Refreshing History at The Governor’s Academy

The Archives holds one of the earliest documents produced at the academy: A Catalog of Dummer School, a handwritten roster of the academy’s students between 1763 and 1830. Currently on display in the Pescosolido Library, A Catalog of Dummer School was begun by Joseph Mottey, a teacher at the academy between 1780 and 1783, and lists the names of numerous alumni who went on to significant achievement after leaving the Little Red School House. With a nod to the past and view toward posterity, Headmaster Marty Doggett and Dean of Freshmen Michael Delay recently summonsed members of the incoming Class of 2012 to the Little Red School House to document these students’ entry into the academy. Outside the Little Red School House, Mr. Doggett shared a bit of the history of the building and the academy with students (Images 1 and 2). Then, one by one, students entered the school house, shaking hands with the Headmaster and introducing themselves before sitting in the Reverend Samuel Moody’s chair to sign their names and hometowns in a leather-bound book (Images 3 and 4). Students then departed the school house, shaking hands with Mr. Delay (Image 5). The leather-bound book will be housed in The Governor’s Academy Archives. When the Class of 2012 graduates, its members will again pass, one by one, through the Little Red School House on their way around the Milestone to jump the wall. This ritual allows students to pay homage to the school’s long history, and importantly, to recognize their own contributions to it. It is hoped that this new practice will become an enduring Governor’s Academy tradition.

Carrie Dummer Receives Diploma After 60 Years

On June 9, 1939, seventy-five year old Carrie Dummer received her Governor Dummer Academy diploma. According to the Boston Globe, "Three score years had passed since Miss Dummer, then a young girl in her teens, was forced by illness to forego her appearance at her 1879 graduation. Then co-educational, the Academy in the intervening years has become exclusively a boys' school so that conferring of the degree on Miss Dummer gave her the added distinction of being the last female graduate to receive the honor. In a ceremony that followed the presentation of diplomas to 79 graduates at commencement, James Duncan Phillips, President of the Trustees, handed over the belated award to the elderly woman whose beaming smile bespoke her pleasure."

Although I hope it doesn’t take 60 years to receive my diploma, this is my last posting to the Academy’s Archives blog as I will be leaving to return to school. I enjoyed the opportunity to share the unique 245 year history of The Governor’s Academy. I wish you a happy and safe summer. - Kate

100 Years Ago - Dummer Academy Commencement 1908

This following newspaper article from the June 12, 1908 Newburyport Daily News describes the Academy’s 145th Commencement Activities. (*Click on images to enlarge)

Governor Dummer Sterling Silver Ad

An undated advertisement for Governor Dummer Sterling Silver by the Watson Company.

1938 Commemorative Metal

This commemorative brass metal was given to students, alumni and friends during the 1938 to celebration of the 175th anniversary of the founding of Dummer Academy. The image on the metal is of the newly restored Little Red School House. (See previous blog posting to learn more about the restoration of the Litte Red School House.)

1938 Little Red School House Restored

In 1938, the Little Red Schoolhouse was restored to celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the founding of Governor Dummer Academy. Reverend Glenn Tilley Morse, a member of the Board of Trustees from 1913 to 1950, was instrumental in implementing the recontruction work on the building. The following article explaining his reason for his gift was written by Reverend Morse for the 1938 Milestone. (Click on images to enlarge)

Mason Cottage circa 1915

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.