Stories and Memories
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- It's Spring in Pine Beach - Farragut Winter - Link to Coach Stan Slaby Internment at Arlington |
It's Spring in Pine Beach
Precisely at 6:24 AM, loud bells could be heard throughout the dormitories of Admiral Farragut Academy. Soon after the bells stopped their incessant clanging, the booming voice of LCDR Leo Gentile, USN (RET) could be heard: “GET THE HELL OUT OF BEDDDD!” Protesting Cadets could be heard grumbling about the ungodly hour.
Leo was having none of it. “It’s a fine Navy day, gentlemen. Get out of those bunks and greet the day!”
With sunlight streaming through the open dormitory windows, the Cadets of AFA would greet the day. Soon, it was time for breakfast formation and the routine of life at Farragut would begin again.
Unlike the dreary morning formations of the “Dark Ages”, springtime at school was a great time. The days were longer. There was now daylight for breakfast formation. The air was crisp with the smells of the waterfront, mixed with the perfume of freshly mown grass.
Even after all these years, I can picture the lush spring lawns which surrounded many of the buildings at Farragut. The flagpole in front of Farragut Hall, with it’s yardarm and the National Ensign flying at it’s peak. It seemed to be standing watch over the river at it’s feet as well as our beloved school. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the flag flying majestically in the breeze. I loved our school for many reasons but, in the spring, Farragut was; well simply put: Beautiful.
Leo was having none of it. “It’s a fine Navy day, gentlemen. Get out of those bunks and greet the day!”
With sunlight streaming through the open dormitory windows, the Cadets of AFA would greet the day. Soon, it was time for breakfast formation and the routine of life at Farragut would begin again.
Unlike the dreary morning formations of the “Dark Ages”, springtime at school was a great time. The days were longer. There was now daylight for breakfast formation. The air was crisp with the smells of the waterfront, mixed with the perfume of freshly mown grass.
Even after all these years, I can picture the lush spring lawns which surrounded many of the buildings at Farragut. The flagpole in front of Farragut Hall, with it’s yardarm and the National Ensign flying at it’s peak. It seemed to be standing watch over the river at it’s feet as well as our beloved school. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the flag flying majestically in the breeze. I loved our school for many reasons but, in the spring, Farragut was; well simply put: Beautiful.
It’s now Just before 7 o’clock in the morning and the Corps of Cadets has formed up on the blocks in front of Shepard Hall. With a booming command, the Battalion Commander takes the Cadets through the ceremony of accounting for all his charges and platoons of students begin to march to the steps of the Farragut Hall Cadet Mess Hall. As other companies of students wait their turn to enter the Mess, they practice their close order drill or endure personnel inspection by their squad leaders or Cadet Officers.
Once inside the Mess Hall, we are all eager to finish our meals and get on with the day. Unlike winter, in the spring, we all want to spend as much time outside as we can. Our time is quite regimented and soon we will be stuck in classrooms and the outdoors beckons. You see, we Cadets were just as susceptible to “Spring Fever” as our “civilian” student counterparts, in public school.
After breakfast, most Cadets took their time getting to their rooms to collect their books and supplies for class. I enjoyed finding my older brother at “Butt Park.” We would visit for a few minutes and just enjoy the fresh spring air. Before long, it was time to rush off to class.
After breakfast, most Cadets took their time getting to their rooms to collect their books and supplies for class. I enjoyed finding my older brother at “Butt Park.” We would visit for a few minutes and just enjoy the fresh spring air. Before long, it was time to rush off to class.
By this time in the school year, class had become routine. We were no longer nervous about school work as our instructors had become familiar to us, as we had to them. Most classes were much less formal at this point in the year. Those who were used to participating in class continued to do so. The more quiet students continued to remain reticent in class.
After the lunch formation, afternoon classes commenced. Now the day became more difficult. Afternoon classes were filled with study hall, lab or rifle. None of which were outside. If I had study hall, I would usually get a pass to go to the band room. Mr. Zener was the director of music when I first started at Farragut and I had him for private lessons. So, in the afternoons, he was happy to let me come and practice both my lessons and band music. By my sophomore year (my 4th year at AFA), the study hall proctors where so used to me having a band pass that they hardly looked at it when I would turn it in.
Spring break was over and the big event of the season was now “Parent’s Weekend.” As the name suggests, this is the weekend that our parents would come down to school, tour the campus; including our dorms, visit classrooms and of course, conference with our instructors.
For many, the teacher conference was dreaded but on the whole, even students who were having difficulty would receive reports of encouragement. I was not always the best student but, I never received a report to my parents which caused consternation.
The weekend was filled with activities for the parents, all of whom seemed to be beaming with pride as they walked around the campus with their “spit and polish” Cadet. For our part, we were all glad to see our parents and happy to show them our school.
After the lunch formation, afternoon classes commenced. Now the day became more difficult. Afternoon classes were filled with study hall, lab or rifle. None of which were outside. If I had study hall, I would usually get a pass to go to the band room. Mr. Zener was the director of music when I first started at Farragut and I had him for private lessons. So, in the afternoons, he was happy to let me come and practice both my lessons and band music. By my sophomore year (my 4th year at AFA), the study hall proctors where so used to me having a band pass that they hardly looked at it when I would turn it in.
Spring break was over and the big event of the season was now “Parent’s Weekend.” As the name suggests, this is the weekend that our parents would come down to school, tour the campus; including our dorms, visit classrooms and of course, conference with our instructors.
For many, the teacher conference was dreaded but on the whole, even students who were having difficulty would receive reports of encouragement. I was not always the best student but, I never received a report to my parents which caused consternation.
The weekend was filled with activities for the parents, all of whom seemed to be beaming with pride as they walked around the campus with their “spit and polish” Cadet. For our part, we were all glad to see our parents and happy to show them our school.
Besides the Sunday Parade, the highlight of the weekend was always the Cadet Manual of Arms competition. This event was open to all and was judged by Marine Corps Officers and Staff NCO’s from Naval Air Station, Lakehurst, NJ. The scene of the famous Hindenburg air disaster of 1937, the air station was only about a 20 minute drive from Farragut. Most Cadets had visited it at one time or another. Many of the Naval Science staff had served at NAS Lakehurst during their career. CAPT Klein, the DA/NT (Director of Activities/Naval Training), later: Commandant of Cadets, served as the Air Station’s Commander during his final active tour in the Navy.
Cadets would form up into a large platoon inside the gym of Clark Hall, with their Springfield 1903 rifles in perfect uniforms and await a full personnel inspection prior to the first command. The Marines would miss nothing. The Cadets were ready.
Finally, the first drill command was given. The crowd of parents and students in the audience were silent. The Marine First Sergeant barked out an order. For the unindoctrinated, the Marine’s way of command seemed like a foreign language. However, the Cadets participating in the contest seemed to understand and as one, they executed their commands in what seemed a flawless way.
The ever watchful eyes of the visiting Marine judges missed nothing.The tiniest mistake would cause elimination. Even something as small as a finger slightly out of place was caught by the judges. Without a word, one point from the judge at a Cadet. Out he went.
As the ranks of the contestants grew smaller and smaller, the Cadets would be rearranged into two and then only one long squad. Throughout this process of elimination, more inspections would occur. One Cadet was eliminated because sweat had accumulated on the color of his white shirt, making it appear dirty. OUT!
Finally, it was down to two. Now, truly, the smallest error would cause heartbreak for one and jubilation for the victor.
Finally, the final Cadet is eliminated and the crowd applauds for the winner. With some ceremony, he receives a plaque and certificate. He is indeed the Best Drill Cadet!
Cadets would form up into a large platoon inside the gym of Clark Hall, with their Springfield 1903 rifles in perfect uniforms and await a full personnel inspection prior to the first command. The Marines would miss nothing. The Cadets were ready.
Finally, the first drill command was given. The crowd of parents and students in the audience were silent. The Marine First Sergeant barked out an order. For the unindoctrinated, the Marine’s way of command seemed like a foreign language. However, the Cadets participating in the contest seemed to understand and as one, they executed their commands in what seemed a flawless way.
The ever watchful eyes of the visiting Marine judges missed nothing.The tiniest mistake would cause elimination. Even something as small as a finger slightly out of place was caught by the judges. Without a word, one point from the judge at a Cadet. Out he went.
As the ranks of the contestants grew smaller and smaller, the Cadets would be rearranged into two and then only one long squad. Throughout this process of elimination, more inspections would occur. One Cadet was eliminated because sweat had accumulated on the color of his white shirt, making it appear dirty. OUT!
Finally, it was down to two. Now, truly, the smallest error would cause heartbreak for one and jubilation for the victor.
Finally, the final Cadet is eliminated and the crowd applauds for the winner. With some ceremony, he receives a plaque and certificate. He is indeed the Best Drill Cadet!
The end of Parent’s Weekend brought a cadet parade. Always a highlight for parents, the parade showcased the discipline and pageantry which spoke so well to the history and heritage of Farragut.
Precisely at 1500, a bell for formation would sound and the Corps of Cadets would form once again on the blocks in front of Shepard Hall. As the band played, flags flew majestically as the color guard marched to post the colors. With the colors in place, the command was given for Cadets to “Order Arms!”. The Battalion Commander would then order “Right Face!”
With that command, and a loud crack as 300 or more young Cadets would perform a practiced movement and rifles hit the cement blocks as one. The Battalion Staff and Company Officers all stepped off from their places and moved in unison to their appointed posts, in front of the Battalion or their respective Companies and platoons.
Finally, with a final “Forward March!” command from the proud Cadet Commander, the Band would step off. The Drum Major leading the way as the Band smartly marched down the street to lead the school on the parade.
Proud parents, who had been watching this spectacle from the sidewalks made their way around Shepard Hall to the bleachers which overlooked the athletic field where the actual parade would take place.
Before long, the spectators were all in place, the Academy Staff had taken their places in the reviewing stand and the Cadet Band could be seen approaching the entrance to the field.
At each stage of the parade, parents would cheer. Each Cadet parade was identical to the last and the Corps of Cadets executed the time honored ceremony with practiced precision.
The Sunday parade was routine for Cadets but it seemed that for the parents, no matter how long they had attended, the thrill of the parade never disappointed. This was the outward display of the reason their children were enrolled at this very special school. The pride on the parents faces and in the way they each carried themselves after a parade was plain for all to see.
Precisely at 1500, a bell for formation would sound and the Corps of Cadets would form once again on the blocks in front of Shepard Hall. As the band played, flags flew majestically as the color guard marched to post the colors. With the colors in place, the command was given for Cadets to “Order Arms!”. The Battalion Commander would then order “Right Face!”
With that command, and a loud crack as 300 or more young Cadets would perform a practiced movement and rifles hit the cement blocks as one. The Battalion Staff and Company Officers all stepped off from their places and moved in unison to their appointed posts, in front of the Battalion or their respective Companies and platoons.
Finally, with a final “Forward March!” command from the proud Cadet Commander, the Band would step off. The Drum Major leading the way as the Band smartly marched down the street to lead the school on the parade.
Proud parents, who had been watching this spectacle from the sidewalks made their way around Shepard Hall to the bleachers which overlooked the athletic field where the actual parade would take place.
Before long, the spectators were all in place, the Academy Staff had taken their places in the reviewing stand and the Cadet Band could be seen approaching the entrance to the field.
At each stage of the parade, parents would cheer. Each Cadet parade was identical to the last and the Corps of Cadets executed the time honored ceremony with practiced precision.
The Sunday parade was routine for Cadets but it seemed that for the parents, no matter how long they had attended, the thrill of the parade never disappointed. This was the outward display of the reason their children were enrolled at this very special school. The pride on the parents faces and in the way they each carried themselves after a parade was plain for all to see.
For our part, as Cadets; we were pleased to see our parents happy with the performance.
After the parade, it was time for liberty with our families. Most Cadets went off campus with their parents for a well deserved family meal. For a few of us who’s parents could not attend the weekend’s festivities, dinner was served in the Cadet Mess, as usual.
As with each Sunday at Farragut, 1900 signaled the end of liberty. At 1930 we had a final formation for the day. This one ended with the march to the school’s auditorium and the weekly Chapel Service.
After the service, it was back to our rooms for study hall. In spite of the weekend’s festivities, classes resumed as usual on Monday.
(To Be Continued)
After the parade, it was time for liberty with our families. Most Cadets went off campus with their parents for a well deserved family meal. For a few of us who’s parents could not attend the weekend’s festivities, dinner was served in the Cadet Mess, as usual.
As with each Sunday at Farragut, 1900 signaled the end of liberty. At 1930 we had a final formation for the day. This one ended with the march to the school’s auditorium and the weekly Chapel Service.
After the service, it was back to our rooms for study hall. In spite of the weekend’s festivities, classes resumed as usual on Monday.
(To Be Continued)
Farragut Winter
by: Bob da Silva, AFA '76N
With the coming of November, the temperatures begin to drop to an uncomfortable cold in Pine Beach. Cadets at our school can be seen in their off hours (Optional Period) wearing wool caps and warm coats. Heaven forbid, a few students can be seen with hands in their pockets!
Cadets who live in the dormitories are also chilled as the heat in the buildings seemed to us to be controlled by the calendar rather than the thermostat. It was usually “feast or famine” when it came to environmental controls. But, by mid November, we hapless Cadets had regular heat.
The crisp white summer uniforms (Later switched to black with short sleeves) had given way to our winter uniform. Undress Blues. When I started at Farragut, that winter uniform was black trousers and a gray shirt with a black tie. Later, when the Naval Academy changed uniforms, we shifted to a black shirt and tie.
Soon, the weather was consistently too cold for us to hang about outdoors for long periods of time. As the wind came off the river, the temperature on the formation blocks would feel well below freezing and could cut through the heaviest overcoat like a Marine Officer’s sword. Passersby could see students scurry from building to building, heads down to protect their faces from the biting wind; their “watch caps” pulled well over their ears.
By December, meal formations were usually inside Clark Hall. They gray gym floor was a stark contrast to the seemingly expansive environment of our “formation blocks.” But, alas, the outside formation blocks were denied to us as the smallest precipitation would freeze making for a dangerous slip and fall hazard. More than a few Cadets found that falling on their backside on the icy concrete would bruise more than just a hip. Many an ego was scathed when you took a tumble in front of the entire Corps of Cadets.
As December moves along, the lights in the Band Room of Shepard hall can be seen on during most evenings as both the Glee Club and the Band are deeply involved in rehearsals for the “Christmas Concert.” It’s a good thing that academic classes are winding down. Cadets involved in the concert don’t have a lot of time to study. Fortunately, exams don’t come until after the break.
As musical rehearsals are ongoing in Shepard hall, other Cadets are preparing the gym in Robison Hall for the “Winter Hop.” The scene inside the gym is reminiscent of any other high school preparing for the Prom. Students can be seen hanging decorations of all types under the watchful eyes of a few faculty members as popular music blares from someone’s portable sound system. For about 10 days, our gym is transformed into a formal dance venue where military curtsey will be forgotten for a few hours as Cadets bring their dates “drags” to enjoy an evening of fun and an opportunity to show our school to those who don’t usually get to see it.
by: Bob da Silva, AFA '76N
With the coming of November, the temperatures begin to drop to an uncomfortable cold in Pine Beach. Cadets at our school can be seen in their off hours (Optional Period) wearing wool caps and warm coats. Heaven forbid, a few students can be seen with hands in their pockets!
Cadets who live in the dormitories are also chilled as the heat in the buildings seemed to us to be controlled by the calendar rather than the thermostat. It was usually “feast or famine” when it came to environmental controls. But, by mid November, we hapless Cadets had regular heat.
The crisp white summer uniforms (Later switched to black with short sleeves) had given way to our winter uniform. Undress Blues. When I started at Farragut, that winter uniform was black trousers and a gray shirt with a black tie. Later, when the Naval Academy changed uniforms, we shifted to a black shirt and tie.
Soon, the weather was consistently too cold for us to hang about outdoors for long periods of time. As the wind came off the river, the temperature on the formation blocks would feel well below freezing and could cut through the heaviest overcoat like a Marine Officer’s sword. Passersby could see students scurry from building to building, heads down to protect their faces from the biting wind; their “watch caps” pulled well over their ears.
By December, meal formations were usually inside Clark Hall. They gray gym floor was a stark contrast to the seemingly expansive environment of our “formation blocks.” But, alas, the outside formation blocks were denied to us as the smallest precipitation would freeze making for a dangerous slip and fall hazard. More than a few Cadets found that falling on their backside on the icy concrete would bruise more than just a hip. Many an ego was scathed when you took a tumble in front of the entire Corps of Cadets.
As December moves along, the lights in the Band Room of Shepard hall can be seen on during most evenings as both the Glee Club and the Band are deeply involved in rehearsals for the “Christmas Concert.” It’s a good thing that academic classes are winding down. Cadets involved in the concert don’t have a lot of time to study. Fortunately, exams don’t come until after the break.
As musical rehearsals are ongoing in Shepard hall, other Cadets are preparing the gym in Robison Hall for the “Winter Hop.” The scene inside the gym is reminiscent of any other high school preparing for the Prom. Students can be seen hanging decorations of all types under the watchful eyes of a few faculty members as popular music blares from someone’s portable sound system. For about 10 days, our gym is transformed into a formal dance venue where military curtsey will be forgotten for a few hours as Cadets bring their dates “drags” to enjoy an evening of fun and an opportunity to show our school to those who don’t usually get to see it.
The dances at Farragut were interesting events. I’ve never seen a civilian prom but, I imagine that our “Hops” were slightly more formal than what our dates might expect. Cadets, of course attended in uniform. Our familiar dress blues with a black bow tie served as our tuxedoes. As the senior officer Cadets arrived with their dates, honors would be rendered, mimicking the Naval tradition of piping the side. Both the Cadet officer and his date would pass through the “Side Boys.”
Once the dance was ready to get underway, there was the formal receiving line. Just as you see at any formal reception, each Cadet would introduce his date to the first staff member in the line and introductions would be passed up the line until you shook hands with the Headmaster and his wife. For a young Cadet at his first dance, the receiving line was quite daunting. I remember my first dance at Farragut and I was surprised that all the Captains from the Administration actually smiled at my date and me. It was quite a change from the everyday formality of school life.
Once the dance was ready to get underway, there was the formal receiving line. Just as you see at any formal reception, each Cadet would introduce his date to the first staff member in the line and introductions would be passed up the line until you shook hands with the Headmaster and his wife. For a young Cadet at his first dance, the receiving line was quite daunting. I remember my first dance at Farragut and I was surprised that all the Captains from the Administration actually smiled at my date and me. It was quite a change from the everyday formality of school life.
What was even more surprising was that the spouses of most of the administration would remember all of our names and if we ran into any of them we might be greeted by name.
In my first year at AFA, I was at the Christmas dance but did not attend as a participant. I was on of the waiters who served the Cadets who were in attendance. I would take drink and snack orders from the tables of my friends and friends of my brother and run them into the downstairs locker room where Mrs. Pettit’s son, would sell us what we needed for our tables.
Working as a waiter at the dance was quite an education in retail food sales. We prepared sodas in styrofoam cups with ice. I will never forget when Jack Pettit told us not to bring our customer the drink in a cup and the can with the leftover soda. He told us to fill the cup to the brim with ice and serve it with the soda poured in the cup. That way, we actually only gave our customers HALF a soda and WE would make more money. (We worked for tips.) I brought my customers the can with their cups. I couldn’t rip my friends off. If I had and my brother had found out… I just don’t want to think about that, even 40 years later. But, it was indeed an education.
The attendees of the dance always had a great time. Loud music and dancing was always a good distraction for teenagers. This celebration was a welcome break which heralded the upcoming Christmas Vacation. The Cadets always looked very dignified in their formal uniforms as they stood just a little taller next to their dates. From my point of view, every Cadet had a beautiful girl on his arm. I’m sure that most felt the same way.
Outside of the gym, you could find Cadets strolling with their dates on their arms as they explored the expansive campus in the darkness of the evening. Many a student would provide his jacket to help keep his date warm. In spite of the cold, these evening strolls were probably more popular than the dance itself.
Farragut had a beautiful campus in my day. Even in the winter, with the leaves gone from the trees, the lawns which surrounded the buildings provided a rich landscape next to the river and it’s waterfront. At nigh, the buildings seemed to glow with the lights from the windows of the dormitories.
From the porch of Farragut Hall you could look out across the great lawn, past the USS Hartford Capstan and over the waterfront. There was always some kind of activity on the river. In my mind’s eye, it’s still a beautiful sight.
In my first year at AFA, I was at the Christmas dance but did not attend as a participant. I was on of the waiters who served the Cadets who were in attendance. I would take drink and snack orders from the tables of my friends and friends of my brother and run them into the downstairs locker room where Mrs. Pettit’s son, would sell us what we needed for our tables.
Working as a waiter at the dance was quite an education in retail food sales. We prepared sodas in styrofoam cups with ice. I will never forget when Jack Pettit told us not to bring our customer the drink in a cup and the can with the leftover soda. He told us to fill the cup to the brim with ice and serve it with the soda poured in the cup. That way, we actually only gave our customers HALF a soda and WE would make more money. (We worked for tips.) I brought my customers the can with their cups. I couldn’t rip my friends off. If I had and my brother had found out… I just don’t want to think about that, even 40 years later. But, it was indeed an education.
The attendees of the dance always had a great time. Loud music and dancing was always a good distraction for teenagers. This celebration was a welcome break which heralded the upcoming Christmas Vacation. The Cadets always looked very dignified in their formal uniforms as they stood just a little taller next to their dates. From my point of view, every Cadet had a beautiful girl on his arm. I’m sure that most felt the same way.
Outside of the gym, you could find Cadets strolling with their dates on their arms as they explored the expansive campus in the darkness of the evening. Many a student would provide his jacket to help keep his date warm. In spite of the cold, these evening strolls were probably more popular than the dance itself.
Farragut had a beautiful campus in my day. Even in the winter, with the leaves gone from the trees, the lawns which surrounded the buildings provided a rich landscape next to the river and it’s waterfront. At nigh, the buildings seemed to glow with the lights from the windows of the dormitories.
From the porch of Farragut Hall you could look out across the great lawn, past the USS Hartford Capstan and over the waterfront. There was always some kind of activity on the river. In my mind’s eye, it’s still a beautiful sight.
In December, the windows of the dorm rooms glow in several colors. Each floor of the dorms was decorated for the Holidays. Some students would put up holiday curtains in their rooms to go with their personal decorations. The colors of those curtains would glow brightly when you looked at the buildings from outside. Our school at Christmas time was really quite something to see.
After the winter “Hop” it’s time for the gym to get ready for the Music Department’s “Christmas” Concert. As a Band and Glee Club member, I was heavily involved with this activity.
Since the beginning of the school year, the music department has been working hard to learn the music for the program which will take just over an hour.
By the final evening of school before the holiday break, the gym has been transformed into a concert hall. Rows of folding chairs are set in the expanse of the high ceilinged venue. The school band’s instruments had been moved onto the stage days before and all is ready for the music department to show the Battalion of Cadets, the School Staff and especially our parents the results of months of
rehearsal.
Resplendent in our dress uniforms with bow ties, the band members quietly take their places on the darkened stage as parents and staff members file in to take their seats.
Across the Campus, on the formation blocks, the Battalion is forming up for their march to Robison Hall for the evening’s entertainment. For the most part, the Cadets are thinking of what will happen AFTER the concert. Most will depart the school for a well earned two week vacation from the regimentation of AFA to enjoy the comforts of home as soon as the concert is completed.
The Corps of Cadets enters the gym and with the command from the Battalion Commander, they take seats. The last to take seats is the Headmaster and the Commandant of Cadets.
The stage curtains open and a spot light follows the music director to the front of the band. In my day, it was LCDR Zenner. A small, unassuming man with his kindly way about him, he had never served in the military and always felt slightly out of place when he wore his uniform. Tonight, he is wearing “Mess Dress” Blues. The short waisted coat with it’s gold cummerbund set off the 2 1/2 stripes on the music director’s sleeves.
After the winter “Hop” it’s time for the gym to get ready for the Music Department’s “Christmas” Concert. As a Band and Glee Club member, I was heavily involved with this activity.
Since the beginning of the school year, the music department has been working hard to learn the music for the program which will take just over an hour.
By the final evening of school before the holiday break, the gym has been transformed into a concert hall. Rows of folding chairs are set in the expanse of the high ceilinged venue. The school band’s instruments had been moved onto the stage days before and all is ready for the music department to show the Battalion of Cadets, the School Staff and especially our parents the results of months of
rehearsal.
Resplendent in our dress uniforms with bow ties, the band members quietly take their places on the darkened stage as parents and staff members file in to take their seats.
Across the Campus, on the formation blocks, the Battalion is forming up for their march to Robison Hall for the evening’s entertainment. For the most part, the Cadets are thinking of what will happen AFTER the concert. Most will depart the school for a well earned two week vacation from the regimentation of AFA to enjoy the comforts of home as soon as the concert is completed.
The Corps of Cadets enters the gym and with the command from the Battalion Commander, they take seats. The last to take seats is the Headmaster and the Commandant of Cadets.
The stage curtains open and a spot light follows the music director to the front of the band. In my day, it was LCDR Zenner. A small, unassuming man with his kindly way about him, he had never served in the military and always felt slightly out of place when he wore his uniform. Tonight, he is wearing “Mess Dress” Blues. The short waisted coat with it’s gold cummerbund set off the 2 1/2 stripes on the music director’s sleeves.
sAfter the playing of the National Anthem, the concert is fully underway. Marches, traditional Christmas tunes and carols fill the air for the next hour and a half. I never heard any of our concerts since I performed in the concerts during my entire tenure in school. My parents always said we sounded wonderful. We always felt better after the concert was over.
Finally, we were released to go home. The concert and it’s festivities complete, all that remained was a fast room inspection and we were checked-out. The campus seemed to be a mad house of activity as Cadets in dress uniform piled into cars with parents and siblings for the long drive home and Christmas vacation. Within just 30 minutes, the bustling campus would be nearly deserted. The only remaining students were a smattering of faculty and a handful of students who would depart in the morning.
For the next two weeks, the school will remain mostly deserted except for a few administrative staff members. The Cadets return the first Sunday after New Year’s day.
Eventually, that first Sunday evening of the new year arrives. The Farragut Campus begins to come back to life late in the afternoon as faculty members who have dormitory duty arrive. The Cadets are due back at 1900 (7:00 PM). Most arrive early but of course, there are always a few who check-in at the Battalion Office at the last second. Inevitably a small number report back to school late. In all honestly, as long as a student would make it back in time for the Sunday Chapel formation at 1930, all would be forgiven.
There were always mixed feelings upon returning to school. We were glad to see our friends again. We exchanged stories about our vacations and caught up with the activities of the last two weeks. On the other hand, we had mid-year exams looming and classes started back up in the morning.
0624 the next morning, the familiar loud bells in the dorms announced the beginning of another day at Farragut. Sleepy students began to stagger out of their rooms and begin the morning routines common to everyone in the morning. Cadet Officers and Petty Officers, usually awake before revile, stood in crisp uniforms ensuring their charges would be ready for the breakfast formation. Tardiness was not tolerated at this point. Mustering Petty Officers at the formation were in no mood for excuses in the cold darkness of January in Pine Beach.
Before long, the faculty, staff and Corps of Cadets are all back into the routine of the school. Within a week, the mod of the students begin to melancholy. We all had moved swiftly into what we called “The Dark Age.”
That period of time between Christmas Leave and Spring Leave was in-affectionate known by all hands as “The Dark Ages.” It’s so named since we Cadets lived mostly in the dark. It was dark when we got up in the morning and very cold. Except for one year when it was unseasonably warm throughout the winter, Cadets could be seen bundled up throughout the school day. It got dark by 1630.
Because of the cold, we were relegated to indoor activities. During optional period, if you were not involved in some sports activity, most students could be found in the Canteen in Shepard Hall.
There was always the “game room” in the basement of Shepard Hall, but, that was not always open. When I was a Wrestling Manager, my afternoons were occupied. For some, the library was always an option. LCDR Bray, the school’s librarian in my day, stayed until 1700. There was always something to do. You just had to find an interest.
Cadets also had the option to help in the administrative offices of the school. I always did this. The secretaries were always very nice to students and it was a pleasant change from the regimentation of regular Cadet life. There also was the plus of receiving merits for the work you did. At the end of the month, awards were published and the merit award was another ribbon for your uniform (or a star for the ribbon you already had).
So, the winter would move along. Routine was the order of the day. Up at 0624, our days were a blur of Formations, Classes and ‘Optional Period.” Another formation for dinner and then, study hall in our rooms from 1900-2130. (7-9:30 PM)
The week days went by quickly. On the weekends, if you didn’t go home on leave, things could get pretty boring with no classes. Liberty started around noon on Saturday so, Cadets who remained on campus were left to their own devices until dinner formation at 1800. Until the 1974-75 school year, Cadets did not have television in their rooms so, things could get pretty boring. Somehow, we found ways to keep ourselves occupied.
For the most part, the Dark Ages were a long stretch of boredom which seemed to stretch on like the dark sea during a never ending night. Life was a series of routines which we all endured.
One of the big highlights of winter life at Farragut were home basketball games. Most were in the afternoon but sometimes, there was a game in the evening on Fridays. We all always enjoyed these games. We could be a little rowdy, we didn’t have to wear “full” uniforms and best of all, Farragut usually WON!
Finally, we were released to go home. The concert and it’s festivities complete, all that remained was a fast room inspection and we were checked-out. The campus seemed to be a mad house of activity as Cadets in dress uniform piled into cars with parents and siblings for the long drive home and Christmas vacation. Within just 30 minutes, the bustling campus would be nearly deserted. The only remaining students were a smattering of faculty and a handful of students who would depart in the morning.
For the next two weeks, the school will remain mostly deserted except for a few administrative staff members. The Cadets return the first Sunday after New Year’s day.
Eventually, that first Sunday evening of the new year arrives. The Farragut Campus begins to come back to life late in the afternoon as faculty members who have dormitory duty arrive. The Cadets are due back at 1900 (7:00 PM). Most arrive early but of course, there are always a few who check-in at the Battalion Office at the last second. Inevitably a small number report back to school late. In all honestly, as long as a student would make it back in time for the Sunday Chapel formation at 1930, all would be forgiven.
There were always mixed feelings upon returning to school. We were glad to see our friends again. We exchanged stories about our vacations and caught up with the activities of the last two weeks. On the other hand, we had mid-year exams looming and classes started back up in the morning.
0624 the next morning, the familiar loud bells in the dorms announced the beginning of another day at Farragut. Sleepy students began to stagger out of their rooms and begin the morning routines common to everyone in the morning. Cadet Officers and Petty Officers, usually awake before revile, stood in crisp uniforms ensuring their charges would be ready for the breakfast formation. Tardiness was not tolerated at this point. Mustering Petty Officers at the formation were in no mood for excuses in the cold darkness of January in Pine Beach.
Before long, the faculty, staff and Corps of Cadets are all back into the routine of the school. Within a week, the mod of the students begin to melancholy. We all had moved swiftly into what we called “The Dark Age.”
That period of time between Christmas Leave and Spring Leave was in-affectionate known by all hands as “The Dark Ages.” It’s so named since we Cadets lived mostly in the dark. It was dark when we got up in the morning and very cold. Except for one year when it was unseasonably warm throughout the winter, Cadets could be seen bundled up throughout the school day. It got dark by 1630.
Because of the cold, we were relegated to indoor activities. During optional period, if you were not involved in some sports activity, most students could be found in the Canteen in Shepard Hall.
There was always the “game room” in the basement of Shepard Hall, but, that was not always open. When I was a Wrestling Manager, my afternoons were occupied. For some, the library was always an option. LCDR Bray, the school’s librarian in my day, stayed until 1700. There was always something to do. You just had to find an interest.
Cadets also had the option to help in the administrative offices of the school. I always did this. The secretaries were always very nice to students and it was a pleasant change from the regimentation of regular Cadet life. There also was the plus of receiving merits for the work you did. At the end of the month, awards were published and the merit award was another ribbon for your uniform (or a star for the ribbon you already had).
So, the winter would move along. Routine was the order of the day. Up at 0624, our days were a blur of Formations, Classes and ‘Optional Period.” Another formation for dinner and then, study hall in our rooms from 1900-2130. (7-9:30 PM)
The week days went by quickly. On the weekends, if you didn’t go home on leave, things could get pretty boring with no classes. Liberty started around noon on Saturday so, Cadets who remained on campus were left to their own devices until dinner formation at 1800. Until the 1974-75 school year, Cadets did not have television in their rooms so, things could get pretty boring. Somehow, we found ways to keep ourselves occupied.
For the most part, the Dark Ages were a long stretch of boredom which seemed to stretch on like the dark sea during a never ending night. Life was a series of routines which we all endured.
One of the big highlights of winter life at Farragut were home basketball games. Most were in the afternoon but sometimes, there was a game in the evening on Fridays. We all always enjoyed these games. We could be a little rowdy, we didn’t have to wear “full” uniforms and best of all, Farragut usually WON!
Coaches put many championship teams on the court. We had several players who were “all State” and many teams competed in the New Jersey State tournaments. Basketball was always a good time at AFA.
So, the Cadets of Admiral Farragut Academy would brave another winter in the dark and cold of the Jersey Shore. One good thing about routine was, although while were in the midst of the Dark Ages, time seemed to stand still, before we knew it, it was time for the Spring Band concert and Spring break.
Spring time was a great time to be at Farragut, especially after the dreariness of the winter but, that’s for another story.
So, the Cadets of Admiral Farragut Academy would brave another winter in the dark and cold of the Jersey Shore. One good thing about routine was, although while were in the midst of the Dark Ages, time seemed to stand still, before we knew it, it was time for the Spring Band concert and Spring break.
Spring time was a great time to be at Farragut, especially after the dreariness of the winter but, that’s for another story.