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1902

 

Modern day founder Frank L. Boyden accepts an offer to be principal of Deerfield Academy, with an annual salary of $800. He plans to soon move on to law school, but instead stays for 66 years, becoming one of the country’s most renowned educators.

1902

1905

Helen Childs (1905-1968) accepts a position as science and mathematics instructor. In 1907, she marries Mr. Boyden. A charismatic scholar and scientist, she reaches legendary status through intelligence, wit, and “inexhaustible patience”.

 

1905

1911

Tom Ashley, local farmboy, Deerfield icon, US Marine, and friend and collaborator of Mr. Boyden, graduates. After attending Amherst College and graduating in 1916, he returns to the Academy as a teacher, coach, and advisor to Mr. Boyden. Ashley is credited with establishing the Academy’s boarding department and drafting its first school catalog. In 1918, he is killed in action at the Battle of Belleau Wood.

1911

1916

John Williams House, aka, the house that features the Academy’s famous Door, is renovated into a dorm.

1916

1918

Sunday Sings begin a long tradition of song at the Academy. 

1918

1921

The Deerfield Cup is established honoring that individial from each class that best embodies the values of Deerfield Acadamy.

1921

1922

The first Deerfield-Choate football game is played. (Go Big Green!)

1922

1930

Deerfield’s school song, The Evensong is written.

1930

1939

The first train to Choate, carrying athletes, students, and faculty

1939

1962

The Deerfield Medal is established.

1962

1968

Mr Boyden retires.

Mrs. Boyden retires.

1968

1989

Deerfield returns to coeducation

1989
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 7 Boyden Lane, PO Box 87, Deerfield, MA 01342

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY AS TO STUDENTS: Deerfield Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

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