From the Archives Harvey is continuing many of the traditions that the alumni knew and have recounted in a multitude of stories. As we approach our centennial in the 2015–16 school year, we remember some of those traditions that are still alive today.
Founders Day
We now celebrate this day in February, but it was first celebrated at the end of May in 1924, eight years after founding. It moved to February the following year (to coincide with Washington’s birthday), and it remained there. “The party is usually held on the second Thursday of the month so that it coincides with the club debates on Friday and the long ‘ski’ week end following.” (Rambler, March 1962)
Public Speaking Contest
The Public Speaking Contest was started by Mr. Terry in April of 1958, and it has been held every year since. The following description of the events appeared in the Rambler, Summer 1958: “Students were informed that they would have to prepare a three to five minute speech on a subject of their choice and be ready to give it in English class on the following Monday. Every member of the student body participated and each English section submitted the names of the best third of their section as qualifying participants in the semi-finals. “On the 14th of April, the semi-finalists gathered after lunch in the big study hall, drew lots to determine the order
44 Harvey Magazine Spring 2014
in which they would speak, and started giving their speeches. Attendance was not mandatory, but nevertheless, most of the boys came to hear their classmates speak. During the afternoon assembly just two weeks after the contest had been launched, the finalists were heard. (There were 1 or 2 finalists in each Form.) “Both the semi-finals and the finals were judged by parents and friends of the school. No member of the English department was allowed to be a judge. Every boy in the class presented a speech of his own choice in English class which was judged by the teacher. “Boys were given one to five points in each of the following categories: poise and delivery, diction, organization, content, and an overall estimate of the speech. “Topics ranged from ‘Steel and How it is Made’ to ‘Do-it-Yourself.’ There was a great deal of enthusiasm for this contest, and it unquestionably was an exciting and thoroughly worthwhile experience for everyone at Harvey. Mr. Terry deserves the credit for his handling of details and the successful carrying out of this project. Winners: • Lower School (1st–3rd Forms): Tony Madigan ’62 (1st Form, 4th grade) • Middle School (4th–5th Forms): Brian Berwick ’59 (4th Form, 7th grade). “It is important for any boy to develop his ability to speak in public. The success of this program has encouraged us to continue it which will be done under the supervision of the English department.”