by Jim Doherty '51 - student

To return to Deerfield for its first Summer Institute provided a chance to smell the good earth and see the verdant countryside on a bike accompanied by my wife, Mary Lou, and four others. On another afternoon we witnessed artisans - a glass blower and silver smith - at work in their craft in nearby villages. Towards the end of the institute the 41 pioneers applauded the culinary staff for the chocolate mousse served in the library. Another cheer went up when Eric Widmer announced that the Summer Institute would return.

Over the years my wife and I had read several elderhostel brochures with the aim to visit new communities and get a mental stimulus on subjects about which we were curious. But we hesitated. Now I see why. Far better to attend a seminar with a mixture of alumni, parents of incoming students, faculty, a wife of a former faculty member, and widows of alumni. The participants ranged from 25 to 81 years of age, bringing different outlooks and experiences.

Mary Lou and I signed up for two courses. In "Why Not Be A Bad Person?" the class discussed the merits of the golden rule, Boy Scout oaths, and mere utility in the pursuit of happiness.

"Memory to Memoir" was our second class. But first an observation. The sight of a husband and wife team working together stirs my soul. Anne Fadiman, who never let on about her role as the editor of The American Scholar, and George Colt worked marvelously together. The husband and wife team suggested that the participants select a "port key," a magic object to transport us to another time and memory. Phil Starck '54 chose "the bank" to recall the trips he took to enjoy a smoke in deep center field. The story, read aloud, allowed those there to hear what the leaders called meandering. Starck's work also affirmed another principle. Down with the bland! Up with specifics and minutia! Anne and George embodied their belief that the editor (and spouse) should compliment the themes and challenges undertaken by the author before voicing gentle suggestions for improvement.

The closing summary of students and faculty evidenced the wit and intelligence of another extraordinary husband and wife team--the headmaster and Meera. With levity Mr. Widmer introduced the nine panelists to deliver their aims and impressions. Meera distributed the linked poem her class had written. Each member read his or her contribution and paraphrased the haiku Meera named the most famous in Japan. She then shared sayings of the East that spoke to human wisdom.

Let us look to the hills anon.

As published in the Fall 2003 issue of Deerfield Today, a newsletter for alumni of Deerfield Academy