Penelope Putz and the Mount School's Enduring Legacy of Activism
Penelope Putz, whose life was recently commemorated, was a notable figure among the many girls from the Quaker Fox family who attended the Mount School in York. Records indicate that at least 19 members of this family were educated at the institution during the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting a deep-rooted connection to this esteemed Quaker establishment.
A Teacher's Perspective on School History and Radicalism
As a teacher at the Mount School from 1987 to 2006, I authored the school's history, Among Friends, published in 2007. This work revealed that the school has a rich tradition of fostering radical thinkers among its alumnae. Penelope Putz is remembered as part of this legacy, with her involvement in social and political movements reflecting the school's values.
I recall that Penelope was present at the February 2003 anti-Iraq war demonstration in London. Coincidentally, a group of girls from the Mount School and I also participated in this significant protest. Following the declaration of war, we spent numerous break times on the pavement outside the school in York, holding banners and advocating for peace. Many students wrote letters to our then Member of Parliament, Hugh Bayley, expressing their opposition to the conflict.
Wartime Protests and Institutional Change
During Penelope's time at the Mount School in the Second World War, a notable incident occurred regarding dining arrangements. Staff and girls ate supper together in the dining room, but the girls complained that the staff received better food. In response, the girls organized a demonstration outside the dining room, which led to a permanent change: thereafter, the staff ate separately in the evenings. This event underscores the school's environment where student voices could drive institutional reform.
The Mount School in York has long been a hub for Quaker education, emphasizing principles of peace, equality, and social justice. Penelope Putz's story, from wartime protests to anti-war activism, exemplifies how these values are instilled in pupils and carried into adulthood. The school's history is filled with such examples of former pupils engaging in meaningful social causes.
Today, the legacy of the Mount School continues, with its alumnae often involved in various progressive movements. The story of Penelope Putz serves as a reminder of the impact that education in a Quaker setting can have on fostering a spirit of protest and advocacy for change.
