Byron's original plans were to enroll in the Vesper George Art School in Boston, but before he began taking classes he heard about the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. MassArt, as it was affectionately known by the locals, was a state school and was more economical and better equipped than Vesper George. Byron was able to get his tuition money back from Vesper George, and was soon enrolled in MassArt.
Byron considers himself privileged to have been placed under the tutelage of the famous sculptor, Raymond Porter. Ray was a wealthy, self-taught bachelor who enjoyed eating good food and seeing the world. Coming from a humble background and working his way up as he had, Ray was sympathetic to Byron, who was still dealing with feelings of inadequacy and rejection. Mr. Porter took the young sculptor under his wing, and Byron soon blossomed under his instruction.
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| "Monument to the Family" by Byron Bristol |
During spring break Ray Porter would take his sculpture students on trips down the East Coast to study and photograph great sculptures and monuments. During the school year he would invite Byron over to his house for a hearty dinner and conversation. Ray opened up new horizons to his small-town student, teaching him much about history and Europe as well as sculpture. The teaching and friendship of this great man sparked a turning point in Byron's life. He gained confidence and purpose and began to take control of his life. He had nothing to lose and everything to gain, starting his life in the real world.
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| One of Esther's Early Drawings |
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Esther decided that art was definitely her strong point and one that she intended to cultivate. After finishing high school, she chose to enroll in the Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She specialized in drawing and painting, showing particular interest in watercolors. Here at the art school she began to develop her style and hone her skills, learning techniques from the masters in her field.
Byron was now a junior at MassArt. As the school year drew to a close and he completed his assigned projects, it was announced that a student dance would be held at the Copley Library in Boston. He had always loved dancing, and his skill had been one reason he had so many dates. There was one person, however, who seemed to think that Byron didn't have enough. Alison Macomber was a fellow art student, but Byron kept his distance from him; in his opinion the young man was quite crazy. But one day 'Mac' came up to Byron and started telling him about this girl who went to MassArt named Esther Boston. He simply raved about what a charming and engaging girl she was and insisted that Byron must meet her. Judging from his opinion of Mac, Byron didn't fancy meeting one of his friends and hastily declined the honor of making Miss Boston's acquaintance.
The night of the dance arrived and Byron swept through the room in time to the bright music. Every movement was pure enjoyment to him and he reveled in the freedom of the dance. Then, all of a sudden, Mac Macomber came over and insisted once more that Byron meet this lady friend of his. Reluctant, but not wishing to be rude, Byron followed the earnest young man to where his friend waited, and he saw that she was easily the most beautiful girl in the room. In a matter of minutes they were on the dance floor. Right away Byron could tell that here was a girl who knew how to dance. There was no hesitation, no hitches. They just...clicked.
Byron felt himself seriously drawn to this girl as he had been drawn to none other, and he wasn't about to lose her. MassArt had chartered a steamer for the students to make an outing to Provincetown as an end of the school year activity. Before the night of the dance was out Byron and Esther had arranged to meet on the steamer. It was their first official date.
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