Historical Resources
The Differ Fund
The Differ Fund was established by the Class of 1963 to support actions that celebrate, preserve, and expand Avon Old Farm's proud heritage, unique architecture, campus design, and educational philosophy. The Differ Fund sponsors the conversion of several important Avon Old Farms print publications to a digital format.
Avon Old Farms School, Class of 1963
Avon Old Farms School
Commissioned by Avon Old Farms School, Photography by W. Mercer (2001), Published by: Royalston Press, Arlington, MA
The Avon Old Farms School coffee table book is 130 pages of large color photographs, original illustrations, and descriptive text about Theodate Pope Riddle’s “indestructible school for boys”. Avon Old Farms School is a timeless introduction to Avon Old Farms and celebrates a magical place that turns young boys into proud, well-grounded smart educated men.
Aspiration and Perseverance: The History of Avon Old Farms School
G.C. Ramsey (1984), Printed for Avon Old Farm's 50th Anniversary
Aspiration and Perseverance recounts: Theodate Pope Riddle’s idea for Avon Old Farms School from 1913; the death of her father during her formative years; and the 1915 letter she wrote after surviving the sinking of the Lusitania. Aspiration and Perseverance is 260 pages of historical photos and documents including Avon’s “Deed of Trust” and the unusual construction materials and methods used to build the school.
Download Aspiration and Perseverance: The History of Avon Old Farms School
George M. Trautman: Commemorating Three Decades of Service
George M. Trautman of Avon Old Farms School (1984) recounts Headmaster Trautman’s efforts to transform the school into a financially strong school with a vibrant and culturally diverse student body.Download George M. Trautman: Commemorating Three Decades of Service
Recollections of Avon Old Farms School
C. Derrick (1992), Unpublished Essay
Clarence Derrick was a teacher at Avon for six years and recounts his memories of the school in the 42 page unpublished essay, Recollections of Avon Old Farms School, 1935-1941.
Theodate Pope Riddle and the Avon Old Farms School For Boys: The Gendering of Architecture
N. Niggli (1995), Yale University Department of Architecture
This 108 page superbly researched essay about Theodate Pope Riddle, her determination, and her architecture depicts the struggles she had as an architect in a male-centric world. Beautiful photographs and illustrations with a huge selected bibliography.
Download Theodate Pope Riddle and the Avon Old Farms School for Boys: The Gendering of Architecture
Theodate Pope Riddle – And the Founding of Avon Old Farms
B. Emeny (1977)
This 99 page beautifully researched book published for Avon’s 50th Anniversary Jubilee recounts Theodate Pope Riddle's life, her character, and above all her steely determination to build Avon Old Farms her way and how she spent her $7-10 million (in 1927 dollars) to do so. Through photographs and text, this book details how the buildings were constructed and how Riddle overcame many obstacles to become an architect when the profession was all but closed to women.
Download Theodate Pope Riddle – And the Founding of Avon Old Farms
Avon Old Farms
W. Kegley (1974), Published by Avon Old Farms
Bill Kegley was employed at Avon Old Farms for over 50 years starting in 1924. Not wanting to let his deep knowledge of Avon go untapped, during the early 1970s Seth Mendell (former student, teacher, Director of Alumni affairs) published a series of “Kegley Notes” in the Avonian. Those articles are compiled in this short narration of Kegley’s 50 years at Avon.
Aspirando et Perseverando: The Evolution of the Avon Old Farms School as Influenced by Its Founder
H. E. Flanagan Ph.D. (1978), Dissertation for the University Of Michigan
An analysis of the educational philosophies and policies of Theodate Pope Riddle. This publication includes several original documents including the original prospectus for Avon Old Farms School.