Notes from Cardigan (February, 1974)

Notes

Nonprofit Organization

from

U.S. POST AGE

PAID Canaan, N.H.

Cardigan

Permit No. 1

Cardigan Mountain School Canaan, New Hampshire 03741

Issue No. 6

February 1974

Never underestimate the power of publicity! The January 28th issue of "New York" magazine ran a feature article about coeducational academic summer sessions offered by eleven prep schools in New England and New York. The attached reprint shows how prominently Cardigan was displayed on the first page of the story. "New York" must have a terrific readership with a high percentage having teen-age children to judge from the response we have had since this article. The Cardigan story is an interesting one, and education is certainly a timely subject. How can we get this story in other magazines and newspapers? Do you know an education editor or feature story writer for a newspaper, magazine or other publication? We can help develop an interesting story about our unique school, and we have a lot of current photographs that could be used to highlight it. If you could interest an editor or publisher in working with us on a story about Cardigan, it could be an invaluable contribution to the School's future. Let us know if you have any ideas along this line.

It was great to see so many here for Parents' Weekend; over 250 guests took part in various activities at one time or another. Saturday morning classes were well attended, and most of the faculty were occupied in conferences every spare minute. After lunch Saturday, parents gathered in the Chapel to hear the Glee Club and to hear the Headmaster report on the School as a whole. He opened his remarks by stating: 11 1 'm not going to ask you for money; if any of you want to give the School anything, you'll have to ask me. 11 That guaranteed an attentive audience who then heard briefly that food costs are rising and fuel oil more so.

Total expenditures for oil this year may be double last year despite an almost 20% saving in consumption as a result of our efforts at heat conservation and reduction. A social hour before supper was held in various houses around campus so that guests could meet parents of boys in their son's class. The weekend schedule was more spread out than usual and many parents told us how much more enjoyable it was not to have to rush madly from one event to the next. In retrospect, they left us with the impression that they are pleased and confident with their son's programs and progress. It's a good feeling, and we appreciate it.

One week later the Trustees were on campus for their mid-winter meeting.

After looking over the whole budget and the forecast for the rest of the year, they were most enthusiastic and grateful for the outstanding support of this year's Annual Fund. As one tangible benefit to the School, they voted to authorize purchase of video tape equipment. How we have looked forward to having this! The Annual Fund has now passed the $91,000 mark and contributions are still coming in.

This is the year for art and culture at Cardigan. First the filmed "Civilisation" series showing in the auditorium every week, 'and then our biennial Mediterranean tour of Greece and Rome during Spring vacation. Twenty-two

boys, under the guidance and protection of Mr . and Mrs. McNeish and Mr. Finkbeiner, will leave after dinne r Ma r ch 11th to start their adventures in the classical sites of the flowering of Western ci vi lization. This will be an educational experience in every sense with gu i ded tours, on-site lectures by professors from Athens college and from St. Stephen's School in Rome, and time allowed for exploring at random in the ancient and modern cities of the classics . Interludes for just plain fun are planned frequently, so they should all return with a gorgeous Mediterranean tan.

A first venture toward an inter-disciplinary approach to education was taken this month with students from art and English classes sitting in combined sessions.

Alden Burt illustrated graphically how art surmounts language barriers that writers and translators have to hurdle in order to communicate. While a Japanese and an American artist may paint a tree quite differently, each rendition is nonetheless universally recognizable . He also explored similarities in the creative processes of the artist and the wr iter illustrating that both have to deal with exposing their main subject in relation to lesser . ideas, may exploit a point of view or an attitude of detatchment and have to grapple with perspective, details, expression and communication. In another session, art and history classes learned something of the relationship of art to a particular historical period, how the development of art marches hand in hand with governmental and social development, the artist often filling in grey spots of dull history with vivid flashes of color. He also discussed briefly how the art of a period is influenced by the physical materials available in that time and place for use by the painter, sculptor, etc. Initial reaction to this approach is good, and further sessions are planned embracing other courses.

The first Tuesday in March is town mee·t i ng day in New Hampshire. Ca rd i gan is involved in the town of Canaan as its largest taxpayer, but a more active role is taken by many of our faculty and staff. Bookkeeper Jacqueline Lary and Assistant Treasurer Rearick serve as Trustees of the Trust Funds; Bob Fahrner continues as Chairman of the School Board; Librarian Carol Shelton is a Trustee of the town 1 ibrary; Martha Pusey--parent of one of our 8th graders--and Leona Fiske of the kitchen staff are Supervisors of the Check List; Richard Pusey is chairman of the Planning Board; and Mrs. Wakely is Secretary of the Historic District Commission.

In other activities of the faculty, Dick Rearick continues to be active in The Canaan Players, most recently appearing on stage as The Father in Neil Simon's "Come Blow Your Horn" . Debbie McNeish is back at school this Spring, continuing work on her Masters at Plymouth State College. Joining her in intellectual pursuits is Jackie Anderson who is taking courses at Lebanon College. Ski Coach Steve Heath entered the cross-country races at the Newport Winter Carnival and was the overall cross-country champion of the Carnival. Headmaster Wakely also competed, and took second place in the "Old Mens'' Class.

So it goes at Cardigan.

Have a wonderful vacation--we'll be doing the same.

"Notes from Cardigan'' is published monthly by the Cardigan Mountain School.

Third class postage paid at Canaan, New Hampshire 03741.