ACADEMIC ANGLO-ESTONIAN SOCIETY Ilmar Anvelt

Ilmar Anvelt

ACADEMIC ANGLO-ESTONIAN SOCIETY

Editor of OPEN!

English teachers in Estonia have had their organisation, the Estonian Association of Teachers of English, since 1991. It is not known that a similar association of teachers existed before World War II, but there was another organisation that promoted the English language and knowledge about the culture and economy of English-speaking countries – the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society, which was primarily meant for the students and teaching staff of the University of Tartu.

The initiator of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society was Ants Oras. According to the newspaper Üliõpilasleht (Anglo-Eesti ühing asutatud, 1931), the opening meeting of the society was held on 1 February 1931. On behalf of the founding members, Ants Oras submitted the statutes of the society to the university administration for registration on 6 March 1931. The University Council confirmed the statutes on 24 March 1931 (EAA 2100.19.8).

§1 of the statutes formulates the aim of the society: “The aim of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society is to assemble primarily academic Estonians interested in Anglo-Saxon culture, dealing with this cultural space in a scholarly manner and introducing its achievements to the academic circles as well as the public at large, and trying to arrange contacts with Britain and America for acquiring of information and entering into friendship ties” (EAA 2100.19.8).

The statutes were signed by Ants Oras, E. Lepik and Arnold E. Muhel as founding members (EAA 2100.19.8).

Ants Oras On 19 October 1931, the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society submitted to the university administration the list of its members, according to which its President was Dr Ants Oras and VicePresident Johan[nes] Silvet MA. Ants Oras was president of the society until 1934; thereafter, until the liquidation of the society in 1940, its president was the English lecturer Henry Harris (EAA 2100.19.8).

The membership of the society included many well-known people, for example, artists Voldemar Eller and Jaan Jensen, philosopher and later rector Alfred Koort, medical scientist and rector from 1920–1928 Heinrich Koppel, literary scholar Daniel Palgi, professor of biology Johannes Piiper, astronomer David Rootsmann (later Taavet Rootsmäe), prosecutor Richard Rägo, professor of history Peeter Treiberg (later Tarvel), politician and jurist Jaan Tõnisson, politician Ilmar Tõnisson, jurist and politician Jüri Uluots, professor of medicine Albert Valdes, student Paul Saagpakk, who later became known as the compiler of the big Estonian-English dictionary. In total, the list included 87 names. The list of the next year, 1932, included 100 names already, among them folklorist and diplomat Oskar Kallas. By

the second semester of 1932, the membership had dropped to only 54; later it grew again, in the second semester of 1936 there were 92 and in the second semester of 1938 even 173 members (EAA 2100.19.8).

The society arranged both educational and entertaining events. Frequent news items in the newspaper Postimees attest to the diverse and energetic activities of the society.

For example, Postimees writes that the Academic AngloEstonian Society arranged a memorial evening to George Washington (1732–1799) in the assembly hall of the university on 23 November 1932 (Mälestati Ameerika vabadusvõitlejat 1932). Henry Harris

In addition, on 27 April 1933, Ants Oras asked the university administration for permission to plant an oak in memory of George Washington in the park on Toome Hill. The oak would have been planted by H. E. Carlson, chargé d’affaires of the US embassy. The decision by the university administration from the following day was “to allow, detailed arrangement to be entrusted to the Toome committee” (EAA 2100.19.8). The preserved documents do not confirm that the oak was really planted.

The society arranged English courses for both adults and children. Postimees repeatedly published announcements about them. Along with Henry Harris, Johann Estam has also been mentioned as a teacher of the courses. Postimees writes about the course that began on 24 January 1938: “Teaching will follow the principles of practical language acquisition so that the participant in the course would achieve a sufficient command of the language for needs of everyday life.” (Akad. Anglo-Eesti Ühingu… 1938).

The society also mediated the stipends of the British Council. For example, Postimees wrote on 29 June 1936 that Mr Saagpakk and Mr Variste were staying at the University of Southampton as stipend holders (Paul Saagpakk later became known as a lexicographer, Jüri Variste, however, as a choir conductor) (Akadeemilise Anglo-Eesti… 1936). On 6 January 1940, Postimees announced that teachers of English would receive four stipends, 200 pounds each. The stipends were meant for studies at English universities or colleges (Neli stipendiumit… 1940).

The society organised various lectures and presentations. For example, on 7 November 1934, president of the society, Lecturer Henry Harris showed slides of various English artists’ works. As Postimees writes, the pictures were accompanied by Lecturer Harris’ “humorous explanations which were followed with great excitement” (Huviküllane õhtu… 1934). On 6 October 1937, Johannes Silvet made a presentation on the theme “How is a dictionary written?” The speaker gave a detailed overview of the compilation of his English-Estonian dictionary and the related questions (Mag. J. Silvet… 1937).

The society considered development of economic ties and dissemination of knowledge about economy one of its tasks. On 30 October 1935, Postimees writes about the plan to establish a section of economic policy at the society (Anglo-Eesti Ühing arendab… 1935).

On 19 March 1937, Postimees gives an overview of the meeting of the economic section of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society where Professor of Economic Geography Edgar Kant (Rector from 1941–1944) made a presentation on the theme “Economic relations between Estonia, Baltoscandia and Great Britain” (Baltoskandia riikide… 1937).

On 15 April 1937, Postimees writes that Associate Professor of History Hendrik Sepp dealt in his presentation with English-Estonian trade relations in the past, particularly in the 19th century and the early 20th century. He stated that, in the past already, Britain bought more from Estonia than it sold, while the enlivening of trade helped to create independent peasantry in Estonia (Sepp 1937).

On 7 October 1937, Associate Professor Eduard Poom (Dean of the Faculty of Economics from 1938) made a presentation on the theme “The Importance of the English Language for a Study of Economics”. He underscored that Estonia had excellent trade relations with Britain and British economic literature was more highly appreciated than German. Therefore, English was included in the new curriculum of economics as the first foreign language (Inglise keele tähtsusest… 1937).

On 10 November 1938, Arvo Horm spoke in the economy section about Estonian foreign orientation in economics and emphasised that we should learn more about British economics (Horm 1938).

On 12 July 1939, Postimees published the article “New professorship for the University of Tartu” where it describes the initiative of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society to create a professorship of British economic history at the Faculty of Economics of the University of Tartu and says that the Faculty of Economics had expressed its support to the proposal (Uus professuur… 1939). Actually, the Faculty of Economics had already employed Arnold Cantwell Smith who was to teach selected issues of British economy in the 2nd semester of 1939 as a recommended course (EAA 2100.2.1108). In February 1940, Postimees paid particular attention to Richard Williams-Thompson’s presentations on the British social system. On 17 February 1940, it summarises his lecture, highlighting the most important points in the headline of the article “4 million dwellings in 20 years. What Britain is doing on social issues. Health and unemployment insurance and old-age pension for everyone” (WilliamsThompson 1940).

The society developed close cooperation with the British embassy. Relations with the embassy and material help received from there were one of the reasons why Henry Harris was accused of spying for Britain in 1940.

On 1 November 1934, Postimees published the article “British government’s gift to the AngloEstonian Society. British diplomatic representative spoke about Shakespeare” where it is reported that the British representative in Estonia Mr Hill spoke in the Student Union about Shakespeare as the English national poet. Mr Hill’s clear and impressive manner of presentation was an example of the intensity of literary avocations which could often be met among British statesmen and diplomats. Mr Hill surprised the listeners with the news that he had brought along a hundred-volume library of British classics which the British government had decided to donate to the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society (Briti valitususe kink… 1934).

Later, Wilfred Hansford Gallienne (1897–1956), chargé d’affaires of the embassy, is often mentioned in the news.

Postimees describes Gallienne’s visit to Tartu in November 1935. On 27 November, he made a presentation to the members of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society “Charms of the consul’s profession” and took part in the party which Postimees describes on 29 November in the article “Anglo-Estonian Society’s lively party”. Gallienne said about the students, “I gladly noticed that students speak English here, and considering the scanty opportunities for practising the language, I think that they are even stronger in it in writing than orally.” (Anglo-Eesti Ühingu… 1935).

The British embassy also supported the society with books. In 1936, the embassy donated 68 volumes of recent literature worth of 280 kroons, and the next year, the embassy budget included 680 kroons for buying books for the society (Briti toetus… 1936). The society also received support for furnishing its rooms; Postimees writes on 2 October 1936: “As noted earlier, Britain has expressed

great interest in the activities of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society and also given actual help in furnishing the rooms of the society. The embassy has promised to send the society three large carpets and curtains” (Korterisisustust Inglismaalt 1936).

In April 1937, the famous British admiral Sir Herbert Richmond visited Tartu and, as a guest of the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society, gave two lectures in the assembly hall of the university (Kuulus Inglise admiral... 1937).

On 12 May 1937, the society arranged a tea party on the occasion of King George VI’s coronation. H. Harris spoke about the significance of coronation and played coronation music from gramophone records (Koosviibimine Inglise kuninga... 1937).

For the first time in Estonia, an exhibition of English books was opened in Tallinn on 7 April 1938. The exhibition was organised by the Akadeemiline Kooperatiiv bookshop in cooperation with the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society (Tartu) and the English-Estonian Cultural Society (Tallinn), the University of Tartu and Tallinn University of Technology (Eestis korraldatakse... 1938).

W. H. Gallienne visited Tartu again during students’ May festivities in 1938. Postimees writes on 2 May 1938 about his great interest in student life. He considered watching of and participating in students’ May festivities the most colourful and interesting part of his visit (Briti diplomaatliku esindaja... 1938).

Among entertaining events, Postimees mentions the parties arranged by the society. In the article “Romeo and Juliet and Old Black Joe” Postimees gives a detailed description of the party in the Bürgermusse club on 19 November 1934. The programme included songs performed by soloists and even the society’s mixed choir conducted by Richard Ritsing, instrumental pieces on the piano and the accordion, poetry recitals and dances (“Romeo ja Julia”... 1934).

Postimees also mentions the party at Bürgermusse on 7 April 1935 where the play Mrs. Briddlecombe and the Furriners directed by Eduard Türk, an actor of the Vanemuine theatre, choir and solo songs, dialogues, etc. were performed. The choir was conducted by composer R. Ritsing; the revenue of the party was used for replenishing the society’s library (Ak. Anglo-Eesti Ühingu... 1935).

On 13 November 1936, there was a concert and ball in the Vanemuine; the concert part consisted of English music (Inglise muusika õhtu 1936); in 1938, the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society arranged a concert ball in the Sinimandria restaurant (Akadeemilise Anglo-Eesti... 1938).

On 3 November 1937, the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society arranged a concert in the assembly hall of the university; its programme consisted mainly of the works by Estonian and English composers. The revenue of the concert was used for replenishing the society’s library (Oja 1937).

The society mediated the visits to Tartu by writers Robert Byron and Rebecca West, Professor of Economic History J. R. Clapham, art historian and architect Brian Cook, singer Mary Hamlin, pianist John Hunt, violinist Thelma Reiss, and leader of the Mount Everest expedition Hugh Ruttledge.

The National Archives of Estonia store many texts of songs sung in the society (EAA 1857.1.14, EAA 1857.1.15), mostly in typescript, some also rewritten by hand. These include such wellknown songs as “Auld Lang Syne”, “For He’s

An envelope of song lyrics

a Jolly Good Fellow”, “What shall we do with the Drunken Sailor”. Some envelopes where the song lyrics were kept bear the stamp “Stolen from the Academic AngloEstonian Society”, obviously for preventing taking the songsheets along from the society. As an exception, there is the song “Jõevana” with Estonian lyrics; its original is “Ol’ Man River” from Jerome Kern’s musical Showboat. There is also a song in English, “My Estonia” (“When hope her cheering smile supplies, / And winter flies far, far away, / Beneath Estonian beauteous skies, / When spring becomes more sweet and gay…”). Unfortunately, the authors of neither the melody nor the lyrics are mentioned. Perhaps it was sung to the tune of some Estonian song, although the lyrics do not seem to be a translation of a wellknown Estonian song.

The National Archives of Estonia also keep three guestbooks of the society (EAA 1857.1.18) in a narrow oblong format; the first of them was started on 23 October Envelope with the stamp "stolen" 1931. The last entry was made on 14 August 1940 by R. Eres, O. Vares [? signature not clearly legible] and William Rosenberg.

During its existence, the society rented rooms at several places in the midtown of Tartu (Gustav Adolfi 14–1, Gildi 1, G. Adolfi 14–3, Magasini 12–3). A detailed description of opening of the new premises of the society is given in Postimees of 6 March 1936: “Academic Anglo-Estonian Society in new rooms. Yesterday, the rooms at Gustav Adolfi 14 were festively turned over to the Anglo-Estonian Society. The meeting was opened by Vice Rector H. Kruus who gave an overview of foreign cultures and their influence on the development of our education, emphasising the British Empire’s friendly attitude to Estonia. After Vice Rector’s greetings, H. C. C. Harris, President of the society, thanked the speaker for congratulations and Mr A. Oras provided an overview of the history of the society...” (Akadeemiline AngloEesti… 1936). On 27 June 1938, Postimees writes that during the month of June the French Institute and the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society moved to Gildi 1 “and received a much more beautiful and spacious location near the university” (Prantsuse Instituut… 1938).

In management questions, the society also approached the university administration. On 8 March

A song with Estonian lyrics

1940, the society asked to be given the house at Vallikraavi 9 which used to belong to the former German student fraternity. The reason was that the society was accommodated in a rented apartment paying 75 kroons of rent per month. The letter emphasises that the society has attempted to promote students’ English skills in all ways and replenished the society’s library to the possible extent. Because of the shortage of lecture rooms in the main building of the university, Professor Ants Oras and Lecturer Henry Harris have held some of their lectures and seminars in the rooms of the society. The letter bears the resolution “To be discussed when the buildings mentioned in the letter are acquired by the university” (EAA 2100.19.9). The documents do not reveal that anything was done about the transfer of the house before the communist coup in June 1940.

Guestbooks of the society

The society was liquidated in August 1940 like the other academic organisations of the first independence period of the Republic of Estonia. There is an undated letter by Henry Harris where he informs the committee of the society that he cannot continue as its president and thanks everyone for their loyal cooperation. Ants Oras writes on 5 August 1940 that “because of various obstacles it is impossible” for him to remain a committee member of the Anglo-Estonian Society and its vice-president. On 8 August, treasurer and secretary of the society Venda Mandel wrote to the university administration that three members of the board, including president and vice-president had written letters of resignation. The letters of both Oras and Mandel carry the stamp of the university administration and decision of 9 August 1940: “Considering that the organs of the Academic AngloEstonian Society are legally incapable, the Society is designated to liquidation and its liquidation is entrusted to the student organisations liquidation committee” (EAA 2100.19.8).

Anne Lange writes in her monograph Ants Oras (2004: 285): “Estonian anglophiles were in the orbit of interests for the security services of both Soviet and German authorities, and understanding that, the Society has been wise enough to destroy its papers.” Nonetheless, some archival materials and numerous newspaper articles have preserved that enable us to get an overview of the diverse and energetic activities of the society.

Henry Harris died soon of pneumonia without being able to return to his homeland. To slander him, the NKVD (People’s Commissariat of Interior Affairs) spread rumours that he had committed suicide. Ants Oras was interrogated by the NKVD who called the Academic Anglo-Estonian Society “a stinking cave of English espionage” (Oras 2002: 74–75).

REFERENCES

Ak. Anglo-Eesti Ühingu piduõhtult. 1935. Postimees, 97, 8 April. Akad. Anglo-Eesti Ühingu inglise keele kursused. 1938. Postimees, 18, 19 January. Akadeemiline Anglo-Eesti Ühing uutes ruumides. 1936. Postimees, 63, 6 March. Akadeemilise Anglo-Eesti Ühingu kontsertball “Sinimandrias”. 1938. Postimees, 313, 18 November. Akadeemilise Anglo-Eesti Ühingu stipendiaadid Inglismaale. 1936. Postimees, 171, 29 June.