Ohrstrom Blog » St. Paul’s School

Summertime, Summertime: ASP Summertime!

Lura Sanborn — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:24:48 +0000

Lura Sanborn – Reference Librarian, ASP 1995

Welcome to the 53rd Session of ASP!

St. Paul’s School founded the Advanced Studies Program in 1958 to provide talented New Hampshire public and parochial high school juniors with challenging educational opportunities, and use of the Ohrstrom Library is integral to this enriching experience. The staff of Ohrstrom Library welcomes ASP faculty and students and hope that you enjoy and take advantage of its collections and services this summer.

Did you know?

The ASP went co-ed in 1961 (10 years before SPS).
The ice-cream machine in the Upper is provided by the ASP.
In its early years, the ASP was primarily focused on math and science, offering such courses as: biology, calculus, chemistry and physics.
The evening door count at the library is at its highest during the ASP. During the 5 weeks of last summer’s ASP session, Ohrstrom Library had 17,407 visits.
Man and Media, a pre-cursor to today’s Mass Media course, was taught by author, and former SPS and ASP faculty member, Richard Lederer.
College Counseling services were added to the ASP in 1979.
In a green effort, the school dining hall went trayless in 2006 – beginning with that year’s ASP class.
The School Rector, William R. Matthews, Jr., SPS ‘61, is also a former ASP faculty member.
Despite the flood of May 2006, the ASP still ran, but without access to Hargate or Ohrstrom Library.
There are currently over 10,000 ASP alumni!

What else was going on in 1958? The American singing group, The Jamies, the doo-wop duo of Tom and Serena Jameson, released the single “Summertime, Summertime” for Epic Records, which reached #26 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

17407

From the Archives: SPS Under Construction

Lisa Laughy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 13:16:17 +0000

As construction continues on Dunbarton Road and the new Lindsay Center for Mathematics and Science, it brings to mind other major construction projects from the history of St. Paul’s School. Although difficult to tell from inside or outside of the New Chapel, an entire section was added to the nave forty-two years after original construction began. The images below depict the expansion at its most dramatic point:

In 1928 the New Chapel was expanded to accommodate the increasing number of students at St. Paul’s School. The Sesquicentennial Exhibit offers this description of the photos:

In 1928 the Chapel was deconsecrated and workmen began to slice through the brick walls. The School held its collective breath as the eastern end of the vast structure, seemingly too narrow to hold itself erect, was slid upon tracks to its new location. The task of reconstruction then went forward as the void between the two parts of the old building was filled with Gothic tracery.

See if you can spot this particularly brave fellow in the picture above!

Seeking Ohrstrom Library Prefects: 2010-2011

Kevin Barry — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:47:15 +0000

Applications are now available for a student leadership opportunity at Ohrstrom Library. A team of 12 students in the current 4th or 5th forms will be selected this spring to serve as Ohrstrom Library Prefects from September 2010 through May 2011. Below is a description of the program and information about the application process.

How Will a Library Prefect Serve?

Will set a positive tone and example by exhibiting respect for the Library’s physical plant, patrons and staff; facilitating a quiet and harmonious study environment for all; and being helpful to students in need of direction.
Will meet with the Library Director and staff. Will offer advice and suggestions associated with the collections and operation of the library and its services. Will serve as a liaison between the student body and the library.
Will be visible, approachable and available to students; reaching out to those who appear to need guidance or assistance with locating library resources, and referring students to library staff for help with research and resource questions. Will serve as a peer resource for students who would like to discuss the topic of academic integrity in the library.
Will promote the development of library and research skill sets by learning how to confidently navigate the Ohrstrom Library website; locate cataloged materials in the stacks; and operate library equipment such as film readers, copiers and scanners.
Will possess an understanding of Ohrstrom Library’s expectations and discourage all behaviors that undermine the success, academic potential, or well-being of students using the library for research, study, writing, or reflection. Will discourage all abuse or misuse of library property, and report questionable or potentially dangerous behaviors to the library staff.
Will behave in an objective manner should conflicts with patrons arise, always honoring personal boundaries. Will refer or report students with policy questions, concerns or special needs to the Library Director or library staff on duty.

What Kind of Time Commitment is Involved?

If you are selected as a Library Prefect, you must fully commit to covering one weekly 1.5 hour shift in Ohrstrom Library on a mutually agreed upon evening.
Library Prefects will be on duty in Ohrstrom Library, Sunday through Friday evenings 7:30pm to 9:00pm.
Library Prefects will work in teams of two, one evening each week.
Swaps will be allowed but all shifts must be covered.

What Might A Typical Evening Involve?

Working out of a space adjacent to the Library Director’s office on the second floor of Ohrstrom Library, Library Prefects will make regular “rounds” throughout the building. During this time they might assist students who are having difficulty either locating materials or navigating their way around the building; discover routine problems that can be quickly solved or referred to the Library staff; cover the Circulation Desk for very brief periods if the Library staff are called away. They may shelve current periodicals, books and newspapers; assist with shelf reading; and as liaisons between the student body and the library, bring suggestions to the Library Director and staff regarding the operation, services, and best practices of the library.

How Do I Apply for Consideration and What Happens Next?

Access a PDF version on the application by clicking HERE, OR pick one up at the Circulation Desk in Ohrstrom Library.
Turn in the completed application at the Library Circulation Desk no later than Monday May 10 at 5:00pm.
Mr. Barry will acknowledge receipt by e-mail of all applications received.
All applications will be reviewed by Library staff and current 6th Form Library Prefects.
With applicant’s permission, applicant’s adviser will be consulted.
All applicants will be notified as to whether or not they have been selected by Friday Monday May 17 at 5:00pm.
Training and duty schedules will be completed by mid-September 2010.

Please see or contact Mr. Barry if you have any questions about the position or application process.

From the Archives: Delphian Football Eleven, 1897

Lisa Laughy — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:43:22 +0000

The following photo from the St. Paul’s School Archives, located in the basement of Ohrstrom Library, was scanned recently as part of the planning process for a digitization project. From time-to-time we will be sharing some of these newly scanned images on the Ohrstrom Blog to provide a glimpse into the wealth of visual history contained within the Archives’ photo collections.

The first photo in this blog series is of the Delphian Club football team from 1897. Each of the three clubs at St. Paul’s School – the Isthmian Club, the Old Hundred Club (both founded in 1859), and the Delphian Club (founded in 1888), had three strings of eleven players on their club football teams. This photo is likely of the first string, the Eleven I. It is easy to imagine that the Delphian Club colors of maroon and black are being worn in this photo.

Although there are no names listed on the photo itself, The Record, St. Paul’s School, 1898, lists the members of “The Delphian Club Foot-Ball Elevens, Fall, 1897″ as follows:

Henry Blackstone Farrar, Captain

Line: Prescott M. Metcalf, Ethelbert I. Low, Ernest T. H. Metcalf, Douglas Kimball, Peter F. Rothermel, Robert W. Glendinning, Franklin Farrel, Jr.

Quarter-Back: Henry B. Farrar

Half-Backs: William C. Douglas, William Frew

Full-Back: Lion Gardiner

Fall of 1897 was not a good season for the Delphians – they didn’t win any of the four games played, and scored zero points. An average of the previous ten years has them in better standing, winning 18 of a possible 38 games, and putting them second to the Isthmian’s record of 30 out of 38. This detail of the photo gives a better view of the clothing worn to play football at that time – very little padding and quite a few rips and tears.

New Archives Online Exhibit: The Rectors of SPS

Lisa Laughy — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:05:39 +0000

Ohrstrom Library is pleased to announce the addition of a new archives online exhibit: The Rectors of St. Paul’s School.

Since its founding in 1856, St. Paul’s School is fortunate to have enjoyed strong leadership in its Rectors. The Rectors exhibit in the Archives section of Ohrstrom Library’s website presents the succession of these leaders through photographs and short biographies, and serves as a brief introduction to the fascinating history of leadership at St. Paul’s School.

Much of the text and perspectives shared in the brief biographies that accompany photographs of the Rectors were drawn directly from two authoritative and well-loved volumes about St. Paul’s School: A brief history of St. Paul’s School, 1856-1996 by August Heckscher (located in Ohrstrom at: 373 Sa2H) and St. Paul’s School, 1855 – 1934 by Arthur Stanwood Pier (located in Ohrstrom at: 373 Sa2). In addition to reading these two volumes, you can find even more fascinating detail on each of the Rectors by searching the Alumni Horae digital archive, accessible online by clicking HERE.

Ohrstrom Library Asks: Will You Be Mine? With (S)PS I Love You

Lisa Laughy — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:00:29 +0000

This Sunday evening, February 14th, Ohrstrom Library will host a very special event: (S)PS I Love You: A Musical Valentine from Ohrstrom Library.

Beginning at 7:30 PM (sharp!) in the Baker Reading Room, Ohrstrom Library will present the SPS community with a living, breathing, singing, acting, musical Valentine’s Day card in the form of collaborative performances by many of St. Paul’s School’s biggest talents. The evening’s program will include appearances by all of the a cappella groups, many student actors and actresses, a rock band, a jazz quartet and Madrigals. The evening will also feature many students and a few faculty members reading memorable lines, both very funny and poignant, from Hollywood films. Other contributors will read love poems, song lyrics and a few short theatrical pieces.

Please arrive early to secure your spot, since seating will be limited. Do not miss this outpouring of love to the SPS community from Ohrstrom Library.

Image courtesy of Ant Smith under this Creative Common license.

UPDATE 2/25/10: View a slideshow of the event by clicking HERE.

Ohrstrom Blog: What It Did on Its Summer Vacation

Lisa Laughy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:47:50 +0000

Lisa Laughy – Library Web Services

While SPS students were off on their own summer adventures the Ohrstrom Blog took advantage of the down-time to make some improvements. The summer months were jam-packed and fun-filled for the blog and now it has a new look and offers some great new features to enhance the users’ experience.

When school ended you may remember that the blog had the following look:

Now the design is updated to coordinate with Ohrstrom Library’s other web resources including the new online catalog:

You may already have noticed the new poll feature located in the sidebar on the left asking the question: “How many books did you read for fun during your summer vacation?” Take a moment now to submit your answer the poll and be sure to return to see how your choices compare within the larger results. New polls will be added on a regular basis so check back often.

Additionally, a visually interactive Library calendar has been added. You can access the calendar through the “Hours” link in the top menu above or through menu in the Library website. Running your mouse over the day block on the calendar will show you the hours the library is open for that day.

ASP at Fifty Two

Lura Sanborn — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 19:06:18 +0000

Lura Sanborn – Reference Librarian, ASP 1995

Welcome to the 52nd Session of ASP!

Did you know?

The ASP went co-ed in 1961 (10 years before SPS).
The ice-cream machine in the Upper is provided by the ASP.
In its early years, the ASP was primarily focused on math and science, offering such courses as: biology, calculus, chemistry and physics.
The evening door count at the library is at its highest during the ASP. During the 5 week 2008-09 summer ASP session, Ohrstrom Library had 18,118 visits.
Man and Media, a pre-cursor to today’s Mass Media course, was taught by author, and former SPS and ASP faculty member, Richard Lederer.
College Counseling services were added to the ASP in 1979.
In a green effort, the school dining hall went trayless in 2006 – beginning with that year’s ASP class.
The School Rector, William R. Matthews, Jr., SPS ‘61, is also a former ASP faculty member.
Despite the flood of May 2006, the ASP still ran, but without access to Hargate or Ohrstrom Library.
Returning ASP faculty member, Richard E. Schade, SPS ‘62, met the very first ASP class during his summer job at the SPS school bookstore.
There are currently over 10,000 ASP alumni!

What/who else was “born” in 1958? : The Grammy award, Sweet ‘n Low, Pizza Hut, Cocoa Krispies, American Express, Kevin Bacon, Madonna and Alec Baldwin.

Reflections from the Horae: Ohrstrom Library, 1991

Lisa Laughy — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:09:44 +0000

Lisa Laughy – Archives Assistant

The following is an excerpt from an article found in the Alumni Horae Digital Archive, now available online. The Spring 1991 issue of the Alumni Horae celebrated the then newly completed and dedicated Ohrstrom Library. In her article, The Libraries of St. Paul’s School, Librarian Rosemarie Cassels-Brown wrote her reflections on the place Ohrstrom Library would fill in this ongoing history:

On a cold, sunny, but as yet snowless January day, just after the School returned from Christmas vacation, a colorful line of students and faculty, clad in parkas and heavy winter coats, stretched across from Sheldon to Ohrstrom. Piles of books were handed along, to be placed on the shelves in our new library. Conversations in the line were animated; the mood was one of celebration. . . . Although in terms of the number of books moved in this fashion it was a largely symbolic gesture, to those participating in the book brigade it meant: this is our library, . . .

I sometimes wonder, as I move through this extraordinary building or take visitors around, what those who dedicated so much of their time and energy to the library in the early years of the School would think if they could see our new Ohrstrom Library —a spacious building, full of light, where students and teachers can pursue serious research as well as read for pleasure; . . . I hope our predecessors might be persuaded that in spite of much that would be new or unfamiliar to them, we are still concerned to be “an effective agency in the literary culture of the [students].”

To read the full article click HERE to access the Alumni Horae Digital Archive, then under the “Browse” tab, in the “1990 – 1999″ folder, look for the “Spring 1991″ folder for The Libraries of St. Paul’s School article in that edition of the Alumni Horae.

Article Source:

Cassels-Brown, Rosemarie. “The Libraries of St. Paul’s School.” Alumni Horae
Spring 1991: 16. Alumni Horae Digital Archive. Ohrstrom Lib., St. Paul’s
School, Concord, NH. 2 June 2009 .

Alumni Horae Digital Archive Launch

Lisa Laughy — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:51:56 +0000

Lisa Laughy – Archives Assistant

Ohrstrom Library is proud to announce a special Anniversary Weekend preview of the newly launched Alumni Horae Digital Archive.

Alumni Horae, the St. Paul’s School alumni magazine, is published four times a year by the Alumni Association in order to engage the alumni community of SPS, to connect alumni to each other, and to enrich the School community. The magazine contains alumni news, features, book reviews, Form notes, and obituaries as well as information about current School life and athletics.

The entire print run of the St. Paul’s School alumni magazine, has been scanned and is now accessible online. Every issue of the Alumni Horae from 1921 to the present has been professionally scanned using Optical Character Recognition (OCR) to create a searchable online database. The articles are also available in PDF format, which reproduces every page of the Alumni Horae as it was originally published, including all diagrams, tables, and photographs. The PDF files are available for downloading and printing.

Click HERE to access the Alumni Horae Digital Archive.

Click HERE to access the user’s guide to searching and browsing the archive.