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.

Dummer Academy at the Turn-of-the-20th Century

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)

Dummer Coat of Arms