100 Years in 100 Objects - The Webb Schools Centennial 1922-2022 by The Webb Schools

100 Years in 100 Objects The Centennial 1922-2022 T HE W EBB SCHOOL S

“No ideas but in things.”

William Carlos Williams

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

William Faulkner

Preface

History lives in us. History lives in our things. In the summer heat of 1922, in the foothills east of Los Angeles, the fortunes of generations were put in play when Thompson Webb came to Claremont to start a school. Personal letters and telegrams were composed and posted. Loan documents were signed. Arrangements were finalized and his new venture begun. To celebrate The Centennial Years and memorialize Webb’s improbable journey, we share a catalogue of objects that speak of the struggle to survive and succeed, to triumph—objects minor, middling and some even monumental. It was no small proposition to found a school here among scrub and sage and derelict buildings in 1922, especially one conceived outside the norm—one that would put honor and acting with moral courage above all else. Certainly, given these unusual times, it is no small proposition to launch Webb into its next 100 years. We celebrate the special, caring and courageous Webb community, and your commitment always to carrying on.

OBJECT N0.

1957

A Photograph Thompson and Vivian Webb Standing on the steps of the old dining hall, he with his cane and she on his arm, Thompson and Vivian appear happy and pleased if slightly nicked by work and age. Still they look outward with a kind of reverence and a hint of marvel. Without a doubt, theirs was a long and satisfying life, a true partnership built on shared purpose. As Head Emerita Susan Nelson has often remarked, Webb was fortunate to have had the constant guidance and steady care of its founder for some 40 years.

OBJECT N0.

1970

A Golden Rock Hammer Presented to Ray Alf by the WSC Class of 1970 The Class of 1970 had a special relationship with Ray Alf. In May 1970, members of the class invited Ray to accompany them on their hike in and out of the Grand Canyon. When they emerged, they gathered around him and shared their admiration and thanks and presented him with this hammer. Ray was also invited to be their graduation speaker.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1960s

A Mortarboard The Mortarboard of Thompson Webb Thompson Webb is seen wearing this mortarboard in photographs dating back to the 1960s. It is likely to have been the last one to grace Thompson’s head. A scholar and school-maker, Thompson always appeared in photographs to be smiling in the midst of his many academic celebrations. Thompson received his first mortarboard when graduating from his father’s school in Bell Buckle, Tennessee in 1907. He went on to attend and graduate from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 1911. He would later receive an honorary Doctor of Pedagogy from what was then the College of the Pacific, known today as the University of the Pacific and honorary LL.D. degrees from Occidental College and Pomona College, respectively.

OBJECT N0.

1931

A Trophy The Paul W. Howard English Prize As this tarnished trophy attests, academic excellence has always been a hallmark of the Webb experience. This trophy for an English prize holds the names of winners from 1931 to 1962—a virtual who’s who of academic stars and writers awarded this prize. In 1956, renowned author and Rhodes Scholar Leslie Epstein ’56 received this recognition— Epstein most notably known as the author of King of the Jews, San Remo Drive, The Eighth Wonder of the World and Hill of Beans (2021). Also, recognized were Carleton Appleby ’41 and Chuck Work ’58 among others.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1940s

A Pan A Peccary Pan Feeding the mind and body is essential to a successful Peccary Trip, whether it lasts a weekend or three weeks. Over the years, students used peccary pans to cook their own meals, and the small pans are especially suited for the single ﬂipping of Ray Alf’s infamous “golden brown” pancakes.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2005

A Snow Globe The Alf Museum Snow Globe A gift to the museum from Mickey Novak ’70, P ’22, the commemorative snow globe plays the “Peccary Song” when prompted and oﬀers a view of Ray Alf, shouting to the heavens “Laudate Deum.” The other side depicts a scene of a dinosaur discovery in Montana with Don Lofgren, Larry Ashton ’70 and Sara White Mollenkopf ’96. When shaken, silver dinosaur footprints twirl and spin.

OBJECT N0.

Late 1890s

A Photograph The Girls Collegiate School Sitting on the porch of the schoolhouse in the late 1890s, the teachers and students of Girls Collegiate School pose for a photograph. A predecessor in thought and action to Vivian Webb School, and ultimately a group that would gift to Webb a good deal of financial and other resources, Girls Collegiate School stood for a proper and rigorous college preparatory education for girls in our region. You can find memorabilia from the brightest days of the school in the Webb archives.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1970s

A Book A Wildflower Bouquet by Ray Alf Nothing was lost on Ray Alf. He attended to, observed and recorded the natural world most of his adult life. Of particular note and beauty is this collection of pen and ink drawings of regional wildﬂowers. These are accurate representations, detailed, and refined. For example, if you look at the Mariposa Lily entry, as a good botanist would, Ray has recorded the ﬂowers range, habitat and blooming season. He was a man for all seasons.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1950s

Two Toys Gumby and Pokey Art Clokey ’39 brought the idea of Gumby to life in 1953 as part of his first animated film project while a student at University of Southern California. Clokey later created a pilot of The Gumby Show, and between 1955 and 1956, 25 short episodes appeared on NBC. The show ran into the 1960s, was revived in the 1980s and beyond. Pokey the orange pony was Gumby’s best pal from the start.

OBJECT N0.

1928

A Yearbook The Inaugural El Espejo Translated from Spanish, el espejo means “mirror.” Published continuously between 1928 and 2022 (94 years), the yearbook has indeed oﬀered a vibrant record (or mirror) of Webb students, faculty and staﬀ throughout the years. From the dedication, to the senior pages, to the wonderful student photography that captures nearly every fun gathering, club event, or sports team—El Espejo continues on as a time capsule of a year well-lived!

OBJECT N0.

1955

A Letter The Dedication of Vivian Webb Chapel Begun in 1939 and dedicated on Sunday, November 6, 1955, Thompson writes a letter to family in Tennessee sharing his excitement. He notes with pride the Chapel was built largely with “home skills,” and also shares with some comfort that he will have three of his four sons and their families for the celebration—his eldest “Tommy, Jr.” being the only one unable to join them. One wonders if Thompson, too, might have felt a twinge of sadness that his journey to build this majestic memorial to Vivian was coming to an end.

OBJECT N0.

1958

A Yearbook El Espejo 1958 With its sleek, 60’s-leaning design and timely theme of “Hi Fi,” the 1958 El Espejo was indeed a “mirror” of the times. Though there is some disagreement about the first “high-fidelity” stereo record made and/or record player manufactured, Westrex and Yamaha each take some of the credit. Webb’s yearbook included its own “Hi Fi” record with purchase. Always riding the next wave!

OBJECT N0.

2009

A Fossil The Skull of “Dinosaur Joe” (Parasaurolophus) One of the most significant finds ever attributed to the Alf Museum, a baby skeleton of the duck-billed dinosaur Parasaurolophus was discovered by Kevin Terris ’09 on a trip to the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in southern Utah. This remains the only infant-aged (1-year-old) example of this tube-crested dinosaur. It is on display in the Alf Museum. News of this discovery was published in the The New York Times and around the world as the skeleton toured Japan as part of a special dinosaur exhibit.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1924

A Catalogue The First School Catalogue It is without a date, but researching the cost of tuition inside, we believe it is from the second or third year of operation—1923-24 or 1924-25. The cost of attendance was $1,000. Of this, $600 was to be paid by opening day. The longest section, naturally, describes in great detail the proposed course of study. Thompson wrote, “Each instructor is allowed some latitude of choice to vent his personal enthusiasms, and to suit the course to the students concerned.” This remains true today.

OBJECT N0.

1931

A Trophy Sutphen Tennis Cup Tennis has long been a premier sport at Webb. In recent years, both WSC and VWS have garnered multiple league championships. Notable here on the Sutphen Cup are the string of multiple year winners, such as Leslie Epstein ’56, Garrick Wang ’84, Franklin Yap ’88 and five-time winner Mark Novelo ’77 (who began at Webb as an eighth-grader) among others.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1950s

A Cup and Saucer Buffalo China from Price Dining Hall It was founded as Buffalo Pottery in 1901 in Buffalo, New York. The blue and white aesthetic originated with the Chinese, was later adopted by the British, and eventually settled in America. In the late 1920s, the company began to focus on custom dinnerware for institutions, hotels and restaurants. So, if you left Webb and traveled north to Yosemite you would even find Buffalo China at the Ahwahnee Hotel. At Webb, it remains an institution— loved, guarded and well used by multitudes of students, faculty and staff.

OBJECT N0.

Early 1920s

A Brochure Camp Robin Hood It was not Thompson’s first foray into summer camps. He had experience with this type of enterprise in Tennessee. In California though, he found a mountain playground in Lake Arrowhead with a cool summer climate, cold lake water and fresh mountain air! The camp served as a way to recruit students for the regular term, too, and as a source of needed income if he managed to turn a profit. And try he did. He employed formal and informal agents throughout California to drive enrollment.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1940s

A Model The Original Time Spiral by Ray Alf One of the most significant teachings of Ray Alf, and the theory on which the Hall of Life is organized, is the “spiral of time.” Ray taught that a human life is only a “moment of time,” the dust on the tip of the great spiral of time. To illustrate it, Ray built this model to share with students. A more sophisticated version is included in the first exhibit in the museum. In fact, the Alf Museum’s circular design (created by artist and architectural designer, Millard Sheets) oﬀers a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to walk through the history of our planet.

OBJECT N0.

1930

A Diploma The Diploma of Thomas Jackson ’30 The namesake of Jackson Library, “Tom” Jackson ’30 was a graduate of Webb who went on to Caltech. After his death of a heart attack in his sophomore year at college, his parents decided to underwrite the building of a library at Webb in their son’s name—a place “he loved.” With Thompson’s permission, the Jackson’s employed famed architect Myron Hunt for the job. The library was dedicated in Tom’s memory in 1937. It served as the school library until the W. Russell Fawcett Library opened on campus in 1987.

OBJECT N0.

2017

A Drone DJI Phantom 3 Pro This is not a toy. This DJI Phantom 3 Pro is the first drone ever purchased and used by The Webb Schools for communications purposes. The Phantom 3 Pro is equipped with a 4k digital camera—allowing for burst shooting, time lapse and auto exposure bracketing. It’s a well-used tool for shooting still photos as well as video. As an aside, it is registered with the FAA to ﬂy in our Class D restricted air space.

OBJECT N0.

1964

A Certificate Charter Membership in Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) For nearly a quarter century, the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS) was known as the leading accreditation body for secondary schools. Thompson Webb was a founding member of the organization in 1941. By the early 1960s, an Accrediting Commission was formed in California to provide guidance for the accreditation of both public and private schools equally. Those schools that were already “on the University of California Accredited List of High Schools” were extended a Charter Membership. Webb was one of those schools.

OBJECT N0.

1984

Two Programs Inaugural Baccalaureate Program and Inaugural Commencement Program Vivian Webb School They are often called “The Pioneers.” The young women who blazed the trail as the first students of Vivian Webb are a special group. To this day, these alumnae are among the most enthusiastic and committed champions of Vivian Webb School and The Webb Schools. They share their wisdom as leadership volunteers on the Alumni Council, Board of Trustees and elsewhere. They are a tribute to the idea and force of action behind the mission and values of the Vivian Webb School.

OBJECT N0.

2018

A Book Moment of Time: The Life of Raymond Alf and the History of the Peccary Society A remarkable piece of history, Moment of Time was published in 2018 and was written and produced by Dr. Don Lofgren and Jennifer Liu ’05 with Eric B. Williams (Alf family archivist). It is a wonderful read full of a remarkable array of archival photographs—beginning with the earliest days of the Alf family in the late 1890s to present day. This is a monumental telling of a monumental man and his extraordinary contributions to science and The Webb Schools.

OBJECT N0.

1930s

A Student Newspaper Blue & Gold Established early on as the school newspaper, an annual edition of the Blue & Gold was often bound together for good keeping. It has been noted that Hollywood Star Will Rogers wrote an “occasional piece” for the Blue & Gold. Rogers also visited the Webb campus in April 1933, a trip detailed and reported in the newspaper.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1923

A Poster Camp Robin Hood Advertisement To accompany the Camp Robin Hood’s advertising brochure, a series of posters were designed and printed. Looking like an illustration from the set of a Hollywood movie, boys in costume with bows-and-arrows travel the woods robbing the rich and defending the poor. Of note, one of the earliest taglines in Webb’s history is featured prominently on the poster: “Let us build a temple for your boy which will endure.”

OBJECT N0.

1947

A Sweater Block W Sweater of Kenneth L. Colborn ’47 It was a symbol of practice, preparation, and participation—a belief in team. Before there was a letterman’s jacket at Webb, there was the Block W sweater. Deep inside our shared values as a school is the love for the outdoors, practice, fair play and sportsmanship. Among the greatest examples of these traits is the man who wore this particular sweater at Webb, Ken Colborn ’47. In response to his lifelong inspiration and tireless work as a volunteer for Webb, the Colborn Distinguished Service Award was established in his name.

OBJECT N0.

1941

A Photograph An All School Panorama It was a school practice for more than two decades to take an annual photograph of the entire school community. Small in number in the beginning, the community grew larger and more diﬃcult to photograph. It certainly made physical the still present idea that at Webb each person would be seen and known. At the center of this photograph, Vivian presses a smile, Thompson sits somewhat bothered, and Ray Alf second row, third in from left, appears to wonder when the whole thing will be over with. Still, these panorama photographs remain a wonder to all who see them.

OBJECT N0.

1943

A Plaque Senior Plaque of Roberto Engel ‘43 It was the hallowed practice until 1948 for every graduating senior to design and carve a wooden plaque to be placed permanently in Jackson Library. Vivian Webb saw to it that the names of each graduating senior prior to the construction of the library in 1937 would have their names carved into the library’s wooden doors. After 1948 there simply wasn’t wall space available to continue the practice.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1940s

A Chair The Dining Room Chair of Vivian Webb Handsomely carved and gently worn, the Webb family kept a set of handmade/hand carved dining room chairs in their home—one for Vivian and Thompson, and of course, the four boys (Tom, Howell, Bill and Jack). There were a couple of extras for company. Over the years, these spider-webbed chairs have been refurbished, used, and displayed as a reminder of the joyful presence of the founding family on our campus for some 40 years.

OBJECT N0.

1956-1957

A Scrapbook An All-School Scrapbook 1956-57 Add to the list of worthy school practices the institutional tradition of keeping an annual school scrapbook. Each of these books includes letters to and from Thompson, news clippings, brochures, playbills and recognition event programs and more. This spread includes a letter from then President of the Board about the opportunity to purchase seven acres of land adjacent to the school, as well as numerous student highlights and honors for science, art and more.

OBJECT N0.

1999

A Magazine “A Tribute to Ray Alf “in WEBB Magazine This special issue of WEBB Magazine honored and celebrated the long and multifaceted career and life of the legendary Ray Alf. His passing represented a seminal moment for both The Webb Schools and the Alf Museum.

OBJECT N0.

2013

A Newspaper Article The New York Times Announcing “Dinosaur Joe” Discovery It was a story that resonated around the world. A Webb student discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a 1-year-old dinosaur in Utah. Illustrations were commissioned, a special website highlighting the importance of the find was created, and a press push was mounted across the globe. More than 100,000 visits to the website were logged in the first few days and news of “Dinosaur Joe” (named in honor of the late Joe Augustyn, husband of long-time Alf board member Gretchen Augustyn P ’89) appeared in dozens and dozens of publications large and small.

OBJECT N0.

1934

A Telegram Will Rogers Writing Class of 1934 At the time he sent this Western Union telegram, Will Rogers, actor and humorist, was a Webb parent—his son Jimmy was a junior. A friend of the school and admirer of Thompson Webb, Rogers was pleased to share his congratulations with the graduating class. Rogers wrote, “They tell me you boys are graduating out there at Webb. Well, you are making an awful mistake. You never will find a better school. You can scatter to the four winds and you won’t find another Mr. Webb…”

OBJECT N0.

2021

A Yearbook El Espejo 2021 Webb’s 2021 yearbook was completely designed and created by students and staﬀ working online and remotely. We can only hope years from now, when those who follow us are rummaging through the Webb archives, that they will be shocked to know of our strange journey and marveled by our ability to carry on.

OBJECT N0.

1999

A Book WEBB: 75 Years of Building Character Written by Harrison Stephens to celebrate and commemorate the 75th anniversary, this book was one of the first tangible oﬀerings produced using Webb’s extensive archives. The narrative thread is strong and the writing lively. Rich with historical photographs and built on a foundation of community interviews, this book will long stand as an important chronicle of our story.

OBJECT N0.

1961

A Compact Disc Archival Recordings of Thompson Webb Narrated and produced by Dick Dunham ’61 on the occasion of his class’s 40th reunion, this special archival CD is a treasure of story-telling and audio-recorded history. It is a riveting moment, for example, when you hear Thompson, in his own words and voice, deliver the famous “Shoestring Speech” as he delivered it to the Class of 1961. Also, these recordings provide a permanent record of Thompson’s ideas and inﬂuence as he eyed his retirement as Head of School. It is a real treat!

OBJECT N0.

2021

A Program First Double Graduation Ceremony for VWS and WSC Classes of 2020 Flexibility, mutability, and an entire rethinking of our present and future plans—this begins to describe what was required of all of those at Webb in 2019-20 and 2020-21. And Webb students were spectacular! Kept from an in-person commencement ceremony in June 2020, the graduates of VWS and WSC came together and returned to campus to receive their diplomas in 2021. It was a moving and special ceremony for everyone involved.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1980s

A Photograph Master Teacher Larry McMillin In his hands he holds Utopia. He is listening, watching, paying attention to his students in the picture—likely from his heralded classroom known as “The Stone Hut.” Larry McMillin was a remarkable and beloved teacher at Webb. His course titled “Individual Humanities” remains legendary. Across the decades, students often recall his total interest in them. He is remembered for his extraordinary engagement with the great primary sources of civilization, and for the rigor with which he challenged his students.

OBJECT N0.

1936

A Fossil The Peccary Skull (Dyseohyus fricki) In November 1936, Ray Alf organized a fossil-hunting trip to the Rainbow Basin in Barstow, California. He took with him teachers Fred Hooper, Mr. Coke and Robert Jones, and students Ted Pratt ’39, Curtis Smith ’38, William Bumpus ’38, David Pinkham ’37, Bill Snider ’38, Ralph Snider ’38, Ralph Rollins ’38, Porter Jennings ’37, Bob Korber ’39, John Jensen ’39 and Bill Webb ’39. This was at least Ray’s third trip to the Barstow Formation. Bill Webb was credited with finding the 15-million-year-old fossilized peccary skull (ancient pig), later studied and identified by Dr. Chester Stock at the California Institute of Technology.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1930s

A Photograph The Webb Family They are posed in the living room of what would have been their relatively new house on campus—Thompson, Vivian, Tommy, Howell, Bill and Jack. No one would argue that the house was a vast improvement over the camping tent in which they started the school. The Webb House was designed by architect Myron Hunt (he also designed Jackson Library), and was built specifically for the Webb family. For years the house was a faculty residence, and it now serves as the Admission Oﬃce.

OBJECT N0.

1952

A Photograph Alumni Day 1952 At the entrance to Jackson Library, alumni and their families gather to be photographed as part of Alumni Day 1952. Bill Webb ’39 can be seen in the back row, all the way to the right. Alumni children grin as if contemplating mischief.

OBJECT N0.

1955

A Journal The Journal of Parapsychology Some items found in the Webb archives are harder to place and understand than others. Thompson’s file titled “Journal of Parapsychology” is, at first glance, as baﬄing as its connection to Duke University. Between 1930 and 1965, the Parapsychology Laboratory operated out of Duke University with the mission to implement the empirical study of psychical and paranormal experiences, including clairvoyance, ESP, telepathy and alike. Thompson’s story-telling vigor and love of animals combined to produce a connection with the lab and its research scientists.

OBJECT N0.

1952

A Letter A Letter to Parents from Thompson Webb Announcing a Case of Polio on Campus It is one of the only pieces of correspondence from Thompson Webb to contain the words “quarantine” and “County Health Officer.” It provides an interesting parallel when read alongside the pandemic of 2020 and 2021. Thompson’s letter conveys the advice given to him by public health officials regarding a case of polio on campus—mainly to reduce exercise, cancel athletic contests, avoid unnecessary surgeries, and DO NOT send the boys home at this time. He was careful to note, however, that there was no “official” quarantine issued to the school.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2018

A Bible A Bible with Diploma Plate Webb School of California The long-standing tradition of presenting each graduating senior of Webb School of California with a numbered diploma placed inside a keepsake Bible continues on. Additionally, today, graduating seniors have the option of requesting a diploma placed inside a book of faith representing their personal religious practice or a history of The Webb Schools.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2015

A Hymnal A Chapel Hymnal The Webb Schools Very few items on the Webb campus get as much daily use as our Chapel Hymnals. Inside, you will find such treasures as the Vivian Webb School song “Daughter’s Strong,” which is a mainstay echoing through the foothills. The song’s lyrics were written by the Vivian Webb community, while the music was composed by Christopher Trussell (Webb’s director of fine arts from 1967-1985) and arranged by Katherine W. (Davis) Morgan (Webb’s choral director from 1985-1991).

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2020

Tie and Scarf A Crested WSC Tie and Crested VWS Scarf While they have evolved with fashion over the years (or perhaps lagged a bit), these ties and scarfs have remained important and sought-after alumni keepsakes. If you travel across the country or around the world to attend an alumni gathering, you will catch someone sporting one of these beauties. Like the trench coat, the two-piece suit, and the black dress, these crested icons are beyond style.

OBJECT N0.

2018

A Flag A Flag Flown in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel Presented to Webb by Gabriel Romero ’08 In October 2018, as part of an Alumni Weekend celebration at which Gabe Romero ’08 was honored with the Young Alumni Rising Star Award—Romero decided to thank and honor his alma mater in turn. A U.S. Army Medevac pilot who had flown in Afghanistan, he used the moment to present this flag to Head of Schools Taylor Stockdale and The Webb Schools. Prominently displayed in Mr. Stockdale’s office, a portion of the inscription reads, “May this flag be an eternal reminder of the effort and sacrifices made by the men and women of the United States Military to keep our friends, families and homes safe from all who challenge freedom.”

OBJECT N0.

1965

A Banner Alumni Weekend Banner from Class of 1965 In celebration of their reunion and the chance to come together on the Webb campus, members of the Class of 1965 proudly display their own banner, which once ﬂew over the Alamo dormitory anticipating their senior year in the then “senior dorm.” When gathered here, you can find them huddled near it—displaying their collective pride and love of people and this special place.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2020

Spirit Gear Foam Finger and Miniature Helmets From a foam finger, to a plastic pom-pom, to a miniature team hat or helmet keepsake, Webb students and alumni have always loved their fair share of spirit gear. As Webb’s graphic standards and logos have evolved over the years, so have the size and shape of these pieces. Collectibles, indeed!

OBJECT N0.

2012

A Magazine “Innovators, Disruptors and Entrepreneurs” in WEBB Magazine Sporting one of the most arresting cover photos in magazine history, this special edition highlighted the scope and depth of alumni accomplishments as innovators, disruptors and entrepreneurs across many fields. This issue is available online at ISSUU.com/thewebbschools.

OBJECT N0.

2011

A Program The Perry Teaching Awards From 1946 to 1976, Les and Barbara Perry dedicated their lives to Webb and the Webb community. Among Les’ many roles at Webb, he served as athletic director, head football coach, head basketball coach, head baseball coach, advisor to the Block W Club, math teacher and assistant headmaster under both Steve Longley and Fred Hooper. Barbara was a committed dorm parent, providing the boys with much needed support. These awards provide faculty with the financial resources they need to pursue their passions and professional development. The awards are supported by an endowment established by alumni in honor of Les and Barbara.

OBJECT N0.

2021

A Coffee Cup The Double-Crested New Alumni Coffee Cup In late May, a few weeks before our seniors graduate, they are invited to a special event hosted by the Alumni Council welcoming them into the alumni family. It’s always a happy and fun event with lots of food and old photographs of their time together at Webb. One of our seniors’ first pieces of alumni swag is this double-crested coﬀee cup with each graduate’s name printed.

OBJECT N0.

2015

A Scarf A Signed VWS Scarf from Class of 2015 At the top of Half Dome, some 5,000 feet above the Yosemite Valley ﬂoor, the young women of the Class of 2015 did something special. When they reached the summit they called Head of Schools Taylor Stockdale to share their triumph, and also at that moment signed a class scarf to present to him on their return. Mr. Stockdale keeps it on display in his oﬃce and is often overheard bragging about this kind and meaningful gesture from the Class of 2015.

OBJECT N0.

2007

A Glass The Peccary Society Dinner Glass In 1993, the Alf Museum began the tradition of celebrating the museum’s Peccary Society— a grand legacy of taking students into the field to discover fossils and then giving them the opportunity to study them as class research projects—as well as the august field of paleontology across the country and around the world. As the event approaches its 30th anniversary in 2023, we recognize the Alf Museum and its annual celebration as well as the much sought-after guest gift item, the commemorative crystal glass. This glass highlights a major find by alumnus and Alf Museum board member Jeﬀrey Cripe ’08.

OBJECT N0.

1955

A Photograph The First Meeting of the Board of Trustees For the first three decades of our existence, Webb was a privately owned enterprise. However, in the mid-50s, Webb applied for and was granted non-profit status. The first meeting of the new governing body, the first board of trustees, took place in Jackson Library on August 20, 1955. Among those first members were Howell Webb ’35, Mrs. Willard Jackson, Millard Sheets, Donald McKenna and Charles Scripps ’37.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2007

A Book Honor Pledge Signing Book Webb School of California Acting with honor and moral courage is the essence of The Webb Schools. Thompson was often quoted as saying, “Without honor there can be no trust, and without trust there can be no community.” Though the manner of the pledge and the ceremony itself have evolved, the intention of the oath and the deep meaning behind it have not. This book bears the signatures of those WSC students who, educated and knowingly, made this pledge.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2007

A Book Honor Pledge Signing Book Vivian Webb School As with the Webb School of California, the Signing-In Ceremony at Vivian Webb School is a crucial moment in each school year. The ceremony has changed over the years. Recently, students of Vivian Webb voted to revert to the original intention and ceremony format begun in 1981. This program again celebrates each new student signing their name as a new member joining the school community.

OBJECT N0.

1981

An Album Original Archival Recordings Celebrating the History of The Webb Schools Oﬀered by the Alumni Association in 1981, this album of historical recordings was produced by Ralph Young ’63, utilizing the original live captures of Dick Dunham ’61. The portrait of Thompson Webb on this album cover is the work of Paul Darrow, a Claremont-based artist and former Webb art faculty member. As a side note, Darrow’s son Charles Darrow was once a member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and later produced photography used on album covers.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2002

A Magazine “The Honor Code at 80” in WEBB Magazine Always an instrument for discussion, challenge and change, WEBB Magazine has provided a space to examine our mission, values and history as a school community. This special issue oﬀered the opportunity to explore how the honor code had grown and developed over our first 80 years—while staying tethered to its original intentions.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2001

A Magazine “Vivian Webb School at 20” in WEBB Magazine Among the earliest and widely noted milestones of Vivian Webb School, the 20th anniversary brought our entire community together in acknowledgment and celebration—on campus and featured in WEBB Magazine. As Webb reaches its centennial, Vivian Webb pushes past its 40th year.

OBJECT N0.

1964

A Brochure How Science Came Alive in an Independent School Diving into the archives often brings up a surprise. This unique piece traces the history of Webb’s singular, innovative approach to teaching and learning in the sciences. Of note here is a “New Chemistry” course designed by Kenneth Monroe in 1961. Monroe taught science at Webb from 1959 to 1985. The course description states that following introductory work required in the course, students are invited to study with faculty scientists at Harvey Mudd College. This type of agreement with faculty in higher education is a precursor to the series of innovative academic partnerships oﬀered today.

OBJECT N0.

1966

An Album Webb School of California Choir and Glee Club 1966 The performing arts have been a mainstay of the Webb experience since the beginning. Unable to live stream in 1966, a recorded album was the best way to memorialize and share a series of performances. This album was recorded on May 11, 1966 at Audio Craft Recorders in Pomona, California.

OBJECT N0.

2021

A Magazine “Art and the Alf Museum” in WEBB Magazine This edition of WEBB Magazine was produced remotely, nearly one year into the global pandemic. More than ever, our magazine served as a lifeline to campus, to the schools, and the museum. This stunning cover illustration is by Hannah Caisse, a science illustration intern at the Alf Museum in 2019-20. This issue also included a “first look” at the newly renovated Hooper Community Center.

OBJECT N0.

1958

A Single A Special Recording in El Espejo 1958 Included with one of the best-designed, forward-looking editions of El Espejo, you also received a special record with this “Hi-Fi” edition. In stunning red vinyl, the project was led by Charles Work ’58, editor, Ted Sten ‘58, director, Dick Dunham ’61, technical director, and Fritz Mulhauser ’60, as assistant technical director.

OBJECT N0.

2005

A Compact Disc The Candlelight Concert 2005 Again, before the live stream, recording was the best option for sharing your work with others. The Candlelight Concert is a decades-old tradition at Webb, bringing together the orchestra and choir for a holiday performance oﬀered to the entire Webb community.

OBJECT N0.

2004

A Compact Disc “A Tribute to Ramsay Harris” Ramsay Harris served Webb for more than 40 years. He was a special teacher, advisor, mentor and friend to many Webb alumni. He passed away at the age 105 in January 2006. To honor and celebrate his impact, before his passing, a group of alumni put together a portable tribute to him on a CD. A touching gesture shared with him from “…some grateful old boys from Webb.”

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1940s

A Photograph Thompson Webb Constructing the Vivian Webb Chapel Smiling and at work shaping a clay brick he himself had formed—here is Thompson Webb in pith helmet and work cardigan covered in adobe dust! The construction of the Vivian Webb Chapel stretched from 1939 to two days before its dedication on Sunday, November 6, 1955. It was clearly a labor of love and commitment from one of the most remarkable “school makers” in American history. It is used by students, faculty and staﬀ nearly every day.

OBJECT N0.

1981

A Photograph The Faculty 1981 This photograph of the entire Webb faculty was taken in 1981—a brilliant and colorful reminder of the breadth and depth of our teaching community. Perhaps lingering too long in the 1970s, one can spy entirely too many handlebar mustaches and suede vests. Fashion choices aside, this is a picture of the beating heart of Webb in 1981.

OBJECT N0.

1924

A Photograph The Webb Schools in 1924 This single surviving panorama photograph taken in 1924 belies the verdant and wooded landscape that would later grow up around us. Still, here, you see in the original layout of the place, the placement of the ﬂagpole, the turnaround, and the Old School House in the middle. If a place can be said to have an architectural DNA, ours can be seen and examined in this picture.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1960s

A Single “Christmas Candle” Glee Club Webb School of California A holiday treat, directed by Humanities teacher Larry McMillin, this short record was made at PAL Recording Studios in Rancho Cucamonga, California. PAL Studios was an independent operation begun by musical innovator Paul Buﬀ. The studio was known for producing instrumental Surf music, such as “Wipe Out,” and the original demo of “Pipeline.” In fact, Frank Zappa worked there from 1961 to 1964, when he bought the studio and renamed it Studio Z.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1930s

Three Photographs A Triptych of Webb Gymkhana Once upon a time at Webb, horses were kept, enjoyed and used for sport—an active and organized gymkhana program. For those unfamiliar with the term gymkhana, it refers to an equestrian event that includes pattern racing and timed trials for horse and rider. There are nearly as many blazers on display as cowboy hats.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1930-40s

Three Photographs A Triptych of Hooper, Alamo, Vivian Webb Chapel Small, but not delicate, miniatures in black and white, this triptych of photographs reminds us of quieter if not simpler times. Two of these iconic buildings still stand and function largely as originally envisioned. Hooper Gymnasium was converted to community use after the Les Perry Gym was built. It was renovated into a community center in 2020-21.

OBJECT N0.

1951

A Photograph Thompson Webb Portrait This is a formal portrait of Thompson Webb taken in his wood-paneled oﬃce in 1951, at the height of his leadership and nearly 30 years after our founding. He appears satisfied and confident, yet eager to get on with his work. At this point, after three decades, there were more than 500 Webb graduates. He would no doubt marvel at the fact that we number more than 5,000 alumni today.

OBJECT N0.

1931-32

A Photograph The Junior Class 1931-32 Though the photo can remind one of The Great Gatsby with the dashing white pants and blue blazers, saddle shoes and brass buttons, stitched crests, the early 30s were a time of financial treachery and ruin. Certainly, Thompson worked tirelessly to keep enrollment steady during these years.

OBJECT N0.

1982

A Proclamation A Proclamation Establishing Affiliates of Vivian Webb School The first annual meeting of the Affiliates of Vivian Webb School was held February 5, 1982. This proclamation notes the charter members of the organization present at this first meeting. Officers included Virginia Constantine (president), Margaret Eberly (treasurer) and Michael Riggio (vice president). Today, the Affiliates collectively serve both Vivian Webb School and Webb School of California.

OBJECT N0.

1972

A Booklet The Women Associates of Webb School of California A sign of the times, for many years, we had the habit of gathering and sharing the names and contact information of willing parent volunteers—almost always mothers. Today, the parent organization known as The Aﬃliates includes men as well.

OBJECT N0.

1946

A Christmas Card A Christmas Card from the Webb Family Posed in front of a giant redwood at Eel River in Northern California in 1946, the Webb family sends happy holiday tidings to alumnus and future benefactor to The Webb Schools, David Pinkham ’37. Our archives include a number of Christmas cards sent by the Webb family to alumni and friends during the 1940s and 1950s.

OBJECT N0.

1900

A Photograph Vivian Howell Webb Age Five Here is Vivian Howell Webb at the age of five. The daughter of a Methodist minister, she met Thompson Webb on one of his occasional visits into Los Angeles from the desert where he was attempting to farm. They married on June 22, 1915. Vivian was 20 and Thompson 28. They were married for 56 years.

OBJECT N0.

1993

A Catalogue An Admission Catalogue for Webb School of California 1993-94 A far cry from Thompson’s first admission catalogue, this classic piece in navy stays on brand. You’ll also notice this catalogue is specifically designed for boys interested in enrolling in Webb School of California. What qualities are we looking in for a candidate? Well, students who “demonstrate honesty, trustworthiness, diligence, courage, respect and perseverance.” Also of note, pictured inside is alumnus and faculty member Will Allan ’94.

OBJECT N0.

1982

A Directory Alumni Bulletin 1982-83 Stylized, romanticized and unnaturally saturated with color, this alumni bulletin was updated each year with the names and phone numbers of Webb graduates. This was the time before smart phones when you might write a letter, send a postcard, or even call someone to connect on the telephone attached by cord to a wall.

OBJECT N0.

1999

A Book Claremont: A Pictorial History Written by local historian Judy Wright and produced by Claremont Heritage Society, this book traces the story of Claremont from its founding to present day. The Webb Schools are written of here, and a picture of the Vivian Webb Chapel is included. Wright notes that the Chapel “…was built almost single-handedly by Mr. Webb in honor of his wife.”

OBJECT N0.

1970

A Football A Signed Team Football 1970 It was a remarkable football season, a winning season rarely if ever achieved again: 7 wins, 1 tie, 1 loss. As is sometimes done, players signed a team ball to celebrate and commemorate the remarkable season. A number of the signatures look mighty familiar: Charlie Callendar ’71, Gard Jameson ’71, Larry Ashton ’70 and others. The team really brought it!

OBJECT N0.

1982

A Mailbox A Student Mailbox from Hooper Center Before the grand and glorious renovation and renewal of the Hooper Community Center, it was home to several banks of student mailboxes. Each student was issued one, with a secret combination. School business, news, and ﬂyers advertising future fun on campus were sometimes (though not always) neglected there. Does anyone remember being assigned #605? Do you remember the combo? It looks like it is set at 22. Interesting.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1970s

A Glass Amber Glassware from Price Dining Hall Again, a Price Dining Hall favorite! Lemonade, ice tea or milk? The heartiest among us, might line up two or three of these amber glasses to get us through lunch—sustenance before a test or big game!

OBJECT N0.

1973

A Book The On-Duty Sign-In Book Here we have a historical specimen of the day-to-day, a record of a single moment, of comings and goings. The year is 1973. Our on duty faculty overseer is Rev. Bill Ripley ’60. In the OD Book, one finds the moments of the day chiseled in history!

OBJECT N0.

Circa 2010

A Rock Taylor Stockdale’s Rock of Ages When Taylor Stockdale was appointed Head of Schools, his wife Anne Stockdale painted him this rock to keep him grounded in his new role and responsibilities. He keeps it on his desk, and often brings it with him to the podium when making a speech. The surface of the rock reminds him of the creative, diverse, unbounded spirit of Webb, while its weight reinforces for him the strong foundation on which our community and schools are built. The rock is a symbol of our strength and enduring values.

OBJECT N0.

1950 and 2015

Two Yearbooks El Espejo 1950 and 2015 When everything old is new again! Here you see a remarkable throwback design, refreshed. First, El Espejo 1950 in green, and then its mirrored twin in black, El Espejo 2015.

OBJECT N0.

2000

A Postcard Alumni Day 2000 Over the years, Alumni Day grew into Alumni Weekend. Now, this celebration is a multi-day event that welcomes alumni from across the country and around the world. Often, more than 250 alumni, family members and friends gather on the Webb campus. In 2000, as you can see, Webb was happily celebrating the successful conclusion of the Building Character campaign—the branding shown here sharing the Chapel icon, a perpetual favorite.

OBJECT N0.

2019

A Program Alumni Awards 2019 One of the most joyous recent additions to Alumni Weekend is the Alumni Awards Ceremony, which has taken place on Saturday evening before dinner on campus. Each year, Webb recognizes a slate of alumni with three awards: the Young Alumni Rising Star Award, the Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award, and the Colborn Distinguished Service Award (named in honor of alumnus Ken Colborn ’47).

OBJECT N0.

1999

A Booklet A Time to Lead: A Strategic Plan Strategic planning at Webb has a long and impressive history. Following on the heels of the very successful Building Character campaign, The Webb Schools set out a bold and ambitious five-year plan for our future. A Time to Lead led to The Centennial Strategic Plan, a 10-year planning framework that garnered national attention.

OBJECT N0.

2007

A Program Parents Weekend 2007 Again, expanding from a single day to an entire weekend, this important fall event has grown and developed into something special. Families and students have the opportunity to meet with advisors, attend special class sessions, learn about travel opportunities, the college search process and more. It also often heralds the beginning of October Break.

OBJECT N0.

1981

A Newsletter Opening Invitation Vivian Webb School This short letter from Headmistress Ann Longley was titled Newsletter No. 1 and issued on August 12, 1981. It was sent to friends of the schools to announce that in September the first fall term for Vivian Webb School would commence. It included a subtle invitation to those still interested in enrolling to do so immediately. It also highlights a dedication ceremony at the Old School House, then to be the center of the Vivian Webb campus, slated for Friday, September 11.

OBJECT N0.

2015

A Brochure Junior Scholars Summer Program 2015 Nearly a decade ago, The Webb Schools made a decision to create a global summer boarding program for rising seventh, eighth and ninth-graders. Today, the program is fully subscribed and successful, drawing students from a number of states and countries. Each July, students can enroll in four tracks oﬀered over two sessions: Paleontology, Science and Engineering, Digital Arts, and Global Ethics.

OBJECT N0.

2011

A Magazine “A Tribute to Susan Nelson” in WEBB Magazine After serving as Webb’s first female Head of Schools for neary 25 years, Susan Nelson announced her coming retirement. This issue shared a timeline of her goals and accomplishments, as well as stories and interviews with alumni, parents and friends. Susan Nelson was named Head Emerita and a Life Trustee. This issue is available online at ISSUU.com/thewebbschools.

OBJECT N0.

1998

A Photo Contact Sheet Graduation 1998 Webb School of California In the not so distant past, we would choose the best photographs to print and use from a contact sheet like this one. Our archives are full of them—each oﬀering a glimpse into a special event, capturing a special moment. Here we have Head of Schools Susan Nelson presenting diplomas in Bibles to graduating seniors of the Webb School of California in 1998.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1990s

A Cartoon Map The Webb Schools in Southern California A mainstay of Admission Oﬃce publications and alike, this fun map helped place Webb in the world of Southern California. Not to scale, however, it none-the-less gives the impression (and rightly so) that no matter where you want to go, you can get there from Webb.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1940s

A Ledger A Business Ledger Here we go back in time when “keeping the books,” literally meant keeping a book— recording by hand the revenues and expenses of The Webb Schools as a financial enterprise. Luckily for us, our archives include a number of these interesting and revealing notations of daily life on the Webb campus.

OBJECT N0.

1982

A Photo First Vivian Webb Students in El Espejo This is the first spread in the first El Espejo to note and highlight students of the new Vivian Webb School. Pictured above is a connected, committed, and accomplished bunch of pioneers who continue to support, engage and enlarge the life and reach of The Webb Schools.

OBJECT N0.

Circa 1961

An Architectural Rendering Interior of Price Dining Hall This rendering was done by Allen G. Siple, a graduate of USC and well-known Southern California architect. His work on the dining hall reﬂects a style that is communal, expansive and welcoming. The Price Dining Hall was supported by a gift from Alice B. and Thomas M. Price. Thomas Price was a trustee from 1958 until his passing in 1962.

OBJECT N0.

100

2021

A Business Card The Next 100 Head of Schools Taylor Stockdale At the pinnacle of his more than 30-year career at The Webb Schools, Head of Schools Taylor Stockdale proudly announced in October 2021 the launch of The Centennial Years Celebration and The Centennial Campaign. Stockdale has shared his vision that Webb will soon become a global center for unbounded education.

First Edition – October 2021

Editorial – Joe Woodward Photography – Scott Nichols Design – Shari Fournier-O’Leary

A special note of thanks to our Alumni Archives Team: Bill Ripley ’60, Dwight Morgan ’65 and Bob Connolly ’89. This group of leadership volunteers has worked tirelessly to reclaim, organize and begin the work of collecting and preserving our shared history for The Next 100 and beyond.

The Webb Schools 1175 W. Baseline Road Claremont, CA 91711 webb.org