Belknap College

BroadHopper · 02-24-2010, 04:55 PM

THE FOUNDING OF BELKNAP COLLEGE

Dr Royal M. Frye and Dr, Virginia Brigham, who was related to Dr. Frye, where in residence at THE COLLEGE OF ADVANCED SCIENCE in Canaan New Hampshire when I first met them. Although Dr. Frye was the head of the college the financial head of the institution was mismanaging things. Three parents that were note worthy got involved to help solve all these problems. After discussions with Dr. Frye too help unravel and institute proper practices they flew in from various states afar and met with the key person who controlled that school. The out come was very dismal.

Involved in that meeting were the parents of David, John, and me [Tom]. We were just students seeking to obtaining various degrees under the very famous and highly dedicated and qualified staff. Collectively, these instructors had obtained many outstanding degrees and personal achievements as established in books like WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA. One example was Dr. Tracy who was F.D.R.'S ghostwriter. The parents were David ????? [Please excuse that I lack access to this man's last name] [Vice President and CEO of GE], Mr. John Woodbridge [Vice President and CEO of Pan American World Airlines], and Mr. Warren Clark Devitt [CEO and President of Great Lakes Coal Company] who were our respective fathers.

After that unsuccessful meeting the parents involved conferred with the three of us students and our desires. Then they pledged support to create another institution with Dr. Frye as the unfettered head of the institution. Several of the teachers were also interested in becoming part of that fledgling institution. With in just a few weeks, after much diligent work on the part of our parents and the guidance of other friends we all became a part of the new institution, BELKNAP COLLEGE, that was soon up and running at a full head of steam. One might think that GOD almighty was in charge because what seemed to be an impossible situation became a fully developed college with staff, financial backing, and additional instructors of note in a historical amount of time. Help was also coming forth from a number of very well know famous people. Then due to Dr. Frye's status we had almost immediate arrangements to issue valid college degrees. This was because of Dr. Frye's prominence at Boston University and his influential acceptance by the University of New Hampshire.

One of the key physical requirements to achieve qualifications to give degrees was to have a proper established library. The activity to achieve that status was literally miraculously achieved by the existing student body, parents, friends, and staff. All were caught up in a specific loyalty that was of extreme dedication. This was so much so that each of the three initial noted students above awaited and became established with Belknap College degrees rather than the option of having them issued from the other two other institutions noted above.

Loyalty was so fierce that a locale Judge, Dan Fleetham, in Canaan New Hampshire, that was loosely associated with the other college we departed from was encouraged to leave his present job and businesses to join the staff. This included departing from a family home, which was also a bed and breakfast, and his profession as a judge. He became the Dean Of Men. Many others also sacrificed in many ways including physical renovation and much, much, more.

Many of us, came to realize that at this juncture in life prominent the significance of both Dr. Brigham and Dr. Frye as much more than just mentors in education. Dr. Frye was more like a grandfather to many of his initial students and many others that followed. Dr Brigham was likewise a supportive member akin to a family matron. My last meeting with Dr. Frye, while on vacation, was some years after graduating from Belknap. I parked my car in front of his home in the Center Harbor downtown area. Then as I approached the house he literally came running to me from out of the house with exuberant greetings. He was thrilled to see me, as he was with many of his graduates. He warmly expressed a welcoming far beyond what was the norm for people in their upper eighties. This immediately also brought remembrance to mind that even at 82 years he use to run up and down stairs two steps at a time out distancing those many years younger than him as he also did during this reunion. However, most importantly, he continually lived a life with a smile, regardless of the challenges that were presented to him.

Probably the most important gift to all student's is that he truly cared to listen to others and present practical optimistic solutions in a peace and joy about all of life's challenges. He saw not problems, but solutions of great optimistic possibilities, and even though he truly cared for people, and loved LIFE, his deep down prayerful concerns for others, in general, always prevailed. Whether things were of nature, the physical universe, music, as well as all of GOD'S creation, Royal acknowledged they were wrought by THE MASTER CREATOR'S TOUCH.

Redwing · 03-02-2010, 02:51 PM

A very personal and wide-ranging history on the founding of Belknap College. Many thanks for sharing with us...impressive! I do know that Belknap alums appear to be a closely-knit group and have extremely positive things to say about their years spent at Belknap, and a deep respect for their faculty & college administrators. Belknap College also has a website with lots of interesting photos and historical information.

mcdude · 03-02-2010, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redwing

Many thanks for sharing with us...impressive!

Thanks Broadhopper...great pics!

BroadHopper · 02-26-2015, 10:07 AM

A well known and respected history professor and I believe one of the trustees passed away last week. He resided on Dane Road and for a time a selectman of Center Harbor. May he rest in peace.

bruinsfan · 02-28-2015, 04:22 AM

RIP...

The college campus was where the current Immaculate Conception Apostolic School is.... correct?

I understand that the school will be closing at the end of this school year as well; I wonder what will occupy the campus next?

mcdude · 02-28-2015, 08:58 AM

http://www.icasnh.org/home.html
see color photo of this building on the website

this formerly was the old LaSalette Novitiate. Was it part of Belknap College at one time....Broadhopper?

jeffatsquam · 02-28-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcdude

http://www.icasnh.org/home.html
see color photo of this building on the website

this formerly was the old LaSalette Novitiate. Was it part of Belknap College at one time....Broadhopper?

No, never part of Belknap. we lived just up the hill in early 60's. It was part of Lasalette from some time in the 50's to mid 70's, before that I believe it belonged to the Danes'

BroadHopper · 02-28-2015, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffatsquam

No, never part of Belknap. we lived just up the hill in early 60's. It was part of Lasalette from some time in the 50's to mid 70's, before that I believe it belonged to the Danes'

JeffatSquam is correct. The history of the Dane's estate compromise most of the history of Center Harbor. If someone wants to research the Dane history and write it here, it will be interesting read.

mcdude · 02-28-2015, 11:40 AM

It's a magnificent building nonetheless. I'd love a tour of it sometime!

fatlazyless · 02-28-2015, 12:00 PM

224 Dane Rd, Center Harbor is for sale, asking about 2.5-mil .... is dis da big house of what's left of da Dane Estate .....duh....tink it maybe is dis! ....dunno? ....attn: BoSox slugger David Ortiz .....need a country house with 7-bathrooms, 28-acres, and a big view?

phoenix · 03-09-2015, 07:39 AM

Interesting memory of Belknap. In 1973 i was offered a teaching position and the asst dean of business at Belknap . I had never been to the lakes region . Thought it was nice but the salary was like 6K per year so i stayed in mass and took a job there. Of course i think i wouldn't have even got my first paycheck before they were bankrupt. The good news is we did like the area and bought a second home and the rest is history

songkrai · 04-19-2015, 05:13 PM

Some wish to rewrite history.
Some look back on time with nostalgia.
Fine.

Belknap College was a real college.
Granted.

But it was set up to profit from the Vietnam War.
There are a few still around whose names will remain anonymous.
A pair of brothers owned a local establishment. After "graduating" from Belknap College. I knew both brothers from childhood.

I recall stopping in a rented building on College Road. while one of the brothers was living there attending Belknap College. Bunch of guys and some gals. While there another Belknap College student shows up. Wearing an old trench coat. And he asked if anybody wanted anything. He was asked what does he have. He opened his trench coat and all sorts of tablets, weeds, etc. in little baggies in various quantities. All for sale. That gentleman still lives in the area and is now a "fine upstanding" citizen of the area.

Yes, we do look back on history with nostalgia. And some enhance history also.

Times were simpler then weren't they? And times were also innocent back then, right?

Be kind to history. Do not burst anyone's bubble of the good old days.

Every time I see that "historical" marker in Center Harbor, I just laugh.

Natt · 04-20-2015, 06:14 AM

Belknap College was established before the Vietnam War started. Your story line about the college profiting from the war is urban legend.

songkrai · 04-21-2015, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natt

Belknap College was established before the Vietnam War started. Your story line about the college profiting from the war is urban legend.

Nostalgia is wonderful.
Dream of the good old days if you wish. Those innocent times.

“On November 06, 1998, after an extensive review of qualifying criteria, the Department of Defense (DoD) officially lists American deaths in Vietnam from November 1, 1955 – which, in other words, could be now considered as the start date of the Vietnam War or Vietnam conflict, to be precise.”

LINK

Natt · 04-22-2015, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by songkrai

Nostalgia is wonderful.
Dream of the good old days if you wish. Those innocent times.

“On November 06, 1998, after an extensive review of qualifying criteria, the Department of Defense (DoD) officially lists American deaths in Vietnam from November 1, 1955 – which, in other words, could be now considered as the start date of the Vietnam War or Vietnam conflict, to be precise.”

LINK

True, the US had advisors in Nam from 1950. Ground troops were not committed until March 8, 1965 when the 9th Marines went ashore near DaNang. Boys who did not want to go really did not have to sweat it much until the lottery was established 5 years later.

02-24-2010, 04:55 PM	#1
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	The Founding of Belknap College THE FOUNDING OF BELKNAP COLLEGE Dr Royal M. Frye and Dr, Virginia Brigham, who was related to Dr. Frye, where in residence at THE COLLEGE OF ADVANCED SCIENCE in Canaan New Hampshire when I first met them. Although Dr. Frye was the head of the college the financial head of the institution was mismanaging things. Three parents that were note worthy got involved to help solve all these problems. After discussions with Dr. Frye too help unravel and institute proper practices they flew in from various states afar and met with the key person who controlled that school. The out come was very dismal. Involved in that meeting were the parents of David, John, and me [Tom]. We were just students seeking to obtaining various degrees under the very famous and highly dedicated and qualified staff. Collectively, these instructors had obtained many outstanding degrees and personal achievements as established in books like WHO'S WHO IN AMERICA. One example was Dr. Tracy who was F.D.R.'S ghostwriter. The parents were David ????? [Please excuse that I lack access to this man's last name] [Vice President and CEO of GE], Mr. John Woodbridge [Vice President and CEO of Pan American World Airlines], and Mr. Warren Clark Devitt [CEO and President of Great Lakes Coal Company] who were our respective fathers. After that unsuccessful meeting the parents involved conferred with the three of us students and our desires. Then they pledged support to create another institution with Dr. Frye as the unfettered head of the institution. Several of the teachers were also interested in becoming part of that fledgling institution. With in just a few weeks, after much diligent work on the part of our parents and the guidance of other friends we all became a part of the new institution, BELKNAP COLLEGE, that was soon up and running at a full head of steam. One might think that GOD almighty was in charge because what seemed to be an impossible situation became a fully developed college with staff, financial backing, and additional instructors of note in a historical amount of time. Help was also coming forth from a number of very well know famous people. Then due to Dr. Frye's status we had almost immediate arrangements to issue valid college degrees. This was because of Dr. Frye's prominence at Boston University and his influential acceptance by the University of New Hampshire. One of the key physical requirements to achieve qualifications to give degrees was to have a proper established library. The activity to achieve that status was literally miraculously achieved by the existing student body, parents, friends, and staff. All were caught up in a specific loyalty that was of extreme dedication. This was so much so that each of the three initial noted students above awaited and became established with Belknap College degrees rather than the option of having them issued from the other two other institutions noted above. Loyalty was so fierce that a locale Judge, Dan Fleetham, in Canaan New Hampshire, that was loosely associated with the other college we departed from was encouraged to leave his present job and businesses to join the staff. This included departing from a family home, which was also a bed and breakfast, and his profession as a judge. He became the Dean Of Men. Many others also sacrificed in many ways including physical renovation and much, much, more. Many of us, came to realize that at this juncture in life prominent the significance of both Dr. Brigham and Dr. Frye as much more than just mentors in education. Dr. Frye was more like a grandfather to many of his initial students and many others that followed. Dr Brigham was likewise a supportive member akin to a family matron. My last meeting with Dr. Frye, while on vacation, was some years after graduating from Belknap. I parked my car in front of his home in the Center Harbor downtown area. Then as I approached the house he literally came running to me from out of the house with exuberant greetings. He was thrilled to see me, as he was with many of his graduates. He warmly expressed a welcoming far beyond what was the norm for people in their upper eighties. This immediately also brought remembrance to mind that even at 82 years he use to run up and down stairs two steps at a time out distancing those many years younger than him as he also did during this reunion. However, most importantly, he continually lived a life with a smile, regardless of the challenges that were presented to him. Probably the most important gift to all student's is that he truly cared to listen to others and present practical optimistic solutions in a peace and joy about all of life's challenges. He saw not problems, but solutions of great optimistic possibilities, and even though he truly cared for people, and loved LIFE, his deep down prayerful concerns for others, in general, always prevailed. Whether things were of nature, the physical universe, music, as well as all of GOD'S creation, Royal acknowledged they were wrought by THE MASTER CREATOR'S TOUCH. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

03-02-2010, 02:51 PM	#2
Redwing Deceased Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: New Haven, Connecticut and summer resident of Moultonborough, NH since 1952 Posts: 216 Thanks: 324 Thanked 43 Times in 27 Posts	Great historical information A very personal and wide-ranging history on the founding of Belknap College. Many thanks for sharing with us...impressive! I do know that Belknap alums appear to be a closely-knit group and have extremely positive things to say about their years spent at Belknap, and a deep respect for their faculty & college administrators. Belknap College also has a website with lots of interesting photos and historical information.

02-26-2015, 10:07 AM	#4
BroadHopper Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Laconia NH Posts: 5,570 Thanks: 3,206 Thanked 1,101 Times in 793 Posts	Dr Carl Marshall A well known and respected history professor and I believe one of the trustees passed away last week. He resided on Dane Road and for a time a selectman of Center Harbor. May he rest in peace. __________________ Someday may never be an actual day.

02-28-2015, 08:58 AM	#6
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	http://www.icasnh.org/home.html see color photo of this building on the website this formerly was the old LaSalette Novitiate. Was it part of Belknap College at one time....Broadhopper? __________________

02-28-2015, 11:40 AM	#9
mcdude Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Rock Haven Lake - West Newfield, ME Posts: 5,367 Thanks: 374 Thanked 1,057 Times in 495 Posts	It's a magnificent building nonetheless. I'd love a tour of it sometime! __________________

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Natt (02-28-2015)

02-28-2015, 04:22 AM	#5
bruinsfan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: NH Posts: 147 Thanks: 88 Thanked 73 Times in 34 Posts	RIP... The college campus was where the current Immaculate Conception Apostolic School is.... correct? I understand that the school will be closing at the end of this school year as well; I wonder what will occupy the campus next?

The Following User Says Thank You to jeffatsquam For This Useful Post:
mcdude (02-28-2015)

02-28-2015, 12:00 PM	#10
fatlazyless Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 8,738 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 300 Thanked 1,007 Times in 735 Posts	224 Dane Rd, Center Harbor is for sale, asking about 2.5-mil .... is dis da big house of what's left of da Dane Estate .....duh....tink it maybe is dis! ....dunno? ....attn: BoSox slugger David Ortiz .....need a country house with 7-bathrooms, 28-acres, and a big view? __________________ ... down and out, liv'n that Walmart side of the lake!

03-09-2015, 07:39 AM	#11
phoenix Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: phoenix and moultonboro Posts: 1,549 Thanks: 60 Thanked 273 Times in 192 Posts	Interesting memory of Belknap. In 1973 i was offered a teaching position and the asst dean of business at Belknap . I had never been to the lakes region . Thought it was nice but the salary was like 6K per year so i stayed in mass and took a job there. Of course i think i wouldn't have even got my first paycheck before they were bankrupt. The good news is we did like the area and bought a second home and the rest is history __________________ it's tough to make predictions specially about the future

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secondcurve (03-09-2015)

04-19-2015, 05:13 PM	#12
songkrai Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 732 Thanks: 35 Thanked 146 Times in 99 Posts	Some wish to rewrite history. Some look back on time with nostalgia. Fine. Belknap College was a real college. Granted. But it was set up to profit from the Vietnam War. There are a few still around whose names will remain anonymous. A pair of brothers owned a local establishment. After "graduating" from Belknap College. I knew both brothers from childhood. I recall stopping in a rented building on College Road. while one of the brothers was living there attending Belknap College. Bunch of guys and some gals. While there another Belknap College student shows up. Wearing an old trench coat. And he asked if anybody wanted anything. He was asked what does he have. He opened his trench coat and all sorts of tablets, weeds, etc. in little baggies in various quantities. All for sale. That gentleman still lives in the area and is now a "fine upstanding" citizen of the area. Yes, we do look back on history with nostalgia. And some enhance history also. Times were simpler then weren't they? And times were also innocent back then, right? Be kind to history. Do not burst anyone's bubble of the good old days. Every time I see that "historical" marker in Center Harbor, I just laugh.

04-20-2015, 06:14 AM	#13
Natt Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 120 Thanks: 125 Thanked 30 Times in 23 Posts	Belknap College Belknap College was established before the Vietnam War started. Your story line about the college profiting from the war is urban legend.

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BroadHopper (04-20-2015)