Class of 1887
Bartlett's death was noted last month. He suffered a heart attack last fall, but had apparently recovered. Without warning he passed away at the dinner table. The services were held at his home in Norwich, Vt., and were attended by Mr. and Mrs. Junkins, Hadlock, Waldo White and wife, Bacon with wife and daughter, representing the class.
Howland has resigned the presidency of the National Life Insurance Co., an office he has held since 1916, and on February 1 was elected chairman of the board of directors of the company. He has been one of the active members of the Association of Life Insurance Presidents, twice presiding at the notable annual meetings in New York City, and serving on the executive committee for the past sixteen years. His connection with the National Life dates to 1903, when he was appointed counsel for the company; in 1907 he was elected a director; in 1908 he was made a member of the finance committee; in 1909 vice-president and counsel. On the death of the president, Joseph A. DeBoer '84, in 1915, he succeeded him. Under Mr. Howland's presidency the National Life's premiums increased from $7,100,338 in 1916 to $16,820,122 in 1936; total income from $11,076,302 to $33,469,742; assets from $66,426,040 to $187,774,530. The following comment is from the Bennington EveningBanner: "The retirement of Fred A. Howland as president of the National Life Insurance Co. of Montpelier does not mean that he has quit work, but he is 72 years old, and with his customary clear vision and sound common sense he probably wants to see the future welfare of the company provided for while he is still active to give counsel. Fred Howland has been the ablest and greatest business man of Vermont for the past quarter of a century, and the most wonderful thing about his record is his complete unselfishness. Always he has worked hardest for the interests of Montpelier and the state of Vermont. Occasionally from small or inexperienced men have come cries that Mr. Howland and the National Life were trying to control some election or to promote some candidacy. Many of these men have lived to see that if Fred Howland was identified with a cause it was not because of any selfish ambition or to promote any other than one of pure patriotism and loyalty to the people's welfare. For fifty years he has worked for his company and for the public. It has been a wonderful service for both. We believe that his life has been one to inspire others to seek to follow where he has led as well as served."
As these notes are sent, Wentworth at Mt. Dora is planning an '87 round-up at his hostelry there, the Lakeside Inn. The event is set for the middle of March, and 111 addition to the Wentworths and the Johnsons the following attendance is expected: Mr. and Mrs. Junkins from Hanover, Gage from St. Petersburg, Corwin from Tampa, Rice from Nokomis, Knight from Miami, Sanborn and wife from Ormond Beach, Waldo White and Mrs. White, who are touring the state. The meet may last several days, and will be an excellent appetizer for the larger meeting in Hanover in June.
Secretary, Nokomis, Fla.
