1883

In writing to various surviving members of our class to find out how many would attend the 55th year reunion of '83, I will quote from the replies of some of them.

Blake. "I greatly regret that I cannot see my way clear to be in Hanover on our 55th. The last nine years have used me badly in a financial way. Conditions may change for the better in so far as I am concerned. Remember me to all the 'boys.' "

Bliss. "I regret greatly to say that it will not be possible for me to attend our 55th reunion. I shall have to remember the pleasure of being in Hanover for the 50th, five years ago, and hold the remaining members of '83 in very sincere and fraternal regard. I am glad to say that I am enjoying very good health, still able to put in a pretty good amount of work daily among the flowers I love. I am somewhat lame and have to confess to the use of a cane in walking. Mrs. Bliss is also comfortably well, and we are very happy in our quiet ccruntry life. Since the death of our pastor, I have frequently supplied the pulpit of our church, officiated at several weddings and funerals. It has all helped me from feeling that my usefulness was nearly over. Next week I reach the 77th milestone in the journey. I do not feel the weight of years and am anticipating the road ahead for several years more perhaps. I have few regrets but feel rich in anticipations. Extend to the classmates my hearty goodwill and all best wishes." Gates: "Sorry I cannot attend the Commencement. Greetings to all." I believe that Gates has never attended a reunion.

Hutchinson. "It has been some years since I have done any hard manual labor, although my general health has been fairly good for one of my age. But a year ago, feeling somewhat better than usual, I pursued my avocation, gardening, with somewhat greater enthusiasm than usual, but with proper caution and prudence, as I thought at the time. What I accomplished was far from extensive, but it relegated me, to quote from the late President Cleveland, to a state of absolute 'innocuous desuetude' for the rest of the summer and effectually dislocated the domestic economy to a degree that I should hate to see repeated. My domestic life has always been a happy one, and at the present time my health is better than I could expect at my age (he was 81 years old August 23), and, altogether, although I never set the world afire nor acquired large possessions, the world has been very kind to me. I regret that I cannot attend the reunion."

Kincaid. "Cannot attend 55th reunion, and would not if I were able."

Patterson. His daughter writes for her father as follows:—"He is physically better, really looks well, and is slowly acquiring the use of more words. It distresses him sorely that he cannot retain the words he learns, but, if written for him, remembers them better. Last week he was delighted to receive a visit from Judge Rand of Oregon, who was in Washington on business and was driven 12 miles out to our home by Mr. McCrillis, son of Dad's classmate. They 'reminisced' quite a bit, and Dad still mentions his pleasure at seeing Judge Rand. As to Dad's life it is most simple; small tasks around the house and grounds, simple games at night, such as dominoes, anagrams, lexicon, etc., and auto rides, the more the merrier, for they are his chief pleasure. He traces the trips on maps before and after making them."

Rogers. "Wish I could be with you in June, but don't think I can make it. My summer vacation is the only chance I have for visiting my two daughters, who live 300 and 500 miles away, respectively. Personally I am in good health. Feel as well as I did 20 years ago. Haven't lost a day on account of sickness in the last go years. Am on the job from 7 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. every day. Don't know what I will do with my time, if I ever get too old to work. Play a little golf Saturday P.M. and Sunday, which keeps me well and sunburnt and gives needed relaxation. Remember me to all the old boys."

Barrett, Robertson, and White could not attend the reunion on account of physical debility. Gulick is still in Honolulu, too far away.

Secretary, Hartford, Vt.