FOUNDERS
D AY 2 0 0 5 James. Mr. Gauger expressed his admiration for the newly renovated School and mentioned in closing that Mr. Kersey had played the cello in the orchestra and Mr. Pariseau had taken three trumpet lessons. A video tape of his speech is available from Jackie Brown at jbrown@allen-stevenson.org. Alumni that were present to honor Mr. Gauger were: Gary Brown ’66; Peter Clavan ’68; Peter Da Puzzo ’87, Rachel Da Puzzo and son, Jackson; Carlos Davis ’64; Michael Dobo ’64; Jim Fitzsimmons ’54 and wife, Pamela; Robert Freedman ’51; Shuui Hosoi ’87 and wife, Jennifer; Jack Lucentini ’85 and wife; Christopher Miller ’79; Edward Nahon ’73; Roger Raines ’80; Peter Rea ’64; Geoffrey Richards ’62; Eric Rothstein ’81; Austin Salisbury ’75; Bruce Schlechter ’59; Andrew Seresky ’64; Richard Thomas ’66; Dewey Wigod ’77, and Nick Wuorheimo ’83.
Stanley Gauger with John Pariseau, Associate Headmaster
Founders Day began during the Centennial Year, 1983. Its goal is to celebrate Allen-Stevenson and its heritage, linking the boys of today with both alumni and former faculty from the past. In addition, the activities of the boys during the day develop their knowledge and appreciation of the School and its community. On October 7, 2005, Allen-Stevenson was privileged to have as its speaker for Founders Day former faculty member, Stanley Gauger. Mr. Gauger was Head of the Music Department from 1949 to 1987. He began the tradition of Gilbert & Sullivan performances at the School and established the orchestra program that flourishes today. After his talk, Mr. Gauger was honored at a reception for alumni in the Assembly Hall.
Gary Brown ’66, Stanley Gauger, Richard Thomas ’66
Mr. Gauger opened his remarks on a whimsical note, expressing his admiration of Harry Potter who, he felt, would have played the French horn as opposed to Hermione who would have played the oboe. He gave an overview of what the School was like when he came. He was hired because his predecessor was a vocal musician. The Headmaster was then Huck Stevenson, the son of founder Robert Alston Stevenson. Huck Stevenson hired Mr. Gauger in the hope that he could teach his son the clarinet. This was the beginning of instrumental instruction at the School, and a fledgling orchestra was born. He then described what the School was like in those days. It was much smaller, there was a tiny kitchen with the food delivered through the locker room, the Headmaster typed his own letters, and there was chapel five days a week. Punishments consisted of both paddling and holding a wooden chair upright in front of oneself. Team sports were limited to football, baseball, and basketball.
Austin Salsbury ’75, Shuui Hosoi ’87, Stanley Gauger, Erik Rothstein ’81
The faculty and staff included: Dr. Simboli who taught Latin; Hubert Clark who ran the lunch room with an iron hand, punishing noise makers by having them sit under the piano; Miss Kelly in the Headmaster’s office; Emma Jones who was both the financial manager and the 3rd grade teacher; and Mildred Green who orchestrated the closing exercises for Grades 1 and 2 and made sure that each child had a part to perform. Prize Day went on for 3 1/2 hours with debates, the orchestra playing, the chorus singing, and tumblers tumbling. Mr. Gauger was also instrumental in hiring Mrs. Schrade as his assistant, and the Schrade dynasty of musicians was born, living on today with Mr. Randy Schrade ’76 and Ms. Robelyn Schrade-
Edward Nahon ’73, Bruce Schlechter ’59, Geoffrey Richards ’62, Robert Freedman ’51, Peter Clavan ’68
L
A M P L I G H T E R
43