Harry Petchesky '55

As a 67 year member of the Poly alumni group, the name Joseph Dana Allen has a significant meaning to me. In his last year as Headmaster, Doctor Allen interviewed me for admission to the First Form. I had heard that he often asked candidates for admission to recite a poem. I memorized "Trees" and a couple of other short verses. The question never arose, but I guess I did well enough to pass muster. My mother didn't hurt by mentioning as we were leaving that "Harry's sister who will be a Senior at Packer next year is very interested in his application". Dr. Allen's eyes lit up as he said, Oh really" Lest anyone think otherwise, Poly and Packer were both single sex schools in those days so there was no divided loyalty in our family.

The word loyalty is appropriate. I became a member of the Joseph Dana Alan Society when it was formed. I firmly believe that every alumna, alumnus, parent or friend of Poly should join the Society. That is one very good way to express your loyalty and assure that our school will survive and thrive as it has since 1854 and, particularly, since 1917 when Poly moved to its present campus in and Dr. Allen began his 32 year career as Poly's headmaster or as we would say today, "Head of School".

Harry Petchesky
Class of 1955