Class of 1888
Pattee, Fred Lewis—so given the place of honor with the doings of '88 because he was the first to comprehend the meaning of the frantic appeal for news which the Secretary sent out about March 26. Six others were able later to understand what was wanted, making 20% of the class. It is hoped that the Secretary's next appeal will be understood by the remaining 80%. Perhaps Pattee's extreme promptness may be accounted for by the memory of his own struggles as secretary to get a dribble of news from the class.
We all recall that after 32 years as professor of American literature at Penn State he retired and became emeritus professor of English, that he proposed to live the simple but quiet life at Coronado Beach. Fla., in winter and at Bristol, N. H., in summer. This is what he might have done had not two things happened: first, President Holt of Rollins College heard that he was living only 53 miles away, and, second, Breadloaf School of English in Vermont heard of his quiet summers at Bristol. Thus was our beloved Pattee turned from a seclusion which he had so well earned. No use for any member of '88 to try to hide his light from an expectant world.
Now what does Pattee himself say under date* of March 31? "1 have perpetratednothing (during the past month) save anarticle in the current number of THE COLOPHON entitled 'Anthologies of American Literature before i860.'" Leatherbacked slip-case for Vol. IV costs only $11. I wonder what the article by Pattee alone costs. Pattee further remarks: "Proof sheetsof my new book on American literaturefrom the press of the Appleton-GenturyCos. will begin to come in a few weeks now.I am having the ma?iuscript deloused." (This last sounds like the 1918 current news from France.)
What a quiet, retired life Pattee seems to be enjoying! He says his health is good enough so that he has quit "yammering." He reports having "fun" with Billie Newton '86, who is wintering near him.
Chandler, George F.—Zack appears still not to enjoy writing in bed, but his good wife, Elizabeth, serves as an excellent secretary. She reports that during the warm weather of last summer Zack was able to be out some with occasional rides, but with the arrival of the November weather he was confined to the house and much of the time to the bed. She still hopes the warm weather of the summer will bring more comfort. News from 'BB is always eagerly looked for, so reports Zack's capable secretary.
English, Lee F Has wintered in San Diego, Calif., not, we understand, because of well-matured plans for personal enjoyment, but rather because of the doctor's orders. A recent card says he has just returned to Chicago, somewhat improved. The Secretary has no legal permit to prescribe, so will confine himself to a suggestion that English supplement his winter in San Diego with a summer in his "old New Hampshire home," which is near enough to Hanover to enable him to solve the mystery of the new Baker Library frescos. For later report see letter from Gove.
Gove, Frank E— Letter of April 2 says: "Arrived home today after three monthsin California." Here's promptness for you. Just think, a letter to the class secretary before he has had time to look at the accumulation of business matters. All other '88 men please take notice. Frank reports seeing English and his wife in San Diego, where they were living in a very attractive bungalow overlooking the bay. It chanced that they left California on the same train and separated only when the road divided, Frank heading for Denver and Lee for Chicago. Frank reports Mrs. Gove not well. She is to remain in California until he returns later to come home with her.
Gregory, Warren J7.—Says there is nothing like a disabled toe to develop the letterwriting habit. (The Secretary wishes we had more bad toes in the class.) Yes, Greg has returned to his comfortable home in Newtonville, Mass., after twelve weeks in the Deaconess Hospital. The nurses, like all of us, must be very fond of Greg, or they would not have kept him so long. He writes on March 29 that he intends to remain quietly at 377 Walnut St., in care of his faithful couple who minister to his every physical want. He also says he intends to renew his acquaintance with the garden hoe and rake as any country gentleman should. All 'BBers will find a cordial welcome. Later—The Cates have just enjoyed a call from Gregory. He is the same old Greg. ,
Harlow, Truman O. D. D. Tick for short. Pattee reports him as living for a month or more at West Palm Beach. We all hope that the Florida climate will do for him what it is advertised to do.
Livermore, Arthur L. Livy writes early from 343 N. E. 17th St., Miami, Fla., his winter home. Says he has been there since the first week in February, and just to make us green with envy he adds, "Weather hasbeen fine." For details he reports: "Fairluck with fishing. Golf game improved;have tried to do same with mind, resultsstill in doubt. Shall be able to determinedefinitely when I get back to my office." Expects to motor back to New York, arriving about middle of April.
Nelson, Sam B Good letter from Sam dated April 3, which I could print in full. He did not express himself on the "New Deal." As an agriculturist I suspect he has some ideas worth writing, but not knowing the Secretary very well he refrains from letting himself go. With five sons, three daughters, and 13 grandchildren, I feel sure he has not reduced his milk production as ordered by AAA. Some time before the next class report Sam should file a complete family record. How useless some of us feel with only three grandchildren! Congratulations to Sam.
After pondering all this news the Secretary is in doubt. Should it be Florida or California where '88 is commanded to gather next winter? It make little difference to most of us who were forced to spend this past winter in New England.
Secretary, 11 Oak St., Belmont, Mass.
