Class of 1917
News has come in this month in fine style from several sources, but particularly in letters answering the Secretary's questionnaire. From Butch Sherman, we have a newspaper clipping announcing his marriage on November is to Miss Lee Tibbett of Hollywood, Calif. Congratulations, Butch! The men who went to the Fifteenth last June will remember Mrs. Sherman (who is a sister of Lawrence Tibbett of the Metropolitan Opera Company) as the scintillating center of attraction in the class gatherings at Hitchcock.
In a clever newsy little paper called "Squeaks From the Golden Gate" caused by the Dartmouth Association of Northern California, we find two interesting facts—one, that Ray Collerd is vice-president of this active, energetic organization; and the other, that when the fleet came to San Francisco last fall, the airplane carrier Saratoga brought in Lt. Commander Ted Lonquest, who was taken in tow by Ray Collerd and together they "did the town" with a few nearby towns thrown in for good measure.
Roy Halloran came through with a good letter about himself that should serve as a perfect example to many of you who never even respond to our appeal with a line. To quote Roy:
"The news you are asking for may beold, but here it is for what it is worth.
"I am still assistant to the commissionerof mental diseases here in Massachusetts,with an office at the State House, and business in my line, I may say, was never better.We supervise and coordinate some sixteenstate hospitals for the mentally ill andschools for the feeble-minded and conducta state-wide mental hygiene program.Under a law which is unique in Massachusetts we examine mentally persons indictedfor certain offences. In this way a miscarriage of justice is obviated in many instances and we are given an unusual opportunity to study criminals whose names andexploits have been given much newspaperspace. As a diversion and in spare moments, I fill the position of assistant professor of psychiatry at Tufts MedicalSchool, consultant at one of the Bostonhospitals, and associate in a research unitwhich I helped to organize some years ago.
"For recreation, when the weather isright, the family show me how to play golf.When it isn't, and especially in the winter,we enjoy the usual bridge, theater, and social activities at the University Club andaround Boston.
"By the way of a comment on the latefootball season, Chuck, I cannot refrainfrom a reference and tribute to Anita andBob Scott for their gracious housewarmingafter the Yale game. Among the numerouscelebrants June and I are able to recallthe following Seventeeners: our host andhostess, Sumner Emerson and wife, theRobies, the Holdens, the Spike Mclntyres,Heinie Wright and wife, Butch Shermanand Miss Tibbett—and believe me, Chuck,it was no oasis."
Dewey Duhamel cuts loose liberally also, and here it is:
"You asked for it, so here goes! Am stillcamping in New York, apartmenting inNew Rochelle with the same, only, andbest wife I ever had. Like yourself, I amconcentrating and specializing on the'pane' business; mine, however, is panes ofglass for construction purposes. In thisdirection am connected with the CorningGlass Works, St. Gobain Co. of France,Blue Ridge Glass Corp., and Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Co. For the past fiveyears my peddling pilgrimages have spreadme all over the East, plus France and Germany. Met George Hull and Hort Kennedy'igers, while in France, and don't they liketo recall Leb, Scotty's, etc.? Missed callingon Smiling Bill Eaton in Pittsburgh lastmonth due to other unexpected appointments. Understand Bill is with Gulf Oil."Am trying to keep my girlish figure,but the scales read 212 in street clothes.However, I feel in good condition andconcentrate in a business way on 'pasturepool.' Have a trick slice that's like a boomerang, and on a breezy day it makes meduck. Have dug up plenty of acreage cussing the white agate. Can't get out of themiddle go's, but have lots of company andget a kick out of it.
"Outside of golf, a little poor bridge,plus an annual fall epidemic of crabbingplays, players, and coaches from the sidelines, am still living the quiet life of aNew Englander, despite the daily contactwith the 'Canyons' and 'Speaks' of NewYork. Still claim Boston as the home spot.
"Recently met my old Dartmouth Clubroommate, Len Shea; he's handsomer thanever, still unshackled, and sporting a contagious smile, and accomplishing quite a'feat' on feet. Len's a buyer for MelvilleShoe Corp., and hits more towns in histravels than there are stops on the Pennsy.Wherever you think he is, he has just left.He travels so fast it would take him ayear just to catch up with his laundry."See Ev Robie occasionally—ever hearhis harmonica band? It's a wow and dida good job on a recent Sunday overWABC. That's not blowing hot air either.
"Sat next to Doc Walters at the Yalegame, and that cheery old 'sawbones' makesyou feel good just to see that ever-beaming, sparkling face and hear him enthusiastically bubble."
Besides these two, Walt Ferguson and Will Fitch have also responded well, but space necessitates withholding their letters until next month.
After six months' silence about finances it becomes necessary to return to this disagreeable topic and to develop some constructive program immediately. The treasury is not only without funds, but we are somewhat in debt. At the Fifteenth we discussed class dues for the dual purpose of carrying the necessary class expenses and also of building a reserve fund for the 20th Reunion. Almost everyone seemed to agree that this was a good principle for several reasons; more men would come to the reunion if they had invested in the fund, and it would be more painless to pay a small amount each year and thus have a very small reunion tax.
Accordingly, the executive committee has decided upon a five-dollar annual tax, which will include the ALUMNI MAGAZINE to each contributor and all copies of the Sentry that may be published. The class officers have been and are now financing the postage, stationery, and occasional funeral flowers that are necessary. This does not make a very fair distribution of the burden. Dort Brooks will send each member of the class an explanation of the details of this plan,—with the bill which should be paid as promptly as possible, thus saving much time and postage by avoiding second and third appeals.
Secretary, Craig House, Beacon, N. Y.
