International Controversy!

        Did you know that Eleanor Eames, wife of then Headmaster Ted Eames, caused quite a controversy during the couple's 1951 visit to a British public school?  Apparently, school tradition dictated the The Great Hall, used for dining, excluded all women.  As the school's headmaster told the couple, "No woman has dined in the Great Hall since the school was founded!"  Not wanting to upset her hosts, Mrs. Eames resigned herself to eating the chocolate bars she had intended as gifts for a student in the headmaster's study, while her husband and the headmaster dined in The Great Hall with the rest of the school.
       The incident was significant enough to be included in a 1951 article from the Boston Globe.  If you are interested in reading the details, the article is included below.  The incident lends a new dimension to a statement made by one of Eleanor Eames' long time friends, who after witnessing all she did in a typical day to help the school, its students and faculty, declared "There must be a special place in Heaven saved for headmasters' wives."  To this Eleanor replied, "Well, thank you very much."  After a short pause, she added, "but I think I'd rather go with Ted."

Ever Changing Perkins!

1905 Tennis match behind Perkins Gymnasium (on what is now the lawn in front of the Phillips Building)

1923 renovations on Perkins

     
         Did you know that Perkins has not always resided next to Boynton House? Nor was it built as a dormitory.  The original building, constructed on the other side of Mansion House in 1887, served as the first gymnasium for Dummer Academy.  Under headmaster Charles Ingham, it was renovated and moved in the mid 1920's, at which time it became a dormitory.  Finally in 1956, it was moved to its present location. Since this move, additions to both ends of the building have been added.  Below is a link to a video of the 1956 move, which looks surprisingly current with vivid color film.  A close look at clothing, vehicles, and surrounding buildings will help identify its actual creation date from the Eames era. Watch the entire clip for a guest appearance from a familiar face for some alumni.  Enjoy this video flashback!

http://govs.smugmug.com/Mystery-video-1/i-sBxQvhr

Newspaper clipping about 1956 move of Perkins Dormitory

Govs Fashionistas

Fashion trends have changed quite a bit in the 251 years of school history.  From styles of clothes to styles of hair, students and faculty have rocked some unusual looks through the years.  This is just a small sampling of some of the styles found in archival photographs.  The years of the photos, from left to right, top to bottom, are as follows: 1968, 1966,1972, 1954, 1975, 1967, 1969, 1880, 1891.