History of resiliency

Academy proves its historical resiliency

Editor’s note: As Wilbraham & Monson Academy continues to face the many challenges presented by COVID-19, the Academy has proven to be resilient and forthright, both in its history and current day.

Then known as Wilbraham Academy, the school’s idyllic environment was simultaneously challenged—and not spared—from either the 1918 flu pandemic or the first World War.

In the early fall of 1918, as the second wave of the pandemic was beginning to take hold locally, a decision was made to halt classes for a few weeks out of an abundance of caution. Upon returning to regular classes a few weeks later, it was discovered that a beloved Academy teacher, Master of Latin Arthur C. Hopkins, had succumbed to the epidemic of influenza. The school’s 1919 yearbook was dedicated to him, and the students were deeply saddened that they would never see their most beloved teacher again.

At the same time, many students and alumni rose to the call of duty and shipped out before graduation to serve their country. Back on campus, the new military training course designed to teach the students the rudiments and elements of the military game was well underway. O.D. (olive drab) uniforms were purchased for the boys, and the drills began under the direction of Major H.P. Ward. The Wilbraham Academy Cadet Corps was official. The Academy had more than its fair share of officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned, engaged in the war efforts.

When the war ended on Armistice Day 1918, the Academy was jubilant. The flu was slowly dissipating and all were eager to celebrate. A dance was planned before Thanksgiving, inviting attendees from other schools with all of the boys proudly wearing their uniforms. Graduation was solemn but carried on, in addition to a very well-attended alumni weekend that June.

Although the influenza took more lives than World War I globally, the Academy had greatly contributed to the war efforts and managed to keep the school going and remain “Idyllic Wilbraham.”

• Wilbraham Academy’s 1919 yearbook was dedicated to teacher Arthur C. Hopkins, who died from the 1918 flu pandemic.

• Amidst the 1918 flu pandemic, Wilbraham Academy formed its own Cadet Corps to help train students for engagement in World War I.