Class of 1878
Charles B. Whittelsey of San Diego, Calif., says he is still reasonably active; celebrated his Both birthday October 27 in a very quiet way; has enjoyed the MAGAZINE, which has come to him regularly the past two years although he had not subscribed; had listened to the DartmouthPrinceton game over the radio; thought our boys put up a good fight under the conditions.
Frank L. Gerrish of Boscawen says he feels about as young as he did a few years ago, but eyesight is so impaired he is obliged to depend on friends to keep him posted on the times; has the MAGAZINE read to him regularly; still has his farm, which is more or less a burden, but he manages to keep it in fairly good condition. He owns a large meadow on the Merrimack that has been in possession of his family for over a hundred years. He goes several times a week to the savings bank in Concord of which he is a trustee. He received a call from Parkhurst in November, and heard of Bouton's being in the vicinity in the summer, but did not see him.
Walter V. Hayt of Lincoln, Calif., replies to the Secretary's missive as follows: "Inreply to your inquiry as to my morals, etc.,as of October 12, they were never better; infact perfect, due somewhat to age. Myhealth is good; have neuritis frequently;got so I don't mind it much; glad I am alive.
My time is fully occupied doing realmanual labor and keeping 'cases' on a Japwho is supposed to work my place onshares. So far I am one jump ahead of theheathen. Of course I read, the ALUMNI MAGAZINE all through the Alumni Notesfrom 1870 to 1935 and get keen enjoymentout of the doings of the younger generation. I have not words at my command toexpress what I think of the New Deal. If Icoidd get you out behind the barn, out ofthe hearing of the women folks, I would domy best to make you understand. It can besummed up in one word: ROTTEN. Fouryears ago the dear people hollered for achange. They got one. It sounds as if theproletariat were yelling for another change.Will they get it? I think not. It is good toknow that 25 of '78 are still on the march.I hope they are all free of the aches of oldage, have three good meals each day, havelearned to control their tempers, and reallyenjoy life."
(Hayt's characterization of the New Deal may be taken as No. i in a series of eleven replies from men of the class the country over to the same question, ranging from extreme condemnation to more charitable depreciation, but never approaching approval. Is it possibly a cross section of octogenarian sentiment?)
2. "A malicious and vicious spirit animating those in authority, bringing ondomestic conditions and potentialitiesmore devastating than any war with anenemy nation."
3. "It is no such thing, just the old trickof holding the cards under the table anddealing from the bottom of the pack."4. "Prefer some good practical commonsense to professional theory."5. "Like Coolidge on sin, against it. Butsome substitute for the AAA is necessary." 6. "Do not favor."7. "Don't know just what it is or what isproposed to be done under it. Some thingsattempted under it I am absolutely opposed to. At present am in the condition ofWatchful Waiting." 8. "No time to tell what I think."9. "Some experimenting was justifiableand probably necessary and should haveopened the way to progress, but it has beendone so recklessly and irresponsibly as tothreaten disaster."10. "Had some good features, but hasoutlived its usefulness, delays progress,destroys initiative."11. "Gone too far. Intent was good, butnot thought out. I voted No on Digestpoll."
Secretary, 321 Highland Ave., Fitchburg, Mass.
