Connecticut Association
THERE WAS A continuous round of district meetings throughout April largely because of the spring stir in preparation for the annual meeting in May. Starting with Bridgeport's meeting, April 14th, a state meeting canvass was set in motion. Carl Reek's parties are usually "parties," but the pile-up of old business cut the time-allottment for fun. Ed Spargo '24 was endorsed as Bridgeport's candidate for state vice president. The annual June outing with Wesleyan was arranged for, and committees were named for the summer Theatre party at Westport Professor Neef discussed the financial aid problems of his office, both general and local, and the alumni now have an understanding of the present-day Hanover situation as regards loans and scholarships. Professor Neef lead an exceptionally fine discussion and there were many favorable comments regarding the programme. Changes in the method of administration of the Bridgeport Student Aid Fund was the primary reason for Professor Neef's discussion, and as a result, it was voted to transfer the administration of the fund to Hanover. This fund, including outstanding loans, has been built up to $1650.00 and has been helpful to undergraduates from the Bridgeport area.
On Wednesday, April 21, New Haven's re-organization meeting was very successful. Called to order by Whit Gowrie '24, state president, plans and committees were drawn for the state meeting at Racebrook Country Club, May 13th. At the business meeting, it was decided to hold three meetings each year. Forty-six reported for dinner, a large majority being the old crowd who were very active a few years ago. New officers elected were: president—Ed Fowler '27, secretary—Gordon Colby '27. Football movies were shown.
The western association held a joint smoker with the University Club at Hotel Davenport, Stamford. About fifty were treated to an excellent entertainment, arranged by the untiring Robie. The Stamford High School Choir, about fifty voices, rendered an excellent half-hour concert. Robie's "Miss Dartmouth" was as advertised. The Apollo Club functioned again, and to complete the singing festival, Robie '17, and John Thayer '18 spelled each other at the piano until far in the night. The Robie-Thayer combination came out with a new song, to be featured at the state meeting. Whit Gowrie '24, Bob Scott '17, New Haven; Manny Sprague '33 and Ed Spargo '24, Bridgeport, attended in search for state meeting customers. Hartjens '28, recently transferred from Westport to Stamford, has been helpful.
Waterbury's April meeting on the 29th, as reported by Ed Smith '32, promises a splendid showing at New Haven.
The news deadline unfortunately eliminates a report of this year's meeting in the June issue. There is a confidence that 1937 will exceed all previous attendance records.
The state force of secretaries registered at the Inn for the secretaries week-end:
Charlie Rice '23, Hartford; Phil Pelletier New Britain; Gordon Colby '27, NewHaven; Art Shurts '30, Eastern; Everett Robie '17, Western; Ed Smith '32, Waterbury; Ed Spargo '24, Bridgeport as well as Harry Fisher '26, Hartford, and Mansfield Sprague '33, Bridgeport. Connecticut attendance 100%. Nine of us all working and playing hard; but you know what happens when it rains. The few risking golf took a wetting.
Finishing these notes on campus is a novelty and, despite this dreary day, deepens the tinge that a preliminary step to retirement has awakened. I will have journeyed the Connecticut five-city loop a year hence, and preparatory to making that year an end, I think it best that your next permanent secretary serve a year of apprenticeship. We plan, then, to elect an assistant secretary at next week's state meeting at New Haven, and the handling of your alumni notes for the MAGAZINE would seem the best medium for a speedy close contact. The seven local clubs are agreed on the appointment of Mansfield Sprague '33 as the outstanding candidate for the job as your permanent state secretary, and consequently, you may anticipate a message each month from Manny this forthcoming year. I know that he will serve you well, and I can wish him nothing better than the same share of pleasure that the job as secretary of the Connecticut Alumni Association has given me.
