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Professor Scott Nearing
IVU Executive Committee / International Council 1959-82
- 1883 - Scott was born. He married Helen who was a few years younger, born 1904, and a life vegetarian, daughter of theosophists.
- 1932 - aged almost 50, they left professional careers in NYC and bought a run-down farm in Vermont, where they pioneered self-sufficiency - completely non-animal from the outset.
From The Vegetarian World Forum, Spring 1948:
Canadian Vegetarian Association (now applying to join the I.V.U.) . . . We have recently had the good fortune to hear two distinguished out-of-town speakers, . . . Dr. Scott Nearing . . .
First American Vegetarian Convention, Wisconsin, USA, August 21-27, 1949
There were memorable lectures. . . . Something of Scott Nearing's lovable forthrightness is reflected in his article elsewhere in this issue.
. . . Finally, we pay a tribute to that great political writer and debater, Scott Nearing, whose sound commonsense and forthright utterances repeatedly saved the Convention from wandering into vague and pointless by-paths. . .
Five of us bundled in with Kaj to be driven all the way to Vermont, via Canada and Niagara. We were together for a night or two at Scott Nearing's, . . .
Helen and Scott Nearing relax between "sessions."
These two delegates from Vermont are vegans and own a large estate on which they produce maple sugar, syrup, and have with their own hands built their home and guest houses.
The Vegetarian World Forum - No. 4 Vol. 4 - WINTER 1950
Sugar from Trees - Helen K. Nearing [text not online]
 13th IVU World Vegetarian Congress 1953, Sigtuna, Sweden
photo right: Professor Scott Nearing and Mrs Helen Nearing snapped in Stockholm.
Food without Animal Residues -
Professor SCOTT NEARING, U.S.A. - The case history of a twenty-year experiment in gardening without animal manure was the subject of Professor Nearing's lecture to the Sigtuna Congress.
[from a report] A most interesting lecture was that given by Dr. Scott Nearing of Maine, U.S.A., entitled "Food Production without Animal Residues." Professor Nearing had much interesting and valuable first-hand information to give arising from over 25 years' practical experience in farming, during which he has experimented with methods aimed at ruling out all exploitation of animals, plants and soil. The substance of the lecture was drawn from material shortly to be published in book form, which will bring the full result of this prolonged and vital experiment before the public. When this book becomes available we will give it the widest possible publicity.
[another report] Professor Scott Nearing, who, with his great-hearted wife Helen, have crystallised the dream of the idealist into a practical and exemplary reality, . . .
Officers of the International Vegetarian Union - elected at Sigtuna . . . Vice-Presidents, . . . Mr. Scott Nearing, B.O., B.S., Ph.D., U.S.A.;
Minutes of a meeting of members of the Executive Committee held in Hampstead, London on the 18th October 1953
Present: . . . Vice President Mr Scott Nearing . . .
Minutes of Meetings of The Executive Committee), 1954, May 1-2
Vice President Scott Nearing had sent some suggestions for furthering the work of the IVU but on examination it was seen that must of these were already incoporated in the IVU office work. Concerning his request for propaganda it was agreed that a suitable informative leaflet could be composed for sending to individual enqiries but that otherwise propaganda is a matter for national societies.
The Vegetarian World Forum, No. 2 Vol. XI - SUMMER 1957 pp.40-42:
I.V.U. NEWS BULLETIN . . . Not only has Headquarters been busy with much correspondence, but many friends have called to see us, including . . . Dr. and Mrs. Scott Nearing . . . of U.S.A.;
The Vegetarian World Forum - No. 3 Vol. XI - AUTUMN 1957
World Events - Professor Scott Nearing [text not online]
15th World Vegetarian Congress 1957, Delhi/Bombay/Madras/Calcutta, India
Professor Scott Nearing addressing an Indian audience at the Arya Sangha Hall, Bombay, during his visit to India, where he was welcomed by the World Vegetarian Congress Committee.
[from the report from Canada] . . . Canada has also benefited by prominent lecturers from both the United States and England. During the past year, the Toronto Unit has been inspired by such eminent visitors as . . . Professor and Mrs. Scott Nearing. . . . We always profit from the practical philosophy and wisdom of the Nearings in the living of the simple but abundant life.
Professor Scott Nearing addressing an Indian audience at the Arya Sangha Hall, Bombay, during his visit to India, where he was welcomed by the World Vegetarian Congress Committee.
The Vegetarian World Forum No. 1 Vol. XII - APRIL 1958
China Revisited - Professor Scott Nearing [text not online]
The Vegetarian World Forum- No. 3 Vol. XII - OCTOBER 1958
Sunshine Fresh Air and Water - Helen and Scott Nearing [text not online]
16th World Vegetarian Congress 1960, Hannover and Hamburg, Germany
Vice Presidents (re-elected):- . . . Prof Scott Nearing (USA)
17th World Vegetarian Congress 1963, Barcelona, Spain
Vice Presidents: (re-elected) . . . Prof Scott Nearing (USA)
. . .
18th World Vegetarian Congress 1965, Swanwick, England
VICE-PRESIDENTS of The I.V.U.: . . . Prof. Scott Nearing (U.S.A.).
19th World Vegetarian Congress 1967, Delhi/Bombay/Madras, India
CARRYING COALS TO NEWCASTLE? - by Helen and Scott Nearing, Congress report from The British Vegetarian, March/April 1968
from Minutes of the Business Meetings . . . Present:- . . Prof.Scott Nearing, . . .
Smt Rukmini Devi Arundale Speaking. Others, (left to right): Mr N.Nielsen, Shri J.N.Mankar, Professor Scott Nearing (U.S.A.), and the Rajkumar of Vizianagram.
Minutes of Meetings of The International Council, 1971, September 6, at The Hague, Holland - Netherlands Congress Centre
PRESENT:- . . . Prof.Scott Nearing;
. . . 4 Executive Vice-Presidents elected under the new Regional establishment, : . . .Prof Scott Nearing (USA);
22nd World Vegetarian Congress 1973, Ronneby Brunn, Sweden
[from a list of those attending]. . . United States . . . Mrs Helen Nearing . . . Mr Scott Nearing
Working Groups and Seminars are led by such greatly respected figures as Prof.Scott Nearing from the USA on Vegetarian Economics of Land Use; Land Cultivation; . . .
 DOYEN
Sweet and rugged as a Vermont maple, Scott Nearing, together with wife Helen, ran a Working Group on "Vegetarian Homesteading in the USA," evoked a powerful nostalgia for the good and simple life. Alert and chipper at the end of a full week, Scott celebrated his 90th birthday - incredulous friends presented him with a greetings card which ran: "Dear Scott - we love you . . . but don't believe that bit about being 90!"
Minutes of International Council Meeting at University of Maine,
on 3rd February 1974
Present:- . . . Prof Scott Nearing (Exec Vice President),
23rd IVU World Vegetarian Congress 1975, Orono, Maine, USA
A plan for all seasons - The same strict adherence to natural vegetarian principles, that keeps Scott Nearing active and energetic at 91, also foretells a bright and healthy future for 4-year-old Anne Dinshah, and NAVS Vice-President Brian Graff at age 23.
Prof. Nearing, who was honored with a "Man of the Year" citation by the Governor of Maine, will conduct a special workshop on vegetarian homesteading, on the Congress program. Both Anne and Brian have lectured at meetings and conventions.
[program]
Prof. Scott and Helen Nearing (Maine) - At 91, IVU Vice-President Scott Nearing has long been a "legend in his own time", in thefileds of homesteading, natural gardening, and social reform. The Nearings have earned the affection and respect of all who place a high value on indpendence and integrity, and Prof. Nearing was recently honored with a "Man of the Year" citation by the Governor of Maine.
He has written many books, several co-authored by Mrs. Nearing; and they are inveterate world travellers, much in demand for lectures. They will conduct classes at the Congress, in Living The Good Life, Vegetarian Homesteading, and in Natural Gardening Methods.
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE, PART 1,
Scott and Helen Nearing - Main Gym
LIVING THE GOOD LIFE, PART II -
Scott and Helen Nearing - Main Gym
VEGETARIAN HOMESTEADING, PART 1,
Scott and Helen Nearing - Hauck Auditorium (in Student Union building)
VEGETARIAN HOMESTEADING, PART II,
Scott and Helen Nearing - Hauck Auditorium
NATURAL GARDENING METHODS, PART II (rpt)
Prof. Scott Nearing - Murray, rm. 102
YOUTH SESSION: LIVING THE GOOD LIFE
Scott & Helen Nearing - Carnegie rm. 202
[from a Congress report] . . . And I venture to say that no one was unaffected when magnificent Scott Nearing, accompanied by his gelightful and vital Helen, strode to the platform. The audience rose spontaneously and clapped thunderously for several minutes. My black neighbour was moved to tears.
It was inevitable that Scott, an incredible 92, and Helen, should steal the show, as they deserved for their courage in bucking the materialistic-carnivorous trend long ago when it was absolutely unheard of. They have lived to vindicate their beliefs and over 2,500 pairs of feet beat a path to their door every year. The Nearing Monday lecture was packed and the young were well in evidence, a good sign. Questions about homesteading and vegetarianism were thoughtful and pertinent. Although Scott and Helen had corresponded with me in the past in consequence of a letter of mine in Time defending meatlessness, those 1,300 miles had precluded our meeting until now but we made up for lost time. We drove the seventy miles from Orono to their Harborside retreat, taking winding country roads with frequent sea views and toured their beautifully-walled kitchen garden and their peaceful acres on which they are building a second house overlooking the bay. Meantime they live in a benign old frame farmhouse that seemed to reflect the serenity of its owners and the quiet order of their lives.
[from another report]  Living the good life - Scott Nearing and his wife Helen spoke on homesteading at the Congress, have shown by practical example that it's possible to reject the materialistic approach of our time and return to the land. An inspiration to young people everywhere, the Nearings drew capacity audiences, said that they receive some 2,000 visitors a year. Vegetarians Helen and Scott, who live almost entirely on home grown produce, also gave lectures on natural gardening methods. Clear-thinking and physically active at 92, Scott is a great advertisement for the simple life, and visitors to the Congress had a unique opportunity to visit thier holding in Maine, and see what pioneering's all about.
[another report] And, of course, there are the great personalities - homesteaders Scott and Helen Nearing, radiating down-to-earth warmth and humour; . . .
[another report] Two of the more interesting events on the agenda . . ., and a planned trip to the nearby farm home of Scott Nearing the 92-year-old long-time pacifist and author, and his wife, Helen. The Nearings are the congress's reigning celebrities, at least until Dick Gregory, the comedian, arrives on Monday.
LOCAL ESCORTED TOURS
(A minmum of 30 passengers required for each tour)
NEARING HOMESTEAD - HARBORSIDE (full day) - August 26
SPECIAL TOUR to the famous Maine homestead of Helen & Scott Nearing. Visit wih the Nearings; tour their lovely rustic home and examine their celebrated organic garden and greenhouse. Chat with this wonderful pair of vegetarian humanitarians.- $5.00
[another report] For entertainment, the vegetarians have been offered . . . and a planned trip to the nearby farm home of Scott Nearing the 92-year-old long-time pacifist and author, and his wife, Helen. The Nearings are the congress's reigning celebrities, at least until Dick Gregory, the comedian, arrived on today.
Mr. Nearing, the 92-year-old longtime pacifist and author, was given a standing ovation at the congress's opening session for being the oldest vegetarian present. He and his wife lectured on "Vegetarian Homesteading" and "Living the Good Life" last week.
 LIVING THE GOOD LIFE - Conducting a class in natural gardening or vegetarian homesteading, dashing off a chapter for a new book, working in the garden or chopping wood for the kitchen stove - it's all in a day's work fro 92-year-old vegetarian Scott Nearing.
He is seen left at the podium and enjoying a good laugh. Mrs Nearing assists him in many classes, and has co-authored some of their books.
Right: Helen catches up on her knitting as she sits one out. Scott engages in two more favorite activities: making a good point in a discussion, and relishing the great Maine outdoors.
 
Author Scott Nearing: star of the vegetarian congress
Members of the International Council: . . .
Executive Vice Presidents (4):- . . . Prof.Scott Nearing (U.S.A.)
24th World Vegetarian Congress 1977, Delhi/Bombay/Calcutta/Madras, India
The office furniture has needed little expansion this year except for a swivel chair and due to the generous donation from Prof.Scott Nearing and his wife, a new bookcase which will accommodate the growing library for the next 2 years.
Members of the International Council of IVU: . . .
Executive Vice Presidents (4):- . . . ; Prof.Scott Nearing (U.S.A.)
Donations for 1975: . . . Prof Scott & Mrs Helen Nearing (Social Sciences Institute) £80.70; . . .
25th World Vegetarian Congress 1979, Loughborough, England
from the program: film "Living the Good Life" by Prof. Scott & Helen Nearing U.S.A
The following officers are eligible for re-election unless otherwise stated . . . Executive Vice Presidents: . . . Prof. Scott Nearing (U.S.A.)
HONORARY FELLOWS . . .
Elected:- . . . Prof.Scott Nearing (U.S.A.);
26th World Vegetarian Congress 1982, Neu-Ulm, West Germany
The Mankar Trophy was awarded to Professor Scott-Nearing in honour of his long-standing interest and activity connected with the vegetarian cause.
Hon.Fellows: . . . Scott Nearing (U.S.A.),
Mankar Memorial Award - given to Scott in 1982
from The Vegetarian, published by The Vegetarian Society UK, November/December 1983
Scott Nearing Obituary
27th World Vegetarian Congress 1984, Baltimore, USA
. . . speakers who have already agreed to attend include . . . Helen Nearing . . .
The meeting noted with deep regret the passing of two very active members of I.V.U., Professor Scott Nearing who had been awarded the Manker Trophy at the last World Congress and Mr geoffrey Hodson founder of the New Zealand Vegetarian Society. Both had been Hon.Fellows of I.V.U.
from EVU News 1995
Helen Nearing Obituary
32nd World Vegetarian Congress 1996, Johnstown, PA, USA
Program for Friday August 2nd . . . VEGETARIAN FILMFEST . . . Living the Good Life with Helen & Scott Nearing (30 min.) . . .
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