History
History
Our forward-thinking program is informed by the school’s rich history and traditions.
We embrace the vision of our founders, Harold P. Hinman, a Dartmouth College graduate, and William R. Brewster, headmaster of Kimball Union Academy: they imagined a School that offered a beautiful natural setting and balanced instruction, helping boys build a foundation for future success.
In 1945, these men joined with Dartmouth president E. M. Hopkins to obtain our School’s lakefront home, nestled below Mt. Cardigan’s peak. Cardigan has integrated thoughtfully into this campus, expanding from an initial graduating class of seven boys, merging with the Clark School in 1954, and settling intentionally into our current enrollment of just over 200 boys in grades six through nine.
Having marked the School’s 75th anniversary, we are proud to note that our philosophy and objectives have remained unchanged. We learn from and value our environment; we emphasize risk-taking and experiential learning; we foster personal responsibility and kindness to others. As Cardigan’s founders envisioned, we remain deeply committed to helping boys realize their potential, so that they can achieve a balanced and well-rounded life.
With each and every man of Cardigan doing what he can, within his limitations and within the scopes of his conscience, there is no foreseeing the limits of development in this unique school of ours.”
Hap Hinman
Founder
Cardigan Archives
Celebrate all 75 years of what makes our School great by diving into the digital Cardigan Archives!
Cardigan Mountain School Timeline
In 1944, KUA headmaster William R. “Bill” Brewster observed that the beautiful landscape near Canaan Street Lake presented the perfect location for a school. This planted a seed with Cardigan founder Harold P. “Hap” Hinman, who soon afterward secured both the Haffenreffer Estate from Dartmouth College and The Lodge on Canaan Street. Cardigan Mountain School opened its doors to 24 middle school boys on September 19, 1946, with Brewster acting as both a trustee and the school’s first headmaster.
- Founding and the First Academic Year
Brewster and other trustees felt it was important for Cardigan’s headmaster to live on campus, and appointed Bob Kimball in the fall of 1947. Kimball and the board focused on extensive renovation projects and the urgent need to increase enrollment. Meanwhile, students and faculty happily mixed class work with outdoor exploration, community connections, creative activities, and new traditions like hiking Mt. Cardigan. Profiles of the school appeared in major publications and, even in the face of significant financial pressures, Cardigan’s reputation was growing.
- Headmaster Robert M. Kimball
Headmaster “Dutch” Clark joined Cardigan in 1950 with a mandate to increase enrollment. By the fall the school had enrolled 35 boys, a celebrated milestone. The seeds of future programs were being planted: the school added a language training program for individualized learning; the boys published the first issue of the Cardigan Chronicle; and in 1951 five boys were the first to enroll in what is now Cardigan’s flagship program, Summer Session. Meanwhile, Hanover’s foundering Clark School approached the board about a merger, opening new possibilities for Cardigan’s future.
- Headmaster Wilfred W. Clark
The fall of 1955 heralded major changes at Cardigan, with the September departure of Dutch Clark and the opening of the school’s new campus. The Lodge on Canaan Street was soon sold, as school life had moved to The Point. Bill Brewster stepped in as headmaster while the board completed its search for Clark’s successor. New headmaster Ro Burbank was an experienced administrator who would professionalize operations for the faculty and staff. Burbank had a forestry background, and in addition to starting traditions like Mountain Day and Ski Holiday, he encouraged students’ participation in campus land management. His tenure was a period of tremendous growth for Cardigan—by 1963, seven new school buildings had joined Clark-Morgan Hall (the former Haffenreffer Mansion) on The Point.
- Headmaster Roland W. Burbank
The board appointed assistant headmaster Norm Wakely as Ro Burbank’s replacement in 1963. Not long after the Chapel hosted its first commencement in 1964, it was the site of founder Hap Hinman’s funeral. It was the end of one Cardigan era and the beginning of another, as Wakely’s tenure as headmaster would eventually span 26 years. It encompassed the pressures of financial recessions, the Vietnam and Cold Wars, and generations of Cardigan boys. The Wakely era codified traditions like Sunrise Hike, Head’s Holiday, and Finnish hockey exchanges, and heralded the addition of athletic and hockey facilities, the lake dormitories, and the Stoddard Center. In another key milestone, Cardigan’s Summer Session transitioned to coeducation.
- Headmaster Norman C. Wakely H’91, P’70,’73,’75
Bringing a renewed focus on developing Cardigan’s academic and community service programs, Chip Dewar succeeded Norm Wakely in 1989. The school began to deepen its relationships with international families, and to capitalize on rapid changes in technology. Dewar championed a more integrated approach to wellness, and restructured roles and responsibilities to support students’ mental, emotional, and physical health. Dewar oversaw celebrations of Cardigan’s 50th Anniversary and the opening of Bronfman Hall; a few years later, the construction of Funnell and Dewar Houses increased housing for faculty and students. New school traditions growing from his tenure included the Annual Auction and the Sunset Hike.
- Headmaster Dr. Cameron K. Dewar H’02, P’93
Cardigan’s board appointed Jamie Funnell as one-year interim headmaster while they searched for Dewar’s successor. Funnell was a beloved, long-term Cardigan faculty member who had been serving as assistant headmaster and dean of faculty. His positive energy helped the campus community thrive during the transition year. To set the next headmaster up for success, Funnell focused on boosting enrollment through the launch of a redesigned website, and closing out fundraising efforts for renovating the ice rink and healthcare facilities.
- Interim Headmaster James H. Funnell H’09, P’07,’09
Tom Needham’s short tenure due to health concerns nevertheless left its mark on Cardigan, as he approved initial work to establish the now flagship Gates Invention & Innovation Program. During his two years at the school, Cardigan held dedications for both the Hamilton Family Foundation Student Health Center and the Wakely Center, and began holding a signing ceremony for new students. As the board searched for Needham’s successor, they had concerns about financial sustainability. During the transition period, a committee of trustees met monthly to ensure program continuity and to provide support to the staff and headmaster.
- Headmaster Mr. Thomas W. Needham
The first alumnus to be Cardigan’s head of school, Dave McCusker had already served as faculty, staff, board, and corporation member. His immediate focus was to engage Cardigan’s community and confirm the school’s identity, defining the Cardigan Way: a clarified mission statement, Core Values, and Habits of Learning. Cardigan’s programs expanded to include the PEAKS department, a flourishing Gates program, global and leadership studies, and robust activities and community engagement. The school supported faculty with more housing, and the transformative addition of Cardigan Commons created a central hub for the campus community. In a significant shift in governance, Cardigan’s Corporation dissolved in 2012, consolidating strategic leadership within the Board of Trustees.
- Head of School David J. McCusker, Jr. ’80, P’09,’10
As our 10th Head of School, Chris Day focuses on the strengths that have made Cardigan a leader in middle school education. As in the Cardigan hymn, our firm foundations allow us to support students and families “through storm or weather fair.” Cardigan marked its 75th Anniversary in 2021 with the opening of Wallach and the Academic Quad. Connections within our global community continue to grow and deepen, and as we follow our mission of preparing boys for responsible and meaningful lives in a global society, we continually build toward a bright and exciting future for “our favored school.”
- Head of School Christopher D. Day P’12,’13
Cardigan History Book
Cardigan recently published the third edition of the School’s history, titled Cardigan at Seventy-Five. This coffee-table book includes a visual introduction to the School today, as well as Cardigan’s written history from its founding to the present day.
You can preview the book as an online PDF or purchase your own copy of Cardigan at Seventy-Five through Cardigan's School Store.
decorative-rule crest
Crest
Interested to learn more about Cardigan?
Submit the inquiry form at the link below and we will send you and your son a welcome package that includes our school viewbook and other information about any special academic or athletic interests he may have.