The History of Field State College: A Legacy of Education and Community

The story of Field State College is one of vision, growth, and unwavering commitment to its core values. From its humble beginnings in 1972 to its current status as a thriving educational institution, Field State College has consistently prioritized dialogue, analytic thinking, and the development of responsible, self-aware adults.

Elizabeth's Vision: The Foundation of Field State College

Elizabeth, as she was known to Field students, possessed a clear vision for a different kind of school. Drawing upon her experiences teaching math in large public school classrooms and her exposure to "progressive" educational models, she envisioned a school where a classic curriculum, organized into distinct "fields" of knowledge, could be taught in a small, intimate environment. This environment would emphasize dialogue, promote analytic thinking, and instill in students the values necessary to become generous, responsible, and self-aware adults. In 1972, Elizabeth's vision became a reality with the opening of The Field School.

Early Growth and the Establishment of Signature Programs

The Field School experienced rapid growth in its early years. By 1974, the student body had grown to 97, necessitating a move to a new location. In a memorable display of community spirit, students, faculty, and parents joined forces to transport all of the school's desks, chairs, and books up Connecticut Avenue to Field's new home on Wyoming Avenue. Even in these early years, The Field School had already established several of its signature programs. Every student was required to take a studio art class, and participation in athletics was mandatory. Furthermore, the school developed an internship program that allowed students to gain real-world experience and explore potential career paths through winter internships within the community.

Growth and Maturity: Expanding Horizons

Between 1974 and 2002, The Field School experienced a period of remarkable growth and evolution while staying true to its founding principles. The school expanded its physical footprint to include a second row house across from the first, eventually accommodating 220 students within the two buildings.

As the campus and student body grew, so did the opportunities for curricular and programmatic expansion. The school attracted faculty from top colleges and universities, and Field graduates went on to pursue diverse careers, enhancing the school's reputation.

A New Beginning: The Move to a Dedicated Campus

In 2002, The Field School embarked on a new chapter with the opening of its 10.5-acre campus. This new campus, formerly the home of the Cafritz family, provided the school with modern facilities, including its first gymnasium and playing field, new science labs, and creative studio spaces. While the unique character of the "old campus" was missed, students and teachers ensured that the new campus would have its own distinct identity.

The Field Forward Capital Campaign: Enhancing the Physical Plant

Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012, The Field School launched the ambitious Field Forward Capital Campaign. This campaign enabled the school to further enhance its physical plant and expand its programs. The Middle School was expanded to include a 6th grade, and the overall student body grew to its current size of 350 students. As a tribute to the Quaker Meeting House in Dupont Circle, where school meetings were previously held, the Elizabeth Ely Meeting House was constructed, providing a space for all-school assemblies, performances, and celebrations. Additionally, new state-of-the-art facilities, including a science lab, a music and recording studio, and a strength and movement room, were added to the campus.

Continuing Legacy: A Focus on the Future

In July 2020, Field welcomed Lori Strauss as its third Head of School. In 2022, The Field School celebrated its 50th anniversary with a series of events and underwent a campus master planning process. This process led to a revitalization and expansion of the school's science laboratories and classrooms, which opened in the fall of 2023.

State College: A Broader Context

While the primary focus is on The Field School, it's important to consider the broader context of "State College" as a place.

State College, Pennsylvania, is a borough and home rule municipality located in Centre County. The population was 40,501 at the 2020 census.The name of the Nittany Valley and its most prominent feature, Mount Nittany, comes from either Shawnee, Iroquois, or Lenape. It is thought to be a place name roughly translating to "single mountain."A common myth suggests the name comes from princess Nita-Nee, who led her people to the fertile valleys of central Pennsylvania. The author of the story, Henry W. Shoemaker, acknowledged that the story was fictional.The Farmers' High School of Pennsylvania was founded in 1855 on 400-acres of land in what was Harris Township. Although the area was isolated from most of the state, the land was reasonably affordable and the Nittany Valley was rich in limestone, causing exceptional soil fertility. The land was clear-cut for charcoal, powering the adjacent Centre Furnace.In 1875, College Township formed, taking up most of what is now State College.In 1885, the Pennsylvania Railroad opened a train station two miles from campus in Lemont on the Lewisburg and Tyrone Railroad. Passengers would have to catch an autobus or a hack to complete the journey to State College from the new station.Construction of the train station on West College Avenue was finally completed in 1892, connecting State College to the Bellefonte Central Railroad (BCRR) via Struble.In 1909 the hilly area south of Downtown began to be developed under the name Highland Park.The borough began expanding in 1916 with annexations from Ferguson and College Township. In 1917 the borough added the Hamilton, Highland Park, and South Side additions to its boundary.

Community and Culture in State College

State College is known for its vibrant community and cultural scene, heavily influenced by the presence of Pennsylvania State University. The Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, commonly known as "Arts Fest," is a major annual event held downtown every July. This five-day festival attracts artists from across the country and draws over 125,000 visitors. The streets are transformed into a bustling marketplace where attendees can purchase paintings, pottery, jewelry, and other handcrafted goods.

The borough boasts a variety of parks and recreational areas, including Sunset Park in College Heights, Walnut Springs in Vallamont, and Lederer Park in Penfield, offering residents and visitors opportunities to connect with nature.

Education in State College

The State College Area School District operates eight elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school in and around State College, serving a diverse student population. The district has a rich history, dating back to 1896, and has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the community.

Transportation and Infrastructure in State College

State College has a well-developed transportation infrastructure, including road and rail connections. Electricity is provided by West Penn Power, while natural gas service is provided by Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania. The State College Borough Water Authority provides water service to the borough and surrounding townships.

Memorial Field: A Historic Landmark

Memorial Field, located at the intersection of West Nittany Avenue and Fraser Street, holds a special place in the history of State College. Constructed during the Great Depression as a Works Progress Administration project, it has served as the home of State College Area School District's athletic programs for decades.

The field's origins as a sinkhole presented unique challenges during its construction. However, through the efforts of dedicated individuals and the support of the community, the sinkhole was transformed into a functional and cherished athletic venue.

Over the years, Memorial Field has undergone several renovations and improvements, including the installation of artificial turf and the replacement of the field lighting. It remains a focal point for community events and a symbol of the town's commitment to athletics and recreation.

Bluefield State University: A Parallel Narrative

While the primary focus is on Field State College and State College, Pennsylvania, the information about Bluefield State University offers a parallel narrative of growth, adaptation, and commitment to education.

Bluefield State University, a public historically black university (HBCU) in Bluefield, West Virginia, was founded in 1895 as a "high-graded school" for African Americans. Despite facing challenges and periods of transition, Bluefield State has remained a vital educational institution, adapting to the changing needs of its students and the broader community.

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