Stevens High School - Red and Black Yearbook (Claremont, NH)

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In '52 a long tradition ended, and a new tradition began - Judge Albert D. Leahy congratulates retiring principal Stephen A. Doody and new principal Edgar L. Lord. To the class of 1953: I wish to congratulate the editors and the sponsors on their choice of theme for this year's Red and Black. Any institution of long standing builds up a body of tradition through its active years. Stevens High School is no exception, and it affords a wealth of such material accumulated for eighty-three years. I hope that this issue dedicated to the portrayal of Stevens' traditions will bring much pleasure to her alumni and for many years to come to the class of 1953. Most sincerely yours, Edgar L. Lord, Principal ' MR. EDGAR L. LoRD is THE I THIRTEENTH HEADMASTER OF STEVENS HIGH SCHOOL Nathan Barrows Arthur J. Swain Reuben S. Bingham Lemuel S. Hastings Melville C. Smart LeRoy S. Dewey Walter H. Young Anson W. Belding Allen C. Cummings H. Lawton Chase Albert B. Kellogg Stephen A. Doody Edgar L. Lord 1868-1870 1870-1880 1880-1881 1881-1889 1889-1902 1902-1907 1907-1909 1909-1912 1912-1918 1918-1919 1919-1921 1921-1952 1952 The Principal shall have the general management of all the details of discipline and of the daily routine of the school, and it shall be his duty to see that all the requirements of the Committee are faithfully complied with, --Catalog of Stevens High School, 1868-69

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The traditions of Stevens had their origins in 1868. 7 Stevens High School is proud of its tradi- tions. For eighty-three years they have grown and flourished until today's student finds himself surrounded by ine traditions, in honor compelled to uphold them, and, according to his capacities, desiring to con- tribute to their growth. In every field of endeavor which constitutes student life at Stevens, these traditions, some old, some new, are to be found. These take the form of the high excellence expected in studies, the precision bordering on .perfection found in the musical organizations, and in the con- scientious efforts of our athletes, sometimes resulting in victories, always rewarding in sportsmanship. Social events, too, tradi- tionally set a pattern of good behaviour accepted by students and faculty alike. After graduation these traditions live on in the hearts and in the minds of devoted Stevens alumni. In the pages of this yearbook a sincere effort has been made to portray tangibly the factors that through the years have made great the traditions of Stevens. Theodore Lehner, Editor , .. N 1 fs . A I , 'L -:rf V . rl A ' 3 -, f f f3 k ' sz ,A I. xgx . , - 'T 5 3 ',, ' . f'For the information of strangers, and those at a distance, it is proper to mention that the school owes its existence to Paran Stevens, Esquire, of New York. From the school report and yearbook of 1868

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a tradition that will accept the new if :if -1 I- 'Q '-qv. , W Z5 'Q-'v-'WU' Stevens High School is in Claremont. ie Zfwmy of S 694 Sedan! The summer of 1866 is memorable in the history of Claremont and paramount in the history of our high school, for in that year Paran Stevens of New York City, son of early Claremont inhabitants, donated the sum of 310,000 to found a high school, provided the town would appropriate an equal amount for that purpose. In the autumn a town meeting was called to consider Mr. Stevens' generous offer. With great enthusiasm and unanimity Claremont's citizens voted to accept the donation under the condition named. They voted to raise and appropriate 315,000 which, with Mr. Stevens' S10,000, was to be used to purchase a lot and to erect a school building. A committee of five selected the homestead lot of the late George B. Upham at the corner of Broad and Summer Streets containing nearly two acres as the prospective site and purchased it for the sum of 32,500 A dignified, two- story brick structure was erected and said to be, one of the most elegant, substantial and convenient edifices for the purpose for which it was built in the state. Containing four large school rooms. large vestibules. a basement for the heating plant, and a spacious hall in the upper story, the school accommodated one hundred and twenty-five students. That was the beginning of an institution which has since proved invaluable to the city of Claremont. ' Mr. Stevens contributed full half of the cost of the building and the lot on which it stands. Soon after its completion, he gave the town 310,000 toward a per- manent fund for the support of the school. He also presented life-size portraits of George Washington and Daniel Webster, painted by eminent artists, and a Chickering concert grand piano. Before his death in 1872, Mr. Stevens bequeathed 540,000 to be added to the 810,000 before given for a fund, the interest of which is to be used for the school's support. At the annual town meeting in March, 1868, five men-one from each religious society in town-were chosen to be the high school committee. It was also voted to give this new institution of higher learning the name Stevens High School, to honor Paran Stevens. It was the expressed wish of Mr. Stevens and of the town that the school should be kept entirely free from anything like sectarianism. Following this, the committee laid down one stipulation-that, the morning session will begin with a reading of the Bible and the saying of the Lord's Prayer in unison. Mr Stevens is very well described by one of his intimate friends in an obituary notice: He was a man of quick and clear intelligenceg bold and at the same time cautious, full of energy, untiring in diligence, a thorough New Englander in his fearless shrewdness whilst equally noted in his fair dealing and integrity. To the sterling qualities which commanded respect and earned wealth, were added a decided sense of justice, courteous and large hospitality, and warm affection. The requirements of entrance and graduation were much stricter years agog so that only those who were thoroughly prepared in reading and necessary subjects were admitted. The first term at Stevens began on the seventh of September, 1868, with ninety-eight scholars and a faculty of four including Dr. Nathan Barrows,