Class of 1897

When classes have been out 35 years or more, they begin to talk of the class baby, and they do not mean the young matron born to them in the first year after graduation, but the last to arrive of all their children.

For 1897, the class baby is wholesome Mary Rollins of Needham, Mass., born February 26, 1931. Shortly before Christmas, the Secretary wrote to Mary, suggesting that she ask her father, Weld Allen Rollins, distinguished attorney in Boston, dominant in his profession, austere in his philosophy, a pater familias at home, for candy, skis, fur mittens, a puppy, more candy, and a copy of Milne's "When We Were Very Young." This is Mary's letter. "Dear Uncle Butter:"I was glad to get your letter. I want thethings you say for Christmas, but I have'When We Were Very Young' already and'Now We Are Six' too.

"I went to the zoo, and they waited to say:Have you been a good girl?Have you been a good girl?

Well, what did they think that I wentthere to do?

And why should I want to be bad at theZoo?

And should I be likely to say if I had? So that's why it's funny of mummy andDad,

This asking and asking, in case I was bad, 'Well? Have you been a good girl, Jane?'

"Uncle Butter, are people who have aFortieth Reunion very young?

"Daddy says that his correct address isjust the same as it was and that he can'tthink of anything else to say in the way of'revised and additional information,' but Ican always think of things to say. Last summer I got a Red Cross button for passingthe first test in life-saving. I had to jumpinto water over my head and swim fiftyfeet in it without the instructor going withme. I am now going to kindergarten.

"I want to go to Hanover in 1937 and seeall my uncles and aunts, and I generallyget what I want, so I think that I shall bethere.

"I was very proud to have my picture inthe last class report."With love,"Mary Rollins."

Secretary, State Capitol, Hartford, Conn.