Class of 1894
How these teachers hang together! Brother Spooner has sent me a clipping which a fellow teacher had handed him about Billy Wallis. It seems that Billy retired from the Washington school system March 31, after having taught mathematics in the Washington Junior and Senior High Schools for forty-two years and having attained the headship of the High Schools mathematics department. The event was signalized by a testimonial both in the form of a tea and a gift. The clipping gives a good picture of Billy and his wife and also contains the inevitable interview, in which Billy "guesses" that he has taught nearly ten thousand students and has seen them grow up into "reputable men and women of Washington." Also, Billy observed that while boys make the best mathematics students in general, he has had several girl students who have "given them a close run for their money." Interesting facts about Billy are given. For example, that he represented the United States at the 13th Annual International Congress of Secondary Education in Paris in the summer of 1931, and that he possesses the A.M. and LL.D. degrees in addition to the A. B. at Dartmouth. What will he do after he retires? For a while, at least, he will be "at home" at Washington, 4000 Cathedral Ave., North West, and "play fora while." In other words, "School is out" for Billy, and he is going really to live.
The March meeting of the Parker House Gang was signalized by the presence of none other than John Lewis Phillips, who for forty-four years has been teaching Latin at Phillips Andover Academy. Apparently, the teaching of Latin is an occupation that agrees with one's health. At all events, it has agreed with John's. The Secretary has not met a healthier looking man for his years for some time and one whom the world seems to be using in a finer way. A definite effort was not made to pledge John for the next reunion, although it is hoped that his fellowship with the Parker House Gang so whetted his appetite that forty yoke of oxen will not be able to keep him away from the festivities in Hanover June 16-19, 1939. In response to a rigid cross-examination with reference to his career, he shamefacedly admitted that in the comparatively recent establishment of "foundations" at Phillips-Andover for a limited number of teachers with additional honor and remuneration he had been one of the men so honored, and so remunerated.
Secretary, 14 Beacon St., Boston
