From the Archives: Stanley Mead Plaque

Have you ever noticed any of the plaques in or around many of Camp’s most important buildings? If so, you may have noticed the one dedicating the Rec Hall to Judge Stanley P. Mead, who was President of the Board in 1930, as well as a Trustee into the 1970s.

Stanley Penfield Mead was born on April 10, 1890, in New Canaan, Connecticut. In 1911, Judge Mead earned his law degree from Yale University. During his law career, Judge Mead played a key role in the establishment of Connecticut’s juvenile court system, serving as a judge in the First District for 20 years.

In his time away from the courtroom, Mead was an active member of the New Canaan Historical Society’s board of directors and was a founding member of the town’s Historic District Commission. Additionally, he was a dedicated member of the New Canaan School Board for three decades, including 15 years as chairman. He passed away on October 12, 1974, at the age of 84, and was laid to rest in New Canaan, Connecticut. Throughout his lifetime, Stanley contributed fifty years of service to the Mohawk community.

According to longtime board member Roger Coutant, Judge Mead visited often in the 1960s to see Camp in action. Judge Mead could be a formidable character, but Mohawk’s then Executive Director Tom Moore seemed to know the perfect way to make him smile. As Mead sat at the head table next to Moore during his lunch visit, he would regularly be introduced with a “Hoorah for Judge Mead” chant. Mead, who enjoyed a good meal and a little well-earned attention, seemed to appreciate the tradition.