Class of 1878
The appeal for class news issued in October was effective in its call for an informal ballot for president of the class. This resulted in the unanimous (except for his own vote) choice of Lewis Parkhurst, who had served in that capacity for many years, until he began making the first nomination, which happy practice gave him a breathing space. This time there was no chance for nominations. He accepts, rather deprecatingly, but with cordial appreciation of this token of confidence.
Except for bringing about that ballot, and the added assurance on the part of eight of the class that they will try to be in Hanover for our 60th (some hopefuls forgot to say), that October appeal was not a howling success. The list of questions designed as suggestive topics to aid the fellows who never can think of anything to report was taken too seriously as a questionnaire calling for categorical answers after the manner of an income tax return, and the above responses were often accompanied by a promise to take up the more onerous task at a more convenient season. Every secretary knows what that means. However, enough serious responses have come to supply our share of this column until June (one man a month), and perhaps enough more will arrive by that time to make up a bulletin after reunion. Some of the letters condensed for the MAGAZINE deserve to be read in full by all of us.
A FULL SCHEDULE
The one for this issue is Parkhurst's. He says; Eyes almost as good as they always were; a little failure in hearing, otherwise in fine physical condition. Memory failing, can see that, but gets along pretty well; no aches or pains. In the winter, sawing wood still affords exercise. In the spring, likes to go fishing—doesn't go as much as he used to, but means to go some. Summer is the time when he sticks strictly to his regular business, which is loafing. Has always been an optimist. Is still. Notwithstanding all the terrible things happening in the world, is bound to believe that the world is better off today than it was a hundred years ago. Doesn't think the present confusion threatens ultimate chaos, but that we have gone so far that the real thinkers of the world are aroused and that we shall have a better world order within reasonable time. Believes the New Deal is now showing up its real weakness, and in many ways its unsound program. Believes that the eternal verities will prevail. Feels better about the management of affairs in this and other great cities than he has for last ten years. These cities have been the moral cesspools of this nation, and the underworld has controlled them to a very great degree. Believes the grip of the underworld is being weakened, although it still is a powerful factor in the political life of our great cities. Thinks the issue in business affairs is between private property and public ownership. Believes in government control and direction to a certain extent, but the least possible public ownership, and in keeping business out of politics as far as possible. He and Mrs. Parkhurst observed their 57th wedding anniversary November 18.
Someone aware of Bouton's interest in archery sent him a clipping from the Boston Sunday Herald, containing an illustrated article relating to a man who was reviving interest in the crossbow as a means of recreation, whereupon Bouton made a crossbow for himself, and is enthusiastic about it. His marksmanship with the long bow, in which at seventy-five he was acknowledged champion of St. Petersburg, had slipped somewhat with failing muscles and nerves, and at eighty-two he finds the crossbow less taxing, and at the same time quite as accurate. His greatgrandson, for. whom he had high hopes, lived but a few months.
ANTI NEW DEAL
Harvey, rock-ribbed Republican who voted Democratic for the first time in 1932, being asked what he thinks of the new deal, insists on spelling it in small type, and says he sees red when he thinks of it. Declares it a vast agglomeration of verbose egotism from the grinning top downward. Doesn't call it an aggregation, lest that might imply intelligent entities capable of coordination, which would be to unduly compliment the outfit. He nevertheless reports a good appetite, digestion, eyesight (of course with glasses), gets around with two canes and Mrs. H. at his left elbow, but does not get out at all, as he must have a man's help to and from a car.
Secretary, 7 321 Highland Ave., Fitchburg, Mass.
