CLASS of 1916
Your Secretary was fortunate indeed to be in Chicago on Monday, October 19, for then it was possible for him to attend the alumni luncheon. Though the official organ does not so credit him, yet he was there with Joe Cheney, Ken Henderson, Joe Larimer, and DeWitt Stillman. Joe Cheney and Ken Henderson, as you all probably know, are with "Ditto, Inc." Joe handles the sales end and Ken the production end. Joe Larimer is a junior partner with a law firm, McKinney and Grear in Chicago; has two boys, the older eight and the younger two. DeWitt Stillman is with Utility Securities Company, Chicago. De has three sons—twelve, ten, and eight. The first one is a center, number two an end, and are playing on their school teams. That leaves number three for the back field when the time arrives. King Cole promised to be on deck, but for some unknown reason did not put in appearanceprobably worrying about the mild weather, as he is with "The Cole Mfg. Co.," manufacturers of stoves.
Reported at the Holy Cross game in Hanover—Gran Fuller, Heinie George, George Pratt, John Stearns, and Bob Brown. Bob, will you explain why you were unable to see the rest of the gang there? At reunion it was not that kind.
Zack Taylor still clings to his single independence. Lives in South Norwalk, Conn., and works for the Ronald Press of New York city. Zack hopes for a full page of news for each issue of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. That is prayer with me, Zack.
Dick Parkhurst writes a very flattering letter, for which we wish to express our appreciation. A letter of any sort is most welcome. Dick from all reports is doing a very splendid job as vice-chairman and secretary of the Boston Port Authority, with headquarters in 1600 Custom House, and that is not flattery in return, Dick.
Preparedness and Louis Bell seem to be synonymous. Louis is in Boston with the Equitable Life Insurance Company.
Just in case some of you men missed the notes concerning Reg Chutter and Barrett Studley in the October, issue—Reg has had a paper entitled "The Purpose of New Foreign Trade Group," published by the Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Stud has published a book, "Learning to Fly for the Navy." As chief instructor for the Navy at Pensacola station, he is certainly in a position to know what it is .all about.
Radio to most of us means turning a button, a dial, and a control, and hearing a football game, a music recital, or a program in which we are particularly interested. To Bob Burlen, who is with WEEI of Boston, we are indebted for the following—
"The most interesting part of Radio, so far as I am concerned, is the writing and producing of programs. I'm not going to fall into the natural temptation of trying to make my job look hard; but getting a program ready to go on the air isn't as easy as it sounds, especially when another program is leering at you just around the corner. The advertising client must be considered, and some have ideas that produce a sensation not unlike a hangover; then there are the powers-that-be at the station, who are justifiably supercritical; the artists with their temperaments, possibilities, and limitations to consider; and finally, of course, that great multitude out there listening in—an audience made up of everything from the fellows on the tugboats in the harbor to the lady in the brownstone house who goes in for clubs, civic reform, and Pekinese poodles.
"Those are a few of the things in the back of a radio producer's head before he goes to work on his program. Then there is that bugaboo of all creative work—THE IDEA. If a program is any good, it must have a semblance of an idea. And what is it to be this time? Business of looking at blank wallpacing the floor—and watching two pigeons on the next roof. Suppression of desire to sock one or both of them with that ash-tray beside the typewriter. Ah—at last—an IDEA. A line comes to mind—a song if it is a musical show—more of them—something's taking shape—yes, sir, that's it—might as well get it down on paper—have a smoke first though—there, that is something like it —:this is going to be good, this is—H—, it's the same thing that we did two weeks ago with a little different slant, that's all—what if it is—you fathead, everybody wasn't listening in two weeks ago—probably nobody wasThat was the night that Jimmy Walker was talking over another network—gosh, wish I could wisecrack like Jimmy Walker. Hohum. Well here goes. Clickety click-clickclick—oblivion—there that's that—it's terrible, but they will take it and like it too let's see—-must have six copies of this continuity typed—tell that hothead of an orchestra leader to get special permission on those numbers from "Show Boat"—get the ad plugs from the agency—tell that soprano to stop rolling her r's—call a rehearsal for Tuesday—boy, this is a lousy business—now what? oh yeah—those sausage people want an idea for a program—something that will go over as well as Amos an' Andy—something different—something that will please all ages and classes—and something that will sellsausages—yeah, sausages—sausages—that reminds me, I haven't eaten yet. Guess I'll grab a bite—may get an idea while I am eating. And so on, day after day.
"This may give you an idea of radio producing. There are lots of pleasant sides to it—for instance, meeting Gran Fuller or Cliff Bean or some other Balmacaaner on the street and having him tell you that their families are listening in, getting a kick out of your efforts. And there are the letters from the blind, the lame, and the halt—real letters that bring a lump to your throat.
"As a matter of fact, Johnnie, I can't think of anything I'd rather be doing right now than Radio. Yes I can, too, but it will have to wait until June, 1936. Best to the gang."
Bob had a good Austin story, but let him tell you that when you see him and tell him how you enjoy his programs. In fact, I think that Bob deserves a vote of thanks by postcard or letter. In case you are unable to get that last remark, Bob and Peg had such a wonderful time at reunion that they are planning now for the next, 1936. How about you?
The following report of the Harvard meeting is from the typewriter of Gran Fuller:
The Boston Balmacaan met at the City Club, Friday night, November 6, for the annual dinner before the Harvard game. There were 24 present. We missed Cliff Bean, who was laid up with a heavy cold. Jim Robertson 1920 spoke on both the Harvard and Dartmouth teams, which was very interesting, coming from an expert. Plans were discussed for the party at the time of the Stanford game, which will include the stag reunion at the University Club at 5 P.M., November 27, followed by the alumni dinner at the Copley Plaza at 7 P.M. Gil Tapley is chairman of this committee, so please notify him for reservations at the class table. Ken Tucker is chairman, handling the dinner dance at the Statler after the game, and will take care of the reservations, so write early for preferred seats.
The Gran Fullers announce the arrival of their third son, Peter Putnam Fuller, born October 30. Ruth and the baby are doing nicely. He wishes it understood that he is not after Bill Gaylord's record.
Secretary, 5589 Avalon Rd., Shaker Heights, Ohio
