The Waterbury Democrat., 1939-09-09

Cranwell Is hidden among the
Berkshire Hills, not more than
a mile or so out of Lenox, Massa-
chusetts. The passing motorist on
his way to Lee or Pittsfield might
easily pass by its gates and not be
aware of the slightly acres within,
the winding drives, large park
spreading to great distances with a
semi-circle Of Berkshire peaks visi-
BILE on three sides; place OF nat
ural beauty lovely well kept lawns,
great elmS and naples and all kinds
of fir trees presenting a pleasing
aspect. The central edif1ce amid all
this natural beauty is the main hall,
a building OF Perth Amboy brick,
slightly mellowed, of yellowish tint.
This building was, for many years,
the clubhouse Of the Berkshire
Hunt and Country Club. 1t Is now
the main administration building of
the new Jesuit Preparatory school,
to open its first season the 25th OF
this month, and to be known as
Cranwell Preparatory School.
This property was presented as q
gift to the Society of Jesus, with all
its buildings, equipment and sur
rounding 400 acres overlooking
Laurel Lake. It Is an extensive
estate of indescribable beauty most
desirable for the purpose 1t is to be
used, namely, a preparatory school
for boys, through four high school
years preparatory for college. Rev.
John F. Cox Is the newly appointed
rector, and there will start at Gran
well this month an excellent school
for the boys who will be fortunate
enough to attend. Here they will
participate in the school curric-
ula, enjoy the beautiful surround
ings, and have the advantage Of
Jesuit instruction in their formative
years.
| At the present time the school is
being renovated and put in order
for school purposes. While the
buildings were In fair condition
much work was necessitated to
make 1t adequate for educational
purposes. Scores Of workmen are
busy inside and outside of the build
ingS. The reverend rector stated
that he expects that everything will
be in readiness by September IS.
There Is satisfactory registration
for the first term, but 1t would be
quite possible to take care of many
more students than have been reg
istered. In the main building there
are large reception room, fine stud
les, and bright and cheerful din
ing rooms. Enormous kitchens and
pantries have been equipped with
the most modern cooking devices,
and all equipment is designed for
most thorough and expeditions ways
of cooking, serving, and other cul-
mary processes. All dishes In the
pantries were the property of the
former club and were included in
the gift, also living room furnish
ings and furniture. A broad stair
case leads to second floor where
bright rooms overlook the lovely
valley that lies between Cranwell
and the adjacent Berkshires, and
Laurel Lake lies nesting among
their midst.
In addition to this main building
are many others which will include
q Study Hall, and several smaller
buildings where the students will
live. These are all within easy dis
lance Of the main buildings which
may be approached by dirt drives
or marble tagged walks. It Is also
expected, eventually. to convert the
spacious stables into well-equipped
gymnasium. Indirect lighting on the
grounds Is furnished by low rectang-
ular standards at intervals along
the tagged walks. Flower gardens
and natural arbors are among the
paintings and there is considerable
space given over 70 vegetable gar
dens and farm equipment