Class of 1905
"Varsity" Billman tells us that his daughter Geraldine entered school a year ago and is doing good work, "possibly because she has red hair," and that Anna Mae "has a voice like your humble servant. I hope to make a contralto soloist out of her," says Varsity. He also says: "We are contemplating going back on our ranch this comingyear, as the teaching game is not so hot.Too much of a decline in salaries. Batchellor and I are evidently fixtures in Sonomacounty. Batch is a dry (?), as he has grapes.I am now pulling mine out, so don't care.If any of you come out to San Francisco,look us up; we are only 70 miles north.Come in fruit time and fill up; pears,apples, grapes, prunes, peaches, figs, etc.,in season. At the round-up in San Francisco at the time of the Stanford game, sawHobart for the first time since graduation.'Bill' Knibbs used to be around Berkeley:suppose he is still in the East. Batchellor,Johnny Post, Bob Clark, with us freshmanyear, and I are the representatives of 1905around this neck of the wood."
On June 6 Dr. Harry L. Watson was feted by fellow members of the Manchester, N. H., Rotary Club on the occasion of his 10th anniversary of perfect attendance. As guest of honor, Harry was seated, with Mrs. Watson, at the head table at the banquet, which was attended by some 200 Rotarians and their ladies. Several gifts were presented, including a diamond studded Rotary pin, an expensive electric clock, and a bound volume containing more than 200 letters of congratulation from mtembers of the Rotary Club of Manchester and from distinguished Rotarians in 18 countries of the world, and written in as many languages. Harry holds the attendance record in the 37th Rotary District, and is entitled to the congratulations of his Dartmouth classmates.
Frances P. Oliver, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Carl H. Oliver (deputy state treasurer of N. H.) was married in September, 1931, to Maurice Bragg, son of the late Dr. and Mrs. Bragg of Manchester. Last year Mr. Bragg attended Babson School of Finance in Wellesley Hills, Mass., and he expects to continue his studies in Oxford, England.
In June, "Camp" Campbell (C.A.), wrote us just the kind of letter we yearn for and beg for—telling us all about his doings: It seems that daughter Ailsa, a junior at Conn. Agr. College, has won her letter in archery and basketball, and is a good swimmer, can handle a canoe, boat, or auto very well, and will be a physical director in due course. "I'd like to challengeher for a mile run, but guess I'm wiser topoint out my cups and try out a hundredyards with Jean, who has nearly finishedher year in kindergarten, and is verybusy helping Atlas hold up the worldand trying to train her parents. Lastsummer the general manager of my company was drowned, and I had to pickup a contract for five miles of concrete roadat Hudson, N. Y. I finished with that company in November; had about a month'swork as private engineer, and then workedfor Mrs. C. and myself. Built a row boat,papered six rooms with the help of thewife (she did the work and I sat on thestepladder and watched her), painted ourcottage and also my chum's, etc., so I'vebeen busy, but the old wolf was lookingfor the door when I got a reply to an ad.I answered in Dece'mber, and eight dayslater, on April 5, I started as superintendent of streets in this town (Great Barrington, Mass.). It's a nice town of about 7,000in the foothills of the Berkshires, and Ithink it is going to be pleasant here. Withthe help of the weather man I've got my60 miles of road so that every farmer intown can drive his flivver to town, but Iwouldn't want to insure his springs on someof them. For the past 16 years I've beengoing through the chairs in the Chapter,Council, and Commandery at Middletown,and just finished my last office as commander last year. It's been a lot of workbut very pleasant. Well, Mac, the latchstring is out for any 'oser, and a heartywelcome waiting at Great Barringlon."
The Secretary was commander of his Commandery two years ago. Also president of the Malone Kiwanis Club the same year. Between times he tried to earn a living. What we call "spreading ourselves thin."
Harry Preston sends in this clipping: "Elizabeth Hollister Frost, the poet, married Walter D. Blair on April 16 in Rochester, N. Y. Mrs. Blair was formerly one ofthe three poets named Frost writing in theUnited States who had achieved enviableeminence."
The Henry Nortons week-ended with the Secretary late in July, while en route from lecturing at Chautauqua, N. Y„ to the round table conferences at Williamstown, where Henry had charge of several sessions. His new book, "Investing in Wages," is well worth reading, presenting a well thought out plan in modern economics, designed to prevent over-production and to insure constant employment with the resulting constant purchasing power. Henry tells me the book has received much favorable comment. Wish I had space to quote him, though I suppose he would not approve. He collaborated with Albert L. Deane, president of General Motors Holding Corp., in the writing of this book, which is published by the MacMillan Company. Of course we had a most interesting and cordial visit and the week-end was all too short. On the way from Malone to Williamstown, the Nortons stopped at Lake George and had a pleasant evening with Bob Falconer in his new motor boat. Bob and his family have summered at Sabbathday Point on that lake for several years.
The News Bulletin of the New York City Dartmouth College Club tells of a golf tournament held by the Club at Grassy Sprain Country Club this summer. Somebody had high score at 83, another won the kickers handicap, a fine leather traveling bag, and: "Bill Knibbs Jr. '05, one of Dartmouth's greatest footballplayers, also won a prize." But it doesn't say what nor for what.
Royal Parkinson, personnel manager forAmerican Optical Co., under date ofApril 24, makes this interesting comment:"Our own plant is doing pretty wellkeeping 2400 people at work five days, butone's sympathies get severely taxed in atime like this and in work like mine. Conditions are bringing employees and themasses closer together. The readjustmentsin living, in occupations, and in attitudesare widespread.!. It is an individual readjustment, not a mass affair. The jaunty andthe spendthrifts are pleading for help. Thesavers, the quiet pluggers are in the saddle—they have come up in position. Newvalues are being discovered. It's mightyinteresting, but you can't yet see where itis leading. The one clear thing is that therank and file are not helpless or defeated.They are doing an intelligent job of shifting for themselves."
Fred Brown has advised the College Secretary that his address on May 28, 1932, was West Boylston, Mass., and Leon B. Smith has added his P. O. box number to his recorded address in Greensburg, Pa., viz.: No. 345.
Robert E. Wilmot '34 wrote an interesting letter to the New York Herald Tribune, which was published on July 5. He quite "resented" a recent editorial in that paper which rather definitely insinuated that college life was more or less of a joke, that college men were idlers and loafers, and that the vacation period was used for more idling. Among other things, he said: "No,the picture in the editorial is not a trueone; it is the popular one as offered inmoving pictures and novels. College menand women for the most part utilize thesummer months in doing something morelucrative than mere playing. Rah, rah college spirit for twelve months in the year,in school and out, is passe, and as an institution, very nearly extinct."
Frank Peyser, Dartmouth '32, will enter Harvard Law this fall, thus following in the footsteps of the old man—or perhaps we should say, his Dad, because Harry is about the youngest looking "old man" we know. They tell us in Portsmouth that he is a very successful lawyer, besides being identified with most of the community affairs. Had a good, but short, visit with him this summer.
Also had a short chat with Ira Newick, who, at the same time, in his capacity as a member of the school board (along with Harry) was being interviewed by a proud but desperate father of an applicant for a position on the teaching staff. Ira wisely and diplomatically referred him to the superintendent, which shows that they have an orderly and well managed system.
Gib Fall, writing to C. C. Hills on a matter of business (good business) last June, mentions their recent graduation exercises in Chestnut Hill Academy, and says, in part: "and a member of the class wasFred Gilbert, son of our own Ed Gilbert.I have seen Ed and Mrs. G. several timesthis year, and we hope to do more visitingin the future. Incidentally, Ed's boy hasbeen admitted to Dartmouth. Last year Isent three of our finest to the College onthe Hill." Evidently Gib was then planning to spend at least part of his summer on Cape Cod, going there from Philadelphia by way of Montreal, Quebec, and Maine. Gib regrets that his school commencement always conflicts with Dartmouth's, thus preventing his meeting with us at reunions.
According to a letter from Ike Maynard to C. C. Hills in July, "Jim Alexander'soffice reports that he has been transferredto Boston. He was with the New York LifeIns. Co. here in Detroit, so I presume heis with that company in Boston." Will some of you Boston 'osers look him up and let us have the details? Please!
Roger Brown reports: "I don't knowwhether you have seen or heard anythingfrom James Adams lately, although youprobably know his son, who is in college atthis time. Jim has the contract on theVeterans' Hospital here in Bedford, a jobthat amounts to some $250,000. While theyhave had kind of tough sledding so far, Ithink he will eventually clean up a prettygood thing. He has been here himself anumber of times, and I have had some verypleasant reunions with him. He has threeor four other jobs going on—two in Georgia,and one out in the Adirondacks, and spendsa good part of his time traveling aroundthe country. The years have treated himrather lightly. His hair is mostly gray, buthe has not put on weight like you or FatPeirce, or some of the other boys." (Jimis president of the Adams Construction Co.of Chicago, at al.)
The July number of "Squeaks from the Golden Gate" ("caused by the Dartmouth Association of Northern California") says: "'There are lots of good refrigerators onthe market' says Bob Clark '05. He's lookedthem, all over, and, in spite of the fact thathe is employed by Westinghouse, will tellyou that the latter machine is the best ofall."
Probably, as in the past, every member of the class will receive this number of the MAGAZINE. Each of the next eight numbers will contain a page of notes about our classmates. You will learn about friends in other classes also. You will keep in touch with the activities of the College. Not in spite of the times, but BECAUSE of the times, you need this contact with the Dartmouth spirit, and the fellowship with your college friends. Our class cannot afford frequent reports, but we can keep in touch with each other through this medium to just the extent to which members of the class will become subscribers. Send your check today to ALUMNI MAGAZINE, Hanover, for $2.00, and you will receive the next eight issues. We will refund your money if you are not thoroughly satisfied with your investment.
IF YOU HAVEN'T SUBSCRIBED TO THE MAGAZINE FOR 1932-33, DO SO NOW! SUBSCRIPTION BLANK IS INSERTED INSIDE FRONT COVER.
Secretary, 45 East Main St., Malone, N. Y.
