In August 1912, a loan was made to the Academy of $6,000 by a friend, Miss Ida Mason. The money was used to build Mason Cottage which was built as a home for a master and his family. It was later used as a dormitory. The plans for the building were drawn by George Champney, a 1902 graduate of Dummer Academy, who also designed the old Byfield Parish Church in 1931.
Mason Cottage was torn down in 1997 to make room for the new Math and Science building. The photographs below were taken of Mason Cottage circa 1915. In one you will notice the roof of Peirce Hall to the left in the distance. The interior image is of the Mason Cottage living room.
The following letter, written in 1939 by John W. Ferguson, describes his experience as a student at Dummer Academy at the turn-of-the-20th century. The photograph of the campus to the left was taken about the same time. Notice the rail fence mentioned in his description. (click on images to enlarge)
John Hamilton Morse---A friend and benefactor of the school for many years passed away last August at the age of 91. John Hamilton Morse graduated from Governor Dummer in 1885, where he played on the Academy's first football team. He later attended Harvard and became a lawyer. He was a trustee and took a great interest in the development of Morse Field, which was named after him. He never let a year pass without making two or three visits from his North Andover home, to the school to see his field in use. In the fall his blue cape became a familiar sight at the football games. Source: Alumni Bulletin Spring 1954 (Above: 1885 Dummer Academy Football Team with John Hamilton Morse holding football labeled '85. Below: John Hamilton Morse wearing his familiar blue cape.) 
