THE MICHIGAN DAILY SATU

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WAY, FEBRUARY ",1956

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-Daily-Peter Song
PROF. JOHN V. FIELD
*..variety is the spice of life.
Prof. Field Co-ordinates,
Teaches, Travels, Directs

By TED FRIEDMAN
Prof. John V. Field leads a dif-
ferent life each semester of the;
year.'
During the fall, he travels
throughout the state as consult-1
ant in journalism for the Univer-
sity's Bureau of School Services.
In the spring he teaches courses
in the departments of journalism
and English. And in summer he
serves as co-ordinator for the
high school workshop program.
But throughout the entire year
he acts as director for the Michi-
gan Interscholastic Press Associa-
tion.
The Michigan-trained professor
of journalism is a lively little man
whose life has been as diversified
as his present work.
'Stars and Stripes,
He has worked as an account-
ant, reporter and editor for lead-
ing papers, public welfare officer
in Japan, director of the Pacific
area "Stars and Stripes" newspa-
per and finally as a college pro-
fessor.
Although he has always been
interested in journalism, he was
graduated- from the University
during the Depression when Jobs
were not for the asking' "So I
worked with an accountant firm.
I frankly found it very dull," he
said .
Soon, however, he found a job
with the Ypsilanti Press. He be-
came city editor of the paper. Then
he moved on to the Detroit Free
Press where "I was just a stringer,"
he said.
Copy Editor
- Next he moved to the Greens-
boro, N.C., Daily News, where he
held the position of copy editor.
"Then along came the Army,"
he said.:.
Prof. Field was stationed in Ja-
pan for three and a half years as-
sisting with post-war rehabilita-
tion.
Japan still remains one of his
major interests. His house in East
Ann Arbor has a striking Orien-
tal atmosphere.
His living room walls are cov-
ered with rich Japanese ki-
* monas, wood carvings and.prints.
Throughout the home is an ar-
ray of elegant oriental vases, tap-
estries and figures of carved wood,
china and compressed silk.
Japanese Prints
Bringing out a folder, Prof.
Field explained, "I'm still in-
terested in collecting Japanese
prints." His collection includes
not only contemporary works, but
many priceless pictures centuries
old.
Describing the "incredible" pre-
cision necessary in the craft, he
told how every different color
shading requires a separate run-
off for each print. Thirty separ-
ate run-offs are common.
"It's a native folk art highly
refined. It's Japan's almost ex-
clusive contribution to world art.
It takes literally months to make
one of these," he said.
Public Welfare
Then, returning to his work in
Japan, he- explained that in Yo-
kohama he was in charge of pub-
lic welfare. "We had to gee to it
there was housing, good and clo-
thing for about three million Jap-

anese. The thing that saved us
was a mild winter and an over-
abundance of tangerines.'
After this type of work, when
he was made officer in charge of
the Pacific "Stars and Stripes,"
it wa actually a relier,
The military newspaper had a
daily circulation of more than
100,000.
Civilian Life
When he finally returned to'c-
vilan life in America, he decided
to remain in Journalism, but as a
teacher. He began working at
Temple University in Philadel-
phia. But he complained, "It nev-
er had quite the feeling of the
true collegiate environment that
I think we have here."
Prof. Field has devoted himself
as thoroughly to teaching as to
all his other work.
"One of the things I've been
able to develop here is a course
in critical writing."
His "Interpreting the Arts"
course brings in experts in all the
creative arts - music, painting,
sculpture, architecture, motion
pictures and the theatre.
"Recently we had Donald Yates
in," he >ointed out. "I'm always
glad to hear of people ,with these
special talents." Yates is an ex-
pert on detective fiction.
"It gives the students an oppor-
tunity to ask these, people the
questions they've always wanted
to ask."
School Services Bureau
In his position with the Bureau
of School Services he devotes one
semester each year to traveling
throughout Michigan visiting high
schools. This bureau accredits the
various schools in the state and
will give any help needed by a
school.
"So that means I'm on the road
all the time," he said.
Michigan is one of the tw
states in which a university, rath-
er than a special agency accredits
the high school. Although all the
schools in cities such as Detroit
have received the University's ap-
proval, there remains a number in
rural areas which are not yet ac-
credited.
Summer Workshop
The professor explained the
High School Workshop program
conducted by the University each
summer provides an opportunity
for the high schools to learn new
techniques for high school publi-
cations.
"We put out one newspaper-
sometimes two or three newspap-
ers. Then with the yearbook
people we plan out an annual."
The sessions are attended by
both students and teachers. All
aspects of the schools' problems are
covered.
"Everybody loves it," he said.
He indicated the main reason
he teaches freshman English is to
determine how well the high school
program prepares the student for
college.
Although he was born in New
York, he said, "I'm really an Ann
Arbor native. I was reared in
this town."
In spite of all his other work,
he says he still has time for such
hobbies as theater appreciation,
gardening and photography.

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Organization Notices

Alpha Phi Omega: An open meeting
for all men interested in joining Alpha
Phi Omega, a national service fraternity.
Speakers, a discussion period and re-
freshments. Actives to attend also.
Feb. 27, 7:00 p.m., Ram. 3RS, Union.
* * *
American Institute of Architects:
Movies-"Spatial Dynamics" and "The
Contemporary Architect," Feb. 27, 4:15
p.m., Architecture' Aud., everyone wel-
come.
* * *
Episcopal Student Foundation: Can-
terbury Cabinet Elections: Nomina-
tions now open.
«* s

will speak on "Some Differences in Out-
look Between Russia and the West,"
Feb. 27, 8:00 p.m., Interantional Cen-
Feb. 27, 8:00 p.m., International Cen-
* * *
Student Religious Association: Folk
Dancing at Lane Hall, Feb. 27, 7:30-
10:00 p.m., in the recreation room. In-
struction for every dance and beginners
are welcome.
* * *
Unitarian Student Group: Dr. Red-
man will talk on "Our Liberal Heritage,"
Feb. 26, 7:00 p.m., at the Unitarian
Church. Business meeting will follow.
Transportation from. Lane Hall and
Stockton at 6:45 p.m. Everyone welcome.

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a CAMPUS SALES will he held all dav Monday throuah Friday on the Diag,

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