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Bard Avon School photograph and ephemera collection

 Collection
Identifier: PP 0314

Abstract

This collection contains ephemera and photographs related to the Bard-Avon School from 1939-1964.

Dates

  • 1939-1964

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

This collection was donated by Paul W. T. Pippin, the brother of Robert Comegys Pippin, the Bard-Avon School’s last known president from 1945-1964.

The Bard-Avon Secretarial School was an all women’s trade school founded in 1892 by Miss Laura May Haughwout. The School was located at 805 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD. The school offered two main programs for women to pursue: Secretarial work and Radio art & Broadcast; there were also at least two recreational programs: fencing and theater.

It appears as though the Bard-Avon School dissolved in 1964, and was succeeded by the Stratford Secretarial School, founded and owned by Robert Pippin in 1964. The Stratford School was also located in the same building, 805 North Charles Street until it moved to its final location 311 East Pennsylvania Avenue, Towson, Maryland in mid 1970. Robert Pippin retired from this work in 1970, though the school continued operation at least into 1981. Robert Pippin died in 1987.

Extent

0.83 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Paul W. T. Pippin, May 12, 1987.

Scope and Contents

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.

Title
Guide to the Bard Avon School photograph and ephemera collection
Status
Under Revision
Author
Maggie McCready
Date
2016-07
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Revision Statements

  • 2020-03-11: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750