Rectory School 1950s Yearbook

The

1950s

RECTORY SCHOOL

This yearbook project is possible thanks to the generosity of Marcie Marcotte Brogan, Class of 1957 2

CONTENTS

2. Dedication 4. Head's Note 6. Rectory Academics 8. Athletics 12. Faculty 14. Life on Campus 20. Rectory News 22. Class Photos 26. Commencement

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A NOTE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

FRED WILLIAMS

Dear Rectory Alumni of the 1950s, Several years ago I returned to my middle school for the first time since graduating over four P decades ago. Those were good years for me, and I hope you would say the same for your time at Rectory. Middle school is surely not easy, but it is a significant time in our lives when we endeavor to race toward adulthood while still, despite our thoughts otherwise, very much young boys and girls at heart.

The photos in this yearbook depicting life at Rectory during the 1950s convey an enviable simplicity. Rectory’s focus, and your time, centered on structured academics, robust physical activity, and a commitment to character so important then—and today— at our school. It is our hope, with Ms. Brogan’s help, that these photos and writings allow you to travel back to your time at Rectory and relive these transformative days.

Our lives in the present are the result of our experiences in the past. Perusing these pages will hopefully evoke a pleasant nostalgia and inspire you to fondly recall favorite teachers, special classmates, and memorable events. That is just what a yearbook should do, even if delivered to you over a half-century after the fact.

Congratulations on your successes at Rectory and in life. You are a distinguished group and have traveled so far since your time in Pomfret. May this yearbook serve to remind you of such.

Pictured here: 2018 Alumni Awards

Frederick W. Williams Head of School

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RECTORY ACADEMICS 6

RECTORY ATHLETICS

Students participated in sports such as running, football, baseball and basketball

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FACULTY MAKES RECTORY SCHOOL SPECIAL

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"The well-disciplined child, like the welldisciplined adult, is a happy person, for he has learned to expect no more than he deserves, and sometimes even less than that. The important thing for the parent and for the teacher is to know how to mix in proper ration love and understanding with discipline and, in dealing with children, never to confuse sentiment with sentimentality nor to think that affection requires indulgence." ~Mr. Bigelow, 1959 13

LIFE ON CAMPUS

RECTORY SCHOOL DORMITORIES, 1958

"As I sit down to compose this letter, I am cognizant of the many accomplishments which have marked this year at Rectory.

Since so many of you have been here so recently, it is not my intention to enumerate those things of which you have become equally aware as I, and I wish only to say that I am most grateful for the support of Rectory's staff and of the great majority of Rectory's boys and their parents. The support and the cooperation of many has made possible the improvements in school plant and improvements in the scholastic standing and the fine spirit which we see and feel around us. " ~Headmaster's Letter, The Rectory News, 1958

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Student reading in dorm, 1957

New School Bus, 1956

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Mothers' group, 1957

Mr. John with students, 1951

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Fred Velde in Workshop, 1959

THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE

Students, 1954

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SPORTS WEEK

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"Thank you Rectory School for a great start!" ~Dana Smith '57

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RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES...

1950

The Shooting Range How to Catch Woodchucks Excitement in the Attic

1951 A Magician’s Show at Rectory Masqueraders on Parade Dancing Classes at Rectory

1952 Thrills, Chills, and Spills on Rectory’s Ice for 1952 The Goodness of Brotherhood Week Painting in the Darkroom

1953 Entire School See Inauguration Ceremonies on Television Sugaring in Vermont Miss Phinney’s Roman Torture Chamber

1954 A Hockey Game in Madison Square Garden Why I Dislike Television Look Ma, No Hands!

1955 Virus X at Rectory 11,009 Miles Through Africa Salk Polio Vaccine

1956 Rectory to have Bus A Trip to the Far West A Boy Who Needed Rectory School Honesty is the Best Policy

1957 Marcie Brogan receives The Goodrich-Barber Cup! Flying Saucer Sighted New Planetarium at Rectory

Rectory News, 1958 1958 New Super-Highways Make Rectory More Accessible Famous Quotes from Rectory Teachers An American in Paris

1959 New Furnishings for Classroom Wrestling at Rectory Frozen Solid

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RECTORY SCHOOL

1950

1952

1951

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CLASS PHOTOS

1952

1952

1953

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1955

1956 (Grade 8) 24

1957

1958 25

RECTORY COMMENCEMENT

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Alexander Beard & Mr. Bigelow, 1956

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"All our 1958 graduates are now placed in secondary schools and, as far as I can see, will find themselves well situated from all points of view in every case." ~John B. Bigelow

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"To work well, to play well; to think clearly, to speak truth; to win without pride, to lose without rancor; to have courage, and to be kind. This is a goal for the greatest: It is a goal that the least may reach." ~John Brittain Bigelow, '24

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Rectory School 528 Pomfret Street, Pomfret, CT 06258 (860) 963-6740 www.rectoryschool.org