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A century of girls' education in the history of an extraordinary school
Westover, a girls' school in Middlebury, Connecticut, was founded in 1909 by emancipated "New Women," educator Mary Hillard and architect Theodate Pope Riddle. Landscape designer Beatrix Farrand did the plantings. It has evolved from a finishing school for the Protestant elite, including F. Scott Fitzgerald's first love, to a meritocracy for pupils of many religions and races from all over the world. The fascinating account of the ups and downs of this female community is the subject of Laurie Lisle's lively and well-researched book. The author describes the innovations of the idealistic minister's daughter who founded the school in 1909, her intellectual successor who turned it into a college preparatory school in the 1930s, the quiet headmaster who managed to keep it open during the turbulent 1970s, and the prize-winning mathematics teacher, wife, and mother who leads the high school today. This beautifully illustrated book tells an important story about female education during decades of dramatic change in America.
Dedication
Preface: My Westover
Acknowledgments
Chapter One: Miss Hillard and her Era: Protestant and Progressive
Chapter Two: Creating a School: "A Real Girls' Republic"
Chapter Three: The Art of Living: A Balanced Life
Chapter Four: The Spirit of the School: Engaging Youthful Idealism
Chapter Five: Louise Bulkley Dillingham: Becoming Miss D
Chapter Six: Encouraging Independence: Democracy and Honor
Chapter Seven: The Desire for Justice: Admitting Negro Students
Chapter Eight: A Great Lady: Honors and Illness
Chapter Nine: Days of Desperation: Rebellion and Falling Enrollment
Chapter Ten: Regaining Balance: Finding the Courage to Continue
Chapter Eleven: Classroom Innovations: Learning from Girls
Chapter Twelve: Backlash: Defining the Difference
Chapter Thirteen: The Ethic of Care: Defending Girls' Schools
Notes
Index
LAURIE LISLE is a Westover alumna and the author of four books, including Portrait of an Artist: A Biography of Georgia O'Keeffe (1980) and Four Tenths of an Acre: Reflections on a Gardening Life (2005). She lives in Sharon, Connecticut.
"As a college freshman in the early '50s, I sang in Red Hall (and have a vivid memory of the elegance of the acoustics, the architecture, and the audience) and have watched Westover march, stagger, and dance its way through almost six decades. This book is a sharp depiction of the journey of a noble school with an unusual sense of its mission."
~Donald H. Werner, executive secretary, The Headmasters Association
"This book is a great read for anyone who is interested in the American history of girls education from the early 20th century to the present. For someone who graduated from Westover, this book is a must. It is the story of the school and the tale of the enormous dedication and effort of the women and men who made it happen. Tragedy, glory and a great future make this book hard to put down."
~Eunice S. Groark, former Connecticut Lieutenant Governor and Westover '56
"A wonderful historical snapshot of a school with strong roots and strong women with energy, intellect, and a deep commitment to the education of girls. Westover's leadership remains true to its values and keeps pace with change."
~Meg Moulton, Executive Director, National Coalition of Girls' Schools
The essential book chronicling Westover’s history, Westover: Giving Girls a Place of Their Own, written by Laurie Lisle ’61, is now available as an audiobook! Narrated by Laura English Boogaert ’83, the book chronicles Westover’s first 100 years and follows the school’s evolution from its founding in 1909 to the Westover of 2009.
The audiobook is available from Audible. You can listen to a sample at Audible.
“This book is a great read for anyone who is interested in the American history of girls’ education from the early 20th century to the present. For someone who graduated from Westover, this book is a must. It is the story of the school and the tale of the enormous dedication and effort of the women and men who made it happen. Tragedy, glory, and a great future make this book hard to put down.”
—the late Eunice S. Groark ’56, former Connecticut Lieutenant Governor
“Providing voice to this book, chronicling Westover’s history, was a very special project for me. I believe it is a must read for current students and alum alike! So much gratitude to Laurie Lisle for granting me this opportunity.”
—Laura English VO