Class of 1900
The Secretary expected to have a big news shortage this month and so be able to devote most of his time to a detailed review of Mr. Atwood's new publication, Leisure. Lo and behold, over twenty classmates have written interesting and voluminous letters, full of news and personal experiences. One or two mentioned the weather casually, so that the general impression was that of a tough winter. The Secretary would like to mention the names of each and every one who wrote, but he has a complex against listing names, as it smacks so much of the roll-call in the Senate and House, and the ALUMNI MAGAZINE is not a bit like the Congressional Record. He is deeply grateful 'to all these loyal 1900 men, so here goes for some real, orthodox notes.
First of all, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Proctor at al. have done a brilliant job in selecting the new head coach and his staff. They are real fellows and have taken both alumni and undergraduates by storm. Great work by men who have already contributed so much to the welfare of the College.
Bob Jackson has resigned his position as secretary of the Democratic Campaign Committee, along with most of the other officers. Bob did a great job, and modestly retires when it is all over, seeking no honors or emoluments.
Dan Arundel, after a few pointed and critical remarks about the weather, states that he will probably adjourn to South America for a few weeks. He wanted Ben Prescott to go along, but Ben had already sent Mrs. Prescott to the Coast, so had to stay at home and put out the cat. Dan mentions the necessity of appearing before Judge Qua ('01) within a few days, so maybe he couldn't make the trip after all.
Capt. Boy-Ed writes feelingly about the weather, business, and Worcester churches, the latter subject being an entirely new and novel one for him to cover. He hopes to live through the winter until the next round-up, but expresses some doubt.
A letter from Homer Keyes goes back info past history, but as it relates to a summer experience it offers a fine contrast to the present. It runs as follows: "A yearago last summer, when I was ratherknocked out nervously, I put in a couple ofweeks on a small cattle ranch in Wyoming,and occupied myself in trying to keep themanure raked up around the place and inthe corral, faster than.it could be supplied.I found, however, that my abilities as acleaner were not in the same category withthose of the horses and cattle as messers-up.I thereupon set trying to devise methods ofhouse-breaking farm animals by establishinglitter boxes here and there about theroadways and corrals. I found, however,that my very nice scheme, which was basedon extending a fond belief in human natureto an equally fond belief in animal nature,proved unsuccessful. The fault may bemine, to be sure, because of lack of ingenuity or lack of patience. I pass it along,however, to any one in the class who wantsto make a fortune."
Pete Fletcher is all messed up with church suppers and get-togethers, feeding personally 200 people and being patient and cheerful all the time. Next a Kiwanis Follies show to raise $2,000 for underprivileged children, etc., Then, to get some real work, Pete has installed a wood-working lathe in his home workshop, with three or four other machines to come. Ever try granite quarrying, Pete? It might give you a bit of exercise and help your flabby muscles.
Paul Redington writes that he spent three months of the past year in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington. Met Ned Yeaton in Seattle. Paul always mentions the great open spaces just when everything looks as if it never could open.
Cut Tirrell is still all slewed up in Masonry, but we will omit the Blue Lodge days and state that now he is Grand Third Principal in the Grand Chapter and Past Grand Register in the Grand Lodge. His boy Donald is in the high school ski team which won the annual Mount Royal race. Mrs. Tirrell, we are sorry to learn, had a severe operation just before Christmas, but is slowly improving.
Harry Fairfield too mentions the weather, and states that one night he had to stay in the court house, as the trains to Wollaston were blocked by deep drifts. Harry says he couldn't hope to find a better man to work with than Mr. Justice Donahue ('99). Litigation never lets up, so I guess both are in for steady jobs. Harry's boy Wallace graduates from Tufts Engineering School in June, Donald entered last fall, while Paul is graduating from Quincy High School this month and wants to study penology. That looks like a pretty steady job, too.
Walter Rankin writes that Mrs. Walter Blair has a fine job teaching, while her daughter Betty is working in a bank. So the Blair family is busy, and that's the best way to forget.
Last but not least, the writer will review in a later issue a publication called Leisure, the Magazine of a Thousand Diversions. So don't give up your subscription, or you will miss it.
Secretary, 281 Otis St., West Newton, Mass.
