5 Years Ago

 Welcome (or Welcome Back)! And a special welcome to the Class of 2014.

 “This Week in NMH History,” premieres for the 2010-11 school year. Each week in this space you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of your school: to see how it has changed or remained unchanged with the passage of time.

The stories told in “This Week…” come from a variety of sources: viewbooks and catalogues from years past, newspapers, literary magazines, even schedules hold information about our past which inform our present.

Our opening installment reminds us that history is happening all the time (some of you already know this), and that our history on one campus is relatively short. It was only five years ago, after 92 years as single-sex institutions, followed by 34 years as a two-campus coeducational secondary school, that we began a new chapter as a one-campus, coeducational institution. This was a singular moment in our history. Witness one small part of it as it was recorded in the alumni magazine:

 From NMH Magazine; fall 2005; vol. 8, no.1; p.10.

OVERSEEING A MONUMENTAL TASK

 “If you’re baking a cake and need to get it done fast you don’t turn the heat from 350 degrees to 650,” says Stan Pitchko, director of plant facilities. “In the same way putting pressure on the folks in the field doesn’t make things happen any faster. It just burns the cake.”

…Pitchko, who’s in charge of capital construction, the power plant, water and sewer systems, the campus mail system, grounds and custodial crews, tradespeople, and safety and security, sees himself primarily as an orchestrator. If so, he just conducted the equivalent of Mahler’s Resurrection.

Last year the campus had 428 students; this year there are 717. The campus is currently supporting 48 percent more infrastructure than in the past, and by the time all planned capital construction is done, the campus will grow by 200,000 square feet. Over the summer, along with the usual repairs and renovations, there were additions, whole building makeovers, space conversions, and countless moves.

“I knew it was going to be a monumental task,” says Pitchko, who became director of plant facilities four months after the trustees voted to consolidate the campuses in January 2004. “We’ve had what we call ‘flies in the ointment,’ but we’ve always worked through it.”

Five years later, we remain surrounded by  those who did all the hard work to get us to where we were then, and who have continued to work to get us to where are now: we are ever in their debt, don’t forget to thank them. – ed.

95 Years Ago

 Tree planting has long been one of our ceremonial activities, as well as a staple of the work program (Ever wonder who planted the orchards here?). Planting trees found its purest form during the Tree Day exercises at Northfield when it was still an all-girls’ school. Aside from class days and commencements, it was the only tradition carried on each year at either Mount Hermon or Northfield before the 1971 merger of the two schools.

from The Hermonite, vol. 28, no. 15; May 22, 1915; p. 247. 

 Tree Day.

Someone must have told the weatherman that it was most important to schedule a pleasant day for May 3, for in spite of the threatening showers just before, Tree Day was clear and bright. It may be, too, that the showers had been specially requested in order to insure the greenness of the athletic field. For definite information as to this apply to the Seniors, to whom, doubtless, any question on the subject of umbrellas could be referred. If preparations for the effective scarf-drill were not so inclusive as to provide for the exact color of the grass stage, they were certainly proved by the unified effect of the drill, to have been amply extensive and inclusive. It is rumored that there was but one possible reason for regret. And that? Why, that the Seniors could not have seen themselves as they twirled and fluttered like wind-blown daffodils. Did you notice how easy it was to pick out those who dance? Oh, but as it happens, they don’t dance at all!

It is true that the Juniors departed from precedent in their contribution to the day’s doings but not quite so far as to attempt to “compose” a play like that of Aristophanes’ “The Birds,” nor even to translate it from the Greek. Doubtless most any of the participants would affirm that “learning it was quite enough.” The natural setting near Marquand glen added much to the attractiveness of the presentation and made a splendid background for the costumes. Such minor details as the necessity to horsewhip the soothsayer off the stage without a whip, the difficulty of appearing comfortable in an improvised beak, the apparent unwillingness of the green umbrella to “rise to the occasion,” could not upset the equilibrium of the cast.

Birds, men, and gods joined the general migration of the audience towards the place of the spade orations. When that place was reached it was discovered that the Juniors hadn’t really confused lilies-of-the-valley and trees, for, just beyond the Chapel they gathered about their sturdy white pine, the 1916 class tree. The spade orations were delivered by Martha Ganz, president of the Senior class and Evelyn Taggart, Junior president. Each emphasized the symbolism of the spade, that of glorifying the common tasks. Class songs followed and then came the reading of the Senior Class Will, from the Chapel steps. In the name of the class, Eleanor Lord disposed of the tangible possessions of the ’15 class.

The evening was made a time of jollification for the two upper classes. At the Bacon Bat planned for the Seniors by their sister class of ’16, two bonfires were found to provide ample opportunity for all who wished to dispose of nicely browned sausages or ready-to-eat bacon. After an hour or so, spent in an enjoyable “sing” around the fires, Mr. Fitt led in prayer. The Juniors escorted their guests to their various places of abode and so ended Tree Day of Northfield Seminary in the year one thousand nine hundred and fifteen.

Your editor asks, “Want to bring back this tradition?” You can!

65 Years Ago

This week we recall the social relations between Northfield and Mount Hermon in the years before we became a single school. From the moment Mount Hermon was founded, inter-school gatherings of one sort or another occurred; at the same time, pleas to expand existing social opportunities were an oft-repeated theme of newspaper editorials such as this one. It might be added that within a few years, many of the suggestions outlined below were implemented.

from The Hermonite, vol. 58, no. 13; May 2, 1945; p. 2. 

Much Ado About Something

 The boy-girl relationship of young people of high school age is one of the most important factors relative to their happiness and success in later life. Among private schools, Mount Hermon and Northfield have a better inter-school social relationship than any school I know. But at the same time these, and other private schools, do not, in any sense of the word, offer the social freedom, naturalness, and atmosphere found in high school programs. It is admitted that young people in high school live at home and have few restrictions on their spare time; it is admitted that the coeducational bases of high school education serve to make the boy-girl relationship closer and more natural; and it is admitted that many of the parties, dances, and other social gatherings of the sort are not controlled or sponsored by the school, but by private families, But the fact remains that the Northfield Schools, with the potential makings of a nearly perfect social program, now have but an outline of this program that could be easily arranged.

Joint Meetings of Clubs

But there are certain important factors that are missing when the whole scope of the affair is considered. Except in some music departments, there are no meetings that have to do with extra-curricular school activities. Language and science clubs, discussion groups, forums, co-ed social committees, and maybe an “executive council of students” could and should be formed. The would permit the boys and girls to work together and forget the strained atmosphere of parlor dates and over-chaperoned dances.

Some of these suggested reforms might not be practical during the wartime emergency, but it is very necessary and not, in the least, radical or “out of line” to say, even to insist, that a Hermon-Northfield discussion should be held. A suggested membership outline for this joint committee might include the following; one Freshman, one Sophomore, two Juniors, two Seniors, one social director, one person on the executive staff (such as Headmaster), and one teacher-at-large, making a total of 18; 12 student and 6 faculty members.

Purpose of Committee

The proposed discussion committee could talk over various standing differences between the schools – for example, the matter of “outside” dates to various functions of the school. It could discuss and form opinions on such issues as picnics, privileges for those sports enthusiasts who are unable to attend regular gatherings, and the possibilities of the afore-mentioned coeducational groups. It could propose, with faculty supervision and approval, new reforms and measures to the proper authorities. It could, in fact, itself become the “proper authority,” an approved social council.

The general topic of social extensions and the more exact mention of a social council has been approved by certain faculty members and is a matter of great importance which should be given the utmost consideration by the Northfield Schools’s administration.

25 Years Ago

Northfield Mount Hermon School has produced its share of thespian talent over the years. Laura Linney and Uma Thurman top the current list, but twenty years ago, virtually anyone at the school with the desire to appear on the silver screen had the chance.

 from The Bridge, vol. 16, no. 18; May 1, 1985; p. 3.

A Film Star at NMH

This Sunday I was in my first film. Oh, the glamour! Oh, the excitement! Oh, the five hours it took to film two actual minutes of footage! The film was “Moody!,” a docudrama about the life and time of Dwight Lyman Moody being produced by the Moody Bible Institute for educational purposes. The film star was me or any of the twenty or so extras being used as audience to Reverend Moody’s preaching in both London and Chicago in the film.

The film will feature many of your favorites of stage and screen as stunning pious congregation members, [including] Mr. and Mrs. Batty, Mr. and Mrs. Tilson, Chris Carlisle (who did something, but I can’t remember what, for The Bridge last term, Mrs. Henry, Ian Hill future film director, many townspeople of various ages, and of course, none other than myself. The real star, Bill Rodgers, who is portraying Moody was on hand and kept us from complete insanity by interesting and amusing us with samples of his vast knowledge about Moody. Mr. Rodgers does a one-man show as Moody personally. He said that he had studied Moody and the assorted biographies…as well as the single recording of Moody’s voice for two years before going on the road performing as Moody.

We saw the ins and outs of filmmaking, to a certain extent. We experienced first-hand how complicated and time consuming the filmmaking process is and were told horror stories about how film people can start work at eleven o’clock in the morning and finish for that day at three o’clock the next morning. It appeared that the primary reasons it took so long is that the conditions must be perfect for calling it a “take.” Unfortunately, nature does not allow for a perfect film making state. Lights must be adjusted, as must sound equipment, ties cannot rustle for fear it will be picked up on the body microphone attached to the actor, and those wonderful extras must be positioned exactly so that twenty congregation members can look like a stadium full.

The two scenes filmed on Sunday consisted of one important Sunday night preaching in Chicago’s Farwell Hall (the Auditorium) on the night of the Great Chicago Fire and the other, a church service in London (the Sage Chapel). On Monday other scenes were to be filmed including shots of Round Top, more of Sage Chapel (this time to be a church in Cambridge, England), the Homestead, and of the horse and buggy carriages owned by the school.

The film will be about one hour long and will be ready for viewing in the fall. Ms. Tilson said that as soon as the film is out the school will get a copy and show it in the fall. There was no mention of the film being shown on television, only that it would be used for religious education in churches and other interested parties.

Though it was a very long day, it was still very interesting to see the process of film making and to be a part of the movies. Besides, they always told me, “I ought to be in pictures.”

Editor’s note: Two issues earlier, a front page article in The Bridge asked for volunteers to be extras in the film. The film is available for viewing at the media center in Schauffler Library.

115 Years Ago

from The Hermonite, vol. 8, no. 14; April 15, 1895; p. 190. 

The title of our column, “This Week in NMH History,” perhaps implies a parochial view of the world, but of course we are always looking to the world beyond our walls for news. For many years our newspaper was freely sent to a number of colleges and other secondary schools. In return they sent us copies of their publications. Interesting bits of news were printed in a space headed –   

Exchanges

The anti-hazing bill has been signed by the governor of New York.

“THE HERMONITE is a thoroughly sensible, Prosperous journal.” – Beacon.

We suggest that the Hillsdale Collegian adopt an exchange column.

Harvard is raising $50,000 for a building for the Semitic department.

One-sixteenth of the students in American colleges are studying for the ministry.

The best thing in the last Mount Holyoke was, “An exponent of the best in Realism.”

Henry Clark, professor of botany at Chicago University, is not twenty-five years of age.

The eminent chemist, Dr. Down of the Massachusetts Institute, is the new president of Lehigh University.

“Black Beauty,” the famous horse story, has been translated and is now printed in classic Greek for a text book.

The oldest professor in active service is said to be Professor Newman of the University of Konigsburg, Germany. He is 96 years old.

The Harvard English department will shortly produce the play, “Epicoene, or the silent woman,” by Ben Jonson, at Saunders’ theatre.

Wellesley students are having built an eight-oared barge for the practice in rowing. This departure is for physical benefit, not for racing.

“Advice to the new board,” in March Wellesley Magazine, will be of interest to the new editorial staffs now being chosen on different school papers.

120 Years Ago

from The Hermonite, vol. III, no 14; April 12, 1890; p. 106. 

Well Mr. Examination came and has gone for ten more weeks. We met him with a good lead pencil in our hand and a good knife in our pocket, but how much we had in our head we can not say. See examination papers.

On April 12, 1890, students still had ten more weeks of school ahead of them: in those days, half a term. Given that the school cost $50.00 per term, those ten weeks cost only $25.00. Students were getting their money’s worth. If you are a student, make sure you get yours over the next however many weeks of school you have remaining. And if you are a teacher, be sure to give full measure. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the knives were to sharpen the pencils. –ed.

90 Years Ago

 The school newspapers used to print more than just news. Rowers may already know this story, which, like any good tale, is part truth and part fiction. How much of it is one and how much the other, is left for the reader to decide.   

 from The Northfield Star, vol. 4, no. 7; April 1920; p. 9. 

Captain Kidd’s Island

“Where is it? Is there a story about it?”

Those were the questions which flashed through my mind when I first heard of the island. I immediately set about finding out where this interesting place is. The answer to my query as to its whereabouts elicited the following reply, which will, I know, be of interest to any Seminary student: “First you go to Hermon.” After I had recovered from the shock, I managed to discover that the island is about four miles below us, down the river. You go past Hermon, under the railroad bridge, into a meadow, and to a place known as Mun’s [sic] Ferry. There, in the river beyond you, is the island. And the glamour of the story connected with it is unsurpassed by any tale I have lately heard.

One night, so it is said, Captain Kidd with a number of men safely crossed the three falls at this point in the river, and reached a secluded spot now known as Clark’s Island. They carried with them a chest of gold. After having dug a hole and deposited their treasure therein, they drew lots. The unfortunate man to whom the lot fell, was killed and his body placed a-top of the chest to keep away all possible marauders.

For a long time no one dared to disturb the ghost, though many longed for the treasure. But in an unlucky hour one Abner Field, after consulting a noted conjurer as to the exact spot where the chest was buried, resolved to risk all on the chance of obtaining a fortune. He told his plans to two trusty confederates – for three is the magical number for accomplishing anything – and they set forth when the moon was directly overhead at midnight. At last they reached the spot, and, forming a triangle, they began to work in utter silence, fear clutching at their hearts. If a sound were made in the way of speech, the charm would be broken. They worked quickly, for should the cocks crow their work would be for naught. Thoughts of demons and sundry spirits lurking in the shadows brought forth great drops of perspiration, but on they worked. Suddenly the crowbar hit with a mighty clink against the iron lid of the chest. “You’ve hit it!” cried one with a sigh of relief. Alas! It was the unfortunate word. The charm was broken; the chest settled down out of reach; the disturbed ghost arose from the depths and flitted around them! To cap all, Satan himself – at least six feet in height – appeared from under the bank, crossed the island, turning hand-springs as he went, passed right through a haystack, and plunged into the river with a yell and a splash! And thus was the treasure forever lost.

Can it be that romance such as this lingers so near us, so startlingly near us?

I, for one, don’t believe the part about the hand-springs but as for the rest… –ed.

115 Years Ago

 Almost everyone in the community can name two schools founded by D.L. Moody. Some can name a third, the Bible Institute in Chicago that now bears Moody’s name. If you read this, you will know about a fourth, the Northfield Bible Training School which operated out of the Northfield Hotel from October through March from its founding in 1891 until 1908 when it was absorbed by the Northfield Seminary.  

from The Hermonite, vol. 8, no. 14; April 15, 1895; p. 191. 

Training School Notes

 Wednesday evening, March 27, there was a buzz of excitement at “The Northfield” in preparation for the annual exhibit of the work of the Training School. At the appointed hour, 7:30, the guests began to arrive and were seated in the office corridor, which had been transformed into a lecture hall for the time being. The program of the evening consisted of instrumental selections rendered by Misses Morton and Sargent, a spinning song by one of the vocal classes under Miss Philips’ direction; a recitation given by Miss Armitsted and four chalk talks given by Misses Bartlett, Barr, Breinig and Chadbourn. During the chalk talks, the drawing classes occupied the front seats and formed the infant class to whom those speaking addressed their remarks, and they were very naïve and childlike in their answers to the questions asked. The chalk talks were of two kinds – Misses Bartlett and Barr had prepared their illustrations beforehand upon the blackboard, while Misses Breinig snd Chadbourn drew off-hand as they talked, thus giving illustrations of the different methods. After the exercises the audience adjourned to the parlors, where were exhibited specimens of the work of the cooking, sewing and drawing classes.

[A paragraph concerning these exhibits is here excised, but you know where to find it.]

Thursday afternoon occurred the closing exercises of the Training School at the church. The address was given by the Rev. G.G. Atkins of Greenfield. His subject was “Redemptive love,” and in his characteristic clear forcible manner, he aimed to show the young women who were about to enter active Christian service, that there is no service worth anything either to God or man which has not in it the principle of redemptive love, in which we give ourselves and that which costs us something…As the benediction was pronounced and we took our way out from the church and up the hill we began to realize that now the last word had been spoken and we must really say good-bye to all the dear associations which have been formed during the happy months spent together.

100 Years Ago

While there are too many weeks left in the school year to make any guarantees, it will be surprising if any “This week…” columns are shorter than this one. Four words only, but imagine what they conveyed to students still studying by gaslight.

from The Hermonite, vol. 23, no. 7; March 1910; p. 109. 

Electric lights at last.