Author Description

This book tells the rich story of The Children's Country School, now known as Hillbrook School. As a boarding school, TCCS triumphed progressive ideals amidst a Great Depression and Second World War. From 1935-1947, this country school located in the "Valley of Hearts Delight" (modern-day Silicon Valley) produced a world-renown Pied Piper's Call summer camp and audacious Village of Friendly Relations built by children and for children. You will see this eclectic school through the eyes of its philosophical leader, Mary Orem, by way of personal letters and theoretical writings. You will vicariously walk in the shoes of these boarding school students as they 'learn by doing' through personal interviews and hundreds of black and white photographs. An engaging story set in uncertain times of struggle, survival, and triumph. Paul DiMarco is currently a teacher at Hillbrook School in Los Gatos, CA. He is a documentary filmmaker and member of the California Historical Society. For 10 years, he uncovered and pieced together the history and story of this country-infused boarding school. Over 60 interviews were conducted in person, on camera, and by phone of past teachers and students. He collected archival documents from the City of Los Gatos, as well as original school papers untouched and unseen for 65 years. A labor of love and personal interest for the author, this story of hardship and perseverance reveals more ups and downs than the stock market crash that preceded it or the infamous racehorse Seabiscuit during it. Throughout, The Children's Country School continuously proved its motto that as the twig is bent, the tree will grow.