EARLY LIFE ON A FARM IN SUFFIELD

Dean and Clarence learned early the rigors of farm life with their father. They found abundant recreation a 1 ½ mile trek southwest through the fields and woods to Congress Lake. They became avid swimmers in the summer, enjoyed skating in the winter, and hunting year round. These rural pursuits would play a major role later in Dean's life.

Dean attended Suffield High School, graduating April 6th, 1907. The school year ended in early spring as in rural life the students were needed to work the fields for the new planting season. (footnote 9) The Commencement Exercises for the six graduates were held on Saturday at the Redeemer Church.This predominantly German community comprised Roman Catholic and Lutheran faiths. (Perhaps the Lutheran church won the toss?) Each of the six held a class office. Dean’s office was that of Treasurer. Each graduating student presented an oration. Dean’s was entitled The Protection of American Forests.

Commencement address given by Judge D. L. Rockwell; one of his teachers was E. D. Fritch, later a longtime figure on the Summit County Common Pleas court bench (probable early influence on Dean’s later study of law).

Notes:

9. This school system to accommodate family farming is still carried out southwest of Suffield in the Amish communities of Holms and Wayne counties.