Class of 1876
In a recent letter Goodhue dwells on Abbott's rare qualities, his high standing with classmates, and his remarkable accomplishment. Goodhue remains one of the six or seven among the eighteen survivors of the class who have not greatly or wholly retired from regular employment. Peabody, at Pasadena, Calif., is another who has not retired. He is the youngest of those who received the A.B. degree. Not far away, at La Habra, is Woods (Sylvae), the oldest of the holders of the A.B. degree. He was not in the best of health, according to the latest report, but was improving. One has a mental query as to whether or no he is able to superintend the irrigation of his winter garden.
Hardison and Piper have resumed their lunching together at the Statler Hotel, Boston; Hill sometimes joins them. Outside of Hanover a gathering of two or three, rarely four, is about the best the class can now do, and this only in Boston and southern California. Hill plans to pass the winter in California, continuing his research in early American drama (drama previous to 1830), leaving as he hopes, December 26. During the milder weather Hardison made automobile trips which sometimes extended into New Hampshire. Piper was at Dublin for the summer and early fall. For a week in September, he was at Buffalo, N. Y., professionally. During the week he made a trip to Niagara Falls, his initial visit to that object of superlative beauty.
Without doubt, McCutcheon, in his fourstory brick at Charlestown, Mass., is our most outstanding householder. He ranges the northern suburbs of Boston, usually on foot, in the interest of friendliness among his wide acquaintance and the delight of hiking. Returning to No. 6 Dexter Row, he reads Montaigne before his sea-coal fire, or, laying the book aside, pens an undated, swiftly written, letter that richly repays the recipient in spite of its slightly difficult perusal. There are still a few who prefer the occasional difficulties of chirography to the impersonal facility of typewriting.
Thayer is the only one of our eighteen who, at North Charlestown, N. H., lives in the real country; all the others having city or suburban residence. He looks out over quiet cultivated fields, hillsides where cattle range, and untamed forests.
"Blest man who far from busy hum, Ut prisca gens mortalium, Whistles his team afield with glee, Solutus omni faenore."
Thayer uses a cane, but not always. He cares for a garden of generous proportions.
Mrs. William H. Gardiner reports that the family of her granddaughter, which now includes a great-grandson, has removed to southern California and is not far distant from her home in Beverly Hills; that Mrs. J. F. McElroy, who is still active, plans to spend the winter in Pasadena.
Secretary, 411 High St., West Medford, Mass.
