This Date in History: May 24, 1905 First Play at BFA

[MikeF9]

This Date in History- May 24, 1905

The very first play was performed at the new Bellows Free Academy at 8pm in the school's auditorium. Students performed "The Cricket on the Hearth". Proceeds went to support the newly formed Athletic Association. Here is the program from that night.

[Dick Brown]

Mike   Great information......do your records show who directed that performance ?  Who was the first BFA headmaster ( presumed still in that capacity after two years ) ? I know that the Chapel was located on the third floor...was the auditorium in the same room ?
As Henry said, your posting onto the forum of these " this day in history " items really is important for we old readers. Thanks much !!!

[Kathleen]

Awesome piece of history.  But did anyone happen to notice that when listing the Cast of Characters, all the men are listed first and then the women are listed.  I know the importance of men over women back then in society was normal, but it still makes my blood boil to see women being treated subserviant to men.

I should probable stay far away from the middle east if I want to stay out of trouble.

[Dick Brown]

Speaking of BFA's history, this year John Barker turns 84 . From his position as the Chemistry instructor back in his first year of teaching in 1948 until his retirement as Superintendent of Schools in 1983, he greatly influenced the school's population through the years as teacher, Principal ( i.e.,Headmaster ) and from 1975, his last role as the Superintendent. During his career,he filled in as a coach at times, Driver Education instructor, class adviser and the marching instructor for Mr. Weed's band at local and state parades.
I understand that the Alumni is having a special program for this year's banquet, but it would be nice if John , who has done so much for the school and the town, could somehow be honored publically at this stage in his life, rather then putting it off until later.  Just a thought. 

[MikeF9]

I'm not sure who directed the play. My first instinct would be to say that maybe an English teacher did.
The first principal was Merritt Chittenden.
Actually, based on the fact that the doors opened in the fall of 1904, and the first person graduated in the spring of '05, this was still BFA's first year.
Glad to see everyone is enjoying these historic tidbits.