Barstow School - Weathercock Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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1 in- wner West- ming s sec: xciate tham. duate l, for rdded easing :ports mated. nized, . The : very 1 The hand- 1 and :pered idents health : with name, trstow :lit-rcafter became .in incorporated, non-profit institution, hcailttl by ri Board of Trustees and with Miss Witham as 113 principal. THE MOVE TO 4950 CHERRY STREET The third phase of Barstow's history began in 1924 with the completion of a new and beautiful site, quite large and well-equipped, at Fiftieth and Cherry. Because of Barstows unlimited reputation, a reception after the dedi- cation of the new site was attended by honorary trustees from Smith, Wellesley, and Radcliffe. It was at this location that sports activities were diversified, art and music de- partments bettered, and a home economics department in- troduced. A science laboratory and nursery school were also added, along with the present traditions of Tree Day, Senior Day, the Athletic Banquet, and the Freshman- Sophomore Play Contest. After Miss Witham's departure three principals, Mrs. Williuns, Miss Kendig, and Miss Turner followed before the Board of Trustees secured the services of Mr. Richard H. Sears, the present headmaster. Mr. Sears brought with him new educational challenge and inspiration, along with new plans of expansion. In 1954 the Shields' property at 5110 Cherry was purchased to be utilized for classrooms for the primary grades, and for social and athletic activities. THE MOVE TO THE PRESENT LOCATION In May of 1959 another step toward a bigger and better Barstow was made when forty-two acres of land at 115th and State Line were purchased for the building of the new Barstow, which now includes a spacious auditorium, a large gymnasium, and a language laboratory, in addition to all the features of the old school. Thus began the fourth and latest phase of Barstow's history. The first classes were held there in the spring of 1962, when a successful merg- ing of the old traditions with the new site took place. A BRIGHT FUTURE Thus, with the new school the ever-present ideals, spirit, and traditions will continue to grow and be upheld by each and every student, and her horizons will be broad- ened by each year which succeeds her memorable days here at Barstow School. The third Barstow School ai 4950 Cherry from 1924 io 1962. J

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Q 1 In IBB4, Miss Btann's School, founded at Broadway and 12th Street. THE FOUNDERS Seventy-nine years ago, two inexperienced but far- sighted young women, Ada Brann and Mary Louise Barstow, both recent graduates of Wellesley, arrived in Kansas City to found a private school for girls, which later grew into the Barstow of today, known and venerated throughout the country because of its high standards and achievements. Although the history of its principles has remained the same, following the ideals of its founders, the school has undergone four transplantations to new soil. THE EARLY YEARS During the first phase of its existence the school, known then as Miss Brann's, occupied three sites on the block west of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral and re- mained there for sixteen years. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, the arts, and a school annual had not yet been introduced because of a lack of space and facilities. However, that fact did not dim the school's reputation, for Miss Brann's certificates enabled many a young girl to attend renowned New England colleges such as Smith, Wellesley, Bryn Mawr, and others. Gradually Miss Brann's health began to fail. She felt that she could no longer handle all her many responsibilities, and she reluctantly re- tired, thus ending the first period. i 4 SCHOOL HISTORY The second Barstow at I5 Westport Avenue from lB98 to 1924. Fortunately, Mr. XVilliam Rockhill Nelson then in- duced Miss Barstow to continue the school as its owner and principal. He also built for her a new location on West- port Avenue, which had enough ground for the beginning of outdoor activities. Thus commenced the institution's sec: ond phase. Miss Caro Taylor became the first associate principal, but was soon succeeded by Miss Rose Witham. The arrival of Miss XVitham, a most outstanding graduate of Smith, was a very fortunate event for the school, for she not only continued its high ideals, but she also added many new traditions and activities to its forever increasing spectrum. A gymnasium and equipment for outdoor sports were provided, and that year Field Day was originated. A Glee Club and classes in Arts and Crafts were organized, and the Hallowe'en Play Contest became a tradition. The Pretenders, a dramatics club, was also added, and this very yearbook, its green and white cover imprinted with The Wealhercock, a simulation of Miss Barstow's own hand- writing, commenced its publication. A kindergarten and later a boarding school were also initiated. MISS BARSTOW RETIRES For almost twenty-five years the school prospered while many graduates became very outstanding students in the colleges of their choice. Finally, however, poor health constrained Miss Barstow into retiring, as it had done with Miss Brann. Therefore, before leaving she gave her name, her equipment, and hor benevolence to the school. Barstow .t i i,ir,:'c of Ba -:atiur from that partir trodu also Q Scoio Sophi Willi the B- H. Sc

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To Mr. Gates: For the selfless and tireless channeling of your talents and energies for our benefit .... For your imaginative, yet practical ideas in helping us with problems of all kinds .... For your contageous optimism .... For your innate good humor no matter how many times we interrupt you .... For your modesty and true desire that your many accomplishments remain unknown .... For your ability to find the time, knowledge, strength, and willingness for every task .... For your constant devotion to Barstow .... We, the staff, dedicate this issue of The Weathercock.