Class of 1888
Again it is the sad duty of the Secretary to record the death, since copy for the last issue went to press, of two beloved men of '88—Fisher (Fish) and Gleason (Chauncey). Because of, or perhaps in spite of, their differing personalities, both were held in high esteem by every man in the class. Both were "true blue"—staunch friends and of the kind we can ill afford to lose. Fish and Chauncey, we salute your memory.
Because of Greg's close association with Fish in college days and his incomparable memory, which, by the way, is just as incomparable as ever, the Secretary has asked him to write a few personal memories of dear old Fish. These I submit in full:
"It seems hard to realize that Fisher, who'Jim' Johnson 'By used to declare was thebest-looking man in our class, has gone.He was one of the first with whom I became well acquainted. This was because ofbeing at the same eating club, the best possible way of coming to know others. Ourswas in 'Rum Hollow,' the lower part ofthe principal street of Hanover, Edmands'B6 being the commissary.
"Fisher's outstanding quality was good-ness of heart. He was genial and friendly,with a whimsical sense of humor that wasinteresting. He found fun in pronouncingunusual words exactly as they are spelled.I recall that when he was to read his firstexercise before some class he said, 'I expect to make my debut with great eclat.' Once in a French class he playeda joke by prompting the man in front ofhim, who had been asked to translate, 'Le philosophe grec est ici.' This man startedout bravely with, 'The Greek philosopheris --,' and there he stuck. Fisher whispered 'Cold. Ici must mean icy, and that's"cold."' The recitation was promptly finished in that way.
"At one of our reunions we were havinga ride and singing from printed songsheets that had been distributed. Fisher,who had a good voice, had stopped singing,and excused himself by saying, 'I wantedto sing, but it said "Refrain."' That wasFisher's happy way.
"His popularity in the class was shownby the fact that at the end of our senioryear he was unanimously chosen as ourpermanent president, and it was throughno fault of his that the pressure of his lifework in government service, which he successfullyfollowed, kept him from givingthe time to that work for the class whichwas necessary, something which it is hardfor any one to realize who has not filledsuch a position.
"Fisher was a good scholar, and kept upwell in his work. He was also a capableathlete, having a strong, manly frame. Hemade no attempt to specialize or excel, butplayed first base well on the well-known'Rum Hollow' amateur nine, and couldfit in on the class team when needed.
"There was nothing about him that it isnot pleasant to remember, which is saying agreat deal.
"GREG."
Gove, Frank E.—Gove wrote on May 22 a brief but touching note about Fish. It is reproduced in full:
"I don't know whether or not to thankyou for your letter of May 18. The information about Fisher is very distressing tome. We roomed together for four years.knew him intimately. I was the best manat his wedding in San Francisco. I saw himin September. He traveled a great deal inconnection with his government job, andnever failed to see me as he came throughDenver. I shall miss him. You may be sureI shall write immediately to his wife."
Pattee, Fred Lewis—Yes, "Pat" remembered that his was no longer the responsibility of distributing sad news, so he very thoughtfully transmitted to me the letter from Chauncey's son-in-law mentioned in the Necrology. Pat's letter of transmittal, dated August 8, contains a message for all the class, hence I submit in full, or at least all that is fit to print:
"So Chauncey is now with the majorityof the class. I am sending you his son-inlaw's letter and a clipping. Good oldChauncey, we haven't seen much of himof late, but my memory of how he used tolook is still vivid. Owing to the trick offate that settled it before I was born thatI was to be rated with the P's, I got to knowthe butt end of the class better than theillustrious opening of the A to K's.Chauncey rarely was in my division, so Idid not know him well; he was a Sphinxand I a C & G.
"I finish at Bread Loaf this week, andfrom next Sunday for a month I am to beat our Sabin farm in Bristol, N. H. If yourMarmion gets to going north and cannotbe stopped till it gets to Bristol, N. H., inquire for the graveyard road to SouthAlexandria and take the first left hand roadup Aunt Fanny's Hill, a poser, but easilyclimbed by a bobcat Ford such as we haveand a powerful Marmion like yours."
Note.—The one time I attempted to find Pattee and Sabin Farm, I was told by the corner druggist that I had better walk; when I said that I was riding a Ford, he said, "You better walk."—Sec.
Chandler, George F. (Zack)—
Williams, Wendell (Williams the Second)—We were all much distressed by the news from Zack which came at the time of the 45th, and little has been recorded since. But a letter from Wendell, received just after copy for last issue went to press, gives us good news, which should be widely distributed. Letters from Wendell are rare both in frequency and quality, hence the Secretary is asking the editors to print in full:
"I am sure that every one of the class willbe pleased to hear from Chandler, and toknow that he has much recovered from theset-back that confined him at the time ofthe reunion.
"I was in Hanover May 19 and drove upto see him, and was delighted to find himup and apparently comfortable. He seemedto me about the same as when I saw himfive years ago. Though evidently he isable to get about but little, his pleasanthome is close to the street and permits him,from where he sits, to look out on thecommon where the activities of the villagecenter. It was a delight to talk with him,and the uncomplaining spirit with whichhe appears to have borne his long afflictioncompels the highest admiration.
"Gregory, in his fitting and beautifullyexpressed tribute to Short, said 'a man isalso to be judged bv the sterling qualitiesof the wife that he finds.' One has but tomeet Mrs. Chandler to recognize her character and charm, and by this measureChandler stands near the top.
"It is but a half hour's ride from Hanover to the Chandler home over a goodsummer road and through a beautifulcountry up the X'ermont side of the river,and any classmate who is in the vicinitywill miss a real pleasure if he does not goto see Chandler.
"I have been at home all the winter, butexpect to have more than usual of freedomthis summer, and it will please Mrs. Williams and me if any of the class are able tofind their way to our home. We plan tospend the month of July at the LakePlacid Club in the Adirondacks, and if anyclassmate can make it in his way to lookus up, he will be sure of a hearty welcome.
"WENDELL WILLIAMS."
From the above we infer that Wendell has also learned to take life a little less strenuously. All classmates please take notice.—Sec.
Gregory, Warren F. (Greg)—The old boy writes a charming letter on August 19. Says he is getting on his feet again, was 71 years old on July 12, goes in swimming at Falmouth and Nantasket, works his garden (which you should see), and, according to T)oc Lougee, attends the big ball games when time permits. Publishing Youth's books for 40 years must have had its effect. We were sorry not to see him in Maine this summer.
Note—Men of '88 will not forget that Greg is president of the class, which is another reason why all '88ers should see him (or write) "at least twice a year." Lougee, William W. (Doc)—The Secretary must not forget to record the very delightful short visit, too short, which the Cates have had at Ocean Point, Me., this summer, with Doc and "Winnie his wife." Doc had such a hard time getting away from his patients that he looked pretty much "all in" on arrival, but he commenced to perk up when he found we had no telephone. Doc is still the kid of the class, as told by both his years and spirits. But he is a good class treasurer, with only a little to treasure.
Warren F. Gregory '88 President Gregory celebrating his 71st birthday with his granddaughter, Nancy Ann Bird.
Secretary, 11 Oak St., Belmont, Mass.
