Exploring the vital role of The Anvil in Middlesex history as we celebrate its 120th anniversary.
When asked about the essential values a newspaper should uphold, Bret Stephens’ 91, Pulitzer Prize recipient and associate editor at The New York Times, replied: “Newspapers should be dogged in their pursuit of truth but humble about the fact that nobody knows the full truth. They should avoid political advocacy in their news coverage while encouraging a diversity of viewpoints in their opinion pages.They should be written with clarity, concision, and style. And they should seek to inform and elevate their readers while never talking down to them.”
Indeed, this mission—to inform without dictating, to encourage discussion without overshadowing perspectives––has defined The Anvil for 120 years. In a world of rapid changes, The Anvil has remained the voice of Middlesex, facilitating dialogue, bridging differences, and shaping the campus culture.
Founded in 1904, The Anvil aims to offer the student and faculty body coverage of both school and world events. Throughout the years, The Anvil evolved from the original biannual pamphlet publications, to printed newspapers, to now embracing an online presence and podcasts in the advent of the digital age. In its 120 year history, The Anvil has grown from a small publication to a robust organization with over 40 staff members, accessible to the entire student body. Yet despite the many changes in format, the core mission of The Anvil remains the same: to search for truth while presenting diverse perspectives.
When I rummaged through the early Anvil publications, I was filled with immense joy as I immersed myself in the lives of alumni a century ago. Flipping through a pamphlet published in January, 1946, I found a vivid description of an annual Groton Debate. The article brought the debate to life by painting a vibrant image of Middlesex alumni, eloquently defending their position. In that moment, I saw myself standing alongside them, our figures overlapping across the division of time—sharing the carefree spirit of youth, and filled with a curiosity to learn and a confidence to pursue excellence. In addition to the school rivalry with Groton that continues today, there are countless parallels between the Middlesex of the past and present. The Anvil is not only a bridge within the school, but also a connection across time, linking the generations of students together with the shared Middlesex experience.
Throughout history, The Anvil has always been a platform for students to express their opinions. In October, 2001, for example, Casey Littlefield communicated her deep disappointment over the school’s decision to renovate the Chapel, highlighting the potential harm the renovation might bring to Estabrook Woods. The Anvil offers an opportunity for students to freely express their opinions and exert their influence on campus events.
The Anvil also weaves together a rich tapestry of Middlesex’s history. References to events like Square Dance, Orientation Schedule, and the arrival of Mr. Kulas in publications from years ago remind us today of the remarkable continuity of life at Middlesex life. Indeed, Mr. Stephens confesses that he “wouldn’t have become a journalist had it not been for the skills [he] learned at Middlesex.” The Anvil is more than a newspaper, it is 120 years of hardwork and dedication–a living history of our community.
Gina Zhao
Indresh Chandel