no doubt prompted by the hope Headmaster Clark would break through the enrollment barrier beyond which no progress had been made. While this need for more boys continued there were the most gratifying words from the outside that Cardigan boys who had graduated were bringing credit to the school by their work in preparatory schools to which they had gone from Cardigan. To illustrate, the father of a Cardigan graduate received the following interest­ ing comment from Headmaster James Wickenden of Tabor Academy: “ I am enclosing Henry’s marks for the winter term (Ed. — average 95.5). He is doing a perfectly outstanding job this year. . . . This is a result of excellent study habits, fine application and a fine sense of duty and what his job is. I had already written Mr. Kimball (Cardigan Headmaster) and I am writing him again, telling him what a fine preparation Henry was given to have him do so well here. . . . he is popular with the old boys and with the new boys, and is thoroughly respected by them.” Headmaster Robert M. Kimball’s last official act for the Cardigan M ountain School was presiding at the Commence­ ment Exercises held June 7, 1950. A moving incident oc­ curred when Bob, and Virginia Kimball were presented a beautiful Paul Revere silver pitcher from the boys and faculty of the school. This but seemed to enhance Virginia Kimball’s gracious charm as hostess at the delicious luncheon served on the lawn by the Lodge. One fact made this Commencement special. This graduat­ ing class had within its members boys who had attended and completed four years of work at Cardigan. President Hinman writing the Members of the Corporation and Trustees of the consolidating gains made within the school for that current year stressed, and rightly so, the highest scholastic average for the entire student body . . . most boys


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on the High Honor Roll . . . and the largest graduating class up to that time. John Hinman as if to show his appreciation for what had been accomplished gave the school $2,500. . . . Hap broke down his reticence about his own brother, modestly stated: “ It is not easy to appraise the significance of John’s many contributions.” There is no question but had this statement been made before the assembled membership of the Cor­ poration and Trustees the answering chorus would have been: “You can say that again!” The fourth school year had closed and really the school had come a long way. All the greater would have been the contrast on the part of an observer who saw a depleted first floor of the Lodge with furniture outside being hustled into a moving van or carried over to the Austin home across the street. Indeed it had all the appearance of a tenant being dispossessed. But, as previously shown, all this had been anticipated. John Kenerson and Jim Campbell had applied themselves to the solution and thanks to them the first floor was soon rehabilitated. Once again Jim Campbell, who had originally been brought into the Cardigan family by Bill Brewster as a member of the first Board of Trustees, seemed providentially destined to serve Cardigan at times of her great­ est need. We need not go into the financial status again for the whole emphasis was on getting enough income to meet current expenses. Certainly this was no time to be faced with the problem of furnishing the huge first floor of the Lodge which up to now had been the one part of the school we could show off without apology. Jim Campbell, as he almost bashfully made known was a Trustee of the Johnston Estate. He thought some of the furniture would look well in the Lodge. Mrs. Lily Johnston for sentimental reasons hated to have pieces which had been so much of her past life just scattered to the four winds. She liked Jim ’s suggestion of placing these in a young boys’ school. So, Cardigan got sixteen pieces of furniture, rugs, etc., all of which blended nicely in the Lodge’s first floor. Then to top it off a gift of $5,000 was presented to Cardigan by Mrs. Lily Johnston herself. Who is to deny that truth is stranger than fiction! Jim, apparently feeling that the interest he had aroused


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in Mrs. Johnston for the Cardigan M ountain School was not the complete measure of his own, proceeded to give Cardigan 52,000, a large and much needed safe, a new typewriter, a 16 foot sailboat and a new Chevrolet pick-up truck! The writer recalls many heart to heart talks with Jim Campbell before we found ourselves together on Cardigan’s Board of Trustees. Jim once said: “ If there is one man above all others in this world for whom I have the most affectionate regard it is William R. Brewster.” Bill Brewster made Jim a part of Cardigan and that was all Jim needed to know.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1950 T h r o u g h A u g u st 1951

In h is S e p t e m b e r 14, 1950, Bulletin, we find President Hin­ man in a philosophical mood. He reviews the fact that “the first four years now have witnessed the founding and opera­ tion of a new school from scratch . . . that mistakes through omission and commission have been made . . . problems, headaches, an occasional crisis have been met successfully . . . we all know a lot of things we didn’t know four years ago.” It was good at this time to be reminded of these facts by our President and to again read an ever recurring note, i.e., “Never forget this . . . you men of the business and profes­ sional world are pioneering something in the field of education that is refreshing, valuable . . . something with which you can associate yourself in increasing pride and satisfaction as the years pass.” This was a reflection of Hap’s unbounding love for the school and it showed in his increased enthusiasm in meeting whatever the future had to offer. There was a touch of exhilaration in his feeling a new era was starting. He writes as of September 14, 1950, “ . . . We have in ‘Dutch’ Clark a terrific worker, an enthusiast, a man with vision and enough ideas to keep the writer (Hap) a bit befuddled, but happily so. . . . He has done a remarkable job . . . on August 4th we had 20 boys, on September 12th we have 34 . . . We have a feeling of greater confidence. . . .” Wilfred (“ Dutch”) Clark was a graduate of Dartmouth College in the Class of 1925. He came to Cardigan from the exclusive and well endowed St. George School of Newport, Rhode Island. He was well recommended and was brought to our attention through the good work of our own John Kenerson who knows much about secondary schools of New England and their personnel. At this time Headmaster Clark began to get an inkling of the kind of support Cardigan had, for, in the first place a $3,000 award came for the third consecutive year from the 71


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Agnes M. Lindsay Trust. Then out of the blue there was an­ nounced an unrestricted gift of $10,000 from the Estate of the late Richard J. Cullen. This truly was typical of the generosity which the school had come to think of from this great friend of Cardigan. Almost immediately $1,451.99 was used to pay the Lewis note given at the time of the Lodge purchase. The balance of the gift was placed in the Savings Account. On October 21st the official meeting of the Corporation Members and Board of Trustees was held to carry out the mandates of the September 21st, 1950, meeting, presided over by E. M. Hopkins, when it was voted to recommend to the Trustees to accept as of October 21st, 1950 the offer of the Tenney property as a gift to the school. E. S. French had stimulated this generous gift by Mr. Tenney. Minor needs such as a new dishwasher, a mixer, a meat grinder were among things suggested as possible great aids to the more efficient operation of the school kitchen. Arthur Williams immediately offered to donate the dishwasher while John Hinman told those assembled he would present the school with a mixer and a meat grinder. These proffers of assistance were gratefully accepted by President Hinman. All present knew how deserving Clancy, the school’s famous Chef, was of these aids. Cardigan M ountain School now had 34 boys and as of October 14th it was learned the 35 th boy would arrive the following week. It was something to reach the enrollment barrier of 35 boys. Hopefully everyone was now looking to a breaching of that barrier. President Hinman wrote of “ the tremendously improved spirit and morale of the school . . . over anything we have ever enjoyed in the past. You sense it everywhere . . . among the faculty, boys, staff . . . you see tangible evidence of it.” Headmaster Clark had submitted a written report explain­ ing in detail his suggestion for a summer school and camp. One had the feeling that at long last there was the will to utilize nature’s great assets at Cardigan for such a summer school. As if nature was rebelling against a lack of appreciation for all Cardigan was seemingly taking for granted, she struck with


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devastating force through the medium of a hurricane on November 25th. The Lodge lost the entire roof on the east side . . . water ran from the roof down three floors to the basement, ruining plaster walls. Hap reports that the Sibleys and Stewart Petrie, only members of the faculty in residence at the time, during the Thanksgiving vacation, worked frantically all night to save books, mattresses, bedding and boys’ clothes. President Hinman lost no time in getting in touch with insurance companies and through their cooperation two ad­ justers arrived accompanied by agents. Thus the Tuesday after the Sunday storm final adjustments were agreed upon to the extent of $1,917.50 damage. Reconstruction went forward at once. An additional $5,000 insurance on the Lodge was taken out. After the storm had passed the boys seemed little concerned that because of a lack of electricity all study periods the fol­ lowing Monday and Tuesday nights were cancelled. H ap’s one kerosene lamp shone like a light-house beam down Canaan Street for two very dark nights. This year was no exception in the calibre of bright boys with timely senses of humor. Word got out that the Tenney Vacation Home in Canaan with its acres of land, buildings and their contents had been given to the school, but that the Trustees couldn’t decide what to do with it all. “T hat’s easy,” said one of the more articulate youngsters, “ turn it into a girls’ school! ” One oddity in connection with the fine gift of the Tenney property was in finding, after the school was made secure again following the hurricane, that the insurance on the Tenney property had been cancelled. The storm could not have hit at a more inopportune time. An investment of $471.00 was promptly made for new insurance policies. In early December the school was the recipient of two gifts of $500 each from E. S. French and E. M. Hopkins. The third of five installments of $2,000 each came from the Gottesman Foundation on the Cullen Memorial Fund. In the Bulletin under date of January 22, 1951, Hap Hin­ man reports: . . the year end (1950) gifts amounting to $2,051.36 were from Mr. and Mrs. Harvey P. Hood, Elbert H.


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Neese, and Robert C. Hopkins. This money has been carefully earmarked for next April when operational income runs low.” In order to start a summer school the next July, $500.00 was voted to Headmaster Clark. These last two paragraphs should be specially noted for they represent a definite turn in school financing since money was being put aside to meet future crises. It was but a month later when President Hinman was able to report that the 36th boy had been enrolled in the Cardigan M ountain School. There seemed to be indications that the school was pulling itself up by its boot straps and would before too long be standing on its own feet. Little wonder that the minutes of the May 14th meeting state that . . it was agreed by all members of the Board of Trustees that the new Headmaster and his wife have done a splendid job in their first year . . . and that appreciation be extended to Mr. and Mrs. Clark for their industrious and capable work in the first year of their administration of the school.” In this connection it is interesting to note that the need for a Headmaster’s house was reviewed. In a later meeting of the Corporation, it was agreed that the Tenney Estate should be sold as soon as possible (at the best available offer) in order to have the proceeds from disposition of this asset available for other uses. The boys at school must have been disap­ pointed in the following cryptic statement that “no use of the property is contemplated . . .” There went their hope for a nearby girls’ school! At an Executive Meeting on August 10, 1951, a deficit once again reared its ugly head. The school was running about $6,000 over income. It was therefore moved and voted to increase the tuition that next year to $1,375 annually. The summer school was actually operating but with only five boys; not enough to make the session financially solvent. President Hinman saw that there was some good in this operation, however, since it gave employment to our best teachers; also it was a test of the value of a summer school session. A small indication was the enrollment of one boy from the summer session to the formal school opening in the fall.


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The Commencement in June had marked the end of an interesting year. A new department headed up by Miss Dorothy Emerson to help youngsters through remedial read­ ing had been highly successful. She taught seven boys individ­ ually and supervised a Practice Session in Silent Speed Read­ ing for a dozen older boys two afternoons a week. Finding Miss Emerson was one of Headmaster Clark’s very real contributions to Cardigan. The Faculty and Staff voted unanimously to enroll in Social Security. Gifts of $2,000 from John Hinman and $3,000 from the Agnes M. Lindsay Fund were appreciatively acknowledged . . . to John Hinman because he had done once more what he had so often done previously; and to the Agnes M. Lindsay Fund because this represented a gift from “a non-active spon­ sor not directly connected with our school.” In the death of Colonel Charles H. Tenney in Springfield, Massachusetts, on February 7, 1951, Cardigan lost an inter­ ested and loyal friend and will long be indebted to him for his generosity to the school.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1951 T h r o u g h A u g u st 1952 sc h o o l year got underway with but 29 boys al­ though after a while two more boys enrolled. However, at the Annual Meeting on October 5, 1951, two of the three main subjects under discussion were enrollment and finances. As to the former, it was agreed that Headmaster Clark must be freed from routine which might interfere with travel, field work and personal interviews with parents of prospective boys to the end that enrollment be strengthened during the coming year. On the question of finances it was also agreed that by gain­ ing the desired enrollment most of the present financial problems would be solved. This was getting to be an old and frustrating theme. The Tenney property which had been appraised at $30,000 was attracting no purchasers at that price. In face of the heavy carrying charges on both the Ten­ ney and Haffenreffer Properties it was felt that such charges even so were justified. Even stronger was the feeling that there should be no retrenchment from the long term policy of eventually developing a new plant up on the Point. The old officers were re-elected to serve on the Board of Trustees for the ensuing year. Two new members elected were Charles A. Proctor of Hanover, N. H., and Jerald B. Newton of West Lebanon, N. H. These two men’s backgrounds rec­ ommended them to the Board even without the enthusiastic commendation of their sponsors. Charles A. Proctor, Physics Professor-Emeritus of D art­ mouth, had worked with young men most of his life. He knew the art of teaching as well as that of playing since in his col­ legiate days he had been one of Dartmouth’s all time star performers on the athletic fields. He understood as few men do the peculiar relationship which has to exist between instructor and pupil for both to be successful in their endeavors. Charles was most successful. Jerald B. Newton, graduate of Wesleyan, is one of those fortunate men who, early in life, knew what he wanted to

A nother

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prepare himself for and set out to do a thorough job. This he did by equipping himself well with his formal education at one of New England’s better known colleges. From Wesleyan he decided to gain specific training in post-graduate work at Springfield from where he went directly into supervising the training of boys and young men. This led him eventually into summer camp work and specifically to the ownership and supervision of his own camp in Lyme, New Hampshire, where he has been most successful. There will be plenty more about Jerry later. In discussing the date of the Annual Meeting it was moved and voted that it be changed to the first Friday in October. W ith enrollment now having crept up to a total of 33 boys H ap Hinman indulged in his not too irregular hymn of praise followed by the soft touch. We are reminded that “ Cardigan started six years ago without even a text book, a teacher, a roof, a prospective student . . . but with an idealistic desire to help boys in their formative years when they need help.” He goes on to prove that . . . “deep down in the hearts of successful business and professional men is that desire to make America’s citizens of the future . . .” He points to the fact that Cardigan has tangible and intangible assets far exceeding its liabilities after five years of actual operation . . . BUT “ . . . the school needs a pick-up truck and a station wag­ on. . . .” The picture begins to darken a bit, for, in the first place, we did not have enough boys, we had excessive real estate consuming cash because of up-keep and taxes. In other words the school could well stand a little cold cash at this time. Hap Hinman had always kept the Trustees and Members of the Corporation abreast of conditions. The picture had always been an honest one. He never let indebtedness reach a point beyond which he could not control it. He had built up confidence in his manner of administrating the affairs of the school. Thus the response at this time for some help was gratifying. $ 500. — Arthur Williams $1000. — J. E. Wood, President of W arner Electric Brake & Clutch Co. (a friend of John Hinman’s) $1000. — Harvey Hood


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$ 500. — Charles Cotting $ 500. — E. S. French $ 500. — E. M. Hopkins $ 50. — R. C. Hopkins $2000. — Annual Gottesman Foundation The writer would not give the impression these contribu­ tions came to the school in one mail or one week, but they came in time to give Hap Hinman a few restful nights he otherwise would not have had. The May 22, 1952, meeting at the Algonquin Club in Bos­ ton was given over mainly to focussing attention to the Point as the future location of the school. The Corporation Members were in agreement with the Trustees’ recommendation that a minimum of time and effort be directed toward any further development of the school on Canaan Street. President Hin­ man and E. M. Hopkins were appointed to study and report on the Point, or elsewhere, as a location for another plant for Cardigan. It was with regret that we had to accept the resignation of Phil Allen who wished to devote his full time and energies to endowment activities for the New England Conservatory of Music of which he was the head and guiding genius. A letter went forward to Mr. and Mrs. Allen expressing the apprecia­ tion of the Cardigan family for their services and support of the school. On June 9th a gift of $3,000 was reported and from none other than John Hinman. This made possible the payment of faculty salaries for the months of June and July; and no doubt enabled Cardigan’s President to enjoy more fully the school’s Commencement at which eight boys graduated. It is interest­ ing to note that these seniors came from the States of Florida, Illinois, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. In looking back over the year Hap made known his feelings of satisfaction by stating Cardigan had “just closed its best year. . . H ap’s joy was still his association with the boys. It delighted his soul when he could tell of their accomplishments either of a serious or humorous nature. He loved to quote from a prize winning composition written by one of the boys on the sub­


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ject of “Why I Like Cardigan.” One paragraph read: “The food here at Cardigan is good. When I first came to Cardigan there was an assortment of foods I didn’t like but after you’ve been outdoors in an afternoon of strenuous activities you don’t care what you eat, you’re so hungry!” The committee chosen to look into the possibilities of the Haffenreffer Estate for Cardigan’s new location was enlarged by the following appointees: E . M. H o p k in s , Chairman E dw ard S. F rench H a r o l d P . H in m a n J e r a l d B. N e w t o n C h a r l e s A. P r o c t o r

There was more reason for this committee to seriously con­ sider its assignment than appeared on the surface, all of which will be divulged shortly. But President Hinman carried his secret elation of the future’s possibilities behind his poker face and urged closing out the year’s deficit of $6,000 which his brother John had so handsomely contributed toward. E. M. Hopkins had given $500 to cover preliminary work of his committee in selecting an architect to draw up general layouts, etc. The Agnes M. Lindsay Fund had contributed its annual $3,000 to be used in grants to “worthy boys who other­ wise would be unable to attend the Cardigan M ountain School.” On the school calendar the summer school under the able direction of John Heagy was to open shortly with an enroll­ ment of 12 to 15 boys. Headmaster Clark who had received the congratulations of the President for his and Mrs. Clark’s previous school year work was now going to concentrate on getting boys enrolled for the coming year of 1952 to 1953. An excellent two column story about Cardigan appeared on the front page of the Boston Sunday Herald of August 3rd written by one of its star columnists, Hayden Pearson. Pearson wrote: “ . . . if you believe, as the writer does, that much of the modern education both public and private, has gone off the deep end with a poorly conceived philosophy that leaves both pupils and teachers floundering in a morass of uncer­


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tainty, you will be heartened by the aims and working pro­ gram of the Cardigan M ountain School.” Several letters of inquiry resulted. The school administra­ tion ordered 1,000 reprints of Pearson’s appraisal. At long last it seemed as though a fresh momentum was mounting. Best of all this was proving more true every month.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1952 T h r o u g h A u g u st 1953

The formal school new year opened with an enrollment of 42 boys! Headmaster “ Dutch” Clark had turned in a good perfoimance, for, as the Bulletin reported: . . the road block of 35 boys has given way to the magic of 42. . . . These boys in themselves are an inspiring compensation for those long years of worry, toil, wonder, protracted struggle and in­ ability to stem financial losses. . . No small credit is due “ Dutch” Clark for getting the school off dead center as far as enrollment was concerned. Psycho­ logically the whole administration’s collective heart was lightened and a new look toward the future was possible. The Lodge and Annex were bulging. Quoting from the minutes of the October 3rd meeting of the Trustees and Corporation Members . . . “The only question was what plant expan­ sion could be undertaken next year.” Before going into the exciting story of how this expansion might take place; it was moved and voted: That Frank J. Sulloway of Concord, New Hampshire, be elected a member of the Corporation. All were delighted over this election. Frank is one of New Hampshire’s “ first citizens.” A grad­ uate of Harvard he has attained high recognition in the pro­ fessions of law and banking. His services to Cardigan have been great, and continue to be. The following resignations were accepted: Edward K. Robin­ son, John E. Foster, J. Frederick Larson and Donald D. Durrell. Late in the spring of 1952 Frank M. Morgan, Headmaster and controlling factor of the Clark School in Hanover, New Hampshire, a college preparatory school, approached E. M. Hopkins as to the possibilities of merging the Clark and Cardigan Mountain Schools. Dr. Morgan had conceived this idea and had turned it over in his mind at length until he became convinced the plan was feasible. Dartmouth’s Presi­ dent Emeritus Hopkins saw sufficient merit in the proposal to ask President Hinman to further explore the project. Hap Hinman reports that “ time after time during July and Aug81


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ust, Morgan and I met in intensive effort at Hanover and in Canaan to discuss, explore with much fact finding and to seek what were the advantages or disadvantages of such a merger.” “By early September” Hap Hinman continues “sufficient progress had been made to warrant bringing together repre­ sentatives from both Boards of Trustees which took place on September 4, 1952. Further study was made of the legal phases, costs of new construction, operation, size of enrollment, etc. In the meetings were Messrs. Brewster, Proctor, Hayward, Newton and H. P. Hinman from Cardigan . . . Messrs. Morgan, Rennie and Mrs. W ashburn from Clark.” Questionable progress was made toward acceptance of the merger of the schools, as shown in the informative contribu­ tion of historical significance written by J. Walker Wiggin, a former Trustee of the Clark School: “Although it was very solvent having no mortgages on its properties and having cash on hand in the bank, Clark School in Hanover, New Hampshire began to have less and less student enrollment in the years following 1948. Dr. Clifford P. Clark, its founder, was an elderly man and Dr. Frank M. M organ who had been with the School from almost the begin­ ning had retired as Headmaster a few years previous. Follow­ ing the opening of the 1952-53 school year it became apparent to the trustees that something would have to be done to pre­ serve the assets of the School. The first steps taken were dis­ cussions with representatives of Holderness School in Holderness, New Hampshire about merging the two schools. The Headmaster of the Holderness School had been a former headmaster of Clark School. Meetings with the Holderness representatives and Clark School Trustees did not prove satisfactory and all thoughts were abandoned on the merger of these two schools. “Dr. Morgan, a trustee of Clark School, began negotiations with representatives of Cardigan M ountain School. Subse­ quently negotiations were instituted with representatives of the Mary Hitchcock Hospital in Hanover, New Hampshire. Mr. David Rennie of Hanover, a Trustee of Clark School, was also on the Board of this Hospital. Both negotiations had pro­ gressed so far and so satisfactorily that a trustees meeting was called in Manchester, New Hampshire on October 21, 1952


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at the office of Attorney J. Walker Wiggin, a Trustee of Clark School. There was present at this trustees’ meeting Dr. Clark, Mrs. Washburn, Mr. Rennie, Dr. Morgan and Mr. Wiggin. A report was given by Dr. Morgan in regard to the then status of his negotiations with Cardigan M ountain School. Mr. Rennie also gave a report as to the status of the negotiations with the M ary Hitchcock Hospital. Both proposals were thoroughly discussed. The majority of those present were in favor of then voting to transfer the properties of Clark School to Mary Hitchcock Hospital under the terms and conditions as stated by Mr. Rennie. Dr. Morgan and Mr. Wiggin, how­ ever, opposed this action. Mr. Wiggin pointed out to Dr. Clark that he had founded Clark School for the purpose of educating boys, that the assets of Clark School should be be used to con­ tinue this purpose and that further negotiations should be con­ tinued with the Representatives of Cardigan M ountain School to see if final terms of merger could be achieved. Dr. M organ heartily supported this viewpoint as he wished to continue the negotiations which he had started with Cardigan M ountain School representatives and which he felt would be successful in the end. During this meeting an attempt was made to tele­ phone Mr. Hinman in order to get certain information then requested by some of the trustees. As Mr. Hinman could not be reached the meeting was adjourned to meet again within a few days upon notification so that this requested information could be obtained. Dr. Morgan and Mr. Wiggin were in­ structed to continue the negotiations. “Two days later on October 23, 1952 at the summer camp of Mrs. Washburn on Orange Pond in Canaan all of the same trustees gathered except Mr. Rennie. In addition Mr. Griffin was in attendance. Dr. Morgan and Mr. Wiggin reported as to their further conversations with Mr. Hinman and the terms and conditions under which the merger could be made. After general discussion it was unanimously voted to accept the terms and full authority was given for the completion of the merger of these two schools.” On November 3rd Cardigan completed their legal require­ ments for the merger. The Cardigan Corporation elected Dr. Frank M. Morgan and J. Walter Wiggin as Trustees, to whom Cardigan owed much.


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It was agreed that both schools should operate as separate units until June, 1953. The Clark School would then cease operation. The Clark School real estate was deeded to Cardi­ gan on November 8th. All personal property was to be moved to Cardigan at the close of the school year. Annuities were to be purchased for Messrs. Clark and Morgan from proceeds from sale of real estate. Too much credit cannot go to Messrs. Sulloway and Wiggin in their capacities as legal representatives of the Cardigan and Clark Schools respectively. The layman can hardly appreciate the ramifications contingent in such a merger. That these men brought legal order from varying interests represents no small accomplishment. When one looks objectively at the picture he must be im­ pressed with three facts: that Dr. Frank M. Morgan of the Clark School had the acumen to originally conceive the idea of such a merger; that Dr. Ernest M. Hopkins’ usual keenness of mind saw it to be a feasible idea since it contained advantages to both parties; and that President H. P. Hinman of Cardigan carried on relentlessly to the successful conclusion. The Cardigan Board of Trustees was, as a result of the mer­ ger, greatly strengthened by the addition of Frank M. Morgan and J. Walker Wiggin to its membership. Frank, a graduate from Cornell, had been an esteemed member of the Dart­ mouth faculty before his affiliation with Dr. Clark. Walker, a Dartmouth graduate had gone on to acquire distinction in legal circles and in New Hampshire’s political arena. More will be written later of these good citizens. Needless to say this merger was a very real shot in the arm to our building committee. There were potential assets available in the future which were missing in the past. Meetings were held with the architect who now could feel the discussions were “for real” rather than of the previous academic nature. A whole new era of excitement was ahead. Real optimism was supplanting the synthetic variety as far as the physical growth of Cardigan was concerned. Best of all we were going up to the Point for the future growth of the school. The whole turn of events seemed no less than providential. By December we were beginning to touch our feet to the ground and could appreciate again what stalwarts had been


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backing the school when the race was truly between solvency and insolvency. Here again was our beloved benefactor John Hinman presenting the school with a new Chevy station wagon. Also a gift of $25 from a friend of John Hinman’s. This item is significant because it takes little imagination to picture John mingling with greater and lesser “ privileged” and inspiring interest in Cardigan because of his own enthusi­ asm for the school regardless with whom he met. A new benefactor, Hugh Chisholm, President of the Oxford Paper Company, gave Cardigan $500 because of the interest aroused by E. M. Hopkins in Cardigan. Mr. Elbert H. Neese previously designated as the President of the Beloit Iron Works, gave the school $1,000 through his friendship with Ernest Hopkins, John Hinman and Ned French. The administration as well as others directly connected with the school were sensitive to the reaction of the parents of boys attending Cardigan. Especially was this true when it was known of the sacrifice being made at home for a son’s educa­ tion. The following is a sample of what made any labors for Cardigan seem more than worth while. This is part of a letter from a mother: “Many times after working five hours on the outside I come home tired and discouraged hav­ ing to face more hours of work at home . . . but last week upon receiving------’s good reports I was filled with renewed vigor and courage. It is most gratifying to see improvement in him. We are so thankful that our choice was Cardigan Mountain School.” Leading up to the scheduled Boston meeting on April 21, 1953, all kinds of activities were taking place beside those at the school itself. Individual committees were conferring with the appointed architect, plans for the new campus and plant were under advisement, disposal of the Clark School property after its closing in June was the subject of many meetings, and thoughts toward creating a new brochure for fund raising purposes all combined to concentrate the thinking of many on a better school up on the Point. One should be reminded that the direction of all this enterprise centered in our President Harold Hinman. Was ever a school more blessed by the seem­ ingly limitless effort and enthusiasm of one m an! Hap Hinman hardly had time to edit his interesting bulletin


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which was brimming with news . . . i.e. that Charles Proctor had given the school complete dark-room equipment for de­ veloping pictures . . . six books on photography . . . ad­ justable developing tank and about a dozen other items consti­ tuting superb facilities for photography-minded youngsters. Another calendar year end had brought out the names of new contributors interested in Cardigan: $500.00 — from Henry E. Warren, former President of the Warren Telechron Co. Arthur Williams had stimulated this gift. 1000.00 — from Pierpont Wood, President of W ar­ ner Electric Brake, friend of John Hin­ man, Ned French and E. M. Hopkins. 1000.00 — from “Anonymous” . . . still a good mystery. 1000.00 — from John Hinman. 1000.00 — from Harvey Hood. 50.00 — from R. C. Hopkins. By the beginning of the second term the school enrollment had reached a total of 47. This growth had prompted the leasing of Blodgett House for extra boys in the fall as only three boys were graduating this coming June of 1953. The special committee of Messrs. E. M. Hopkins, E. S. French, H. P. Hinman and Jerald B. Newton had reported on a new plant on the Haffenreffer property showing that $300,000 would be required for a 65-boy school. An operating financial plan was submitted in detail by the committee. It was agreed that the committee should continue to function. At the request of E. M. Hopkins it was voted that Jerry Newton should serve as Chairman of this committee. Jerry Newton had been elected Treasurer of the School. This move was destined to take quite a load off the broad shoulders of President Hinman. The Trustee officers now duly elected were: President H. P. Hinman; Vice President, Robert C. Hopkins; Secretary, Sidney C. Hayward; Treasurer, Jerald B. Newton. Operations were moving ahead with what might be termed as “Deliberate Speed” and standing committees were replac­ ing special committees. To illustrate, the new Committee on


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Plant were Messrs. Newton, Chairman; H. P. Hinman, Frank N. Morgan, William B. Brewster and Charles A. Proctor. This is the Committee which had been commissioned, since the November 3, 1952 meeting, to complete plans for the renovation of the Mansion up on the Point. On April 21, 1953, more specific instructions were given the Plant Committee, at the semi-annual Boston Meeting of the Trustees and Corporation Members, to put the Mansion in shape for classroom use for the coming September, 1953. Plans were discussed for moving Clark School equipment to Canaan Street after the June closing of the Clark School in Hanover, New Hampshire. The new booklet gotten out by Jerry Newton included pic­ tures and descriptive material about Cardigan, and also showed financial requirements for the eventual plant up on the Point. Jerry, as usual, did a thoroughly good job. To some it seemed we were getting a bit heady over the fact that the school was for the first time operating in the black. However, we couldn’t know then what a wise financial coun­ selor we had in Jerry Newton. It was in a state of mental in­ toxication we listened to Jerry’s plausible plans for the future. No one would have guessed that six years from then, Cardigan M ountain School would have capital assets which practically hit his figure on the nose. But at that meeting in the spring of 1953 a committee was voted in to determine policies, pro­ grams and personnel for the permanent fund raising program. H. P. Hinman was made chairman, the other members were E. M. Hopkins and Sidney C. Hayward. The Trustees proved their confidence in increasing enroll­ ment when it voted to raise the tuition from $1,375 to $1,425, plus $5 per term for activities, $15 per year for a book fee, $30 a year health insurance and $150 per term for student receiving remedial language training. On June 30th President Hap Hinman issued his 100th Bulle­ tin in a series extending over a period of about eight years. Certainly no corporate body in the field of education was ever better posted than was that of the Cardigan M ountain School. His conscientious editing of this mass of information over the years had much to do with the confidence engendered in the imposing group of business and professional members to whom


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they were sent and upon whom the school was dependent. In this particular Bulletin he writes of the committee ap­ pointed by the Trustees to consult with the Headmaster on curriculum, approve appointments and salaries. This was a delegation of authority and a spreading of responsibilities into capable hands. Bill Brewster, Jerry Newton and H ap Hinman were the members. The small graduating class of three students on June 3rd offered an interesting paradox from a school whose enrollment had reached its highest total for any year in its short history. As Hap said: it was “just one of those things that happens at rare intervals in a school’s growth. This particular class started small, remained small and graduated small.” With some 44 boys returning in the fall Headmaster Clark had a good start toward the goal of 60 which he had predicted for the total fall opening enrollment. During June 1953 John Hinman brought Mr. D. Samuel Gottesman to Canaan Street to look over the new school sur­ roundings up on the Point and to be briefed on the proposed plans. As a result of this “pleasant visit” Mr. Gottesman gave the school $25,000 for the new plant. John also obtained another $15,000 from his friends, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert H. Neese and Pierpont J. E. Wood of Wisconsin. O n the strength of these bountiful contributions, and a line of credit of $60,000 arranged by President Hinman through the good offices of Frank J. Sulloway, sums were now avail­ able for remodeling, developing of a new steam heating plant, new electric wiring and a sewage plant to take care of the three new buildings. Plans were underway also to ask for bids around September 1st for one and possibly two dormitories which it was hoped might be ready for occupancy by the 1954 fall opening of school. On top of a tremendous amount of detail work with archi­ tects, builders, staking out locations for new buildings, there was the additional task of proper packaging and storage of Clark School’s movable contents. Mrs. Morgan and Mrs. H. P. Hinman did yeoman service in helping their husbands arrange for shipping innumerable items such as books, crock­ ery, silverware, lamps, tables, etc. It was indeed a busy and exhausting summer.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1953 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1954 e ig h t h y e a r of the Cardigan M ountain School started on September 17, 1953, with a registration totaling 60 boys. This enrollment set an all-time record. In view of the years past when it seemed impossible to get a total number of boys ex­ ceeding 35, it is somewhat strange no particular notice was made of this achievement. Headmaster Clark had been given the mandate to reach this total and his success in doing so surely is of historical significance. The fact that the merger of the Clark School with Cardigan was of absorbing interest and was demanding the best efforts of so many in its final phases may well have contributed to the almost total eclipse of the Headmaster’s attainment. After things settled down a bit and deadlines became less important as one and all began to hole in for the winter, attention was given to the locale distribution of boys in this record breaking year. We found we had quite an interna­ tional group: two boys were from Monrovia, Liberia; one from Rio de Janeiro; two from Caracas. These boys were sons of United Nations officials. Our domestic distribution was broader than in previous years with boys coming from Mich­ igan and southward through Pennsylvania. An important member was added to the Corporation at the Annual Meeting of October 2, 1953, in the person of Robert W. Stoddard, loyal graduate of Yale. As an illustrious member of the Corporation recently said: “That the calibre of early day sponsors of the School is not being allowed to deteriorate is illustrated by the presence among Members of the Corpora­ tion of Robert W. Stoddard, president of the great WymanGordon Company of Worcester, Massachusetts. Of distin­ guished lineage and prominent as a business leader, he is not only active in civic affairs in general but is deeply interested in and informed about educational problems with Cardigan benefiting greatly from his active participation and support.” Other exciting news emanating from this October 2nd meeting was the financial report showing that Cardigan had

T he

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operated in the black for the first time . . and a balanced budget of $85,000 for the next year continues the more favorable situation.” Two new dormitories on the Point were out for bids but when on October 13th the prices were made known it was decided to defer action because of lack of funds. With no new dormitories in sight for the next fall the projected enrollment of 75 boys by September had to be curtailed. There was dis­ appointment over this turn of events, naturally. On another front, however, very real achievement had taken place. October 29th saw completion of “ the long pending, frequently baffling and sometimes vexatious deal whereby Cardigan sold the Clark School real estate in the towns of Hanover and Lebanon to Dartmouth College.” Members of the Corporation came in for high praise, and especially Frank J. Sulloway and J. Walker Wiggin again for the quality of expedition in legally closing up the whole matter. On November 3, 1953, Cardigan boys, faculty members, the Headmaster and Cardigan’s President Hinman himself, staged a march aided and abetted with bicycles and loaded private cars to the “ School House on the Hill,” (the Mansion on the Point). This was a significant first move to a new and greater school. One amusing observation made through the maze of letters, bulletins, notes, conversations, etc. from which this history is evolving, is the recurrent, and one must add accurate, state­ ment that through this or that gift, or combination of gifts, “ thinking was crystalized with the result . . .” that timely deeds were performed. John Hinman and Charlie Cotting performed quite a bit of crystalization in November of 1953 when the former donated $25,000 and the latter presented the school with enough shares of a common stock to total, at the then current price, some $3,000. As President Hinman said, these gifts arrived at a time of indecisiveness, and through in­ spired thinking on the part of E. M. Hopkins a solution for the building of a dining room which could accommodate 160 boys and a new dormitory for 40 boys resulted. The new dining room would be a one story wing extending from the Mansion, taking advantage of a depression of land. One of the features of this new dining room would be a 14 foot picture window


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giving the diners an unobstructed view of Mt. Cardigan. This room would be postless and spacious and the cost of building would be materially reduced from original estimate. Clancy would at last have a kitchen, too, in which to perform his miracles more efficiently and easily. In the spirit of Santa Claus and a side glance at deductions, the 1953 year-end gifts to Cardigan came in the following parcels: SI500 — E. S. French 500 — E. M. Hopkins 250 — Philip R. Allen 150 — R. C. Hopkins 1000 — Malcolm Chance Foundation (through John Hinman) 1000 — Arthur Williams 3000 — Lindsay Trust — Scholarship grants for 1954 The more gifts, the greater the appreciation from the Cor­ porate School, and this year was no exception. While it was true that enrollment had reached a total which through its tuitions met current expenses, the capital structure was grow­ ing by leaps and bounds. Amortizements and interest pay­ ments on top of getting more capital became the new “musts” of the School Administration. New pressures were exerted. We had a new Treasurer who knew where loop holes existed and how to plug them up. This brought on occurrences which are recognized in educational endeavors where the need for strict budgeting on the part of those responsible for a school’s finances seems to curb the freedom of action of those responsi­ ble for enrollment of students and their education. The Board of Trustees came to feel that the situation involv­ ing conflict of personalities and rather extreme difficulties of planning budgets and other financial aspects of the School’s operations could not long continue. Every effort was made to find remedies short of changes in personnel which the Board finally came to feel would be the best solution for all concerned and for the welfare of the school. Whatever the differences of opinion that might exist it was


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apparent these would not and must not interfere with the prog­ ress of Cardigan. It is to the credit of all concerned that these unfortunate reactions were kept well within the Cardigan family circle. A gift of $15,000 from Harvey Hood and an anonymous source to be spread over a three year period, or $5,000 each year for 1953, 1954 and 1955, brought forth thoughts from Harvey profound enough to be reviewed here: “ It seems to me that now is the time to raise money for the second dormitory. Having taken the step to put some of the boys over on the Point, the quicker we can consolidate operations in one place, the better. “The new location of the Point may likely be the best location of any pre-prep school in the country. “ It is easier to raise money for new buildings than paying off old mortgages. I dislike to see us build the second dormitory by means of a mortgage. I think that we should make every effort to get in­ creased funds to add to the fine contribution of $25,000 from John Hinman.” The Building Committee after months of consideration of the many angles connected with such a venture authorized the preparation of specifications and bids on a second dormi­ tory for 40 boys. The impetus given by Harvey Hood toward raising money for a second dormitory is illustrative of Harvey’s continued interest in Cardigan. There is so much he has contributed to the school entirely aside from gifts listed under his name as to make the writer wish Harvey was less modest of his true role as purveyor of so much goodness year after year to this School. The new year of 1954 was to see great activity up on the Point in the way of new construction. In the meantime, 60 boys were making the Lodge and Annex hum with activity, in fact almost too much. Three new teachers had brought the faculty up to full force. There was hardly room enough for the enlarged number of classes; Mrs. Clark was supervising remedial work with 20 boys in addition to her other responsi­


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bilities only because other qualified supervision of this impor­ tant teaching was not available. The Blodgett House on Canaan Street was leased again to take care of five more boys whom the Trustees had urged Headmaster Clark to enroll. Momentum was building up all around. One or two interesting statistics became available with the new year: 40% of the enrollment were boys from Massachusetts. More boys were sons of Doctors than any other pro­ fession or business. Harvard led other colleges in enrollment of boys from Cardigan. Grandparents occupy an increasing role in directing boys to Cardigan through dissatisfaction with Public Schools and through their financial aid to parents. One grandmother wrote: “ . . . somehow you do manage to give every boy what he needs. I am particularly pleased to see the improved marks for effort. Also, I think the summary of the boy’s problem by each Master shows that you have some born teachers up there; about as high a calling as there is in this world.” Good news generally seems interspersed with sad. Here at Cardigan we learned with great sadness of Jim Camp­ bell’s death. As late as August 21, 1959, Sid Hayward was to write: “ I am reminded of his very active role, and one we must never forget, in the beginning of the school. He gave generously of his time, energy and talents. Even in a period of failing health which ended in death, he drove the long distance from Rhode Island to be present at every meeting, and he generously supported the movement from its earliest days. No Trustee could be more devoted or helpful than was Jim Campbell.” This was written four years after Sid Hayward had forwarded to Mrs. Campbell the Resolution passed by the Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation and is a reminder of the lasting and affectionate regard with which Jim ’s confreres were to always think of him.


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The April 28, 1954 Boston meeting of the Trustees and Cor­ poration Members was well attended: Messrs. H. P. Hinman, Brewster, Hayward, R. C. Hopkins, Kenerson, Morgan, New­ ton and Wiggin were the Trustees at the meeting. The Cor­ poration Members in attendance were: Messrs. Cotting, French, John Hinman, Hood, E. M. Hopkins, Stoddard, Sulloway and Williams. Headmaster Clark was also present. Matters of real estate, which were always with us and for which we were thankful, had to do first, with the two Tenny Houses which the Trustees voted to be held off the market. There was much the same feeling about these as one has of an ailing tooth: maybe you couldn’t get much use out of one or the other, but once they were gone, they were gone! Sec­ ond, the Farmhouse: the Trustees voted authority to the Presi­ dent and Treasurer to modernize the house for accommoda­ tion of ten to twelve boys and two Masters. Matters of finance had to do with paying the architect $2500 on account, for the new dormitory plans which could not be utilized at this time. President Hinman spoke at some length about finances. It was gratifying to learn that cash and pledges were adequate to cover cost of the first 40-boy dormitory and the new dining hall. He estimated that some $25,000 was available for the second dormitory. President Hinman appointed Messrs. Morgan, R. C. Hop­ kins, and Headmaster Clark to prepare and publish a modern and up-to-date catalog of the school. The meeting gave much time to a discussion of the all im­ portant program of remedial reading. It was estimated that about a third of the school required such instruction regularly in small groups of five or six boys at a time. One new remedial teacher was to be acquired for the following year. Extra fees of necessity were charged for this extra instruction. Headmaster and Mrs. Clark were appointed for another year, 1954-1955. Mrs. Clark was appointed at $1,000 as housemother and dietician with the understanding she should not be further burdened with teaching duties. The Members of the Corporation reviewed the actions of the Trustees and both groups were in agreement that building of the second dormitory should go ahead as soon as funds were


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available in order that the time given over to a split operation of the school be lessened as much as possible, and as quickly as possible. On June 2, 1954, nine boys graduated from Cardigan. Three of the nine had completed four years of study at our school; three for three years, and three for two. This was an indication of the growing trend resulting from the policy of enrolling those boys who planned to spend four or five years at Cardigan rather than less time. In spite of pouring rain the old North Church was filled by students and their parents, and others interested in the school. They all were rewarded by being able to hear Bishop Dallas, now Emeritus Bishop, who had honored Cardigan M ountain School over the years by his presence and his unique ability to hold the concentrated attention of young and old. His stat­ ure, spiritual and physical presence were commanding, and it could truly be said that his influence for good on the boys continued to be incalculable. The terminating event of this Commencement was the serv­ ing of a delicious luncheon indoors, unfortunately, for nature had drawn down a complete curtain to the surrounding beauties she usually lavished on appreciative mankind. One item deserving of mention is that Dick Clancy who for eight years had served Cardigan faithfully and well as its only Chef, was, with President Hinman one of the two local sur­ vivors of the school’s opening day in September, 1946. A very thoughtful and materially nice gesture came at this time from Mr. and Mrs. Elbert H. Neese who, in a note of regret over their inability to attend the Commencement Exercises, enclosed a check for $1,000. This they wished ac­ cepted as a token of their interest and pride in the school; and their appreciation of “what you men have accomplished.” The summer was another busy one at Cardigan. Twenty boys were at our Summer School and Camp. Workmen were swarming all over the Point getting the dining hall completed by the opening of the new school year in September. The first new dormitory of this new plant was taking shape with the basement of poured concrete completed. To an extent Cardigan Mountain School continued to be land poor. This fact stimulated President Hinman, in August,


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1954, to write: “ With the advanced construction of the new dormitory and dining hall at the new campus site, and the resulting highly unsatisfactory split-operation of the school, it becomes increasingly obvious that everything possible should be done to get a second dormitory started this fall for occupa­ tion in September, 1955.” His plea was that the Trustees and Corporation Members give immediate attention and consider­ ation to selling real estate holdings on Canaan Street (the Lodge, the Annex and the Tenney property).


The Year S e p t e m b e r 195 4 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1955 sc h o o l y e a r began September 15, 1954, with the highest enrollment of 63 boys. The satisfaction with this in­ creasing enrollment was dampened somewhat by the neces­ sary division of personnel. There was a group at the original Lodge, a few in the Blodgett House on Canaan Street, some in the new dormitory up on the Point and a few with a Master in charge at the rehabilitated Farm House. All were to share the blessings of the new dining hall served from a modern kitchen with Clancy proudly in charge. There was no doubt about it the school was going to operate inefficiently and at a greater cost. All this added to efforts of the members of the official Cardigan family to make sure the sec­ ond new dormitory was completed for the opening of school in September, 1955. This was reflected in the minutes of the Trustees’ and Corporation Members’ meetings held October 1, 1954, when authorization was voted to President Hinman and Treasurer J. B. Newton to enter into contract for the build­ ing of a second dormitory; also authorization to borrow a sum not to exceed $100,000 to assure completion of this build­ ing for which concrete already was being poured before frost set in. Money for this was coming out of the $25,000 already available for this new construction. Through this foresighted­ ness on the part of President Hinman and Treasurer, Jerry Newton, the completion of this new dormitory would be as­ sured by next September since an early start could be made in the spring. The pains of progress were increasing the difficulties of Headmaster Clark this fall in organizing classes, most of which were being held in the Mansion. The synchronization of bells, signals, etc. to get boys together in one place from widely separated areas was enough to increase “Dutch” Clark’s bald­ ness and to challenge the abilities of the Faculty to obtain concentration from the boys who were inclined to look on the whole affair with the glee associated with a Roman Holiday. That things worked out as well as they did is a credit to all who worked under the handicap of this split operation.

A nother

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The fall seemed to pass with the rapidity of most falls and those in responsible positions, especially Hap Hinman and Jerry Newton, rejoiced that year-end memories stood up well with other years. Proof of this is found in the following gifts to Cardigan: $ 3,100. — Charles Cotting 5.000. — Robert W. Stoddard 9,040. — John H. Hinman 5,047. — Harvey P. Hood 929. — Frank Sulloway 50. — Robert C. Hopkins 2.000. — Edward S. French 500. — Charles Proctor $25,666. — T o t a l On October 1st, in the fall of 1954, Sidney C. Hayward as Secretary had been asked by the Board of Trustees and Mem­ bers of the Corporation assembled for their meetings to write Arthur A. Williams a letter incorporating a resolution ex­ pressing great regret over his absence and wishing him a speedy and complete recovery from a heart attack and further ex­ pressing “appreciation for his interest in and support of the school . . .” which had meant so much to the institution. This letter went forward on October 4th. While this notation may seem out of sequence, it is purposely placed here for two reasons: first, this resolution had been in­ spired by Hap Hinman and characteristically showed his deep concern for one who had been a pillar of strength to Cardigan from its early days on; second, hardly had the ink of Sid Hayward’s signature dried before H ap was stricken with a heart attack. This was not generally known or even suspected until Bulletins ceased to appear. Word got around that the Hinmans had gone to Florida after he had recovered sufficiently to make the trip south. No resolutions were passed in Hap’s case for no formal meet­ ings were being called. Those in the know had been concerned over H ap’s health for over a year. He had been carrying a tremendous load, working all hours of the day and night, as this history attests to. John Hinman initially took over to the extent of assuring his


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own brother he need have no concern, for Jerry Newton and others of the Corporation and Trustees nearby were closing ranks and considering the many questions which had to be set­ tled because of the extensive plans ahead for the new school building program. It had been the custom of Hap and his wife to spend winters in Florida so their absence had not been noticed too greatly in the routine of the school. Headmaster and Mrs. Clark were attending to the split-operation effectively so that, as far as the boys were concerned, there occurred no lapse in their education. Gradually as one after another learned of H ap’s heart at­ tack and his subsequent improvement, there was unanimous thankfulness in learning he would be back in his active posi­ tion as President. He was going to be less burdened with de­ tails. This and other facts would have to be considered by the Trustees and Corporation Members for Hap was too valuable to the Cardigan M ountain School not to have increased help in the administration of the school. The Cardigan family was truly grateful to its members who stepped in to help in H ap’s absence but to none did it owe more than to Jerald B. Newton, Treasurer. The next official meeting of the Board of Trustees took place at the home of President Hinman on Canaan Street on June 21st. Those attending were Messrs. H. P. Hinman, Charles Proctor, Jerry Newton, Bill Brewster and Frank Morgan. Frank Morgan was appointed Secretary pro tem. It was voted to retain Headmaster and Mrs. Clark for the academic year of 1955-1956; that the school lease the Austin House for a period of twelve months starting July 2, 1955; that in addition to the Treasurer Jerald B. Newton, the President, Harold P. Hinman, also be “empowered to sign and sell se­ curities in the name of the Cardigan M ountain School.” In the meantime, Commencement, which meant so much to the boys graduating and their parents and to the school faculty which had brought them along this far, had taken place. The Old North Church was filled. Sixteen boys graduated on this June 1st day. Headmaster Clark welcomed one and all. Bishop Emeritus Dallas was the speaker for the occasion. President Hinman having recovered from his heart attack looked hale and hearty as he awarded the diplomas.


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During the summer there was feverish activity in the build­ ing of the second dormitory to meet the deadline of the fall opening of the school. Materials, workmen, summer school and camp boys all merged to give an impression of utter con­ fusion up on the Point. To the trained eye, however, the exact opposite was true. Morning summer classes were being held; afternoon recreation, carefully scheduled, was being carried out; all comparable to the meticulous care of the masons lay­ ing brick on brick to assure basic strength. To be sure recita­ tion room windows were being alternately, closed and opened depending on the severity of construction noises across the way. There was mud one week and dust the next depending on the caprice of nature. But there was enthusiasm behind all this. The only tragedy lay in the resulting frayed nerves and the surfacing of conflicts in personalities and fundamental think­ ing. After the close of the summer school, Headmaster Clark resigned. The acceptance of his resignation took place on September 17, 1955. On September 24th at a meeting of the Trustees it was moved and voted “ that a terminal payment of one-half salary be made to Mr. and Mrs. Clark for the balance of the fiscal year after being relieved of their duties at the school.” The Cardigan family regretted the necessity for such changes. However, it was still mindful of the very real con­ tributions “Dutch” and Mrs. Clark made to the Cardigan M ountain School. They deserve their niche in Cardigan M ountain School history.


The Year S e p t e m b e r 1955 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1956 s t r e n g t h of Cardigan M ountain School lay basically in the unswerving integrity of President Hinman and those with whom he had surrounded himself. In Jerry Newton the School was further blessed in having a Treasurer who saw eye to eye with the President on matters pertaining to the basic training of young boys. Jerry had had plenty of administrative educa­ tion in developing his own Camp Pinnacle at Lyme, New Hampshire. As owner and operator he had doubled the enroll­ ment in five years to 150 boys. It had been well proven that whatever contingency might arise Cardigan had the men with the know-how to carry on. The extensive building program of the school might have seriously suffered as Hap had with a tired heart had not John Hinman taken over the new financing while ably assisted by Walker Wiggin and Frank Sulloway. The financing had been successfully negotiated and the time was fast approaching when the school would be starting another year with some 78 boys enrolled, but without a Headmaster. O n September 30th the rains came and the mud thickened all around our new buildings, but neither wind nor storm kept the Trustees or Members of the Corporation from their appointed tasks. Walks to the new buildings consisted of planks laid from a central spot from which occupants of many cars might take hurried flight to Hinman Hall. Assistant Headmaster Donald R. Stowe had gathered together students and faculty in the auditorium; these in addition to the official Cardigan family and invited guests made up the audience of some 175 people. President Hinman presided. Trustee Walker Wiggin gave the Dedication address. This was most fitting since Walker had been a Trustee of the Clark School and close to Doctors Clark and Morgan for whom Clark-Morgan Hall was named. In a Bulletin written subsequent to these exercises, President Hinman wrote: “Sid Hayward, Secretary through all the years of Cardigan’s growth, an original member of the Corporation

T he

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and a Trustee, loyal and able, performing untold duties that never have been recorded, besides being Secretary of D art­ mouth College, was chosen to write plaque inscriptions for Brewster and Hinman Halls.” Brewster H all

A lifelong worker with boys, William Russell Brewster was indispensable to the conception and foundation of Cardigan M ountain School. His character, integrity, personal example and devotion to teaching are inspiring qualities to all American youth who have known him with affection and gratitude.

Hinman H all

Two brothers devoted to each other nourished the early growth of this school whose roots are secure in the soil of their beloved native state. Harold Purman Hinman founded Cardigan M ountain School in 1945. As first and long­ time President he was encouraged, supported and guided by Cardigan’s wise and generous benefactor, John Holmes Hinman. “The granite of New Hampshire keeps a record of their fame.” The citation for Clark-Morgan Hall was written by Walker Wiggin: Clark-Morgan H all

In 1918 Clifford P. Clark founded Clark School in Hanover, New Hampshire. This building stands in his honor and in honor of Frank Millet Morgan under whose headmastership Clark School became a well-known college prepara­ tory school for boys. Upon their retirement from successful leadership Clark School was merged with Cardigan in 1952. After the Dedication Services were over tea was served in the Clark-Morgan Building. Later a nourishing meal was en­


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joyed in the new dining room where the boys, faculty, corpora­ tion members, Trustees and wives participated in the social amenities which have become so attractive a feature of these annual school affairs. In the evening the meeting of the Trustees and Members of the Corporation listened to one of their articulate associates, Robert Stoddard, compare the potential advantages offered by Cardigan as against private schools generally. Starting from the premise that the Cardigan M ountain School was blessed with one of the most beautiful sites in the country, he urged that future development should continue to embrace the com­ plete use of Nature’s gifts. These, he said, should be the basis on which stronger character and an enhanced education could develop to serve our boys throughout their lifetime; the corol­ lary being a fine faculty directed by a competent Headmaster. This was a timely and inspiring discourse. As if to give emphasis to Bob Stoddard’s talk, in a most ma­ terial way, John Hinman announced he was ready to con­ tribute 50% of the cost of building a new house for the Head­ master if the rest of official Cardigan would raise the other 50%. He said that with the new plant we now had we must have a suitable residence for attracting the kind of Head­ master Cardigan needed. It was estimated that the minimum cost of such a house would be $50,000, and that it should be ready for occupancy by the fall of 1956. The Trustees were instructed to proceed with plans. Dr. Crawford H. Hinman of Boston, son of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Hinman, along with Messrs. Newton, Morgan, Proctor and Wiggin were elected to membership of the Cor­ poration. The Trustees meeting followed when its officers were re-elected for the coming year. Once again, on September 30th, Bill and Onie Brewster stepped in to take over the leadership of Cardigan until the selection of a new Headmaster was made. W hat a reassurance it was to be able to get the services of Bill Brewster, a man proven in his profession, and one highly regarded in the field of preparatory school education. Arthur Williams sent a check for $1,000 to the meeting in lieu of his attendance which the doctors had forbidden.


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Yearly donations which had become the life-blood of the school were this year, particularly, not confined to any one month or quarter: $ 9,303. — Elbert H. Neese 3.000. — A. R. Graustein 1.000. — Kieckhefer Foundation 500. — John Hinman (extra) 50. — Richard W. Clark 100. — J. M. Flynn 200. — Frank Sulloway 9,958. — John Hinman 100. — R. C. Doane 3.000. — Dale H. Nelson 10,000. — D. S. Gottesman Foundation 500. — E. Earl Newson 5.000. — Charles Cotting In addition to the above, Charles Proctor gave his second year contribution of $500 for the Photographic Rooms in the new dormitory. It should be added that Charles Cotting “encouraged” Mr. Graustein in making his fine gift; also that John Hinman prompted the gifts from Messrs. Neese, Newsom, Kieckhefer, Clark, Gottesman, Doane and Flynn. Now the matter of first consideration was the selection of a new Headmaster. President Hinman had lost no time in screen­ ing possible candidates and settling in his own mind on the man whom he felt had the qualities of leadership and administra­ tive ability to head up the Cardigan M ountain School on the threshold of its new era. Parenthetically it should be empha­ sized that administrative capability had to be an increased requisite since President Hinman no longer could carry the crushing load of former years. On October 17th, 1955 Hap Hinman called on Lyle Far­ rell, Headmaster of Proctor Academy, as to the availability of Roland W. Burbank, Proctor’s Assistant Headmaster. Mr. Farrell, whom Hap some years before had interested in Cardigan, spoke in the highest terms of Burbank. He made it plain he did not want to lose Roland Burbank and would do his best to hold him; but he would not stand in the way


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of Burbank making his own decision. As a result of this initial in­ terview Hap was more sure than ever he was on the right trail. On Hap’s return he called in Bill Brewster and Jerry New­ ton to help correlate facts as to Cardigan’s administrative past and future. These were presented to Mr. Burbank in connec­ tion with the official invitation to him to become Headmaster of Cardigan Mountain School. Hap later was to write: “Mr. Burbank investigated us con­ siderably . . . school history, background, finances, our Bulletins, Corporation Members, Trustees, the Treasurer . . . (and Hap adds modestly) . . . to a minor degree, the President.” To complicate immediate action Mrs. Burbank had left for England before H ap’s call at Proctor Academy. Mr. Burbank thus was forced to depend on explanatory mail, cablegrams, and finally an overseas telephone conversation. Fortunately, Mrs. Burbank had visited the school back in the spring and was cognizant of Cardigan’s beautiful campus. O n November 2, 1955, the Trustees met with Mr. Burbank, found him receptive to coming to our school and elected him Headmaster. Between the time of the Trustees meeting and December 15th when the Burbanks came officially to Cardigan they had made two visits to the school which prompted the following comment by Mr. Burbank: “We were delighted with the way in which the boys greeted us. We had a good meeting with the faculty and I have a very good impression of their willingness to work . . . we become more enthusiastic each visit.” This was a good omen for the future of the school. Now more than ever was the importance and the challenge of raising the other $25,000 to meet John Hinman’s provi­ sional gift toward a new home for the new and inspiring Headmaster. There were two points which Headmaster Roland Burbank had asked that there be agreement on which he felt would make “for a long lasting and mutually profitable relationship” between the governing body of the school and himself: First, that the Headmaster would be responsible for the ad­ ministration of the school and its property, recognizing that he would follow the policies laid down by the Trustees.


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Second, that the Headmaster be made ex-officio a member of the Board, and that until this action should be taken by the Corporation, he would be invited to attend all meetings of the Board. This was a compromise from Mr. Burbank’s original proposal that the Trustees elect two men from names suggested by the Headmaster. These were so voted by the Trustees. The Trustees had also moved and voted: “ In view of the devoted and indispensable services now being rendered by Mr. and Mrs. William R. Brewster, who will continue to operate the daily activities of the school until Mr. and Mrs. Burbank are able to take up residence about mid-December (1955), it was moved and voted that a gift of $2,000 be made to Mr. and Mrs. Brewster.” No one will ever know, other than President Hinman, what a time he had in getting the Brewsters to accept this gift from the Board of Trustees. The Brewsters had given their services in supervising the initial faculty, and organizing the educational program for the first year of the school, which the Board of Trustees felt was surely enough of a contribution. On January 19, 1956, President Hinman announced the following gifts to Cardigan: $ 1,000 — Arthur Williams 1.000 — Frank J. Sulloway 1.000 — E. M. Hopkins 2,600 — E. S. French 100 — R. C. Hopkins 5.000 — Robert W. Stoddard 50 — Dr. Crawford Hinman 11,269— John H. Hinman (first payment on $25,000 pledge) 1.000 — Harold P. Hinman 1.000 — A. R. Graustein (through Charles Cot­ ting) 3.000 — Lindsay Trust for Scholarship Fund $27,019 T o t a l Having read Roland W. Burbank’s initial treatise to the Board of Trustees, and in view of the afore listed impressive


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contributions to Cardigan, we believe his comment before being elected Headmaster is not amiss: “ If a survey of independent schools were made, I believe that it would be found that the Corporation and Trustees of Cardigan have done more in the brief span of the school’s existence than any similar group in any other institution. The time, the energy, the thought, and the substance put in by men of these groups have resulted in the phenomenal growth of the school and will be required in greater measure to round out the Cardigan Plan in the future. It is my belief that the existence of such a body of men is one of the school’s strongest points.” One of the first problems was planning the Headmaster’s new house. The house must answer manifold social purposes for the school, faculty and students. In other words it should be functional without losing the qualities of an attractive and livable home. Hap wrote of this particular period that “Jerry Newton and the Burbanks are working to seemingly make every nail, board and shovel of cement serve their best purpose.” The fact that we had a Headmaster who generated real confidence made deficits no longer the ugly spectre of the past. One ironical twist was that the house for the Headmaster and his gracious wife was going to cost some $10,000 more than anticipated; but to anyone who had been faced with “ extras” in his own personal experience in building a home there was nothing too strange in this. The other deficit to show up at the May 10, 1956 meeting of the Corporation and Trustees in Boston was one of from $5,000 to $8,000 for several unexpected and non-recurring expenses, some of which had to do with the change in school administration. To off-set these there were favorable enrollment prospects at this time of year as against last year, with more new students applying. Headmaster Burbank held the interest of all as he gave his excellent report emphasizing quality as the sound policy to follow in respect to enrollment, recruiting and maintaining an outstanding faculty. Morale, he said, must be high to achieve success. Operating responsibilities must exclusively


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be delegated by the Trustees to the Administration, except on top policy questions, to avoid confusion and poor morale in the staff and student body. Here was a man speaking from a position of strength, and what a relief this was to the Trustees and Members of the Corporation. He knew what he was talking about and his audience knew he did, too. Responsi­ bilities were to be delegated because our new Headmaster knew how to go about doing this, and he knew whom to get to shoulder these responsibilities if the shoulders were not broad enough among the inherited personnel. Significant reactions came from E. S. French who openly said: “ In my opinion, this was the best meeting yet. We are getting places . . .” E. M. Hopkins added: “For the first time since we started I really feel that we have an educational institution.” To President Hinman this was “music of exalt­ ing tones . . . tonic for the souls and minds of the sponsors.” An increase in tuition to $1625 was voted; showing further confidence for the new leadership of our school. There were many incidental matters proposed and voted on at the Trustees Meeting which indicated the desire to get everything ship-shape for the new administration. The min­ utes record that Robert C. Hopkins submitted through Presi­ dent Hinman his resignation as Vice President. He felt strongly that his distant residence from Canaan was a handi­ cap which one located nearer could more easily overcome. The resignation was accepted from the “office” only, as he would continue as a member of the Board of Trustees. J. Walker Wiggin of Manchester, N. H., was elected as the new Vice President. It seems that about this time the plumbing in the new buildings was showing weaknesses, the blame for which was laid to poor supervision and workmanship. Authority was properly delegated to remedy all infractions of contract with­ out financial loss to the school. This pointed to the close super­ vision which Jerry Newton was giving to the material wel­ fare of the school. President Hinman was so impressed with Newton’s many contributions to Cardigan that he dwelt at length on the pleasant relationship existing between the two through “seemingly countless frustrations, disappointments and perplexities” which had produced mutual regard for each


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other. He added: “ I want to offer heartfelt appreciation for and recognition of the excellent work Jerry Newton has done for Cardigan.” (From the “Bulletin” ) The inter-mixture of good and sad news was to follow its natural course in the school’s development. Mrs. Jennie Drew Hinman, wife of John H. Hinman, gave the Cardigan M oun­ tain School $15,000 as the first endowment gift to a Fund which she stipulated should be used for aiding worthy students who lacked resources to parallel their educational ambitions. No more timely or more significant a gift could have been made to support Headmaster Burbank’s plea to seek out qual­ ity wherever it might be found. One and all in the Cardigan family rejoiced over Mrs. Hinman’s material help in rounding out Cardigan’s financial structure at its weakest point. During the night of June 7, 1956, Arthur Williams drew his last breath leaving behind a bereaved family and a host of friends. He joined the Cardigan Corporation December 18, 1945, before the school actually opened. He was a “faithful attendant at meetings and was generous in his financial con­ tributions to Cardigan.” Resolutions and letters were to em­ phasize the loss felt by his Associates at Cardigan. In August of 1956 a gift of $20,000 was announced through M r. and Mrs. John Hinman as coming from the D. S. & R. H. Gottesman Foundation. Cardigan had lost through death another friend and benefactor the previous April. Mr. Ira Wallach, son-in-law of Mr. Gottesman had worked closely with John Hinman to carry through Mr. Gottesman’s original plan to donate the above sum for Cardigan’s capital con­ struction. Mr. Gottesman had been a generous contributor to the School to the extent of some $65,000 over nearly a decade. He had visited the School and had planned another sojourn north when he was stricken. It is small wonder that Members of the Corporation were giving serious thought to getting younger men interested who might measure up to the high qualifications stipulated by the President and official Cardigan members. Another Commencement had passed into history with the impressive ceremonies in the Old North Church. W ith the graduating classes getting larger in numbers, and the increased


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interest in these annual services one wondered how many more years the historic old Church could house them. There were penalties which came even with success; but fortunately these often were of more concern to the older rather than the younger members of society. Once again the summer was a busy period up on Cardigan’s Campus, 33 boys were attending the Summer School and Camp. This was a 50% increase in attendance which assured the operation’s success. The new athletic field was developing fast and there was hope that seeding might take place by mid-September which would assure a good grass growth the next spring and summer. No activity would be allowed on the field for another year. The Headmaster’s new house would be ready by early fall.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1956 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1957 C a r d ig a n M o u n t a in S c h o o l started another year with a record enrollment of 83 boys, and practically a new faculty to teach, advise, and enter into well organized recreational pro­ grams with them. “Ro” Burbank had called the faculty a week earlier than the opening of school for sessions, morning, afternoon, and evening to orient them in teaching techniques, educational procedures, studies of personal adjustments, and acquaintance with Cardigan’s unusual physical assets. President Hinman was to observe that this was the most constructive training yet observed during his tenure of office. October 5th, 1956 was the date of the Annual Meeting of Trustees and Corporation Members. One of those in at­ tendance was heard to observe that it seemed as though we were holding meetings quarterly, so swiftly was time passing. Another answered that his was a natural reaction to the smoothness with which Cardigan Mountain School seemed to be running. A good attendance of some 17 members of Cardigan offi­ cials, not counting their wives, were to hear of the exciting progress the school was making. Important was the news that the current income could well be increased by some $30,000. This was possible because of better prices, better collections, fewer scholarships, all of which pointed up to better Admin­ istration. This happy financial position which Cardigan was enjoying enabled authorization of a 10% further increase in salaries on top of the 20% increase last year. This was in line with Head­ master Burbank’s original plan when he accepted his new position, to get a good faculty and then hang on to it. The feeling of affluence produced the commendable hope that enough of the current year’s additional income would be left to make additional mortgage payments. Having a possible $30,000. — to ponder over was a delight which the Trustees could hardly be blamed for enjoying to the limit. A natural sequence was that had all the proposals been accepted this 111


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$30,000. — surplus would have been spent five times over. These discussions were not frivolous by any means and they had a sobering effect. The Trustees were taking their cue from Headmaster Burbank’s inaugural plea that more and ever more QUALITY be built into all aspects of the Cardigan M ountain School. Certainly Cardigan had to have material evidence of this if it hoped to attract boys of discerning parents. Money was not the root of evil in such instances but rather the medium through which such evidence could develop. Thus after much deliberation the Trustees voted an increase in tuition from $1625. — to $1750. —, and upped the Summer School tuition to $550. —. While these deliberations were going on Assistant Head­ master Wakely was taking the wives on a tour to show the attractiveness of the new plant. Wakely, who was a personable young man, unconsciously did quite a selling job on himself and thereby added stature to the new administration in the minds of his entourage. “Never underestimate the power of a woman” could well have been Wakely’s guiding slogan but he is too conscientious to even arouse any thoughts of ulterior motives. He just naturally did things well. Gifts announced were: $5,000. — from our Anonymous friend. 3.000. — from Charles Cotting to finish athletic field which brought his total contribution to $10,000. — assuring an extra fine addition to Cardigan’s Plant. 2.000. — from John Hinman to Building Account. Charles Proctor gave the School 15 valuable volumes cover­ ing information on birds, beautifully illustrated. This was highly welcome to Cardigan’s growing library. A warranty deed from Walter C. and Edith B. Gardner was issued to Cardigan for some 60 acres of forest and moun­ tain land as a Memorial to their son W alter C. Gardner III a graduate from our School, class of 1949. This land offered the School fine Outing Club facilities. An old-fashioned Locomotive Bell was received from three un-named gentlemen. This bell is somewhat larger than the


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usual ones of this character. Its clear peals will spread far throughout the countryside for generations to come. All this came to the Cardigan M ountain School during the fall of 1956. The School was celebrating the Christmas and New Year’s holiday vacation. The Canaan Post Office was again noting increased mail for President H. P. Hinman who made known to the official family much of the contents, as follows: S3,000. — from “Anonymous” 125. — from Frank J. Sulloway 100. — from Robert C. Hopkins 100. — from Dr. Crawford H. Hinman 300. — from Jerald B. Newton 1,100. — from Harold P. Hinman 9,689.64 from John H. Hinman 5,000. — from Robert W. Stoddard A special meeting had been called October 22nd, 1956 to make the following changes in the by-laws of the Corporation to read as follows: Except for the Trustee who is elected President, there shall be no requirement that any other Trustee shall be elected a member of the Corporation. The members of the Corporation may elect Trustees as members of the Corporation provided, however, that the total number of Trustees elected as members of the Corporation shall not exceed one-third of the member­ ship of the Board of Trustees. This corrected and defined a line of demarcation between the Board of Trustees and Members of the Corporation. To effect this change it was necessary for the members of the Board of Trustees to resign from the Corporation. Resignations were thus accepted from: J erald B. N ew ton S id n e y C . H a y w a r d J . W a l k e r W ig g in C r a w f o r d H . H in m a n W il lia m R . B r e w s t e r R o b e r t C . H o pk in s J o h n B. K e n e r so n

All this was taken in good humor. The famous quip of “ Groucho” M arx was recalled when, speaking of himself, he


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allowed as how he “would never belong to any Club which would accept him as a member.” “ H ap” and Marion Hinman had gone to Florida for their winter vacation with the good wishes of all ringing in their ears. “ H ap” could really be at ease insofar as the Cardigan Mountain School was concerned. He received a telegram from “Ro” Burbank which did his heart good; it read: “Spent first night in new house. All are thrilled. The Burbanks can now walk to work.” This was followed later by a letter from “ Connie” Burbank in which she spoke of the joy of enter­ taining in the “Student Room a visiting hockey team, our boys, and coaches of both teams . . . miscellaneous faculty having coffee upstairs and down while I flitted around. Fun!” In a Bulletin, no. 132 in fact, “ Hap” writes . . . “W hat a delight to have a lady like Connie around Cardigan and how effectively she will combine and develop the home and utili­ tarian features of that truly beautiful structure without destroy­ ing either.” Things were really going well; peace and harmony reigned within the school and this was reflected in the good will exist­ ing outside toward the School. $3,000. — came from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust for scholarship grants. $4,000. — came from the Spaulding Trust for current use (through the good offices of “Ro” Burbank). W ith pressure lessening on our President, aided and abetted by the warming trade-breezes over Florida, we find him writing in another of his Bulletins in a reflective mood. Generous as always in his praise for contributions small or large to Cardigan, he comments: “ Cardigan’s first brochure was a beautifully prepared book, conceived, written, and edited by Vice President Bob Hopkins. It attracted much attention, created much confidence in our first endeavors, a basic concept of the School was expressed in the title . . . ‘Readin . . . Ritin, and Rithm etic!’ ” This was prompted by his reading in a news service Senator Ralph E. Flanders comments on “present day” educational system which he felt was “ in shambles.” Further quoting from Senator Flanders’ speech before a sub-committee hearing, he


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said: . . it is of no great importance (to pseudo-science of education) whether a child really understands mathematics just so long as he is working at it . . “ Hap” Hinman had more than ever genuine pride in the Cardigan M ountain School and its accomplishments. He saw in Senator Flanders remarks and the publicity given them a recognition of a swing back to fundamental educational train­ ing. This indeed was complete justification for all the thought, time, and energy which had been put into the founding of Cardigan in which one H. P. Hinman had played so impor­ tant a role. Now at long last Cardigan was paying its own way. The first year under “Ro” Burbank’s leadership had been little less than spectacular. “But” . . . you can almost hear “H ap” say as he stretches himself up and out of his chair . . . “ there must be no let-down.” To further clarify his thinking he wrote: “ Momentum, one of the most potent factors in individ­ ual and collective success, has been invaluable to Cardigan . . . and until we get a plant completed there should be no mediocrity of thought or action.” As a step toward the completion of our School plant, au­ thorization was voted at the semi-annual meeting in Boston, May 10th, 1957, for a new educational center to house classes, library, offices. These would all be removed from ClarkMorgan Hall thereby releasing rooms for 20 additional boys, and for 2 faculty apartments. Headmaster Burbank presented a total budget for the com­ ing year of some $171,000. — “which will be balanced or exceeded in income.” This was an indication of the growing scope of the School’s operations. So much was going on that it seemed imperative to devise a means for better handling of the School’s business. Therefore, it was voted: “T hat the Executive Committee function with full power for the Board of Trustees in respect to acting for the Board between meetings.” The Executive Committee was voted as consisting of the President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Headmaster. During the summer the Planning Committee and Finance Committee were busy along with Messrs. Wakeley and Hol­ brook in completing plans for the new building which would


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conform with the money objective. The Treasury had some $30,000. — available; $70,000. — would have to be collected in the form of capital gifts, leaving about $100,000. — as a loan toward erecting this new edifice. Mr. Ira Wallach, son-in-law of the late Mr. Gottesman, made a timely gift of $25,000, which with his previous $20,000, made his estate gift for Cardigan’s new construction total $45,000. He seemed indeed to be a worthy successor to his father-in-law, a great benefactor of our School. $10,000 was received from Mr. Elbert H. Neese of Beloit, Wisconsin, one of Cardigan’s best friends. Mr. Herbert M. Kieckhefer gave Cardigan 80 shares of Weyerhaeuser Timber Company stock. In this connection it is interesting to note that his grandnephew attended our summer school and later enrolled in the regular session starting Sep­ tember 22nd, ’57. All of this started by the interest created in Cardigan by John Hinman when Mr. Kieckhefer’s early financial contributions had to be used for operating expenses. Another indication of high level recognition was evidenced by enrollment of boys in our summer school recommended from Andover and Deerfield.


The Tear S e p t e m b e r 1957 t h r o u g h A u g u st 1958 C o n g r a t u l a t io n s were extended to Headmaster Burbank for a record fall enrollment of 90 boys. This number taxed our accommodations and necessitated a larger number of rejec­ tions than ever before. To make this picture complete the requirements for admission were higher than any previously stipulated. Trustees and Corporation Members arrived at the Cardigan M ountain School, October 4th, 1957 only to learn of President Hinman’s hospitalization from pneumonia. The regret of all was the more because “ H ap” had had to stand before these men many times with little but financial woes to report whereas on this day there was nothing but solid progress to report on all sides. Vice President Walker Wiggin became the presiding officer. In this capacity he was entirely at ease and for good reasons. Walker was a former Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives; also, he was president of the 1956 New Hampshire Constitutional Convention. With this background, along with his natural sense of humor, there is little wonder that these sessions were handled expeditiously. Almost his first act was that of entertaining a motion toward sending President “H ap” Hinman the regrets of all for his absence, and wishing him a speedy recovery. The Treasurer’s report covering a wide range of financial details having to do with construction and planning showed for the second year a surplus, this time over $11,000. The summer school had been successful with an enrollment of 41 boys. The winter enrollment stood at capacity with 84 boys in residence and 4 day pupils. For the first time the Trustees voted to establish depreciation accounts for buildings, furnish­ ings and equipment. An increase in tution was voted from $1750 to $1850, beginning with the 1958-1959 school year. Summer School tution was to remain at $550. It was voted to honor two Corporation Members whose loyalties and many contributions to the School had brought it distinction: the new scholastic center would be known as Hop117


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kins Hall, in honor of Ernest M artin Hopkins; the athletic field, one of the best among New England’s Secondary Schools, and which was financed through the generosity of Charles E. Cotting, would be known as Cotting Field. One of the cultural objectives for the coming year would be that of strengthening the School Library under the able direc­ tion of Mrs. Roland Burbank. Mr. Wiggin suggested that gifts of major size be listed in the annual financial report. Mr. Sidney Hayward supported the plan with the further suggestion all gifts of $100 and over carry the name of the donor, or the donor to remain anonymous if he or she so desired; also groupings of all other gifts for listing in the report as from parents, alumni, friends. This was so moved and voted. The Minutes of these meetings show that “cordial approval was expressed for the splendid job being done at the School.” The Secretary was asked by Mr. Wiggin to pass on to the Headmaster and faculty this expression of appreciation. The School was the beneficiary of a gift of $1,000 from the Gile family in memory of the late Arch Gile well known and beloved in Dartmouth and Hanover, N. H. circles. The Christmas Holidays saw 90 boys leaving for their vaca­ tions. This represented another peak in school enrollment at Cardigan. One could almost feel the air charged around the Cardigan Campus with thoughts of building another dormi­ tory. During the years when it seemed impossible to enroll 35 young students, any prognosticated figure but represented another peak as a new goal to be attained. Now with the momentum engendered by our new Headmaster, “Ro” Burbank, the embarrassment lay in having to reject worthy applicants. Were one to question diligently enough he could learn, within a few feet either way, where the new dormitory would be placed! The Planning Committee whose function it was to have short and long range programs drawn up was having a bit of a time since their long range plans were treading the path of diminishing returns. One more dormitory would bring the capability for enrolling 120 boys. W hat would happen then? Would the dining facilities be adequate? Would class-rooms be of sufficient size and number to comfortably contain the


Ski group on approach to ski jum p

One of smaller class-rooms fo r especial groups in Hopkins H all


Headmaster's Home


Brewster H all

Hinman H all

Clark-Morgan H all


Hopkins H all, housing Recitation Rooms, Library and Administrative Offices (Cardigan Mountain in background)

Cotting Athletic Field

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111118 8 B IB

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French H all — Dormitory. N ew ly completed, June 2, 1960


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larger groups? These were things to think about now for they would surely be up for discussion a t the Boston M eeting in the Spring. T he School A dm inistration was poised as if for another sprint forw ard. T here was the Executive Com m ittee in a standby w ith T rustee powers; the Building Com m ittee clear­ ing up the final touches on the new Hopkins H all, along with C lark-M organ’s periodic change-over; and the afore-m en­ tioned P lanning Com m ittee. Above, around and beneath all this was the restive spirit of President “ H a p ” H in m an who m ade no bones of his theory to get everything m oving while the going was good. P araphrasing a popular song, by Ju n e things would be “ busting out all over!” Looking over his year-end m ail “ H a p ” found the following interesting tokens of school loyalties: 65 shrs. of International Paper Stock from John Hinman $ 100.— from Frank Sulloway 100.— from Robert C. Hopkins 200.— from Jerald B. Newton 3.000.— from Edward S. French 1.000.— from Harold P. Hinman 5.000.— from Robert W. Stoddard 4,973.29 from Horace E. Davenport, a parent happy over his son’s progress, made gift through Headmaster Bur­ bank. 3.000.— from Lindsay Trust for Scholarships 4,174.50 from Charlie Cotting to complete Cotting Field in­ cluding two baseball diamonds (1 large, 1 small). One football gridiron. Four tennis courts. H ardly had “ R o ” and “ Connie” Burbank got their second wind before the boys were back for the w inter term and the process of education becam e once again the enterprise of a devoted faculty. U nfortunate indeed is the lack of inform ation about C ardigan’s faculties in this short historical story. T here have been indications th a t our m em bers of the teaching fraternity were doing superlative feats as evidenced by the letters from grateful parents. G raduates of C ardigan have been cited by schools to which they have gone as am ong the best prepared for continuing schedules of education. T he


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com parative few who have h ad tim e to com plete their college education have done further credit to our School. This all can be rightfully traced to the day-in and day-out training by our faculty m em bers. As President H in m an was to say: we “ wish to give com m endation an d adm iration to C ardigan’s faculty . . . a group of com petent m en and wom en who are devoting their lives to the finest of all professions, th a t of shap­ ing our future citizens th at they m ay preserve and develop all th a t is good in the A m erican form of living.” M ay we jo in in this salute to these dedicated m en an d wom en to w hom the C ardigan fam ily is indebted. T o one who could drop in unannounced, to say nothing of being unexpected, the rew ard was great. W hile he m ight swear he never again would impose himself so brazenly on a hard-w orking group of people, never-the-less, he could feel he had seen C ardigan M ountain School operating in a norm al way. W alking on dow n the Cam pus road his general im pres­ sion m ight be th a t the school was closed b u t suddenly boys appeared from all sides converging on the entrance to the D ining H all for it was lunch tim e. T here was a n indefinable atm osphere of discipline w hich was refreshing. Every boy, and w hat a fine lot they were, was well clothed and had coats and tie on. Each, w ith h a ir well com bed, w ent to his appointed table and there stood until the H eadm aster took his seat. T he contrast from the few m om ents of u tte r silence to the din of continued conversations, w hich h ad been interrupted, defies description. You were then introduced to the eight boys seated a t a round table where no one was too separated from another to enter into easy chat. W ithout delay you were w aited on by w hite coated boys whose assignm ent th a t week was to be purveyors of tasty food from C lancy’s well organized kitchen. T h e boys on each side of you were responsive to questions as to w hat p a rt of the world they cam e from. You had, indeed, reason enough to ask, and a quickening desire to reach each boy for they were articulate youngsters. T here were in this particu lar group two from widely separated parts of our fast shrinking earth ; one, a Japanese boy, w hom we later learned h ad been elected by the boys themselves as “ School L eader” or head of the School G overnm ent. T he other was a dusky lad w ith flashing eyes and a w inning smile whose hom e is in


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L iberia where his father is M inister of H ealth. T h e luncheon over, you left feeling spiritually and physically well nourished; for you it was a n event to long rem em ber, for the boys just another m eal to tide them over until the next one. L ater you asked H eadm aster B urbank about this school governm ent whose “ L eader” you had been privileged to lunch with. T his was, he said, about the best way he knew of getting across to the boys the fundam entals of dem ocracy. T he boys took the elections seriously and their subsequent re ­ sponsibilities equally so. T he discipline was all the better observed because it was adm inistered by their own kind. This onus to a large degree was rem oved from the faculty m em bers w ho could the better concentrate on teaching and advising. T h e m ore you talked w ith “ R o ” B urbank the greater be­ cam e your enthusiasm for C ardigan M ountain School which he was building tow ard greatness. H e re-em phasized Q u a l i t y as an ingredient which he hoped m ight become so strong a p a rt of the total school com pound as to strongly affect the whole flavor of it. His sincerity of purpose was infectious; one w anted to help. This is best defined as leadership. T he M em bers of the C orporation of C ardigan M ountain School and Board of Trustees were, to all intents and purposes, invited by E dw ard S. French, better know n as “ N ed” French, to be his guests on M ay 2nd, 1958 a t the A lgonquin Club, Boston, M assachusetts. Some eighteen guests accepted the invitation and showed up in person. N o history of C ardigan would be com plete th a t did not call attention to the fact th a t sim ilar invitations have been issued each year, for a total of 14 years, thanks to the beneficence of this genial and strong supporter of the School. I t will be re­ called th a t a facetious resolution h ad been offered by Bob Stoddard thanking Ned French for all past and all future invitations to the A lgonquin Club. Bob reflects the feelings of all now w hen he says N ed has been so consistent in his hospitality as to dull the hum or of his original resolution. T he author has wished each year there m ight be some novel way of register­ ing the feelings of one and all tow ard N ed’s generosity. M aybe the w riting of the School’s history is a m eans tow ard this end. M ay posterity note well C ardigan’s indebtedness to this m an. T h e Board of Trustees sat dow n to lunch on this day of M ay


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2nd w ith a full afternoon schedule ahead. T he first item on the agenda was a discussion of the building of a new dorm itory. As was predicted President H inm an felt we m ust m aintain our m om entum an d “ press every effort to get the plant we w ant.” T h e n a tu ra l question was how big a plant did we want? “ H a p ” H in m an adm itted frankly he did n ot know to w hat size the school m ight develop. “ I t should be a small school,” he added, “ b u t the future of education is uncertain and nobody knows the ultim ate answer.” H e argued w ithout fear of con­ tradiction th a t “ income producing facilities m ust be in p ropor­ tion to and ahead of income consum ing facilities, unless some­ one can raise an endow m ent to carry a deficit.” Construction on Hopkins H all would be finished and the building ready for use for the sum m er school. C lark-M organ which was being converted into a dorm itory would be ready for occupancy by Septem ber 1st. C otting Field, long a tem p ta­ tion to itching feet would be available. Its level and green expanse was already beautiful to behold. Lesser acquisitions such as a stand-by generator was voted on, as well as m ore kitchenettes for faculty suites. T h e latter had already proven, w here installed, a boon to faculty m orale. D orm itory suites becam e homes. No longer were its occupants dependent on the school dining hall for nourishm ent. T he entertaining of boys by faculty supervisors becam e less strained. W h at youthful barrier can hold o ut against an eve­ ning sn ack ! J o y of joys for a long suffering President and Board of Trustees . . . the T reasurer’s report showed the school was having another good financial year w ith a n operating surplus in the offing of some $20,000. — Such news was electrifying. O ne and all well knew th at Je rry N ew ton w ith his sharply turned pencil was not padding the books! No longer was the smoking fraternity exuding jerky puffs nor were discrim inating sitters roam ing about for more com fortable chairs. T he govern­ ing body was relaxed and eagerly aw aited the H eadm aster’s R eport. President H inm an moved on to this p a rt of the pro­ gram w ith the composure of a professional presiding officer. H eadm aster B urbank’s first rem ark was: “ I t is an excellent year — m y h e a rt sings.” H e expanded on this feeling by enum erating the following points:


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1. T he boys were of superior quality, ability and spirit, and were well behaved. 2. A better faculty w hich was functioning m ore effec­ tively. 3. H e expressed his agreem ent w ith the T reasurer “ th a t finances are going well.” 4. E nrollm ent was “ m ore th an I h ad hoped” for, and w ith becom ing conservatism and modesty added “ a n d possibly m ore th an we can hope for in future years.” 5. H e was planning for an enrollm ent of some 60 boys in the sum m er school and a capacity p lan t enrollm ent for the fall. 6. D edication of Hopkins H all an d C otting Field he felt should have a m axim um im pact upon the stu­ dent body during the dedication ceremonies this fall; and a t the N orthern New E ngland H eadm as­ ters’ m eeting in O ctober for w hich C ardigan M ountain School will be host. 7. M ost of the C ardigan G raduates-to-be are already entered in accredited preparatory schools. O n the subject of “ m aintenance” he felt “ we are beginning to do a better jo b .” H e added th a t he was “ pleased b u t not satisfied.” 1. T he b arn and associated buildings need repair. 2. “ T ontine M ill” is used increasingly for shop work and will need repairs. 3. C lancy’s House is in the process of repair. M ore work needs to be done. 4. A n investigation of the dam (controlled by the School) and possible dam age to lower riparian owners, for w hich the school m ight be held re­ sponsible, in case of a break, “ is being investi­ gated.” Q uoting from the “ M inutes” which, in the absence of Sid H ayw ard, who was tied dow n w ith D artm outh Alum ni Counsel M eetings, were fully composed by J e rry New ton: “ H eadm aster B urbank called a p articular problem to the attention of the Trustees which stem m ed from


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the rapid grow th of the C ardigan M ountain School H e pointed o ut how other phases of school adm inis­ tration tend to suffer. H e m entioned the strain of continued grow th upon the adm inistrative staff and faculty.” O ne im portant item showing increasing interest by parents in the School was their support of the A nnual Fund. In 1957 the total financial contributions am ounted to $1,800. As of April 30th, 1958 a total of $5,600 had been given to this fund. T h e Planning and Executive Com m ittees were given a few things to ponder over, i.e., a new dock was needed as well as general developm ent of the w ater front; a re-arrangem ent of the kitchen was soon required to provide for increased load. Storage, dish washing, refrigeration and adm inistration spaces, as well as athletic rooms w ith showers and lockers for visiting team s were necessary. As a continuation of discussions held during the afternoon Trustees’ M eeting, the evening m eeting of the C orporation M em bers heard President H in m an review the need for a new dorm itory, and his suggested tim etable: 1. Plans for the dorm itory to be presented a t the 1958 fall m eeting. 2. S tart of construction by Ju n e 1959. 3. Plan for occupancy for Sept. 1960. T h e program was unanim ously approved. T he P lanning and Building Com m ittee was instructed to consider plans for a recreational center (enclosed) to include a gym nasium ; and greater w aterfront facilities. J u s t before adjournm ent M em bers of the C orporation joined the Board of Trustees in a m otion m ade by Jo h n H in ­ m an, seconded by E. S. French and adopted by all: “ Be it resolved th a t the Board of Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation of the C ardigan M oun­ tain School extend to M r. and M rs. R oland W . Bur­ bank their appreciation for the outstanding efforts and leadership which are being given . . . to the school . . .”


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Following this form al m eeting in Boston of C orporation and T rustee m em bers an interim T rustee Executive C om m it­ tee M eeting was held on Ju ly 29th, 1958 in C anaan, New H am pshire. “ I t was voted to accept a significant gift of p rop­ erty the details of which are not available a t this tim e because of legalities. E nough is known however to be assured th a t C ardigan will benefit handsom ely.


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R e p r is e

O ne day of indescribable beauty, up on the Point, in the early sum m er of 1945, H ap H in m an and the au th o r were seated w ith backs against a venerable m aple tree, chewing snatched ends of tall grass ab o u t us, and w atching w hite cum ulus clouds drift lazily across the bluest of skies. C ardigan M o untain seemed so near as to alm ost rise out of the crystal lake, the surface of w hich lay undisturbed. T here is no recol­ lection of weighty discussions. M any subjects were touched on: business, retirem ent, boys, life, and death. I t is on occa­ sions such as this, and they occur too infrequently, you sub­ consciously appraise another. O n O ctober 3rd, 1958 President “ H a p ” H in m an a p ­ proached the podium in the auditorium in H inm an H all to initiate dedicatory exercises for two great additions to the C ardigan M o untain School plant. This, to one always em ­ barrassed by em otion, was one of those strange m om ents. It was a flashback to th a t other beautiful day w hen one learned of an o th er’s successes, his disappointm ents, his joys, sorrows, and hopes. T here he stood, the conqueror of m uch, a n d the soul of this — his school. H e h a d always w anted to be asso­ ciated w ith boys as he h ad said fifteen years ago. Now, on this day 104 of them were looking up to him. I t was a great day, one way or another, for everyone up on the Point.


The Tear S e p te m b e r

1958

th ro u g h A u g u st

1959

T he A nnual M eetings of Trustees and C orporation M em ­ bers were held on O ctober 3rd, 1958, the most im portant event being the Dedications of two great additions to the School. A t the Exercises President H in m an said: “ R arely is an independent school blessed w ith the jo in t D edication of two m aterial facilities th at con­ tain the d ep th of w orth w hich our new scholastic center and athletic area, each impressively in its own right, possess for effective developm ent of C ardigan.” I t was also rare th a t so pleasant a d ay coincided w ith such exercises. President H in m an introduced the principals after briefly reviewing the aims and progress of the School, saying: “ T oday we are here to dedicate m aterial assets of o ur School . . . to honor two long-tim e, stalw art M em bers of our C orporation . . . m en who have m et faithfully and well their C ardigan responsibili­ ties: “ Ernest M a rtin Hopkins (rising) . . . to you we dedicate ou r splendid new scholastic center . . . to be known into endless future as H o p k i n s H a l l . . . w ith these words graven in lasting Bronze: “ H o p k in s H a l l ”

“ From its earliest beginnings w hen his courage, wisdom and vision were m ost needed, Ernest M artin Hopkins has pro­ claim ed confidence in the future of C ardi­ gan M ountain School and given w arm ­ hearted participation and talented guidance to its affairs. A giant am ong educators, President of D artm outh College for 29 years and a source of enduring strength to this school as a ch arter m em ber of the 127


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C ardigan C orporation. This scholastic cen­ ter stands in tribute to his faith in Am erican youth. 1958 (rising) — to you we dedicate the m agnificent playing fields and tennis courts which you so generously gave to C ardigan — to be known for all future tim e as Cotting Athletic Field w ith this inscription m olded in enduring bronze: “ C h a rle s E d w a rd C o ttin g

“ C o t t in g A t h l e t i c F i e l d ”

“ Generously supporting the C ardigan M o untain School objective of a sound m ind in a strong body Charles E dw ard Cotting, G raduate of H arvard, a business leader in Boston, a devoted m em ber of this school’s governing board, has long given distin­ guished service and strength to hospitals, children’s welfare organizations, Boy Scouts of A m erica and other high causes. His en­ couragem ent of C ardigan outdoor sports is here recorded w ith gratitude. 1958 “ Messrs. Hopkins and C otting received enthusiastic and w arm applause in sincere tribute. “ Interestingly, it was C ardigan’s valued privilege to dedi­ cate the first building, the first educational facilities ever nam ed in honor of Ernest M . Hopkins and Charles E. C otting — two as fine and w orthy gentlem en as ever affiliated w ith any college or school.” T he Bulletin further reports: “ Broached in early D ecem ber by H eadm aster Burbank, discussed by your officers, voted unanim ously by the Trustees, the School tuition will be raised from $1,850 to $2,000 for the next school year of 1959-60. “ C ardigan’s present $1,850 is considerably lower th an the $2,000 plus m edian charges of other schools — in each of last 3 years C ardigan has been able to increase both tuition and


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en ro llm e n t—‘ the Fall of 1959 should be a n opportune tim e because no further num erical grow th is possible until the new dorm itory is built.” A t the A nnual Spring M eetings held by the Trustees and C orporation M em bers M ay 1st, 1959 none other th an the afore-honored N ed French was host to all a t the A lgonquin Club in Boston. A nother high attendance was noted as some eighteen im portant citizens gathered from Connecticut, M aine, M assachusetts, New H am pshire, New York and V er­ m ont to hear and pass on plans com pleted and those scheduled for the future. C lancy and Fifield Houses had been p u t in first class condition. E nrollm ent for the Sum m er School and the fall term looked good. T uition for the form al school year was increased from $1850 to $2,000. T h e Trustees voted to carry $50,300 fire insurance on the property in M aine, $10,000 on contents, and to increase liability insurance thereon $100,000 — $500,000. T here was an interesting bit of financing carried to com ple­ tion by T rustee J . W alker W iggin a t the request of President H inm an who wished additional monies to assure the com ple­ tion of a new dorm itory. A t this spring m eeting of the Trustees it was voted to authorize the President and T reasurer to raise $100,000 — for the new building. T h rough a participation loan by the Amoskeag Savings Bank of M anchester, N. H ., the Concord Savings Banks of Concord, N. H ., and the Siwooganock G uaranty Savings Bank of Lancaster, N. H. the afore­ m entioned monies were m ade available. T rustee F rank J . Sulloway had played a helpful and im portant role in these negotiations. O nce again the team play of the Trustees ably directed by President H inm an gained m uch for the continued grow th of the School. T he perennial needs of the school a t this particular time were varied and included new work on an old cow barn, further additions to the school shop, enlarging the kitchen. A building to include locker rooms for home and visiting teams, showers, etc. loomed up as an im m ediate necessity as we learned of the present lack of facilities. A central incinerator for the entire school costing in the neighborhood of $3,000 was also subm itted. New sidewalks and a recom m ended purchase of land on “ the Pinnacle” for a better ski tow were


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listed for consideration. T he Executive C om m ittee was au ­ thorized “ to proceed w ith any of these projects as in its ju d g ­ m ent seemed p ru d en t.” R eplacem ent reserves am ounting to $9,500 were voted for use in reducing m ortgage indebtedness. T eachers’ salaries for the com ing sum m er and fall term s were presented. C ardigan’s T h ird A nnual F und contributed to by parents, friends, students and alum ni am ounted to $9,200 including two gifts of, first, an anonym ous contribution of $3,000 for a new ski ju m p ; secondly, $2,328.02 from the F rank S. Fifield Estate. T h e grow th of C ardigan M ountain School was shown by President H in m an ’s report during a general discussion of finances, th a t the operating incom e h ad increased from $30,000 in the first year 1 945-46 to some $259,585 during 1958’59. T his latter sum plus construction expenditures “ m ade the flow of cash (for this latter year) considerably better than $400,000.” A t the recom m endation of the C orporation the Trustees voted the creation of a Finance Com m ittee w hich shall have full authorization to act in all m atters relating to investm ent of funds. According to By-Laws the President and T reasurer autom atically becam e m em bers of this com m ittee. T he other appointed m em bers who consented to serve were E. S. French, Charles E. C otting and Vice President J . W alker W iggin; an impressive finance group. T h e school is again indebted to J o h n H inm an for the gift of 100 shares of International P aper C om pany stock; also, another tim ely and m uch appreciated rem em brance of $1,000 from E lbert H . Neese. M r. and M rs. Neese’s continued inter­ est in C ardigan goes back to the early days, and their financial help over the years has been substantial as the reader will recall. Indeed the school continues to prosper. T he adm inistration of the school under the guidance of H eadm aster B urbank is doing an excellent job. T h e dorm itories are filled w ith a total of 104 boys, and fine boys are they. T he new dorm itory will take the pressure off of “ doubling u p ” in some rooms of the present set-up and will enable the school to add some 20 boys to its enrollm ent after Septem ber 1960. T h e faculty has enlarged and is giving m ore th an ever an


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enlightened interest in the boys far beyond the form al cur­ ricular schedule. H ow far the appreciation for all this goes is proven in a recent letter received from a m other of one of the boys. She writes: “ W e certainly have the faculty to thank for his im provem ent. T here m ust be a w onderful spirit of co­ operation am ong the teachers to enable this to be accom ­ plished. . .


The Tear S e p te m b e r 1959 t h r o u g h J a n u a r y 1960

to end this history as of a definite date is com ­ parable to the idea K ing C anute, of fable fame, had of holding back the ocean’s tide. A story of the first decade of C ardigan M ountain School originally seem ed to be a tidy span of years to cover; b u t before we had hardly started tow ard this goal a tide of events swept on necessitating a com pletely new perspective. No longer were we “ wishing on a star” while re­ viewing the even flow of the curriculum , for suddenly the school gained m aterial stature w ith accom panying develop­ m ent in student num bers and quality of same. This we have reviewed; b u t even as the type is being set for the publication now of this history of the first fifteen years, as against the first decade, events transpire which m ust be recorded if for no other reason th an to prove the increasing vitality of this school. T h e building of a new dorm itory to house tw enty additional boys had been authorized over a year ago. I t now stands as a reality, all but ready for occupancy by Ju n e 1960. This new addition to C ardigan’s cam pus will bear the nam e “ French H all” and inscribed in bronze will be the following citation:

A ny a tte m p t

E dw ard Sanborn French, charter m em ber of the C ardigan M ountain School Corporation, giver of de­ voted service and support to strengthening C ardigan which has grow n in stature through the building nam ed for him. A New England Yankee, born in M aine, a long-time resident of V erm ont, distinguished in business as a railroad President, director of m any corporations, life trustee of D artm outh College, he has generously given his talents to good works in w hich this school, w ith deep appreciation, fully shares. In connection w ith this honor to Ned French there are m any of us who would add this colloquial expression: “ It couldn’t h appen to a nicer guy” ! 132


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1960

133

As the Trustees gathered for the A nnual M eeting on Friday, O ctober 9th, 1959, there were reports covering m atters of im portance to the future of C ardigan but none were discussed m ore than the broad subject of financing. T he question of w hether capital outlay had not reached its zenith, and should we not am ortize our indebtedness faster, opened up lively debate. O ne answered to the effect we already were m eeting our obligations faster th an requirem ents dem anded. A nother felt th at standing still m eant falling backw ard and C ardigan h ad gotten up a m om entum which should be allowed to carry on. T h e m atte r relating to the powers of the Finance Com m ittee were eventually interpreted, on advice of Counsel, as being broad since originally none were specified. M uch was left, as usual, to “ p ru d en t” answers by the T rus­ tees’ Executive C om m ittee of questions which, a t the time, the Trustees as a whole were in no position to act upon. In the evening, and after a good m eal cooked and served under Clancy’s able direction, M em bers of the C orporation joined w ith the Trustees to pass on w hatever wisdom m ight have come o ut of the afternoon m eeting. T he sum m ary of the T reasurer’s report and the general progress report of the school as given by our capable H ead ­ m aster m et w ith unanim ous approval. T he C ardigan M o untain School was doing well. This was possibly m ore appreciated by those attending the annual and sem i-annual meetings than by the real workers living with the school day in and day out. In a Bulletin under date of J a n u a ry 30th, 1960 President H arold P. H inm an ushers in the new calendar year with great news of m aterial w orth given to the school by its ever loyal supporters. H e writes as follows: “ Since the last published list these gifts were re­ ceived in the following order: Edward S. French.............................................. $3,864.57 Gottesman Foundation, one third of pledge. .. . 8,500.00 Hugh Chisholm (since deceased) obtained by John Hinman 823.06 Frank J. Sulloway 100.


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Charles E. Cotting.............................................. 750. Dr. Crawford H. H inm an................................. 100. Robert W. Stoddard.......................................... 4,000. John B. Kenerson............................................... 100. Harvey P. H ood................................................. 5,000. Jerald B. Newton................................................ 250. Harold P. Hinm an............................................. 600. John Hinman (toward new home for Asst. Headmaster)................................................. 17,000.” “ No better evidence of the powers of wholesome cooperation can be witnessed th an the creation and grow th of C ardigan M ountain School . . . by a group of dedicated m en who believe in an ideal, and its developm ent into an accomplished fact . . . for the benefit of A m erican youth.” This particular gift of J o h n H inm an is especially significant since it represents the first and im portant step tow ard faculty housing. T he com petition for capable faculty m em bers will be increasingly keen. T hrough J o h n ’s farsightedness C ardigan is now launched on a program to m ake life m ore attractive for capable teachers of this and future generations. No better proof could also be given of the growing esteem in w hich C ardigan M ountain School is held th an the a n ­ nouncem ent ju st m ade th a t the H onorable Sinclair Weeks has accepted m em bership in the Corporation. His nam e was proposed by R obert W. Stoddard “ w ith an assist from Ernest M artin H opkins.” O ne should read in “ W ho’s W ho” of the active life and varied services Sinclair Weeks has given town, state, and the U nited States of A m erica to appreciate the background of prestige which now is added to the considerable am ount the school already enjoys. Sinclair Weeks graduated from H arvard in 1914 . . . served on the M exican border and later in France w ith the 26th Division in the First W orld W ar. H e entered banking, later w ent into the m etal industry. Subsequently he becam e Presi­ dent of R eed and Barton, one of the country’s most esteemed m anufacturers of sterling silver and later was m ade C hairm an


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of the Board. A director of m any corporations, including th a t of N ortheastern University, he gave up all these upon be­ com ing Secretary of Com m erce and a m em ber of President Eisenhower’s cabinet from which he recently resigned after serving since 1953. T hus this first history of C ardigan M o untain School ends on a high note. Perhaps the highest tribute to C ardigan comes from a recent graduate who writes: “ I have been w anting to th an k you for a long tim e. C ardigan, to me, is the best . . . I think you are doing a wonderful job. I hope th a t some day my little brother will be able to go to C ardigan.”



MISCELLANEA

137



Acknowledgements I a m i n d e b t e d t o so m a n y p e o p l e f o r v a r i e d k i n d s o f h e l p I h e s ita te to b e g in m e n tio n in g n a m e s fo r fe a r t h a t in a d v e r te n tly I m a y h u r t i n d i v i d u a l f e e l in g s b y f a i l i n g t h e m e n t i o n o f h is o r h e rs.

M y first experience (and it well m ay be m y last) in w riting a history is the com parable search one encounters in putting together a picture puzzle. I t is usually the small piece which drives one to near distraction, for the whole is not com plete w ithout its smallest segment. I also found m any who were innately m odest as to divulging inform ation of their con­ trib u tio n to the school’s progress. I t is in such categories I fear I m ay have failed to dig out p ertinent and valuable bits to round out the com plete story. I n m any cases I got through indirect m ethods w h at I couldn’t learn by direct contacts. T o anyone w hom I m ay seem to have overlooked I would extend m y deep apology and I m ight add m y sincere regret. I like people too m uch to deliberately evade or h u rt them . T o M rs. Hopkins and to our daughter, Sylvia, and son, Bob, I owe m uch for their encouragem ent; and to m y brother for his periodic reassurance. T o H arold P. H inm an, or “ H a p ,” for loaning me his com ­ plete set of Bulletins w ithout w hich any history of C ardigan M o u n tain School would have been b arren; and for m any pleasant associations. T o W illiam R . Brewster who gave substance and authority to the early historical picture of C ardigan w hen he helped so actively in founding the School. T o Sidney C. H ayw ard who entrusted to me the original and com plete “ M inutes” of all Trustee, and C orporation M em bers m eetings; and descriptive m atte r m uch of which is quoted verbatim in this history. T o Jo h n B. K enerson for furnishing corroborating m aterial w hich enabled factual reporting ra th e r th a n inadmissible hearsay. T o Dick and B arbara Sawyer who took tim e out from a “ m oving” holiday in Boston to help in tying together C ar­ digan’s early historical incidents. 139


140

A cknow ledgm ents

T o all who kindly wrote me. T he unanim ous response from the Trustees and M em bers of the C orporation was h e a rt­ w arm ing and encouraging. Enthusiastic letters were received from Bill Everts, T ed Peach, and Bob K im ball who m eant to w rite even fuller and m ore inform ative ones later. T o Bob M cM illan who was honest about his tenure of office a t C ardigan. T o Fred Larson who, in the goodness of his soul, sent me his “ only copy of the brochure” w hich I had edited. His was illustrative of the well m eaning motives of all. T o the official m em bers of C ardigan M ountain School I can h ardly sing enough praises: “ R o ” and “ C onnie” B urbank turned their hom e over to M rs. Hopkins and myself, w here I was able to spend a week of concentrated work right in the atm osphere of the School. M rs. Law rence W . T a lb ert was, as always, helpful. M r. and M rs. N orm an C. W akely saw to it th a t the Burbanks’ refrigerator was well stocked w ith fresh foods upon our arrival. Dick Clancy, C ardigan’s all-tim e and “ all-A m erica” chef m ade M rs. H opkins’ food shopping easy by attending to her every need. N ed Sm ith of C anaan, N ew H am pshire, has one of the most com plete clipping files of events in this area of the State one could im agine. H e kindly turned these over to me to pick out the reported events happening over the years a t C ardigan M o u n tain School. W hile m uch was a repetition of m aterial already gone over, it helped to p u t the emphasis w here it belonged in m ore th an one instance. I appreciate M r. S m ith’s interest and help in this historical endeavor. T o H enry W . Patterson of W eston, M assachusetts, one of the advertising fraternity’s best copy w riters before his retirem ent, who read this history objectively and encouraged m e greatly. L ast b u t not least to F red W . Davis, Vice President of the R um ford Press who w ent far beyond the call of duty in person­ ally photographing most of the outdoor scenes shown here-in. His interest in C ardigan M ountain School since its earliest days, w hen he was so helpful in publishing the first school brochure, has been of real benefit to C ardigan and a very real help to me personally. r . c. h .


ST A T E O F N E W H A M P S H IR E OFFICE OF SECRETARY OF STATE

I, E n o c h D. F u l l e r , Secretary of State of the State of New H am pshire, do hereby certify th a t the following and hereto attached articles of agreem ent of C A R D IG A N S C H O O L C anaan, N. H. H ave been recorded in Records of V oluntary C orporations Volum e 119 page 353

IN T E S T IM O N Y W H E R E O F , I hereto set m y hand a n d cause to be affixed the Seal of the State, a t Concord, this 26th day of Ju n e A.D. 1945 /s /

E noch

D.

F uller

Secretary of State 141


A R T IC L E S O F A G R E E M E N T For Incorporation of C A R D IG A N S C H O O L T h e undersigned, being persons of lawful age, hereby associate together under the provisions of C hapter 272 of the Revised Laws of N ew H am pshire by the following Articles of Agree­ m ent: Article I

T h e nam e of this corporation shall be C A R D IG A N S C H O O L . Article I I

T h e objects for w hich this corporation is established are: (a) to provide non-sectarian instruction for boys a n d young m en in literature, arts and sciences and all m anner of learning, (b) to establish in the State of New H am pshire such non­ sectarian school or schools as are conducted by elem entary schools, academ ies, ju n io r colleges, colleges, sem inaries and universities as m ay seem best from tim e to tim e to the trustees of the corporation, (c) to establish, m aintain and operate such school or schools w ithout any pecuniary profit to m em bers, trustees or officers of the corporation, (d) to hold, purchase, convey, m ortgage, lease, or exchange or otherwise acquire and deal w ith any real or personal prop­ erty, licenses, copyrights and other rights or privileges which in the opinion of the board of trustees m ay be necessary or desirable for any purposes of the corporation, (e) to m ake contracts, incur liabilities and borrow money from tim e to tim e on the credit of and for the use of the cor­ p oration in such m anner as shall be deem ed advisable and to issue notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness and se­ cure the same by m ortgage or deed, of trust of th e property and franchises of the corporation presently owned o r hereafter acquired, (f) to m ake such rules, regulations and by-laws and to hire such professors, instructors, officers, servants and employees as m ay be necessary or advisable to carry out the purposes of the corporation, 142


(g) the purposes or powers specified in any clause or p a ra ­ g rap h hereinbefore contained shall be construed as purposes and powers in furtherance an d not in lim itation of the general powers conferred by the laws of the State of New H am pshire and the foregoing enum eration of specific purposes and pow ­ ers shall in nowise lim it or restrict any other purpose or power or affect any of the general powers or authority of the corpora­ tion nor shall any of them be lim ited or restricted by reference or inference from the term s of any other such clause or p a ra ­ g raph b u t all such purposes or powers shall be regarded as independent. Article I I I

T h e place in which the business of the corporation is to be carried on is the T ow n of C an aan in the State of New H a m p ­ shire, b u t the corporation m ay carry on such p a rt of its busi­ ness as m ay be necessary, desirable or advantageous in other places w ithin or w ithout the State. Signers

Post Office Address

H arold P. H inm an W illiam R. Brewster Jo h n E. Foster R o b ert C. Hopkins Sidney C. H ayw ard Jo h n B. Kenerson Jam es F. Woods Jam es C. Cam pbell

C anaan, N. H. M eriden, N. H. M ontclair, N. J . D arien, Conn. H anover, N. H. Cohasset, R .F .D ., Mass. W inchester, Mass. R um ford, R . I.

R ecorded in Book of Records Page 455 A pril 30, 1945 H a rrie tt J . T aplin, Tow n Clerk, C anaan, N. H.

143



TREASURY DEPARTMENT WASHINGTON 25 OFFICE O F COM M ISSIONER O F INTERNAL REVENUE ADDRESS REPLY TO COMMISSIONER OF INTERNAL REVENUE AND REFER TO

I T :P :T :1 RAM June 27, 1946 Cardigan Mountain School c/o James F. Woods, Treasurer 60 Congress Street Boston, Massachusetts Gentlemen: Reference is made to your letter dated May 14, 1946 in which you state that your bylaws have been amended to change your name from "Cardigan School" to "Cardigan Mountain School" and request a ruling as to the effect of this change upon your status for Federal income tax purposes. Bureau ruling dated September 28, 1945 held that if the Cardigan School located at Canaan, New Hampshire, was operated in ac足 cordance with the purposes for which it was organized, it would be exempt from Federal income tax as an educational institution under the provisions of section 101 (6) of the Internal Revenue Code. Since the only change in your organization is a change of name, this ruling is applicable to you under your present name and is hereby affirmed. The collector of internal revenue for your district is being advised of this action. By direction of the Commissioner. Very truly yours,

tDeputy Commissioner 145



Excerpts from an article published in the Boston H erald, August 3, 1952

Basic Instruction, Happy Living Keystones of Cardigan School BY HAYDN PEARSON

In one of New E ngland’s loveliest small villages is a small private school for boys from grade five through nine. I t has established a national rep u tatio n for a new kind of education. C anaan Street Village, N. H ., a one-street, tree-shaded com ­ m unity on the eastern shore of beautiful C an aan Street Lake has no store, no garage, no filling station. W ell-kept homes sit back from the street; the blue w ater of a spring fed lake m eans swimming, boating and fishing for the boys of C ardigan in the spring and fall. In w inter it m eans skating. A nd the best of skiing is available in w inter on snowm antled hills. C anaan Street Village is p a rt of the tow n of C anaan, settled in 1776. I t has an altitude of 1200 feet and neighbors against H anover to the west. C ardigan M o untain School, opened in 1946, is unique in a region of the nation th a t has long been famous for its educational institutions. H ere, 125 miles from Boston and 18 from H anover, m en of vision, purpose and conviction have organized a school for pre-preparatory school boys th a t is founded on principles th a t develop character and good citizenship. T he school, incorporated under the laws of New H am pshire, is non-profit and non-sectarian. If you believe, as the w riter does, th a t m uch of m odern education, both public and private, has gone off the deep end w ith a poorly-conceived philosophy th a t leaves both pupils and teachers floundering in a morass of uncertainty, you will be heartened by the aims an d working program of C ardigan. INSTRUCTION FIRST

“ W e p u t our em phasis on basic instruction first,” H arold P. H inm an, president, or “ H a p ” as he is called by his m any 147


friends, said to me. “ W e’re not old-fashioned, b ut we believe in reading, w riting an d ’rithm etic. All of us believe th a t the m astery of the fundam entals is essential; they are tools of life value. “ T hen along w ith the fundam entals, we believe in happy, inform al living. Each year m ore parents have appreciated the w orth of our program . It is our conviction th a t honest study­ ing, m astery of fundam entals, plus the fun of year-round good times, give C ardigan special appeal a n d strength. W hen we started the school in 1946, we believed we could fill a need in boys’ lives; each year we have becom e m ore certain of our work and philosophy.” From 1926, the w riter was in school work. H e had five years of teaching and adm inistrative experience in private schools; from 1934 to 1946 he was principal of a public ju n io r high school. H is voice has been raised tim e and again against the phi­ losophy th a t dom inates too m uch of public education today and a philosophy th a t lacks aim and direction, a philosophy th a t does not give children a fair start in life. You parents who read this m ay have w ondered how your children can get into grades seven, eight and nine, and know so little of the basic fundam entals. T h e m odern public school w ith its em phasis on self-expression and the over-burdening of teachers w ith countless details and trivia, does n ot give Jo h n n y an d N ancy a solid foundation. C ardigan M ountain School was started because a group of altruistic business and professional m en felt there was a place for a school where the fundam entals, plus happy living and training for citizenship, could be com bined. T h e location in this hill country, peaceful village is ideal. Boys take care of their ow n rooms, and each day they assume one of the school keeping jobs on a rotation schedule. It is far from being all work and no play! T here are d ra ­ m atics, music, shop; boys are encouraged to develop hobbies. T hey play soccer, football, baseball and tennis. In the winter, skiing is a popular sport; there is fishing and swimming in season. Cookouts and the overnight hikes on C ardigan M oun­ tain are a year-round feature greatly enjoyed by all the boys. T h e m em bers of the corporation have given freely of their 148


tim e and interest. T hey have been generous with contribu­ tions. NOT MASS PROCESS

Dr. Hopkins, one of the C ardigan enthusiasts says: “ T he dem and for such a school as C ardigan is obvious to one who is in touch w ith the situation because m any families resident in our cities find conditions unsatisfactory in the public school system. Even a t the expense of losing children from the fam ­ ily group tem porarily, they nevertheless wish for a boarding school w here a quiet, homelike atm osphere prevails away from im personal u rb an isms and superficiality, and crowded class rooms — aw ay from movies, television, other distrac­ tions w hich clog the norm al channels of a boy’s education and broad growth. “ E ducation of youth a t C ardigan is not a mass or m echani­ cal process. I t is a carefully planned procedure in the very im portant years of life w hen attitudes, habits and patterns of a lifetime are being developed.” “ W e have 150 acres of land and a spacious hom e on the peninsula a t the n o rth end of the lake. I t is one of the most beautiful school sites in A m erica.” C ardigan M ountain School has proved its philosophy. In an inform al atm osphere, in small classes, boys are getting the training th a t m eans m astery of fundam entals plus happy living. “ T he faculty is concerned not alone w ith the developm ent of the boys, talents and m ental ability, b u t also w ith the de­ velopm ent of health, character, courtesy, and other social graces. No school can fully perform its obligation to educate a boy w ithout knowing a great deal about him as an individ­ ual. In a small school like Cardigan, each boy and m aster knows every other m em ber of the school; consequently it is a closely knit com m unity where gracious living and a feeling of helping one another prevails.”

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The Cardigan Mountain School

HISTORY Part Two 1960 to 1995 by

R IC H A R D R. REARICK



Foreivord My relationship with Cardigan M ountain School began on July 4, 1970, when I m et with H eadm aster N orm an Wakely so that he could explain my duties as the newly appointed busi­ ness manager, or Assistant Treasurer, o f the school. Fourth of July was n o t a holiday at the school. T he sum m er session was in full swing and, besides, there are no days off at a boarding school except for special occasions, like H ead m aster’s Day, w hen students have a holiday from classes. For the next five years, my wife and I lived in Newton H ouse, supervised the small dorm o f four students, and presided at a table in the din in g room for the req u ired n in e te e n m eals p e r week. I m anaged the business office, supervised the buildings and gro u n d s op eratio n , and, in general, took charge o f all the non-academ ic functions of the school. After a year o r so, I conceived the idea th at there were m any interesting things going on from day to day which would surely interest the par­ ents o f o u r students, an d that their sons were probably not com m unicating these very well, if at all. So I started writing a letter to parents describing school life so that parents would have a better idea about what their sons were experiencing. It was called Notes from Cardigan and was m ailed about once a m onth. After five years, I left Cardigan for a similar position at the Emma Willard School in Troy, NY. Eleven years later, in 1986, my wife and I moved back to New Ham pshire, and within four m onths I was again at Cardigan starting a second career there as Director o f Development and Alumni Relations. O ne of my new responsibilities was publishing the school newsletter, a m uch m ore com prehensive project than the old Notes from Cardigan.

This experience evidently led the H eadm aster and some of the trustees to believe I had some skills as a writer, and ulti­ m ately re s u lte d in a p h o n e call in A pril 1994 from Bob G illette, th en C hairm an o f the C o rp o ratio n , asking me to m eet him and discuss the possibility of my updating the His­ tory of Cardigan M ountain School for the celebration o f its 153


50th anniversary in 1995. At that time I had been retired for over two years and believed my official relationship with the school was over. Somehow I co u ld n ’t fully escape. W hile I was m anaging the D evelopm ent Office, the idea o f updating the school’s w ritten history had o ccu rred to m e as being a project that o ught to be done, but when the opportunity ac­ tually came, I was no longer sure 1 could do it. N onetheless, betw een the tim e of B ob’s p h o n e call a n d o u r su b seq u en t m eeting, I had p u t to g eth er a rough outline of the project an d m ade som e notes o f things I w ould like to include. In short, I was hooked. Now, I am alm ost surprised that the book is ready to go to press. Also I am convinced that I could have continued the research and writing for another full year without running out o f material. Much has been included, but there is m uch m ore that could be written. W ith the hope that Cardigan alum ni and their parents will be re m in d e d o f good experiences and th at fu tu re students a n d p a re n ts will gain som e u n d e rs ta n d in g o f p e o p le a n d events that cam e before them and contributed to the growth and developm ent of the school, I humbly dedicate these pages to all alum ni, past parents, faculty an d friends o f C ardigan M ountain School whose association with the school has left its im p rin t on this institution. July 1995 New L ondon, New H am pshire

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Chapter One 1960-1963 Years O f C o n t in u in g G r o w t h a n d D e v e l o p m e n t

C ardigan M o u n ta in School s ta rte d w ith H ap H in m a n ’s dream o f a school for boys at T he Point— the H affenreffer property in Canaan. From the first expression o f this idea in D ecem ber 1944 until January 1960, when the first volum e of the history ends, the records show steady growth and develop­ m ent. A fter o p en in g in Septem ber 1946 in T h e Lodge on C anaan S treet with an initial e n ro llm e n t o f 26 boys an d 6 teachers, the school began its 15th year in Septem ber 1960 on a beautiful campus bordering Canaan Street Lake with a spec­ tacular view o f Mt. Cardigan. Before continuing with the history, perhaps it would be in­ teresting to consider the following: W hat did the school look like in 1960? W hat were the trustees concerned about? W hat did students do besides attend classes? W hat was school life like in 1960? T he original H affenreffer Mansion had been converted into Clark-Morgan Hall, a dorm itory with dining and kitchen facili­ ties in a new wing. T he infirm ary, w oodw orking shop a n d barn were p art o f the original estate, b u t everything else on the cam pus consisting of Hopkins Hall, the m ain classroom and adm inistration building, H inm an, Brewster, and French dormitories, and the headm aster’s house had been built since the school moved to its new location. Moreover, in May 1960 the trustees had voted to construct a house for the assistant headm aster to be built during the 1960-61 school year. T he H affenreffer property h ad in d eed b een transform ed into a real academ ic campus. T h e changes w ere n o t lim ited to new buildings, fo r the trustees also recognized that the school n eeded athletic and recreatio n al facilities. T he o p en fields an d w oods on the property, were cleared and leveled land for a p ro p er athletic field and four tennis courts, and on the hill im m ediately in­ side the m ain entrance to the campus a 12-meter ski ju m p was built. Behind the headm aster’s house on a hill called “Clancy 155


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President H in m a n in O ld N orth Church

M ountain”, a rope ski tow had been fashioned using an old F ord en g in e, a n d th e re was ad d itio n al skiing at T h e Pin­ nacle— the wide, op en slope beside Stacy B eebe’s house on C anaan Street. R ecreational facilities at the w aterfro n t in­ cluded a new steel dock and a “fleet” of four tech dinghy sail­ boats, six canoes, six rowboats, and a 14 foot Cadillac boat with a 25 horsepow er outboard motor. E nrollm ent in Septem ber 1960 was 129 boys, and to serve them , the school could count a faculty o f 13 full-time and 6 p art-tim e teach ers with an ad m in istratio n m ade u p o f the headm aster, assistant headmaster, and assistant treasurer. The book value o f the physical plant was $1,094,155; total indebt­ edness was only $206,220. W hat a lot had been accom plished in the first 15 years! H ap H inm an was president in 1960, b u t only five o f the original eight trustees were still on the board. As the school grew and developed, new m em bers had been added, including two o f the c u rre n t officers. V ice-president J. W alker Wiggin was a form er trustee of the Clark School in H anover and, as their attorney, had been a m ajor participant in the m erger of th e two schools in 1952, a t w hich tim e he was e le c te d a tru ste e o f C ardigan. H e served as vice-president, th en as president from 1969-1971, and upon retiring from law practice co n tin u ed his affiliation with Cardigan as a m em ber o f the


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c o rp o ra tio n . H e rem a in e d an e m e ritu s m em b e r o f th a t g roup until his death in 1995. T reasurer Je ra ld B. Newton becam e a trustee in O ctober 1951 and the following year was appointed to a com m ittee to study the possibilities o f moving the cam pus to the H affenreffer Estate. In O ctober 1952 he was elected treasurer an d served the school in this capacity until July 1964, when he succeeded H ap H inm an as presi­ d en t. F our years late r h e again becam e the tre a su re r and w atched over the school’s finances until 1982. For over 30 years his wise financial counsel and business acum en played a vital p a rt in the school’s growth an d developm ent. A lthough pleased with progress over the first fifteen years, the trustees knew there was still m uch to be done. This group o f dedicated m en had from the beginning established a con­ servative fiscal policy. They were d e te rm in e d th a t any new construction on campus would be started only when funds to pay for a substantial p art o f the building costs were on hand. As th e c a m p u s grew , th ey b o rro w e d m o n ey o n ly o n a short-term basis and applied any surplus from operations to­ ward paying down m ortgages ahead of schedule. Looking ahead to future needs, they recognized the short­ age o f adeq u ate housing for faculty with fam ilies and were delighted in January 1960 to acknowledge a gift of $13,595 for that purpose from Jo h n H inm an. M eeting in May the trustees and in co rp o rato rs voted to p ro ceed with co n stru ctio n of a house for the assistant headm aster and to include space in it for at least four students, even though the h eadm aster ex­ pressed concern about being able to recruit enough boys to fill the new French Hall dorm itory w ithout the burden o f any additional student housing. Despite this objection, students were p ut to work during the fall o f 1960 helping to help clear the site for the house, and construction proceeded so rapidly that assistant headm aster N orm an Wakely and his family were able to move in after com m encem ent in 1961. In h o n o r o f a long term trustee, Charles A. Proctor, who had died in May, the trustees nam ed the new building Proctor House. O th e r im p o rta n t b u t less extensive changes were taking place on cam pus at the same time. In the sum m er o f 1961 five TV antennas were installed at the top of Clancy M ountain (o n e fo r e a c h o f 5 c h a n n e ls ), a n d c ab les w ith b o o s te rs


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b ro u g h t the signals to each dorm itory, to the infirmary, and to the h eadm aster’s house. A lthough the trustees envisioned a time w hen there would be a TV in each classroom, educa­ tional program m ing has n o t yet been sufficiently attractive to b ring this about. In O ctober 1960 they authorized spending $6000 for renovation of the old Tontine Mill at the foot o f the hill which had been converted into a woodworking shop for students. T he building was old, uninsulated, and unheated, so classes could be held only in the fall and spring. With this m oney they m ade rep airs to the stru ctu re, b u ilt a loft as a place for arts and crafts work, and installed a heating system so the building could be used year round. An im p o rtan t p a rt o f the school’s philosophy was th at all boys were to have jobs on the campus. These included taking care o f their dorm room s, cleaning classrooms, helping in the k itc h e n a n d d in in g ro o m a n d k e e p in g th e g ro u n d s clean aro u n d the buildings. In addition there were various elective activities in which students could participate. These involved m aintenance and im provem ent of the campus. D uring 1960 one group cleared brush for a new ski slope at T he Pinnacle a n d also ex ten d ed the out-run at the base o f the ski ju m p . Boys who volunteered for an activity called “cam pus improve­ m e n t” h elp ed set up football goal posts and lined the field, p u t up pulleys and installed the rope on the ski tow. At T he P o in t a group called “cam pcraft” cleared brush aro u n d the lean-to, and o th er students m ade a wilderness road from the foot o f the hill beyond Clancy House to the lake so the trac­ to r w ould have an easier ro u te to th e ice for plow ing the hockey rink. Boys also h elp ed cu t down a n u m b er o f large pine trees on school property, which were sawed into lum ber 'to m ake floor boards for dorm itory attics. T h e forestry p ro g ram , in itia te d by faculty m em b er Bob Brayman, was a m ore organized activity which aim ed to give boys training in the use o f an ax and saw and instruction in distinguishing different kinds o f trees. Each boy was assigned a personal plot o f forest land which was to be his responsibility d u ring the time he was at Cardigan. H e learned about thin­ n ing and p ru n in g and how to encourage growth o f the best kinds of trees on his plot. T he forestry boys as a group also sp e n t tim e im proving the town g ree n by th e old m ee tin g


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C am pus improvement group

house on C anaan Street, clearing brush and second growth along the sto n e walls by the N o rth C h u rch , an d th in n in g hardw ood behind the headm aster’s house. T he Cardigan schedule was a full one and included the ob­ vious such as classes, hom e work, meals, study halls, athletics and activities. Life after classes, however, was n o t all work. T h ere were plenty o f opp o rtu n ities for fun and recreation. Each dorm itory had a com m on room w here boys could relax in their spare Ume, watch TV, play games or ju st sit an d visit. T h e co m m o n room in C lark-M organ h ad b e e n newly fur­ nished, and F rench Hall had two com m on room s— one for each floor o f the dorm . To provide a variety of enrich m en t activities, a clu b p ro g ra m h a d b e e n s ta rte d early in th e school’s history. Faculty and staff organized the clubs which they changed from year to year, depending on the talents and hobbies o f cu rren t faculty and the interests o f the students. In


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Mountain Day the 1960 yearbook these clubs were listed: band, riflery, chess, fishing, weight lifting, photography, m odel airplane, and glee club. In addition to the clubs there were also a student coun­ cil, a host com m ittee, which provided cam pus tours for visit­ ing parents and prospective students, the h o n o r roll society, staffs for the yearbook and newspaper (Blaze and Chronicle ) , audio-visual helpers, library assistants, and fire commissioners. T h ere was certainly no need for a boy to suffer boredom ; on the contrary, the variety of choices provided an opportunity for boys to learn how to m anage their tim e . It is interesting to n o te how early traditions were estab­ lished a t Cardigan, m any of which continue to the present. W ho can forget ski holiday, m ountain day, green & white day, senior ski holiday, senior dinners at the headm aster’s house, alum ni weekend, birthday cake in the dining room , Hallow­ een bonfires, fall and w inter dances, Saturday night movies, and HAIRCUTS? Music was im portant and continued to have strong student support until the 70’s, when TV, portable radios, and cassette players changed a generation from being perform ers into lis­


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teners. T he alum ni weekend in 1961 included a concert by the com bined bands o f Cardigan, C anaan, and Enfield— all u n d e r the d irectio n o f H arold O dell. T h e C ardigan Glee Club also sang several selections. C ardigan’s band played dur­ ing the year at awards assemblies, gave concerts in Canaan and Enfield, and played at M emorial Day cerem onies in Canaan. Today, it’s difficult to get to Cardigan by public transporta­ tion, b u t in 1960 there were still two o r three trains daily in each direction from the C anaan railroad station, and m any from the station in W hite River Junction, Vermont, which was served by the Central Verm ont, Boston 8c M aine, New York, New Haven & H artford, and C anadian Pacific railroads. T he era o f the railroads, however, was com ing to an end, and by 1961, although trains still stopped at the station in Canaan, the school h ad started ch arterin g busses to take boys direct from cam pus to Boston and New York City at the beginning and end o f Christmas and spring vacations. It was evident that schedules and service provided by the railroads had declined to the p o in t w here few parents o r students used this m ethod o f transportation. H ead m aster B urbank h ad a p p o in te d a stu d e n t edito rial board to produce the first school handbook, which was com ­ pleted for the 1960-61 school year. Am ong o th er regulations, boys had to have perm ission and sign o u t in their dorm itories whenever they left cam pus b u t could sign o u t without permis­ sion to go to: Eggleston’s Store, F leetham ’s Radio and TV Store, and to attend church on Canaan Street. T h e tensions o f the cold war on the in te rn atio n a l scene w ere felt even on the peaceful hillsides o f C anaan. Newly elected President Jo h n F. Kennedy’s term started with confron­ tation with Cuba culm inating in the disastrous Bay o f Pigs in­ vasion. H e and Soviet Prem ier Nikita Krushchev were trying to find a m utually acceptable path to nuclear disarm am ent, b u t the concern of nuclear warfare was still strong enough to prom pt the addition o f a course on Civil Defense at Cardigan. T he student newspaper noted that pam phlets provided for the course “instruct us o f the dangers o f radioactive fallout, be­ cause fallout is our m ain concern here at C ardigan.” W hether the writing of weekly letters hom e was already a tradition at that time is not clear, but the 1961-62 school hand-



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book n o ted th at “on M onday each boy hands in a le tte r to parents or guardians.” By 1961 the cost of renting movies ev­ ery Saturday night was becom ing such a strain on funds for student activities that the only way to stay within budget was to re n t old movies, which many students had already seen. In o rd e r to raise m oney for new er films, the boys instituted a charge o f 10 cents for tickets to the Saturday night movie (or 3 tickets for 25 cents) — proceeds from these ticket sales go­ ing to the new movie fund. All boys were required to attend Sunday vespers at 5:15 pm. Catholic boys m ight (in addition) attend mass in Canaan, and protestant boys could attend services at the M ethodist Church on Canaan Street. T he handbook listed possible accom m o­ dations for parents visiting campus, including Cobb H ouse on C anaan Street, ru n by Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fleetham , and Nye H ouse by Mr. and Mrs. Karl Nyhus; o th e r possibilities w ere the Lakeside M otel a n d the M ascom a Lake M otel in Enfield. Softball was a new sport this year, and was played on the field next to the N orth Church. Horseback riding and golf were added as activities, and the dramatic club entertained the school with three different one-act plays during the year. In the sum m er of 1961 the trustees were discussing future projects. T he need for a gym had long been recognized and seem ed to be o f prim ary im portance, but H ap H inm an and Ernest M artin Hopkins felt strongly that the school must have a chapel, and that it must occupy a prom inent location on the campus. In a recen t interview, corporation m em ber R obert Gillette rem em bered that “H oppy” insisted upon building the chapel before the gym, and that H eadm aster Ro Burbank was very upset ab o u t that sequence. “O f course,” said Bob, “he had the problem o f what to do with the boys in bad weather, etc., and that was a very practical problem .” Hoppy was very firm and said, “If we d o n ’t build the chapel now, we probably will never build it.” He called it the House of God. “L et’s do it,” he said, “and then we’ll know we have it.” Bob Gillette recalled, “I th in k probably it was a good decision. It was rough on the adm inistration for a couple of years until we got the gym, b u t th at’s how it h ap p en ed .” N orm an Wakely, talking recently about building the


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chapel, recalled that headm aster Roland Burbank wanted the chapel to be built in the woods where Stowell H ouse is now located, because he wanted to build tennis courts on the pro­ posed site of the chapel. N orm an continued, “Hoppy felt that a building o f worship should be for no particular denom ina­ tion, ju st the Christian religion; he d id n ’t want a cross on top o f the steeple, and th at’s why the eagle is there. H ap and I tra v e lle d all o v er New E n g la n d lo o k in g a t c h a p e ls a n d churches to see w hat would be rig h t for C ardigan, an d the one we liked was quite simple, and the wall over the chancel was blank. We were ju st going to have a curtain there o r a drap e of som e sort. T he architect pulled m e aside one day an d said, ‘N orm an, can ’t you im agine a window there?’ And I said, ‘Sure, th at would be exciting, you could ju s t sit here and see everything.’ So I called Hap on the ph o n e and got him up th ere an d he said, ‘How m uch is it going to cost?’ A nd it only cost $400 to p u t that window in which makes the chapel unique and changed its whole appearance.” T he trustees, despite the headm aster’s objections, decided to build the chapel first, and they im plem ented this decision without delay; by the O ctober m eeting they were already look­ ing at prelim inary architectural plans. Corporation m em bers felt th at since a chapel was an integral p a rt o f the school’s philosophy there should be no public appeal for funds for its construction b u t that (according to the m inutes o f that m eet­ ing) “trustees and corporation m em bers should solicit support quiedy from friends and any other possible sources.” Looking forw ard to the time when the chapel would be a reality, the executive com m ittee voted to create “a D epartm ent for Spiri­ tual D evelopm ent to prom ote and foster a clim ate conducive to spiritual grow th.” This certainly was a lofty goal, b u t one which proved to be impossible to im plem ent. T he corp o ratio n at their May 1962 m eeting gratefully ac­ knowledged a gift of $15,000 from The Gottesman Foundation for the chapel a n d at th at tim e approved going ahead with construction. Later that summer, property on Spring Lake in M aine, which had been given to the school earlier, was finally sold. T he n e t proceeds o f about $25,000 were allocated for chapel construction. By O ctober 1962 the building com m it­ tee rep o rted that construction was on schedule and that the


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R olan d Burbank, Jerald Newton, H arold H in m an L a yin g cornerstone o f chapel

contractor expected to have the building closed in before the start o f cold w eather. P resident H inm an a n n o u n c e d th at E rnest M artin Hopkins was providing the funds n eeded for a sem inar room in the chapel in m em ory of his brother, Rob­ e rt Hopkins, who had died in May. H e was one o f the origi­ nal incorporators, served as a trustee for almost 17 years, and was the author of the history o f the first 15 years o f Cardigan M ountain School. The corporation also accepted the generous gift o f p re sid e n t H in m an o f chim es and an o rgan for the chapel. T he O ctober issue o f the Chronicle noted that “the odd looking mass o f steel cross beam s and cem ent is ju st the beginning o f the new chapel which is to be finished by the sum m er o f 1963. It is the first bu ild in g on cam pus to be erected with a steel fram e.” W ith international tensions in m ind, the building was de­ signed so the basem ent could be used as a fall-out shelter. T h e walls w ere m ade e x tra thick, a n d o n e back wall was planned so it could be used for storage o f canned goods. The entry way could be blocked off with built-in m etal doors, and the one rem aining window was a small one that could easily be sandbagged for protection. Construction proceeded throughout the rest o f the year. In


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July 1963 treasurer Jerry Newton reported that all bills to date had been paid on time, and in D ecem ber he announced the final cost o f the chapel to be $255,000. It was the only build­ ing on cam pus to be com pletely paid for by the time it was b u ilt. T h e su m m er school Blaze h a d a p h o to o f p re sid e n t H inm an laying the corner stone on the 29th o f July 1963, ju st 15 m onths after the vote to go ahead with construction. Adm inistrative m atters also had the attention o f the trust­ ees. In O ctober 1962 the headm aster again raised the ques­ tion o f hiring a business m anager to relieve the headm aster a n d a ssistan t h e a d m a ste r o f som e o f th e ever-increasing, tim e-consum ing burden o f adm inistrative details so that they could c o n cen trate m ore fully on educational issues. It was also voted a t this tim e to co n tin u e to have the h ead m aster serve as a tru stee , ex officio. A special all-day m eetin g was p lan n ed in D ecem ber to consider plans for the developm ent o f the school for the next five to ten years. As a result o f this m eeting, several m atters o f policy were set forth: To k e e p th e sc h o o l fo r th e p r e s e n t a t g ra d e s 6 through 9 To keep the size of the school at 130-140 boys for the nex t five years To launch a study for a recreational building To recom m end that the headm aster consider erection o f camp-type shelters to accom m odate a larger en­ rollm ent in the sum m er school To re fe r the question o f a business m an ag er to the executive com m ittee Subsequently a Boston accounting firm, h ired to study the adm inistrative organization at the school with specific refer­ ence to the need for a business m anager, rep o rted to the ex­ ecutive com m ittee that a business m anager was n ot necessary. This conclusion, accepted by the trustees at their May 1963 m eeting, was a m atter o f great c o n cern to the headm aster, who subm itted a statem ent subsequent to the m eeting outlin­ ing his strong views on the need for a business m anager and asked that this statem ent be ap p en d ed to the m inutes o f the m eeting. D uring these years o f growth a n d expansion, the trustees k ep t p o n d erin g the future and agreed th at it was in the best long-term interest of the school to consider acquisition o f any


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available property contiguous to the school grounds. As a con­ s e q u e n c e th ey w ere a b le in May 1963 to p u rc h a s e th e Raymond property o f 80-100 acres on the northerly side of the school behind the headm aster’s house and extending over to Prospect Hill Road. For m any years, the sum m er school had proved to be a profitable part of C ardigan’s operations. It was a good feed­ ing ground for new students who came for the sum m er and, as a result of a favorable experience, becam e candidates for w in ter school. In a d d itio n , the su m m er session k e p t the school buildings occupied for almost the entire year, and this, o f course, produced incom e. Much o f this additional incom e h ad over the years been used to pay off construction m ort­ gages ah ead o f schedule an d thus m ake fu rth e r expansion possible. Looking for ideas to increase the sum m er school population, the trustees had m ade the suggestion o f consid­ ering camp-type shelters. This idea proved to be impractical, but, toward the same end, in May 1963 they approved the rec­ om m endation of the executive comm ittee that for the summ er o f 1963 only girls m ight be adm itted as day students. This was not the boon to admissions that was expected; in fact only one girl was enrolled that summer. T he idea d id n ’t go away, how­ ever, and in the sum m er o f 1969 girls were adm itted for the first time in the sum m er session as boarding students. R oland B urbank h a d b e e n h e a d m a ste r since D ecem ber 1955, succeeding William Brewster. T he first indication of any difference o f opinion between him and the board occurred in 1961 during the discussion o f housing for the assistant head­ master. T he trustees wanted a house with a wing to accom­ m odate four to six boys. T he headm aster believed this was too small a num ber o f students to be an effective dorm itory group. He also felt that the duties o f the assistant headm as­ ter would n o t allow him to spend as m uch tim e with these boys as they deserved. T he trustees d id n ’t agree and w ent a h ead with th e c o n stru ctio n o f P ro cto r H ouse an d subsequendy Stowell House, both o f which had accom m odations for a small n u m b er o f students. D uring the 1962-63 school year, Mr. Burbank m ade repeated requests to hire a business manager. T he trustees did not concur and repeatedly tu rned down his request. This and o th er points o f disagreem ent fi­ nally led to his resignation in O ctober 1963. N orm an Wakely,


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who had been assistant headm aster since 1956, im m ediately took over the total responsibility, and the trustees confirm ed his app o in tm en t as headm aster for one year. It is interesting to n o te th a t Mr. B urbank had been elected as an ex-officio m em ber of the board of trustees, b u t after his d e p artu re this particular policy was changed, and no subsequent headm aster has served as a trustee until Chip Dewar in 1994. E n ro llm e n t in S eptem ber 1963 was 129 boys, an d as the trustees looked at the physical plant they felt the rest of the facilities were adequate to accom m odate up to 140-150 boys if additional housing could be found. T he d ining room an d kitchen wing added to the original H affenreffer house was a one-story building, and they thought it m ight be possible to add a second story which would have dorm itory space for an additional ten to twenty boys. So the building com m ittee was p u t to work, and by the end of 1963 presented a plan which w ould add n o t only dorm room s, b u t additional classroom space as well. They then voted to go ahead. T he n eed to keep working toward a recreational building c o n tin u e d to be reco g n ized , an d J o h n K enerson p le d g e d $20,000 toward this project. This was to be the first o f his many gifts toward the recreational center which, when it was finally com pleted, bore the Kenerson family name. Some pre足 lim inary a rch itectu ral work had been d one, and th ere are sketches from this p e rio d showing athletic facilities w hich could be built in fo u r o r five phases. T he m ost im p o rta n t need was for a locker room building, followed closely in im足 p o rtance by a large covered area which would allow athletic activities to continue during m ud season and on rainy days. After that, the plans outlined a gymnasium, possibly handball courts, and a social center. Because there was no athletic building, all sports activities were outside. Athletic equipm ent was stored in a cage in the b asem en t o f Brewster Hall, w here the a rt studio is now lo足 cated. Fall sports were football and tennis; in the w inter there was hockey, skiing, and ski ju m p in g ; in the spring baseball, tennis, sailing and softball were offered. Boys who were n o t interested in competitive athletics could choose from a variety o f o th e r activities such as cam pus im p ro v em en t, forestry, cam pcraft, o r ski improvem ent.


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Skiing had always b een the m ost p o p u lar w inter sp o rt at C ardigan, b u t by 1963 hockey was gaining in popularity. A rink was set up every year on the lake. A lthough the school tractor did the basic snow plowing, there was still a lot o f hand shoveling to be done. Alum ni who played hockey in those days rep o rt they spent m ore time pushing shovels than mov­ ing the puck. Gradually, however, m ore sophisticated equip­ m ent was acquired. T he school was able to buy from Pease Air Force Base a governm ent surplus 5700-pound tractor, which students called “the plane puller” because it was used chiefly to pull an ice p lan er for sm oothing the surface o f naturally rough lake ice. T he next equipm ent addition was an ice sprin­ kler, d e scrib ed in th e school p a p e r as “a 55 gallon d ru m m ounted on wheels used on the ice after it has been planed to m ake a sm oother surface. T he sprinkling system is in the rear and is pulled by the tractor.” This apparatus was the fore­ ru n n e r o f today’s Zamboni. In the spring of 1964 construction equipm ent was again on campus. Adding a second story to the dining room turned out to be not as simple a project as it had at first appeared. T he building had not been designed for expansion, and engineers soon determ ined that major foundation work would be neces­ sary to support the additional weight o f a second floor. Add­ ing to the foundation of the existing building was not easy to d o w ith o u t d istu rb in g th e stability o f the d in in g hall an d kitchen, b u t construction w ent forw ard until the new dorm was ready for occupancy at the opening of school in the fall. T he fall o f 1963 m arked the beginning o f an o th er phase of C ardigan’s growth and developm ent. T he new chapel was to becom e, as Hoppy and H ap had envisioned, a focal p o in t on the campus. For the first Christmas season celebrated in the new chapel, the school chaplain, A rth u r B roadhurst, com ­ posed a candlelight service to be held the n ight before stu­ dents left for their Christmas vacation. Local residents were invited. As the service concluded, the only illum ination was from lighted candles held by each m em ber of the congrega­ tion. It was so beautiful and inspiring that this service has continued every year thereafter. Many families in C anaan in­ clude attending this service at Cardigan as a regular p art of their Christmas tradition.


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T h e re were also som e significant p ersonnel changes that fall. David and Carol Shelton joined the faculty for what would be one o f the longest careers in the school’s history, extend­ ing 29 years; M ary Howe was th e new school n u rse; Karl Nyhus was teaching full-time in the w oodw orking shop and coaching ski jum ping. The most im portant one, however, was N orm an Wakely beginning his career as headmaster. His ten­ u re was to ex te n d for 26 years, d u rin g w hich tim e h e and Beverly w ould set their m ark on the m oral and educational character o f the school and see its reputation and stature be­ com e solidly established. W hat Cardigan is today is due prim a­ rily to their unselfish com m itm ent to this school to which they d ed icated a m ajor p o rtion o f their lives. W hatever it may becom e in the future will rest on the firm foundation they established.


Chapter Two T h e E a r l y W a k e ly Y e a rs — 1963-1970

T h e p erio d betw een 1954, w hen the new cam pus a t T h e Point was first occupied, and the end o f 1963, had been filled w ith grow th an d expansion. G ratifying progress h a d b e e n made; the school had grown and prospered m ore rapidly than any o f the trustees could have dream ed in 1954. Several build­ ings h ad b e e n b u ilt an d paid fo r— H inm an, Brew ster an d French dorm itories, H opkins Hall (the classroom building), houses for the h ead m aster and assistant h ead m aster a n d a chapel. T he need for a recreational building had been clearly recognized, and it would be built. It surely would n o t be the last building, since a school is a living entity, so there never really comes a time when it can be said to be finished. Never­ theless the era of most rapid expansion was drawing to a close. T he personnel structure o f the school—its adm inistration, faculty an d staff—had also b een growing and m aturing. T he tenure o f headm asters was lengthening. Bill Brewster, for ex­ ample, served in that capacity for one year, Robert Kimball for three years, Wilfred Clark for five, and Roland Burbank for eight. A lthough num erous annual changes in faculty had oc­ curred in this period, by 1963 several m em bers o f the faculty and staff would rem ain to becom e “o ld-tim ers” in length of service. Little did anyone realize that N orm an Wakely, newly appointed headmaster, would not only set a record for longev­ ity in service, b u t would also stamp an indelible m ark on the school’s character and future u n d e r his leadership from 1963 until Ju n e of 1989. N orm an Wakely h ad com e to C ardigan as a new faculty m em ber in the fall o f 1951 after his graduation from the Uni­ versity of Maine. H e lived in a dorm itory on Canaan Street the first year, then b ro u g h t his new bride, Beverly, to cam pus at the beginning of the 1952 school year. Both were quickly im­ m ersed in the life o f the school—N orm an taught, coached, advised a variety o f school clubs: Beverly was an active house­ m other and also taught in the public schools in Hanover. In 1953 N orm an left Cardigan to teach 7th and 8th grades and high school classes in the West Lebanon public schools. Dur171


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The Wakely fa m ily - 1 9 6 1 Jonathan, N orm an, M ary, Beverly, Charles

ing the sum m er o f 1953 he w ent to C olum bia University to start work on a m aster’s degree in education. After the year o f teaching in the West Lebanon schools, he decided to en ter C olum bia as a full-tim e student. It was necessary for him to work part-tim e to pay the tuition as well as to support his wife an d th e ir first son, C harles, w ho was b o rn in New York in 1955. He taught at Valley Stream H igh School for one year; Beverly started a reading dep artm en t in the R utherford, New Jersey, public schools a n d co m m uted back a n d forth from C olum bia to R utherford by subway and bus. After receiving his m aster’s degree and starting work on his doctorate, he re­ tu rn ed to Cardigan in the fall of 1956 as assistant headmaster. T h e Wakelys lived in faculty ap artm en ts— first in Brewster, then H inm an, then in French Hall— continued to augm ent their family, and in May 1961 were delighted to move to Proc­ tor H ouse after it was com pleted as the assistant headm aster’s residence. Reading the school yearbook gives an interesting picture o f the variety of work both of them were doing for the


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school. In 1961, for instance, N orm an h eaded the Language T raining D epartm ent, coached recreational skiing as well as fall a n d sp rin g ten n is, d ire c te d th e w a te rfro n t activities, headed French dorm itory and served as C o-D irector o f the S um m er School— in a d d itio n to his d u ties as the assistant headm aster. U pon taking the reins as h eadm aster in the fall o f 1963, N orm an rep o rted to the trustees that a chaplain and a direc­ tor of music had been added to the faculty. These were po­ sitions he considered im portant to the curriculum , for he had an active interest in religion and music throughout his career. Soon he designated Ted Linn to be the num ber two person in charge when he was away, and appointed Brad Yaggy to direct scholastic m atters. Perhaps he had already realized the time was com ing when the trustees and incorporators, who from the start had assum ed the burden o f raising m oney for capi­ tal expansion, were becom ing less active in that area and that the headm aster would have to take a leading role in fund-rais­ ing in the years ahead. In a rec e n t interview, N orm an talked a b o u t the goals he h a d in m in d u p o n b eco m in g h eadm aster. “T h e first few m onths were rough, I can tell you. I d id n ’t know I was going to be h eadm aster until August, and I o p en ed the school in Septem ber. I d id n ’t have m any goals at th a t tim e—-just sur­ vival. But I did want to bring warmth into the school, and a better relationship between the faculty and the headm aster. I felt that my office door should be open, and it was open at all times, and I got out to see the students in their various activi­ ties. It was very im portant to me to see that the students re­ alized who I was, n o t from the stan d p o in t o f authority, but that the headm aster was there to help them . And eventually it worked; there was a closeness with the stu d en t body, and they realized that my concern was for their welfare. My phi­ losophy has always been that you d o n ’t have to like everybody, b u t you do have to love them . If you d o n ’t love them , you shouldn’t be in the business of children and education. I have said this many times, and people say ‘th ere ’s no difference’. But th e re ’s a trem endous difference. I would be dishonest if I said th a t I liked everybody. I d id n ’t like every stu d en t, I d id n ’t like every faculty m em ber; but I loved them , as hum an


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beings, and tried to see the goodness in all of them . T hat was very im p o rtan t to m e.” As the school grew, N orm an grew with it, learning to cope with years o f tight budgets, deficits instead o f surpluses, and o f faculty a n d stu d e n t u n re st as the disillusionm ent o f the V ietnam era as well as the stresses o f the cold war with the U.S.S.R. pervaded all of society. Beverly, too, was expanding h er role at the school. T heir family continued to increase steadily with the addition o f Mary in 1958, Jo n a th a n in 1960, and finally Melissa in 1966. At the same time Beverly was creating a specific role as the “Wife of the H eadm aster” by coordinadng social functions for students, as well as taking charge o f arrangem ents when trustees and incorporators were on campus, and planning activities for Par­ ents an d Alum ni W eekends. She established the tradition of p u n c h o r cocoa a n d cookies served to h o m e a n d visiting team s a fter all inter-sch o lastic events. F o rm er stu d en ts at schools all over New Ham pshire rem em ber with great pleasure h e r un iq u e hospitality. Early in h er Cardigan years, Beverly becam e active in the rem edial reading and language training program for which the school was to earn a wide reputation. S he h a d e s ta b lis h e d a re m e d ia l re a d in g d e p a r tm e n t in R utherford, N.J., while she and N orm an were studying at Co­ lum bia, and later did graduate work at Boston University to update her knowledge in this field. Over the years she helped h u n d red s o f boys who cam e to C ardigan unable to succeed academ ically because o f a variety o f reading difficulties. In addition to h e r teaching, she retained h er interest in culinary affairs, a n d is rem em bered by trustees, parents, and students for the m arvelous meals (especially desserts) which she cre­ ated for special occasions. Many details came u n d e r h er wing ju st because she wanted to be sure events were handled cor­ rectly a n d th a t the cam pus w ould always be well cared for. W ho planned, procured and supervised the hanging o f deco­ rations for dances and o th er special events on campus? W ho always m ade sure that the Christmas tree in the center of cam­ pus was p u t up and decorated prom ptly and properly? W ho c h e ck e d th e d o rm ito rie s a n d d e te rm in e d w hich com m on room s n eed ed to be spruced up with new curtains o r an ex­ tra table? W ho planted and tended gardens in fro n t o f the


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h eadm aster’s house? W ho saw that geranium s and tulips in their p ro p er seasons were growing at the entrance to cam pus and at the school sign on Canaan Street? T he list is endless, b u t the e n d result was a school that looked and felt a n d was cared for like hom e. Beverly was the one who had the love and interest to see th at the cam pus was always attractive and well groom ed. Every year there were some changes in athletic facilities and programs. In the fall o f 1963, for instance, touch football was added as an activity, and in an effort to provide better ice for hockey, a new rin k was c o n stru c te d on th e football field. T here it was easier to clear snow from the ice, and it was also m ore convenient to re-surface ice betw een games. T he boys thought the greatest advantage was being able to use the lower corridor in Hopkins Hall to change into their skates. This was m uch m ore com fortable than sitting on a cold bench on the lake. In addition, lights were installed during the w inter on the rope tow on Clancy M ountain to enable night skiing for the first time. Classes in the w oodw orking shop were held year-round, and Karl Nyhus was now able to offer an evening shop course one n ight a week for faculty wives. For several years, soccer had been played on a field adjacent to the N orth Church, but this field was still pretty m uch in its natural state with bum ps and hollows and stubby shrubs. In July 1964 the trustees recognized the need for better facilities and a u th o ­ rized construction of a real soccer field in the area south of the tennis courts. By the spring of 1965 soccer team s were practicing on their new field, and the lacrosse squad with new equipm ent had taken over what they called the “lower soccer field” by the N orth Church. T h e m ain ski slope at T h e P innacle ran across lan d o f Stacey Beebe, who had for several years generously allowed the school to use this area. T h e school w anted to enlarge the runs and possibly install a ski lift and in 1964 was able to pur­ chase the H utchinson property—a large, wooded tract on the other side o f the pinnacle—where construction o f a T -b a r lift was started in the fall. A rep o rt in the school newspaper, The Chronicle, read: ‘T h e day before Christmas recess, Mr. Wakely called for the student body to help clear the rock-strewn slope u n d e r the T -b a r so the tow w ould be ready to o p e n after


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Christmas vacation. So in freezing weather the students spent the afternoon clearing sticks and rocks and carrying up bales o f hay to be laid on the slope.” H ap H in m a n ’s vision of C ardigan had always in clu d ed a chapel as an essendal elem ent o f the school, an d it was m ost fo rtunate that he lived to see this building com pleted. T he first com m encem ent held in the chapel was in Ju n e 1964, and shortly thereafter the first wedding— Marylin O hta and David Jo h n so n , both o f whom were subsequently involved with the s c h o o l. T h e n e x t m o n th th e c h a p e l was u se d fo r H a p H in m an ’s own final service on July 20, 1964. How fitting to h o n o r his m em ory in the school that grew from his dreams. W ithout his dreless efforts in its behalf Cardigan would never have becom e a reality. Taking note of the significance o f the school to the town of Canaan, the Canaan Reporter published the following editorial tribute to him. “HAP” HINMAN H ap H inm an’s death brings hom e to the Canaan com­ m unity the p rofound tru th th at H a p ’s c o n trib u tio n to the town is matchless. In building Cardigan M ountain School on a beautiful site on Canaan Street Lake, H ap gave a fresh and appeal­ ing image to Canaan, and this was his intention. H ap H inm an was the reason for Cardigan. The dream was his. In his years o f re tire m e n t from the business world, he devoted most o f his time and m uch of his vast en erg ies to brin g to life a dream o f long standing— a school for boys below preparatory school age that would p rep are them to accept responsibilities and leadership. For 17 years boys have been com ing to Cardigan from every p art of the country, and from foreign countries as well, to receive this type o f education. Tw enty-four en­ rolled w hen the school o p ened on Septem ber 19, 1946. Last year’s enrollm ent exceeded 135. T he c u rre n t sum­ m er school lists nearly 100. In the fall, with an addition n earin g com pletion, e n ro llm en t is likely to reach 160. Cardigan is Hap H inm an’s legacy to Canaan and to New H am pshire. It is a rich legacy.


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Jerald Newton was elected president o f the trustees to suc­ ceed H ap Hinm an, and his brother, Jo h n H inm an, was elected chairm an o f the corporation. T he club program had long been im portant at the school, and this year a new academ ic schedule was p u t in place with a seven-period school day so that Saturdays could be devoted to clubs and extra curricular activities. To accom plish this, there were double periods o f English twice a week and a spe­ cial supervised study hall for boys who n e e d ed extra study time. T he roster o f clubs had been augm ented to fill this new schedule and now included model, scrabble, chess, shop, pho­ tography, art, debate, polidcal theory, natural science, litera­ ture, gun, travel, and educational challenge. In January 1965 the Russian Studies club was started to help students g et a greater knowledge of the world situation by taking a close look at the language and culture o f the Russian people. T he new academ ic schedule evidently worked well, and having Satur­ days free for clubs resulted in fu rth e r expansion of the pro­ gram in April 1965, when seven new clubs were added: bridge, biology, radio, tennis, m usic ap p reciatio n , auto, an d rock hounds—for a total o f 16 clubs. T he Chronicle recorded a variety o f events and notes during the year that were of interest to students. T he February 1964 issue ran a photo o f New York’s Governor Rockefeller visiting cam pus while cam paigning in New H am pshire for his presi­ d e n tia l candidacy. L ater th e re was a p h o to o f boys skate­ boarding in the Brewster parking lot—a new activity on cam­ pus. In addition to academics, athletics, activities, and clubs, o th e r m atters were o f c o n c ern to stu d en ts as in d icated by these notes in the Novem ber 1964 Chronicle. “As soon as the store sells all of the Ivory soap in stock, Dial soap will be sold.” A follow -up rep o rt on January 29th read: “T he school store has ju st a few m ore bars o f Ivory soap left. If every student buys five bars of Ivory, Mrs.Yaggy can order Dial.” Presumably this challenge was met, for there were no furth er com m ents about soap. At about the same time there was a photo o f boys playing on a pool table in 1954 w hen th e school was on C anaan Street with a note that: “parts o f this table are in use on the present cam pus—slate steps on the patio behind the H eadm aster’s House, which were salvaged from the pool table to p .” Cardigan came into recycling early.


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Clancy andF . Lee Bailey '4 7

T he Com m encem ent speaker in Ju n e 1965 was F. Lee Bailey ’47, the first boy to receive a Cardigan diplom a (because his nam e was alphabetically first in the list o f graduates that first y ear). W hen the trustees m et in July 1965, they were looking to the future and drew up some specific plans for fund raising and adm inistrative policies and procedures. They recognized that fund raising was an im portant and perm anent part of the school, and that the adm inistration would in the future have to take a leading role in this activity, which from the begin­ ning had been carried on alm ost exclusively by trustees and incorporators. They were also delighted to learn that the sum­ m er school that year had an enrollm ent o f 108, the largest in the school’s history. C ardigan o p e n e d its 20th year in the fall o f 1965 with an e nrollm ent o f 160 boys. T here had been 110 boys in the sum­ m er session, many o f whom wanted to return for winter school b u t were u n ab le to because o f full enrollm ent. W hat a de­ lightful change from the many years when budgets had to be re-w orked in the fall as enrollm ent failed to com e up to ex­ pectations. O n O ctober 20th the new soccer field was chris­ tened by the first interscholastic soccer game to be played on


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cam pus, in which CMS defeated New H am pton by a score of 2—1. In o th er athletic news, lacrosse was added to the list of interscholastic sports that year, and cricket was m entioned for the first time; evidently this was ju st an “activity” and n o t an official part o f the athletic program . A report in the yearbook noted that boys in spring tennis spent their first week shovel­ ing snow off the courts, and in the second week braved several small blizzards. At T he Pinnacle, a building had been erected to house the m otor and lower bull wheel of the T-bar, and at the top of the m ountain, a safety control shed had been built which com m anded a view of the entire length o f the cable. At every school tradidons are an im portant p art of school life. These are customs, cerem onies, or events repeated from year to year, eagerly anticipated, and rem em bered by alum ni long after their graduadon. New ideas are tried from time to time; some of these are discarded, but others take root and after some dm e becom e traditions. A new custom was added this year which did becom e traditional—Dress Up Day. It’s n ot always clear ju st how traditions start, b u t N orm an Wakely re­ m em bers th at this was the idea o f a Cardigan stu d en t, An­ thony G erard, who went on to Exeter. R eturning for a visit, h e told N orm an that one day a week C ardigan boys should wear a dress shirt, coat and tie to classes because this would be e x p e c te d o f th em in th e ir n e x t school. Today m ost p re p schools d o n ’t require it, but at that ume it was quite com m on. So Dress U p Day was started; first it was on a Monday, and th en ch an g ed to W ednesday because m any interscholastic games were scheduled that day, and Cardigan teams planned to arrive for games dressed in school blazers and school ties. A nother tradition that year was a “slave day”, during which stu­ d e n t council m em bers sold their services for a day at auction to raise money. T he council also sponsored a fair on G reen & White Day with the proceeds to go to charity. Both of these activides have continued. O th er traditions failed, for in 1965 th ere was no m ore rail service from the station in C anaan; automobiles and airplanes had finally brought the great era of the railroads to an end. In term s o f academ ics, all d epartm ents were involved in presenting a how -to-study program featuring effective m eth­ ods of lesson preparation such as underlining, outlining, note­


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book use and report writing, and also hints on how to prepare for tests. In O ctober 1965 the trustees noted that surpluses from op­ erations continued to be applied to reduce m ortgages ahead o f schedule. W ith in d eb ted n ess b ein g re d u c e d , it now ap­ p e a re d th a t fu n d raising for an ath letic b u ild in g h a d p ro ­ gressed to the point where this m uch needed project could be started, so an architect was selected to develop specific plans. T he first priority was a locker building where boys could keep th e ir ath letic clothes and e q u ip m e n t instead o f having to crowd them into their dorm itory rooms. It would also provide a place for both Cardigan boys and visiting teams to shower a n d change after games. A nother pressing n eed was a cov­ ered sports area—a m ulti-purpose building which would have space for athletics d u rin g “m ud season” (th at tim e in the spring after the snow and ice have m elted but when the fields are still too m uddy for athletic practice) as well as during rainy days in th e later spring a n d fall w hen o u td o o r sports were im practical. T he building could also be used for an indoor hockey rink, a n d how w elcom e it w ould be n o t to have to shovel snow off the ice! However m uch this was needed, it would have to take second priority to the locker facility. By the end of November the first m eeting with an architect had been held, and by the next fall enough additional contri­ butio n s h a d b een received so the trustees felt c o n fid e n t in awarding the contract for construction. Work started imm e­ diately, and the locker building was ready for the opening o f school in 1967. T here were, o f course, m atters other than new construction requiring the attention o f the trustees in 1965. Boilers in the new dorm itory, Hayward Hall, continued to be troublesom e, and this pointed to the need to have a m ore skilled employee on the m aintenance staff who could m anage this equipm ent. A different kind of problem came from the town o f Canaan, which was pressing for a substantial tax increase on the school property, m uch o f which was tax exem pt u n d e r New H am p­ shire statutes. It was also suggested th a t th ere should be a thorough, professional review o f all aspects o f the school’s in­ surance coverage. T he school was n o t u n to u ch ed by problem s in o th er parts


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o f the world. Sixteen Cardigan alum ni were known to be in military service, and the May 1966 Chronicle ran a cover photo of alum nus USMC PFC Garfield Miller ’61 being awarded a Purple H eart for w ounds received in V ietnam . How his life had changed in the years since he left Cardigan! At the opening of the school year 1966-67, N orm an’s old­ est son, C harles, e n te red C ardigan’s sixth grade. It hardly seem ed possible that N orm an had been there that long, but ten years had passed since he returned from Columbia Univer­ sity to becom e the assistant headm aster in 1956. T here were some new faculty m em bers every fall, and two this year were to have longer than usual careers at the school— Don Blunt a n d Bob F a h rn er. E arlier in th e year Mrs. Edw ard L ary (Jackie) joined the staff in the business office, and at the time o f this writing she is still working there part-tim e after long service as the Assistant Treasurer. New faces com e a n d old ones go; the trustees noted with sadness the death o f Frank M. M organ, form er H eadm aster o f the Clark School in H anover and a Cardigan trustee since 1952. T he D ram a Club came to life that fall u n d e r the direction of new faculty m em ber Bob F ahrner and presented a total of four o n e -a c t plays during the year. In March 1967 they com ­ peted at the Small Schools Drama Festival at the University of New Ham pshire, and in April traveled to Stanstead College in Q uebec to com pete in a secondary schools d ram a festival. A nother new faculty m em ber m ade an interesting contribu­ tion to the school—Don Blunt built a sauna h u t in the woods behind the headm aster’s house. A lthough it was n o t a grand structure in term s o f construction, it was functional and has been enjoyed by countless faculty m em bers and students over the years. Students were also busy. In addition to varsity teams, there were reserve team s in several sports; h e re boys w ere in tro ­ duced to a sport, learned the basic rules and were prepared to move up to varsity teams if they showed sufficient interest a n d ability. This year the reserve football team was strong enough so that they started playing o th er schools— in effect becom ing a ju n io r varsity team. Enough boys were interested in soccer to start a reserve team in that sport. W oodworking u n d e r the direction o f Karl Nyhus was also


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K arl N yhus in the woodworking shop

going well. Ten boys entered projects in the New H am pshire industrial education crafts show, and all ten won blue ribbons. T h ere co n tin u ed to be construction on cam pus; it seems there was hardly a time since the school moved to this loca­ tion that som ething was n o t being built. As the locker build­ ing neared com pletion during the sum m er o f 1967, footings were being poured for the covered sports area. Work on this building proceeded quickly because it was ju st a shell with no interior partitions, and by January 1968 it was already being used for hockey games. Faculty and stu d en t housing shifted from year to year de­ pending on the num ber of faculty with families, and the num ­ b e r o f s tu d e n ts a t th e school. T h e new est faculty h o u se , nam ed New ton H ouse to h o n o r the long service o f trustee Je ra ld Newton, was finished in D ecem ber 1966 and occupied by the Yaggy family. H ap H inm an’s form er house on Canaan Street had been purchased and in 1966 was being used for stu­ d e n t housing. E nrollm ent in the fall of 1967 totaled 169 boys, a n d applications substantially exceeded available openings. T he new assistant treasurer, Nick Bakker, and his family had been settled in the H inm an House on Canaan Street, and an-


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Covered sports area

o th er faculty m em ber had been moved to the south wing o f that house. This shift had released enough space in the dor­ mitories to accom modate four additional boys. Faculty housing was a continuing need, however, and the trustees decided to go ahead with building another house for a faculty family and students. They w anted to sell H inm an House because o f its separation from the m ain campus, b u t the headm aster em ­ phasized that it was still needed as faculty housing. Rev. H arry M ahoney jo in ed the faculty as the new chaplain and in D ecem ber 1967 augm ented the annual candlelight ser­ vice with a Christmas pageant, which has been an im portant p a rt o f the tradition ever since. Jam es M arrion jo in e d the m ath dep artm en t that fall to begin a career which would ex­ tend past 25 years. T he trustees, looking at the extent of the campus, saw prop­ erty extending from the H inm an House on Canaan Street, to athletic fields along Prospect Hill Road with the shop and in­ firm ary at the foot o f the hill, to faculty houses along Back Bay Road, and the main campus with expanded athletic facili­ ties near the w aterfront and soccer fields extending down the peninsula, alm ost to its point. Cardigan was getting to be a big place. Considering the extent o f the present campus, the trustees felt the need to develop a master plan for the school’s future expansion. In the m inutes of the May 1968 m eeting is the first m ention o f a Long Range P lanning C om m ittee. In


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J u ly th e c o m m itte e p r e ­ se n te d a 10-y e a r financial projection. Based on annual tuition increases o f 5% and annual increases o f expenses at the rate o f 10%, the re­ p o r t show ed th a t 1970-71 w o u ld be th e last y e a r o f b reak -ev en o p e r a tio n . T hereafter the school would be entering a period of pro­ jected deficits. T heir report su g g e ste d several ways to m e e t this situ atio n : la rg e r increases in tuition, greater u tiliz a tio n o f th e physical Rev. H a rry M ahoney plant, strict attention to exC haplain 1 9 6 7 -1 9 9 4 penses, especially the cost of d e b t service. T hey n o te d that costs to finish and equip Stowell House (the newest fac­ u lty /s tu d e n t residence) were still ahead o f them . They also foresaw fu tu re projects req u irin g substantial capital invest­ m ent: a gym, an e n la rg ed infirm ary, an e x p a n d e d d in in g room and kitchen, and a learning center. It was a sobering report; and at its conclusion, the trustees voted to engage an outside firm to make a long-range planning study. So it was that the years o f operating surpluses and good dm es in which m oney could easily be raised for capital projects were indeed com ing to an end. They noted with sorrow the death of Rand Stowell and voted to nam e the next faculty/ student residence Stowell House in his memory. July 1968 also saw the passing o f Edward S. French, who had been a m em ber o f the C orpo­ ration since 1946, and in his m em ory the Edward S. French m em orial fund was created. T he D ecem ber 1967 issue of the Chronicle was dedicated to form er headm aster William R. Brew­ ster on the occasion o f a banquet held in Wakefield, Mass., to celebrate his 17 years o f service at Kimball U nion Academy and 22 years at Cardigan M ountain School as its first headmas­ ter and also as a trustee.


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Along with the m aturing o f the school cam e increased at­ tention to alum ni activities. T he first off-cam pus alum ni m eetings were held in 1968 in Boston and Connecticut. Designed to keep alum ni inform ed ab o u t the progress o f their school, to help with stu d en t re­ cruiting and to prom ote the annual fund, alum ni m eetings w ere p la n n e d fo r th e co m in g year in New York, B oston, M aine, a n d San Francisco. Dr. R ichard M orrison, ’50 was elected p re sid e n t o f the newly fo rm e d alum ni association. A rea dinners to which alum ni, c u rre n t and past parents, and friends were invited were inaugurated. Alum ni news was re­ p o rted in each issue o f the newsletter and carried such infor­ m ation as: “Lowell Price, ’47, the first boy to be enrolled at C ardigan, is now w orking as a reviewing a p p raiser for the Maine State Highway Com m ission.”

First computer link with D artm outh College

T he opening o f school in Septem ber 1968 b rought several changes: (1) A typing course was offered for the first tim e— for an extra fee and restricted to seniors. Ten new Royal type­ writers were ren ted for the course. (2) A new developm ental reading lab was started, using Shadowscope Reading Pacers to


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increase reading speed and com prehension. (3) T he Computer Age at Cardigan began when New England Telephone installed a teletype to link Cardigan to the D artm outh com puter on a tim e-share basis with an o th e r school, each having access to the D artm outh system for four hours daily. (4) T he Chronicle was no longer designed and written by students, staff having taken over to m ake it m ore professional, in line, no doubt, with c u rre n t efforts to aid recru itm en t and fund raising. Al­ though some articles were written by students, the flavor defi­ nitely had changed. (5) Sunday Chapel was moved to 11:15 am except during the w inter term when it was at 5:15 pm. (6) T he west d o o r o f H opkins Hall was now d eclared to be re­ served for seniors only. (7) A tem porary facility for helicopter landings cam e into use w hen Mr. and Mrs. E rnest W ard ar­ rived for the fall corporation m eedng in the Sprague Electric Com pany helicopter, which landed beside C otting Rock. At their January 1969 m eedng, the trustees received the first draft o f a m aster plan drawn up by Rich, Phinney, Lang, and Cote. T he headm aster reported that Stowell House was almost com pleted and was fully occupied by a faculty family and eight students. H e re p o rte d also an o p en in g e n ro llm e n t o f 169 b oard in g students and th at carpets had been laid in C larkM organ Hall. In April 1969, m eeting in Boston, the trustees reviewed the m aster plan with the consultants. Cost estimates for a learn­ ing cen ter and library, a fine arts center, a science building, ex p an d ed dining facilities and a central boiler p lan t totaled $2,893,000. T h e size o f this figure shocked them in to re­ thinking the whole project. At the same dm e they heard a pro­ posal to u p d ate the water supply and fire protection systems and learn ed that large capital expenditures would be n eeded to construct a new sewer system. Little did the trustees realize at th at tim e ju st how m uch time, m oney and effort would be required to com plete these projects and that they would n o t go forw ard with the same alacrity that had characterized the school’s expansion during the previous ten years. N eeding im m ediate atten tio n was the new covered sports area, w hich h ad been in use since Jan u ary 1968, an d was a great asset to the athletic program by providing indoor space for a variety o f activities during all sorts of inclem ent weather.


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T he d irt floor was all right for baseball practice and tennis, b u t d id n ’t work out so well as a base for ice hockey. D uring a warm spell, the ice would m elt and the water sank into the dirt, leaving a less than ideal surface for skating. And in the spring it took a long tim e to dry out. Jim M arrion rem em ­ bered the first day he w ent into the hockey rink. “It was in J u n e ,” he said, “and I ju m p e d over the hockey boards and sank right up to my knees in m ud. It looked perfectly dry.” So the trustees voted a sum m er project to pave the floor in this building. In other business they were pleased to hear that endow m ent funds now totaled $85,650 and that Browning Associates had b een hired as consultants on fund raising. Russ Browning re­ p o rte d on his efforts to organize and direct a capital fund drive. He said the school lacked a statem ent o f needs that would be a m eaningful target for a capital campaign, and that organization and leadership to ru n a cam paign had yet to be found. At this m eeting, Walker Wiggin was elected President and Bob Gillette V ice-President of the trustees. David Keith Hardy, the fath er o f a C ardigan student, was head of the film production dep artm en t at Brandeis Univer­ sity and offered to have his students make a film on CMS as their m ajor project for the course. Since the only cost to the school was for materials, it was possible to have a prom otional film for far less than it would have cost from a com m ercial film maker. In July 1969 the trustees saw a preview of this film which was set to be com pleted by fall. A fine piece o f work, it was shown to new students and their parents as well as to pro­ spective applicants for many years. Tom Rouillard, director of the sum m er session, re p o rte d having difficulty re c ru itin g enough students and that a last m inute decision was m ade to adm it girls for the sum m er program . This b rought in seven girls for a total enrollm ent o f 93. It was a notew orthy deci­ sion, for these were the first girls ever admitted as boarding students to Cardigan! Recognizing the im portance o f the sum m er ses­ sion to the overall operation o f the school, the trustees agreed th at a directo r should be h ired on a full-tim e basis so that sufficient attention could be given to prom oting and recruit­ ing. At the same time they also m ade an o th er im portant de­ cision: To allow, on an experim ental basis, faculty daughters


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and o th er girls from families having a direct relationship with the school to be enrolled as day students in grades 6, 7, and 8, the n u m b er n o t to exceed a total o f twelve for the school year 1969-70. O ne m ight guess this decision was pro m p ted solely by the need to increase en ro llm en t and augm ent in­ come, b ut other factors entered in. Mary Wakely was now old e n o u g h fo r sixth grade, as were Sally G oodspeed (a faculty daughter) and Tayo Sands (daughter of a trustee). So the bar­ rier to discrim ination on the basis o f sex was o p ened a crack. It was soon ap p a re n t that girls could n o t be integrated into the reg u lar athletic program , a n d th a t a separate program could n o t be developed for only three girls. Some alternatives were worked out, b ut they were far from satisfactory. Two of the girls d ro p p ed o u t after a year o r two, and the last girl to a tte n d C ardigan’s w inter session was Mary Wakely, who fin­ ished eighth grade in 1973. In line with their policy o f looking to buy properties con­ tiguous to the school, the trustees were at this time negotiat­ ing to buy the Howe house and the Ovilla (both adjacent to the school woodworking shop) and also property next to the N orth C hurch which could be used as an athletic field. T hat use of the campus during the sum m er was increasing is exem ­ plified by the fact that in 1969 a group of public secondary schools from Maine, New H am pshire, and Rhode Island held a 5-day student workshop on campus. T here was also an art exhibit in the covered sports area to benefit the C anaan His­ torical Society. It produced no revenue, but was a good com ­ m unity relations project and b ro u g h t a lot o f new visitors to the campus. Considering other possibilides for use of the cam­ pus, th e tru ste e s approved a p ro p o sal to ru n a c o -e d ski school, n o t to exceed 50 students, during the Christmas vaca­ tion. It seem ed like a good idea to use the cam pus when the boys w ere away for C hristm as, b u t because m any stu d en ts w ould have h ad to vacate their room s to accom m odate the skiers, the idea proved to be impractical. In July th e b oard h ad voted to go a h ead with building a learning center a t a cost n o t to exceed $500,000, b u t by Au­ gust the executive com m ittee decided to delay the start of this project u n d l the spring o f 1970 in view of c u rre n t econom ic conditions. By the fall o f 1969 the trustees were pleased to learn that


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the Ovilla property had finally been purchased, negotiations having been in the works for a long time. T here was still u n ­ c e rta in ty a b o u t th e p ro p e r tim ing to s ta rt a cap ital cam ­ paign for the learning center. Russ Browning, consultant for fund raising, rep o rted that printed m aterials were ready, and that the goal had been established as $2.1 million for a learn­ ing center and increased endowm ent. They were still hesitant ab o u t starting a cam paign and voted to table any action at least until the next m eeting. T he recent decision to adm it day girls concerned m any of the trustees, and they now voted to form a com m ittee to study the whole question o f co-education at Cardigan. With an eye toward econom ics, however, they agreed to enroll girls again for the sum m er session in 1970. T he headm aster rep o rted to them that he was planning a fall Parents’ W eekend this year in addition to the usual one in the winter. H e also told them about changes in faculty and staff: H arold Finkbeiner becam e the school’s first full-tim e music teacher, and additional lan­ guage train in g staff a n d a fu ll-tim e a rt tea c h e r h a d b een hired. Brad Yaggy had been nam ed dean o f students and di­ rector o f studies, Tom Rouillard had been appointed director o f the sum m er session on a full-tim e basis, and Jam es M arrion director o f athletics. Jo h n Oliver Rich jo in e d the staff as di­ rector o f admissions and special assistant to the headm aster, and Nick Bakker (assistant treasurer) had taken on the addi­ tional responsibility of director of developm ent. E nrollm ent at 159 boarding and five day students, the headm aster reported, was slighdy less than the previous year. O th e r changes at the school involved schedules: a special p erio d was established on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 4:50 to 5:35 pm (just after athletics) and on Sat­ urday m orning from 10 to 11:15 am. This time was for extra academ ic help, clubs, special meetings, music practice, library research, or room study. This plan would be helpful to a boy who was a little behind in his m ath work, b u t who was taking piano lessons, had jo in e d the magic club, n eeded to attend a special d o rm m eeting an d w anted ex tra tim e for som e re ­ search in the library. He could now do all of this— if he could crowd these activities into 45 m inutes per day! Inflation was affecting students at this time as it was the rest of the country, and in recognition of the economic situation the boys’ weekly


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allowance was increased this year from $1.25 to $1.50 (It had been $1.00 in 1960). J u st as c o -e d u c a tio n was on the m inds o f the trustees, it certainly was on the m inds o f the students. T he Septem ber 1969 Chronicle h ad a cover p hoto and headline: S um m er S c h o o l g o e s

COED! CMS

F i r s t fe m a le b o a r d in g s t u d e n t s in

h is to ry

a t S um m er S c h o o l

Less exciting was th e news that five-day h ik in g /c a m p in g trips were also to be a first-tim e occurrence at the sum m er session. T he decade o f the 1960’s at Cardigan had been character­ ized by c o n tin u in g growth a n d expansion. E n ro llm e n t had grown from 129 to a high o f 175 in 1968; and the sum m er session also had increased from 90 in 1960 to a high of 108 in 1965. A fine new chapel had been built, and dorm itory and classroom space were added to the dining room wing. T hree new houses were in use by faculty families and students, and athletic facilities h ad been augm ented by a locker building, the covered sports area, im proved athletic fields and a T -b a r ski lift on the Pinnacle. T he book value o f the physical plant had grown from $1,094,000 to $2,490,000, and tu ition had been increased from $1,850 to $3,500. Conservative financial m anagem ent had been the rule during this period o f growth, for total in d eb ted n ess had been red u c e d from $206,000 in 1960 to $126,000 by 1969. Construction had been financed by gifts and by the p ru d en t use o f operating surpluses. External events, however, were at work and would affect this little school in the hills o f rural New H am pshire. T he Viet­ nam war, the m ost u n p o p u lar one in Am erican history, had started an erosion of confidence in the federal governm ent. Inflation was ru n n in g at over 7% a year, pushing the prim e len d in g rate to a rec o rd high. T he e x citem en t o f the first m a n n e d -la n d in g on the m oon in July was u n d e rc u t by in­ c re a se d p ro b le m s o f im p lem e n tin g school d e seg re g a tio n . U n re st on college cam puses was grow ing as stu d e n ts co n ­ c e rn e d themselves about the Vietnam war and segregation is­ sues. All these would be felt on the Cardigan campus. T he 1970’s were n o t going to be easy.


Chapter Three T h e 1970's — T o u g h e r T im es

T he sum m er o f 1970 was a good one, and the school was looking forw ard to Septem ber— the start o f its 25th year. En­ rollm ent in the sum m er session was higher than the year be­ fore. T h e C anaan M ixed D oubles T o u rn a m e n t was h e ld at Cardigan again despite extremely rainy weather; for Cardigan’s indoor courts m ade this the only tennis to u rn am en t in New H am pshire with the ability to continue in weather fair o r foul. Shordy after sum m er school ended, three big busses rolled through the stone gates at the head of campus. O ne was filled to capacity with all kinds o f athletic equipm ent. T he next two were fdled with BIG BOYS; n o t only were they high school age, b u t they w ere really big. F o o tb a ll players all, from X averian B rothers H igh School in W estwood, Mass. They were there for nine days o f pre-season pracdce. Jim M arrion thought C ardigan’s athletic program was strenuous, but it was nothing like this one. These boys were up at first light and on the parking lot for half an h o u r o f strenuous calisthenics be­ cause the fields were still wet with dew. T hen they ran back to the dorm s to wash up for breakfast. And what a breakfast they had. Pitchers o f orange ju ic e , eggs, ham , m ou n d s of toast and jelly, and milk by the gallon. Training m enus had been sent in advance, b u t even Clancy could n o t believe the quantifies of food these boys could consum e. After breakfast, they were in the H inm an auditorium for movies or slides and in classrooms for chalk talk on football strategy. T hen they w ent to the gym to get suited up, and field practice began. Nine or ten coaches—and they were husky men also— directed these activities using the u p p e r an d lower fields. Tackling, blocking, passing, ru n n in g plays and finally scrimmaging. All d o n e with a great deal o f energy a n d speed. By lunchtim e they were ready for m ore food. Evenings were occupied with additional classroom sessions. So it continued w ithout inter­ ruption for nine days, and then parents and families were in­ vited to watch a game between Xaverian and a rival team from M assachusetts, w hich c o n c lu d e d th e session. T h e n they loaded up the busses and departed, leaving the few Cardigan 191


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p e o p le o n c a m p u s w eary a n d a b it o u t o f b re a th . T h e Xaverian football team has co n tin u ed to com e to C ardigan every year for pre-season practice. T he novelty has worn off, b u t it’s still an exciting time w hen they arrive. Significant personnel changes took place in the fall o f 1970. Brad Yaggy, dean of students and director of studies, left to becom e headm aster of Friends Academy in N orth D artm outh, Mass., and Joe Collins came from Friends Academy to fill the position Yaggy left. Joe, his wife Ginny, and their three chil­ d ren were soon settled into Stowell House. Little did anyone guess th at they w ould still be co n trib u tin g m em bers o f the Cardigan com m unity 25 years later. A nother change was the departure o f Nick Bakker, assistant treasurer, and the arrival of his replacem ent, Dick Rearick, who 25 years later was back at Cardigan researching records to com pile this history. L ooking forw ard to the o p e n in g o f the school year, the trustees were concerned about the short term financial situa­ tion. T he year before they had changed the fiscal year to start in July instead o f October, which m eant that for 1970-71 there w ould be n o sum m er school incom e in the budget. O ver $70,000 h a d b e e n paid from the o p e ra tin g fu n d to b u ild Stowell House, and there was m ore than $58,000 in overdue student accounts. Some o f these were being paid slowly, but th e r e w ere o th e r s th a t m ig h t have to be w ritte n o ff as uncollectible. And, as usual, there were many places on cam­ pus th a t n e e d e d m oney. T h e O villa, Howe h o u se , a n d H ollenbeck house all needed work in ord er to be serviceable. T he dam again had to be repaired, tennis courts needed re­ surfacing, and there was urgent need from an academic stand­ p o in t to increase space in the library. W hen the new assistant treasurer arrived on July 4th, there was no cash on hand, and $20,000 o f sum m er school tuition was still outstanding. Trea­ surer Jerry Newton emphasized the need for stricter control of expenditures. This was to be the watchword for several years to come; tough times were starting. T he com m ittee on co­ education had previously recom m ended against enrolling girls, and agreed that there should be no girls in the school after 8th grade. This recom m endation, however, did n o t apply to the sum m er session, so the trustees decided that girls would be adm itted again the following summer.


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T he executive com m ittee m et ju st before the start o f school in early Septem ber for an update on finances. T he treasurer and assistant treasurer had been working hard to collect over­ d u e bills, b u t s h o rt-te rm d e b t at th e D a rtm o u th N ational Bank h ad grown to $80,000 in o rd e r to provide necessary working capital. In addition the operating fund was still owed about the same am ount from capital funds. Since the need for m ore library space was pressing, they approved spending $6500 to enlarge the library area in Hopkins Hall and to pro­ vide m ore equipm ent, hoping that this work could be done before the opening o f school. By the time trustees and incorporators retu rn ed to cam pus for their annual m eeting in October, the library renovations h a d b e e n c o m p le te d , a id e d by a sp e c ia l g ift fro m th e Gottesman Foundation in h onor of Jo h n H inm an’s 85th birth­ day. Trustees com plained that too m uch m eeting time had to be devoted to discussion of finances because the annual fiscal re p o rt was n o t circulated p rio r to the m eeting. They were now looking at a revised budget, which showed a deficit be­ cause enrollm ent had fallen to 152 students— the lowest level in many years. It was reported that Cardigan this year had the highest tuition o f schools of its type, and that it cost a fam­ ily an average o f $4500 a year per student. In view of this and c u rre n t econom ic conditions, the trustees voted n o t to in­ crease tuition for 1971-72. W hen they m et again in December, the trustees were en ­ couraged to hear that five new boarders had arrived since Sep­ tem ber; b u t they still w anted to be k e p t closely in fo rm e d ab o u t finances and asked th at budget reports be m ailed to them every m onth. T he headm aster agreed to direct the sum­ m er school in 1971. In Ja n u ary 1971 m em bers o f the executive com m ittee ex­ pressed appreciation for the budget reports they had received, b u t they were still concerned about expenses.. T he auditors had billed $4300 for their work this year, and there was some discussion ab o u t looking for a n o th e r firm. Payroll checks were now being written by an outside payroll service, and the annual cost o f $750 for this service was m ore than offset by the saving o f a full day’s work in the business office every m onth. As they now looked at en ro llm e n t an d finances, it


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seem ed wise to reverse their earlier decision, and they voted to increase tuition for next year from $3500 to $3700. In or­ d e r to s tim u la te e n r o llm e n t, th ey also a p p ro v e d th e h eadm aster’s plans for a recruiting trip to Texas and Califor­ nia. Because o f the school’s rural location, C ardigan students did n o t have nearby access to cultural activities. Recognizing that education is n o t only arithm etic and gram m ar, the head­ m aster endeavored to bring a variety of cultural events to the school, an d also to arrange for boys to enjoy artistic perfor­ m ances in Boston. T hat fall Rosemary Murphy, who played the lead in the movie version o f To K ill a Mockingbird, cam e to cam pus. She talked with students about the movie before it was shown and answered questions afterward. Hal Finkbeiner gave two organ recitals for students, and these were open to the com m unity as well. Kuon C hung, Professor o f Political Science at Plym outh State College, gave a slide talk on the early history of the Vietnam war and told how the Viet people reacted to the attem pted Com m unist takeover and the subse­ quent Am erican intervention. In O ctober a group o f students and faculty travelled to Boston to see a perform ance o f The Tam ing o f the Shrew by the Stuttgart Ballet at the Music Hall. T he following m onth two busloads of boys went to the Boston G arden to enjoy a precision m otorcycle drill team , m ilitary gymnastics, and a highly trained canine corps as presented by the British T ournam ent and Tatto Regiment. Back at school, the H eilm an Trio perform ed a variety of music from classical jazz to popular rock on harp, guitar, and bass viol. Boys had an opportunity to talk with the musicians at a reception at the headm aster’s house after the perform ance. Later in the year U.S. Congressman Jam es Cleveland presented another opinion about the Vietnam war— that the U.S. should uphold its com ­ m itm ent by rem aining in Vietnam. T here was certainly plenty o f exposure to culture and entertainm ent outside the curricu­ lum. T h e headm aster rep o rted in February on his w estern trip, during which he represented New England schools at the Na­ tional A ssociation o f In d e p e n d e n t Schools’ m eetin g in St. Louis. “Many schools,” he told the trustees, “are troubled by decreasing enrollm ent, budgetary cuts and deficits, and drugs


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a p p e ar to be a problem everyw here.” R ecognizing th at he would have to spend m ore time away from school on recruit­ ing trips, he recom m ended the appointm ent of Jo e Collins as assistant headm aster to be in full charge during his absence. T he treasurer recom m ended the selection of Phil W heeler as the school’s auditor for next year. It was a good choice, and Phil continued in this capacity for over twenty years. T he executive com m ittee, m eeting in April 1971, learned that the Em erson School in Exeter would be closing and had offered to recom m end Cardigan to their students for a fee of 10% of tuition collected. This was an unusual proposal, b ut in view of declining enrollm ent, the comm ittee agreed to pay the fee if any students from Em erson chose Cardigan. T he head­ m aster re p o rte d th a t some o th e r schools in n o rth e rn New England were in such financial trouble that closing m ight be a possibility. . By the May m eeting there was good news to rep o rt to the trustees and incorporators: c u rre n t accounts receivable had b een reduced to $40,000, and old receivables were down to $15,000, although it was possible that $3000 o f this am ount m ight have to be written off as uncollectible. T he Executive Com m ittee called a special m eeting in Ju n e to consider adm itting female students in 1971-72, noting that the situation was econom ic, as there were n o t enough appli­ cations from boys to fill the school. In a landm ark decision, they voted to accept male and female day students in 1971-72. Early in the sum m er of 1971, a Canaan Street neighbor and good friend of Cardigan, Elsie Crocker, suggested to N orm an that it would be a wonderful idea to hold an art show on cam­ pus. She thought the publicity would be good for the school, the show w ould brin g m any new people to cam pus, a n d it could be a benefit to raise m oney for the C anaan Historical Society. Never one to pass up an opportunity to prom ote the school, N orm an called Nicholas Wyeth, class o f ’60, and ar­ ranged to borrow a num ber of Wyeth family paintings as the focal p o in t o f the show. N o rm an drove to New York and b ro u g h t them back in the school’s station wagon—a priceless cargo as he now rem em bers. Elsie Crocker and Beverly con­ tacted the art museum at D artm outh College, from whom they were also able to borrow a num ber o f paintings by noted art­


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ists. A nother local friend, Ju lie Fifield, was a landscape de­ signer, a n d she created fanciful gardens with flowing water fountains to transform the covered sports area into a spectacu­ lar garden and a rt exhibit. T he show did attract hundreds o f visitors and was repeated each sum m er for the next two years. W hen the trustees m et in Septem ber 1971 shortly after the opening of school, there were 134 students on campus. Since only one female day student had enrolled, both N orm an and Jack Rich planned to be on the road m ost o f O ctober doing recruiting work. T he sum m er session, happily, finished over budget. N orm an said this could be attributed to tight adm in­ istrative control, and agreed to ru n the sum m er session again in 1972. W hen Walker Wiggin finished his three-year term as president o f the trustees, he announced that he would be u n ­ able to serve an o th er term . T reasurer Je rry Newton, working on a revised budget to be presented in October, said th at he ho p ed to cut expenditures by $100,000. Toward that end, he rep o rted that three employees had b een dropped from office and m aintenance staffs, and that cuts in the kitchen crew were anticipated by using m ore stu d en t help. A nationally m an­ dated salary freeze was in effect. T he corporation at their annual m eeting in O ctober elected th e follow ing officers o f th e tru stees: P re sid e n t, R o b e rt Gillette; V ice-President, J o h n Tower; Treasurer, Je rry New­ ton; Secretary, Crawford H inm an. Savage Frieze and Michael M cGean were elected as new trustees. Both were to perform lo n g -term service and contribute significantly to Cardigan. D uring this tim e o f fiscal belt tightening, the headm aster shared his concerns with the whole school, and a variety o f student and faculty initiatives were started during the year to save money. Students willingly took on additional kitchen and housekeeping duties, cooperated in bringing dorm itory ru b ­ bish to a central collection point, m ade great efforts to keep lights in classroom s a n d d o rm ito rie s tu rn e d o ff w hen n o t n eed ed , and wore heavier sweaters to class because th erm o ­ stats were turned lower. Learning that the dam again needed repairs, faculty m em ber Sam Coes organized a crew o f stu­ d e n ts w ho w orked with him d u rin g the fall to reb u ild the dam , and they accom plished this for a cost o f only $200, as opposed to a bid of $6500 which had b een received from a contractor.


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By D ecem ber the headm aster reported that two new boys had been accepted since school opened, and that six m ore were due to arrive in January. T he trustees requested th a t a rep o rt on enrollm ent and recruitm ent should be the first item on the agenda at every m eeting now, and in F ebruary 1972 were pleased to hear that inquiries were up 50% from last year an d applications up 15%. T he reading departm ent at Cardigan was started by Dorothy Em erson ab o u t 1950. Beverly Wakely recalled that “Dorothy Em erson was a very good friend o f A nna Gillingham, and the O rton-G illingham Society is still today the stronghold o f the reading instruction field. Dorothy m et Anna Gillingham when she was teaching in New York, and the two of them becam e friends. Somehow she m anaged to find h er way to Cardigan before N orm an came there. She was a w onderful lady, who was ju st very warm and encom passing with kids, and believed in the O rton-G illingham m ethod. She wrote a book for lefth a n d e d writers, a little pam p h let really, and it is still being sold. By the tim e we cam e back from graduate school, she was n o t there any longer, and there was no longer a formally organized d ep artm en t.” N orm an h ead ed the reading d e p a rtm e n t in 1961 and re­ m em bered m achines called takistiscopes, which taught how to rea d num bers. “By tu rn in g th e slide,” he said, “n u m b ers w ould com e up on the screen like 4 5 6 7 1, an d you very quickly had to jo t them down. Today when I’m driving down the road, I see a car license num ber and can quickly read and rem em b er all the num bers because I did so m any o f those slides th a t I tra in ed m yself.” Beverly e x p la in ed th a t “the takistiscope was a w onderful instrum ent for eye training be­ cause it gave num bers in groups of 3, 4, 5 and 7 and so it was expanding what your eye took in at one fixation.” Beverly had taught rem edial reading in New Jersey while N orm an was at Columbia, and upon their return to Cardigan, she started tu to rin g boys who n e e d ed h elp , m eeting them around the kitchen table in their apartm ent. “After Missy was born (in 1966),” she said, “ there was a teacher by the nam e o f A bendroth who headed up the language training dep art­ m en t, a n d th en D ebbie M cNeish started a dev elo p m en tal reading program . In the early 1970’s I had been doing some graduate work at Boston University to find out w hat was h ap ­


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pening in the field since our Columbia days, and when Debbie McNeish left, N orm an said, ‘you can finish out the year to re­ place h er.’ T hen A bendroth left, and N orm an said, ‘w ouldn’t it be nice if you consolidated the two departm ents—rem edial reading an d language training—and I did, and we re-n am ed it R eading & Study Skills, because th a t was exactly w hat we tau g h t.” Sam Coes m ade a rep o rt to the trustees in February 1972 about the reading d ep artm en t and its three elem ents: 1. Language T raining— a program of rem edial instruction with a m axim um o f two students p er class; about 40% o f stu­ dents are in this program 2. Reading Lab—about 115 students in this program m eet two tim es each week for corrective reading drills at seven lab stations: rapid word and phrase recognition vocabulary building phrase reading com prehension efficiency study reading listening com prehension 3. Study Skills— each student has three o n e -h o u r sessions mainly in the use o f a plan book Both N orm an and Beverly felt that the developm ent of the reading program at Cardigan was a m ilestone in the school’s history. N orm an said, “It allowed us to attract m any boys be­ cause we were able to offer them som ething that other schools were n o t offering.” Beverly added th at “th ere were schools with special reading program s, b u t there was no school that p rovided a special read in g program in c o n ju n c tio n with a regular, straight curriculum , and that m ade Cardigan u n ique.” Students did n o t spend every m om ent on cam pus in study­ ing, however. T h e sen io r p ran k h ad b ecom e tra d itio n a l— so m e th in g u n u su a l a n d n o t h a rm fu l d o n e by th e sen io rs som etim e a fter C hristm as. This year th e school arrived at breakfast one w inter m orning to find all the tables in the din­ ing room rearranged. T he headm aster’s table, usually at the east e n d o f the dining room , had been moved right in front o f the doors to the kitchen, and in its place stood a big ju k e box which h ad been in the Hayward waiting area, and which


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was now p ro d u cin g lo u d an d lively music T h e rest o f the tables were arranged around the edges of the room , leaving a large open area in the center. Getting right into the spirit of things, Mr. Wakely took Miss Howe’s arm , and they did several quick dance turns in this cleared space. T he assistant headm aster also showed his talents during the week before parents’ week end, when there was a distressing lack o f snow, by p e rfo rm in g w hat h e called an old In d ia n snow dance from the balcony o f C lark-M organ Hall to the delight o f the entire student body. An h o u r later it began to rain. “Plans are m ade for o u r first annual G randparents Day in May 1972”, N orm an told the executive comm ittee in April. He and Beverly had only recently returned from a three-w eek trip to South Am erica. They w ent th ere to visit schools, to say hello to alum ni, visit with p rese n t parents, alum ni parents, prospective parents, an d friends a n d to carry the C ardigan m essage to as m any p e o p le as possible. T hey saw twelve a lu m n i o f su m m er a n d w in ter school, visited tw enty-five schools, stayed in twelve countries, dealt with eleven different c u rr e n c ie s a n d h e a rd th re e la n g u a g e s — all in 22 days. N orm an retu rn ed with an idea of running a “sum m er school in w inter” for boys from Central and South America, who are on their sum m er vacation from Novem ber to February. H e envisioned a program that would stress English language train­ ing since many of these boys planned to attend college in the U.S. While the Wakelys were in South America, ten students ac­ com panied by Mr. and Mrs. Jay Sadlon were on a school-spon­ sored tour o f Greece. Such tours were n o t unusual, and, in fact, were arranged about every o th er year. Were they really educational, or m erely an excuse for a sunny vacation? T he Sadlons wrote the following account for the newsletter upon their return. The myths o f the gods and the ruins o f ancient Greece came alive due to our guide, N ana, who taught us expertly and quizzed us unmercifully throughout our classical tour of Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nauplia, Olympia, Delphi and, of course, Athens. By the end o f this leg o f the trip, we were not only schooled in the ways o f the ancients, but skilled in the arts of


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bargain hunting, lizard catching (some o f us), olive eating, rubble climbing, note-takin g while perched on columns, and photographing from a moving bus. Our travel associate in Ath­ ens, Mr. Nicoloudis, entertained us in his apartm ent after a grueling exam on names, dates and places. After a second visit to the Acropolis and a tour o f the N ational Archeological M u­ seum, we flew to the island o f Crete. Here we enjoyed three days o f touring the ancient sites of the M inoan civilization and the newer civilization in the caves o f M atala. Our fin a l stop was the island o f Rhodes where we spent seven glorious, summer time days which included an excursion to the Acropolis o f Lindos, a tour o f medieval Rhodes and a d a y ’s trip to Turkey.

M eeting in May 1972, th e m em bers o f the c o rp o ra tio n h e a rd a re p o rt a b o u t the state o f the school. E n ro llm en t problem s had resulted in: a) decreasing operating incom e, b) m ore time spent in recruidng efforts by the headm aster and staff, c) staff reducdons, d) increased sh o rt-te rm borrow ing, and e) postponem ent o f expenditures for capital needs. T he trustees re p o rte d how they were grappling with these p ro b ­ lems. M ichael M cGean was organizing parents and alum ni in to a n a tio n a l e n ro llm e n t c o m m ittee, a n d Savage Frieze hosted a Cardigan reception at his hom e to spread the word ab o u t C ardigan in New Jersey. T here was good news in that enrollm ent for the fall was higher than in the previous year at the sam e tim e. T he tre a su re r’s re p o rt was also optim istic. J e rry New ton re m in d e d them th a t th e school started to in ­ c u r o p e ra tin g deficits in 1969-70, a n d th at a lth o u g h these h ad c o n tin u e d , lo n g -te rm m ortgages h a d b e e n red u c e d by a b o u t $9000 e a ch year. In a d d itio n th e sch o o l h a d ac­ q u ire d the Ovilla H ouse and property adjacent to the n o rth c h u rc h — a total o f $50,000 w orth in the past th re e years. A nnual giving had generally increased every year, a n d m ost im portantly, good m an ag em en t a t th e school h ad red u c e d w asteful spending. Browning Associates had been hired in 1969 on a m onthly retainer as developm ent consultants, b u t now the need for this on-going expenditure was questioned. T here was no d oubt in the trustees’ m inds that a fund-raising campaign to m eet capi­ tal needs was ahead, so they agreed to continue with Brown­


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ing, at least through the end o f 1972. They also agreed that com puter education was here to stay and voted to purchase a used Digital Edu 10 com puter for $4,100 and to discontinue the tim e-sharing agreem ent with D artm outh, which was cost­ ing $3,800 yearly. All the efforts that were being m ade to increase enrollm ent began to produce results, and by the m iddle o f July 1972, the trustees lea rn ed th at th ere were m ore stu d en ts in sum m er school than in the previous year and that prospects for winter school were brighter. Dick Rearick presented a revised bud­ get for 1972-73 which showed a surplus. Crawford H inm an reported that the building com m ittee was getting inform ation from the State about acceptable sewage treatm ent facilities. Up to this p o in t in the school’s history, skiing had always b een the p red o m in an t w inter activity. N on-skiers were p u t into rec skiing groups, learning the basic techniques on the gende slope in front o f Clark-M organ, then progressing to the rope tow on Clancy Mt., and graduating to the Pinnacle when their abilities w arranted. T here were interscholastic teams for Nordic, Alpine, and jum ping. And there was the tradition of an all-school ski holiday each year. T he facilities for hockey h ad b een m uch im proved with construction o f the covered sports area. This sport becam e as popular at Cardigan as else­ where across the country. Bruce M arshard, a Cardigan alum ­ nus who had b een h ired to d irect the shop program in the fall, was coaching hockey in the sum m er o f 1972 in Boston’s south end. Many boys were playing, and Bruce got to know many boys of Cardigan age who had a lot of hockey ability, a n d w ho, h e felt, could m ake a g rea t c o n trib u tio n to the school in o th e r ways. At his suggestion, the school bus was sent to Boston one M arch w eekend to bring a load o f boys and their parents to have a look at Cardigan and its educa­ tional an d hockey facilities. By the e n d o f the day, m ost o f their parents had filled o u t application forms, and the boys had fallen in love with the school. T here were many fine boys in that group. They were good athletes, they came from sup­ portive families with high m oral values, and they had the po­ ten tia l to b e n e fit greatly from a C ardigan e d u c a tio n . O f course, they w ould n e e d a lot o f financial aid. B ruce and N orm an believed that additional scholarship funds could be


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raised in the Boston area for this purpose, and the trustees gave th eir blessing to this initiative, provided th at scholarship funds were raised in advance and outside of the regular bud­ get. This was a tu rn in g p o in t for C ardigan. Hockey was to play an increasingly im portant role at the school and lead to lo n g -term international connections never dream ed o f at the tim e. A nother historic m om ent, less exciting and far m ore costly, cam e in S eptem ber 1972 after an inspector from the N.H. P ublic H e a lth D e p a rtm e n t a n n o u n c e d th a t surface w ater sources were no longer acceptable for d rinking water at in­ stitutions like C ardigan. This problem w ould defy satisfac­ tory solution for years to com e, and, coupled with the p rob­ lem s o f sewage disposal, which had b een eluding resolution fo r a long tim e, would result in the m ost costly and least vis­ ible capital project the school was ever to encounter. In this co n n ectio n , note should be m ade o f the increasing am o u n t o f e n c ro a c h m e n t by fed eral a n d state reg u la tio n s on this small school in the hills. Social change for p ro te c tio n and w elfare o f the public and em ployees was receiving great at­ te n tio n in W ashington, an d laws a n d p ro g ram s h a d b een passed req u irin g com pliance. OSAHA im posed regulations for p rotecting the safety and health o f employees. Directives were published, and these were hard to read and h a rd e r still to understand. C onsulting firms were established to explain these regulations to employers and to provide counsel about com pliance and p ro p er com pletion o f the req u ired reports. ERISA directed attention to retirem ent and benefit plans and led to C ard ig an ’s changing its retire m e n t plan to allow the participation o f all employees. T he long-range planning com m ittee had developed a ques­ tionnaire and circulated it to parents, faculty and students. In O ctober 1972 they rep o rted on the results of this survey. All gro u p s felt th e school should co n tinue to stress traditional academ ics, strengthen the faculty so as to attract m ore gifted students, an d co n tin u e rem edial work. Parents a n d faculty liked the highly structured program. Physical plant needs were seen as these: solving sewer and water system problem s, im­ proving faculty dorm itory apartm ents, and increasing facilities for athletics in the winter. Clearly a gym was called for. Par­


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ents divided about 50/50 on the subject of co-education; fac­ ulty favored it 3 to 1, and students were almost 100% in favor. T he building com m ittee reported th at repair and improve­ m ent needs during the past several years had had to be priori­ tized, and efforts had been m ade to defer as little as possible. Thanks to the generosity o f trustees, incorporators, and par­ ents, a num ber o f m atters h ad been settled since May: a new school bus h a d b e e n p u rchased, oil b u rn e rs h a d b e e n re­ placed in H inm an and Brewster, tennis courts had been re­ paired and sealed, a new Scout and plow for m aintenance had b e e n a c q u ire d , a n d new c o m m o n ro o m s h a d b e e n c o n ­ stru c te d in H inm an a n d Brewster halls. Still a n u m b e r o f needs rem ained on the list to be m et as soon as financially possible: carpeting in dorm hallways, carpeting an d a stage curtain in the auditorium , ro o f repair on H inm an and Brew­ ster, furniture for the typing room, and rem odelling o f the ski ju m p . It ju st seem ed impossible to get caught up. It had always been the custom to invite wives o f trustees to accom pany their husbands w hen they came to the school for meetings. Jo h n Coffin was a new trustee in 1971, and his wife, Cynthia, related h e r introduction to Cardigan: “I shall long rem em ber my first trustee m eeting. T he trustees and their wives were invited to jo in N orm and Bev for coffee along with some o f the teachers and their spouses prior to the m eeting. I was a bit nervous at m eeting so m any new and im p o rtan t people, and was trying very hard to stay composed and poised. F rom across th e ro o m , I s p o tte d a y o u n g a n d a ttrac tiv e w om an, a n d w ith o u t th in k in g exclaim ed, ‘My G od, th a t’s Debbie Mellor!’ All eyes turned as we greeted each other with h u g s. No o n e h a d to ld m e w ho (facu lty m e m b e r) Jim Crowell’s wife was; Debbie and I had grown up together three houses apart in Englewood, New Jersey. So m uch for com po­ sure and poise!!” Effective work was being done to raise additional scholar­ ship funds. In Decem ber 1972 Ned French’s daughters, Betty and H elen French, had becom e interested in the school and had pledged $3000 to supplem ent c u rre n t scholarship funds. This am ount was to be used for aiding c u rren t students and was n o t an addition to endow m ent. Jo h n Kenerson reported the help o f J o h n H inm an in securing an additional gift of


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$100,000 to add to the R e a d e r’s Digest S cholarship Fund. T h e b uilding com m ittee was thrilled by a pledge from Mr. C harles Banks (fa th e r-in -la w o f faculty m em b er Schuyler Peck) to give $60,000 over a five year period to build a new faculty/student house—with the provision that the Pecks were to live in it. An unusual provision, b u t one which the trustees accepted. It was at this time ( Decem ber 1972) that trustee Jo h n Cof­ fin decided to spend a full week on cam pus so that he could better evaluate future needs for the long range planning com ­ m itte e . H e sta y e d in C h a rle s W akely’s ro o m a t th e headm aster’s house and took all his meals in the dining room, sitting at a different table each meal so as to m eet m ore fac­ ulty and students. He visited classes, watched athletic practice and games, spent dm e touring the campus looking at student room s an d o th e r buildings, a n d generally taking in all the day-to-day activities. By Saturday he was so exhausted that he h a d to have an afternoon nap, and m arveled th at students, faculty and staff could m aintain this schedule w ithout d ro p ­ ping. Later, as chairm an o f the building com m ittee, an d dis­ covering several instances of d e fe rre d m aintenance an d re­ pairs, he m ade a list o f repairs n e e d ed in each building on cam pus. T he following episode was not included in his final rep o rt but was recounted recently to add flavor to this history. “O n a nice sunny day”, he said, “I decided to investigate a leak in the ceiling o f the chapel. After clim bing the metal ladder I fo u n d in the closet a n d o p e n in g the h a tc h cover in the lower floor area o f the steeple, I was am used to find two metal folding chairs and lots o f cigarette butts on the floor. I b et the boys involved are still smiling about that o ne.” His official re p o r t fo r th e b u ild in g co m m ittee listed th e m ost u rg e n t needs: a gym, a Zamboni for the hockey rink, a snow packing m achine for better groom ing o f the ski slopes, and carpeting in the dorm s. “Students p u t carpeting at the h e a d o f their list,” he concluded. In M arch 1973 the executive com m ittee h eard that A nnual Fund goals of 100% participation by trustees a n d incorpora­ tors as well as increased support from parents had been m et— p a re n ts ’ c o n trib u tio n s e x c ee d e d th e ir goal o f $30,000. A p h o n ath o n was to be conducted from campus later that week.


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Jack Rich was pleased to report that inquiries and applications for both w inter and sum m er session were up; he also stated his belief that an increase in tuition for next year would n o t adversely affect applications. T he bu ild in g co m m ittee h ad b een moving ahead with plans for the house donated by Mr. Banks, which was to be nam ed Greenwood House in h o n o r of Penny Peck’s grandfather. Because test borings on land be­ hind the p resent faculty/student houses on Back Bay Road ran into solid ledge, it was decided to locate the house on the lake shore on the west side o f campus. A n um ber o f receptions had been held around the country in 1973, sponsored by Cardigan parents and atten d ed by Jack Rich a n d N o rm an Wakely, to publicize th e school. T hese events were beginning to produce tangible results, Jack Rich told the trustees, and m ore than half the applications for that year’s sum m er school could be traced to these receptions. T he long-range planning com m ittee reported their conclusion not to recom m end co-education for the im m ediate future. T he com m ittee was n o t opposed to it, but felt strongly that co-education should n o t be introduced strictly for financial reasons nor on a token basis. In order to be considered, it m ust make sound sense educationally, and m ust be done with a separate cam pus for perhaps 30 to 50 girls in addition to the present cam pus for 150 boys. T h e su m m er o f 1973 was b u sier th an ever. G reenw ood H ouse was co m p leted an d occupied in the fall by Sky a n d Penny Peck and their new daughter, Nicole. The total cost ran to about $ 100,000, which included a new road beside the din­ ing room , and the charge for poles and lines to bring electric service to th at p art o f the campus. To help with these extra expenses, Mr. Banks increased his pledge to $80,000. T he Salem High School football team was on cam pus for a week, as were also Pinkerton Academy and Xaverian Brothers H igh School teams. T he auditorium in the basem ent o f H inm an h ad a lot o f attention during the summer: carpet was laid, the ceiling was low ered, a projection booth co n stru cted , an d a cu rta in a n d im proved lighting installed on the stage. T his space was in steady use during the year for study halls, m eet­ ings, presentation o f plays by the D ram a Club and, m ost importandy, for the Saturday night movies. T he im provem ents


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were m uch appreciated by everyone. This project was aided by funds donated by the School Council. Heavy flooding d u rin g the late spring had w eakened the dam , which again n eeded to be rebuilt, and an “infiltration well� was u n d e r consideration to satisfy the requirem ents of the N.H. W ater Pollution Board. Nationally the energy crisis continued, and when school opened in the fall o f 1973, dorm tem peratures were lowered, an d all active fireplaces were in use with wood provided by the student work detail. D uring the sum m er an unexpected gift from a grandparent had provided funds to renovate dorm room s in Clark-M organ, which desperately n eed ed this attention. New ceilings and lights were installed, room s were painted, and new beds and mattresses purchased. W hat a difference this m ade in the old building! Last year’s senior class gift was a greenhouse for the science d e p a rtm e n t to be installed at the south en d o f H opkins. It was delivered in pieces like an E rector set, and had to be assembled. So science teacher Don Blunt and Jeff

John Roberts, J e ff Hicks, "Randy " R a n d a ll fin ish in g the greenhouse


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Hicks, the class advisor and history teacher, worked with the m aintenance departm ent to break through the outside wall to connect it to a science classroom, to pour a concrete founda­ tion wall, and to put the pieces together to finish the green­ house. It would be delightful to see potted plants bloom ing inside during the winter. Rem em bering the top priority stu­ dents had p u t on carpeting for dorm itory halls and stairways, the trustees had authorized this work to start during the sum­ mer. A lthough the jo b wasn’t com plete when school opened in the fall, when the jo b was finished, the dorm s were quieter and warmer. In the fall o f 1973 the trustees were delighted to hear that opening enrollm ent was 146, the largest num ber in the past th ree years, b u t was still a far cry from the high o f 175 in 1968. T heir concern about enrollm ent prom pted a discussion about the possibility o f opening a 5th grade, b u t no decision was reached. In ord er to provide clerical backup for increas­ ing work in the developm ent and alum ni office, purchase of an a u to -ty p ist (a m achine, n o t a person) was authorized. A nother step into autom ation. O ne of the school’s neighbors on Canaan Street was M artha Stevens, who was b orn a Haffenreffer and had becom e a good friend o f the Wakelys. T he waiting room outside the admis­ sions office in Clark-Morgan Hall had been the dining room in th e H affen reffer sum m er hom e, an d M artha loved th a t room. T here was a fireplace in an alcove, and benches beside the fireplace used to hold toys. Beverly rem e m b e red th at “M artha used to com e up to see us before she went south for the winter. We’d have angel food cake with gooey frosting on it. O ne time w hen we were doing that, Ben Coffin was a fac­ ulty m em ber living in the first floor apartm ent, and he asked M artha if she would like to com e upstairs and see the boy’s rooms. They h ad ju st gone to bed, and Ben was a great one to prom ulgate the story of the ghost who came driving up to the house in a stage coach. He had shared the story with the kids, and here, after the lights were out and the kids were in bed, this w hite-haired lady appeared at the door, and one boy was firmly convinced that the ghost had really ap p eared .” In h o n o r o f M artha’s 80th birthday, m em bers o f h er family arranged to have a party at the school. Beverly got busy with


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pain ters and decorators and refurbished the fo rm er dining ro o m fo r th is o c c a sio n . A b o u t 75 m e m b e rs o f all th e branches of the H affenreffer family were there, and a bronze plaque designating the lounge as the H affenreffer Room now adorns the wall . In the fall of 1973 N orm an’s idea of “sum m er school in the w inter” came into being with four boys from C entral America on cam pus from Septem ber through D ecem ber studying En­ glish an d whatever other subjects they were able to handle. T h e lo n g - r a n g e p la n n in g c o m m itte e ’s r e p o r t a t th is m e e tin g was c o n fin e d to th e fin a n c ia l w e ll-b e in g o f the school. W ith the idea o f assuring careful fiscal m anagem ent in the future, the trustees accepted the following policy rec­ o m m endation s: 1. T hat unrestricted contributions be allocated 2 to 1, two parts to endow m ent and one part to buildings 2. T hat short-term borrowing to fund operadng defi­ cits should be retired as quickly as possible, and that for the next three years all surplus funds be applied prim a­ rily to d eb t reduction. 3. T hat w hen deficits had been repaid, surplus funds should th en be allocated prim arily to create a Capital Reserve Fund with the goal o f accum uladng $200,000 in this fund. F u rth e r action by the trustees ch an g ed the term s o f the school’s m ajor m edical insurance plan to m ake it available to all full-tim e employees. In the w inter o f 1973 students were excited about delivery o f a S no-C at which would be used for packing trails on the Pinnacle. Previously the trails had to be packed by h an d (or really, by feet), and the first p art o f the athletic period for ski­ ers and their coaches each afternoon, was devoted to labori­ ous stepping up the slopes to pack them for the day’s skiing. Now this jo b w ould be d o n e by m achine, m uch faster and m uch better, a n d the whole aftern o o n could be devoted to skiing. W hat a welcom e this e q u ip m e n t received! Because w inter b rought spells o f cold weather w ithout a great deal of snow, am bitious boys and faculty m ade a luge ru n on the hill b eh in d H inm an, watering it down at night undl the ru n was


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The "new" Sno-Cat

glare ice. And fast!! Boys whizzed down on their bottom s, on a piece o f cardboard or on flying saucers. They had fun! T he language training departm ent had for many years been headed by a professional teacher, but many o f the instructors, who m et 1 to 1 o r 2 to 1 with students in this program , were faculty wives. Since some o f these wives had small children at hom e, in o rd e r to m ake it possible for them to teach, the school organized a nursery school, which provided supervised care for young children in the m orning while their m others were teaching. The location of the nursery on the lower floor o f C lark-M organ was n o t ideal. T h e re was c o n sta n t traffic through this area, and toys and playthings had to be picked up and locked in a cupboard at the end o f each m orning to get them out of the way, and to be sure they w eren’t appropri­ ated by older kids. With the acquisition o f the Howe House, new space becam e available in a large room n ot used by Mrs. Howe (who had life tenancy). It was cleaned u p a n d refur­ bished into a bright, cheery new nursery school ru n by faculty wife H eather Coes with the assistance o f o th er faculty wives. In the fall and winter o f 1973, events far away from Canaan had striking influence on the school. It was the time o f the first OPEC oil em bargo. T he school had its own gasoline stor­ age for school vehicles, b u t d u rin g the fall they h ad to buy 1000 gallons a t retail because th eir w holesale su pplier had


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H eather Coes (left) a n d assistan t a t new nursery school in H owe House

been unable to make deliveries. Medical and shopping trips to Hanover were limited, and everyone on campus cooperated in sharing rides whenever they were going to town. T h erm o 足 stats were tu rn e d down in all classrooms, and special student m o n ito rs w ere a p p o in te d to keep lights tu rn e d o u t w hen room s were n o t occupied. Because oil for heating was also in s h o rt supply, an u n u s e d tan k o u tsid e C la rk -M o rg a n was clean ed a n d filled with 8900 gallons o f #2 oil as a reserve. W hen needed, it was pum ped through a hose to another tank on campus. From Septem ber to D ecem ber the price of #2 oil increased from 23.4 cents to 34.9 cents per gallon. Because of the gasoline shortage, the admissions office had fewer visitors than usual, and inquiries were very slow on account o f the uncertainty o f the international situation, which had also af足 fected the stock m arket adversely. M eanwhile the headm aster was doing extensive traveling in the interest o f raising capital funds for the learning center. T he school newspaper in Novem ber 1973 noted the retire足 m en t o f Rachel Hill after m ore than 17 years of service. For th e p a st te n years she h a d b e e n th e h o u s e k e e p e r a t th e


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h ead m aster’s house, and she was frequently called u p o n to take care o f all the Wakely ch ild ren a t various tim es w hen their parents were occupied with school affairs. T h e n ig h t before Thanksgiving vacation, the school coun­ cil organized a carnival which was held in the CSA to raise fu n d s fo r the library. This facility was o p e n seven days a week, 24 hours a day. D uring afternoon a n d evening hours, th e lib ra ry was u n su p e rv ise d , a n d boys c o u ld c h eck o u t b ooks on th e h o n o r system. Inevitably th e re w ere som e losses from year to year due to forgetfulness, o r carelessness. T his year the school council accepted the responsibility for raising $209 to cover the cost of books th at were missing at the last inventory. P roceeds from the carnival w ere m ore than sufficient to cover this loss. T he energy crisis resulted in an o th er significant change on campus. This year for the first time in its history, the school Christmas tree in the center of campus was not lighted. Boys h e lp e d the h ead m aster create a variety o f o rn am e n ts th a t sparkled in the sunlight, b u t after d ark the u n lig h ted tree stood as a rem in d er o f the school’s policy on energy conser­ vation. W hen the trustees arrived for their w inter m eeting in Feb­ ruary 1974, they learned that the budget was in good shape, e x cep t for the rapidly increasing price o f oil, which could bring the total cost for fuel up to $39,000 as against the bud­ geted figure o f $21,000; so efforts to cut expenses in o th er areas continued. They decided not to keep Browning Associ­ ates on retain er for fund raising counsel— partly to save ex­ pense, and partly because fund raising was slow in the then present econom ic climate. T he dam , which had been weak­ ened in the spring storms, had been rebuilt, but the final cost was $4000 instead of the estimate of $1800 because leaks were found u n d e r the exisdng concrete foundation, and repairing these required extra work. T he trustees enjoyed hearing the good news that the hockey team had com peted at an invita­ tional tournam ent at St. Paul’s School and taken second place. Also the Nordic team was to com pete at the New York State Cham pionship Ski m eet at Bear M ountain. Cardigan’s athletic teams were earning wider recognition. T he nom inating committee had been charged to look again


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at the structure o f the two governing boards, a topic which seem ed to com e up about every five years. In May 1974 the com m ittee rep o rted no recom m endations for changes in the c u rre n t structure at this time. T he question was raised about having a fem ale trustee—b u t no action was taken. T he head­ m aster com m ented that since Cardigan had a larger role serv­ ing in loco parentis than schools for older boys, a case could be m ade for a fem ale trustee to represent the m others’ p o in t o f view. T here was some h ead -n o d d in g at the m eeting, b u t no action in this direction. T he building com m ittee, reporting on the problem th at ju st w ouldn’t go away, said that the sep­ tic system behind H inm an was in failure but that its use m ight be prolonged for perhaps an o th er six m onths. Proposals for a sewage treatm en t p lan t were being studied, b u t there was serious question as to whether approval would be given by the State. By the en d of the summer, the N.H. W ater Supply and P o llu tio n C ontrol C om m ission had raised no ob jectio n in principle to a sewage disposal plant, and recom m ended that the school engage a sanitary engineer to study the problem . Almost a year later the building com m ittee was studying three proposals for sewage disposal systems presented by the sanitary e n g in e e r w ith p ric e e stim a te s ra n g in g fro m $63,000 to $260,000—but were no closer to finding a solution than when they started. Sum m er school enrollm ent was encouragingly high in 1974 a n d in clu d e d 22 girls. A fterw ard th ere was a w orkshop on cam pus for Vocational-Agricultural teachers sponsored by the New England Electric Council. Exhibits were set up by vari­ ous firms supplying Vo-Ag equipm ent including a greenhouse, b u t w hat attracted m ore attention— particularly in relation to the fuel shortage—was a VW beetle converted to ru n on bat­ teries. It is interesting to no te th at twenty years later only m inim al progress has been m ade toward com m ercial produc­ tion of an electric vehicle. Xavarian Brothers football team concluded the sum m er ac­ tivity on cam pus, as usual. T h e hockey program g o t a real boost with the purchase o f a used Zam boni, b u t funds then had to be found to construct a building at the end o f the CSA to house it. To provide such a structure was n o t sim ple, be­ cause the building h ad to be h eated and have facilities for


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providing enough h o t water to fill the Z am boni, as well as a drain to em pty the shavings af­ te r u se . W h ile e x c a v a tin g equipm ent was on cam pus for th is c o n s tru c tio n , it was d e ­ cided to go ahead at the same time and build the infiltration well d eem ed necessary to sat­ isfy state a n d federal reg u la ­ tions for an approved drinking C ardigan's first Zamboni w ater supply. T h e r e was n o e n c o u ra g e ­ m ent in the enrollm ent situation at the start o f the 1974-75 school year. O pening en ro llm en t was lower than was antici­ pated ju st a m onth earlier. Twenty boys withdrew after tuition bills were sent out. Clearly the econom y had n o t recovered. Certainly a gym would be an added attraction and help with enrollm ent; therefore the trustees decided in O ctober to pro­ ceed with a fund raising drive with a goal of $475,000 for the building and an additional $75,000 for endow m ent to support it. However, they resolved n o t to start construction until the fu n d goal h ad b e e n rea c h e d . By D ecem ber th e situ atio n seem ed a bit brighter; eight new boys had enrolled since the s ta rt o f school, a n d over $ 100,000 h ad b e e n received o r pledged toward the gym. T he infiltration well started in the sum m er was com pleted and was left to rest and fill with water d u rin g the w inter so th a t it would be ready for use in the spring. 1974 saw the first m odel o f the Cardigan Chair offered for sale. It was not the traditional captain’s chair offered by many schools and colleges, b u t a som ew hat sm aller style with the school seal hand-stenciled on the back rail by one of the fac­ ulty. It sold for $50, f.o.b. Canaan. Although the school hardly seem ed old enough, two sons of alum ni were enrolled that fall, Charlie M orrison, son of Rich­ ard M orrison, Class of 1950 and now a m em ber o f the corpo­ ration, and Steve Haskell, son o f H. Morgan Haskell, class of 1949. T hat same year three boys from G uatem ala spent the fall term on cam pus and retu rn ed to their native land in De­


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cem ber in order to begin their regular school year in January. Traditions are an im portant p art o f the life o f any school, an d C ardigan certainly had its share o f them . Som e were started early in its history, but one took 29 years to get going. T he story begins on parents’ w eekend o f 1973. It was a sad occasion to have lost two games o ut of three to the traditional rival, Eaglebrook, and the headm aster rem arked to one o f the visiting parents, “Someday we will beat them roundly on par­ e n ts’ w eekend, and w hen that day comes, the whole school will celebrate.” As it tu rn ed out, he d id n ’t have long to wait. T he very next year, all three Cardigan teams were victorious over Eaglebrook during parents’ weekend. T he same visiting fath er rem em bered the h eadm aster’s rem arks o f a year ago, and told his son to be sure to ask Mr. Wakely what and when would be the celebration in h o n o r o f this great victory. O ne boy told another, and soon it seem ed as if every boy in school was asking the headm aster, “W hen do we get o u r day off for beating Eaglebrook?” The answer was an all-school outing to the Sandwich Fair. T he victory celebration o f 1974 continues to this day with the annual visit in O ctober to the Sandwich Fair with all o f its country attractions. Senior pranks were a n o th e r tradition o f long standing at Cardigan. Recently N orm an and Beverly rem em bered some o f the m ore interesting ones. “O ne year,” Bev said, “the bar­ b ersh o p chair got taken o u t o f the b a rb e r shop an d p u t at N o rm a n ’s seat in the d ining room . You could trail the oil spills down the walkway and into the dining room where they had tipped it. And an o th er year we cam e in and the canoe was sitting on top o f the table in the dining room .” O ne of the best ones N orm an rem em bered was one m o rning when they moved the headm aster’s table from the dining room to the front lawn o f his house before breakfast. “I w ent out and saw it,” he said, “and I sat down at the table, and the food was b ro u g h t up from the kitchen. T he boys from our table came up and jo in e d us, and Bob Small brought up the bell and all th e kids were told to re p o rt to the h e a d m a ste r’s house for announcem ents. And announcem ents at breakfast were given from the fro n t lawn. T he pancakes were cold, I rem em ber.” Beverly supplem ented them with h o t toast from h e r kitchen. Econom ic conditions im proved as the year 1974-75 w ent


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along. Gifts and pledges for the gym had reached $284,000 by January 1975, and the trustees felt confident enough to autho­ rize the h ead m aster to develop w orking drawings and seek bids. T he building com m ittee m et with the architect the fol­ lowing m onth to begin that process. D uring the M arch vacation in 1975, a group o f C ardigan hockey players m ade a trip to Finland which their coach, Sky Peck, had arranged through Finnair, to play a series of games with Finnish hockey teams. No one imagined at that time what an im portant and lo n g -term relationship would develop with Hyvinkaa, Finland, as a result o f this first trip. Despite the poor start, the year ended well; it looked in May as if there m ight even be a small surplus from operadons. It was also a time to celebrate the school’s progress and success, and with due cerem ony the trustees and incorporators gath­ ered to b u rn the m ortgage for $ 100,000 taken out in 1962 to help finance construction of the new campus. T he rem aining lo n g -term debt was now only $ 110,000. T hree faculty m em bers had been doing recruiting work in th e s p rin g to s u p p le m e n t th e e ffo rts o f J a c k R ich a n d N orm an, and evidently the total effort was effecdve, for appli­ cations and acceptances for both winter and summ er school in May 1975 were higher than in the previous four years. Eric A nderson, who had ru n the 1974 sum m er school, accepted a jo b at a n o th e r school leaving N orm an to again be sum m er school director. Much progress could be reported at the trustee m eeting in August 1975. It had long been recognized that faculty apart­ m ents in the dorm itories needed im provem ent, and, as a first step, carpeting had been installed during the summer. In ad­ dition, plans were being evaluated for rem odeling o f existing a p a rtm e n ts to m ake th em la rg e r a n d m o re c o m fo rta b le . Renovation o f the Ovilla was to start within a week, and an additional boiler for Hayward Hall was to be connected within a m onth. Sum m er school enrollm ent of 135 was at capacity, and sum m er school incom e was $23,000 over budget. O ne o f the proposals suggested by the sanitary en g in eer h ire d in 1974 was to install am eration cham bers u n d e r the lower soccer field as an alternative to a treatm ent plant. Test borings, however, ru le d o u t th at op tio n , and the study was


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now shifted to land up P rospect Hill n e a r the trap range. Fund raising for the gym was moving ahead, but n o t robustly enough to allow the project to be started, and it was reluctandy concluded at this time that construction would have to be p u t off until funding was m ore certain—hopefully by the spring of 1976. T h e school year 1975-76 started with the h ighest en ro ll­ m en t since 1968. T here were also o th er changes. T he grad­ ing system, which had b een m odified a few years ago from letter grades to H onors, Pass, Fail, was now changed back to the traditional A, B, C, D and F. T he retire m e n t o f Ruth Jo h n so n after 18 years of service, many o f them as secretary in the adm issions office, was noted, and Ruth Talbert, secre­ tary to the headm aster, was saluted for 25 years o f service. A fter seeing the school th rough five very difficult financial years, the assistant treasurer, Dick Rearick, decided to fur­ th e r his career by accepting a position at the Em m a W illard School in Troy, NY. D u rin g th e fall a n d early w inter, facu lty m e m b e r Jim Crowell continued work with three students to com plete con­ struction o f an ice boat, which had started o u t as the boys’ sum m er project. W hen the boat was finished, they decided to give it to the school. It served as a w inter recreation vehicle for several years. W h en th e tru s te e s m e t in May 1976, Bob G ille tte a n ­ n o u n c e d th a t h e w anted to resign a fte r th re e years as a trustee, b u t would continue to work for the school as a m em ­ b e r of the corporation. Jo h n Tower was elected to succeed him as president, and Savage Frieze was elected vice-presid en t. T he developm ent com m ittee re p o rte d th a t $370,000 h ad been received during the year, and the trustees were fi­ nally able to allow construction of the gym to begin. In h onor o f the long service and many contributions to Cardigan o f Jo h n Kenerson, one of the few rem aining original m em bers of the corporation, the trustees voted to nam e the whole athletic com plex the “K enerson Athletic C enter”. By July the founda­ tion had been poured, with buildings 8c grounds superinten­ dent, H erb Randall, serving as clerk of the works. T hen it was discovered that both water and electric lines were inadequate to serve the new building and m ust be replaced. Plans for


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Kenerson Athletic a n d Social Center

an o th er faculty/student house given by Mr. Banks were in the works; Jo e and Ginny Collins were to move in w hen it was ready, and Je ff and Marie Hicks would take over as heads o f Stowell House. Best news o f all was that all enrollm ent figures were up, and a that waiting list for fall was possible. Sum m er school 1976, again u n d e r N orm an’s direcdon, went well with an enrollm ent of 135. T here was even some progress on the ever-present sewage problem , with a new leach field u n d e r construction b e h in d H opkins and Brewster a n d bids being sought for a new one behind H inm an. T he new fac­ u lty /student house would be nam ed Banks House in h o n o r of its donor. Foundations were to be p o u red before school re­ sum ed in September. T he headm aster noted that he was still operating w ithout a business m anager, but that a search was underway. He also announced that Dick Clancy had decided to retire in Ju n e 1977. He was the last o f the school’s original em ployees. Each an d every stu d e n t d u rin g C a rd ig a n ’s 31 years o f ex iste n ce h a d served e ith e r as a table w aiter o r w orked in the kitchen, so all the alum ni knew Clancy. No o th er staff m em ber a t the school had that distinction. A lthough Clancy was hired as the chef, in the early days of th e sch o o l, w h en it was in th e L odge on C an aan S tre e t, Clancy, as well as o th er m em bers of the staff and faculty, did all kinds o f things around the school. In a recent interview, Mrs. Jo h n B. Kenerson talked about one of h er first visits to Cardigan for a m eeting o f the trustees. “At th at tim e,” she


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said, “the stu d e n ts were living dow n on the s tre e t at T h e Lodge and w ent up to the hill by bus every day for classes. We were com ing to a trustees m eeting, a n d it was p o u rin g rain. As we cam e up the street toward the school, up on the ro o f over the dining room we saw Clancy, the cook. And he was poun d in g shingles in, p ounding away, and people were yelling from inside the building ‘m ore to the left, m ore to the rig h t’ to tell him where the ro o f was leaking, and here was the cook u p on the ro o f trying to stop the leaks. W hen we went in to the dining room , there were at least a dozen buckets, at my chair, a t o th e r ch airs, a n d it was d rip , d rip , d rip all through the meal. So we had to move our chairs and move th e place settings so as n o t to g et d rip p e d on. A nd p o o r Clancy had to get down from the roof and back to the kitchen in tim e to get the food ready. He really did a lot o f things th at w eren’t cooking. He was a great asset, and I think the kids all liked him .. W hen it was th eir tu rn to go up to the c o u n te r to get things for their table, they’d com e back and say, ‘Know w hat Clancy said?’” Clancy’s influence ex ten d ed well beyond the kitchen. Looking ahead to Clancy’s retirem ent, N orm an had started to investigate com m ercial food service co m p an ies an d re ­ p o rte d to the trustees that several o th er in d ep e n d e n t schools were using them with satisfactory results. It was com forting in looking back over Clancy’s long career to rem em ber that he and Nellie were always there in the kitchen— three times each day, seven days each week, sum m er and winter, storm or shine. To realize th a t it was becom ing alm ost im possible to find people willing to devote themselves so wholeheartedly to their work was somewhat discomfiting. A long article in the new sletter Words about Cardigan re­ viewed Clancy’s involvement in so many aspects of the school, especially in its early days on Canaan Street. M uch o f this is recounted in the first section o f this history, but the newslet­ ter sum m ed it up as follows: Clancy has been a good friend to the students, ready to give advice, help with work, tell a good story, or ju st be a listener. H is kitchen has been a welcome place. Clancy’s belief was that the school’s kitchen should be like the kitchen at home— the place where the boys would come i f they needed anything from a band-


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aid fo r a cut to someone to talk to. This openness has comforted many students over the years, especially those boys who were feel­ in g the loneliness o f being away from home fo r the first time. M any o f Cardigan’s foreign students have gravitated towards the kitchen to receive the welcome that Clancy an d Nellie ex­ tended to these boys. One o f the first places that many visiting alum ni head fo r is the kitchen, to recapture some o f their bestkept memories o f Cardigan.

U pon his retirem ent on Ju n e 4, 1977, m anagem ent o f the kitchen was taken over by DAKA Food Service Company, and an o th er m ilestone was passed. As an o th er sign o f the m aturing of the school, and also as symbol of the increasingly litigious nature o f c u rre n t society, the trustees authorized purchase of insurance to cover “wrong­ ful acts” o f the m em bers of the two boards with a limit o f one million dollars. T he annual au d ito r’s rep o rt in O ctober 1976 showed that th e last fiscal y e a r c lo se d w ith an o p e ra tin g s u rp lu s o f $106,000, and the school was again fdled alm ost to capacity. Capital projects continued to bring financial pressure, how­ ever, and the trustees authorized the treasurer to borrow up to $200,000, to be rep aid in n o t lo n g er th an ten years, to cover these necessary expenditures: a new leach field to m eet State specifications; an additional $189,000 to com plete the Kenerson Athletic Center, and $21,000 to finish Banks House. Amazingly, N orm an had been able to arrange for a substantial gift for the leach field from a c u rre n t parent, M urphy Baxter. It was one o f the very few successful attem pts to raise m oney to cure this long-standing problem . T he winter term saw the start o f another sport which would condnue to be significant in the future, with the inauguration o f C ardigan’s first wrestling team. T here was space provided for this activity in the new athletic center, and th rough the generosity of a current parent, Mr. Frank Stella, wrestling mats a n d o th e r necessary e q u ip m e n t w ere p ro cu re d ; th e Stella W resding room was dedicated in his honor. Early in 1977 the headm aster reported to the trustees that he was o f necessity having to spend increasing time and effort on fund raising. H e had no difficulty outlining a “wish list” of future projects to keep the school moving forward: an o th er


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fa c u lty /stu d e n t house; the learning center, which had been discussed for several years; improvements to the infirmary; and funds for continuing assistance for faculty education and train­ ing. T h e c u rre n t year’s b u dget, he told them , was being strained to accom m odate inflationary increases in the costs of h eat and h o t water, retirem en t benefits, and unem ploym ent insurance. T h ere was good news to rep o rt to trustees about the open­ ing o f school in the fall o f 1977. N orm an had directed the sum m er school again, assisted by Jeff Hicks, who was expected to take it over the following year. T he sum m er session had been full, and enrollm ent for winter school was closed early in A ugust. N o rm an praised Jack Rich as the best adm issions m an in New England. In o ther news, H erbert “Randy” Randall resig n ed a fter five years as s u p e rin te n d e n t o f b u ildings & grounds. He had come to Cardigan from W heaton College in N orton, Mass. and he b ro u g h t organization and professional­ ism to the m aintenance operation. T he trustees n o ted that, “H e leaves Cardigan with a m uch better situation in regards to m aintenance scheduling and procedures.” This was a year for significant retirem ents, for in Septem ber J o h n H inm an announced he would step down as chairm an of the corporation, of which he had been a m em ber since March 1946. E lected c h airm an in 1964, he h a d seen the school through the com pletion o f its early growth, through the diffi­ cult financial years o f the early 1970’s, and he saw it recover­ ing and thriving again during the last year or two. Certainly the H inm an family m erits a place as the Cardigan First Fam­ ily. T he idea was conceived and b rought into being by H ap H inm an, who had the conviction to pursue his dream until it becam e reality. His b ro th er Jo h n jo in e d the corporation be­ fore the first students cam e to the school, and he followed H ap in a le a d e rs h ip ro le. A n o th e r b ro th e r, E dw ard, was e le c te d to the c o rp o ra tio n in 1964 a n d served u n til 1978. J o h n ’s son, Crawford, was elected a trustee in 1955, becam e secretary in 1968, a n d held this position until 1992 w hen he resigned, b u t continued his affiliation as a m em ber o f the cor­ poration. A nother son, Richard H inm an, served as a m em ber o f the corporation from 1981 until May 1992, and R ichard’s son-in-law, Jo h n Pfeifle, elected to the corporation in 1987, is


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still a m em ber in 1995. Mr. Charles Banks, who had been elected to the corpora­ tion last O ctober, offered a gift o f $100,000 to be paid over the next three years for rem odeling the infirmary. In O ctober he agreed with the board that a new fa c u lty /stu d e n t house was m ore pressing, and allowed his pledge to be designated for that purpose. As this house was being planned, faculty who lived in the o th er houses brought o u t the fact that some pro­ vision o u g h t to be m ade for substitute faculty coverage o f the dorm itories in the houses so that the resident faculty could have an occasional night off. With this in m ind, the newest house, nam ed Franklin House, in h onor of Penny Peck’s other grandfather, was designed with an ap artm en t for a single fac­ ulty m em ber, who co u ld share d o rm ito ry responsibilities. C o n stru ctio n began in the spring o f 1978, b u t a variety o f delays were en countered, and it was n o t com pleted undl mid 1979. After operating for two years w ithout a business m anger, in Septem ber 1977 the trustees appointed Jackie Lary as assis­ tan t treasurer— a position she held until Jan u ary 1992, when she retired from full-tim e employment. Harvey H o o d ’s election to the corporadon in 1946 was suit­ ably recorded on page 30 o f the first p a rt o f this history. His service ex tended over m any years, and was com pleted when the trustees in April 1978 accepted with great gratitude his last gift to Cardigan, $100,000 from his estate designated to aug­ m en t the endow m ent. At the e n d o f the fiscal year on Ju n e 30, 1978, the physical plant was valued at alm ost four million dollars, and superin­ ten d e n t Ralph LaPointe had m ade great progress overcom ing years o f deferred m aintenance since his ap p o in tm en t a year earlier. His dep artm en t still needed work to reach the level of organization and professionalism he wanted, and he was now p lan n in g to convert the old b arn adjacent to the infirm ary into a real m aintenance shop. T here was plenty of space, and he would have an office in one end to serve as his com m and center. G radually it becam e a p p a re n t th a t the nex t step toward m eed n g the physical plant needs o f the school was n o t going to b e r e a c h e d w ith o u t a fo rm a l f u n d -r a is in g c a m p a ig n .


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N orm an had been working hard to enlist support for a learn­ ing center, and in the fall o f 1978, Colin Davidson was hired as the school’s first fu ll-tim e d irecto r o f developm ent and alum ni relations to provide the necessary organizational sup­ p o rt for a capital campaign. T he previous year had produced an operating surplus, which still had to be applied toward re­ d u cin g previous deficits, an d un fo rtu n ately e n ro llm e n t was down a bit from the level o f a year ago. It seem ed so hard to m ake steady financial progress these past few years, a n d as 1978 progressed, necessary ex p en d itu res for capital repairs and im provem ents were again running ahead o f budget. How pleasant it was, then, when Bob Stoddard stepped up with a gift o f $ 11,000 to com plete paym ent for the water supply sys­ tem , and Dr. and Mrs. Richard M orrison pledged $30,000 to renovate the infirm ary. P resident Frieze w ent on record in F ebruary 1979 in favor o f hiring a full-tim e developm ent per­ son (Colin Davidson’s tenure had been very short), b u t the post rem ained vacant for a n o th e r 18 m onths until Sky Peck took on this assignm ent. T he executive com m ittee was n o t happy in the spring of 1979 to hear that the sewage system for Hayward was leaking— the old, never-end ing problem . They were delighted, however at the good news that 145 boys and 35 girls were e n ro lled for the sum m er session— the largest nu m b er in its history. While talking about sum m er school, they discussed the continuing problem o f faculty who taught in sum m er school only because they d id n ’t want to leave their a p a rtm e n ts fo r th e sum m er. Faculty w ere n e e d e d in th e dorm s d u ring sum m er school, so w inter school faculty, who were n o t teaching in the summ er, h ad to vacate their apart­ m ents from the end of Ju n e until the beginning of September. T hey w ere allowed a room ad jacen t to th eir a p a rtm e n t in which to store furniture and belongings for the summ er, b u t it was still a great inconvenience. Many faculty with some se­ niority were understandably relu c ta n t to have to move out, and sometimes would have preferred to attend an educational program during the sum m er rather than staying on campus to teach. This was n o t a new problem , b u t over the years no so­ lution h ad been found. Cardigan had w eathered the tu rb u le n t 70’s with the p ru ­ d e n t guidance o f the trustees, the strong leadership of the


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headm aster, and with the support of a dedicated faculty and staff, who helped econom ize and took on extra duties when necessary b ecau se o f re d u c e d staff. B uilding o f a m uch ho p ed for and n eed ed learning center had been repeatedly delayed w hile all available funds were allocated to far less glam orous projects o f water supply, sewage disposal, and the increasing cost o f plant m aintenance and repair— exacerbated by high rates o f inflation. A nother period o f growth and ex­ pansion was about to begin.


ChapterFour 1 9 7 9 -1 9 8 5 T h e T oday / T o m o r r o w C a pita l C am paign C o n c l u d in g T h e F ir s t F o r t y Years

T he annual m eeting of the trustees in O ctober 1979 found them full of hope and optimism. Sum m er school had oper­ ated at record capacity, and outside groups using the cam pus afterw ard—lacrosse, orchestra, and football clinics—bro u g h t in a surplus o f $10,000. A utum n saw a full school a n d the need for a learning cen ter m ore pressing. Nationwide there was renew ed confidence in the stock m arket, and the com bi­ n a tio n o f full e n ro llm e n t and a m ore optim istic econom ic outlook gave the trustees courage to believe that a m ajor capi­ tal cam paign could be undertaken with reasonable assurance o f success. Jo h n Tower, finishing his term as president, agreed to co—chair a capital cam paign com m ittee with Bob Gillette. As the year 1979-80 progressed, J o h n Tower o utlined the ne e d to develop a d eferred giving program as a p e rm a n en t p a rt o f the school’s fund-raising package. By April 1980 the necessary resolutions were passed to establish a P ooled In­ com e Fund for d eferred giving. To strengthen the su p p o rt capabilities o f the d ev elopm ent office, an IBM System -Six com puter was installed. This equipm ent could produce indi­ vidually addressed letters to a selected constituency, and could also be used to keep records of annual and capital gifts. T he m echanics for running a campaign were being p u t into place. By May 1980, before the capital cam paign had even started, the developm ent com m ittee reported that over half a m illion dollars had been given or pledged toward the learning center. This success was largely due to the efforts of Savage Frieze a n d N o rm an Wakely, w ho h a d b e e n traveling all over the co u n try d u rin g the year to raise money. R epresentatives o f the H anover architectural firm Fleck & Lewis a tte n d ed that m eeting in May and presented an inidal concept o f a learning center. Since sufficient funds for construction were on hand, and with confidence that the cam paign about to be launched 226


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c o u ld re a c h its g o al o f five m illion d o lla rs, th e tru s te e s m ade the decision to go ahead with the necessary planning to design, develop, and build the le a rn in g center. J o h n Tower, reporting as chairm an for the ca p ital c am p aig n , again em ­ phasized the n eed for a full­ tim e developm ent d irecto r to su p p o rt the cam paign efforts. H e rep e a te d this to the trust­ ees in O c to b e r, a n d sh o rtly th e r e a f te r fac u lty m e m b e r Schuyler Peck was a p p o in te d Savage Frieze to fill the position. In his first rep o rt to the board in December, he announced that pledges from the corporation and trustees am ounted to over $500,000. T he grand total of gifts and pledges o f over one million dol­ lars had m et the cam paign’s first target on the way to the five m illion dollar goal. Som etim es the flow o f progress of an institution is inter­ ru p te d by an event o f such significance that it can be said to have m aterially changed the course o f events. Such turning points are unexpected, surprising, and unpredictable because they are n ot the result of any particular effort or action b ut seem to happen o f their own volition. Such a m om ent came as C ard ig an ’s T oday/T om orrow cam paign was in its early stages. Jo h n Kirk’s grandson was at that time a Cardigan student. J o h n enjoyed a to u r o f the cam pus with his gran d so n on G randparents’ Day and was caught up in the boy’s enthusiasm fo r his new sch o o l. D u rin g an assem bly in the c h a p e l, N orm an told g ra n d p a re n ts a b o u t the capital cam paign to build a learning center, explaining how im portant that build­ ing would be to bring the school to a new academic level with its expanded library, a working theatre, and proper space for reading & study skills and foreign language classrooms. Jo h n Kirk could envision this building and its im portance to the


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school. He was, at that time, doing some consulting work for Mrs. Julie Kidd o f the Christian A. Johnson Endeavour Foun­ dation in New York and was able to share his enthusiasm for th is p ro je c t w ith Mrs. K idd. H e p u t h e r in to u c h w ith N orm an, who invited h er to visit the cam pus and discuss the project. She did so, was im pressed with the need for a learn­ ing center, and, as a result, in A pril 1981 the F o u n d atio n m ade a challenge grant of one million dollars toward the cam­ paign— the largest pledge ever received by the school. T he Foundation prom ised to pay $200,000 per year for five years if the school raised $400,000 each year from o th e r sources. Com ing as it did in the early p art o f the cam paign, this chal­ lenge provided a trem endously powerful incentive to prom ote capital gifts and was the stimulus needed to enable the school to reach its lofty goal. W hat a boost this was to the com m ittee! W ith gifts and pledges at this p o in t ju st over $2,250,000, they knew that if they raised a n o th e r two m illion to qualify for the challenge grant, the five million dollar goal would be attainable. A lot o f h ard work lay ahead, but the possibility o f a learning cen­ ter now seem ed real. By the following August sufficient funds were on han d so th at the trustees cast the decisive vote to go ahead with con­ struction o f the learning center. W hen the trustees and corpo­ ration m em bers m et on campus in O ctober 1981, construction had already started. W hen Savage Frieze becam e p resid e n t o f the trustees in 1979, he had no idea o f staying in that position for the next fo u rte e n years, n o r did he im agine the challenges a n d tri­ um phs that lay ahead. A high p o in t o f the m eeting that year was the dedication o f Franklin H ouse, the last one o f three faculty/student houses to be built along the west edge of cam­ pus. A nother dedication took place in D ecem ber 1979 with the installation o f a new organ in the chapel. W hat a delightful addition to the campus— Hal Finkbeiner’s dream come true— and it was fully paid for, with m ost o f the contributions com ­ ing from grandparents. This sta te -o f-th e -a rt digital com puter in strum ent had three m anuals and the equivalent o f 62 ranks o f pipes. During Parents’ Weekend in February 1980, Hal pre­


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s e n te d an o rg an rec ita l in c lu d in g w orks by B ach, F rank, M endelssohn, and W idor to dem onstrate the capacity o f the instrum ent. An unusual lack of snow that w inter tu rn e d the whole lake into a skating rink and provided great opportunity to use the ice boat. For the first time, however, there was no snow on the g ro u n d for Parents’ W eekend, and a full schedule o f skiing com petition against other schools was on the program . Chal­ lenging circum stances call for extraordinary efforts, and that was the case th at year at Cardigan. A th re e -k ilo m e te r oval cross-country track was laid out on the lake for first-ever o n th e-flat com petitions against V erm ont Academy and Holderness. A substitute slalom course, however, was not so easy to achieve. To fulfill this need the m aintenance crew plowed and scraped a little snow from the lake, and a wastebasket brigade o f students carried it to campus to build “Mt. H opkins”, where the entire alpine team worked for three days watering the hill with thousands of gallons of water to make slalom races pos­ sible. David Shelton and his work detail were also called into service to shovel snow into trash cans and haul them up to d um p on the ski ju m p . They called it “Polish snow”. As a re s u lt o f th ese e ffo rts to c o m p e n sa te fo r th e vagaries o f M other N ature, all the p lan n e d o u td o o r com petitions took place, and the weekend was, as usual, a success. Little has been said in this history about faculty, except for n o tin g a few o u tstan d in g individual achievem ents. D uring these years of declining enrollm ent, the excellence o f its fac­ ulty was a very im portant factor in C ardigan’s success. A poor faculty can quickly spoil a school’s reputation; b u t C ardigan’s outstanding faculty helped build the school’s status by stimu­ lating students to reach for their m aximum potential and by helping them to develop confidence in their ability to suc­ ceed. As a result Cardigan graduates were able to enroll and excel in high schools an d p rep schools. T h e ir success d e­ lighted parents, who becam e enthusiastic prom oters and rec­ om m ended the school to friends and neighbors. Assistant headm aster, Joe Collins, and N orm an expended a lot o f tim e and effort in selecting new faculty. Jo e Collins wrote about this in the Cardigan Commentary o f M arch 1980:


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Once a school is founded and established with stated objec­ tives and purposes, there follows the continuing need to attract and to m aintain the group o f people who are primarily respon­ sible fo r bringing the words a n d ideas to life. The breadth, depth and quality o f the complete educational experience depends upon the attitudes, skills and interests o f the faculty. One hears about the surplus o f teachers available today, but the shortage o f good teachers is as acute today as it always has been. The short­ age is even more acute when one attempts to fin d expertise and competence in academics, athletics, dormitory management and counselling in a single individual. M any teachers w ill not consider a boarding school with the long hours, lack o f privacy, and the personal restrictions that are involved. Others welcome the opportunity to be a part o f a close community and to have the unique possibility o f working with students through a variety o f experiences and circumstances. Aside from good academic and scholastic credentials, the next most im portant ingredients o f a school faculty are variety and versatility. Cardigan is attempting to offer as broad a range of skills and experiences as it possibly can to provide a base for our students ’ entrance to secondary school. This requires a faculty with a variety o f skills and experiences. The age span o f our faculty is six decades and presents the combination o f enthusi­ asm, wisdom, strength, energy and experience expected o f such breadth. Combinations such as the science teacher [in his m id sixties] who wrote the text being used in his classes an d is still breaking speed skating records at Lake Placid each year, a School C haplain who is also an accomplished m agician, the math teacher who has been a professional ski and cycling racer, the English teacher who has been a disc jockey, teachers who, in spare time or in previous occupations, build complicated model airplanes, research and design alternative energy systems, p u b ­ lish books and articles in and out o f their academic fields, teach university-level extension courses, operate a small farm , play in local musical groups, exhibit and sell art and craft work, hold offices in local government and the fire department and partici­ pate in high-level athletic competition provide models fo r living and sources o f information and instruction that go fa r beyond the classroom. These are the things that make our school a real learning and livin g experience.


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Whenever possible we employ married teachers, and the women on campus provide an invaluable and often unappreciated di­ mension to school living. In an unofficial and informal fash ­ ion they often provide the warmth and little extras that are of­ ten missing in an all-m ale environment. The counselling, com­ panionship, attention and occasional scolding that they offer on a daily basis mean a great deal to many o f the boys. Since the opening o f school in September we have received about 5 0 applications fo r positions next year, and there w ill probably be close to 2 0 0 before hiring fo r next year is completed. When our needs fo r next year become known, usually during M arch a n d A pril, letters a n d resumes w ill be re-read an d screened, references checked, and interviews arranged. It is a very tim e-consum ing process, but so vitally im portant to the school and to the teacher that it is worth every hour that it takes. Cardigan is proud o f its faculty and the jo b that they do. They are equally proud o f the school, and this is reflected in what they offer to your children.

An exam ple o f the efforts o f faculty to recognize academ ic achievem ent was the work of Rita Carey in organizing the Car­ digan C hapter o f the National Ju n io r H onor Society in 1980. E ight stu d en ts were in d u cte d in to the society a t its first m eeting. M em bership open only to 8th and 9th graders re­ quired that boys m ust m eet the following criteria: 1) be in a m inimum of three upper level class sections 2) have attended Cardigan for at least two term s 3) have a cumulative grade average o f 85% over the first two term s o f the year 4) be enrolled in a foreign language course—unless English is their second language 5) have exhibited characteristics of leadership, school citizenship, character and service Librarian Carol Shelton, always looking for ways to prom ote the library, h ad found a novel way to augm ent the school’s book collection. 1980 was the second successful year o f her “Birthday Book” program . From a list she provided, parents could buy a book to be added to the library in com m em ora­ tion o f their so n ’s birthday. Each gift book carried a book­


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plate with the nam e o f the birthday boy, and he was allowed to be the first one to check the book out. Over 200 volumes were added to the library that year as a result of the program . T he resignation o f J. Walker Wiggin from the corporation in O ctober 1980 b rought to a close alm ost 30 years o f service to Cardigan. T he first section o f this history detailed the im­ p o rta n t role he played in the m erg er o f Clark School with Cardigan in 1952, at which time Walker was elected a trustee. H e served as vice president for 14 years; after three years as president he becam e a m em ber o f the C orporation in 1971. He was consistently generous with p ru d e n t legal advice to the school, a n d his dry sense o f h u m o r enlivened m any board m eetings. In New Ham pshire independent secondary schools and col­ leges receive their academ ic accreditation from the New En­ gland Association o f Schools and Colleges. A ccreditation is reviewed and renewed every 10 years. It is a serious and time— consum ing process. For a full year in advance an institution m ust undertake a prescribed form of self-study covering aca­ dem ic structure, curriculum , staff and goals. A similar study is m ade o f all administrative functions including finance, physi­ cal plant m anagem ent, admissions, business and developm ent offices, and the headm aster’s office. Following the com pledon o f this self-study, a visiting team o f faculty and adm inistrators from m em ber institutions spends four days at the school, dis­ cussing the self-study report with groups o f faculty and adm in­ istrators to ascertain if the school is doing what it has stated to be its purposes and goals. T hereafter the visiting com m it­ tee recom m ends w hether or n o t to renew accreditation, and may also include in its re p o rt suggestions for changes an d im provem ent. C ardigan received its first a c cre d ita tio n in 1963, and it was renew ed again during 1980. A dditional rec­ ognition came in D ecem ber when the school was accepted as th e first E lem entary B oarding School m em b er o f the New England Association o f Secondary Schools. In the fall of 1980 Bill Barron began his career at Cardigan and started a wrestiing program which brought the school into prom inence. The new Kenerson C enter included a wrestling room , but in 1980 wrestling was only an intram ural sport. Bill had coached wrestiing at college in California, and he readily agreed to N o rm an ’s request to start a wrestling program . He


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W restling tournam ent

recalled, ‘T h a t first year we essentially worked out of the wres­ tling room , even had some m eets there. It was crowded, and we had about a dozen kids.” In 1983 he conceived the idea of o rg an izin g the C ardigan M ountain W restling T o u rn a m e n t which attracted 14 teams and 163 wrestlers from five states the first year. It has grown in popularity and participation every year since, and in 1994 twenty-seven teams from eight states took p art in the com petition. In an article in the Cardigan Chronicle o f 1991, Bill rec o u n ted the history o f the to u rn a ­ ment: While initially the tournam ent was designed to provide a m id-season evaluation which separated wrestlers o f differing ability and experience, due to demand it now provides middle school competition o f the highest calibre. There are some unique facets o f the tournament which make the day a special one fo r a ll involved. For the p a st fiv e years, 1984 Olympic gold med­ alist Bobby Weaver has spent the entire day working with wres­ tlers and coaches in the wrestling room, offering pointers, in­ sights and lessons from experience. For many young athletes this exposure an d personal contact is the highlight o f the day, an experience which helps them focus on aspects other than winning and losing.


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In 1992 Bill started the Cardigan Mt. Wrestling W eekend— a two-day sum m er program open to wrestlers from age ten to eighteen, which in 1993 featured Olym pians Nate C arr and Bobby Weaver. T he program started on Friday afternoon, and boys spent all day Saturday working with a staff of clinicians an d coaches large enough to insure quality instruction and individual a tte n tio n in an intensive form at. As a w eekend clinic, it enabled older wrestlers to schedule this experience aro u n d their work schedule. From its earliest days, there was always a sizable n um ber o f students who came to Cardigan with reading difficulties. Stu­ dents with reading problem s were usually counseled to delay startin g the study o f a foreign language u ntil p rep school, since they were having quite enough difficulty with English. A t o n e tim e th e sch o o l o ffe re d la n g u a g e in s tru c tio n in French, Spanish, and Latin. Both Latin and Spanish instruc­ tion were dropped during the 1970’s because o f declining in­ terest in foreign language study. In 1978 Spanish was re-intro d u c e d in to the curriculum . By 1980 a total o f 87 boys were studying French o r Spanish, a n d m ost o f them were in u p p e r level courses which cover m aterial through the second year o f foreign language study by the end o f n inth grade. In addition instruction in Latin was offered through the language training program . Faculty m em ber Lawrence Goldthwait was selected to give the com m encem ent address in 1980 an d was the only active m e m b e r o f th e C ardigan faculty ever to have this h o n o r. Larry came to Cardigan in 1970 after teaching for many years in o th e r in d ep e n d e n t schools. H e also had taught at Colby Ju n io r College and at the University of Maine and had ju st fin­ ished writing a textbook for introductory physical science de­ signed for use in the eighth and n inth grades. Students were im pressed by w orking with a teacher who had w ritten their textbook. They were also impressed with his love o f teaching, his patience and kindness toward them , and the great variety o f experiences he had to share with his classes, from geologi­ cal research in the N orth C arolina hills to taking samples o f a n c ie n t ice on the glaciers in G reenland. Larry was also an athlete—continuing to com pete on the ice in speed skating, which he had started at D artm outh and continued in the Se­


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nior Olympics. In March 1980 he was skating at Lake Placid, where for the past seven years he had com peted in speed skat­ ing events on the 400 m eter track. Moreover, that year he had set new records in four events skating in the 65 - 69 year-oldclass against com petitors from the US and Canada. T he senior class d e d ic a te d th e ir yearbook to him in 1977 w ith these words: In the seven years that Lawrence Goldthwait has served on C ardigan’s faculty, students and staff alike have reaped the ben­ efits o f a long career in teaching an d learning. A repeated author, a fin e sportsman, and a true scientist, all these have combined to enhance Mr. Goldthwait's role as our teacher. He is a true humanitarian whose steady help and sin­ cere interest can always be relied upon He has a patience and respect fo r life in all forms. The con­ stant quiet application o f this philosophy in all he says and does has given us all a fin e example to follow. We are fortunate to have been his students.

Cardigan s success in m aintaining near-full enrollm ent dur­ ing several recent years can be attributed largely to the hard w ork o f Ja ck Rich, aid e d by continuing prom odonal activi­ ties o f th e head m aster. J o h n O liver Rich was th e sc h o o l’s first d ire c to r o f adm issions. A fter his arrival in 1969, he worked tirelessly and enthusias­ tically to p ro m o te C ardigan. David S h elto n rec a lle d th a t w hen he jo in e d the faculty in 1963, the boys were older than was custom ary for eighth and n in th g r a d e rs . H e re m e m ­ b ered some students who were old enough to go into the ma­ rines when they left Cardigan. This situation had changed by John O liver Rich the end o f the 60’s. After Jack Director o f A dm issions Rich arrived, David noticed a 1969-1981


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change in both the age and the calibre of new students. Hal Finkbeiner, who started teaching the same year that Jack Rich arrived, said “Every year thereafter there was a difference in the student body.” Students, he said, were the proper age for each grade (not many repeating a grade) and were better pre­ p a re d academically. “As a resu lt,” H al c o n tin u e d , “we w ent from a rath er loose academ ic standard to a very stringent aca­ demic standard over the years. T he only reason we were able to do this was because of the calibre of new students adm itted by Jack Rich.” Ruth Jo h n so n had jo in ed the admissions of­ fice as secretary, and she and Jack were outstanding in their efforts to make visiting parents and students feel welcome and com fortable on campus. Jack bro u g h t organization to the ad­ missions function, keeping close track o f inquiries, com pleted applications, and enrollm ent acceptances so as to provide bet­ ter estim ates o f total enrollm ent for budgeting and planning. He and N orm an worked together on the plan to recruit Cen­ tral and South American students to come to Cardigan during their sum m er vacation—from Septem ber through D ecem ber— to study English. Looking back to the 1970’s, N orm an said re­ cently, ‘Jack Rich literally kept the school in existence during those difficult years. Jack came at a time when the school was in bad straits in regards to enrollm ent, and he was untiring in recruiting students from all over the U nited States.” T hrough his m any contacts in France an d Switzerland, Jack was also able to enroll sons of Am erican parents living and working in Europe. For several years he personally conducted the March cultural trips to the M ed iterranean, a favorite o f m any stu­ dents. Jack Rich perform ed a dual function, directing both admissions for winter and sum m er school as well as secondary school placem ent; thus he b ro u g h t boys in to C ardigan and sent them forth to their next school. Many parents of Cardi­ gan students have sung his praises over the years for his help in selecting ju st the right secondary school for their sons—a school which would provide sufficient challenge b u t n o t so m uch as to overw helm them — in short, a place w here they could succeed. T he seniors dedicated their 1981 yearbook to Jack Rich. For the past several years, Jack had been assisted in the ad­ missions and placem ent work on a part-tim e basis by foreign


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language teacher, J e ff Hicks. In F eb ru ary 1981, u p o n a n ­ nouncing his intention to retire in the spring, Jack was con­ fident in recom m ending Jeff as his successor. At that time he reported to the trustees that there was increasing effort by sec­ o n d a ry schools to en ro ll C ardigan stu d e n ts for th e ir own ninth grades rath e r than waiting for them to finish and e n te r in grade ten. This developm ent, of course, m ade it h a rd e r to keep the ninth grade full. Since new and different things h ap p en ed on cam pus each year, 1981 was no exception. C haplain H arry Mahoney, start­ ing his fifteenth year at Cardigan that fall, had long been an am ateur radio enthusiast and set up a ham radio station in his apartm ent in H inm an Hall. Over the years a num ber o f boys had becom e interested in this hobby, and he helped several to obtain their FCC am ateur radio licenses. T he increasing num ­ b er of foreign students on cam pus provided an opportunity for him to put the radio equipm ent to good use by students from Finland, Guatem ala, and several o th er South A m erican countries who were able to contact their families using H arry’s short-wave equipm ent. In the past two years, the New Ham pshire Youth O rchestra had held a sum m er cam p on the Cardigan cam pus u n d e r an a rra n g e m e n t started by Jo e Collins, who was a m em b er o f their Board of Trustees. In May 1981 the orchestra was again on cam pus for a concert in the chapel. Students were e n th u ­ siastic about this perform ance especially because two faculty ch ild ren were m em bers o f the o rchestra — D ebbie Crowell and Cathy Shelton. H e a d m a s te r’s Day was a tra d itio n s ta rte d by N o rm an ; Beverly said it was because he d id n ’t want to go to school on his birthday, so he declared it a holiday. Every year N orm an tried to make it a bit different. Traditionally it was announced the same way— the H eadm aster appeared for breakfast in his yellow sweater instead of the usual coat and tie, heralding his a n n o uncem ent that ‘TODAY IS HEADMASTER’S DAY’. Stu­ dents ran back to their room s to exchange school clothes for m ore casual attire and to get bats, balls, gloves, Frisbees and whatever else they could find to celebrate N orm an’s birthday by enjoying a day off from classes. In 1981 he arranged a spe­ cial treat—h o t air balloon rides. N orm an, who had planned


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e v e ry th in g to m ake a g r e a t day— th e sun was sh in in g , a picnic with h o t dogs, ham burg­ ers, w aterm elon, p opcorn and soft ice cream — co u ld n ’t con­ tro l e v e ry a s p e c t o f th e weather. A wind cam e up dur­ ing the m orning, m aking con­ ditions unsuitable for balloon­ ing. H e d e te rm in e d th at the boys were not to miss this treat and arranged for the balloon to retu rn on G reen and W hite Day. By then the w eather was favorable. Carol Shelton clev­ erly conceived a treasure h u n t to see who would have the first M ake y o u r ow n sundae rid e s . S tu d e n ts w ere c h a l­ a H eadm aster's Day treat lenged to track down overdue lib ra ry books, a n d th o se re ­ tu rn in g the largest num ber o f them w ent to the head of the line for the balloon rides. The h u n t was successful, 120 books having been returned. In a recent interview N orm an said, “Every headm aster’s day was great in my books. It was som ething we planned ahead, set m oney aside for, and the students had no idea w hat was going to h a p p e n ,” and then he rem em bered one plan he had th at d id n ’t com e to fruition. “I discovered a place in H art­ ford, C onn. w here you can ju m p o u t o f an airplane with a parachute. I had called ahead and arranged with a friend o f my son Charlie, to m eet me there. I borrow ed the video cam­ era from Carol Shelton and a w alkie-talkie, an d I h a d this dream of ju m p in g o ut of the plane and announcing ‘Today is H eadm aster’s Day’ and this would be on film and I could p ut it on in the theater as a novel way to an nounce the day. So I w ent down and paid $200 for special insurance, which you had to have, and I was all set. I took the lessons right there before going up in the plane. T hen the wind came up, and they w o u ld n ’t let me go up a n d ju m p o u t o f the airplane. Well, I d id n ’t do it, and the next week I w ent to Boston and


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saw one o f my favorite incorporators, Charles Cotting, and I to ld him w hat I h a d trie d to do. A nd he said, ‘N orm an, you’ve got to prom ise me that you will never, never do that again while I’m living.’ And that gave me a good excuse n ot to do it again, so I d id n ’t. And I ’ve never had any desire to do it since.” O ther excidng news was new com puter equipm ent on cam­ pus: four Radio Shack TSR -80’s were delivered and installed, providing opportunity for 50% of boys in the seventh grade and 60% of the boys in ninth grade to take a full-tim e course in com puter theory and program m ing. In August 1981 the trustees approved plans for the learning center which had been developed by Hanover architects Fleck & Lewis. T hey also aw arded th e c o n stru c tio n c o n tra c t to T rum b u ll-N elso n C onstruction Co., a n o th e r H anover firm. As work on the building progressed, fund-raising efforts con­ tinued, spurred on by the million dollar challenge grant. By February 1982 N orm an rep o rted that $1,215,000 had been received toward the building and that he expected it would be paid for w ithout the need of borrowing. Work continued on schedule until the building was com pleted, and it was dedi­ cated in O ctober 1982. It was the unanim ous decision of the trustees to nam e the new building in h o n o r o f the Stoddard family. R obert W. Stoddard, President o f the W ym an-G ordon Cor­ poration in Worcester, Mass., was in that city a civic leader and philanthropist. Always an enthusiastic supporter of the school, he had proposed board m em bers from am ong his associates in Worcester, solicited financial support from them , and made possible substantial gifts from his corporation as well as from the family charitable fo u ndation. T h e plaque nam ing the Stoddard C enter in his h o n o r reads: Robert Waring Stoddard as a member of the Corporation since 1 9 4 5 and a devoted supporter o f the school has always held a clear view o f Cardigan’s goals and purposes. H is interest and generous counsel have been an unfailing source o f our strength.

W hat a celebration there was in h o n o r o f this addition to campus! T he need for a learning center had been identified years ago, and as the school had grown in size an d its stature


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Stoddard Center - M t. Cardigan in background

and reputation had increased, the lack of adequate library and resource facilities became m ore apparent. T he undertaking of a m ajor capital cam paign also signified a large step in the growth and m aturity o f Cardigan. Financing o f m ost o f the building and expansion projects prior to this time had been h a n d le d largely by the m em bers o f the boards. Now th e school had reached the point o f being able to m ount a cam­ paign on its own and to generate support from a constituency o f parents, alum ni, foundadons, and friends, including but not co n fin ed to trustees and incorporators. C om pletion o f the Stoddard cen ter was evidence o f C ardigan’s em erging m atu­ rity. Alumni, parents, neighbors, students, and friends were all p resent for the festive cerem onies and m arveled at this beau­ tiful building. T h e view o f Mt. C ardigan h ad b e e n c h e rish ed from the inception of planning the new campus. T he dining room fea­ tured a large picture window fram ing a view o f the m ountain and the lake. A large window was installed at the front of the chapel to take advantage of the scenic outlook. In designing the learning center, the architect considered carefully the site and planned the building to hug the side of the hill so that


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Stoddard Center - aerial view

visitors arriving in the parking lot outside Hopkins Hall could look over the ro o f of the center right at Cardigan m ountain. From the parking lot stairs led down to the m ain floor o f the library and continued downward for two m ore levels. A th re e story window allowed students to enjoy a view o f the neighbor­ ing hills and m ountains. T he library space was n o t only func­ tional b ut spectacular. Tables, chairs, benches, and carrels pro­ vided a variety of com fortable work spaces adaptable to what­ ever range of activities m ight transpire there. O utside the li­ brary a wide hallway served as an exhibition gallery where the work o f students as well as visiting artists could be properly displayed. Across the hall, doors o p en ed into the m o d ern th e a tre , large e n o u g h to accom m odate the e n tire stu d e n t body for m eetings, movies, and lectures and with a stage ad-


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K irk Library in the Stoddard Center

e q u ate to h an d le the m ost am bitious theatrical and artistic perform ances. A m agnificent theatre organ, gift of a family from V erm ont in m em ory of their grandm other, stood in the pit below the stage. A sloping ram p led from the main library level to classroom areas at the rear o f the building designed especially for the re a d in g & study skills a n d fo reign language d e p a rtm e n ts. Over the years the Stoddard C enter has m ore than fulfilled all the plans and dream s that led to its design and construction. M aintaining enrollm ents continued to require increased ef足 fort. To assist with han d lin g the volum e o f paperw ork, J e ff Hicks had installed in the admissions office a com puter system which by O ctober 1982 was up and running and proving to be helpful. J e ff was delighted to re p o rt th at the school was full with 182 students a n d that five boys were on the wait list for admission. Facilities for c o m p u te r ed u cation for stu d en ts were aug足 m ented during the sum m er of 1983 when a com puter lab was set u p by th e m ath d e p a rtm e n t in th e classroom level o f Hayward Hall with eight Radio Shack term inals tied to a cen足 tral processor. Faculty were also to receive instruction in their use.


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T h e re is a tim e in the academ ic year w hen fall athletics have en d e d b u t w inter sports c an n o t be started. To fill this void, athletics are replaced for one week with a different pro­ gram in ten d ed to stim ulate young m inds and expose them to a variety o f new experiences. In 1982 the program was called Discovery Week. It was designed to celebrate the new facilities available in the Stoddard Center. Twenty different workshops, presented over the five-day period by faculty and visiting art­ ists, actors, musicians, and poets ended each afternoon with a bonus perform ance by one of the artists. T he dram a club was, o f course, delighted with the new theatre, and in the spring of 1983 christened the stage with a production o f “Oliver” that featured a cast o f 40 CMS boys and 14 girls from M ascoma Valley Regional High School. T hree perform ances played to packed houses. In O ctober 1982 the trustees accepted with regret Je rry Newton’s resignation as treasurer. For over thirty years he had served the school as trustee, treasurer, and president always providing p ru d e n t financial advice and counsel, encouraging thrift, and resisting tem ptations to spend and expand m ore rapidly th an available resources could accom m odate. He spent countless hours assisting with budgeting and financial rep o rts a n d was always a willing and available resource for m em bers of the business office staff. Before, throughout, and subsequent to construction o f the Stoddard Center, problem s with water supply and sewage dis­ posal h ad d em anded the atten tio n o f the trustees. In May 1983 Jo h n Coffin reported for the building com m ittee that an additional and potentially expensive problem on cam pus was the am o u n t o f friable asbestos which showed up in a survey required by new federal regulations. Solutions for these prob­ lems would involve increasing time and expense over the next several years. M atters o f policy a n d m anagem ent also n eed ed consider­ a tio n by the tru stees a n d in c o rp o ra to rs in 1983. T h e two groups m ade these decisions: 1. to consider female representation on the corpora­ tion 2 . to adm it only male students to w inter school— w ithout exception


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to au g m en t em ployee benefits by ad d in g long­ term disability and life insurance to increase the am ount of um brella liability insur­ ance to 15 million dollars

At the e n d o f the year, the new director o f developm ent, David C ritten d en , rep o rted th at the T oday/T om orrow cam ­ paign had qualified for the fourth m atching grant o f $200,000 from the Endeavour Foundation and that only $400,000 m ore n e e d ed to be raised before the final am o u n t o f the m illion dollar challenge grant could be received. Finding an acceptable source for d rin k in g water, a long term problem , becam e a priority in February 1984 when the lake water was declared unsuitable for drinking. Many o th er soludons having failed, the trustees now authorized drilling an artesian well. Two m onths later the well was functioning and supplying good potable water. By O ctober a second well had b e e n d rille d a n d passed th e State tests. A dditional wells would be necessary in o rd er to provide the necessary volume o f water, b u t it was a relief at long last to have found a work­ able solution.. Well work continued, and in F ebruary 1985 the building com m ittee reported that three drilled wells were still n ot producing sufficient volume to satisfy state standards and that a n o th e r one would be needed. To satisfy new regu­ lations, additional storage tanks and a new pum p house m ight also be required. No solution had yet been found for the sep­ tic problem s, however, and the latest rep o rt noted that all the systems on cam pus were in trouble and that only the newest field at Franklin house was working well. T he trustees next turned their attention to o th er problem s with the physical plant. A rep o rt to the executive com m ittee in Novem ber 1984 stated that four buildings would n eed new roofs— the covered sports area, the locker building, Newton house, and the woodworking shop. Work was also necessary o n several b o ilers, a n d an e n erg y c o n se rv a tio n p lan was needed. New State laws had been passed which required instal­ lation o f smoke detectors in many locations on campus. T he


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list seem ed endless, and, in addition, the headm aster was talk­ ing about furth er capital needs— this time a science building and equipm ent for m aking artificial ice in the hockey rink. Enough m oney had been raised through the T oday/Tom or­ row campaign to build the learning center, but the five million dollar cam paign goal h ad n o t yet been met. By February o f 1985 total contributions on hand were sufficient to qualify for the final paym ent o f the million dollar m atching grant from th e E n d e a v o u r F o u n d a tio n , b u t th e c a m p a ig n was still $900,000 short of the goal. N orm an, the developm ent office, a n d th e tru stee s a n d in c o rp o ra to rs w ere w orking h a rd to stim ulate enough contributions to finish the cam paign by fall. T he start of the 1985-86 school year m arked the 40th anni­ versary of C ardigan’s founding. T he incorporators noted the recent loss o f two o f their members, each of whom in his own way, had been significant in the school’s history: R obert Stod­ d ard who died in D ecem ber 1984, and Charles C otting who passed away ju st before the m eeting. T he Stoddard Founda­ tion, which had supported the construction of the learning center, continued to help with two fine gifts, sufficient to put the capital cam paign over the top. T here co u ld n ’t have been a better way to start the 40th year than by the announcem ent that the five million dollar capital cam paign had been closed successfully. This was a real m ilestone in C ardigan’s history and started the year on a high note of confidence and e n th u ­ siasm. C harles C otting, an enthusiastic a n d steadfast sup­ p o rter while a board m em ber for 39 years, was m em orialized by the incorporators in the following Minute: The Corporation pays tribute to the quiet, generous support o f Mr. Charles E. Cotting from almost the inception of the school. He did not desire any ostentation o f his generosity which is marked by a granite boulder designating Cotting Field. H is soft spoken, dry Yankee coun­ sel was always appreciated. H is beneficence an d sagacity w ill be missed and long remembered.


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Bob Stoddard takes a student f o r a ride in his helicopter

The founding of a school inspired by the vision o f one man, its gradual growth and developm ent u n d e r the guidance o f a group o f incorporators and trustees dedicated to th at vision, and its m aturation into an accredited, increasingly well known institution with a fine reputation and an outstanding physical p la n t c o n stitu te a rem arkable accom plishm ent w ithin forty years.


ChapterFive 1985-1989 N o r m a n ' s G o l d e n Years After the O ctober celebrations were behind them , the trust­ ees re tu rn e d to the realities o f ru n n in g the school. It was encouraging to learn that the 1985 sum m er session had pro­ duced a surplus o f $200,000 ($30,000 over budget), b u t Jeff Hicks reported a drop in inquiries, which had started as early as February. He noted also that C ardigan’s sum m er session was facing increasing com petition from o th er schools, which were now starting their own sum m er program s, and he con­ cluded this situation would m ake budgeting difficult for at least the next two years. The school opened with only 170 stu­ dents, the lowest num ber in the last three years, and Je ff said o th er schools he talked with were also experiencing a notice­ able decline in cu rren t inquiries. At the same time N orm an thought that with one successful capital campaign now com pleted, it m ight be possible to build on th at success to start raising funds for a science building. T he trustees showed their support for the idea, b u t with their usual conservatism moved to start work on the building only when a m illion dollars had been received for the project. Utilities problem s continued to be a great concern to the trustees with solutions tantalizingly ju st beyond reach. Earlier in the fall they had retained a firm of consulting engineers to develop a com prehensive plan for water procurem ent, sewage disposal, and fire protection which could be approved by the State, and they now agreed to go ahead with a firm contract b u t only after written acceptance of the proposal by the State was in hand. In January 1986 they authorized an expenditure o f up to two m illion dollars for the project, and asked the tre a s u re r to d ev elo p p lan s fo r fin a n c in g u p to h a lf th a t am ount. They also authorized the headm aster to undertake a two m illion dollar capital drive for the utilities project over the next two years. By May they were encouraged to have the help o f Stuart Steele, a new trustee who ran a large contract­ ing co m p an y in s o u th e rn New H a m p sh ire . Surely, they th o u g h t, his expertise w ould now lead them to a solution. And indeed, after studying the engineering proposal, he esti247


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m ated that the water problem s could be solved for less money than had been estimated, and the trustees agreed to go ahead with the project u n d e r his guidance. N orm an, in the m ean­ time, had been trying to develop a plan for a two million dol­ lar cam paign for utilities work, an d after several m onths o f study said he th o u g h t the p ro sp ect o f raising m oney for a sewer system was impossible because this was a project which h ad no appeal to potential donors. No one was interested in giving m oney for a com m em orative m anhole cover. By O cto­ ber 1986 Stuart Steele said he thought the bid o f $203,000 for a w ater system was u n re a s o n a b le , a n d th a t h e e stim a te d $150,000 would do it if they waited until next spring to solicit bids. A definitive solution still seem ed to be beyond reach. For several years th e tru stee s h a d b e e n aw are th a t the school’s infirm ary n eeded an overhaul. Plans had been pro­ posed for a w hole new building, b u t o th e r projects always seem ed to take precedence. E arlier this year Dr. R ichard M orrison and his wife decided to make a substantial gift to the school to rem o d el the infirm ary, a n d in O cto b er 1985 the M orrison Infirm ary was officially dedicated. M ention m ust here be m ade o f an o th er m ilestone that was passed. D uring the w inter o f 1985-86 the ski tow at the Pin­ nacle did not operate because o f m eager snow conditions. As an alternative, the ski program was m oved to W haleback, a small ski area in nearby L ebanon which h ad snow-making equipm ent and therefore was operating that winter. Over the past twenty years many com m ercial ski areas in New England had m ade the heavy capital investment in snow- making equip­ m e n t because they h ad suffered th ro u g h too m any w inters when snow conditions prevented them from operating during the en tire w inter season. This equ ip m en t was expensive to install an d to ru n , b u t the ex p en d itu re was worthw hile if it allowed ski areas to operate th ro u g h o u t winters w hen th ere was insufficient natural snow. Over the years C ardigan had m anaged to ru n its ski program , keeping the Pinnacle open whenever possible and traveling to o th er nearby com m ercial areas when necessary. This year they d id n ’t even try to oper­ ate the ski lift, b u t contracted with W haleback to host a daily ski program . T here has been no skiing at the Pinnacle since then. Adding to the headm aster’s o th er problem s at the start of


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the 1986 school year was th e su d d en resignation o f David C rittenden as director of developm ent. Annual fund m ateri­ als were not ready, a newsletter was due shortly, and there was n o o n e to take care o f th ese th in g s. In his g re a t n e e d , N orm an tu rn e d to an old friend, Dick Rearick, who h ad re­ cently re tu rn e d to New H am pshire, an d p e rsu a d e d him to take over the developm ent office. N orm an certainly had lived through enough crises at the school so that he was not overwhelm ed by problem s; so it was n o t because o f present difficulties that he an n o u n ced to the trustees in O ctober 1986 his intention to retire in two years— in Ju n e 1989. He told them that he and Beverly had m ade up th eir m inds to retire w hen th eir youngest d aughter, Missy, graduated from college, and this would take place in 1989. To the trustees, however, it was a bom bshell; n o t since W ilfred Clark left in 1955 had they had to u n d ertak e a headm aster search. It seem ed like an intim idating task to be added to the already difficult ones they were facing. A nother retirem ent was announced at the same time. Dr. Israel D in n erm an had been the school’s physician since its op en in g day, an d after a long career serving as the town of C a n a a n ’s only physician— one o f the last real co u n try doc­ tors— the time had com e for him to stop practicing m edicine. T he en d of 1986 was m arked by two significant gifts to the school. T rustee Stuart Steele was now convinced that a water tre a tm e n t system acceptable to the State could be b uilt for $100,000, and to back up his belief, he personally pledged this am ount toward the water project. The other gift was $250,000 from the Christian H um ann Foundation to create an endow ­ m ent fund to support the theater and cultural programs. This endow m ent was an im portant step forward for the arts at Car­ digan. T he new theater was part of the Stoddard Center, and it was well eq u ip p ed ; b u t C ardigan really could n o t ru n a full-time theatrical program as p a rt o f the curricu lu m — the s tu d e n ts w ere too y o u n g , a n d th e sc h e d u le was a lre ad y crow ded with basic subjects needed to get boys ready for prep school. D ram a had been offered as an activity for m any years and continued to be popular, but this activity did not begin to take full a d v an tag e o f th e new th e a tric a l facilities. T h e H um ann T heater endow m ent provided funds not only for the future m aintenance of this facility, but, m ore importandy, pro-


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H a l Finkbeiner p la yin g the theatre organ

vided the m eans to enable outstanding artistic program s o f all kinds to be b ro u g h t to the school. T he official dedication o f the H um ann T heater took place during p aren ts’ w eekend in Jan u ary 1987. To illustrate the variety o f offerings that could be presented on this stage, the dedication program consisted of: (1) A rendition o f Sousa’s m arch “T he Stars and Stripes Forever” played on. the th eater organ by H arold Finkbeiner (2) Two num bers sung by the Cardigan glee club (3) A pro­ gram by the Impluse Dance Company o f Boston (4) A perfor­ m ance by M ichael Zerphy, a juggler and m im e (5) Songs by the D artm outh D odecaphonics, a twelve m em ber co-ed sing­ ing group (6) Excerpts from Jam es T h u rb e r’s play ‘T h e Se­ c ret Life o f W alter Mitty” perform ed by the C ardigan dram a club (7) A rousing finale by the C oncord Com m unity Music School’s Jazz Ensemble. As his last official act in 1986, p resid en t Frieze form ed a search com m ittee to start the process of finding candidates for the headm aster’s position. Ruth Talbert, secretary and assistant to the headmaster, had b e e n in p o o r h e a lth a n d u n ab le to work since D ecem ber 1986. She h ad been h ired as a receptionist in 1950, which


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m ade h e r at this tim e the oldest em ployee o f the school in term s o f length o f service. Ruth had served as secretary to th re e h e a d m a ste rs— W ilfred Clark, R o land B u rb an k , a n d N orm an—and was rem em bered by hundreds of parents as the cheerful voice they heard when phoning the school, an d as the person who so pleasantly and efficiently helped them and th eir sons with vacation tran sp o rtatio n a rran g em en ts, with m o tel rese rv atio n s w h en they cam e to C an aan , a n d w ith countless o th er details in connection with their sons’ lives at Cardigan. D uring p arents’ weekends she was always in the of­ fice smiling and ready to help parents and students with travel plans and any other details with which they were concerned. Drawing on her wealth o f experience, she had been an invalu­ ab le a ssista n t to N o rm a n ev er since h e m oved in to th e headm aster’s office. Ruth never retu rn ed to h er desk in the m ain office of the school. At the spring m eeting of the executive com m ittee in 1987 a n o th e r problem cam e to light. In W ashington the Environ­ m ental Protecdon Agency had issued regulations requiring all u n d erg ro u n d oil storage tanks to be tested for possible leak­ age, and further requiring that tanks which had been installed longer than thirty years would have to be replaced. At Cardi­ gan, where each building had its own heating system and con­ sequently its own fuel storage tank, eleven tanks now had to be tested, and four o f the oldest tanks would have to be dug u p and replaced. M ore m ajor expense im posed by govern­ m en t regulations. T here was good news at this time about other underground difficulties: plans for a new water supply system were com ­ plete and now awaiting approval by the State. This tim e the approval came through quickly, and contracts were let for con­ struction to begin as soon as the ground had thawed. T he sys­ tem as finally approved was m ore com plex than previous de­ signs; in ad d itio n to the four artesian wells th a t h a d b een drilled, it required installation of twol00,000 gallon water stor­ age tanks and two separate pum ping systems— one for dom es­ tic water, and a separate system to provide additional pressure for new fire hydrants on campus. By January 1988 everything h ad been installed, tested, and was working satisfactorily, thus bringing to a conclusion efforts to comply with state regula­


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tions which had started in 1972. It was a great relief to have this problem solved, but the total cost had reached the aston­ ishing total o f $283,000— far m ore th an any previous esti­ m ates— and a large am ount for this small school to have to pay w ithout any state or federal support. It was particularly irritating that Cardigan should have to build such an elaborate system w hen the town o f Canaan was still perm itted to draw water from the lake to supply customers served by the m unici­ pal water system. In the spring o f 1987 the trustees took another positive step toward solution o f the sewage problem by purchasing a 105 acre plot o f land at the top of Prospect Hill across from the trap range. This was beautiful property with a panoram ic view to the west; however it was n o t purchased for the view, b u t as the future location of the new septic system. Unlike m ost o f the property on which the school was located, this area was covered with sandy soil m aking it ideal for leach fields. In ad­ d ition th ere was a large sand pit a t the w estern e n d o f the property which ultim ately becam e the source of m ost o f the gravel n eed ed to prepare the beds for these fields. T he site was a worthwhile acquisidon. O ne o f the m ost spectacular program s to be presented in the H um an T h eater cam e to cam pus for H ead m aster’s Day 1987. Students saw a large tractor-trailer parked beh in d the S toddard C enter the previous day, b u t no one would adm it k n o w in g w h a t it was a b o u t. T h e e v e n in g tr e a t fo r H e a d m a s te r ’s Day was A lan S c h o e n b e r g e r ’s p ro g ra m : “S c h o e n b e rg e r Skis the S tage.” E n te rin g th e th e a te r th a t evening, students could dimly see large apparatus taking up m ost o f the stage. It was dimly illum inated in blue light, and soft music was playing in the background. As the lights gradu­ ally cam e up, there was a m an on skis standing in the center o f a sloping platform. T he music increased in volume, there was a dull w hirring o f m achinery, and before their eyes, the m an was skiing rig h t on the stage. H e twisted a n d tu rn e d , headed straight down the slope, then brought his skis together for a graceful stop. It was unbelievable; how could he do it? W hat was he skiing on? T h ere were no answers. T h e music changed, a light show began, and the skier again was moving around the slope, from side to side, top to bottom , now going


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up the hill, now sideways, now down—gracefully, beautifully, like a ballet on skis—with music and lights augm enting the d ram a o f the p e rfo rm a n c e . T h e a u d ie n c e was u tte rly e n ­ chanted. T he music ranged from classical to jazz to rock and roll, the lights following the change in musical m ood, and the skier likewise. T he perform er was saluted with a standing ova­ tion at the conclusion. Alan then turned on the stage lights so all could see his mysterious m ountain. It was an endless car­ pet, moving over rollers at variable speeds, so that he could sim ulate skiing on the moving surface. T he illusion was unbe­ lievably realistic, the perform ance beautifully artistic, and with th e lig h ts o n , all c o u ld see th e m ass o f e le c tr o n ic , com puter-directed equipm ent which activated the music, lights and m otion. T here has been nothing on the Cardigan stage, before or since, to equal this perform ance.

N ew A pple Computer

Students retu rn in g to cam pus in the fall o f 1987 were ex­ cited to find that the com puter program had been updated with the addition of 12 Apple H e’s; with this new equipm ent,


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every student could have com puter instruction for a full term each year. Rock clim bing was a new activity that fall. A maxi­ m um of 15 students could elect this program , which consisted o f five phases o f instruction. Students learned: 1) trust and g ro u p co o p e ra tio n 2) knots, h arnesses a n d safety 3) the ro p es course 4) b o u ld e r clim bing and 5) top-roping and rappelling— clim bing higher rocks, up to 75 to 80 feet. T he fall-winter interim this year was nam ed: LIFEBOAT, and the following topics w ere offered d u rin g a fte rn o o n activity periods: cops & robbers— a presentation by local police depart­ m ents energy environm ent sim ulator— com puter sim ulation o f various m an-m ade influences on the environ­ m ent project adventure— an o u td o o r course presenting physical and m ental challenges acid rain and the New England m aple industry students and the law—presented by an attorney car clinic— practical experience in changing oil and rem oving a flat tire A new com puter system with fund-raising software had re­ placed the old IBM system six in the developm ent office, and w ith this e q u ip m e n t cam era-ready copy fo r the n ew sletter could be p ro d u ce d in-house, saving b o th tim e and money. Dick Rearick an d N orm an h ad p u t to g eth er a small capital cam paign to raise $500,000 for artificial ice-making equipm ent for the hockey rink, and $90,000 was already in hand for this project. A great boost to their fund-raising activities cam e in August 1987 with a challenge gift o f $100,000 from Mr. and Mrs. R o b e rt J. T u rn e r, p a re n ts o f two C a rd ig a n a lu m n i, Geoffrey ’69 a n d Lincoln, ’76, to m atch subsequent gifts for artificial ice on a one-for-two basis. Despite the boost from this c h a lle n g e , a n d a lo t o f h a rd w ork on th e p a rt o f fo rm e r hockey players, th e cam paign m oved along slowly. In the spring o f 1988 Jim M arrion and N orm an becam e enthusiastic about a new system for m aking artificial ice using plastic mats to circulate the coolant rath er than copper tubing em bedded in the floor. In addition to being less expensive to install, this system h ad the advantage of being rem ovable, so the covered


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sports area could still be used for tennis and o th er activities during the spring, summer, and fall. O ther hockey rinks which had used these mats gave their recom m endation. O n the ba­ sis o f using this equipm ent, the original $500,000 estimate for artificial ice was red u c e d to a total o f $360,000, in clu d in g $150,000 for endowm ent. By May 1988, with gifts and pledges in han d totaling $294,000, the trustees gave their approval to o rder the equipm ent, and by Thanksgiving the hockey boards were up, new mats were in place, and the pum ps and con­ densers were running. O n D ecem ber 14th the T u rn er Rink was officially dedicated in a stirring cerem ony with m em bers o f the T u rn er family sitting in a semi-circle on chairs— on the new ice. After the speeches, several lovely young ladies from T he Skating Club at D artm outh p resen ted an exhibition o f figure skating; fo rm er faculty m em ber Lawrence G oldthwait dem onstrated speed skadng; m em bers of the Cardigan hockey team exhibited their skills. T hen the rink was opened for free skadng followed by a reception in the Kenerson Social Center. In the fall of 1987, with the new water supply system near­ ing com pletion, the trustees finally had before them a sewage system plan that had State approval. They accepted a bid of $568,000 for the system, recognizing that a variety o f problem s m ight be en cou ntered during construction which could raise the cost substantially. It was nonetheless a great relief to have an acceptable solution to this problem which had been press­ ing for so many years and which, at times, had m ade the at­ m osphere on cam pus quite unpleasant. Work on the sewage system started late in the fall of 1987, and by the sum m er o f 1988 the leach fields at the top of Pros­ pect Hill were in place, and main sewer lines installed down the west and east sides o f the campus. A line was to com e up the hill from the infirmary and run down beside the chapel to connect both sides of campus, but the contractor encountered granite ledge as soon as he started up the hill. This required blasting, which was a source o f great e n te rta in m e n t for stu­ dents during the fall and w inter o f 1988. Holes were drilled into the rock at frequent intervals, and blasting pow der was packed into them . G reat mats m ade o f old auto tires were spread over the area, and a whistle was sounded to w arn of blasting. T h e n a g re a t BOOM , an d d u st a n d sm all rocks


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would fly into the air. After rem oving the mats, the backhoe operator started work to clean out a trench for the sewer line. This slow process added greatly to the cost of the project and provided a topic o f interest and conversation all around the campus. T hroughout the fall and winter o f 1987-88, the search com­ m ittee had been engaged with a consultant discussing possible candidates for the head m aster’s jo b , and now finalists were b rought to cam pus to m eet with groups o f faculty, adm inistra­ tors, and students. Several candidates were asked to retu rn to cam pus for a second visit, and when the trustees m et in May 1988 they agreed with the unanim ous choice o f students and faculty. T he a p p o in tm e n t o f Dr. C am eron K. Dewar as the school’s next headm aster would be effective July 1, 1989. T here was an o th er change in May 1988: H eadm aster’s Day was replaced by “Jo e Collins Day” in h o n o r o f Mr. an d Mrs. Jo sep h Collins, who were to retire at the e n d o f the school year. J o e an d G inny cam e to C ardigan in S ep tem b er 1970 from Friends School in No. D artm outh, Mass. Joe was hired as Director o f Studies and Dean of Students, and in March the follow ing year was a p p o in te d Assistant H eadm aster. T h eir younger son, Jody, en tered 6th grade a t Cardigan, and their o ld e r son, T im , w ent to K im ball U n io n Academy. T h e ir d a u g h te r, G inger, was w orking as a p o tte r ’s a p p re n tic e in M aine, an d came hom e infrequently to visit. Jo e and Ginny lived in Stowell House with six boys and a floor leader until 1977, when they moved to Banks House. Ginny rem em bered th at the first year, the boys in h er house were all seniors and quite difficult to deal with. She h ad to cope with them by herself, because Jo e was busy all day with administrative duties, in addition to teaching one m ath class, and in the afternoon, helping with football in the fall and coaching baseball in the spring. A fter dinner, he usually w ent back to the office to catch up with paperw ork, to correct papers and prepare for his n e x t class; he rarely re tu rn e d hom e before n in e o r ten o ’clock in the evening. T he 1970’s were wearing. T here was a shortage of qualified students, so academ ic standards h ad b een relaxed to some deg ree in o rd e r to keep the school reasonably filled. This b ro u g h t boys to Cardigan who had both academ ic and disci­


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plinary problem s, and the bur­ d e n o f coping with them fell heavily on Joe. T he rebellious n atu re o f students in th at de­ cad e also c o n trib u te d to his problem s. He said, “Students w ere a g ain st e v e ry th in g th a t was called ‘T he Establishm ent’, so a t C ardigan they re b e lle d against dress codes, haircuts, m anners, and being told to do anything.” Toward the end of Joe a n d G inny Collins the ’70s, the school ad d ed to th e faculty a n d red u c e d class size. During that dm e several faculty/student houses were built on cam pus, and this fact eased the strain on the large dorm i­ tories, m aking life less stressful for students and faculty alike. A fter Jo e arrived on cam pus, N orm an was able to travel m ore, both to recruit students and to raise money. D uring his absence, Jo e had to take on the duties o f the headm aster as well. Even though he was the disciplinarian, the students were fond of Joe; they respected his fairness, and enjoyed his sense of hum or. Faculty also found him easy to work with, sympa­ thetic to their needs, and ready to help in any way he could with academ ic problem s. For eighteen years Jo e and Ginny gave their all to Cardigan. They were there day and night, weekdays and week ends, always available when needed. Every July they w ent away on vacation, b ut for the rest of the year there was no couple who worked harder or m ore selflessly for the school. Two people were hired to take over his duties af­ ter Joe retired—a dean of students and a director o f studies— and betw een them they could hardly do all the work he did. For several years a fter his retire m e n t, Jo e was on the road part-tim e doing public relations and recruiting work for the school, and he and Ginny still work at C ardigan two days a week—Jo e helping with the counseling program , and Ginny working in the library. ‘Joe Collins Day” had the usual activities that characterized H e a d m a s te r ’s Day— h a m b u rg s , h o t d o g s, p izz a , a n d


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make-your-own sundaes on the C lark-M organ law n, b u t this year th e re w ere two changes. To h o n o r Jo e a n d Ginny, the tr u s te e s a n d i n c o r p o r a to r s sch ed u led th eir May m eeting on this w eekend and were on cam pus to enjoy the festivities. T ra d itio n c a lle d fo r a ro a s t b e e f d i n n e r in th e d in in g room at noon, and for boys to be in jack et and tie for the oc­ casion. This year, trustees and in c o rp o ra to rs jo in e d th e stu­ d en ts for the o u td o o r picnic, O utdoor lunch on and there wasn’t a tie o r jacket Joe Collins D ay -1 9 6 8 on any student. A special cer­ em ony started the day. To re­ place trees across the front o f campus that had been dam aged or rem oved by the blasting, eleven new trees were planted, and each one was dedicated to an em ployee being h o n o red fo r lo n g service to th e sch o o l. T rees w ere d e d ic a te d to: Donald Blunt, Jo e & Ginny Collins, H arold Finkbeiner, Leona F iske, Ja c k ie Lary, H a rry M ahoney, Jim M a rrio n , C arol Shelton, David Shelton, Beverly Wakely and N orm an Wakely. Everyone on cam pus at th at tim e was thinking ab o u t the changes that m ight come about with the retirem en t o f both Mr. Collins an d Mr. Wakely. T h e Chronicle in the w inter o f 1988 carried an article by Douglas W endt ’88 entitled “Reflec­ tions o f a Four-Year Boy”. In my fo u r years at Cardigan, I have seen my fa ir share of changes. I have seen new projects started and finished, from pur­ chasing the Stoddard video projector to installing the Simplex fire alarms to building the Founder’s Quadrangle. I have seen new rules a n d regulations im plem ented an d new programs added, from the Life-Skills classes to the morning work detail. Yet, despite all o f these innovations, ideas, projects, an d ex­ pansions, C ardigan ’s real backbone, power, and spirit lies in what doesn’t change. Yes, new pieces o f equipment such as the


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field irrigation machine are fin e additions to the school. Salads have undoubtedly improved with the introduction of refrigerated sala d bars. New fire alarms, fire doors, fire hydrants, and E X IT signs have made the campus a safer place fo r us all. B U T ....w hat would we ever do with our Planbooks? How about a Cardigan with no conference periods ? Can you picture life with all buffet meals, optional athletics, no Saturday classes, and no chapel? H ow would dropping the Christmas Pageant change CMS? Would things be the sam e i f we ended the a n ­ nual hike up M ount Cardigan ? These traditions are the things that make Cardigan M ountain School. I f C ardigan loses its lo n g -s ta n d in g tr a d itio n s , it w o n ’t be the sam e C ardigan . Soon we w ill see change here with the end o f the current ad­ m in is tr a tio n . W ith o u t Mr. Wakely and Mr. Collins, this is inevitable. It is not necessarily fo r the better or worse, but it will happen. A n d yet, the more Car­ digan changes, the more CardiThree wisemen from gan stays the same. Christmas pageant

During the sum m er and fall of 1988 the campus looked like a m ajor construction site. T here were ditches for sewer and water lines, great holes where oil tanks were being rem oved and replaced, and trenches to carry new power lines to the T u rn e r A rena for the ice-m aking e q u ip m en t. T h e trustees n oted with some dismay that the sewerage project would put the school in long-term debt for the first time in its history— to the am o u n t o f ab o u t 1.2 m illion dollars. And substantial expenses for asbestos removal work sdll lay ahead. In his report to the fall m eedng o f the trustees, buildings & grounds su perintendent Ralph LaPointe told them that there were only two weeks o f the year—in June between Com m ence­ m ent and the start o f the sum m er session—when the dorm s


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Trustees meeting in Kenerson Social Center

w ere com pletely empty, an d th a t this was the only tim e in which he could carry out necessary repairs and repainting in the dorms. T here was one period this summer, he told them , w hen he had thirteen outside contractors on the cam pus at o ne tim e, in addition to his regular buildings and grounds crew. This year’s sum m er projects included m ajor plum bing repairs in Hayward Hall; work on heating systems in Brewster and H inm an Halls to install separate heating zones with ther­ m ostats in faculty apartm ents; rebuilding p art o f die old stone wall along the front o f campus; connecting sewer lines to in­ dividual buildings; replacing oil tanks; ex terio r pain tin g o f Clark-M organ; a n d installation of a new em ergency g en era­ to r— twice th e size o f th e old o n e — to provide em ergency power for all the new equipm ent added to cam pus in recent years. Septem ber 1988— the start of the Wakely’s last year at Car­ digan— certainly was an occasion to be noted. Savage Frieze and N orm an h ad worked together since Savage was elected president o f the trustees in 1979. D uring these years Savage had noted now m uch N orm an loved surprises—but only those that he conceived and arranged. It had been decided to de­ clare 1988-89 as the Year o f the Wakely T ribute, and Savage


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Start o f the Wakely Tribute Year - September 1 9 8 8

w anted m ore th an anything to start th e year by surprising N orm an— not an easy task. To that end he had appointed a com m ittee to plan and organize events during the year, culmi­ nating in a big celebration, instead o f the usual H eadm aster’s Day, in May 1989. This com m ittee was sworn to secrecy; every m eedng was held off campus (usually in H anover), and there were no nodces or reports made. Mary Wakely was part o f die com m ittee, and she had to sneak into H anover for m eetings, avoiding C anaan, so as n o t to be seen by h er father. T he first “event” was to take place the first Sunday o f the school year. T rustees were invited to the school for Sunday d inner, b u t they were n o t to let N orm an know they were com ing, were n ot to attend chapel, but ju st to show up in the dining room right before the meal and to sit as inconspicuously as possible at tables with the students. O f course N orm an noticed them , b u t th ere was n o tim e o r o p p o rtu n ity for him to leave his table to find o ut why they were on campus. At the conclusion of the meal, the time for announcem ents, a proclam ation was read announcing the start of the Year o f the Wakely T ribute, and all were invited to jo in Mr. and Mrs. Wakely at the flag­


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pole. A great green and white flag with “Wakely T rib u te” in huge letters along the bottom was unfurled, then was raised up the flagpole as hundreds o f balloons were released, flash bulbs popped, a TV crew recorded the m om ent, and the trib­ ute year officially began. It all cam e off ju s t as Savage had p lan n ed and caught N orm an com pletely by surprise. So the Wakelys’ final year was off to a rousing beginning. T h e e n ro llm e n t pictu re, however, was n o t so rosy. T he school h ad been filled, with over 180 students, in every year b u t one from 1982 through 1987. Only 175 boys were on cam­ pus in Septem ber 1988. This downward trend was to continue for the nex t six years. A lthough the U.S. econom y was still grow ing, the worst stock m arket crash in the history o f the New York Stock Exchange in O ctober 1987 had raised doubts about continuing growth. Inflation was again on the rise, and the Federal Reserve Board was raising interest rates in an ef­ fo rt to control the growth o f inflation. President Regan and G eneral Secretary G orbachev o f the Soviet U nion were still m eeting to prom ote arms reduction, but international tension was high. T here was the conflict with Iran, fueled by revela­ tions in W ashington o f the “Iran-C ontra Affair”. No d o u b t econom ic and political considerations affected peo p le’s deci­ sions about enrolling their sons in expensive private schools. J e ff Hicks had recruited Jo e Collins to work part-tim e in his first year o f retirem ent to prom ote Cardigan in many com m u­ nities in n o rth e rn New England. Tom Schenck and Je ff were also on the road to encourage enrollm ent. A new W ilderness Program was started that fall, using the cabin at Clark Pond which was donated by Finn Caspersen. It was a one-week program that boys could elect as an alternative to regular athletics. Boys moved out of their dorm room s to live in the cabin at the pond. This m eant rising at 5:30 each m o rning to cook breakfast and retu rn to school for classes. In the aftern o o n there was study hall for hom ew ork, and after­ w a rd th e y w e n t b a c k to ca m p fo r ro c k c lim b in g a n d orienteering exercises. T he program culm inated with a week­ end backpacking trip in the White M ountains. D uring the fall five d ifferen t groups participated in the program , a n d each group clim bed at least two 4000 foot peaks during their week. Som e of these climbs were m ade in the snow.


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During February 1989 hockey was the chief topic of conver­ sation. Early in the m onth alum ni hockey players retu rn ed to cam pus for th eir second an nual hockey reu n io n . Som e o f these m en had continued to play hockey after leaving Cardi­ gan—at prep school and college, and later in inform al m en ’s hockey leagues. O th ers h a d n ’t had a hockey stick in their hands for several years. R eturning to Cardigan for a hockey reunion, they donned skates, whatever pieces of uniform s they could find, and put together two teams for a sometim es wild, a n d always fu n n y gam e. T h e re was also a c o n te s t w ith C ardigan’s varsity team. This year o ther hockey visitors were welcomed to campus— a team from Hyvinkaa, Finland, accom panied by parents and younger siblings. This was the first time Cardigan had been able to reciprocate the hospitality which had been shown to their teams during biennial visits to Finland over the past 14 years. In 1975 faculty m em ber and hockey coach Sky Peck had arranged for the hockey team to travel to Finland during the M arch vacation. This was a cultural and educational trip, but they also played hockey. A rrangem ents had been made for them to stay with families in Hyvinkaa. Friendships developed, and hockey trips have been m ade to Finland and sometim es other countries every other year since then. In 1979 Cardigan offered a scholarship to a boy from Hyvinkaa to spend his 9th grade year at the school; this practice was repeated in 1981 and has continued every year since. In 1982 the Finnish boy cam e in eighth grade, was the only student to stay two years, and was elected school leader in his senior year at Cardigan. Hockey players continued their visits to Finland every o th er year, and friendships between the Finnish host parents and the school grew stronger. During Christmas vacation in 1981 the varsity hockey team and some o f the boys’ parents took an exciting trip to Finland and the Soviet U nion. Leaving from Kennedy airport in New York via Finnair, they first stopped at Helskinki, w here the boys stayed with Finnish families while coaches and parents enjoyed a m odern hotel. They played six hockey gam es in Finland, including a two-day tournam ent in Hyvinkaa—the city with w hom C ardigan h a d long enjoyed an e x c h an g e p ro ­ gram — an d re tu rn e d to H elsinki for New Year’s Eve at the


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hom e of the American Labor Attache, Edward Archer, father o f a c u rre n t n inth grader. Afterwards they enjoyed the tradi­ tional New Year’s Eve fireworks display. T h e n e x t day the group left via Aeroflot for Leningrad, where they played a fine Soviet hockey team in a gam e which en d ed in a thrilling 8-8 tie. T he cultural highlight of the whole trip, however, was a to u r o f the Im perial W inter Palace a n d the H erm itage A rt M useum in Leningrad. In F eb ru ary 1989 C ardigan invited th e Hyvinkaa hockey team and their parents to come to Canaan, and on Thursday, F eb ru ary 16th, 19 boys (including three C ardigan alum ni) accom panied by 20 p arents and siblings arrived. T h e boys w ere housed in dorm itories, and families stayed with faculty on campus. For most o f the visitors, it was a once-in-a lifetime trip. Only a few o f the parents spoke any English, b ut their children could in terp ret quite well for them . Families ate in the dining room, toured the campus, and on Friday afternoon watched their sons play the Kimball U nion Academy team. O n Saturday the Finnish-American Interscholastic Hockey T ourna­ m en t took place in the T u rn er A rena with teams from Lowell, Mass., and Hanover, N.H ., playing CMS an d Finnish teams. Trustee Michael McGean arranged a tour of the D artm outh cam pus on Sunday for the visitors, and the H olderness team cam e in the afternoon for a game. M onday the entire Finn­ ish group moved to Boston, w here Cardigan parents, whose sons had benefited from Finnish hospitality, were able to recip­ rocate. T he high p o in t o f the Boston trip was a gam e b e ­ tween CMS an d the Finns at the Boston C ollege rin k —ar­ ranged by a Cardigan p a re n t who was the BC hockey coach. T he next day the team from Hyvinkaa played a t the Belm ont Hill School—where headmaster-elect Cam eron Dewar was fin­ ishing his last year as athletic director. T he g roup left the next day for New York where they enjoyed a day of sightseeing before boarding the plane for hom e. T he trips to Finland have continued, as has the exchange program , which took a new turn when Jo h n D’Entrem ont, af­ ter finishing the 8th grade at Cardigan, w ent to Finland as an e x c h a n g e s tu d e n t a t th e V ehkoja S chool fo r th e 1993-94 school year. This exchange o f students was worthwhile for all concerned b ut really dem anded a lot from the individual boys.


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T he Finnish students had an advantage in th at English lan­ guage study was part of their standard curriculum starting in the early grades. Yet at age 16 o r 17 they were away from their hom es and in a foreign country for ten m onths w ithout in te rru p tio n . T h e C ardigan boys going to Finland h a d to u ndertake an intensive sum m er program in Finnish language and culture before they left, and were likewise far from hom e and living with a family rather than in a dorm itory with lots of other boys. In addidon, the exchange p ut them a year behind their classmates, for they got no academ ic credit at Cardigan for the year spent abroad. Writing about his experiences for the Chronicle J o h n said, “I did n o t go th rough a day when I was n o t a b it scared, b u t I stuck it o u t a n d survived. T he thing th at m ade me afraid was that everyone spoke English and I d id n ’t know m uch Finnish.” Jo h n did stick it out, and retu rn ed to com plete the 9th grade at Cardigan the following year, d u rin g which he jo in e d the C ardigan hockey team on their trip to Finland and had a chance to visit many friends he had m ade the previous year. In 1994-95 another Cardigan boy, J o h n B lanchard, w ent to F inland as an exch an g e stu d en t. Thus a n o th e r tradition began. T h e Year of the Wakely T ribute concluded with a full-day celeb ratio n on May 13th. It began with the traditional ru n a ro u n d the lake by the e n tire s tu d e n t body a n d as m any alu m n i an d faculty as cared to jo in . O n cam pus a circus m ovie played in the H um ann T h eatre th ro u g h o u t the day, a n d th e H a n o v e r C o m m u n ity B an d p e r f o r m e d o n th e C lark-M organ porch prior to a picnic lunch served u n d e r gaily striped tents set up along the edge o f the baseball dia­ m ond. After lunch came the grand circus parade, headed by alum ni m arching with their classes, and followed by clowns, floats, a band, and an elephant. T he Super Star Magic Circus p erform ed u n d e r tents on the baseball diam ond. T he circus atm osphere was com plem ented with a moon-walk, a scrambler, m erry-go-round, dun k in g tank, as well as co tto n candy, ice cream , soda, pop corn, and elep h an t rides. A helicopter ar­ rived later in the afternoon, and boys were treated to an aerial view o f the campus. After a fesdve dinner in the dining room, com plete with speeches, reminiscences, and remarks about the Wakely years, New H am pshire’s own Shaw Brothers perform ed


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in th e twilight. T h e c e le b ra ­ tion en d ed with a m agnificent fireworks display. All in all, it was a fittin g festival to c o n ­ c lu d e th e W akely years in a burst o f glory. C om m encem ent 1989 was a serious and moving event with N orm an presiding for the last time. T here were touching mo­ m e n ts w h e n h e p r e s e n te d Beverly with a certificate nam ­ ing her an H onorary Alumnus, a n d w h en th e firs t N o rm a n a n d B everly W akely C o m ­ N orm an C. Wakely m encem ent Prize was awarded. H eadm aster 1 9 6 3 -1 9 8 9 T he trustees commissioned a life-size p o r tr a it o f N o rm an , which he insisted m ust show Beverly looking over his shoulder. This work of art hangs in the reception area o f Hopkins Hall. In a real sense Cardigan M ountain School as it is today is a living tribute to N orm an Wakely. Its character, m oral stan­ dards, academ ic standing, and reputation, as well as the beau­ tiful campus with its faculty/student houses, trails, and playing fields, all bespeak the lifetim e o f energy and devotion o f its longest-term headm aster. C ardigan’s future, built on such a foundation, surely m ust be secure.


Chapter Six 1 9 8 9 -1 9 9 4 T h e T r a n s itio n Y ears a n d B ey o n d

T he changing o f the guard was easy. N orm an presided at C o m m en c e m e n t a n d a t the year e n d faculty m eetings. Al­ though he came in to the office every day, he essentially de­ voted the rest o f Ju n e to packing an d m oving to th eir new hom e in Lyme, N.H. Work continued as usual in the business, d e v e lo p m e n t a n d adm issions office, a n d su m m e r school o p ened on schedule the last week in June. T he m onth ended. T h e h e a d m a ste r’s house was empty. N o rm an an d Beverly were gone. In July came the Dewars—Cam eron (Chip), Janet, and their two children, Jason and Lindsay. They had the sum m er to get acquainted with and to enjoy the campus, along with the boys in sum m er school, a lacrosse cam p, and the Xaverian Broth­ ers High School pre-season football week. T hen after the fac­ ulty retu rn ed , there was the usual flurry o f pre-school m eet­ ings. Suddenly, it seemed, school was open and ru nning very m uch as before, even though the head m aster’s office had a new occupant. D uring the previous spring the trustees had talked with David Scanlan, a neighbor on C anaan Street an d a licensed forester, a b o u t developing a forest m anagem ent plan which w ould involve tim bering and m an ag em en t o f forested land owned by the school. During the sum m er David had surveyed school property on the m ain campus, the Pinnacle, and tracts o n Morse and Tug M ountains and presented a comprehensive plan to the trustees at their October 1989 meeting. T here was a fair am o u n t o f tim ber ready to be harvested at once, and with p ro p er m anagem ent harvesting could continue to pro­ duce incom e for a long time to come. It was also a t this m ee tin g th a t tru ste e J o h n Tow er a n ­ n o u n c e d his retire m e n t from the D evelopm ent Com m ittee. For 23 years Jo h n had b een involved with fund raising for Cardigan. H e had directed annual fund drives, had been in­ volved in every capital cam paign, a n d had h e lp e d with the design and w ording o f most o f the school’s prom otional ma268


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The Dewars -Janet, Lason, Lindsay, Chip

terial during those years. He told the board that the alum ni were now reaching an age when they could begin to make sig­ nificant contributions to the school; he urged the b oard to hire a full-tim e director of alum ni affairs to organize and di­ rect alum ni activities. A capital campaign to raise m oney for a science building was in the form ative stages, and he felt the director o f developm ent could devote m ore effort toward that if he d id n ’t also have to h an d le alum ni affairs. T he board agreed to authorize this position and accepted, with sincere thanks for everything he had do n e so willingly for so many years, J o h n ’s wish to w ithdraw from developm ent activities. M atthew B ronfm an agreed to take on the leadership of the developm ent com m ittee. T h e new h e a d m a ste r was pleased to re p o rt a surplus o f $300,000 from sum m er school operations. This news was cer­ tainly an encouraging start for the new school year. It was expected that Chip would make some changes, and the first one he reported was the addidon o f Latin to the curriculum — n o t too surprising since he had been a classics teacher. An-


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o th e r addition was a m ath lab program to offer tutorial help in m ath for boys who were having difficulty with this subject and for those who wanted to go beyond the traditional m ath cu rricu lu m . T he new sletter had been re-d e sig n e d and was now The Chronicle, reinstating a nam e that had been used for m any years. Chip also was starting a Parents’ Association to provide a way to channel the interest an d efforts o f c u rre n t parents into constructive ways to help the school. O ne o f their first activities was to be an auction held during parents’ week­ e n d in February. At the executive com m ittee m eeting in December, athletic d ire c to r Jim M arrion p re se n te d a p rop osal to rep lace the p resent fleet of sailboats and also to buy a new safety boat for the w aterfront. They agreed and also suggested that the old sailboats m ight be offered for sale at the parents’ auction. D uring the fall and w inter of 1989, several new clubs were started as a result o f C hip’s interest in involving boys in com ­ m unity service. T he Homelessness Awareness Club discussed problem s of hom eless people, w atched news reports, and ex­ am ined case studies on the subject. T he Be Kind To Animals C lub w orked w ith th e H u m a n e Society an im al sh e lte r in Plainfield. A Big B rother Club paired seven boys from the C anaan ele m en ta ry school who n e e d e d o ld e r friends with seven C ardigan students who m et them every w eekend for gam es and field trips. Also a group o f boys, working with the director o f the Canaan Senior Center, visited hom es o f elderly people in the comm unity and helped with chores like stacking stove wood. Sometimes, they said, these neighbors were m ore interested in ju st visiting with the boys than in having them work. T h e Rocks an d Ropes group provided an addition to the cam pus—a clim bing wall which they built in the school shop and fastened to the side o f the ski ju m p . This wall continued to serve for clim bing practice until it was taken down when the ski ju m p was rem oved in 1993. In the spring o f 1990 Car­ digan students for the first time entered examples o f their art work in the Boston Globe Scholastic Art Awards com petition. Four o f their entries were selected for display in an exhibit at the N ashua C enter for the Arts. T he new Parents’ Association which Chip had started in the


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fall w ent right to work on their first project o f organizing an auction for parents’ weekend in February 1990. T he com m it­ tee agreed that this would not be ju st for parents, but that stu­ dents should be with their families and jo in in the excitement. An am azing variety o f item s was d o n a te d for th e au ctio n , some designated especially for students to bid on—things like a pizza party for four off campus, c o o k ie -o f-th e -m o n th club, which would provide a box o f cookies for a student to be de­ livered each m onth, and a spaghetti d in n er for two at one o f the faculty homes. It was great fun and raised almost $14,000 for the Annual Fund. L ater that m onth alum ni were on cam pus for their w inter weekend, still centered upon the annual hockey game. This year, for th e first tim e on rec o rd , a fem ale suited u p and played hockey in the C ardigan rink. Liz Lawrence, wife o f Chuck ’79, proved that she could skate with C ardigan’s finest. Also in F e b ru a ry N o rm an W akely received th e 25 year award from CASE (T he C ouncil for the A dvancem ent a n d Support o f EducaUon)— an organization representing profes­ sionals in fund raising and institutional advancem ent a t over 2800 colleges, universities, and in d e p e n d e n t schools— in an impressive cerem ony at their annual m eeting in Boston. Later th at spring the executive com m ittee approved a te n m onth payment plan designed to make it m ore convenient for parents to pay tuition than the tw o-paym ent schedule which had been in effect since the school began. Chip also reported that the faculty internship program , started two years ago, was working well, and that all three of this year’s interns would be re tu rn in g next year as full-tim e faculty. Two o th er changes were in prospect: Dick Rearick an n o u n c ed his in ten tio n to retire as director o f developm ent in Ju n e because he felt the school should have a professional experienced in that field to plan and guide the major capital campaign which was now in the planning stage; parts for the bookkeeping m achine in the business office were now o u t o f production, and the service com pany h ad told Jackie Lary th a t if any m ajor p a rt o f it failed, they would not be able to provide a replacem ent. It was tim e for the business office to jo in the c o m p u ter age, and Dick Rearick agreed to take on this assignm ent on a part-tim e basis as soon as his replacem ent had been hired.


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W hen school o p ened in the fall o f 1990, the new alum ni director, David McCusker, Class of ’80, and the new director of developm ent, Faith D egenhart, were both on hand. In ord er to provide better medical care services for students, Chip had contracted with the Hitchcock Clinic, which now had an office in Canaan, to provide supervision of the school infirm ary and cam pus visits by a physician as needed. By the time the trust­ ees an d in co rp o rato rs arrived in O c to b e r for th eir a n n u a l m eeting, a com puterized accounting system had been installed in the business office and was running in tandem with the old bookkeeping m achine during the break-in period. T he m em bers of the corporation noted the passage o f an­ o th e r m ilestone with the resignation o f Jo h n Kenerson as an active m em ber of the trustees. Jo h n was the last o f the origi­ nal incorporators o f the school and had served faithfully and consistently since the school’s founding in 1945. With sincerest thanks for his long service, they voted him th e title o f T rustee Emeritus. An in te re stin g o p p o rtu n ity had b een p re se n te d to the school early in 1990. The local electric utility company, G ran­ ite State Electric, had experienced so m uch growth in electric consum ption that it was pushing the lim it of their generating capacity. They saw two possible solutions to this problem : 1) build additional generating production, or 2) help custom ers re d u c e th e ir c o n su m p tio n th ro u g h en e rg y c o n se rv a tio n . U pon investigation and study they concluded that the latter o p tio n w ould n o t only be less costly for the com pany b u t would help their custom ers and aid the ecology. Accordingly they offered to provide a free energy audit to their larger cus­ tom ers and, furtherm ore, to share the cost o f whatever retro ­ fitting and conversion was recom m ended on the basis o f the audit to reduce the custom er’s consum ption. Electrical usage at the school had increased over the years with the addition of new buildings as well as large energy consum ing facilities such as the artificial ice equipm ent. T he audit indicated consider­ able savings could be achieved by replacing old and inefficient fluorescent fixtures in classrooms, offices and hallways, and by replacing incandescent lights in o th er areas with fluorescent. In places such as classrooms and bathroom s, m otion sensitive switches could be installed which would tu rn off the lights


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autom atically w hen the room was not occupied. S uperinten­ d e n t Ralph LaPointe worked closely with them during the au­ dit and highly recom m ended their proposal. By the e n d of 1990 the work had been com pleted at a net cost to the school o f less than $17,000, and the savings resulting from reduced e n e rg y c o n s u m p tio n re s u lte d in a payback o f a b o u t ten m onths. Thereafter, the reduction in electrical usage would save the school about $20,000 a year. Everyone was delighted with the appearance of the new fixtures and agreed that light­ ing in offices and class room s had been improved. F urther­ m ore, the students enjoyed trying to fool the m otion sensor switches in the classrooms by sitting so still that it appeared the room was unoccupied, and were delighted when the lights would turn off. In the spring of 1991 librarian Carol Shelton was delighted to re p o rt the installation of “Newsbank” at the Kirk Library. Students had raised over $700 toward purchase o f this equip­ m ent which consisted of a microfiche file of stories from lead­ ing new spapers starting in 1981 with indexes on CD -R O M disks. This m ade it possible for a student to access the index from a com puter term inal in the library, research the list o f news stories on the selected subject, and then be able to read the com plete stories from the microfiche file. This was a great addition to the research facilities in the library. At the same time 20 eighth grade students participated in the interscholasdc Knowledge M aster O pen, a com petition involving 3,565 ju n io r high schools worldwide. Each team took p a rt at its own school by m eans o f p re -p ro g ra m m e d com puter disks. T he Cardigan team placed 95th overall, put­ ting them in the top 3% of participating schools, and they took first place am ong New H am pshire schools. O ne o f the signs of the m aturing of an institution is seen w hen lo n g -te rm em ployees start reaching retirem ent. This year it was Leona Fiske, who had com pleted 25 years of service in the kitchen and dining room . W hen an outside food ser­ vice took over upon Clancy’s redrem ent, Leona rem ained on the Cardigan payroll and served as first assistant to the food service manager. She knew every detail of the kitchen and din­ ing room operation and what had to be done, n o t only on a daily basis, b u t also for all the special events th ro u g h o u t the


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year. Seven days a week, th re e tim es each day, the school com m unity has to be fed, and Leona was there for the regu­ lar m eals an d all the special fu n ctio n s, an d always with a happy smile. A n o th e r p e n d in g re tire m e n t w hich caused th e tru stees some concern was that of Jackie Lary. She jo in ed the business office staff in 1966, becam e th e b o o k k e e p e r in th e early 1970’s, and took on full m anagem ent o f the school’s financial affairs in 1977 as the assistant treasurer. N oted for h er Yankee thrift, she resisted unnecessary spending, prom oted re-cycling, and w atched over the school’s budget as if it were h e r own. N o th in g was ever too m uch w ork fo r h e r if it w ould save money. She chartered busses to take students to Boston at the start o f vacations, charged them less than the com m ercial bus fare, and still m ade m oney on each trip—which was p ut aside in an interest-earn in g account reserved for the replacem ent o f school vehicles such as busses and vans. This w ent largely u n n o tic e d u n til the tim e cam e to buy a new bus, a n d then Jackie was able to produce the m oney for it. She was a care­ ful guardian o f school funds that carried the school through cycles of low enrollm ent, and, when times were better, she saw th a t surpluses from operations were p u t aside in reserve ac­ counts w here they were ready to m eet un ex p ected financial em ergencies. H e r reco rd keep in g was m eticulous, an d she could tell how every cent had been spent.. W hen she wanted to retire by the end of 1991, the school was able to hire David McClintic, who had had several years experience as the busi­ ness m anager at Proctor Academy, to take over this very im­ p o rta n t function. Jackie agreed to continue in the business office on a p a rt-tim e basis a n d is still there two days each week. A loss to the school was the sudden death of Fred A. White in May 1991. Fred h ad been a trustee for 25 years, d u rin g which time he served on the executive com m ittee and chaired the finance com m ittee. H e had h eld n u m ero u s executive positions in the banking industry a n d was p resid e n t o f the D artm outh National Bank from 1965 until he retired in 1985. H e will be rem em bered for the sound counsel and financial advice he provided to the school for m any years. T here were also changes in the curriculum . T he sum m er


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session now included an offering o f environm ental science concentrating on the ecology of the lake. English as a second language was also offered during the summer. In the fall of 1991, the h ead m aster re p o rte d an increase in foreign lan­ guage study with 85% o f students involved in the study o f Latin, French, Spanish, ESL. Even sixth graders were being introduced to foreign language. In the science departm ent, there was m ore emphasis on h an d s-o n laboratory work with all n in th graders taking biology. In d e p e n d e n t read in g for pleasure was en couraged d u rin g study periods, and faculty m em ber Steve Ris presented a sum m ary o f cu rre n t events to the entire student body during an eighth period which had b een added to the schedule on Tuesdays. The m ath dep art­ m ent offered geom etry in the n inth grade and algebra I in the eighth grade with an accelerated math section where a few students were taking algebra II. As the year 1991 came to a close, the Executive Com m ittee noted their final m eeting with Jackie Lary, who was now tu rn ­ ing over the business office to the new assistant treasurer, David M cClintic. T he new year, 1992, was to b rin g m any changes in the lives o f people who had been significant to the school. In January Dot Sweeney retired after 21 years on the housekeeping staff—an unusually long length o f service for that job. In the spring came the announcem ent that Jeff and Marie Hicks would be leaving in Ju n e —-Jeff to becom e headm aster of the Aiken Prep School in South Carolina. Jeff cam e to C ardigan in 1972 to jo in the history d e p a rtm e n t; Marie helped in the nursery school. By 1976 Marie was teach­ ing French (it was her native language), and shordy thereaf­ ter Jeff started helping Jack Rich in the admissions office. In 1981, upon Jack Rich’s retirem ent, Jeff was m ade director of admissions. He continued to teach, directed the sum m er ses­ sion, m anaged senior placem ent, and coached varsity soccer. In the office Jeff developed com puter program s to keep track o f applications for admission. As often as possible, Marie ac­ com panied Je ff to receptions for prospecdve students in the hom es of parents and alum ni around the country. For twenty years they were unsparing in devoting time and effort to pro­ m oting and serving Cardigan. A nother couple who had been at the school even longer—


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29 years—were David and Carol Shelton, who were retiring in June. T he Sheltons started at Cardigan in 1963, David teach­ ing history and Carol working in the library. David’s prim ary responsibility h ad b e e n as ch airm an o f the history d e p a rt­ m ent. In that capacity he felt it was im portant to “im part to students the need to develop their basic skills in the study o f history with em phasis on the understanding o f cause and ef­ fe c t a n d th e re la tio n s h ip o f p a s t even ts to th o se o f th e present.” H e will be rem em bered by many alum ni to whom he taught history, and by many m ore who knew him as the head o f the jobs program and work detail. His first after-school as­ signm ent was the ski im provem ent program , clearing trails and preparing new ski slopes at the Pinnacle. O ne year he was called on to take over the work detail d u rin g sum m er school, and that fall he started a new work detail program re­ placing one which was run by a student leader. Students were assigned num bers o f hours to serve on work detail as punish­ m ent for various infractions o f school rules. David spent a lot o f time and effort planning work which would be productive and which would also give the boys a sense of pride in accom­ plishm ent o f a job. Boys on work detail cleared brush, sawed and split firewood, raked leaves and, during the winter, shov­ eled snow from doorways a n d c h ip p e d ice from sidewalks. Tools and equipm ent were kept in the green shed. This was one o f the original buildings on cam pus and stood next to a small b arn w here the chapel is now located. Over the years, the green shed was moved to different locations, an d ended u p near the m aintenance facilities beh in d the infirmary. Carol was very active in the library, which at that time was located in a two-classroom space on the top floor o f Hopkins Hall. It was later e x p a n d ed to inclu d e a n o th e r classroom across the hall, but that resulted in the library’s being a passage-way with a lot of traffic every time classes changed. She re m e m b e re d th a t the boy’s b a th ro o m for th e top floor o f H opkins was there, so w hatever problem s there were with a b athroom —water overflowing, etc.— took place inside the li­ brary. At h e r urging, the bathroom was finally converted into a storage closet for audio-visual materials, and this was a great im provem ent to the atm osphere in the library. Carol b rought to the cam pus m uch m ore than h e r skills as a librarian. She


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Carol Shelton in the library

had a trem endous sense of hum or and was constantly setting u p contests for the boys, such as guessing how m any jelly beans were in a big glass ja r in the library. At Halloween she e n c o u ra g e d boys to m ake a n d w ear costum es for a p arad e through the dining room —and there were judges and prizes for the most unusual ones. After dinner boys gathered on the Clark-M organ porch to carve pum pkins into jack—o-lanterns, which were set in rows on the porch steps with candles b u rn ­ ing brightly inside. It was Carol who saw to it that pum pkins w ere on h a n d as well as knives for carving, candles, and a panel o f ju d g es. In the spring she organized a co n test to guess the date and time the ice w ent o u t of C anaan Street Lake, for which the prize one year was a five-dollar bill frozen in a block o f ice. Carol rem em b ered that, “N orm an an d I used to play tricks on each o th e r’s birthday, and one year in the dining room N orm an announced that he had a birthday gift for m e, and he w ent o u t to the kitchen and b ro u g h t in this baby lamb with a bottle, and awarded it to me right at the table. And there I was with the bottle and the lam b.” David m ade a little pen for it behind the infirmary, and they raised it for several m onths. For about twenty—five years David taught and Carol worked in the lib rary every sum m er. Finally they b u ilt a h o m e in


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H o p k in to n , NH, w here they could escape after graduation, and w here they are now living in retirem ent. T h eir 29 year record of service to the school was longer than any o ther per­ sons’ except the Wakelys. Faith D egenhart, director o f developm ent, was working on plans fo r a capital cam paign. M arts a n d Lundy had b een hired as consultants to do a feasibility study, which would help d e te rm in e how m uch m oney it m ig h t be possible to raise given the school’s c u rre n t constituency, the p resent state of the economy, and perceived needs for capital funds. In May 1992 they rep o rted their suggestion that a campaign of from three to five million dollars looked feasible over a two o r three year period provided that the boards o f trustees and incorpo­ rators were solidly beh in d the cam paign and could generate p led g es o f as m uch as 35 to 40 p e rc e n t o f the goal from within their own ranks. It was clear that raising this am ount of m oney was not going to be easy and that some re-structuring o f the governing boards would need to be done in support of a m ajor fund-raising effort. At the same time, Ralph LaPointe pointed out that the n um ber of costly deferred m aintenance projects was accum ulating and now included pavem ent repair, window replacem ent, new roofs, and the final stage of asbes­ tos removal. In the fall of 1992 the corporation approved the m ost ma­ jo r changes in the By-Laws since the school’s founding: >• C o rp o ratio n m em bers to be elected for term s o f three years >- M aximum num ber o f trustees to be increased to 24 >- C orporation and trustee m em bers to be vulnerable to removal from office >- Executive C om m ittee to be formally defined At th e sam e tim e they elected the first w om an, C ynthia A rm our, to be a m em ber of the corporation. At th e ir n e x t m eeting in the spring o f 1993, the second wom an jo in e d the board, Carol T houron. A variety of o th er item s cam e to their atten tio n at that time. As a result o f a state inspection, fire escape doors in Clark-M organ, Hayward, a n d F ranklin H ouse w ould have to be replaced; a stu d en t deb it card system was being explored; a new planned giving b ro ch u re was in progress; a study o f space needs for science


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facilities was being m ade; and the headm aster reported that, based on the recom m endation o f the insurance company, the ski j u m p w o u ld h av e to be taken down C ardigan’s athletic program s h a d b e e n d ir e c te d by Jim M arrion since he came to the sch o o l in 1967. T h e lo ck e r b u ild in g was c o m p le te d th a t year, and this facility provided n o t only showers a n d lockers for students, b u t also space for storage o f the school’s athletic e q u ip m e n t a n d an office for the athletic director. In a re­ c e n t in te rv ie w , J im ta lk e d a b o u t changes in the athletic program s over the years. “O ur philosophy h e re ,” he said, “has always been to provide enough d iffe re n t athletic activities so th a t boys w o u ld b e a b le to choose from a variety o f sports a n d to e x p e rim e n t by trying new ones.” T he athletic facilities had grown steadily over the years with the addition of new tennis courts and new playing fields, including the Williams field by the N orth C hurch with its own irrigation system. Com pletion of the gym in 1977 al­ lowed basketball and wrestling program s to be started. Jim noted another change, which he said began in the late 1980’s, w hen m ore boys started to choose to participate in com peti­ tive team athletics. The num ber o f boys electing activities like the wilderness program decreased, and m ore teams had to be form ed in other sports. Along with this there came a change in the way teams were organized, he continued. “We used to carry 16 to 18 kids on ou r baseball or soccer teams, but now we’re cutting this down to 14 or 15 boys to a team. We have to form m ore teams, b u t now all the boys get to play in every


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gam e, and they love it. This has been a real positive change, a n d t h a t’s why m o re boys are g o in g o u t fo r co m p etitiv e sports.” Additional teams m ean that m ore games have to be s c h e d u le d , a n d th is has re s u lte d in a n o th e r sig n ific a n t change— m ore com petition with public schools. “W hen we only played private schools,” he noted, “games were scheduled for W ednesday and Saturday afternoons. T he public schools have increased their athletic program s, and they like to play their JV team s on a M onday and their freshm en teams on a Friday, so we’re playing Monday, Wednesday, and Friday on a n u m b er o f occasions in football, lacrosse, and soccer. T he scheduling has becom e a lot m ore com plicated.” “A n o th e r big factor in o u r w inter sp o rts,” he ad d ed , “is snowboarding. This is a big activity now. Several prep schools are com peting interscholasdcally in snowboarding, so we have two ski teams, a cross-country team , and now snowboarding. We ru n the alpine and snowboarding together; we set up one course and both teams can practice on it.” Jim also explained that snowboarding is an expensive sport—ju st like skiing—with snowboards costing from $400 to $800. They have hard boots as well as soft boots and several different styles: recreational, free style, racing, etc. “So we have to be careful and help the boys with selection,” he concluded. Because o f the general increase in com petitive sports, the seasons had to be extended a n d schedules becom e heavier. “Instead o f playing only 14 to 16 games per hockey season,” Jim said, “we are now up to about 30 games. And we’re start­ ing o u r season a bit earlier, too. We’re going to start setting u p the hockey rink in the m iddle o f O ctober this year, and practice will start the first or second week in Novem ber.” An­ o th e r change he n o ted was the increased in terest in w eight lifting. “We do it on a club basis, on Thursdays, but now many o f the coaches bring their students in after their regular prac­ tice for weight lifting.” T he equ ip m en t in the weight room has been expanded over the years, and Jim expected he would have to continue to add new m achines to keep up with the trend. A nother interesdng change occurred when perform ing arts was added as a full activity during the w inter term . This al­ lowed boys to play football in the fall, participate in perform ­


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ing arts during the winter, and play soccer in the spring. Re­ cently p e rfo rm in g arts has b een ex ten d ed to both fall and spring terms. Jim M arrion helps to coordinate this, too. “ I’m still trying to refine it so boys are able to participate in com ­ petitive athletics as well as perform ing arts. I ’m trying to ar­ range it so that a boy can do both. We haven’t reached that utopia yet, but we’re getting closer to it,” he said. Jim sum m ed it all u p by stating th a t the scheduling has been astronomically impacted by the greatly increased num ber o f teams and games. “O ur younger teams are playing against the public schools, and our older teams play both public and private schools. You have to be a bit o f a m agician to juggle it all aro u n d ,” he adm itted. And Jim M arrion is that magician. O ne o f Chip Dewar’s goals w hen he came to Cardigan was to foster student interest in com m unity service. H e encour­ aged several club activities that got boys involved with the com­ munity, and this type of activity has grown each year. Just be­ fore Thanksgiving in 1992, a list o f needs and wishes for five local, need y fam ilies a p p e a re d on th e b u lle tin b o a rd s in H opkins Hall. Many students found it hard to believe that a young child needed n o t simply wanted a snowsuit a n d boots. T he realization that there was actual need in the local com m u­ nity, inspired students to try to raise enough m oney to m eet all the needs and wishes of these five families. All of the ninth grade students donated money toward the goal, and in short o rd er each o f the o ther grades followed suit until every m em ­ b er o f the student body had m ade a contribution. Boys left school for th eir Thanksgiving recess with the warm feeling that they had reached out to help m eet the needs and wishes o f these five anonym ous families. By the fall of 1993 David McClintic was able to rep o rt that the trial of the student debit card system worked well, and it would be used for all students this year. Each student would be issued a debit card to be used at the school stores and for tra n sp o rta tio n w henever a stu d e n t w ent on a trip. School stores were equipped with m achines to record purchases, and this inform ation was transferred electronically to the com puter in the business office, thus elim inating the need for tim e-con­ sum ing m anual posting o f stu d en t purchases at the e n d of each m onth. T here was also a portable u nit to record charges


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C ardigan alu m n i vs. Boston B ru in s A lu m n i a t D artm outh's Thompson Arena

for trips, each student using his card as he clim bed onto the bus. This elim inated the n eed for faculty to check nam es off a roster and avoided frequent errors. As m ight be expected, som e boys lost their cards, b u t new ones could be issued in the business office. T he system also prevented the possibility o f a boy’s charging items in one o f the stores when there was no m oney left in his m iscellaneous account. T he business of­ fice was very pleased with this new equipm ent. Six years ago w hen the e ffo rt started to re —vitalize Cardigan’s alum ni, one o f the first organized activities was the Alum ni W inter W eekend. In the first years, it attracted mostly alum ni who had played hockey at school, for the high point of the first weekend was an alumni-varsity hockey game. The W inter W eekend continued to be dom inated by hockey play­ ers, b u t in 1993 it took on an enlarged character when stars o f past Boston B ruins hockey team s ch allenged C ard ig an ’s hockey alum ni to a benefit gam e to raise m oney to support Cardigan as well as Youth Hockey teams in Hanover and Leba­ non. O ver 45 alum ni responded to this challenge and were


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ready when the opening whistle sounded in the T hom pson A rena at D artm outh College. Over 140 Cardigan alum ni and their guests jo in e d about 1000 others who turned out for this com m unity event. Captain Jo h n “C h ie f’ Bucyk fielded an im­ pressive team o f form er Bruins players against Cardigan veter­ ans led by Coach Bruce M arshard ’64. “Cardigan did lead at tim es,” Bruce reported. ‘T h o u g h the Bruins em erged victori­ ous,” he continued, “ the final score was o f less im portance to the Cardigan alum ni than the fun they had taking part in this historic event. O f course, as is the tradition in all Cardigan alum ni hockey games, the entire team was on the ice for the final m in u te o f play— b u t to no avail.” This event was re­ peated at the Alumni W eekend in 1993. Is this on the way to becom ing an o th er Cardigan tradition? O n e o f th e c h a ra c te ristic s o f C ard ig an M o u n ta in School over the years was the stability o f its personnel, due largely to the 26 year tenure of N orm an Wakely as headm as­ ter. T h e re were p e rso n n e l changes d u rin g th a t p e rio d , o f course, b u t m any people rem ain ed in key positions in the adm inistration and on the faculty for long periods of tim e, and they gave the school strength, stability, and consistency. Chip Dewar did not bring with him a new staff and faculty, nor did he undertake any major restructuring of personnel or posidons. Nonetheless, a lot of changes took place during his first five years. Individually, none of these changes was surpris­ ing, b u t in the aggregate, there were new people in alm ost every administrative posidon, and the board (o f trustees had an entirely new look. In fact, a new team had taken over. Note the following long-term employees who were no longer at the school in Ju n e 1994: >•

N orm an Wakely, who retired after 35 years, 26 as headm aster >- Jackie Lary, who retired after 35 years in the busi­ ness office, the last 14 years as assistant treasurer >- J e f f H icks, d ire c to r o f adm issions, w ho b ecam e headm aster o f Aiken Prep School in N orth C aro­ lina, after 20 years at Cardigan >- David Shelton, head of the history departm ent, and his wife, Carol, school librarian, who redred after 29 years


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Trustee Jo h n Tower, who relinquished leadership of fund raising activities after 23 years >■ Jo h n K enerson, who resigned after 45 years as a tru ste e , the last o f the o riginal m em b ers o f the board >- Bob Gillette, who becam e an em eritus m em ber o f the corporation after 34 years during which he had served as president of the trustees and, for the last 17 years, as chairm an o f the corporation >• Savage Frieze, who relinquished the presidency of the trustees to becom e chairm an o f the corpora­ tion after 22 years on the board T he n e t result o f these changes was that Chip Dewar had new people serving as: assistant headm aster, director o f stud­ ies, director o f admissions, assistant treasurer, director o f de­ velopm ent, head o f the history departm ent, librarian, chair­ m an o f the corporation, president of the trustees, and head of trustees’ developm ent comm ittee. T he leadership team o f Bob Gillette, chairm an of the cor­ poration, Savage Frieze, president o f the trustees, and N orm an Wakely, h e a d m a ste r, h a d b e e n in place a lo n g tim e. Bob Gillette became a m em ber of the corporation in 1959. He was elected a trustee in 1969, serving as vice-president and then president until 1976, when he retu rn ed to the corporation as its chairm an. Savage Frieze was elected to the board o f trust­ ees in 1971, a year after his son graduated from Cardigan, and becam e p re sid e n t in 1979— a position he h eld u n til 1993. This team had steered the school through the difficult times o f the early 1970’s, through the excitem ent o f building the Kenerson Athletic and Social C enter and the Stoddard Center, the agonies o f the w ater an d sewage problem s, a n d finally th ro u g h the transition years from N o rm an Wakely to C hip Dewar. These were challenging times during which difficult and courageous decisions had to be made. T heir wisdom and leadership were there when the school needed them , and they devoted without question whatever time, effort and energy was req u ired . C ardigan was fo rtu n ate to have h ad m en o f their stature at the helm for so many years. Im p o rta n t changes in the m em bership o f th e governing b o a rd s h a d also com e a b o u t d u rin g th e first five years o f


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C hip’s headm astership. Prior to 1989, only four alum ni held board m em bership. By 1994 this had increased to eleven, and th re e alum ni w ere officers o f th e trustees. N ot only w ere younger m en on the board, b ut they were taking leadership roles. A nd th e b o ard , w hich had b e e n all m ale since the founding of the school, now had four female members. Many tim es over the years the suggestion had been m ade th a t it would be good to have a woman on the b oard— to give h er v iew point a b o u t th e p a re n tin g fu n ctio n s fu lfilled by th e school— but not until 1992, 47 years after the school’s found­ ing, did this com e to pass. While trustees had always been elected for three year term s, there was no specific term for m em bers o f the corporation, with the result that som etim es inactive m em bers were still carried on the rolls because they n e g le c te d to resign w hen th e ir in te rest in th e school had waned. And the num ber o f trustees had been increased from 18 to 24. T h e n e t resu lt o f these changes was a y o u n g er board, with m ore alum ni and female representation, and this affected the nature and character o f their decisions on policy m atters. T here rem ained enough senior m em bers on b oth boards, however, to insure th at no a b ru p t o r w id e-ran g in g changes were likely to be m ade that would affect the charac­ ter o f the school. Every Septem ber, before the start of classes, new students were routed from their beds before daybreak to continue the tradition of clim bing Cardigan M ountain to see the sunrise. Seniors, three days before com m encem ent, climbed Cardigan M ountain for the last time as students of the school, this time at the end of the day to view the sunset from the summit. The senior banquet took place the evening before com m encem ent, and this year the h eadm aster’s parting advice to the seniors em phasized self-reliance. H e sum m ed it up with tw o-letter words: “If it is to be, it is up to m e.” 1993—94 was a good year at Cardigan. Two boys won Bos­ ton Globe A rt Scholarship Awards, and an eighth g rad er re­ ceived two honorable m entions for his work. C ardigan stu­ dents also placed second in the state of New Ham pshire in the K now ledgem aster co m p etitio n s a n d in the top 20% o f all m iddle schools in th e natio n particip atin g . In N ovem ber C ardigan’s varsity soccer team won the 20th annual New En­


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gland Ju n io r School Soccer T ournam ent. T he business m an­ ager n o ted th at C ardigan’s endow m ent had m ore than qua­ d ru p le d in th e last ten years, from $1,283,000 in 1983 to $5,712,000 in 1994. Incom e from the endow m ent helped to offset the rising costs which drive tuition increases. T he trea­ s u re r a n tic ip a te d a su rp lu s from o p e ra tio n s in excess o f $100,000 and stated that this would be transferred to debt re­ paym ent as well as to capital refurbishm ent. ‘T h ese transfers,” he noted, “serve to strengthen C ardigan’s financial future by m aking necessary investm ents in the upkeep o f the school’s w onderful physical plant and facilities.” Dr. Richard Lederer, long time English teacher at St. Paul’s School and a syndicated colum nist, who reaches m ore than a m illion readers across the U nited States th rough his weekly colum n “Looking at Language”, addressed the graduating class o f 1994. H e urged graduates to cultivate well the use o f their own language— English—and to learn to com m unicate better with o th er people. Dr. Lederer urged the Class o f 1994 to use English n o t ju st to com m unicate, b u t also to “really say some­ th in g ,” in o th er words, to speak with purpose about thoughts an d aspirations so th at th rough purposeful com m unication “m an to m an, com m unity to com m unity, a n d nation to na­ tio n ,” a better world can em erge. T he founders o f C ardigan M ountain School would surely agree with that advice.


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Epilogue This phase o f the w ritten history of the school concludes w ith th e C o m m e n c e m e n t exercises in J u n e 1994; yet the school goes on and is already in the m idst o f plans for cel­ ebrating in O ctober 1995 the fiftieth anniversary of its found­ ing. Notice will also be taken as graduates of its first school year com m em orate their fiftieth reunion in 1997. O th e r an­ niversaries will follow with the passing years. T h e physical p lan t has co n tin u ed to grow year by year to m e e t th e c o n tin u in g c h a llen g e s o f c h a n g in g e d u c a tio n a l needs, and it would be naive to expect that the campus will be called “com plete and finished” at any p oint in the future. In­ deed, plans for an o th er five m illion dollar capital cam paign have been announced which include the addition of a science and a rt wing to the n o rth en d of Hopkins Hall. This facility addresses the need to prepare Cardigan students for increas­ ingly dem anding courses in the sciences, including com puter science, now required in prep schools an d colleges to m eet the needs o f this technological age. T h e site plan includes construction o f a new quadrangle b eh in d Brewster Hall, where there is now a parking lot, and elim ination o f the narrow road beside H opkins Hall to the gym. A new road, Alumni Drive, will ru n along the lake shore from Back Bay Road to the athletic facilities. G roundbreaking c erem o n ies initiatin g the start o f c o n stru c tio n o f the first phase o f the pro ject were h eld on J u n e 2, 1995. T h e new road, with the resulting change in traffic patterns, plus the rem oval o f the F o u n d er’s Circle to the new quadrangle, will change the appearance o f the cam pus beyond ju st the addi­ tion o f a new building. U n d er discussion by the trustee education com m ittee are plans for a senior elective in a rt and the perform ing arts to


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enhance the school’s present offerings. T he technology com ­ m ittee is studying ways to im prove C ardigan’s com puter lab and use o f o th er new technologies to augm ent the students’ learn in g by im proving inform ation access and com m unica­ tions networks As the w orld continues to change, it is certain th at C ardigan M ountain School will also co n tinue to change its a p p e a ra n c e , physical p lan t, a n d e d u c a tio n a l p ro g ra m s as n eed ed to prepare future generations to m eet the challenges o f th e ir tim es. By d o in g so, the h o p e s a n d d ream s o f its founders will live on.


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W ithout the help, support and, encouragem ent which I re­ ceived from so many people this volume could n o t have been produced. First I want to thank Bob Gillette who, on behalf of the Trustees, got me involved in this project and provided continuing encouragem ent along the way. Taking events in sequence, I next want to thank those in the school offices who helped find old school publications and ful­ filled my requests for statistics and lists of names as I started the research. A particular thank you to librarian Kris B urnett for locating a publication called The Encyclopedia o f American Facts and Dates and then obtaining copies covering a thirty year pe­ riod. Staff in the Business and Development Offices were par­ ticularly helpful as I repeatedly turned to them with questions. Many people kindly agreed to be interviewed. All were gener­ ous with their time and helpful and sincere with their comments and recollections. My thanks to each and every one of them. Not everything that each one said shows up directiy in the writ­ ten account, but the interview material enriched and augmented m u ch o f th e sto ry ’s b a c k g ro u n d . Special th an k s to Bob Kenerson for arranging an interview with his mother, Mrs.John B. Kenerson, whose recollections of her early experiences at Car­ digan were particularly delightful. Norm and Bev Wakely gave up a whole afternoon as we sat in their kitchen and reviewed some o f the highlights o f their Cardigan days. I’m particularly grate­ ful to them for making the effort at a particularly busy time in their lives to read the manuscript and am end and correct where necessary. Chip Dewar was also kind enough to read a copy, and his comm ents and suggestions were m uch appreciated. Most especially my thanks and g ratitude go to my ed ito r a n d m entor, Carl C ochran, who gave so willingly o f his time a n d experience to help turn my jottings into m eaningful and gram m atically correct prose, and for his constant encourage­ m ent and support. A nd to my wife, Eileen, who coped alone with changes in o u r lives while I was absent h o u r after h o u r in front o f the com puter screen. H er patience and understanding strength­ ened my resolve to com plete this project. R.R.R.


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Appendix I H eadm asters

William R. Brewster R obert M. Kimball W ilfred W. Clark Roland W. Burbank N orm an C. Wakely C am eron K Dewar

1946-1947 1947-1950 1950-1955 1955-1963 1963-1989 1989-1995

A ssista n t H eadm asters

William Everts Richard Sawyer

1946-1947 1946-1947

C h a ir m e n o f t h e C o r p o r a t io n

H arold R H inm an Jo h n H. H inm an R obert S. Gillette Savage C. Frieze, Jr.

1945-1964 1964—1977 1977-1993 1993-

P r e sid e n t s o f B o a r d o f T r u st e e s

H arold R H inm an Jerald B. Newton J. Walker Wiggin R obert S. Gillette J o h n L. Tower Savage C. Frieze, Jr. R obert E. Diem ar

1945-1964 1964-1969 1969-1971 1971-1976 1976-1979 1979-1993 1993-


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Appendix II H ist o r y o f B u il d in g o n T h e C a m pu s and

D ate F ir st O c c u pie d

H affenreffer Hall

Fall 1955

H inm an Hall Brewster Hall H eadm aster’s House Hopkins Hall Ski ju m p

Fall 1955 Fall 1955 1956 Sum m er 1958 Constructed, fall 1958; Torn down, fall 1993 Fall 1960 Ju n e 1961 Rem odeled 1960 Fall 1963 Fall 1964 January 1967 Fall 1967 January 1968 Renam ed T u rn er Arena, Fall 1988 January 1969 Purchased 1969 Purchased 1969 Fall 1973 Decem ber 1976

French Hall Proctor House Williams Workshop Chapel Hayward Hall Newton House Locker building Covered sports area

Stowell House Ovilla Howe House Greenwood House Banks House Kenerson Athletic C enter Franklin House Stoddard C enter

1977 1979 Fall 1982

Renam ed Clark-M organ Hall Sept. 1958


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Appendix III T r u stees a n d In c o r po r a to r s

Phillip R. Allen 1946-1952 Cynthia A rm our 1992F. Lee Bailey, Esq. Alum ni class o f 1947 1993H am ilton W. Baker May 1946-June 1946 Charles O. Banks 1976-1986 Daniel O. Barry 1974-1992 Richard Bjork 1983-1984

Roland W. Burbank Ex-officio 1955-1963 H eadm aster 1955-1963 Jam es C. Campbell F ounding m em ber 1945-1953 Finn M. W. Caspersen, Esq 1981Finn M. W. Caspersen, Jr. Alumni class o f 1984 1992R obert V. C hartener Alum ni class o f 1973 1992Secretary 1994-

Colonel Earl H. Blaik 1962-1969

John B. Coffin 1971Vice President 1979-1985

Victor G. Borella 1973-1975

Charles E. Cotting 1946-1985

David H. Bradley, Esq. 1973Vice C hairm an 1992-

Richard J. Cullen 1946-1948

William R. Brewster Founding m em ber 1945-1956 H eadm aster 1946-1947 Matthew Bronfm an Alum ni class o f 1974 1987Executive Vice President 1992T reasurer 1995-

C am eron K. Dewar, Ed.D. Ex-officio 1995H eadm aster 1989R obert E. Diemar, Jr. 1990Secretary 1992-1993 President 1993H enry B. duPont, IV Alum ni class o f 1983 1991-


A

Donald D. D urrell 1949-1952

p p e n d ic ie s

293

S enator Ralph E. Flanders 1946-1965

Sidney C. Hayward Founding m em ber 1945-1956 Secretary 1945—1956

David L. Foster 1994-

Thom as W. H eenan, Esq. 1989-

Jo h n E. Foster Founding m em ber 1945-1952

Alan C. Herzig 1976-1982

Dale M. Frehse 1994-

Crawford H. H inm an, M.D. 1955Secretary 1968-1992

Edward S. French 1946-1968

Edward H inm an 1964-1978

Savage C. Frieze, Jr. 1971Vice President 1976-1979 President 1979-1993 C hairm an 1993-

H arold P. H inm an Founding m em ber 1945-1964 President and C hairm an 1945-1964 T reasurer 1946-1953

Paul B. G arden t Alum ni class o f 1962 1989Michael B. Garrison Alum ni class o f 1967 1994-

Jo h n H. H inm an 1946-1981 C hairm an 1964-1977 Chairm an Em eritus 1977-1981

C. M eade Geisel 1993-

Richard H. H inm an 1981-1992 Em eritus 1992-

A nthony G erard 1979-1984

Charles H. H ood 1966-

R obert S. Gillette 1959Vice President 1969-1971 President 1971-1976 C hairm an 1977-1993 C hairm an Em eritus 1993-

Harvey P. H ood II 1946-1978

Sherw ood C. Haskins, Jr. 1991-

Dr. E rnest M ardn Hopkins 1946-1964 R obert C. Hopkins Founding m em ber 1945-1956 Vice President 1945-1955


294

A p p e n d ic ie s

Edgar H um ann, Esq. 1983Vice President 1985Faith L. H um ann 1993-1995 Charles E. H utchinson, Ph. D. 1993Richard G. Jaeger 1994David M. Johnson 1976-1993 J o h n B. Kenerson Founding m em ber 1945-1990 Em eritus 1990-1994 R obert F. Kenerson, M.D. 1970F. C orning Kenly, Jr. 1969F. C orning Kenly, III Alum ni class of 1968 1986-

Keniston P. M errill 1986A lbert J. Mitchell, Sr. 1974-1985 Dr. Frank M. M organ 1952-1966 Richard D. M orrison, M.D. Alum ni class o f 1950 1969Jerald B. Newton 1951-1987 T reasurer 1952-1964 President 1964—1969 T reasurer 1969-1982 Jo h n H. Pearson, Esq. Alumni class o f 1965 1992Assistant Treasurer 1995Jo h n D. Pfeifle 1987Charles A. Proctor 1951-1961

B. A nthony King 1966-1973

Richard Purnell 1976-1978

J. Frederick Larson 1946-1952

H. R obert Reeve 1974-1991

G eorge Lodge 1976-1978

T heodore G. Rand 1989-

D onold B. Lourie 1960-1990

Edward B. Righter Alumni class o f 1962 1989-

T hom as H. MacLeay 1989Asst. T reasurer 1989-1991 Treasurer 1991-1995 I. Michael McGean 1971-

Edward K Robinson 1946-1952 Donald J. Ross 1981-1988 Treasurer 1982-1988


A p p e n d ic ie s

295

C. Richard Schueler 1963-1969

Jo h n L. Tower 1964Vice President 1971-1976 President 1976-1979

Fred C. Scribner, Jr. 1960-1994

G. Ware Travelstead 1976-1979

Palm er D. Sessel Alum ni class of 1958 1989-

R obert J. T u rn er 1993-1995

G. W inthrop Sands, M.D. 1969-1973

Halsey Smith, Jr. Alumni class o f 1966 1983Jusdn M. Smith 1960-1970 T reasurer 1964-1969 Walter P. Smith 1969-1971 Stuart J. Steele 1986-1988 Stewart H. Steffey 1993R obert W. Stoddard 1953-1984 H arold W. Stoke 1946-1947 Rand N. Stowell 1961-1968 Rand N. Stowell, Jr. 1968F ran k J. Sulloway 1952-1969 Carol K. T houron 1993Secretary 1993-1994

Ernest L. Ward 1962-1970 Sinclair Weeks 1960-1969 William H. W endt, III 1990R obert A. W hitcomb 1990Erskine N. White 1965-1972 Fred A. White 1966-1991 Treasurer 1988-1991 J. Walker Wiggin, Esq. 1952-1980 Vice President 1955-1969 President 1969-1971 Em eritus 1980-1995 A rthur A. Williams 1945-1956 Samuel C. Williams, Jr. 1989Jam es F. Woods Founding m em ber 1945-1946 T reasurer 1945-1946





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