Years ago we wanted to acquire an original copy of “Marshall Newell: A Memorial For His Classmates and Friends”, but when the book became available, which was rarely, they were far too expensive. I found a copy earlier this month, in very nice shape, and we purchased it. Coincidently, it was delivered on December 24th, the anniversary of his death, 126 years ago (1897).
Having read
the book today, I found myself with a greater admiration for Newell and the way
he led his life: man of quiet moral character who had a remarkable tie to, and
appreciation for, nature. He was loved, admired and respected by those who knew
him and by those who only knew of him. The excerpts from his diary, published
in the book, were only slightly removed from true poetry in the way he wrote
them. He was considered the ideal to which all Harvard students wished to
emulate.
It is a
wonderful book that I recommend reading (a quick read). It leaves its readers wishing
for times when things were more ordered, simpler, and more decent.
Reading this
book, at this moment in time, made me think about how much of the current Harvard
undergraduate student body as well as Harvard’s leadership represent the
antithesis to what Newell represented and believed in. How disappointed he would
be.
Marshall
Newell, April 12, 1871 – December 24, 1897, was one of only four individuals
who were four time All-Americans in football, the others being Truxton Hare,
Gordon Brown and Frank Hinkey. Newell prepped at Phillips Exeter. He played on
the Varsity Eleven at Harvard in 1890, 1891, 1892 and 1893 and rowed Varsity
Crew in 1891, 1892 and 1893. The Newell Boathouse on the Charles River was
constructed in his memory. He died in a railway yard accident at 26 years of
age.
