Scott Fields: Poetry

Scott’s poetry frequently graced the Red Balloon issues we read as undergraduates. Also a talented pianist, and member of the Williams Chorus, his talents as an English major led to a career in higher education.

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James P. W. Thompson

Two examples from our talented classmate, James P. W. Thompson, who died on August 27, 2019.   Self-portrait, ca. 1965   Study co-authored by James Thompson and Barbara Wright (published in 1987)  

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Bob Lux: Poetry

Editor’s note: Bob has sent us three poems, in text-image format. Be sure to scroll down to read all three.   Stealth Time Journey Rims of Hills

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John Rahill

I started my own firm in 1978 after a couple of years being a building contractor. Our firm, Black River Design, never made the big time, but I am most proud of the fact that we stayed in business, were able to carve out a living in a rural place we love, with old fashioned […]

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The Red Balloon — The Williams College Literary Magazine

Read our interview with Red Balloon editor Scott Fields below.  Before you do that, and to sort of set the stage, you might like to read our deceased classmate Bill Smith’s generous and sensitive review of a poetry night at the babbel featuring some Red Balloon poets.  Bill’s review appeared in the  May 2, 1967 edition […]

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Phil Recht: Fine Furniture

After having learned the basics of woodworking from my father and grandfather, I took it up as a hobby. I started to think of doing it professionally when I took some woodworking courses and found that I had some ability and could produce better work than some of the instructors. After a number of my […]

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the babbel

“On Friday, February 11, 1966, ‛the babbel,’ Williams’ answer to a Greenwich Village espresso house, opened to a large and enthusiastic clientele…in the basement of Brainerd Mears House.” — Williams Record, Feb 15, 1966 Brainerd Mears had formerly been the ϴΔX Fraternity House, and the babbel was part of an effort symbolically to re-purpose the […]

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