Book balancing-- A group of 6 women walk up a flight of stairs while balancing books on their heads., circa 1940s

This collection contains both ephemera and photographs relating to the Bard-Avon School between 1939 and 1964. The material in this collection is divided into two clamshells, the first one containing ephemera, the second containing photographs.

Box 1 is organized into 10 folders that contain empty diploma holders, diplomas, various promotional materials and pamphlets, programs, and a commencement program from the Stratford Secretarial School. Specifically, there are commencement exercise programs from 1939-1964 and drama production programs from the Vagabond Theater at Bard-Avon including the years 1942-1963. All dated documents have been placed in chronological order.

Box 2 is organized into 12 different folders that begin with group shots of graduating classes, school life, promotional photos, graduates and incoming students, theater, and fencing activities. Dated graduation photos (in Folder 1) range from 1940 to 1962, with sporadic coverage of the 1940s and 1950s; these have been placed in semi-chronological order. Undated graduation photos (in Folder 2) range from the early 1940s to the 1960s, and are organized according to collection number. Within the broader “School Life” category, there are photos related to social life at the school, handwriting courses, typing courses, broadcasting exercises, and book balancing.

The collection also includes three magnetic audio tape reels, probably test recordings made by students. These have been removed from the collection and placed into the A/V collection: Christmas Program 12/18/1958, Bard-Avon School; Christmas Program 1960; Christmas Program 12/20/1956.