The Chat and Other Dances

Here’s a look at class dances over the years.

The Chat — the name for the prom — was derived from The Northfield Chateau (final photo in this galley). The chateau was designed by noted architect Bruce Price, also designer of the Chateau Frontenac in Quebec, for Francis Schell, a New York capitalist. It was completed in 1903 and the Schells summered in the home until Francis’ death in 1928. Mrs. Schell sold the property to the Northfield School for Girls, which also owned The Northfield Inn. The chateau was demolished in 1963 so our Chat was held at The Northfield Inn which, in turn, was demolished in the 1980s. Sidenote: The basement of The Chateau was the location of the first youth hostel in the United States.