Campus Horse Chestnut Trees in Bloom

As I eagerly wait for the arrival of warmer weather, this photograph of the horse chestnut trees in bloom gives me a sense of hope. Planted in the mid-19th century, the trees still stand along old Middle Road next to the Mansion House. You will notice at the upper left of the photograph that electric railway wires are visible. Starting in 1900, cars from the Georgetown, Rowley and Ipswich electric railway traveled past the Milestone on a daily bases. The electric railway service to campus ended in the early 1920s.

Cleaveland's Centennial Discourse

To celebrate the much anticipated 100th Anniversary of Dummer Academy, former Headmaster Nehemiah Cleaveland gave an historical discourse on August 12, 1863 on the grounds of the historic school . The following day the Newburyport newspaper reported that: "The Dummer Centennial passed off yesterday under the most favorable auspices. The day was delightful, as fine as any, we will venture to say, that has shone on the school for the century that has elapsed since its foundation. At an early hour the roads leding from the various railroad stations-Neburypot, Byfield, and Rowley, were thronged with carriages and foot passengers, hastening to participate in the festivities of the day. According to Cleaveland, "The immense tent of the Essex Agricultural Society kindly loaned for the occassion covered a large part of the open space in front of the Mansion House grounds. Above and around it waved flags and streamers. Within, every arrangement that judgement and taste could devise, had been made both for convenience and effect. A broad and elevated platform occupied the eastern end. The large space in front was filled with comfortable settees. Conspicuous at the western end was the portrait of Governor Dummer."

It was estimated that 1000 people were in attendance, the oldest being Jonathan Perley of Salem, a student under Master Moody. The program began with a procession of Trustees, Alumnie and invited quest accompanied by the Rowley band playing music written especially for the occasion. After dinner, served by a Boston caterer, guests listened while Nehemiah Cleaveland spoke for two hours delivering his address. Below are the first fifteen pages of Cleaveland's Historical Discourse published in 1865. (Click on images to enlarge)

1885 Dormitory Destroyed by Fire

This photograph of “The Dormitory” was taken in 1893 by Frank Price shortly before the building was destroyed by fire in 1895. Dedicated in October 1885, the dormitory once stood where the Parson School House is located today.

Pride in Quality Education

The following ad was created ca. 1975 as part of a series of ads by the Instutuion of Savings of Newburyport, MA. The artist was Richard Noyes, Class of 1954. (click on image to enlarge)