Meet our Heritage Society Members
Meet our Heritage Society Members
Allen Noble Hoyt —36
According to Webb Institute archives, Allen Noble Hoyt was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 11, 1912. He grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, attending Cranbrook School in Bloomfield, where he graduated in the spring of 1931.
Al was admitted to Webb Institute on September 21, 1931, and eventually graduated with his brother Edgar in the Class of 1936. Al also had a cousin, Elbert Durfee '40, who graduated from Webb. Al points out in a 2002 note to Webb that he "in fact spent 4 years with the Class of '35, eventually finishing with the Class of '36." According to his nephew, Peter B. Hoyt, Al always had a crisp sense of humor and an unending passion for Webb. That passion would follow him throughout his life.
After graduating from Webb, Al was briefly involved in the commercial marine business before taking his talents to the Navy. He eventually became a project manager at the David Taylor Model Basin where Professor Emeritus Jacques Hadler was head of ship powering. According to Hadler, Al tested streamlined hull designs of submarine models that later became designs used for attack submarines. Hadler added that Al has a quiet professional with a sharp wit and an interest in the stock market. In later years Al's stock market hobby would greatly benefit Webb Institute. Al and his wife Cordella (Perkie) retired to his beloved home in Clearwater, Florida, where they remained involved with Webb. In a letter dated November 14, 1992, Al's sense of humor and love of Webb were again on display, as he wrote Professor Edwin Dunbaugh in response to Bob Mende's letter requesting anecdotes from his time at Webb:
Prof. Dunbaugh-
Webb at Bronx still my choice. Five cents downtown, crumb bun and coffee 10 cents—just around the corner. Tolentine Gym across the street. Super sledding and skating.
Watching Jim Henry do front flips. Astounding! Baseball team—tennis also.
As for myself, I have the great distinction of probably being the only grad so loved by faculty and school body that I was invited back for a fifth year!
Hence my '36 designation though I started with the class of —35.
–ANH
Al's involvement with Webb as a donor goes back many years. He was interviewed for the Centennial Campaign Feasibility Study in 1988 and became a "lead" donor to the campaign. In 1986 Al was granted permanent status as a member of the William H. Webb Society by Webb President Benedict L. Stabile, VADM USCG (Ret.).
Today, in 2013, in honor of the very generous bequest of over $1,000,000 from the Estate of Al and Cordella Hoyt, Webb Institute is proud to announce that an Allen and Cordella Hoyt Scholar will be named each year, recognizing their generosity in perpetuity. It is gifts such as this that help sustain and propel our beloved institution.
Webb Institute was founded through the vision and philanthropy of William H. Webb. The tradition of philanthropy continues today with over 70% of living alumni supporting Webb on an annual basis. The ultimate result of this generosity is evidenced through significant planned gifts. For these, Webb Institute is extremely grateful.