The Gunnery: Reunion Decade Challenge

2015 Senior Rock Today is Fundraising Friday on The Gunnery Reunion Challenge Page. Thank you to the class of 2015 for allowing us to honor you on here during your 5th Reunion Year. I look forward to officially meeting you at your Alumni Weekend Reunion. So far this year, your class has raised $380 from 7 classmates (9%). The 5th Reunion Class Goal is to raise over $1,000 from 30% of the class. Given how close your class is, I imagine you can eclipse those goals easily. Every dollar you donate helps the next Gunnery class enjoy the same opportunities you had. I hope you will consider a gift in honor of your 5th Reunion!!! Best wishes.

I hope you are all safe and healthy and wish you the best of luck during this pandemic.

2015 Throwbacks For Throwback Thursday we visit Throwbacks from 2015. Enjoy! If you’re interested to see what was newsworthy in 2015, click here.

2015 Dorm Photos For Website Wednesday we look at dorm photos from the 2015 Yearbook. The above photo is in Gunn Dorm and the below photo is from Van Sindren. Dorm life is a lot of fun at The Gunnery. The students within each of these walls build friendships and bonds that last a lifetime. Click here to learn more about dorm life today. Or feel free to take a virtual tour of the school from some student tour guides. You can compare and contrast what the school looked like when you were there!

2015 Dorm Challenges On Tradition Tuesday we visit some Dorm Challenge photos from 2015. This tradition is a lot of fun. It fosters teamwork, camaraderie, and creativity. The photos show some of the events in 2015 ranging from dodge ball to what looks like dancing. I wonder what dorm won in 2015…

2015 Class Photo

This week on The Reunion Challenge Page we celebrate the Class of 2015 in honor of your 5th Reunion! Please check back for daily posts and pictures. Hopefully, it brings you back to The Gunnery Campus, even if just for a few moments. It will be exciting to see you on campus during the official 5th Reunion Celebration!

1995 Senior Rock Today is Fundraising Friday. We look at a photo from the class of 1995 on Senior Rock in The Gunnery quad. This is a fantastic photo of a great class. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with several of them. It’s a great group. So far the class of 1995 has raised $220 from 10% of the class. The ultimate goal is to raise $1,500 from 27% of the class! I believe this class will attain that goal by year end. Thank you to those people that have donated to The Gunnery Fund this year. A special thank you to Jamel Long for serving as class agent this year. I hope this was a nice trip down memory lane for your class. Perhaps it provided you with some nostalgia. When alumni weekend does finally happen, you’ll be able to recount some memories a bit easier. Best wishes and stay safe.

1995 Dances For 1995 Throwback Thursday we visit dances from that time period. At these dances they were probably listening to some incredible 90s tunes like Madonna, Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Nirvana, Weezer, or Van Halen. The possibilities are endless. The music of the 90s is still very much popular today. If you’re interested to see what else was newsworthy or popular at that time, click here.

1995 Gunnery Gear Today for Website Wednesday we visit what some Gunnery Gear looked in 1995. In all of these photos you’ll see Gunnery students wearing something Gunnery. I loved what the gear looked like back then, and while it’s difficult to beat nice throw back gear, our School Store is stocked with amazing Gunnery apparel. If you don’t believe me, see it for yourself by clicking the link I provided.

1995 Orientation Today for Tradition Tuesday, we visit orientation photos from the 1995 Yearbook. Orientation is a fun time to be on campus. It always builds up excitement for the school year. It energizes the students and faculty for the year ahead. It brings everybody closer. This day really sets the tone for the type of school year it will be. It makes collaboration easier and pushes free thought. Students begin the year by feeling better about asking classmates or teachers for help or advice. I was a post grad, so orientation was very important for me. I remember everything we did like it was yesterday. Even 12 years later, I can still remember losing in the tug of war finals. I hope you remember it as vividly as I do. It’s another great Gunnery tradition in the long list of Gunnery traditions.

1995 Class Photo This week on the Reunion Challenge Page we honor the class of 1995 during their 25th Reunion Year. I look forward to celebrating your class this week! Check back each day for a different update. You will see that the school is different in a few ways, but very similar in more ways.

1950 Class & Faculty For Fundraising Friday, we thank the wonderful class of 1950 during their 70th Reunion. Thirteen percent of the class have donated $400 to the school this year. The goal is to reach $1,500. This is a special class and has done a lot for the school over the years. It really is a milestone reunion. It really shows loyalty to the school when you continue to give back 70 years later. Thank you very much for your support. This school wouldn’t be the same without this 100 year class! I look forward to seeing the final results of your giving efforts this year.

1950 Candid For Throwback Thursday we look at a great candid photo from the class of 1950 Yearbook. As was always the case in 1950 everyone is dressed very well. There was a certain class to this generation that has been lost over time. It’s always fun to look back at a time when this existed. If you’re interested to see what news and pop culture was going on in 1950, click here.

1950 Sports Today for Website Wednesday, we visit the different sports teams of 1950. As I have mentioned before athletics are a huge part of the educational experience at The Gunnery. There are many different sports teams to choose from. Click here to see the many different sports offerings at the school.

1950 Dancing For Tradition Tuesday, we visit dancing in 1950. Since the school will not get to enjoy prom this year, we can at least look at how much fun the class of 1950 had during their dances.

1950 Class & Faculty Good Afternoon! Today for Memory Monday, we visit the class of 1950 & their faculty members. This week on Boost My School we are honoring the wonderful class of 1950. I look forward to it.

1975 Commencement Today for Fundraising Friday I want to congratulate the class of 1975 for their 45th Reunion. First of all, I hope you are all safe and healthy during this pandemic! Thank you for being a part of this wonderful institution. All of the alumni are essential to the success of the current school. So far the class of 1975 has raised $600 from two people. Thank you to those that have donated! The class goal is $9,500 from 12 people. I am certain the class will challenge this goal. A special thank you to Eoin Slavin for your dedication and effort as the class agent. You have reconnected many of your classmates to this place and we are grateful for that. I’m excited to see the final results of the fundraising efforts, and witness it all come together at Alumni Weekend.

1975 Computer and Classrom Today for Throwback Thursday we look at the world in 1975. In the above top photo you see an early computer. In the bottom picture you see a Gunnery classroom. As you can see the above photo looks like an old school control center. Students now use IPhones, tablets, and Laptops for a lot of their work. Our technology has significantly advanced, but the classroom experience remains much the same. It’s about learning and always will be. In the bottom photo you see chalk boards. Most classrooms today use white boards. If you are interested to read more about the year 1975 please click here to take a trip down memory lane!

1975 People and Places For Website Wednesday we look at people in places during the 1975 school year. There are several amazing spots on The beautiful 220-acre Gunnery campus. The above photo captures many of the great sporting spots! If you’re interested to see what today’s campus looks like click here for your very own virtual tour!

1975 Outdoor Collage Today for Tradition Tuesday we visit the great outdoors in 1975. Take a look at the collage to see how people were utilizing nature as a way to unwind and educate in 1975. The Gunnery has always had a symbiotic relationship with nature. It’s essentially a part of the overall curriculum. Frederick Gunn saw nature as a way for his students to learn. That’s what it was like in 1975 and that’s what it’s like even today. Read below to learn more about the history of nature as a component of a Gunnery education.

In the early days of the school, when the weather was particularly nice, Mr. Gunn would declare a school holiday and lead his students on walks through the woods, which became their classroom. His students recounted times when the whole school camped at Steep Rock in the summer. In 1861, he led 30 boys and a dozen girls on a 40-mile walk from Washington to Welch’s Point in Milford, Connecticut, on Long Island Sound, where they camped for 10 days and performed military drills in preparation for their service in the Union Army. The students called in “gipsying.” In the 1870s, the school shifted its focus closer to home, establishing a summer camp at Point Beautiful on Lake Waramaug. The lake’s “nearer waters, good fishing, and picturesque shores made it an ideal spot for a summer’s holiday,” Mr. Gunn’s students wrote in “The Master of The Gunnery.” The whole school, along with friends and colleagues of Mr. Gunn, populated the camp, participating in activities that included hunting, fishing, boating and swimming. According to his biographers, students would wake to a morning bugle call, followed by a second call for breakfast, and a later call for “Family Meeting,” which was conducted under a large elm. The boys listened to “words of advice and caution” from Mr. Gunn, who appointed “a committee to take charge of the swimmers,” captains for each boat, and two squads, one to supply wood for the campfire, and one to fetch fresh water from a nearby spring. These summer camps were discontinued when the school year was altered to include a longer summer vacation instead of an extended winter break, but it is because of these activities that the American Camping Association credits Mr. Gunn as the founder of recreational camping in the United States.

1975 Photo Collage This week on The Gunnery Reunion Challenge Page we celebrate the Class of 1975!!! Thank you to this class for all they have done for this school over the years. Please check back in daily to see your weekly updates. I’m exciting to dig deeper into this class and get to know the dynamic of it even better.

2000 Sports Photos Today is Fundraising Friday. Thank you to the Gunnery Class of 2000 for allowing me to celebrate you on our Reunion Challenge Page this week. It has been a lot of fun looking through your yearbook. It gave me some perspective on what a day in the life of a Gunnery student was in the year 2000. I hope you had fun reminiscing with me. The ultimate goal was to bring you back to your high school days and allow you to recollect some of your best memories on campus. I hope The Gunnery still has a strong presence in your life.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far this year. A special thank you to Ali Kagan and Crystal Taylor-Julius for their dedication and effort on this years Reunion Committee! Your class has raised $850 from six donors (9%). You have $1,650 left to reach your goal. We understand the world is in a different place right now than it ever has been. Some people may be going through a difficult time. If you are, we understand and empathize with you. If you are not one of those people, I do hope you will consider a making a donation in honor of your 20th Reunion. There are still 69 people in the class that have yet to donate. That means, if the rest of the class donated to The Gunnery, you’d each only need to donate $25. That way you’d exceed your goal and reach 100% participation, an accomplishment no class has ever achieved. Much like the above sports teams, I hope you will choose to be a competitor in this challenge. I look forward to seeing how this class will finish the fiscal year, which ends June 30.

Class of 2000 Candid Photos For Throwback Thursday we visit the Millennium Year. Obviously, all of us that lived through the year 2000 remember the Millennium Scare. I can remember spending New Years night at my Grandmothers house with candles lit and no lights on watching the ball drop. I was 10 years old at the time and really had no idea what was going on. Nothing ended up happening in Y2K and predictions were completely wrong and unjustified. In hindsight, it was really just another New Year’s Celebration. It doesn’t change the fact that we all remember it. Above, you will find several candid photos from the class of 2000. I have had the privilege of speaking with several people from this class. It’s certainly a great class to reminisce with. A lot of them shared vivid stories about their time at The Gunnery and can recount specific moments in time. The Gunnery must’ve been a great place to be during that year because this class is a special one. If you’re curious as to what else was newsworthy in the year 2000, click here.

2000 Clubs & Organizations Today, for Website Wednesday, we feature some of the Clubs & Organizations back in 2000. These clubs are essential to a Gunnery style education. They always have been. The clubs have changed and evolved over time, but the importance of them remain the same. They compliment education and athletics. They challenge the students to think in a different way, and again, take on bigger responsibilities. If you’re interested in learning more about Clubs & Organizations today, please click the link.

2000 Tour Guides

Today, for Tradition Tuesday, we visit The Gunnery Tour Guides in 2000. I love this tradition! I was fortunate to be a tour guide at The Gunnery. The tours of the school are an extremely important component of the admissions process. By relying on students for these tours, you are saying to prospective families that the school trusts their process of molding kids into responsible and mature young adults. It goes along with the idea of creating a global citizen. It also gives families the most honest opinion of The Gunnery. It truly allows families to understand what their child will look like as a Gunnery student. I can’t think of a better way to introduce people to a school. I encourage you to check out many other Gunnery Traditions by clicking the link.

2000 Class Photo This week on the Reunion Challenge Page, we honor the great class of 2000. Above is a class photo on Senior Rock, I really look forward to celebrating all of the people in this picture. Thank you to The Millennium Class!

1985 Graduation Today for Fundraising Friday, we visit Graduation in 1985. Your graduation looked like a special day full of gratitude and emotion. Graduations are always bittersweet. It’s a major accomplishment, but things really are never the same. So, in a big way, I hope this week brought you all back together again. Thank you so much to the entire class of 1985 for allowing me to honor you this week on the Reunion Challenge Page. I do hope you’ve enjoyed taking a glimpse back to your time at The Gunnery. Thank you to those people who have donated to the school this year. I want to give a special thank you to the Reunion Committee comprised of TK Knowles, Bob Houser, Amy Glick, and John Papamechail for their dedication in helping make this reunion year special. Although the actual reunion will have to wait, when it does happen, it’ll be that much better. So far, your class has raised $1,420 from five classmates. The ultimate goal is $6,200 for your 35th Reunion. I’ve been lucky to witness how close this class really is, so I imagine by the end of the year, you’ll all come together around this common goal. Thank you all again!

1985 Football Candids Today, for Throwback Thursday, we visit Football at Gunnery in 1985. I felt Football was the perfect Throwback Thursday post today because the NFL draft is on tonight! I also wanted to highlight football as one of the many things that has changed (but stayed the same) since 1985. Due to a lot of information regarding head trauma, more specifically CTE, the sport of Football has undergone massive rule changes. There’s now a penalty called Defenseless Receiver, among many others. From this new information has spawned new leagues and new styles of playing the game. There’s a lot more passing today than in 1985. The amount of people playing the sport has decreased. It even forced The Gunnery to adopt 8 v 8 Football. Regardless of your feelings on all of this, Football teaches a lot of invaluable lessons that I’m sure The Gunnery players of 1985 have carried with them ever since. Football was not the only thing in 1985 that is different today. Read all about what else was going on in 1985 by clicking here.

1985 Miller Memorial Athletic Center Today for Website Wednesday, we visit the Quick Facts portion of the new website. On The Gunnery quick facts page, you will find information that may be of interest to you. It’s a great way for parents and alumni to update themselves on the school. I encourage you to check it out! Here is a fun fact for you as well. Construction for The Ogden D. Miller Memorial Athletic Center began in 1985 (pictured in their yearbook above).

1985 Senior Skip Day Today for Tradition Tuesday, we visit an old and little known (at least to the outside world) Gunnery Tradition in Senior Skip Day. For many reasons this day no longer really exists, but it was a long standing tradition for the school. They have now found new ways to accomplish the ultimately the same goal. So the point of it is no longer the same. I asked the reunion committee what that day looked like for them. From the words of a reunion committee member Bob Houser, “In the Spring of 1985, the drinking age in Vermont was still 18, so we headed there. A big bus met us early in the morning, after a number of pranks were done in the early hours of the morning. Some of the sports vans were driven onto the main green - I think TK (Knowles) was the one that acquired the keys for those. A number of books in the library were “reshelved,” and there were probably some other things that I don’t remember. The van brought us to Bromley ski mountain in southern Vermont (was it Bromley or Stratton?). The mountain had a concrete slide down it like a lame bobsled. You would ride the chairlift up with a wheeled plastic sled hanging from the chair and at the top, they would pull the sled and hand it to you as you got off the chairlift. Then a bunch of crazy high school kids would tear down the side of the mountain on a little piece of plastic and do their best attempt of ripping skin off different limbs. My only memory of the lodge was kegs, and I don’t recall if there was anyone else there except us - I think we had it to ourselves. Sometime in the afternoon we were told the bus was ready to bring us back and I do remember that took a fair bit of time to find everyone and get us loaded into the bus for the 2+ hour drive back. I seem to recall we were back in time to make it dinner.”

Every Gunnery tradition serves a purpose (even if the meaning is hidden at the time). I asked what they may have gained or learned from that day, and like all Gunnery Traditions, old and new, there was a lesson behind it. Class agent TK Knowles said, “The way it benefited our class was it was a way for us all to be together - without any other classes or school distractions and was a great bonding day - one none of us have forgotten.”

Class of 1985 on Zoom

This week on the Reunion Challenge Page, we honor the Class of 1985 during their 35th Reunion Year. The photo you see above is from Saturday Night. They decided to do a class Zoom cocktail hour during these social distancing days. They’re using it as an opportunity to catch up with each other. As you can see they are full of Gunnery Pride with great items like graduation mugs, yearbooks, hats, sweatshirts, a letterman jacket, and even a Gunn Dorm backdrop! I’m very much looking forward to celebrating them this week on the Reunion Challenge page. Thank you to the entire Class of 1985 for your loyalty to this school. A special thank you to TK Knowles, Bob Houser, Amy Glick, and John Papamechail for serving as volunteers on the 35th Reunion Committee this year. Your dedication and effort has made a huge impact! I look forward to seeing the results of it pay off.

1965 Class Photo Today for Fundraising Friday, I want to thank the Class of 1965 for their dedication and loyalty to The Gunnery. It was our pleasure to honor you this week for your 55th Reunion. So far, you have raised $2,550 from 9 people or 24% of the class. Thank you to all of the people that have donated, we can’t thank you enough. The class goal is to raise $15,000 from 17 people. If you have yet to donate, please consider doing so in honor of your 55th Reunion. A special thank you to Michael Bates and John Sturges for your volunteer work and effort on the Reunion Committee! Thank you to anyone else from the class that has use this year as a chance to reconnect with classmates. I hope you all remain in great health and spirits during this difficult time.

1965 Graduation Today for Throwback Thursday, we visit the Graduation of 1965. On the left side, you see the famous Gunn Procession, and on the right, you see the graduation conclusion. The caps and gowns were worn proudly and the church never looked so beautiful. I don’t think any Gunnery Graduate will ever forget the sound of the bagpipes leaving commencement. Click here to listen to that special sound. The Gunnery campus was a great place to be in 1965. Many of them went on to very successful careers. It really is a special group of men. Read about what else was going on in 1965 below.

What did money look like? The Yearly Inflation Rate in the US was 1.59%, the year end close of The Dow Jones Industrial average was 969, the average cost of new house was $13,600, the average income per year $6,450.00, gas per gallon was 31 cents, the average cost of a new car was $2,650, a loaf of bread 21 cents, and the average rent per month $118.

What was newsworthy? The Voting Rights Act, guaranteeing African Americans the right to vote becomes law. The Gemini Space Program continues into 1965 and lay the groundwork for an eventual manned mission to the moon. The Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak on April 13th : An estimated fifty-one tornadoes (forty-seven confirmed) hit in six Midwestern states killing anywhere from 256 to 271 people and injuring some 1,500 more. Ranger 8 crashes into the Moon after a successful mission of photographing possible landing sites for the Apollo program. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. leads civil rights march in Alabama from Selma to Montgomery. The Maple leaf becomes Canada’s new national flag symbol. Pope Paul VI becomes the first Pope to visit the United States. Hurricane Betsy makes landfall in the Bahamas, Florida and Louisiana causing $1 billion dollars worth of Damage. Malcolm X shot in New York. Cigarette advertising banned on Television in Britain. Lyndon B. Johnson announces increase the number of United States troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000. Lyndon B. Johnson announces his program to create Medicare and to expand his war on poverty. Higher Education Act of 1965 is signed into law providing low-interest loans for students in higher education. Warren Buffet Gains controlling interest in Berkshire-Hathaway 1965 ($18.00 per share) in 2008 ($150,000 per share). Troopers violently confront civil rights marchers in Alabama. Lyndon B. John was the President of the United States.

What did pop culture look like? The Mary Quant designed Mini Skirt appears in London and will be the fashion statement of the Sixties. The Beatles Release The Movie and Album Help! The Beatles Play Live Concert Shea Stadium, and The Grateful Dead with Lead guitarist Jerry Garcia play their first concert, in San Francisco. The Popular Films were Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Goldfinger, My Fair Lady, What’s New Pussycat?, and Cat Ballou. The Books Released were Dune, The Man with the Golden Gun, and Hotel. The Popular Musicians were The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Freddie and the Dreamers, The Animals, The Kinks, The Searchers, The Seekers, Moody Blues, Donovan, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield, and Tom Jones.

1965 Golf Team Today for Gunnery Wednesday, we visit the Golf Team in 1965. This seemed very fitting today as we approach spring. Golfing has always been a part of The Gunnery Community. It’s the perfect combination of sporting and outdoorsmanship, both of which are important to the school. Golf is one of those rare sports that you can continue to play for a long time. I recently had lunch with John Sturges (pictured above) and he was very excited for golf season. I hope that with spring weather brings better health, and avid golfers have the good fortune to enjoy a few rounds!

1965 Stray Shot Publication This week on The Gunnery Reunion Challenge Page we celebrate the Class of 1965 during their 55th Reunion Year. Today for Tradition Tuesday, we look back on a Gunnery Tradition that has evolved from a publication to a cannon ball. The Gunnery Class of 1965 is a special class to The Gunnery. I have had the good fortune of speaking with several of them and they are all as impressive as the next. Thank you to the Class of 1965 for all you have done for this school over the years. We’re thankful that you continue to participate in the future of this institution. A special thank you to Michael Bates for his continued work as Class Agent. Thank you also to John Sturges for helping with outreach! Read all about The Stray Shot below.

The “Stray Shot” was the name of a monthly publication that made its debut in March 1884. It was the school newspaper, literary journal, alumni bulletin, and for a time, the town’s newspaper. In 1959, the editor of the “Stray Shot,” Thomas Roderick Dew ’59, donated a 200-pound Civil War cannon ball, about the size of a beach ball. His father purchased it from an antique store and donated to the school in honor of his graduation. This “Stray Shot” has become a source of frustration and amusement for generations of Gunnery students who have taken up the annual challenge of hiding and finding the cannon ball across and around campus. The third iteration of the ball is estimated to weigh 90 pounds and is about the size of a soccer ball. Over the years, it has been rolled down the Green Hill, lost in a pond, hidden in snow banks and fireplaces, buried, and soldered to walls, amidst shenanigans, mayhem, and intrigue, according to longtime School Archivist Paula Krimsky, who was equally challenged to document the history of this beloved tradition. In the game today, the holders of the ball (traditionally seniors) carve their initials in the iron and lead teams of searchers (traditionally underclassmen) through a series of cleverly designed clues based upon the campus and school history. The team in possession of the Stray Shot at the end of the school year begins the game over again the following year.

2010 Class Photo I’d like to thank the Class of 2010 for allowing us to honor them this week on The Gunnery Reunion Challenge Page. This is an especially close class, with many of them being life long friends. I am honored to know many of them and have relationships with some of them to this day. Thank you to all of the people that have given to the annual fund so far this year. Another special thank you to Shane Gorman, Jess L’Heureux, Sean Grogan, and Helene Dacey. Without your volunteer work, none of this would be possible. Under their leadership, and as we inch toward the end of the fiscal year June 30, I envision this class far exceeding their class goals. Six people or 7% have donated for a total of $5,430. The class goal is $7,000. That means there are still 79 people that could give from this class. If all of you donated to The Gunnery, you would far surpass the goal and have a great shot at winning this challenge!

I hope you are all safe and healthy. I look forward to seeing the results of this challenge!

2010 A Look in the Past For Throwback Thursday, we look at a collage from the 2010 Yearbook. It’s a collage filled with great pictures and memories during their time at The Gunnery. It’s a nice snapshot with a lot of smiles. This class really enjoyed their time on campus and it shows throughout the yearbook. While they were on The Gunnery campus beginning their journey into adulthood, there was a lot going on throughout the world in 2010. Read all about it below.

The average cost of a new house was $232,880, the cost of a gallon of gas was $2.73, US Postage Stamps were 44 cents, a dozen eggs were $1.37, and a loaf of bread was $2.49. Barack Obama was the President of the United States. The Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver. The US continued to fight out of a recession. The Affordable Care Act passed through Congress. The US increased the amount of troops in Afghanistan. SpaceX successfully launched Dragon capsule and it returned from low-Earth orbit. The Burj Khalifa skyscraper in Dubai opened during January of 2010 and became the world’s tallest building. The 2010 FIFA World Cup takes place in South Africa, and Spain wins the World Cup. A magnitude 7 earthquake hits Haiti and devastates the country. In the world of technology, Apple releases the new Iphone 4 but problems with antenna design cause consumer problems. Apple Releases the Ipad taking the new technology of touch screen computing to new levels. Microsoft (Bing) and Yahoo (Search) combine search technology into a single unit attempting to break Google monopoly of search. Android powered phones begin to outsell Apple in the smart phone market.

2010 Fall Sports Collage Today for Website Wednesday, we visit Sports at The Gunnery and their Mission. This is especially fitting, given that Shane Gorman from the class of 2010 is working in sports on this campus! Thank you for your dedication Shane. To honor the class of 2010 the above photo is the Fall Sports collage in the 2010 Yearbook. Sports at The Gunnery have always been essential to the overall success of the school. Click on the link above to learn more about sports at The Gunnery. The goal at The Gunnery is to craft a complete person who will one day serve as an active citizen, and sports play a big role in developing that. Thank you to the class of 2010 for all of the hard work you put in during your time here. A lot of you went on to succeed in college, and some of have continued to work in sports today.

2010 Yearbook Cover The Gunnery Yearbook Cover in 2010. First and foremost, I hope you are all healthy! This week on Boost My School we honor the class of 2010 during their 10th Reunion. I was able to see first hand how close this class was during their time at The Gunnery. I follow many of them on social media and they remain close to this day. It’s a special class that I hope will continue to participate in The Gunnery for a long time to come. With the strong voices in this class, I truly believe they could make a difference to the present and future of this wonderful place. Thank you to the people that have given back this year. A special thank you to Shane Gorman, Jess L’Heureux, Helene Dacey, and Sean Grogan for their leadership on the 10th Reunion Committee. For those that have not yet given, the fiscal year end is June 30. By then, I hope you decide that The Gunnery is a worthy place to give back to. Today, for Tradition Tuesday, we celebrate the traditions of the Gunnery Crest and Pine. Read all about it below.

The first Gunnery crest was that of the Gunn clan. It featured a Scottish sword in a clenched fist and with the Latin motto, Aut Pax, Aut Bellum, Either Peace or War. Headmaster Ogden D. Miller H’69 P’50 ‘54 ‘55 formalized and re-designated the crest to include a heraldic motto, Vir Bonus Semper Discipulus Est, A Good Man is Always a Learner, which appeared on a ribbon below the shield. In the 1990s, Roger Netzer ’71 had his son restate it to include women when he made a presentation to his Legal Society. In the 2000s, under the aegis of Head of School Susan Graham, Andrew Sacks ’86 and his firm helped the school design a more modern version of the crest with the motto imprinted on the shield. The Gunn Pine (actually a Norway Spruce) appears on The Gunnery Crest designed in the 1940s as a symbol of the natural beauty of the campus and the living growth of learning. The actual tree is said to have been planted at the first reunion in 1869 by Mr. Gunn, and an examination of the tree’s rings indicated the planting occurred about that time. The tree stood behind the original Gunnery building (torn down in 1928 and replaced by Gunn Dorm) until 1993, when it fell during a blizzard. A new Norway Spruce was planted in its place, and dedicated in the spring of 1994. It still stands near Gunn Dorm and during the winter holidays, the iconic tree is decorated with white lights. During the sesquicentennial celebration in 2000-01, School Archivist Paula Krimsky, with the help of students of then-History Department Chair Julia Ailing ’81 P’19, plotted the history of The Gunnery, the history of the United States, and the history of the world on the rings of a circular slab of the tree that had been preserved. The project is now housed in the Paula and George Krimsky Archives and Special Collections.

For Fundraising Friday, I want to highlight the class of 1955 again in honor of their 65th Reunion. This is a special class! With great leadership from Dwight Miller, this class has consistently participated in the school. We are very lucky to have them. So far, this class has raised $6,655 from 25% of the class. I imagine this number will continue to climb as we inch closer to June 30.

Congratulations to the class of 2005 on your 15th Reunion. Thank you for allowing me to highlight your wonderful class on Boost My School this week! Best of luck to you during this challenge. So far, you have raised $3,045 from 10% of the class. Along with the class of 2000, you have just around $4,000 left to go in order to exceed your decade dollar goal. I have no doubt that you will be a major player by the end of the year.

2005 Fall Play

Today, for Throwback Thursday we visit the Fall Play in 2005, “Lend Me a Tenor”. I imagine it was an amazing play put on by this class. The talent level in this class is extraordinary, so I’m certain they were able to put on a play worthy of a long standing ovation. I thought this post was perfect for Throwback Thursday since you will come across some pop culture in the below piece. Other than “Lend Me a Tenor” at The Gunnery, please read below to see what else was newsworthy in 2005.

The average cost of new house was $297,000, the average median income was $46,326, and the cost of a gallon of gas was $3.18. The summer Olympics were held in Greece. Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. George W. Bush begins his second term as President of the United States. The Kyoto Protocol which is intended to cut global emissions of greenhouse gasses comes into effect, without the support of the United States and Australia. Earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale More than 500 people are killed and over 1,000 injured in southern Iran. Earthquake magnitude 7.6 strikes Kashmir leaving an estimated 70,000 dead and 70,000 more injured in Pakistan. Earthquake struck off Sumatra, magnitude of 8.7 it is the second largest earthquake since 1965. Hurricane Stan hits Mexico and Central America killing over 1,620 people. F3 tornado strikes Evansville, Indiana killing 25 people making it one of the deadliest single tornadoes on record. London Bombings Four explosions rock the transport network in London, three on the London Underground and one on a bus. Over 50 deaths were reported, and over 200 injured. Pope John Paul II dies; over 4 million people travel to the Vatican to mourn him. Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger has been elected as the new Pope, he has taken the name Pope Benedict XVI. Multnomah County Chair Linn, Oregon announced the county would begin granting licenses for same-sex marriages. The Oregon Supreme Court nullified nearly 3,000 marriage licenses issued to same-sex couples. Britain implements The Civil Partnership Act granting civil partnerships “which include same sex partnerships” with rights and responsibilities identical to civil marriage. Lance Armstrong wins a record seventh straight Tours de France before his scheduled retirement. Michael Jackson is found not guilty of Child Molestation Charges. United States Supreme Court ruled Medicinal Use Of Marijuana users can be prosecuted for violating federal drug laws. President George W. Bush acknowledged he’d personally authorized a secret eavesdropping program in the U.S. following Sept. 11.

The Disneyland Resort celebrates it 50th birthday. The video-sharing website “YouTube” was founded. Steve Fossett breaks world record by completing the first non-stop, non-refueled, solo flight around the world in the Virgin Atlantic GlobalFlyer. The Superjumbo jet aircraft Airbus A380 makes its first flight from Toulouse. Microsoft releases the Xbox 360 gaming console in North America. The Spanish flu virus is reconstructed and shown to be closely related to the Avian flu virus. Research by the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) suggests that women who take Hormone Replacement Therapy are more at risk from breast cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Popular Films were Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Star Wars Episode III Revenge of the Sith, The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Batman Begins, Crash, Brokeback Mountain, Capote, and Walk the Line. Popular Musicians were Mariah Carey, Green Day, 50 Cent, Kelly Clarkson, The Black Eyed Peas, Coldplay, Rascal Flatts, Gwen Stefani, The Killers, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Toby Keith, Eminem, Dave Matthews Band, Gretchen Wilson, Usher, Foo Fighters, Shania Twain, Weezer, Destiny’s Child, and Guns N’ Roses.

2005 Yearbook Candids Here are some candid photos from the 2005 Yearbook. It seemed fitting to show some candid photos for today. These photos show what the day in the life of a Gunnery student may have looked like in 2005. I have had the privilege to speak with several people from this class and I can say with certainty that most of them had a great experience at the school. Many of them are doing extremely well and credit The Gunnery as a place that helped them along the way. If you are interested to see what “A Day in the Life” of a 2019-2020 Gunnery student looks like please click this link. Enjoy!

2005 Crew Teams

These are photos from the Crew teams from the class of 2005. Today on Tradition Tuesday is The Founders Day Regatta. Read all about it below! The Class of 2005 is a great Gunnery Class and we’re lucky to have them. I mean, this class already holds a reunion attendance record. For their tenth reunion 16 people came back to campus to celebrate! Under the leadership of the reunion committee members Kate McMann, Mallory Farmer, Kristin Moriarty, Emily Patnaude Murphy, and Peter Macary, they’ve raised $3.045 from eight people or 10% of the class. With help from the class of 2000 they have just over $4,000 left to go to reach their decade goal. This is a special class that has gone on to be successful in every professional arena possible, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they made a run at winning this challenge. I look forward to the results.

Founders Day Regatta. In 1959, Katherine Conroy of Washington bestowed upon the school’s longtime crew coach Rod Beebe a gift of $5,000 to establish the Founder’s Day Regatta, and a large sterling silver trophy, originally called the Founder’s Cup. In the inaugural race, 60 boys from The Gunnery, Choate and Haverford raced over a three-quarter-mile course on the New Preston side of Lake Waramaug, and The Gunnery won the cup. With the advent of coeducation at The Gunnery in 1978, girls teams participated in the regatta for the first time, rowing a 1,000-meter course. That same year, the race course was moved from the New Preston side of the lake to Lake Waramaug State Park, and the regatta expanded to include teams from eight schools. By its 50th anniversary year, Founder’s Day had become the largest one-day youth fours regatta in New England, drawing more than 1,400 rowers who competed on behalf of some two dozen high school and boat club teams from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio and Rhode Island. In 2019, the school celebrated the 60th anniversary of Founder’s Day, the second longest-running high school regatta in New England after the New England championships on Lake Quinsigamond. Spectators pitch colorful school tents along the shore and cheer on their teams for a day of racing in coxed four shells.

“Six decades after it began, Founder’s Day continues to be an outstanding day of competition and sportsmanship, as well as a celebration of our student athletes and the sport of rowing.”

-LINCOLN TURNER, BOYS HEAD ROWING COACH

Gunnery Crew 1960 Thank you very much to the class of 1980 during your Boost My School Week for all of your support over the years. I’ve had a great experience working with the reunion committee from this class. They have been a pleasure to work with, and it’s why they have had success over the years. Thank you to all of the current and future donors.

For Fundraising Friday, I am posting a photo of the crew team via 1960. They are still in second place for the reunion challenge. So far, 12 people or 27%, have donated $23,030 to The Gunnery Fund. With leadership from Tom King, Jim Hughes, and John Crawford this class has had a great year thus far. With help from the class of 1965 they are only $9,470 below the decade dollar goal. By June 30, I imagine they will eclipse the goal. I look forward to the results.

1980 Politics

Politics at The Gunnery in 1980. This post seemed fitting for Throwback Thursday, given that we’re in the midst of an election year. The 1980 United States elections were held on November 4. Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan defeated incumbent Democrat President Jimmy Carter. Republicans also won control of the Senate, though Democrats retained a majority in the House of Representatives. 40 years later we will see what happens with this election. Other than the presidential election, what else was going on in 1980?

The Yearly Inflation Rate was USA 13.58%, the Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 963, the Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve was 21.50%, the average cost of new house was $68,700, the average Income per year was $19,500.00, the average monthly rent was $300.00, the cost of a gallon of gas was $1.19, the average cost new car was $7,200.00, a Gallon of Petrol was 0.79, a pound of ground beef was $1.39.00, a Pontiac Firebird was $5,992.00, a Magnavox VHS Recorder was $699.00, a VHS Home Movie Camera was $1,599.00, the Tomi Cosmic Combat Electronic Game was $28.99, a Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head were $4.77, and a mens 3 piece suit was $89.95.

In other News:

Mount St. Helens erupts, Rubik’s Cube Debuts, Start of Iran – Iraq War, CNN Launches, Post-It Notes begin, US defeats Soviet Union in ice hockey in what was labeled the “Miracle on Ice”, Former Beatle John Lennon is shot to death, Cencus reveals US Population is 226,504,825, Severe Summer Heat Wave in Southern US Causes 1,117 deaths in 20 States, Mini Gold Rush in Australia, The Killer Clown ( John Wayne Gacy Jr) sentenced to death for the murder of 33 boys and young men, Right wing terrorists explode a bomb at Bologna railway station, Italy killing over 70, 6.0 earthquake strikes southern Italy causing the death of more than 3,000 people, and The Winter Olympic Games are held in Lake Placid, New York, United States.

Popular Films were Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Superman II, Nine to Five, Raging Bull, and Coal Miner’s Daughter. Popular Musicians were ABBA, AC/DC, Adam and the Ants, Black Sabbath, Blondie with “ Call Me “, David Bowie, The Cars, Eric Clapton, Alice Cooper, Elvis Costello, KC and The Sunshine Band, Michael Jackson, Queen with “ Another One Bites the Dust “, Pink Floyd, Diana Ross “ Upside Down “, Paul McCartney, Olivia Newton-John with “ Magic “, Electric Light Orchestra, David Bowie, and The Police. The Technology at the time. The first available Domestic Camcorders available in Japan and the first available Fax Machines in Japan. 30% of US car sales were imports. In Mexico, the first ever natural birth in captivity of a Giant panda. The Voyager 1 probe sends the first high resolution images of Saturn back to scientists and confirms the existence of Janus, a moon of Saturn. The Release of the Pac-Man arcade game.

1980 Spring What I am guessing to be the spring semester in 1980. The weather looks nice. The 1980 students are outside in summer clothes hanging around The Gunnery quad. The spring semester is such a great time to be on campus at The Gunnery. There’s a lot of excitement around the nice weather, the spring sports, and the end of year festivities. Typically, Wednesday is Gunnery News day on Boost My School and I’ll tie it into a photo from whatever class we’re celebrating. Unfortunately, the only news there is right now is COVID-19 and remote learning. The students of today will not get to experience the full enjoyment of their spring terms. So, I bring you spring via 1980. I imagine all of us are feeling some effects of this virus in different ways, but I hope these images can provide you with some nostalgia of what it feels like to have total and complete freedom outdoors. As the weather gets nicer and we #flattenthecurve, we can all hopefully enjoy the spring and summer weather like these students did in 1980. I hope you are all remaining safe and healthy!

1980 Prize Night Today in the Tradition Tuesday version of Boost My School we visit Prize Night, followed by commencement. Here are a few pictures from Prize Night in 1980. This has been a long standing tradition at The Gunnery (you can read more about it below). The class of 1980 has been consistent since their graduation day. Many of them have attended reunions regularly. The class has consistently been over 20% in total donors year in and year out. This year, they’re already at 16% and have a goal to reach 35% for their 40th Reunion. Eight donors have given a total of $9,150 to The Gunnery Fund. With a few months left until June 30, I see this class eclipsing those goals and being a major competitor in this challenge. Thank you to the donors in the class of 1980. A special thank you to Poppy Baldwin, John Robards, Steve Horan, Chris Young, and Hilary Sullivan for their volunteer work on the 1980 Reunion Committee. Without their extra time and effort, a successful reunion year would not be possible.

Commencement and Prize Night at The Gunnery. In late May, on the evening before commencement exercises, the entire school gathers under the tent on Wersebe Field for the awarding of about 50 prizes celebrating character, leadership, athletic, artistic and academic excellence. While the majority of the awards on Prize Night are presented to graduating seniors, there are opportunities for underclassmen to be recognized for their contributions and achievements. The following morning, students and faculty line up outside Bourne Hall for a procession led by bagpipers and two of the newly elected prefects, who carry the American flag and the school flag. Students from the freshman, sophomore and junior classes are followed by the faculty and graduates, as the entire school makes its way across campus to the tent on Wersebe Field for the ceremony. The head prefect and head prefect-elect both deliver speeches prior to the Commencement Address. The school’s top three prizes – The Brinsmade Prize, The Head of School’s Prize, and The Gunnery Cup – are awarded, and finally, with the blessing of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, diplomas are conferred upon the graduates. Although students under Frederick Gunn participated in celebrations at the end of the school year, John Brinsmade, the second Head of School, is credited with implementing The Gunnery’s first graduation exercises. The first formal invitation in the Paula and George Krimsky Archives and Special Collections is dated 1921. The exercises were held in the gymnasium and the address was given by W.W. Ellsworth whose topic was “Choosing Life’s Work.” The awarding of diplomas was mentioned in a 1924 invitation under Hamilton Gibson, and 14 prizes were announced at the same time, including the highest scholars in each class and one available scholarship of $300. There were seven seniors in the graduating class.

1970 Hill Photo

The 1970s decade is the first and so far the only decade to hit their decade goal. There are a few decades that are getting close! Hopefully by the end of the year, we can say each decade exceeded the dollar goal. Once you hit the goal you then compete for the highest participation percentages. The 1970s decade currently stands at 17%. I look forward to seeing how this challenge will play out.

While supporting the school is extremely important, most importantly, our development office hopes you are staying safe and healthy during this difficult time.

1955 March

A page from the 1955 Yearbook. I thought this one was fitting, since it has March of 1955 events in it. The 1955 class was a very special one to The Gunnery and has continued to participate in the school on an annual basis. This class is doing well this year. So far, five people or 25% of the current class have given $6,655. A special thank you to Dwight Miller for his continued effort as class agent. Thank you to everyone who has given so far this year, we’re very fortunate to have the class of 1955. While many things have changed since 1955 (see for yourself below), this class has been a constant in The Gunnery community.

The yearly inflation rate in the USA was 0.28%, the average cost of a new house was $10.950.00, the average monthly rent was $87.00, the average yearly wages were $4.130.00, the minimum hourly rate was $1.00, the average cost of a new car was $1,900.00, the cost of a gallon of gas was 23 cents, and a black and white TV was $99.95. The USS Nautilus becomes the first operational nuclear powered submarine when it casts off on its first true voyage in January. Jonas Salk’s polio vaccine is declared safe and effective in April. The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies sign the Warsaw Pact on May 14th integrating the military, economic and cultural policy between the eight Communist nations. First Guinness Book of World Records Published. Disneyland opens in California on July 17th. The United States begins its involvement in the Vietnam conflict. Rosa Parks, an African-American bus passenger, is arrested after refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger in Montgomery, Alabama. West Germany Joins NATO. Ray Kroc starts the McDonald’s fast food restaurant chain. First riot at an Elvis Presley concert takes place in Jacksonville, FL. The popular films were Oklahoma, The Quatermass Xperiment, Rebel without a Cause, To Catch A Thief, and The seven year itch. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates were both born in 1955. The first pocket transistor radios available and the first Atomically generated power is used in the US. Dwight D. Eisenhower was the President of the United States of America.

A lot happened in the world in 1955. This class entered the real world at a very controversial time. Many of them made a choice to positively impact the world. Congratulations to the class of 1955 on your 65th Reunion!

1955 Baseball Baseball in 1955, about a hundred years after baseball began at The Gunnery. It has always America’s Pastime. It’s such a beautiful sport. While the game has evolved in many ways since 1955, much of it has stayed the same. This sport has probably held as true to its roots as any other major team sport. The analytics of the sport still look similar in a lot of ways. Breaking a record in this sport is extremely difficult. Joe Dimaggio’s hit streak record of 56 games may never be broken. Baseball at The Gunnery is a tradition as strong as any. Read about for yourself below.

Frederick Gunn was an early proponent of athletics and physical exercise as an essential component of a successful educational curriculum and character development. Every Gunnery scholar had to belong to a baseball “nine,” as the teams were called. Students played an early form of hockey, called “shinney,” and a form of football that more closely resembled rugby. Mr. Gunn particularly enjoyed baseball and Clarence Deming, Class of 1866, who went on to become a sportswriter of some note, reflected on his athletic ability in “The Master of The Gunnery,” writing: “He played thrower and catcher with equal facility, and he was famous for the unerring precision with which at long distances he hit the base-runner.” Gunn Scholar Mark Rhoads ’04 brought to light how important baseball was to The Gunnery through his research on the first photograph of a baseball game in progress, now held in the Paul and George Krimsky ’60 Archives and Special Collections. The photograph was taken on August 4, 1869, during the first Gunnery alumni reunion. The first team of nine was established even earlier, in the 1850s. They played on the village green. The Gunnery was among the first of the Yankee villages to adopt the “New York” game governed by the Knickerbocker rules due to the school’s connection with the Van Cott family. Judge William H. Van Cott was President of the National Association of Baseball Players and played professionally for the New York Mutuals from Mount Vernon. His three boys, Daniel, William Jr. and Leonard, were students at The Gunnery in the late 1850s. All three played baseball and Daniel started as a shortstop in the first alumni weekend game versus New Milford, depicted in the 1869 photograph. Also playing for Gunnery in that “grand” match in 1869: John Brinsmade, an alumnus who was at that time in college but would later marry Fred and Abigail’s daughter, and become the school’s second headmaster. Writing in the Stray Shot in June 1908, Brinsmade said: “Baseball, the national game, was played here as early as in any place, outside of a few large cities … The Gunnery was playing the national game with out-of-town clubs before Yale and Harvard had begun their matches.”

1990 Fall Sports Collage The fall sports of 1990. It’s always fun to reminisce about the good old sports days. A lot of the best relationships you build are through sports. All of the hard work that’s poured into it builds up collective character and makes you bond together around a common goal. Sports at The Gunnery today operate the same. The Gunnery teaches you to be a well rounded individual in and out of the classroom. In order for all of that to continue now and into the future, Alumni support is essential. Your money goes directly back into a campus need, perhaps even new sports uniforms. During Boost My School 1990 Week, I hope you will consider to support the school! Thank you so much for your consideration.

1990 Campus Candids

The class of 1990 around campus. You have to love the style in the early 90’s!

The President was George Bush, the Vice President was Dan Quayle, the population was 249,438,712, the life expectancy was 75.4 years, the Dow-Jones High was 3,000 and Low was 2,365, the federal spending was $1252.52 billion, the federal debt was $3206.6 billion, Inflation was 5.4%, Consumer Price Index was 130.7, and unemployment was 5.3%. The cost of a new home was $149,800.00, the median household income was $29,943.00, the cost of a first-class stamp was $0.25, the cost of a gallon of regular gas was $1.16, the cost of a dozen eggs was $1.00, and the cost of a gallon of milk was $2.78.

1990 V Hockey Team The 1990 Boys V Hockey Team. They made history by becoming the first team ever to win three New England Championships. That’s truly an amazing accomplishment. It felt like the perfect day to post this considering our 2020 Gunnery Hockey Team also won a New England Championship of their own last weekend. Please go to The Gunnery News to read about their Championship Season. This school is all about tradition and pride. The great hockey teams of the past have helped build a top tier hockey program here at The Gunnery. Congratulations to the 2020 Boys V Hockey Team!

1990 Senior Council This week is 1990 week on Boost My School! Here is a picture of the Gunnery Senior Council in 1990. Student run governments and meetings have been an integral part of this school since its early days. Giving important roles and responsibilities to the students is a very important tool in crafting a well rounded individual. This is one of the many ways this school does that. The class of 1990 is a great class for The Gunnery. Their involvement with the school over the years has been very consistent. They have great leadership among the class and continue to support the school. So far this year, 10 people or 15% from the class have donated $6,650 in gifts and pledges. Last year, during an off reunion year, 26 people from the class gave back. This is a proud class! Thank you to everyone who has given so far this year. A special thank you to Laura Martin and John Anning for serving on the reunion committee. Without your volunteer work and effort, none of this success would be possible.

School Government and School Meetings .The tradition of School Meeting, which today provides an opportunity for the entire community to gather three times per week, and student leadership opportunities, most notably the prefects and head prefect elected annually by students and faculty, evolved from the practices established by Mr. Gunn. Mr. Gunn was an early proponent of student participation in the governance of the school. In the 1850s, he held “family meetings” every Sunday evening after dinner. Students were encouraged to seek solutions to the disciplinary, logistical or academic issues of the week. Clarence Deming, who graduated in the Class of 1866 and went on to Yale and a career in journalism, wrote in “The Master of The Gunnery” that: “A school, in Mr. Gunn’s theory and largely in his practice, was a mimic republic … The scholars were to him embryo citizens, interested in the weal [well-being] of the school community, and each charged, as an individual, with the duty of conserving it.” Subsequent heads of school continued to gather the community together for chapel in the Meeting House on the Green. These gatherings were moved after 1958 to the chapel in Bourne Hall. Both students and faculty were invited to speak about issues of community concern. With the rise of a more culturally diverse student body, the term “chapel” was dropped and the bi-weekly meeting became more secular in nature. Today’s School Meetings are run by the prefects who, through their leadership, can set the tone for the entire school year. “The position of prefect,” said Prefect Ben Greenfield ’07, “is neither defined by the dictionary nor The Gunnery faculty, but solely by the students holding the title.” His classmate, Head Prefect Sean Kelly ’07, dubbed the prefects “the voice of the students.” During their yearlong tenure, they have an opportunity to listen, to implement change, to strive for unity, to create community and to give back through their service.

1960 Basketball Team The Basketball Team in 1960. As you can see basketball has changed a lot since 1960, along with everything else. There is a three point line now where most teams are shooting from. As you can see from the following numbers, a lot has changed since 1960. The Yearly Inflation Rate was USA 1.46% , Average Cost of new house was $12,700 , Average Monthly Rent was $98 , Cost of a gallon of Gas was 25 cents, Average Cost of a new car was $2,600, Loaf of Bread was 20 cents , Mens Electric Shaver was $20.30 , and Average House Price 2,530, and the Average College Tuition was around $2,000. JFK Wins Presidential Election . The United States announces that 3,500 American soldiers are going to be sent to Vietnam. To Kill a Mockingbird Published. Psycho Film Premieres. The first televise U.S. Presidential debate takes place between Kennedy and Nixon. Fidel Castro nationalises American Oil, sugar and other US interests in Cuba. In Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Clay (who later took the name Muhammad Ali) wins his first professional fight after having won the Gold Medal in Rome in the Olympic games. The Summer Olympics are held in Rome, Italy. And the Worlds First Female Prime Minister Is Elected Mrs Sirimavo Bandaranaike Ceylon / Sri Lanka. Like I said, the world has changed quite a bit.

One very important thing remained the same, the Gunnery class of 1960 was and is a special class. This class went on to do amazing things and continues to participate in The Gunnery. Thank you to the wonderful class of 1960!

Gunnery Hockey 1960 Gunnery Hockey in 1960 on the outdoor rink. This is another great Throwback Thursday photo as the Boys V Hockey Team advanced in the playoffs yesterday beating New Hampton School in the Quarter-finals. The class of 1960 went 8-4 and tied for the best league record with Trinity-Pawling. Hockey at The Gunnery is one of its best sports traditions and the win yesterday further exemplifies that. Great win!

The Gunnery News 1960 The Gunnery News in 1960. Look at this well dressed group of Gunnery students in 1960. It felt like the right post for a Throwback Thursday for the class of 1960 since there was great Gunnery News today, both the Boys V Hockey and the Girls V Basketball teams won their playoff games yesterday! Go Gunn!

V Boy's Hockey & V Girl's Basketball Good luck to Girls V. Basketball and Boys V. Hockey in their playoff games today!!! Hopefully you can make one of the games, but if not, click the Live Stream links below to see them online.

Girls V. Basketball - Live Stream

Boys V. Hockey - Live Stream Please note, we are going to try to live stream the Boys V. Hockey game from Cushing. We have no guarantee that it’ll work, but we are going to try our best.

1960 School Walk

The School Walk in 1960. This photo is of students trekking across the Shepaug River during the walk. This has been a Gunnery tradition since since 1886. Our next class on the list of honoring is the class of 1960 during their 60th Reunion Year. We are fortunate to have such a great class associated with this school. So far, the class has rasied $22,430 from 11 donors or 24% of the class. Thank you to everyone that has given. A special thank you to Tom King, Jim Hughes, and John Crawford for agreeing to serve on the reunion committee. Without their volunteer work this would not be possible!

This tradition was begun by Frederick Gunn himself, who in 1861 led students on an extended walk to Milford, where they camped for several days. It is for this reason that Mr. Gunn is credited as the founder of recreational camping in the United States. In 1886, five years after Mr. Gunn’s death, the first commemorative all-school walk was instituted by his son-in-law and the second Head of School, John Brinsmade. The occasion carries with it a sense of ceremony. Often the walks have begun with the laying of a wreath at his gravesite in St. John’s Cemetery, or a member of the faculty will read from Mr. Gunn’s writings about nature before the group sets out. The actual route and destination also have varied over the years, yet the premise has remained the same. Today the whole community – students, faculty, staff, and sometimes alumni, family and friends – gathers to participate in a six to eight-mile hike through the 998-acred Steep Rock Preserve to the summit (at an elevation of 776 feet) overlooking the Clamshell of the Shepaug River Valley, and back to campus on a date selected as close to possible to Frederick Gunn’s birthday on October 4. Often, the actual date of the walk has been kept secret for the fun of surprising students with a day off from classes. Students in Outdoor Stewardship set the course in advance and faculty monitor progress at checkpoints along the route. The festivities conclude with a picnic lunch.

1970 X-Country The 1970 Cross Country Team. The decade of the 70’s is the only decade to exceed their dollar goal! Therefore, they are in the lead for this challenge sitting at $45,800 from 11 people, or 11% of the 1970 and 1975 classes combined. However, the purpose of the cross country photo is to remind you that this challenge is a long distance race. Keep pushing through to the end, who knows, maybe your class will pull ahead!

1970 Gunn Association

The Gunn Association in 1970. This is a great photo of several 1970 class members.

For throwback Thursday, I want to bring you back to 1970. In 1970, the annual inflation rate USA was 5.84%, the year end close Dow Jones Industrial Average was 838, the average cost of a new house was $23,450, the average income was $9,400 per year, the cost of a gallon of Gas was 36 cents, and United States postage Stamps were 6 cents. Some of the top breaking news events of 1970 were that the Beatles disbanded, the Apollo 13 accident occurred, Boeing 747 made its first commercial passenger trip to London, the US Invaded Cambodia, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA ) began operation, South Australia suffered it’s worst number of fires killing at least 75 people and had injured another 800, the Worlds Population reached 3.63 billion, the US Population reached 205 million, and the US lowered the voting age to 18 from 21 when President Nixon Signed the bill into law on June 22nd. The Isle of Wight Festival took place. 600,000 people attended the largest rock festival of all time. Artists including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, Chicago, Richie Havens, John Sebastian, Joan Baez, Ten Years After, Emerson, Lake and Palmer and Jethro Tull performed. Some popular films were M*A*S*H, Patton, Woodstock, Hello, Dolly!, Catch-22, and On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, was in office.

1970 had many newsworthy events, but none more important than The Gunnery class of 1970 graduating!

TPACC

Do yourself a favor and click here to go see The Gunnery’s new website. It’s very extensive and provides you with an interactive perspective into The Gunnery as it is today. The website is a revolving door of information, so I encourage you to click around. You can see everything Gunnery ranging from historic facts to current academics and athletics. You can see the most recent Gunnery news as well. For example, starting tonight and going through Saturday night, the Drama Society will Present “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” in the Tisch Family Auditorium of the Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. The students will be performing in the new space! Very exciting time to be associated with The Gunnery. As I said, click around to stay up to date and involved with your school!

1970 Senior Rock

Senior Rock via 1970! In honor of the great class of 1970 and their 50th Reunion, this is the first Boost My School Post. The 1970’s are also currently in the lead for this challenge having raised over $45,000 so far from 10 people. This week is 1970 week on Boost My School! Thank you to all of the class members that have given to this point, we can’t thank you enough. A special thank you to the Reunion Committee comprised of Steve Garvan, Peter Clarke, Tim Tillson, Curt Smith, Cam Boyce, Bruce Sylvester, and Bruce Rittenberg who have worked all year to make this 50th Reunion special.

Though the origins of this tradition are not known, it is said that the large boulder in front of Gunn Dorm can only be touched or climbed by seniors. The plaque on the rock has an inscription dedicating the campus to the third Headmaster, William Hamilton Gibson, who built the quad with architect Richard Henry Dana and philanthropist Adrian Van Sinderen in the 1920s and 1930s. Seniors have traditionally used the rock as a place to gather, play or study and assemble there for a class photo each spring in attire representing the college or university to which they have been accepted.