7p, one sided pages, mimeograph on matte off white paper. Visitors- Mr and Mrs George Zabriskie, Mr Zabriskie is on a Guggenheim Fellowship and is a candidate for the position of creative writing at BMC Mrs A. D. Jamieson, a member of the BMC advisory council Barney and Mrs Voigt Fred Wale and his wife, Accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie R. Schauffler and their daughter, Sue. Dora Leiper Marianna Kopp. a former staff Martin Seligman.
BLACK MOUNTAIN COLELGE COMMUNITY BULLETIN
College Year 11 Bulletin 26
Monday, April 3, 1944
CALENDAR:
The Board of Fellows will meet tomorrow afternoon at 4:30 o’clock in Study 10.
The International Relations Club will meet this evening at 6:45 o’clock in the Lobby of North Lodge to continue the discussion of Eric Bentley’s paper on “The Ideal Faculty”
The Faculty and Student Officers will meet on Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 o’clock in the Kocher Room.
The students will hold their regular meeting in the Lobby of North Lodge on Wednesday evening at 7:00 o’clock.
There will be no lecture this week but Dr. Jalowetz will utilize the time for a chorus rehearsal.
The students in Dramatic Production will give a performance of Sutton Vane’s “Outward Bound” on the Dining Hall stage on Saturday evening, beginning promptly at 8:30 o’clock. The cast for the production includes: Addison Bray as Scrubby, Betty Kelley as Ann, Jack Gifford as Henry, Egbert Swackhamer as Tom Fryer, Renate Klepper as Mrs. Clivenden-Banks, Dan Dixon as Reverend William Duke, Doris Bollen as Mrs. Midget, Jerome Flax as Mr. Lingley, and Bill McLaughlin as Reverend Frank Thompson.
The set for the play was designed by Louise Minster. The bar and the table were designed by Jerome Flax. The set and the furniture have been constructed by Jerome Flax, Molly Gregory, and Jane Slater.
John Campbell is in charge of lighting the set. Carol Ostrow is acting as stage manager for the production.
There will be full rehearsals of the entire play each evening, beginning this evening. Visitors are cordially invited to attend these rehearsals. (See Bulletin Board for schedule.)
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rehearsals for Betty Kelley’s original three-act fairy play, “More Straw for the Scarecrow,” will begin today. The cast for the play includes Carol Ostrow, as the Mother; Patsy Lynch, as Kathie, the little girl; Egbert Swackhamer, as Katzi, the little boy; Lana Yarash, as Mother Mouse; Bill McLaughlin as Father Mouse; Betty Kelley as Grinner, the Scarecrow; Jack Gifford, as Kafur, the Groomp; Jerome Flax, as the Father; and Sue Brown, Liese Kulka, Mary Brett and Roxane Dinkowitz as the Villagers. The dances for the play will be created by Betty Kelley; and Faith Murray has designed the costumes and the scenery. “More Straw for the Scarecrow” will be produced at the Plaza Theatre in Asheville on April 29 for the Children’s Theatre of Asheville.
A short broadcast of scenes and music from the play will be given over Station WISE in Asheville on Thursday morning at 9:30 o’clock.
Tomorrow Bob Wunsch and four or five drama students will act as judges in the direct declamation- oration- extemporaneous speaking contest, to be held in the Lee H. Edward High School in Asheville.
The Saturday, March 25 issue of the Christian Science Monitor carried a Lake Eden farm photograph and a brief legend on the Community Work Program at Black Mountain College.
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Two
WITH FORMER STUDENTS:
New Addresses:
Private Henry B. Adams
A.S.N., 341st Infantry
A.P.O. 450
Camp Livingstone, Louisiana
Pfc. Richard D. Brown, 14101337
24th T.S.S. Barracks 720
Scott Field
Mrs. W.C. Diffenderfer (Dora Harrison)
Care Y.W.C.A.
620 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California
Gisela Kronenberg
Illinois Neuropsychiatric Institute
College of Medicine
912 South Wood Street
Chicago 12, Illinois
Lieutenant Thomas Brooks, 0-1018956
Hq. and Hq. Det. 94 Repl. Bn.
A.P.O. 545, Care Postmaster
New York, New York
Corporal George M. Alsberg
A.S.N. 3344273
906 Signal Co. A.V.N.
39 Air Depot Group
A.P.O. 942, Care Postmaster
Seattle, Washington
Mrs. Leo Greene (Hyalie Yamens)
601 Scott Avenue
Dalhart, Texas
Private I.S. Nakata, 34085802
Co. B, 100th Inf. Bn. (Sep.)
Care Postmaster, New York
Phyllis Josephs Thomas
4678 La Mirada Avenue
Los Angeles, California
From Recent Letters:
Private Henry Adams writes from Louisiana: “I will not be going to college for the duration of the war. No, not even under the Army’s Specialized Training Program. The program has been washed out, and I was among the 100,000 guys who were reclassified as infantrymen. So here I am- just a plain buck private in the infantry… Well about nine-tenths of the men in the A.S.T.P.- the men who had made the highest scores on the Army’s intelligence test- were assigned to the infantry in the rank of a private…I’m in Louisiana. This country is low and swampy and awfully hot in the summer. When it rains here, it pours…”
Lieutenant Thomas Brooks writes from England on March 21: “E.T.O. Headquarters and German firepower determine the length of my stay here, but as long as I’m at this post, I have an historic spot to explore. We cannot give definition location, but it is permissible to say that Bath is frequented by men on pass.”
Dick Brown writes from Scott Field: “I’m now taking an advanced course in radio mechanics. We radio operators are supposed to have had the basic fundamentals necessary to begin to understand this course. Most of us have had some of the necessary things, but that was at least six months ago and almost entirely forgotten by most. It’s going to take quite a bit of reviewing and brushing up to pass. This is not a complaint just an explanation…..When are graduated, we shall be sent to a communication squadron, probably as assistant mechanics to learn the practical side….Bob Marden is also here at Scott, but I’ve been unable to talk with him for more than fifteen or twenty minutes at a time. As we are on different schedules, in different schedules, in different squadrons, have different days off, and are in different courses.”
Dora Harrison Diffenderfer writes from San Francisco: “I am in San Francisco now, having come on flying trip to see Bill while his ship was in; it is a lovely city, and I have decided to stay…..Bill wa s in for a week (he had just been in the Marshalls)…..Tomorrow I’ll start the long tramp that means looking for room in this well dressed but overcrowded city….”
Hyalie Yamins Greene writes from Dalhart, Texas: “How we’d love to be at Lake Eden, with spring coming…Where we are there isn’t even a blade of grass, just dust, and no place in which to lie around and enjoy the sunshine- when the wind stops so that you
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Three
Could enjoy it. I can’t imagine why anyone lives here who isn’t ‘persuaded’ by the military authorities…. But Leo, Jerry and I manage to enjoy Texas pretty much and enjoy each other…. Leo and I are utterly engrossed in Jerrie’s ‘growing up’- she’s a marvelous little creature and so loveable it hurts…”
Elmber Hall writes from Los Angeles: “Franny and I work in a large bookshop near the edge of the U.C.L.A. campus, and we like our work very much. I am carrying a heavy schedule of classes this year, but they are all courses in which I am very much interested…..All things being equal, I shall graduate from U.C.L.A. in February. Our plans are to return to New York and settle there more or less permanently. I am interested in doing political journalism and am very anxious to return…. Claude Stoller and Fred Stone, stationed out here have spent several week ends with us. We have been very happy to see them, since they are the only friends from the mountain we have seen since Lucian Marquis entered the Army. Claude Stoller has not shipped to Camp Bowie in Texas and has been assigned to a band. Fred has almost finished his pre-flight training and expects to be moved else where soon for further instruction.”
Gisela Kronenberg writes from Chicago: “Well, it has finally happened! The powers that be….have promoted me to the status of a bona fide American citizen…”
Private Isaac Nakata writes on March 20: “Italy isn’t as sunny as I had imagined it to be, although it’s nice and warm during the day. Distant peaks and snow ranges are snow covered…. I hope spring on warm weather arrives soon, since I may have to fight shortly with this outfit. We came here via North Africa. There I saw Arabs on small burrows, riding with both feet on one side of the animal. The towns seemed semi-rural, and they smelled of animal dung. Parts of North Africa seemed like transplantations of southern France, with great tracts of vineyards, orange orchards and widely scattered villages. Some of the better Arab and French homes were pretty modernistic and comfortable architecturally, at least, so it seemed….Italy is much like Colorado with many hills, mountains and valleys….It’s like Spring here, but the coldness at night and in the early morning reminds one that winter is still here. And those distant snow-capped peaks, too! I’m anxiously awaiting to… get the first College Bulletin overseas. We’re in a rest bivouac, but we’re still going on with our training. I’m not quite free to write longer and better letters. Soon we might go to the front….”
Phyllis Josephs Thomas writes from Los Angeles, California: “Frank and I are not living in California; in fact, we’ve been here since early February. And we like it very much, too. I have an interesting job with a small outfit called the Associated Publishers”, and Frank is doing some medical-technical copywriting for a local drug firm….The only B.M.C. people we’ve found out here so far are Marion and David Way (and Tony), who gave us a warm welcome….”
Soldier Reflection on the Post-War World:
Elmer Hall writes from Los Angeles: “Something is happening, I think, to many people in this war, something which will take more than soldier bonuses and job assurance to cure. I think it’s that ‘Emotional Immaturity’ we used to talk about so much at Black Mountain College. Re-education may help some, but it must go more deeply than the acquisition of facts and skills for productive use.”
Private Bob Marden writes from Scott Field in Illinois: “You might be interested in how we feel about pos-war economic conditions. The general feeling is that things are going to be bad. Even the comparatively optimistic only look to a temporary boom, as damned-up purchasing power is needed. It was pretty convincing in its prediction that a high level of production could be expected. But it emphasized the point that only by cooperation of all the industries in a city of area can confidence be built up and maintained. Since it has been proved that we can produce, the main difficulty would seem to be to create widespread confidence, and the men in the armed forces
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Four
Should be especially considered and encouraged…”
Corporal Harold Raymond writes form the Richmond Army Air Base in Virginia: “The liberal arts college has areal role to play in a badly hurt and disillusioned post-war world. Here is where I see Black Mountain College. Yes, I know it, too, has its problems, its moments of cynicism and fear. How often I myself felt them where there! But with the perspective of two years of military life between me and this College I feel more sure than ever that, numerous as the faults may be, the fundamental purpose and ideals of the College are sound and full of hope for an even better future..”
WITH FORMER STAFF MEMBERS:
In the Mail:
Sergeant John Evarts writes from “Somewhere in England”: ”Everything is fine, and the days move almost imperceptibly into each other. It’s a strain on relationships and moral, of course, and it’s indicative of the fine quality of the bunch that the level here has been maintained so high. The problems involved are not unrelated to many of our familiar problems at College…”
John’s address is:
Sergeant John Evarts, 14165945
Det. A. 118th S.R.I. Co.
F.U.S.A.G.
A.P.O. 655, C/O P.M.
New York, New York
PUBLICATIONS:
In July 1943, a new journal called Tlalocan, devoted to the study of source materials on the native cultures of Mexico, was founded in Sacramento, California. Paul Radin became one of the editorial advisers and wrote the leading article entitled “Cuentos y Leyendas de los Zapoticos” (Tales and Legends of the Zapoticos). These tales were continued in the next two numbers (September, 1943 and January, 1944) and have been reprinted as a special booklet. In the January issue there also appeared an article by Dr. Radin entitled “The Classification of the Native Language of Mexico.”
In the February number of The American Journal of Folklore, devoted to the memory of Professor Franz Boas, Dr. Radin has an article on “The Problems of Mexican Folklore.”
He has just sent to the publishers a new final chapter for the third American edition of The Story of the American Indian, entitled “The Indian Renaissance.”
The French translation of his Primitive Religion was published in Paris in 1943, although no copy, of course, has reached him.
To appear early next year is Dr. Radin’s edition of an elaborate Winnebago ritual entitled The Road of Life and Death. It will be published in the Bollingen Series printed by the Pantheon Press of New York.
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Five
In the Mail:
Fisk University
Nashville 8, Tennessee March 30, 1944
Department of Education
Mr. W. R. Wunsch, Rector
Black Mountain College
Black Mountain, North Carolina
Dear Mr. Wunsch,
Our visit to Black Mountain College was most enjoyable. The hearty welcome which we received and the genuine hospitality shown could not have been excelled anywhere.
We were delighted to find at the College many of the advanced practices which we had anticipated; particularly, a wholesome and stimulating environment where democracy is not only talked, but actually lived and experienced by everyone. It is gratifying to note that we were able to become a part of the community with reservations. There was no patronizing; we were regarded and treated as mere human beings.
The Thursday night meeting was a real educational experience. It was my task to lead the discussion on the purpose of a liberal arts education with particular reference to the Black Mountain College program. It was the most stimulating discussion in which I have ever participated. Questions and comments came from all directions. They ranged from a consideration of the need of a more functional program of studies at Black Mountain to the advisability of admitting Negro students. On all points there were honest differences in opinion.
To summarize, our trip yielded benefits which far exceeded expectations. It has had a direct effect upon the thinking and attitudes of the students. Each one has indicated that he is now in a position to bring his college career to a close with a feeling that democracy can be made a reality. Both of them join me in thanking you and Black Mountain College for the opportunity to visit you.
Very sincerely yours, (signed) George N. Redd Professor of Education
Visitors:
Among the visitors at Lake Eden last week were: Private Otis Levy, en route to a new military assignment; Sue Blanchard, of Concord Massachusetts, who visited Ati Gropius the early part of the week; Isabel Cameron, of Concord, Massachusetts, and Miss Wagner, also of Concord, who visited Ati the latter part of the week; Corporal Hubert Allen, who came to see the College; and Lorna Pearson who has been accepted as a student for the 1944-45 session, and her father, from Nyack, New York.
Jo Starling, a student at Woman’s College in Greensboro, North Carolina, arrived yesterday for a brief visit with Mary Brett.
WORK CREW REPORTS:
(Week of March 27 through April 1)
Farm: It rained a good deal. The potatoes that remained from last year’s crop were consolidated into one bin. The potato seed was cut and made ready for planting this spring.
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Six
Eight bushels of corn were husked for feeding.
During the latter part of the week and when it had ceased raining, the crew cut and split fence posts and dug some of the post holes for a fence along the lower edge of the bottom field which will make it possible to graze the barley this spring. The curved field was spread with manure, and the rick of hay at the corner of the curved field was moved to the barn left.
The normal quota of milk and potatoes wended their weary way to the kitchen.
Reported by Molly Gregory
Maintenance: Work consisted in completing odd repairs jobs all over the campus. Additional lines were added to the clothes drying area; doors in Mrs. Lounsbury’s room, in Roadside and in the Science Laboratory were mended; a lighting fixture was installed in the Laundry Room; the College iron was repaired; the Trash Treasury was put in order; the dilapidated bridge behind Mountain Stream was torn down, the Conversation Room was given a thorough cleaning; and plumbing repairs were made where necessary. The bridge to Mountain Stream was painted, as was the railing in the Studies Building stair tower.
Reported by Ginger Osbourne
Mica: The Mica Crew completed the splitting of all the remaining material. As soon as the split mica has been trimmed and inspected, the crew will bid a tearful adieu to mica.
Reported by Carol Ostrow
Construction: Aside from doing the drama-setting construction, which nears completion, the Construction Crew aided Mundy and Walter in the application and painting of the sheetrock to the kitchen ceiling. The entire crew worked on evening scraping the peeling old paint off the ceiling.
Reported by Nell Goldsmith
Hauling: Wood and coal were hauled to several needy places. Trash was removed to the dump. The Hauling Crew brought rescue materials to the most recent sinking place of the Hough Leader.
Reported by Bill McLaughlin
Request:
Community Bulletin receivers are requested to send in as soon as possible the names and addresses of people to whom the College Office might send with profit, any or all of the following 1944 Summer Bulletins.
a). Music Institute
b). Art Institute
c). Summer School and Work Camp
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Stephen Forbes asks:
Do they still use the tiny room next to the Physics laboratory as a dark room?
They do. At present John Campbell is working there making prints from old negatives for the College Publicity Committee.
B M C COMMUNITY BULLETIN- 1943-44 BULLETIN- #26- Page Seven
2. Is the Biology Laboratory still in the room next to the furnace, or has a new building been built for it?
The Biology Laboratory equipment is still in the room next to the furnace room, but we have been unable to find a teacher of biology this year. Most of the session the laboratory has been used as the Mica Cutting and Trimming Room.
3. What sort of things are printed in the Print Shop?
We have not yet set up the printing machines at Lake Eden. This has been because we have not had the housing space for presses and other equipment. Our plans for the near future include preparation of a concrete floored room that will be the Print Shop.
4. Do you still have a Book Bindery?
We do. It is housed in one of the rooms in the Studies Building and is managed by Mrs. Jalowetz.
At present the chief work of the crew is the binding of sheet music and originally paper-bound books.
