THE STRONG AWARD – In Memory of Osmond and Harriet Strong

In recent years, several Players have suggested that the annual CPC “Osy Strong Award” should be renamed to also honor Harriet Strong, who did an equal amount of work and had equal influence (or perhaps more?) in CPC.

The original award – The Osy Strong Award – was created to honor Dr. Osmond Strong upon his passing in 1976.  “Osy” and “Harriet” joined the Players in 1934 – he was a local osteopath and she was an English teacher in public schools.  They appeared in 17 plays together and were known as “The Lunts of Concord”.  Osy appeard in male lead roles for many years.  His first appearance on stage in a Players production was in “Double Door” in 1935 (he played Dr. John Sully). His last stage appearance was in “My Fair Lady” in 1964 as The Prince of Transylvania.

But when “Osy” wasn’t on stage during those 29 years, he worked in some back stage or staff capacity in jobs ranging from Producer, Stage Manager, Carpenter, and Grip, to House Manager, Set Painter and Props Chaser. And for another 8 years until his death in 1976, Osy continued serving the Players as President, Secretary, Member of the Board of Directors, and as Chairperson for the Play Reading, Policy and Procedures, Membership and various other committees.

Among the more than forty productions in which he appeared on stage were: Grey Meredith in “A Bill of Divorcement,” Senator Lauterback in “State of the Union,” Charles Thorndyke Winton in “Winner Take All,” Lewis Carroll and The King of Hearts in “Aliec in Wonderland,” Dr. Gibbs in “Our Town,” Horace Giddens in “The Little Foxes,” Seth Lord in “The Philadelphia Story,” Capt. Brackett in “South Pacific,” The Heavenly Friend in “Carousel, and The Bishop of Lax in “See How They Run.”  He played romantic leads, doctors, lawyers, clergymen and military men; he was right at home in dramas, musicals, romances, and farces.

Harriet had fewer lead roles, but they included “The Country Girl” and “I Remember Mama” in the 50’s.  She also served as president at various times and was on many committees.  Trained by the “guiding light of the Players,” Mrs. Lovegren, during her tenure (1932-1945), Harriet learned about acting, directing, and mounting productions.  In 1950, she and Osy directed “Our Town” and when the Players started doing musicals (in conjunction with the Concord Music Club in the mid-50s) Harriet directed all of the Rodgers and Hammerstein mega-hits — “Oklahoma,”  “Carousel,”  “South Pacific,” and “King and I” — as well as Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady”.  1n 1964, she and Osy directed “Inherit The Wind,” which received the Moss Hart Award from the Boston Record American (presented to them by Elliott Norton and Harold Clurman).  

Known for her warmth and encouraging manner as well as her detail in directing, Harriet worked with Bob Stuart, Clara Brogan, Allwynne Fine, Hector Emond, and others.  She guided and conferred with directors into the early 1980’s and would bring production teams to her nearby home on Green Street after audtions for late-night casting sessions with coffee into the wee hours.  Her presence at run-throughs and dress rehearsals was revered by the Players, who blossomed in the light of her enthusiasm and support.

The making of the recent documentary “The Players” by ConcordTV, served to put a spotlight on the contributions of women, such as Veruqua Lovegren, Ruth Osborne, and Harriet Strong – who brought backbone, energy and skill to the work of the Players in their first 50 years.  It is hoped that this simple name change will bring additional focus to Harriet Strong.

– Jim Webber, June 2025

The Strong Award is given annually to “any adult Player, past or present, whose service to the organization has been notable … of general benefit to the Players as a group …over and above the normal duties of membership.”  

Qualifications for the Strong Award are:

1.  Any adult Player, past or present, whose service to the organization has been notable, shall be considered.
2.  The service to be recognized should be of general benefit to the Players as a group.
3.  Service recognized must be over and above the normal duties of membership in the Community Players organization.
4.  The nominee need not be a current member of the Players.
5.  The nomination should be made on the nomination form, using additional sheets if necessary.  (Click here for the form.)  Service need not be confined to a single year.
6.  Nominees should not be advised of their nomination.
7.  The President is ineligible for this award.

Past Strong Award Recipients