1894*
Two book notes must first engage our attention this month.
First is a product of the pen of Philip S. Marden. The title is, "Report of the Forty-Fifth Reunion, 1894-1939. Class of '94, Dartmouth College." You will have to search through the book rather carefully for the name of the author. However, it deserves to be added to the numerous writings which our genial classmate has put forth from time to time in preceding years. It has the same felicity of style and urbanity of outlook which we have come to expect from him. For the sake of those outside the Class who may not see the book and who may be interested in the runner-up for the Class Cup, perhaps it will suffice to say here that out of 86 men who graduated, 58 are now living. Thirty-nine of these were present at our Forty-Fifth. In addition three non-graduates were present. The total attendance of class members, wives, children, and friends was 78. The total number present at the Class Dinner was 65.
The second book is, "Vermont in the Making—1750-1777" by Matt Bushnell Jones, published by Harvard University Press and dedicated to "My wife, Grace S. Jones." This is a book of 471 pages and the first comment of a man who has made it a major for his vacation reading is that a prodigious amount of work has gone into it. Every now and then there is the expression: "examination shows." Well, what the examination shows is put perhaps into a sentence, but the examination in each case apparently took a great deal of time. The author has dealt mainly with original sources and these include historical documents from England and from many historical libraries in this country.
This is the kind of thing for which you have profound respect especially when you wonder whether you yourself would have the patience to do it. But to tell the truth you do not look forward to its possessing downright interest. Well, this book is interesting. You see an important historical epoch unfold chapter by chapter and your interest is held from beginning to end. It is done with the skill of an artist as well as the accuracy of a historian.
Competent scholars will assess its place as a contribution to the story of what Robert Frost calls "the other" of the "two best states in the Union." To the writer of this column, however, it looks as though Matt has done some debunking with reference to Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys and yet does not take away entirely their glory as makers of the Green Mt. State.
The papers of June 26th carried the announcement of the retirement of four teachers at Phillips Exeter Academy. Among these was Edwin V. Spooner, professor of French, after twenty-eight years of service. Principal Perry paid tribute to these men for their long and unselfish service in the training of youth at Exeter.
Travel notes: September 3rd found the Secretary and his family in Hopedale, Massachusetts, where they had the opportunity to view the farming operations of Aubrey Lewis and his wife. It is some "plantation" which they have developed on the side. Going by the former homestead of Pat Murphy on Route No. 1, near Scarboro, Maine, the Secretary called but did not find Mrs. Murphy. She was reported as well and as rejoicing in the recent marriage of her son. A night spent at Woody Parker's house in July revealed that Woody and his wife were still in the fine fettle that they revealed at the reunion. Having a half hour or so to wait at Concord, New Hampshire, the first Tuesday in September, the obvious thing to do was to find out whether by any chance the Chief Justice of New Hampshire was in his chambers. Well, he was and looking as fit as you please. Later it was a pleasure to see Jack in his official robes and presiding over his august court, with all becoming dignity but with no stiffness. The Chief Justice revealed to the Secretary that his golf game was getting back into the Secretary's grade. Thereupon the Secretary expressed the hope that no such calamity had yet befallen him.
Office notes: Billy Wallis came in and reported that he had been in Hartford, Vermont, ever since the reunion. He will not return to Washington for some time yet. A few days later Jim McGroty appeared and announced that his recent operation had been a success. He too will be in these parts for some time.
Secretary, 14 Beacon St., Boston, Mass.
* 100% subscribers to the ALUMNI MAGAZINE, on class group plan.
