Archon

44 Pages·1991·4.6 MB·English

by  Dummer Academy, Governor's Academy (Byfield, Mass.), Governor Dummer Academy

TfeArchon
A News Magazine published by Governor Dummer Academy
FALL
1991
Calendar
NEcl
Art Exhibit: Agnes K. Manning October 7 to October 26
Reception, home of Missy and Steve Kasnet
MA
'62, Manchester, October 22
Reception, home of Ginny and Frank
WA
Kitchell '35, Seattle, October 28
Reception, Bohemian Club, San Francisco October 29
Reception, home of Beverly and Ted
Bergmann '37, Pacific Palisades, CA October 30
Reception, home of Jackie and Tom Elder
'56, Hingham November 5
Drama Production: Romeo & Juliet November 7, 8 and 9
Art Reception November 8
Reception, home of Marcia and Bill Vose
'60, Dedham November 19
Reception, Lynnfield area December 3
Alumni Winter Games January 11
Recent Graduates' Dinner January 11
Reception, home of Dan Cross '51,
Washington, D.C. January 29
Reception, home of Richard Guenther 71,
Chicago February 12
Reception, New York City March 3
Reception, Vero Beach, FL March 9
Reception, home of Everett Smith '31,
Delray Beach, FL March 10
Reception, home of Bob Schumann '40,
Naples, FL March 11
Alumni Spring Games May 30
229th Commencement June 4 and 5
Reunion '92 June 12, 13 and 14
Archon Contents
t^
bAd
GDA's 228th Commencement: Burgess, McCant and
Winter Win Top Honors 12
The Academy's newest alumni and their honors
from last spring's commencement.
FALL 1991
Reunion '91: What Rain? 8
Jubilant reunion classes ignore the lightning and rain,
and enjoy forums, cookouts, an art show, a concert ....
warn
The Soul Survivor 16
Archon Profile
Artist John A. Bissell '57 defends the dignity of the
animal kingdom while maintaining his own gentle
sense of humor.
". When Boys Wear Jackets and Ties" 18
. .
By Anne Mackay-Smith 75
A personal retrospective on 20 years of Coeducation
from one of the first 26 women at GDA.
First in a series.
Gaining on Invisibility
Archon Profile
Timothy T. Crane 73 can't exactly show you what
he's accomplished for the U.S. Bureau of Engraving;
it's invisible.
On the cover:
Departments
Among those observing GDA's
twentieth anniversary ofcoeducation Class Notes 25
are (l-r) Class of '92 members From the Alumni Council 40
Meghan Manzella, Amy Daniels and
Headmaster's Message 3
Danielle Dupre.
(Photograph by Bill Lane) Letters 2
Milestones 23
On Campus 4
Sports 21
The Archon is printed on recycled paper.
Letters
August 5, 1991 June 4, 1991 Editor's Note
read with interest the article on
I
Governor Dummer in last Sunday's Boston The term "women's issue" once
Globe referred to a publication often condescend-
I think it was a deserving tribute to ingly directed toward so-called women's
your values and beliefs, and your ability to interests. The term later was converted to
bring them to life through Governor political usage, denoting women's struggle
Dummer. for equal rights and opportunities. On the
It is a wonderful thing when one's occasion of the twentieth anniversary of
own success can be measured so positively women joining the Governor Dummer
in its effect on other people's lives. Academy student body, this edition of The
Congratulations. Archon is a "women's issue" about the
—
Sincerely, "women's issue" in that it presents with-
—
Back in the U.S.S.R.: Mark Myers 74 and Stephen G. Morison P'88 out condescension the first in a series of
Douglas Doty 73. Marblehead, MA articles examining women's roles, contribu-
tions and expectations at the Academy.
I recently met up with Mark Myers 74 Anne Mackay-Smith 75 writes in this
in Tashkent, U.S.S.R. (and recognized him July 25, 1991 issue about her reflections on being one of
instantly after 18 years of not seeing him), the first 26 women to join the GDA student
where he and I were both working in As a graduate of [Headmaster Peter body since the turn of the century. Her
different capacities and for different Bragdon's] first senior class, I cannot tell retrospective after 20 years presents an
organizations. you how proud I was to read the article important first step in understanding the
Enclosed for you, if you will publish it about Governor Dummer in the Boston Academy's conversion and the larger soci-
in an upcoming Archon, is a photo of us at Globe in June. I received it a few days ago etal role of women during the same epoch.
the Tashkent International Hotel lobby, in a package from my father, who was The Archon invites others within the
sitting in front of the present and past pleased to see that his money was obviously GDA community — men and women — to
leaders of the Soviet Union and Russia. I spent on something of quality. After reading contribute their thoughts, impressions, re-
am on the right. it, I felt I had to write and send both membrances and opinions regarding women
Best regards, congratulations and thanks. at the Academy. These may take the form of
I am pleased to see that you are letters or feature-length articles — any form
Douglas Doty 73 concerned about the diversity of the presenting lucid ideas or arguments that
Israel student body. Speaking as someone who will provoke further discussion. The com-
has moved around a bit, I see such diversity memoration of women at GDA will continue
—
as extremely important. Prep schools are through 1995 the year the first group of
August 12, 1991 still a bastion of the white upper middle women graduated — but please don't wait;
class and this is to the disadvantage of write now, while the inspiration moves you.
With all due respect for the Class of students today. When I was at Fay School Mistaken Identity
'66 and its athletic heritage, I'd like to there was an English-as-a-second-language
correct the record in the spring Archon. A program there. As a result, we always had a
story in that issue looking back on reunion number of South American, Middle Eastern
classes and their eras at GDA touted the and Asian students in the dorm. I think this
Class of '66's athletes. Included was trustee was an excellent way to open the eyes of
Dan Morgan, a proud member of the Class students. Obviously there were some
of '67. clashes, but for the most part the entire
In fact, whatever the accomplishments community was richer for their presence. I
of the class ahead of us, three of the 12 have to admit things couldn't have been
vcaarpstiatyinteedabmysjtuhneiiorrss:enDiaorny(etaernnwise)r,efellow smtourdeendtisffcearemnet wfrhoemnoIutarsriidveedMaastsaGcDhAus;etftesw, Repeat after me:
Stirn is at right, Powers left.
trustee Bill Alfond (golf), and Keith Adolph let alone America. I honestly don't think I
(cross-country). All three were re-elected. ever heard a foreign language spoken by A profile in the spring 1991 Archon
Here's a question for GDA historians: students informally there. Exposure to entitled "A Lifetime of Surprises" contained
Did any other class produce three two-year cultural diversity broadens one's horizons something of a surprise for friends and fam-
captains? tremendously. I wish you great success in ily of Howard F. Stirn '41 and David L.
Sincerely, making GDA a school rich in diversity, as I Powers '52. The photograph accompanying
know it will only turn out a better graduate. the story about Stirn actually was Powers.
Ben Beach '67 Thank you again, Mr. Bragdon, for all The reason for the mix-up? The shot alleg-
Bethesda, MD the changes you have made. am sure there ing to be Stirn was taken from a photograph
I
are thousands of GDA alumni who feel the (reproduced here) of Stirn and Powers to-
same pride I do. gether on the Stirns' Wyoming ranch. Our
apologies to both men and all our unnec-
Sincerely,
The above letters were among several essarily surprised readers. (We're pleased to
positive responses we received as a result Paul Bartholomew '84 say that—the other picture accompanying the
ofa highly complimentary June 2 Boston London, England p—rofile of the Stirns' Jackson Hole h—ome
Globe feature on GDA. is, indeed, the Stirns'.) DLB
2 TheArchon - Fall 1991
Headmaster's Message
T^Archon Governor Dummer's initial conversion
to coeducation in 1971 comprised some
uneasy, faltering steps through uncharted
terrain. The editors of the 1972 Milestone
apparently were witiiholding final judgment
Publisher
Peter W. Bragdon. Headmaster when they wrote, at the conclusion of that
Editor first coeducational year, "No great harm
David L. Bergmann 70 appeared to be done by adding girls to the
Photographer community"
William Lane Anne Mackay-Smith '75, who was
Director of Development among the first 26 modem-day female GDA
Stuart D. Chase P'83 '85 '87
students, describes that sometimes uncom-
Director ofAlumni Affairs fortable process in this issue (". When
Michael A. Heel . .
Boys Wear Jackets and Ties"). Comparing
Archon Advisory Board
Bennett H. Beach '67 the conversion to an "earthquake," she ac-
John H. Costello, Jr. P'89 knowledges in retrospect that the Academy
Henry B. Eaton 70
"not only survived but prospered."
John P. English '28 . . .
S. Joseph Hoffman P'83 There are abundant signs that GDA
W. Newton Lamson II '58 has, indeed, prospered. It is a healthy sign,
John S. Mercer '64
ChristopherM. Pope '65 I think, that our 1991-92 student body pres-
Abigail M. Woodbury 79 ident is Sofia Mahari, an extraordinary
Trustees ofGovernor Dummer Academy A young woman who was chosen for her lead-
Carl A. Pescosolido, Jr. '55, President ership, intelligence and sensitivity. I doubt,
Richard B. Osgood '53 P'85 '88, Vice President in fact, whether the GDA students who
William B. Ardiff'55. Secretary
biriong the great joys of a career in
Jeffrey L. Gordon '69, Treasurer elected her even took her gender into con-
William L. Alfond '67 education is the enduring sense of pride sideration — an accomplishment that even
Elaine F. D'Orio P'88 and wonder at the accomplishments of
Shirley S. French P76 their elders in national politics still cannot
Governor Dummer Academy community
Mirick Friend '59 seem to emulate.
Michael E. Hoover 71 members. Women have not single-handedly
Stephen G. Kasnet '62 In going about our regular Academy
George D. Kirkham '51 introduced sensitivity, honesty, scholarship
Mary F. Mack P'87'91'93 business last week, I was impressed by the and excellence to the Governor Dummer
GDDaeonodirgegeleMDE...MMMoocrrGggraaengnor''5,607JPr.''9521 acbliilmiatyteofoftwthoeoGfoovuerrnsotrudDenutmsmteorafcfeocmtmtuhne- choowmemvuenri,twy;e walilthwoouutldthehiarvecoenntrjiobyuetdiotnhso,se
William R. Plumer '53 ity. One, a junior, stood before the school at qualities far less.
Jonathan S. Shafmaster '63. P'90 morning meeting and powerfully upbraided
Frederick M. Smith D '52 Also in this issue are profiles of
John M. Timken. Jr. '69 a segment of the student body for inappro- alumni who are making their marks — quite
Courtney S. Wang 74 priate behavior. The other, a freshman, literally — in the fields of art and science.
Josiah H. Welch '47, P'80 '83
Frederic B. Withington spoke to the school about painful personal Research scientist Tim Crane 73 holds the
Alumni Trustee experience, offering it as an object lesson patent on a new process that renders invisi-
Timothy G. Greene '50 that literally will save lives. ble an anti-counterfeit device in U.S. curren-
Alumni Council In addition to the strength and cy. John Bissell '57 is an artist whose work
John S. Mercer '64. President passion of the messages these two speakers is simultaneously humorous and dedicated
WDielbloiraamhB.E.TAodbeayms707,4Secretary projected, I was impressed by the fact that to a serious purpose: the preservation of
Peter Arnold, Jr. 74 they both were emerging as community animal rights. Both these alumni attribute
Benjamin B. Brewster '43 leaders long before reaching their senior
their successes, in part to the educations
Richard D. Cousins '45
Henry B. Eaton 70 years. This says something extremely positive they received at Governor Dummer.
Daniel H. Emerson '50 about Governor Dummer; we know we are hope more alumni — men and
I
JTorhandeP.FoEnmgalriosh7'728 doing something right when the lessons we women — will keep us informed of their
Ralph F. Johnson, Jr. '64 are teaching are spoken spontaneously by accomplishments and opinions for
Thomas H. Larsen '54 our students. publications in future Archons.
Martha A. Lawlor '82 In a time when we are celebrating the
JHoohwnarBd.JA..NNayveins'82'31 twentieth anniversary of women at Governor
Kathryn A. O'Leary '81 Dummer Academy, it is timely to note that a /±L+*
George L. Richards III 77 both students mentioned here are young cju.^ t\j. S~tJ^
Peter M. Sherin '59
Mark A. Whitney '81 women. It is not that it is unusual for
Abigail M. Woodbury 79 women to take on positions of responsibility Peter W. Bragdon, Headmaster
at GDA; it is not unusual at all. As I
The Archon is published three times a year (Fall, observe the contributions of young women
Winter and Spring) by Governor Dummer Academy. here, it makes me wonder how the commu-
Byfield, Massachusetts 01922. Telephone: [phone].
Letters are welcome from alumni, parents and friends nity existed for so long without girls.
ofthe Academy.
The Archon - Fall 1991 3
On
Campus
Class of '90 Sets Standard into six groups and discussed the topic of funeral flowers. To date, more than 100 donations
The Class of 1990, already recognized as leadership, as it applied both to Kennedy and to have been made to the new scholarship fund
an outstanding class, has brought further dis- their experience at GDA. The new program, designated for a deserving GDA student.
tinction upon itself by becoming the youngest designed by Kennedy Library staff and junior class Senior Parents Plan New Scholarship
class ever to win an alumni award. The class cap- advisors Kelly Eaton, Michael Heel and Alec
tured the Annual Fund's Howard J. Navins Bowl White, is being developed for offering to other The 1992 Senior Parents Fund has set a
for 1990-91. The award recognizes the GOLD Massachusetts schools in the future goal of $110,000 this year to underwrite a new
(Graduates ofthe Last Decade) class that achieves scholarship fund for GDA. Parents of graduating
the highest member participation in the Annual Smith Leaves Legacy classes traditionally have contributed gifts to the
Fund. With 59 pledges, the Class of '90 would Former U.S. Senator Ben Smith '35, who Academy's endowment fund or capital cam-
have edged out the Class of '67 for the overall died September 26 (Milestones, page XX), left a paigns. The classes of '90 and '91, for example,
pwaerrteicfiuplfaitliloedn.pMriizceh,aeblutYoenalgyle3y4isofthteho's9e0 phleeaddges SlecghaoclyartsohithpeFAucnadd.eTmyh:e tlhateeBSemnijtahm,iwnhAo.sSpmeintthaII ptroogveitdhiernguandpeerrwmraotneenatYeonudnogwmMeasntterf'osrCahatiera,ch-
agent, aided by co-agents Margot Doyle, Kevin year at GDA and later filled John F. Kennedy's ing salary. The Class of '92 Senior Parents
O'Handley and Beth Ashby. unexpired Senate term upon Kennedy's election Scholarship follows in that tradition with its
scholarship, designed for a deserving GDA
as President, left instructions that contributions
be made to endow the GDA scholarship in lieu of student. Paul Montminy is chairman of this
year's effort.
Class Distinction: Margot Doyle andKevin
O'Handley accept the HowardJ. Navins Bowlon
behalfofthe Class of '90.
Student Body Grows, Expands
The Academy's 1991-92 student body of
346 students represents 22 states and 16 AtA GDA Reception: Senator Smith '35 chats with BusterNavins 31.
countries, making it the most diverse in GDA
history. In addition to the six New England states,
this year's students represent 16 other states, Seminar Tbpics Cross Academic Annual Fund lb Raise $650,000
including California (14 students), Texas (four Boundaries The Annual Fund kicked off its 1991-92
—
students), Illinois (six students) and Florida (two A new interdisciplinary seminar series has drive October 1, aiming for a $650,000 goal
students). Nations represented include Finland, returned for 1991-92 after a brief tryout last the most ambitious in GDA history. GDA Trustee
Ghana, Mexico, Japan, Brazil, Indonesia and spring, and has begun by tackling the thorny Daniel M. Morgan '67, who provided leadership
Spain. The four classes this year consist of200 issue of abortion in three separate meetings. in the Academy's recent capital campaign, has
boys and 146 girls. There are 228 boarding The optional seminars, sponsored by the Aca- been named chairman of the Development
students and 118 day students, creating a demic Affairs Committee, found great success Committee. Morgan said the Annual Fund,
boarding/day ratio of65/35 percent. The last spring among students and faculty members which provides 10 percent of the Academy's
students, who represent the largest overall who discussed topics ranging from pornography operating funds, is "essential to ensuring the
student population in the Academy's 229-year to revolution. Each subject encompasses various continued excellence of Governor Dummer
history, include 72 freshmen, 90 sophomores, 91 academic areas and requires reading assign- Academy, its programs and its services." The
juniors and 93 seniors. ments of all the participants. "The seminars use Parents Fund, an integral part of the Annual
contemporary issues to frame student debates," Fund, has set a goal of $110,000 for this year.
Juniors Learn Leadership explains GDA Director of Studies Brian Lenane, Parents Fund Chairman Paul King P'94 notes
The junior class analyzed the successes and who created the new series. "The students that participation among parents has averaged
failures ofJohn F. Kennedy as they participated in incorp—orate ideas they've learned i—n the class- about 75 percent in recent years, and adds,
a pilot program at Boston's Kennedy Library on room often without realizing it and learn "We're planning to do even better this year"
September 14. As part ofthe junior class' annual to formulate informed opinions. And besides The Academy relies on alumni, alumnae, grand-
Leadership Weekend, the class first listened to a showing the students the relationships among parents, friends and matching gift organizations
speech by Kennedy Library Director of Education their academic subjects, it also demonstrates for to reach the Annual Fund goal.
John Stewart, and then saw a 30-minute film on them that GDA isn't just students and teachers;
the life of President Kennedy. They then broke it's a community oflearners'.'
4 TheArchon - Fall 1991
Eight Join GDA Faculty Karen A. Bouffard is the Academy's Weene Exhibit Set for Spring
"The very essence of an educational newest physics teacher, coming to GDA from The work ofaward-winning artist Rosalyn
institution is its faculty," said Headmaster Peter Sacred Heart High School in Kingston, MA. Weene ofSyosset, NY, will be the subject ofa
W. Bragdon, recently introducing the eight men While at Sacred Heart, she taught chemistry, one-woman show in the Carl Youngman Gallery
and women who have joined Governor Dummer physics and physical science and developed ofGDA's Kaiser Visual Arts Center next June. Ms.
Academy's 1991-92 faculty. "We are fortunate," curricula for several related courses. Ms. Weene, who describes her painting style as
he added, "to have been able to assemble a Bouffard has been president of the American "figurative, folkloric, hard-edged and
community of scholars and mentors that holds Association of Physics Teachers, and organized psychological," currently is exhibiting her work in
itself to a very high level of excellence." The new the Eastern Massachusetts Physics Olympics at the Galerie Pons-Debord on Paris' Left Bank. She
members are: Harvard University and the New England Phys- also has had exhibitions in New York, Florida,
ics Olympics. In 1989 she was named Massachu- Kansas and Louisiana.
Fontaine C. Bradley leaves private setts Science Teacher of the Year by the Massa-
industry, where he has been a senior research chusetts Science Teachers Association. A 1968
scientist, to teach chemistry this year at the graduate of Duquesne University, she earned her
Academy. Dr. Bradley earned his B.S. in biology master's degree in chemistry at Emmanuel
from Tufts University in 1973, and his Ph.D. in College, and currently is a candidate for a
chemistry from the University of New Hampshire master's in physics education at the University of
in 1984. The move to Governor Dummer marks Massachusetts. She lives in West Newbury.
a return to education for Dr. Bradley, who, be-
tween 1973 and 1983, was a teaching assistant Nancy M. Bailey replaces Marilyn Diehl as
and fellow at the University of Maine, Bowdoin GDA's school nurse. Mrs. Bailey comes to the
College and the University of New Hampshire. Academy from Father Bill's Place, where she
Since 1986, he has been a chemist for the bio- provided health care to homeless adults. Previ-
medical division of Johnson Matthew, Inc. in ously she was a school nurse for the Weymouth
West Chester, PA. In addition to teaching chem- public schools and a substitute nurse for the
istry this year, Dr. Bradley is coaching club Scituate and Weymouth schools. She received
sports. He and his wife Kate, a local veterin- her nursing degree from the Catherine Laboure
arian, are living in Ingham with their sons School of—Nursing in 1956. The mother of seven
Russell, 4, and Alan, 2. children in—cluding GDA English master
Elaine White Mrs. Bailey lives in the Duncan
Jeffrey B. Wotton is the Academy's new Health Center.
athletic trainer intern. A 1991 physical education Mary E. Leary takes on the position of
graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he GDA librarian this year, replacing Pattie Hall.
has been a student athletic trainer at UNH since She received a B.A. in sociology from Cardinal
1987. He lives in Rochester, NH. Cushing College in 1967. The head librarian at
nearby Triton Regional School since 1987, Mrs.
Joan R. O'Brien returns to Governor Leary was a teacher in the Salisbury and New- "Portrait oftheArtist'sHusbandas an
hDiustmomryerataGftDerAafyreoamr's19a8b7setnoce1.99(0S.h)ePtraeuvgiohutsly, bFurroympo1rt97s0chtoool19s7y3s,teMmrss.beLfeoarreygsoeirnvgedtoasTrviitcoen. Isnhdoiwann"atbyGDRoAsailnytnheWsepernien,g.whose work willbe
Ms. O'Brien was a Peace Corps volunteer and principal of the Chester School in Chester, NH.
—
training instructor in Benin, West Africa and a She and her husband Peter have one son
—
researcher and editor for the quarterly journal who is at Triton and live in Byfield.
Africa Tbday. She is a 1980 Middlebury College
Sarah B. Southam joins GDA's Science
graduate, having earned a master's degree in
Department as a biology teacher. Since 1988,
curriculum development and instruction of
international studies from the University of she has taught mathematics at The Gunnery in
Denver. In addition to teaching history at GDA, Washington, CT. A 1987 graduate of Dartmouth
Ms. O'Brien is involved in the Community College, where she earned a B.S. in chemistry,
Service program. She also is a dormitory Ms. Southam received a master's degree in
education from the Harvard Graduate School of
associate, as well as a soccer coach. She is
quartered in Commons. Education in June, 1991. Ms. Southam is
coaching field hockey and lacrosse this year. She
and her husband Peter are living in Commons.
IlaSahai Prouty takes over as art master
for Roberta Britton, who is on a two-year sabba- How I SpentMy Summer Vacation
tical in the Canary Islands. A 1991 graduate of
Brown University, Ms. Prouty worked as a English master and sometime poet Wally
teacher's aide at the Rainbow Lake Alternative Rowe went—to Ireland last summer to look up an
School in Covington, GA during 1991. A former old friend the mi—nister who had married Wally
consultant and trainer with Project Adventure, and his wife Carol and wound up digging up
Inc. from 1987 to 1991, she also worked as an another. It seems the minister had moved to
educator with Project Jump Start. At GDA she is Ireland to become rector ofa church once
also director of the art gallery and advisor to overseen by William Butler Yeats' grandfather.
Carol reports, "Wally was so excited" to have
minority students, as well as a lacrosse coach.
She lives in Gloucester. found Yeats' tomb, a landmark in the church
graveyard. "Under bare Ben Bulbens head:" Wally Rowe
visits the grave of WB. Yeats in Ireland.
The Archon - Fall 1991 5
On
Campus
Field House Grows
GDA's new Carl A. Pescosolido, Jr. Field
House continues to take shape as contractors
have been erecting its mammoth steel frame in
recent weeks. The new 48,000-square-foot
facility, which will eliminate the need for night
athletic practices during the winter season, is
scheduled for completion in late March.
'59 Starts Brian Scholarship
The Class of '59 has contributed nearly
$10,000 to endow a scholarship in the name of
classmate William L. Brian III, who died in a
fire at his home in June, 1987. With the support
and encouragement of Brian's family, '59er Peter
Sherin wrote and telephoned each of his 50
classmates to ask if they would contribute to the
fund. The reaction was strong: nearly everyone
responded. The GDA trustees long ago adopted
a practice of using only half of a fund's earnings
and reinvesting the remainder, so the principal
paces inflation. In this way, the William L. Brian
III Scholarship will endure forever. Going Up:
The CarlA. Pescosolido, Jr. FieldHouse takes shape (The attachedAlumni Gym is at left.)
Scientific Mysteries Intrigue
Community
Students and faculty were challenged to
explain scientific mysteries as the GDA Science
Department presented a two-day "museum"
September 12 and 13 in and around the
Schumann Science Center. The "museum," which
coincided with the start ofthe Academy's
innovative SCIENCE 2000 program, offered
hands-on exhibits that shared elements ofbiology,
chemistry and physics. Each presented a scientific
challenge, and asked viewers to make
observations and formulate hypotheses to explain
often puzzling phenomena. Science Department
Chairman Stephen Metz said, "The primary goal
was to generate some excitement about science
—
right away in the first two days ofclasses. And
we didjust that." Exposing the students to the
fascination ofbiology, chemistry and physics is
consistent with the goals ofSCIENCE 2000,
which integrates those traditionally separate
disciplines. Among the exhibits —which ranged
from an interactive computer that describes local
wetlands to a sometimes messy demonstration of
—
liquid surface tension was an encoded
message. Deciphered, it read, "Governor
Dummer Academy science is fun." E3
Solving Mysteries: Michael Tierney '95determines the mass ofa grain ofrice in the Science
Department's "museum."
6 TheArchon - Fall1991
T^Archon
PROFILE
L GAINING "The United States dollar is more
Lf a "license to print money" is than a dollar; it is the global currency,"
the ultimate money-making opportunity, says Crane, noting that "the perception
ON
then Timothy T. Crane 73 and his fam- that the dollar is rock-solid" is important
ily's company have the penultimate: a both to international trading and to the
license to make the paper on which all American people. "There are warehouses
U.S. currency is printed. INVISIBILITY full of Susan B. Anthony dollars," he says,
It is, perhaps, a little-known fact referring to the U.S. government's failure
that the small (for its industry) western to interest the public in choosing silver
Massachusetts company has manufac- dollars over paper ones a few years back.
tured all U.S. currency paper for the past Timothy T. Crane 73 Crane says currency is extremely
112 years. More newsworthy is the fact important to the perception of a nation.
that Crane & Co. currently is fulfilling a Some six to eight months before Estonia
new four-year federal contract to man- declared its independence from the
ufacture U.S. money paper containing U.S.S.R., the emerging nation ordered
some of the most dramatic changes in currency paper from Crane & Co. "When
history. a new country is emerging, it does two
&
Crane Co. is the 190-year-old things first," he says: "Write a constitution
Dalton, Massachusetts, company best and order currency."
known for its high quality papers that are Ironically, Crane says, "The United
most often seen as high-end personal States never really had a counterfeit prob-
stationery and wedding invitations. While lem. We have a very effective system for
currency paper constitutes approximately preventing it." He explains that the Secret
25 percent of the company's $100 million- Service closely monitors the printing
plus sales, it is far less known for that industry, investigating each time anyone
division's work. Explains Crane with a purchases equipment or quantities of
laugh, "It's a very discreet business. We paper that would lend themselves to
New
don't exactly advertise in the Yorker counterfeiting.
that we sell banknote paper/'
Beginning with the $100 bill, and
soon extending to other denominations, " 'The United States dollar is more
most U.S. currency hereafter will contain than a dollar; it is the global
two anti-counterfeit elements it never had
currency,' says Crane noting that
before: (1) a printed polyester ribbon em-
bedded in the fibers and (2) microprinting 'the perception that the dollar is
around the portrait on the face of the watermark idea bombed out because it's rock-solid' is important both to
notes. The microprinting, applied by the not really that good a counterfeit deter-
federal Bureau of Engraving and Printing, rent and because it's very expensive," he international trading and to the
can been seen only under magnification. says, adding, "The Bureau of Engraving American people"
Special printing on the polyester ribbon, prints the most and probably the least
however, is legible without magnification, expensive currency of any country in the
but only when the bill is held up to a world."
light source. And that is thanks to Tim Crane says he watched a press run The advent of high-resolution color
& copiers, however, "drove Washington to
Crane, the Crane Co. research scientist at the federal Bureau of Engraving as the
who holds the basic patent on the government tried printing bills with hard- make a change," says Crane. "Digital
invisibility process. to-duplicate pastel colors. "The public image processing has been getting good
While the alterations to the U.S. will reject this as change'," was the final enough to be a threat; it's a crime of
dollar represent some of the most signifi- government verdict on each of these opportunity, especially for casual
counterfeiters."
cant in history, Crane says, "They're going ideas, says Crane.
& Noting the company's tremendous
to be greeted [by the public] with a great Crane Co., which also produces
big shrug ... if they even know it's there." currency paper for nations including Mex- investment of time and funds in the anti-
With a wry laugh, he explains that the ico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Australia, Turkey counterfeiting project, Crane says. "We've
— never done such a large-scale develop-
U.S. government and the American and Argentina, had been working on the
people — prefer it that way. anti-counterfeit project for the U.S. Bur- ment project." The risk obviously paid off,
because now the Federal Reserve "wants
Many attempts have been made eau of Engraving for more than seven
more paper than we can possibly pro-
over the years to change the look of U.S. years at a cost of more than $20 million.
duce." Crane says.
paper money, he says. Watermarks, holo- "Fundamental to their concept was the
grams and other devices were the subjects idea that anything we did had to be Continuedonpage24
of various studies and experiments. "The invisible," Crane says.
The Archon - Fall 1991 7
REUNION
•*
• ?>*
*
What
Rain?
4
•
F 4
•
4
X
orums, cookouts, an art show, a skies opened up. The rain didn't seem to
concert, a summer storm and esprit de bother anyone, however, as many reun-
corps marked a jubilant Reunion '91, 4 ioners enjoyed the clambake under the 4
attended by nearly 200 alumni and tent, Old Guardsmen gathered at Buster
4
alumnae in June. and Fran Navins' home and the Class of 44
The alums, many of whom had 4 '41 joined Peter and Dottie Bragdon at
4
spouses and children in tow, reacted the Mansion House.
4 enthusiastically to student performances The summer's loudest thunder-
and Sam Robbins '41 and his exhibit, storm dampened the party that had been
4
"100 Years of American Still-Life 4 billed as "dancing under the stars," but
Painting," in the Kaiser Visual Arts reunioners didn't seem to mind; many
4 Center on the celebration's first night. reunion parties went on long into the
Saturday's activities included a night.
series of alumni forums hosted by Ken Sunday's reunion chapel service
4
Bistany '51, George Boynton '56 and was an eloquent display of fellowship.
Cushing Strout '41. Topics for the Tom Adams 76 told the gathering that
forums, now in their second year, ranged "Governor Dummer helped put my life
from "Postwar Japan" to "The Real into perspective," and George McGregor
Estate Market" and "The Politicization of '51 followed by saying that 40 years had
College Campuses." not lessened his commitment to GDA or
Golf occupied the classes of 71 his friends. The Alumni Glee Club, under
and '81, while others spent the afternoon the direction of Old Guardsman Art
on a Newburyport harbor cruise. It Sager, provided an emotional conclusion
seemed members of all classes were to the weekend festivities.
wearing their complimentary "Reunion
'91" t-shirts, which ran out early.
The Class of 76 managed to have (For a more personal view ofReunion
its pre-clambake cocktail party at the '91, see John Mercer's From the Alumni
home of Steve French 76 before the Council column on page 40.)
8 The Archon - Fall 1991