Class of 1874
The following is taken from the Manchester Union of February 5:
"In point of long and distinguished service, no figure of the New Hampshire educational world is more entitled to the esteem of his fellow citizens than Dean Charles Holmes Pettee of the University of New Hampshire. Yesterday's action of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, which adopted a resolution congratulating the dean on the occasion of his 84th birthday, gives formal expression to the sentiments of all who are acquainted with his remarkable record.
"A native of Manchester and a graduate of Dartmouth, Dr. Pettee was an instructor in 'New Hampshire College' as long ago as in 1876, when it was still a department of Dartmouth and located at Hanover. After its removal to Durham, he became head of the department of mathematics. Since 1888 he has been its dean.
"Those most familiar with the development of the University regard Dean Pettee as among those—like its presidents—who have contributed most to the institution's growth. Graduates cherish not only the memory of his educational leadership but the warm human qualities which have endeared him to thousands.
"In addition to his manifold routine duties, Dean Pettee has always found time to interest himself in public as well as college affairs. He served as Durham town auditor for several years, and was a delegate to the New Hampshire Constitutional Convention of 1918. As long ago as when he was residing in Hanover he was an advocate of highway improvement and of state aid to towns for such purposes. Besides his duties as dean, he has several times served the University as its acting president, between administrations of the various presidents.
"In a sense in which it can be said of no other living person, Dean Pettee's career has been intimately bound up with the history of the University of New Hampshire. It is altogether fitting that he be honored in every way possible by the institution and the state which he has so long and so ably served."
Secretary, 32 Greenlawn, Keene, N. H.
