memorabilia, memories, memorial

Memorabilia, Memories, Memorials

Shirley Foote Smith ’36 and her daughter Rosamond Smith Rea ’71, celebrating their 60th and 25th

reunions, June 1996

Left to right: Thomas (Trip) Smith ’08, Lowell (Sandy) Smith, Samantha Smith ’05, and Sally Sanford, Graduation 2005

Shirley Foote, Graduation 1936

Shirley Foote Smith ’36 is remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of knowing her. At the Concord Academy memo-

rial service in 2001, during Alumnae/i Weekend, Shirley’s classmate elizabeth Sager Daniel remembered Shirley as “...our class president then and forevermore, holding us together in her gentle, kind, de-pendable way.” Another classmate, helen reynolds Smith, recalls “Shirley’s eyes were like fringed gentians, her hair naturally curly, her ready smile lightened up her whole face … Dedicated always to whatever was right, in her quiet way she was the strong backbone in whatever she undertook.” Both elizabeth and helen remember how much they appreciated the Sunday afternoon teas for boarders at Shir-ley’s home and later her gracious hospitality at reunion time. “We’ll miss her as our president and as a good friend,” her classmates said.

After graduation, Shirley was a devoted and loyal alumna serving Concord Academy in many capacities, including class secretary and a member of the Alumnae/i Council. She had an interest in preserving the school’s history and donated several items to the archive collec-

tion, including her bloomers and stockings worn for gym class. Shirley’s legacy at Concord Academy continued as her daughter rosamond Smith rea graduated from Concord

Academy in 1971, her granddaughter Samantha Smith in 2005, and grandson thomas (trip) Smith in 2008. Concord Academy Memories, Memorabilia, and Memorials was made possible by a grant from Shirley’s family

and has provided an opportunity to identify, describe, and compile in one document the origin of many items on campus, such as plaques, plantings, places, and memorabilia. this project will ensure that items from the past will be documented and their history preserved for future generations of CA students and alumnae/i.

Concord Academy is grateful to Shirley’s family—daughter roz, son lowell (Sandy) Smith, and his wife Sally Sanford—for their enthusiastic support of this project and for continuing Shirley’s interest in preserving Concord Academy’s history.

Editor’s Note, 2010this booklet was conceived as a work in progress with the hope that it will elicit stories to be included in periodic updates. While every attempt has been made to verify the information, we strongly encourage any additions, corrections, and comments you have to offer. Please contact the Advancement office at (978) 402-2240. CA also welcomes contributions to the school’s archive collection. this publication was researched and written by ingrid von Dattan Detweiler ’61 with assistance from martha Kennedy, CA archivist, edited by Carol Sacknoff, and designed by Sara White lennon ’77. Photography by tim morse, Sally Sanford, Art Durity, and tom Kates.

In Memory of Shirley Foote Smith ’36

1918–2001

2 g Concord Academy

Trees Planted in Honor of Presidents of the Board of TrusteesAt the suggestion of headmaster tom Wilcox, trees were planted to recognize the presidents of Concord Acad-emy’s Board of trustees who served during his tenure, 1981–2000. they are identi-fied with stone markers.

u Daniel O. Mahoney, President of the Board 1984–1986. maple tree behind hob-son house.

u Kathleen Fisk Ames ’65, President of the Board 1986–1991. Cherry tree off the Stu-Fac patio.

u Linden Havemeyer Wise ’70, President of the Board 1991–1995. linden tree on the edge of the quad near the sunken garden.

u Katherine Carton Hammer ’68, President of the Board 1995 until her death in 1998. Chestnut tree next to the mAC.

u Marion Freeman ’69, President of the Board 1998–2002. hemlock on the quad next to the science building.

u Henry P. Becton, President of the Board 2002–2006. Beech tree on the west side of the Chapel.

Other TreesTom Wilcox, headmaster 1981–2000. oak tree behind Bradford house.

Whitty Ransome Wilcox, Kate Wilcox, and Christopher Wilcox. three Kousa Dogwood trees behind Bradford house.

in 1958 the Class of 1933 planted a red ma-ple to the left of the Chapel in honor of its 25th reunion.

A dogwood tree planted behind Aloian house is in memory of Stephen M. Nicol-

son ’81, who died from an undiagnosed heart problem while competing in a bike race. Stephen is the son of Barbara and murray Nicolson. Barbara taught math at Concord Academy for fourteen years.

Between and behind hobson and Phelps, a dogwood tree was plant-ed in memory of Annie Bloom, deceased child of faculty member howie Bloom and his wife lynn. Behind Phelps is a red maple plant-ed in memory of French teacher Nicole Fandel’s son, Alex Fandel.

Around the Campus

Memorabilia, Memories, Memorials g 3

Japanese apple trees were planted to the right of the mAC in honor of a Citybridge class.

Wallis Field Marker this marker is mounted on a boulder above the large athletic field: “in grateful tribute to Katharine Gregory Wallis, who was director of athletics at CA, 1929–1953.” the field was named on her retirement after 25 years at Concord Academy.

Gooding Garden located at the west corner of the quad, the Julia Papin Gooding Garden is named for the mother of marie Gooding eaton ’40 and eleanor Gooding hallowell ’42. mrs. Gooding owned 166 main Street, which was purchased by the school in 1984.

Elizabeth Ross Carey Plaque A plaque mounted on a vertical granite pillar at the end of the stone wall on the Student-Faculty Center Patio, in memory of elizabeth ross Carey 1955–98, Class of 1972. it states: “She devoted her life to helping others while facing adversity with great courage. ross Fam-ily and tim Carey.” A scholarship was established in her name to enable other young people to benefit from a Concord Academy education.

Sundiallocated on the Student Faculty Center patio is a sundial given in memory of Virginia houston, sister of Bud houston and sis-ter-in-law of mary leigh morse houston ’47. Virginia attended Concord Academy from 1921–29, but died suddenly in 1930 of a burst appendix while traveling in europe. the sundial was given to the school by Virginia’s mother, elizabeth Weeden.

Gargoyle Over the Door to Ides

“Audrey “Didi” Stoddard, math and college counselor, 1961–73, and I put it there secretly in the fall of 1962. We had spent the summer traveling in a VW all over Britain, France, then on to Denmark. In France our exploration of old runic standing stones (Menhirs) took us toward Mont St. Michel. As we forged our way through mobs of tourists and souvenir stands to the top and back, we kept seeing grinning plaster replicas of gargoyles for sale, and suddenly it occurred to us it would be a good joke and a nice symbolic touch to buy one and nail it over the door of Ides, which stands for Idiots’ Delight. So we picked out the one with the best smirk, wrapped it in a sleeping bag, and brought it home. On the night of the opening faculty party, we arrived early, equipped with ladder and hammer and nails, and

4 g Concord Academy

speedily attached it over the door, then went on to the party. It was dis-covered the next day. Mrs. Hall, and maybe even Doreen Young, suspected Pete Morse. About two weeks later Doreen gave me a thorough quizzing, but I never let on I knew a thing. So practically no one to this day knows its source. I had to laugh a bit when George Beaulieu of the maintenance department painted it white and encased it in its present glass box. Rather fun, though, isn’t it?”

~ Sylvia mendenhall, teacher emerita, 1956–1992

C c cSenior Gardenthe garden was designed by the father of tootsie Wyman thomas ’53 in rec-ognition of the school’s 50th anniversary. Nancy Colt Couch ’50 and tootsie worked on the garden with the help of faculty and students.

Headless Cherubthe cherub is a gift from Barbara Kaufman, a noted sculptress and mother of tina Kaufman ’61. it was cast by mrs. Kaufman and originally stood 36 inches tall. According to a may 1961 letter from mrs. Kaufman to mrs. hall, mrs. Kaufman thought it should be placed in the Chapel Garden. Shortly after its delivery, the statue was damaged and the head broke off, much to mrs. hall’s dismay.


Alumnae Reading Room Plaque“through generous contributions from the alumnae of Concord Acad-emy and their continuing dedication to those who succeed them, this room is given in the interests of good reading, quiet thought, and the searching mind. october 1968.” the reading room was created where the assembly hall used to be after the Performing Arts Center opened in 1968.

Senior Bench CarvingWood carving mounted on the wall in the former assembly room, now the library: “in memory of the Senior Benches.” Seniors sat on the right side and juniors on the left. the rest of the students sat in the middle.

Pencil CarvingWood carving: “to the memory of the pencil sharpening room,” which was located where the door from the library to the Stu-Fac building is now.

Hiam Memorial Plaque“in memory of Prentice hiam ’79”— the hiam family endowed a fund to purchase library periodicals.

Apple Tree Carvingthe carved maple panels were done by molly Gregory, Bob harman, and students. molly had the idea to carve an apple tree and then ask the students to use their imagination and put whatever they wanted on the tree. the panel includes falcons, hedgehogs, squirrels, pos-sums, and other animals. Some of the carvers were lissa Coolidge ’68, helena Bo lefferts ’71, Jade li ’66, lynn li ’67, Sarah Pillsbury ’69, Becky ruggles ’70, and Bob harman, art teacher 1963–1976.

Ten Deadly Virtues Carvings“ten Deadly Virtues”—Cleanliness, citizenship, generosity, initiative, honesty, self-respect, friendliness, perse-verance, responsibility, and consideration for others. the individual wood plaques were carved by mrs. hall and hung in the old Assembly hall, now the library, next to the pencil sharpening room. mrs. hall initiated a series

of talks (later published and titled Through Crowded Ways) on the qualities associated with good citizenship. they ex-plained her desire to do away with the tradition of awarding

J. Josephine Tucker LibraryDedicated October 4, 1997

6 g Concord Academy

prizes to students who qualified as good citizens. mrs. hall talked about the ten virtues and carved the plaques as a reminder to students.

Alumnae/i Author BookcaseAlumnae/i author bookcase, given by the Class of 1940.

Morgan Smith Reading Roommorgan Smith was a trustee and parent of helen Smith taylor ’54, Joan Smith Kidder ’57, Suzi Smith moore ’62, and Nancy Smith Ash ’67.

There is a photograph with the following caption:

“Dedicated to morgan K. Smith, Concord Academy Board of trustees, 1946–1967, 1971–1977. President of the Board, 1953–1959. this reading room is dedicated to morgan Smith in recognition of his extraordinary service and leadership, and in appreciation for his longtime support and the friendship of his family.”

Karl LaubensteinA quilted wall hanging in memory of faculty member Karl laubenstein, 1948–1990, hangs in the libarary mezzanine. it says: “Si no tengo amor nada soy.”

Susan Hurd Warren BookcaseA small wood carving and plaque reads: “Grade i, 1936. Bright eyed she was, bright smil-ing and bright souled.”

in 1938 the trustees appointed a Scholarship Fund Committee. that committee suggested the scholarship award be called the Susan B. Warren memorial Scholarship. the scholarship was named after the youngest child of the Warren family, who died tragically. the family lived at 62 main Street prior to CA purchas-ing the property in 1946. At its annual meeting in 1945, the Alumnae Association voted to take charge of raising money for the Susan hurd Warren Fund. in 1958, Annual Giving and the Susan hurd Warren Scholarship were combined into one fundraising drive, run by alumnae.

J. Josephine Tucker PhotographPhotograph and brief biography of J. Josephine tucker, headmistress from 1940–49.

Raoul Berger Plaquethe raoul Berger Collection is housed in the library conference room. raoul Berger was an attorney and harvard professor, specializing in con-stitutional law, who wrote extensively on the fourteenth Amendment to

the U.S. Constitution. he was the husband of Patty Wolcott Berger ’47.


Elizabeth B. Hall Chapeli Corinthians: “the first carvings were the panels of I Corinthians, Chapter 13, v. 1–8. i was asked to teach the students how to carve. each student was given a letter to carve. the second year the angel borders were carved. Clover Nicholas ’58 carved the left angel and lydia Saltus

’58 carved the right angel. When it was time to hang the panels the weight kept it together—no glue. Dovetail was stronger and allowed the panels to expand and contract with the weather. molly Gregory taught woodworking at CA from 1958–1972. Students under her direction carved the Corinthians panels mounted at the front of the Chapel, the altar, lectern, and music stands. the following is from an interview with molly Gregory in February 2005. “We used Albrecht Dürer’s let-tering. i made stencils of the letters so they would be equal and then assigned a letter to different people. Belinda Burley ’59 did B, i did o, Jay hutchinson ’60 did h, and so on.”

the names of the students who carved the thirteenth chapter of Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians are on a bronze plate mounted on the lower corner of the panel. the carving was done during the winter of 1956–57 and installed for the Baccalaureate Service, June 6, 1957. the border—top and bottom and the angels on either side—were carved during the winter of 1957–58.

Text From Corinthians Plaque

miss mary Gregory, Director miss Alice e. mcBee Barbara mcCormick ’58Gretchen Becker ’58 maria Nekam ’61Belinda Burley ’59 Clover Nicholas ’58Betsy Fox ’59 mary Poole ’59margot harding ’60 lydia Saltus ’58hope howland ’59

Judy Speckman ’59Jay hutchinson ’60 Janet Spencer ’59Jennifer Johnson ’59 Betsy truslow ’59Charlotte Kidder ’59 meg tweedy ’60Cynthia maxim ’60 evie Watts ’58Carol Wells ’58

8 g Concord Academy

Altarthe inscription on the altar, “her works are with us evermore,” came from mary Cootes Belin ’30 and was carved on a piece of walnut. the rest of the altar and the panels are pine. the altar is a memorial to mary’s daughter, Beverly Belin, 1944–1951, who died of leukemia. the altar was carved in 1959 and may have been donated by the Belin family. it was installed on June 9, 1960.

The altar was carved by:

miss molly Gregory, Director, 1959–60Dorothy Adkins ’62Jeanne r. Derderian ’64melanie A. hunsaker ’62Jaqueth hutchinson ’60hilary S. long ’62Barbara mallinckrodt ’62elizabeth mallinckrodt ’64Cornelia Saltus ’61margaret Scannell ’64Deborah thompson ’64

~ text from altar plaque

Lecternthe lectern was carved between 1964–65, after the steeple. the following students worked on it:

lissa Coolidge ’68, who did the fish panelellie Bemis ’66, who did the mice panelSusan roosevelt ’66, who did the dragons on the railingtammy Damon ’66, who did the chameleon panelGale Weinmann ’67the bottom two panels were done by: mimi Frankenburg ’48 Joan Putnam ’66 Bob harman, art teacher

Honor Is Our Tradition this wood carving, mounted over the interior, in-side doorway into the Chapel, was carved by mar-tha taft ’65.


Steinway Baby Grand Piano elizabeth Gardner, a friend of the school, donated her piano for the renovated Chapel in September, 2004. An engraved brass plaque was installed on a panel near the keyboard on the right side of the piano. the new piano was used for the first time on Sunday, December 12, 2004, during holiday Vespers. mrs. Gardner and her son Bill were present, and Jake Dresden recognized mrs. Gardner’s gift of the Chapel piano during holiday Vespers.

Some background: when she was a young girl, elizabeth Gardner received a Steinway piano from her parents, who wanted her to take piano lessons. Faculty member marco odiaga, who knew that CA was looking for a piano for the Chapel, learned from his parents that mrs. Gardner wanted to give her piano away and was looking for a good home for the instrument. marco’s parents are good friends with elizabeth Gardner, and they suggested that she consider CA.

Fra Giovanni LetterA letter—“i Salute you”—written by Fra Giovanni hangs on the wall in the Chapel. the letter was written by Fra Giovanni Giocondo to his friend, Countess Allagia Aldobrandeschi, on Christmas eve 1513. We do not know why this is hanging in the Chapel.

BalconyIn memory of John P. Monks

A cross is located on a wall of the balcony, and the area is dedicated to John P. monks: “in memory of John Peabody monks. loyal and devoted friend of Concord Academy.” he was the father of mary monks lukens ’54, olga monks Kimball ’55, and Ann monks Barry ’57. Dr. monks served as a trustee from 1947 until his death, march 2, 1956. his contribution to help construct the Chapel was augmented by his wife and three daughters. A service of dedication was held in December 1957. that area of the Chapel was intended to be a small private retreat.

“After the altar was completed, I thought we had done enough carving, but Mrs. Hall gave us the job of building raised colonial panel shutters to be used in con-junction with the John Monks memorial area in the balcony. Mrs. Hall wanted the girls to have a place where they could commune alone. The shutters were de-signed to close so students could shut themselves off. This idea did not take with the students so the panels were removed.”

~ molly Gregory

10 g Concord Academy

Gray Pottery Sconceson either side of the entrance door to the balcony are two gray pottery sconces with blue lettering, which were crafted by Sally Newhall Freestone ’62. the inscriptions are from I Corinthians 13: 7 and 8. one sconce reads: “love bears all things. Believes all things. hopes all things. endures all things.” the other reads: “ So faith, hope, love abides these three. But the greatest of these is love.”

“I created those sconces for the Chapel just for love—I was remembering all the tender hours I’d spent back in ’61 and ’62 cleaning, vacuuming, and tending the interior of this beloved building, all the times I’d sneaked in there for a moment of peace during my years at CA, and how very much this special build-ing meant to me then, and still does. It still even smells the same! Out behind the building, close to the left side, are the graves of several mice that we buried there, out of pity (and drama!). And a little romance

occurred, too, up in the balcony! And all those wonderful chapels...”

~ Sally Newhall Freestone ’62

Vestibulethe vestibule was designed by mrs. hall and molly Gregory so there would be a way to get up to the balcony.

Carving over the entrance into the pew area: “Honoramus quae nos in vita honoraverunt. We honor those who in life honored us.”

Alumnae/i Memoriamthe list includes the names of deceased alumnae/i, beginnng with the class of 1924.

World War II Honor Roll 1941A bronze plaque lists alumnae who served in World War ii.

Baptist Church Sign installed over the interior doorway is the original church sign: No. Straf-ford and Barnstead Baptist Church

Joan Shaw Herman AwardJoan herman’s ’46 painting of the Chapel and the Joan Shaw herman Award plaque are mounted on the wall next to the doorway. the plaque listing the names of the recipients of the Joan Shaw herman Award is updated each year.

Chapel Dedication Carvingmolly Gregory came back to the school to do a new carving with students for the may 19, 1984 Chapel dedication to elizabeth B. hall, head-

mistress, 1949–1963. mrs. hall began chapel with these words:

“lord grant that as we come to thee through the crowded ways of life We may be still and know that thou art God.”


Time Line Plaque Unveiled at the January 22, 2005 Chapel Celebration

“... in our hearts was the dream of a Chapel standing at the end of the Academy garden ...”

~ elizabeth B. hall headmistress, 1949–1963

Summer 1956 h First Freewill Baptist Church of Snackerty Brook, New hampshire, dismantled, transported to Concord Academy, and rebuilt on campus

may 1957 h reconstruction completed, including the addition of a vestibule; chapel in use

June 6, 1957 h Students’ woodcarving of i Corinthians, Ch.13, V. 1–8, placed above the altar

october 12, 1961 h Alumnae memorial Spire placed atop the front entry

october 12, 1962 h Bell added to the spire

may 19, 1984 h Chapel dedicated to elizabeth B. hall

June 1, 2004 h Chapel closed for renovation and expansion project

october 12, 2004 h Chapel reopened by head of School Jacob A. Dresden

January 22, 2005 h Community celebrates the renovated and expanded Chapel

For more information on the Chapel, please refer to The Story of the Elizabeth B. Hall Chapel.


Chapel ExteriorAlumnae Memorial Spire the steeple honors Patricia lennihan Wulsin

’41 who died suddenly in 1958 while serv-ing as president of the Alumnae Association. the steeple honors her and all those whose memory lives on at CA. molly Gregory and students built the steeple in russell robb; it was designed by robert A. lloyd, who worked with molly. When it was ready, they hitched the steeple to the back of molly’s station wagon and hauled it to the site where a crane installed it on the roof on october 12, 1961.

the bell was hung Columbus Day 1962. Do-nations to purchase a bell came from John ingersoll, father of Julia ingersoll hikory ’64, and mrs. edward mallinckrodt, grandmother of elizabeth mallinckrodt ’64 and Dr. Barbara mallinckrodt osborne ’62. there was also a gift from an anonymous parent.

Benchestwo benches have been placed on either side of the walkway. one bench has a bronze plate that says: Gift of the Class of 1996.


Student-Faculty CenterTeacher Emeriti PhotographsPhilip mcFarland, 1965–95; Sylvia mendenhall, 1956–92; Janet D. eisendrath, 1952–90; Doris W. Coryell, 1958–87; ronald A. richardson, 1966–2000; Sandra P. rosenblum, 1956–96; William m. Bailey, 1967–2002; John J. o’Connor, 1972–2003; madge evans, 1969–2007; Gary hawley, 1974–2007; and Stephen teichgraeber, 1974–2007.

Heads of School Photographs eight photos of heads of school were a gift to the school in tom Wilcox’s honor: elsie G. hobson, 1922–37; Val-eria A. Knapp 1937–40; J. Josephine tucker, 1940–49; elizabeth B. hall, 1949–63; David A. Aloian, 1963–71; russell m. mead 1971–76; Philip mcKean, 1977–80; and thomas e. Wilcox, 1981–2000. A photo of Jake Dresden, who served from 2000–2009, was added in 2009.

Concord Academy FoundersPhotos of Concord Academy founders: Anne Bixby Chamberlin, Gordon hutchins, Gladys W. Brooks, henry S. thompson, ronald m. Ferry, Gladys e. h. hosmer, henry A. laughlin, elizabeth P. Bigelow, George B. Proctor, and Samuel hoar.

Elizabeth B. Hall PortraitA portrait of elizabeth B. hall, painted by Willard W. Cummings, father of Daphne Cummings ’61 and grandfather of Douglas hall ’85, was a gift from the classes of 1961 and 1962. the two classes raised the equivalent of the artist’s fee, $2,800, which was donated to the DeCAde Campaign.

The School Buildings


Honor Is Our TraditionAccording to Sue harris Curtin ’56, this motto was created by the Class of 1956 when the class instituted an honor sys-tem during their senior year. While mrs. hall did the carving, the Class of 1956 led the way for students to adopt the honor system, and made “honor is our tradition” an important symbol of that effort.

Faculty and Staff ListA list of faculty and staff who have worked at CA for ten or more years, beginning with the first headmistress, elsie Garland hobson, 1922–1937. “Faculty and staff members who, with their ten or more year gifts of time, talent, and imagination, have enlightened and inspired generations of Concord Academy students.”

Concord Academy Mission StatementConcord Academy engages its students in a community

animated by a love of learning,enriched by a diversity of backgrounds and perspectives,

and guided by a covenant of common trust.

Students and teachers work together as a community of learners dedicated to intellectual rigor and creative en-deavor. in a caring and challenging atmosphere, students discover and develop talents as scholars, artists, and athletes and are encouraged to find their voices.

the school is committed to embracing and broadening the diversity of backgrounds, perspectives, and talents of its people. this diversity fosters respect for others and genuine exchange of ideas. Common trust challenges stu-dents to balance individual freedom with responsibility and service to a larger community. Such learning prepares students for lives as committed citizens.

Carved Hangings“the most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. it is the source of all true art and science.” ~Albert einstein. this carving was done when the science and art wing was added to the main school building in 1964.

A photo in the 50th anniversary book shows a clock with a carved zodiac ring around it mounted on the wall under this engraving. the clock was carved by students, including lissa Coolidge ’68 and louisa Bradford ’69, under molly Gregory’s direction, and its whereabouts is unknown. it is different from the carved “zodiac” clock that is part of the russell robb memorial.


The Trudy Room (Small Dining Room) Dedicated by her family in loving memory of Gertrude Jane Friedman ’78, April 18,1960–December 7, 1997. She died at a young age and her family established a scholarship in her name.

Middle School

Francis Tilden Nichols Plaque mounted in the first floor middle school hallway, the plaque reads: “this passageway is dedicated to the memory of Francis tilden Nichols, Jr. Aug. 11, 1931–Nov. 2, 1953” A gift from mr. and mrs. Francis t. Nichols, parents of Sarah Nichols Gruenig ’56, was donated so that the school could complete construction of the middle school. the gift was referred to as the “Golden egg.” the terms of the gift required that each withdrawal of funds be replaced within five years and that the fund remain untouched for one year before being used again.

Archive Display CasesArchive display cases given by the class of 1940 in memory of Jane Cushman telling ’40. Bronze plaque reads: “Concord Academy, 75th Anniversary Archives Committee, Belinda Burley Dapice

’59, ingrid von Dattan Detweiler ’61, ruth Brooks Drinker ’31, marie Gooding eaton ’40, Chair, and Diane Sargent Wood ’48. in loving memory of Jane Cushman telling ’40.”

South SchoolBeecher Writing Center Plaque“this room given by: Norman and Nancy Beecher, N. Catharine Beecher ’70, Caro-lyn e. Beecher ’72, and edward B. Beecher ’76.

Math and Arts Center, 1992Doreen I. Young Art GalleryNamed for a former faculty member (1941–1964) who was also assistant headmistress to elizabeth B. hall. her portrait was done by former art teacher Bob harman in 1980, a year before she was killed in the crash of a light plane in Nairobi, Kenya. the plaque reads: DOreen I. YOung gAllerY

A Distinguished Teacher, who for twenty years taughtConcord Academy students

A reverence for literature, for art, and for life


Ransome Room PlaqueNamed for e. Whitney ransome, wife of thomas e. Wilcox, eighth head of CA, 1981–2000. “in recognition of her many contributions to campus life and in appreciation for the warmth and graciousness that she extended to the Concord Academy community for nineteen years, this room is dedicated in honor of e. Whitney ‘Whitty’ ransome. each year the Wilcox/ransome family opened their home as a place of welcome and hospital-ity to countless students, faculty, trustees, parents, alumnae/i, and friends of the school. Concord Academy Board of trustees, may 1999.”

Jeanne Derderian ’64 Math-Arts Technology Center Plaque“this classroom was given by members of the Class of 1964, in memory of their beloved friend Jeanne, so that her spirit will live on at Concord Academy, a school that meant so much to her. Dedicated June 12, 1999, on the occasion of their 35th reunion.”

Student Health and Athletic Center, 1999

Russell Robb Hall Formerly located on this site, built and dedicated in 1960, and named for russell robb, Jr. 1900–1957. President of the Board of trustees, 1949–1953. For his loyal service and distinguished leadership and for his family’s generosity that benefited the school in numerous ways over many years, Concord Academy remains enduringly grateful.”

Plaques1997 Senior Parent gift

“As the cornerstone of a new community center and in honor of their children, the reno-vation of this gymnasium and the purchase of fitness equipment were made possible by generous gifts from parents of the Class of 1997. each year’s Senior Parent Gift is a grate-ful legacy given by parents for future students of Concord Academy.

1999 Senior Parent gift

“the construction of this atrium as a central campus gathering space was made possible by generous gifts from parents and family members of the Class of 1999. each year’s Senior Parent Gift is a grateful legacy given by parents for future students of Concord Academy.”

David Dee Memorial Plaque

in the hallway outside the Athletic training/rehab room is a plaque in memory of David Dee, who worked in the operations Department. the plaque reads: “in memory of David Dee for 28 years of service to Concord Academy. 2004”


Performing Arts Center 1968Plaques

Room 401 p “the e. Payson true music room,” CA accountant-accompanist 1957–1968.

Room 402 p “helen osborne Storrow music room.” According to February 9–10, 1967 Board minutes, mrs. irving Chase (Ann osborne Chase), et al, donated $3,600 for this room. helen osborne Storrow was Ann’s great aunt.”

Room 403 p “Smith room donated by maud and harold Smith in loving memory of their daughter miriam Goodale Smith ’60, 1942–65, sister of Carolyn Smith Davies ’55.”

Room 404 p “Gift of mr. and mrs. everett P. Grossman. their daughter is heidi Grossman ’69.”

Room 405 p “the elizabeth D. Gage music room, CA music teacher 1924–1956.”

Room 407 p “the Nancy loring music room, CA Choral Director, 1941–1945, 1949–1960.”

Room 408 p “the Winslow memorial record library and listening room. Gift of Alice Winslow meade ’36.”

Room 409 p “the Phonograph and records are the gift of the Class of 1966.”


228 Main Street Serves as the head’s residence. rosita Corey ’50 believes the grandfather clock in the head’s house was a gift of her parents, mr. and mrs. eben Corey, and was given to the school in 1947 or 1948. the clock belonged to rosita’s great aunt.

Phelps House204–206 main Street. in 1963 the trustees named the house for edithPhelps, history teacher and assistant headmistress, 1958–63. A pencil drawing by may Alcott, the young-est of the four Alcott sisters, is located in a second floor bedroom.

Hobson House 194 main Street, is named for CA’s first headmistress, elsie G. hobson, 1922–37. there is an oil painting in the living room over the fireplace, origin unknown.the grandfather of James Ablow rudnick ’87 paid for the renovation of a first-floor room in honor of James. the plaque reads: “renovation of this room was made possible by a gift in honor of James Ablow rudnick ’87.”

Haines House 186 main Street. in 1954 the house was named for Pamelia i. haines, who served as housemother, director of the kitchen, and manager of grounds, 1929–51.

Aloian House 166 main Street. Named for David Aloian, who was headmaster from 1963–71. hanging in the first floor hallway is an oil painting of David Aloian, painted by faculty member Bob harman in 1967, a framed map of Concord, 1852, and a framed mirror with painting at the top. hanging in the second floor conference room is a caricature of David Aloian, dated June 8, 1964. it is a gift to the school from his family. Next to the painting is a framed say-ing signed by CA faculty. it reads:

“BeCAUSe

you have executed manoevers infinitely more complex than the most complex entre-chat with courage, wisdom and grace and have thereby won the love and respect of the entire school,

we, the faculty of Concord Academy have, on this day of our lord, June 8th, 1964, elected you our

mAN oF the yeAr”

Main Street Houses


January 25, 1997, a replica of the 75th Anniversary check hangs in the third floor stairwell.

on June 14, 2008 the living room was formally named in honor of Anne Bixby Chamberlin, one of the school’s founders, and her daughter Anne Cham-berlin Newbury ’29, in recognition of the family’s sup-port of financial aid by establishing the Anne Bixby Chamberlin Scholarship Fund in 1962.

Admadjaja House158 main Street. Previously named tucker house for J. Josephine tucker, headmistress from 1940–49, it was renamed Admadjaja house in 1996 in honor of the Admadjaja family of indonesia, to reflect the school’s international diversity.

Bradford House140 main Street. it was named Bradford at mrs. hall’s suggestion because the Bradford family formerly owned the property.

Lee House 128 main Street. in 1980, lee house was endowed by and named for lee D. Gillespie, former trustee and parent of Abigail Gillespie ’71 and Nancy Gillespie ’75 and grandmother of Nathan Clements-Gillespie ’03.

Wheeler House 122 main Street. in 1960 it was named after elizabeth r. Wheel-er, who was the school bursar and kept scrapbooks of news items involving CA and its alumnae. An oil painting in the living room was painted by Doris o’Brien, mother of Dawn Jackson, who had worked in the business office, and grandmother of elizabeth Jackson ’93.

Munroe House185 main Street. Dedicated may 4, 2002. “the restoration of this historic house was made possible by a gift in memory of Gail Gawthrop lumpkin ’55 and elizabeth Baum Gawthrop ’35.”


Belknap HousePurchased in 1977 by the Concord Alternative residence, inc., which named it Belknap house, the building served as a congregate senior resi-dence for 25 years. the residence closed on February 29, 2004 after being purchased by Concord Academy. edward “ted” motley, father of Susan motley hansen ’69, harriet motley Cleveland ’65, and the late margaret motley livermore ’63, grew up in the house, owned by the grandmother of Katie motley hinckley ’61. Katie wrote most of her term papers in the house.

A grandfather clock in Belknap house has a plaque that reads: “Gift of eleanor and Patience hosmer.”

A more detailed history of the houses may be found in The Story of the Concord Academy Houses by ruth Brooks Drinker ’31 and marie Gooding eaton ’40.


An important repository for Concord Academy archival items is located in the eaves of the J. Josephine tucker library. thousands of documents, including trustee minutes, Centipedes, admissions catalogues, and

alumnae/i magazines, as well as keepsakes related to the history of the school are housed in a climate-controlled room. Some of these items are listed below.

Alumnae/i Plaques Several brass plaques that were hung in the school building and are now in the Archives.

a Gift of the Class of 1954. the class raised $1,000 for the Building Fund by forgoing a yearbook. the class also gave $75 to the school to buy a bell to signal the end of classes. mrs. hall wrote in her 1954 Annual report that the class asked her to buy the school a “big bell.” this was the injunction:

There’s wood piled high in my minds eye,I fairly reel to tell

Of toilsome hours spent with that saw, BECAUSE—THERE—IS—NO—BELL.

We’re sick of being late to class,We’re sick of sawing wood

If you will buy a big brass bellWe’ll promise to be good.

a 1954 Parent Plaque recognizes an unknown gift from the Class of 1954 parents and lists their names.

a Gift of the Class of 1955 A bronze plaque recognizes an unknown gift from the class of 1955.

a Valeria A. Knapp Plaque the plaque reads: “in grateful tribute to Valeria Addams Knapp, headmistress of Concord Academy. 1937–1940.” origin unknown.

a Mr. and Mrs. James Russell Clarke, Jr. they are the parents of edith Clarke Wolff ’47 and emilie Clarke Privratsky ’62. the small plaque may have been put on a desk in recognition of a contribution to the Concord Academy Building Fund in 1953. A $100 gift named a desk-chair unit for the study hall. records show that in January 1954, mr. and mrs. Clarke paid for a study hall desk/chair unit.

a In Memory of Josephine S. Cole, teacher of english, Concord Academy, 1924–1946. origin unknown.

a The alumnae wedding plaque the bronze alumnae wedding plaque that once hung in the Chapel is now in the archives. it lists alumnae who were married in the Chapel from June 8, 1957 through may 22, 1971.

Archive Collection


Needlepoint Samplers

“Mrs. Hall began the tradition of finding a sampler which she thought characterized the senior class. The samplers hung in the Jabberwock, a small house for seniors only that stood in the middle of today’s quad.

Ellen Smith Harde’s mother, Marnie Smith, gave Mrs. Hall the sampler for the class of 1962.”

~ ellen Smith harde ’62

Needlepoint SamplersClass of 1950 ~ We mourn our loss

Class of 1952 ~ Consider the lilies

Class of 1954 ~ After Clouds, Sunshine

Class of 1955 ~ Knowledge is Power

Class of 1956 ~ onward and Upward

Class of 1957 ~ Good luck

Class of 1959 ~ thou Art my hope

Class of 1960 ~ Be not Weary in Well Doing

Class of 1961 ~ Dare to do right

Class of 1962 ~ Scatter Smiles

Class of 1963 ~ many a Cloud hath a Silver lining

Annual Giving Awards: Centipede Award—largest increase in number of gifts.

Grasshopper Award—largest increase in percentage of giving.

Chameleon Award—largest amount donated by a class.

only one bronze plaque, a Chameleon Award, is in the archives.

Silver Alumnae Challenge Cuporigin unknown. it appears to commemorate an athletic competition.

Students 1963 tennis 3–1

Alumnae 1964 tennis 4–0

Alumnae 1965 tennis 3–1

Silver Tea Service miscellaneous silver pieces. “Class of 1927” engraved in the tray.


American Pewter Vase inscription reads: “CAAA From the Class of 1945”. “reunion attendance and donations to the school.”

Concord Academy Honor Roll 1941–A large framed watercolor painting which was never completed.

Art work by Bob Harman, Art Teacher from 1963–1976Four watercolors of Phelps, hobson, haines, and Bradford, done in 1966.

in the Archives are 15 pencil sketches of hall Fellows by harman.

Two Photographs Donated by Sandy Smith and Sally Sanfordthe first black and white photograph is titled: President Ulysses S. Grant and his staff in front of the Sam hoar house, 72 main Street, Concord, mA, April 19, 1875, the one-hundredth anniversary of the Battle of the old North Bridge. the second black and white photograph is of Judge ebenezer rockwood hoar, 1816–1895.

Clothing and DonorGreen blazer, lisa Jenney Page ’53

red uniform, rosie Corey ’50

red uniform, rosamond Smith rea ’71

CA green/white scarf, Belinda Burley Dapice ’59

Bloomers and stockings, Shirley Foote Smith ’36

Good Citizenship blazer, Alice Smith Cornish ’40

Blue uniform, circa 1970s, louise houston ’74

Concord Academy banner, 1961, ingrid von Dattan Detweiler ’61


Grasshopperthe grasshopper, mounted high in the Student-Faculty center window, was originally a weathervane on top of the barn that was later converted to a school building (North School). Shortly after Samuel hoar bought the property from edward Damon in 1887, hoar had a copy made of the grasshopper weathervane on top of Faneuil hall in Boston. After it blew down in the 1938 hurricane, the weathervane was moved indoors.

Zodiac Clock and Carving the clock and carvings that were in russell robb are stored in the 185 main Street garage. Named for the former president of the board, russell robb. Dody Adkins ’62 carved the zodiac clock. the panels were a team effort led by molly Gregory.

Concord Academy Alumnae Carvingit hung above the mailboxes in the student faculty center. the carving says: this room is the gift of Concord Academy Alumnae, 1924–1971.

Main Street Houses PrintFaculty member Phyllis hughes did a pen-and-ink drawing in the 1970s of the main Street houses. the drawing has been framed and given as a gift to departing trustees and used on school stationery.

Alumnae Associationthe Alumnae Association was organized in 1930 and miss hobson presided at the first meeting in June. octavia Pierson hamlin ’27 was the first president. Currently it is called the Concord Academy Alumnae/i Association to reflect the female heritage of the school and recognize the addition of boys in 1971.

Chameleonthe Chameleon serves as a mascot for the school and represents the ability to adapt to a changing environment. there is no record of how or why the Chameleon was chosen, but the “critter” has been associated with the school for more than eighty years. the chameleon is used on the school ring, and over the years has been printed on mugs, clothing, stationery, and bags. A longstanding tradition is for the ring to be worn tail in until graduation, when it is turned to face the world.

DogsDuring the sixties, dogs were part of the CA community, including mrs. hall’s two dogs, hobo and Gypsy. “Almost every teacher had a dog and they all came to school—Cooper, Baron, Cricket, euclid, Pandora, Fatty Cake, Julia Child and Barkis,” recalled ron richardson, French teacher emeritus. Another teacher emerita, Sylvia mendenhall, remembers Belinda Burley’s ’59 dog Dodo, who followed her from class to class. “After Belinda grad-uated, for years Dodo continued to attend CA, arriving promptly on the first day of school,” mendenhall said.

Miscellaneous


School History Books on the history of the School can be found in the school library:

Concord Academy 1922–1962 by mercelia Wagner and Doreen young

1922–1972 Fifty Years of Growth

Ladies: 1962 And Other Talks at Concord Academy by elizabeth B. hall

Through Crowded Ways, a collection of mrs. hall’s talks 1959

The Story of the Concord Academy Houses by ruth Brooks Drinker ’31 and marie Gooding eaton ’40

A History of Concord Academy, The First Half-Century by Philip mcFarland

A History of Concord Academy, The Wilcox Years by Philip mcFarland

The Story of the Chapel 1962, First Edition

The Story of the Elizabeth B. Hall Chapel 1984, Second Edition

The Story of the Elizabeth B. Hall Chapel 2009, Third Edition

75th Anniversary Time Line

Nine panels mounted on the first floor corridor walls of the middle School record the school’s history. A mini version is in the archives.

Concord Academy • 166 Main Street • Concord, MA 01742 • concordacademy.org

memorabilia, memories, memorial

Documents