1916
Alec and Estelle Jardine, ably assisted by their attractive daughters Marion and Janet, held open house at their new Wellesley home Monday, January 2. Bob Burlen, who was visiting the Jardines with Peg, put it just right when he said, "Alec, it's a breath of old Hanover." Anyhow, when handsome Hobey Baker, John Hancock's and Frank Bobst's pride and joy, sat down at the piano, the Balmacaaners with their wives made the welkin ring.
Frank and Helene Bobst, Gran and Ruth Fuller, Gil and Mabel Tapley, Sam and Lucille Cutler, Dick and Kay Parkhurst, Ted and Alice Walker, Fred and Dorothea Bailey, Ollie and Ruth Barr, Hobie and Margaret Baker knew every song Alec and Estelle called for. Believe it or not, there were several Seventeeners and Eighteeners present. Really, it's taken 1917 and 1918 a long time to appreciate fully the advantages of association with Balmacaan. We thank you, Alec and Estelle.
Paul Goward wrote me from Worcester, enclosing a magazine issued by the Department of Commerce, under the editorship of one F. Stirling Wilson. Come to find out said Stirling is chief business information section of the division of Business Review. I wish any Balmacaaner visiting Washington would check up on Stirling. If I remember correctly, you can reach him at the Department of Commerce Building, District 2200. Stirling is also president of the Washington Alumni Association, so make him take you to luncheon, and afterwards visit Van Wyck Mott and find out for me if Van can still sing.
Now that Leonard Wakefield Joy, "Bones" to you, is back writing music and conducting an orchestra, the old Balmacaan team of Joy and Burlen should be giving America some new songs. How about it, you guys? Christmas brought us news this year. The Everett Parkers of Denver welcomed the arrival of Elizabeth Humphrey Parker on December 5. More power to you folks, and thanks for the picture of little Polly with her baby sister and proud papa.
Just what would you think, if you had received a Christmas card with a stamp attached. I'll bet a nickel you will guess the culprit's name, one Ed Cassius Ozite Kiley. I guess he means for me to write. I've a long way to go to pay that guy what I owe him. Freshman year, said Kiley sold me, a poor little green freshman, if there ever was one, a complete gym suit, long pants and all, stating it was absolutely required if I were to get any credit for Smut I. When Doc Bowler saw my rig, he just smiled and said, "Where did, you get it?" You bet I'll write him, on asbestos.
News from New Hampshire. Ralph George is now the sole agent for Ford in Concord and will soon be rolling in gold. Heine has resigned as N. H. State Racing Commissioner to devote all his time to his growing business. I had heart failure, for I thought the resignation meant no more parties at Rockingham, but Ralph assures me the annual racing party will still take place. In addition, Mrs. Ralph told me she wants to stage a party for Balmacaan sometime this year out at their Hopkinton home, with turkey and all the fixins. This is almost a promise, so be prepared for an added feature to our 1939 year. I met young Hank George and Annette for the first time. Hank is burning up the track at Concord High.
Emery Lapierre is still at the old stand in Concord, with another tale about the innocent, quiet appearing Ed Ozite Kiley. Jim Shanalian, of Shanahan & Ekstrom, public accountants, quit business, when I called the other day to get the latest dope on Sixteeners. John Lincoln Ames Jr. comes to Boston frequently, and I don't believe it's on Globe & Rutgers business. I don't suppose for a moment John is courting a Bostonian. Catherine Blanchard, Bailey Emery's sister, sent me a fine picture of Bailey taken in August '36 that's going right into the class records.
Boston girls, old and young, are heartbroken this happy season, for they failed to see the Bard of Bristol, John Hyde Mensel, who was due to visit these parts. Just what has happened to Fletcher Reed Andrews since he has taken a chair at the Yale Law School? Has old Eli disturbed your affections for Dartmouth, Fletch? I'd like some news on Grandpa Green, the Dallas Giant. Being the first grandpop in the class deserves some sort of medallion, Holmes. Just what would you like the class to give you?
Kay and I dropped in New Year's Day on Cliff and Peg Bean and Larry and Lee Hayward, up at Hampton. These men have the right idea, living the life of country squires, away from the rush of metropolitan life. Cliff claims that although Larry can build bridges and sea walls, he can't tend a fire.
If you would like to make me happy this coming year, promise yourself to write me one letter. It's not much to ask for. and I'll give you the news back a hundred fold. Happy New Year to you all!
Secretary, 37 Maple St., Stoneham, Mass.
