15 Years Ago

The Apple versus PC debate still flares up occasionally, though alas, no longer in the General Student Discussions conference on SWIS. More than a decade ago the issue was settled on the institutional level.

from The Bridge, vol. XXVI (sic); p. 1  (January 24, 1997). 

School Makes Decision to Switch from Apple to PCs 

          The Head’s Staff has decided to switch from Apple computers to PCs for the upcoming year to avoid any possible risks on computer delivery. There is a “risk that Apple will fail in some way” on the delivery of the computers, said Tom Boulet, Director of Academic Technology.

            “It was a pure business decision. We cannot take the risk” with all of the students and parents involved, said Boulet. Apple had a $700,000,000 loss three quarters ago, and they “haven’t shown any attempt to help us out,” he said.

            The Windows 95 (PC) operating system has many advantages. The PC system crashes less often than the Macintosh system, and is much better at running many programs at the same time. One drawback to the system is that it is harder to use than a Macintosh.

            NMH will suffer financially from the loss, but the major loss is time wasted in training teachers and students on the Macintosh systems. The first to receive the news PCs will be the “Tech Team,” a group of teachers leading NMH’s technological development. The computers will arrive this term, and all freshmen teachers will be trained on them this spring. In the spring of 1998, sophomore teachers will be taught. Eventually, everyone in the school community should be comfortable with the PC.

            Windows 95 and the Macintosh have very similar operating systems. It should take half an hour for a competent Macintosh user to become familiar with the PC, said Boulet. Of course, “the school will have to make time for the switch to be effective.”

            The Macs used for multimedia purposes will remain, as they are more effective than PCs in the respect. The school has not decided what to do with the laptops possessed by the teachers and in the classrooms. Freshmen will not be required to buy PC laptops. In fact, the school recommends leasing them because another switch may be made in the future.

            Although Boulet is “disappointed that Apple is in a position that we can’t count on” he believes that this is the right decision for the school.

30 Years Ago

Today is Martin Luther King Day and in other years this column has noted our community’s commemoration of the day. Last year’s piece noted the first school observance of Martin Luther King Day, and three years ago this space noted the “First Annual” All-School celebration. Those articles are attached for interested readers. This week we welcome back our Model UN students from Prague and note the 30^th anniversary of the founding of this campus group which emulates a body whose highest aspiration is to promote international understanding and peace – The United Nations.

from The Bridge, vol. XIII, no. 10;  p. 3  (January 13, 1982).

Top Model 

            There is a new club starting at Northfield Mount Hermon this term. This is the Model United Nations, a forum for international politics modeled on the United Nations in New York. We represent different nations at national conferences sponsored by colleges. We role-play these different nations, research the situation, write resolutions and debate them as representatives of the respective nations.

            Training for these conferences will take place at the meetings on campus of the Model U.N. These meetings will take place once or twice a week, where members will practice parliamentary procedures and prepare the prospective delegates for the upcoming conference. These meetings will also be modeled after the U.N.

            Future conferences this year include the Plymouth State conference, the Georgetown and Yale conferences, and a New York conference.

            The club takes some time doing research for the conferences and practicing debate techniques. If you have an interest in international politics and relations then this club should be rewarding.

55 Years Ago

Your editor’s insistence that debate is a sport is not without precedent: witness this article on the exploits of our chess team.

from The Hermonite; vol. LXX, no. 7; p. 2 (January 19, 1957).

Varsity Chess Remains Undefeated;

Two Deerfield Meets In Near Future

            The Mount Hermon Chess Team upheld its record of “never defeated” by subduing a team from Springfield Classical High School by a score of 5-1 on Sunday, January 6^th. Winners for Mount Hermon were Edward Maher, Peter Ong, Alan Skidgell, Tony Cameron, and Karl Neuse. The only loser was Barry Miller, to Ralph Guertin.

            Two meets with Deerfield have been scheduled for Jan. 20 and Feb. 3. These are considered the “big” meets of the year for the team, which has remained undefeated and untied since beginning interscholastic competition three years ago.

The Februrary 16 issue of The Hermonite reported wins in these matches as well. –ed.

5 Years Ago

            As Mr. Examination has made his appearance on campus, we offer this break from the grind. Our column is devoted to the premise that history is always being made. Eighty years ago Henry Cutler, headmaster at Mount Hermon from 1890 to 1932, put it more grandly in a message to the alumni, saying, “[This school] stands ever on the threshold of the new. No day is like any other in her long history.” (Mount Hermon Alumni Quarterly, vol. XXX, no. 2, Dec. 1931.)  Although this installment looks back a mere five years, no current student was yet enrolled here.

From The Hermon Echo, vol. II, no.3, p. 1; December 13, 2006. “The Nellies” Sidestep Obstacles in New Approach to Singing

On another bizarrely balmy day in late November, the Nellies gathered in the Music Building for their semi-weekly practice session. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, only four girls were able to make it.

The Nellies, NMH’s brand new all-girls a cappella group planned to prepare for the upcoming holiday season. Anna Stevens ’07, the co-leader of the eight-member assemblage, lamented the poor turnout. “I really wanted to sing today,” said Stevens. The other three girls concurred.

Anna Stevens and Sara Tower ’07 created the Nellies as an independent girls’ a cappella group. The two seniors hoped to create an open forum for “fulfilling, fun, free harmonizing.”

Stevens and Tower formed the group at the beginning of this fall term in response to their desire to provide a more relaxed and stimulating alternative to the larger Concert Choir.

Stevens stressed her support for the choir, of which she remains a dedicated member.

In contrast to the chorus, the Nellies run their own rehearsal, choose and arrange their own songs, and allow members to experiment with various parts.

Although supported by Sheila Heffernon and Alison Ernst, the Nellies conduct their own practices, choosing how to manage their limited time. Stevens acknowledged the challenge of creating an independent, student-run group, but conveyed enthusiasm and hope for what the sometimes disorganized group might become.

The Nellies attitude towards their musical material is equally liberating. The girls bring songs they enjoy to rehearsals and subsequently narrow the selection though a consensual process. Once the Nellies have decided on a particular song, they listen intently to the piece, extracting separate instrumental parts and harmonies.

Some songs require a methodical progression of listening, rewinding, stopping, and pausing before the group can get a firm grasp of what they are attempt to recreate.

But Stevens strongly asserts that this process of choosing songs, however difficult, provides for a freer and more enjoyable atmosphere.

After the song has been thoroughly dissected and the intricate parts have been grasped by the group, the Nellies begin experimenting. “We told everyone to do whatever the heck they wanted,” said Katie Jones ’07. The group expresses an attitude of openness and liberty in this sense.

Stevens and Jones said that the name “Nellies” derived from the former Northfield nickname, Northfield Nelly.

Although Northfield Nelly wasn’t a flesh and blood creature nor a mask and fur creature, the girls noted that the mascot represented a distinctive energy, omnipresent on the Northfield campus. A flavor of Northfield remains alive in the voices of the Nellies, a group, says Stevens, with emblematic “Northfield-esque” character.

The Nellies nicely complement Hogapella, the current all-male a cappella ensemble on campus. They also spoke of the existence of a precedent for their group—another all-female a cappella group called Sweet Vibration. Led by ’06 graduates, the collection of singers met infrequently, forming and disbanding last year.

The Nellies have a loaded agenda for the holiday season. They are currently working on holiday-inspired songs which they hope to carol at some point in the next few weeks.

However, if Wednesday practice days continue to be sparsely attended, the Nellies will not be prepared. Stevens comprehends the limitations posed by the schedule, but is understandably frustrated by the no-shows.

Despite their struggles, the group has held true to its free-form philosophy. They sing because they love to sing, not to please an audience.

Though their path seems riddled with obstacles, the Nellies maintain hope for a successful first year campaign.

70 Years Ago

Seventy years ago the United States entered World War II after attacks on U.S. military bases across the Pacific, most memorably at Pearl Harbor in the U.S. Territory of the Hawaiian Islands.

For your final exam, compare and contrast the schools’ reactions to war in these editorials from the Northfield and Mount Hermon newspapers.

from The Northfield Star, vol. XXVI, no. 2; p. 2 (December 17, 1941).

OUR PART IN DEFENSE

Think of all the little children in Europe, girls, and conserve! The world is really beginning to take notice of the abilities of our fair sex and we accordingly should prove our capability by accepting, along with the privileges of equality, the responsibility involved. We can “do our part” in defense by following Miss Wilson’s noble advice about conservation of water and electricity and the serious promotion of health. The men of a country have a more spectacular part in national defense, but they depend on us to carry out the more commonplace functions that they have had to abandon. Obviously at our tender age, we can’t leave school to go out and plow a field, but we can practice those little economies that in the end contribute greatly either to a success or a failure. We need not go into the intricacies of these measures with which you are all by now undoubtedly quite deadly familiar, but keep them in mind and don’t let any old soldiers get ahead of us in preparation for national defense.

from The Hermonite, vol. LV, no. 7; p. 2  (December 17, 1941).

THE WAR AND HERMON

Currently raging on campus are two major questions. The first, “How old are you” and the second, “Have you heard the latest?” But really, of what matter to us are these insignificant interrogations?”

“How old are you?” – what difference does it make? The draft age has not yet been lowered to eighteen, despite prevalent rumors that it has. None of us, therefore, are subject to an immediate call into the armed forces. Moreover, the present need is not for man-power, but rather for machinery and weapons. Therefore, here at Hermon are we able to do the most good, for by avoiding such foolish talk of enlisting we are able to restore calm and order. By continuing our customary activities without hysterical excitement are we best serving our country. Consequently, our place remains on this hill; our duty is to train for the bitter post-war days by completing our education now.

“Have you heard the latest?” – similarly wasted time in asking this question. Ninety-nine out of a hundred times “the latest” is only the product of some fanciful imagination. Let’s “turn a deaf ear” to the propaganda mongers about the school. They only cause anxiety and excitement.

It has been said that the axis powers will conduct a “war of nerves” against this country. Thus we will doubtless be flooded with groundless rumors from foreign sources.

We must learn, therefore, to receive all reports with calm deliberation, waiting for official Washington statements before we become too alarmed.

This does not mean, however, that we should be idealists; that we should not face the facts. War is definitely here! We cannot crawl back within our shell in a policy of isolation, for in the past two and one half years we have learned the lesson of similar mistakes in the foreign relations of such nations as Poland, Norway, Denmark, and France. On the contrary, we must plan for a long war; a war in which our cities may be bombed, our civilians killed, our buildings destroyed; a war abounding with disheartening defeats.

Doubtless there will be shortages of many vital supplies. In the emergency it will be necessary to make patriotic sacrifices. But nevertheless throughout all we must continue as nearly as possible our usual activities.

Above all, we must not fall victims to gossip, for gossip breeds excitement, excitement breeds confusion, confusion breeds chaos, and chaos in the United States aids the Axis cause.

115 Years Ago

Strictly speaking this week’s column sums up not a week, but a season. 1896 was the last year that interscholastic “foot ball” was played at the school until such contests were revived in the fall of 1933. While the 1893 squad was arguably better (1893 lost but once, 14-0 to the Williams College ‘varsity which crushed Amherst that season, 30-12.), the 1896 team was undefeated and untied. So when we raise a cheer to any championship team, remember, this was our first.

from The Hermonite, vol. X, no. 6, p. 83.

THE FOOT BALL SEASON OF ‘96

When Mr. Blakeslee was informed that we were to be allowed to have foot ball this fall there were two difficulties to be faced in arranging a schedule. First, that all our games must be played on the home grounds. Second, that most of the schools which we
expected to play had already arranged their schedules. But in the face of these difficulties there have been as many games arranged as in any previous year, but owing to the fact that two of them were canceled we have played only six. We were very much disappointed in not meeting Worcester Academy, but hope that we may do so in the near future.

The greatest difficulty with which we have had to contend has been lack of time in which to practice. We trust that this difficulty may be removed before another season. Owing to the fact that the last [class] period is not over until ten minutes to five we have had
virtually only half an hour each day in which to practice and, towards the end of the season, on account of darkness, not so much as that. This, together with the fact that we have had no training table, no doubt accounts for the fact that we have not been able to do better work in the last half than in the first, as our teams have done in previous years.

At the opening of the season the outlook was by no means bright, but with three old players – for Bartlett did not come out until we had played several games – and none but the left half back playing in his old position. This is accounted for by the fact that there was no team here last year. At first it was difficult to get enough men out to form two teams, and several men who seemed to promise well found that they could not spare the time which it took from their studies. But those who came out applied themselves to the game with a will and soon mastered the most important points, and we were ready for our first contest. Mr. Lotz of Williams was with us for a few days and gave us some very valuable points, especially the line men.

In all the games which we have played this year there has been a marked friendly spirit manifest between the players; schools in which the spirit of rivalry has run so high heretofore that it has made them forget that on the battlefield we are enemies with conflicting interests but after the battle we are friends. Doubtless all the teams with which we have played this season have appreciated this. We are glad we can also say that as far as we have seen there has been no unnecessary roughness indulged in by any player and that foot ball has been played more than ever before in the proper spirit.

The average weight of our team is one hundred seventy-one pounds – a good weight, still weight alone cannot win a single victory, and without skill it is only in the way. The one thing above everything else that enabled us to win six victories out of six games was the splendid team work of our men. We are confident that the team work this fall has been the best Hermon has ever had.

55 Years Ago

Here’s an account of an odd “first” in school history. Unfortunately no photographic evidence of the event exists in the school archives. Too bad.

 from The Hermonite, vol. LXX, no. 6; p. 1  (December 13, 1956). 

“Bermuda Holiday” Theme Marks Successful Senior Dance at Gym; Ballads, Band, and Breed Perform For Bermuda-Clad Beachcombers

Amid the splendor of Bermuda, the Senior Class held its first party of the school year on Saturday, December 1^st in the James Gymnasium here at Hermon.

The atmosphere of the “Bermuda Holiday” theme was furthered by the Bermuda shorts worn by the majority of the couples attending. It was the first time in Mount Hermon-Northfield history social history that this type of dress was permitted at such a gathering. One attending the dance may have noticed a well-known faculty member gliding about the dance floor in the conventional dress of the party.

…[S]cenes constructed by the Class of ’57 added to the relaxed mood prevailing throughout the evening. In one corner stood an elaborate floral display with the class numerals written in a cluster of flowers. A pool inhabited by goldfish was centered in the brilliant display. In the opposite corner a scene by the seashore was portrayed with all but the ocean spray represented. A mural on the center wall of the gym showed theBermudahorizon with “Bermuda Holiday” lettered on it. Faculty corner was another scene of interest with the position named “Observation Point” where beach chairs and a background of greenery contributed to the theme.

The entertainment consisted of the jazz band, the Triple Quartet, and an amazing demonstration of golf shots by Al Breed.

After the party, social chairman Bob Aks expressed the hope that this would set a precedent for other classes who wish to have a party of a similar type.

75 Years Ago

This column reprises two of your editor’s favorite subjects: Thanksgiving and quarantine. In the mid-1950s two aspects of school life disappeared: the annual all school Thanksgiving celebration (Until 1954 the schools held Friday classes the day after Thanksgiving, and the on campus festivities were a high point of the fall, attracting scores of alumni who would return for dinner.) and the near-annual campus quarantines due to infectious childhood diseases. 75 years ago, these two events converged.

from The Hermonite, vol. L, no. 6; p. 1  (December 1936).

Thanksgiving Day Celebrated in Traditional

Style Regardless of Scarlet Fever

_______

Absences Cause Program Changes

_______

Mr. Jackson Substitutes for Dr. Porter

Embattled Hermonites not allowing the “bug” to get them down in any sense of the word observed a traditional Hermon Thanksgiving except for the truism that there was not the usual big reunion. Not to be ignored is the fact that alumni and friends, including “so near and yet so far” Dr. and Mrs. Porter, were conspicuous in their absence.

Naturally not in an over-joyful mood for thanksgivings in the absence of so many old friends, students eagerly applauded Dr. Porter’s message suggesting a “Home-coming Week-end” later in the winter.

Due to the continued quarantine, Charles W. Merriam of Deerfield who was scheduled to address us at the half-hour morning service could not be present. In his stead, our Rev. Lester P. White read Psalm 145.

In a West Hall [now "Alumni Hall" - ed.] festively decorated with shocks of corn and chandeliers shaded with paper of a gay autumnal shade, dinner, the really big affair of the day, commenced at one o’clock. Featuring Demy’s celebrated roast turkey, Mrs. Cooper’s excellent menu included a fruit cup, sage dressing, giblet gravy, cranberry sauce, watermelon pickles, mashed potatoes, rolls, buttered onions, celery and tomato sauce, mince pie a la mode, salted peanuts, mints and coffee.

During the meal, there was the usual table-to-table yelling; meanwhile the Seniors went joyfully about the extremely pleasant task of breaking all records by eating more turkey this year than ever before. The Seniors tried to excel in the new musical sphere too, by
singing a new “Turkey Song” in two parts set to the music of “Tormented” and “Old Gray Bonnet.”

After dinner Mr. Jackson acting as toastmaster in place of Dr. Porter, read a “cablegram” from the isolated headmaster to which a response was unanimously voted by those present. Also decided upon were messages to the still feverish Hermonites at Greenfield and elsewhere.

In the intervals between his introduction of the afternoon’s distinguished orators, Mr. Jackson read greetings sent by various Hermon clubs in colleges…

Irrepressible Johnny Fisher, one of the few alumni present, was greeted with a great ovation when entering the hall late. A little later, on being called on to present the well wishes of the Class of 1936 and other alumni, he was the recipient of one of the most
spontaneous outbursts of applause of the day. From this and other demonstrations it was easy to see that thoughts of the alumni were present in all fortunate enough to be present, although everyone was happy to be able to be at West Hall entering in the traditional ceremonies of the day.

120 Years Ago

Every year your editor gets questions about the age and origins of The Pie Race. It’s a long-standing tradition to be sure, but you won’t read any commentary from this corner about its supposed 120^th anniversary (and 121^st running) because we don’t really know when the first pie race was run. The Hermonite does inform us that foot races which featured pies as prizes were run in the early 1890s. We date the Pie Race from 1891 because Henry Bemis who donated the money for the first medals and who gave his name to the race, recalled winning a pie in that year. Oddly enough, in the fall of 1891, Bemis was already off at college. By the early 20^th century, a series of intramural cross-country races were held throughout the fall, each race longer than the one before it. The series culminated in “The Big 6-Miler” in late November. By 1903, the top three finishers were awarded medals or pins, and depending upon participation, the next 10 to 20 places won pies. In this era, inter-dormitory competition was also part of the event, with rewards going to dormitories for fastest times and highest participation. In the early 1930s, longtime athletic director Axel Forslund shortened the course to 4.5 miles, but it wasn’t until 1945 that the 33 minute “pie time,” was added as a further incentive to run.
With coeducation, retired math teacher (and spouse of the former AD) Gladys Forslund contributed to the prize fund so that girls as well as boys might compete for pies. A 40 minute pie time was added in the fall of 1971, and the name of the race was changed to The Bemis-Forslund Pie Race in Gladys’ honor.

If the pie race is not quite 120 years old, so be it. Here’s an account of a race that DID take place in October 1891.

from The Hermonite, vol. V, no. 4; p. 26 (October 31, 1891).

Hares and Hounds.

The first “hares and hounds” chase of the season took place on the afternoon of the 19^th. McClure, ’93, and Horner, ’92 were the “hares,” and about a dozen fellows formed the pack of “hounds.” The start was made at the principal’s house [now Manchester Cottage] at two o’clock, and the hares were given eight minutes’ lead. The course they pursued was as follows: From the dining hall straight past the store and through the woods to the Bernardston road, down that to Hermon station, thence to the Northfield bridge, where they turned abruptly to the north, passing So. Vernon station and crossing by the Ashuelot bridge from Vermont into New Hampshire. Turning south at this point they made their way down through Northfield to the Gill station, recrossed the river at Munn’s Ferry, and so came home. Many of the “hounds” gave out in the pursuit, and the two courageous ones who followed the entire course, baffled by misleading scents, reached Crossley three-quarters of an hour later than the “hares.”

This year’s edition of The Bemis-Forslund Pie Race is on Wednesday the 16th at 3:00. Come run.