Oral Histories

Interview of Paul Squibb

Founder and first Headmaster of the Midland School in Los Olivos, California.
Subtitle:
The Founding of Midland School
Series:
College Preparatory Schools of Southern California
Topic:
Education
Biographical Note:
Founder and first Headmaster of the Midland School in Los Olivos, California.
Interviewer:
Mink, James V.
Interviewee:
Squibb, Paul
Persons Present:
Squibb, his wife, Louise Groves Squibb, and Mink.
Place Conducted:
Squibb's residence in Cambria, California.
Supporting Documents:
Records relating to the interview are located in the office of the UCLA Library's Center for Oral History Research.
Interviewer Background and Preparation:
The interview was conducted by James V. Mink, University Archivist and Director, UCLA Oral History Program; B.A., M.A.,History, UCLA; B.L.S., UC Berkeley; Certificate in Archival Administration and Preservation, American University, Washington, D.C.Mink relied on his own knowledge as a graduate of the Midland School. He also examined school documents and records prior to the interview and these materials were on hand at the time the interviews took place. In connection with the California Association of Independent Schools, he examined records in the Office of Relations with Schools at UCLA.
Processing of Interview:
Editing was done by the interviewer during February 1970. The following transcript consists of a verbatim transcription of the interviews, edited primarily to obtain correct punctuation, paragraphing and spelling. The spelling of proper names has been verified. In the course of editing the transcript was thoroughly checked against the original taped interviews. The material has been retained in the order that it was spoken on the tape, except that the minor deletion of repetitive words or phrases has occasionally been made. Words or phrases not actually spoken by the respondents on tape have been bracketed (except in the case of short connective words). The edited manuscript was taken to the respondents for review in February and returned to the program in March of 1970. They made very minor corrections and additions and supplied correct spellings of proper names the editor was unable to verify.The index was prepared by the interviewer.
Length:
11 hrs.
Language:
English
Copyright:
Regents of the University of California, UCLA Library.
Series Statement:
This series includes interviews who founded or served on the staff of college preparatory schools in Southern California in the middle decades of the twentieth century.
Abstract:
Family background; relationship to E. R. Squibb & Sons company; education at Kent School, Connecticut, and Harvard University; World War I military service; postwar work and travel; teacher, Webb School, 1924-31; founding Midland School, 1932; experiences as headmaster of private college-preparatory boarding school, 1932-52; development of Midland School; philosophy of education; role in organization of California Association of Independent Schools; meals, holiday celebrations, and health concerns at Midland School.