1916
Secretary, 37 Maple St., Stoneham, Mass.
Modesty is unbecoming a Balmacaaner, when it comes to personal news. For example, Bones Joy, on a flying trip to Boston, to act as judge in a prize band contest, told me he had a promotion, and that's all. But Paul Goward sends me a clipping from Tide, the newsmagazine of advertising and marketing, which tells a different story. "Named manager of artists and repertoire of R.C.A. Victor: Leonard W. Joy, in charge of recording Victor and Bluebird records with the company in various capacities since 1926, when he joined the Victor Talking Machine Company as assistant to the musical director." Congratulations to you, Bones, on your promotion. Then there is Louie Gove, just made director of the Wakefield Cooperative Bank and vice-commander of his Legion Post. This is the kind of news the class wants to hear, and yet you have to dig it out from other sources.
Heading F.P.A.'s column, "The Conning Tower," in the April 5 issue of the New York Post, is a splendid bit of verse, "Combat Flight," by George Dock Jr. George draws a vivid picture of "High pursuit from Snippes to Fismes" and in his Envoi, sets us wondering- "That through these winging years of Peace,
These golden years, may we Still seek in futile emulance To laugh with Destiny."
Prexy Johnny Pell, now on a tour through New York state, Ohio, and other parts takes pity on his successor secretary and oives us some tidbits. Johnny hopes this time to corral Hap Ward in Olean, who has been away from home on each of Johnny's previous trips. Johnny saw Pike Larmon in New York recently, and claims Pike is still tennising. Evidently, Pike does not know he is past forty, and should leave tennis to the youngsters. Johnny claims that Mil Streeter, big shot Brooklyn realestater, makes his money in the Big City suburb, but commutes daily to Darien, Conn.
Johnny and Ed Kiley are planning to be in Hanover for Commencement. I really believe it would be a good idea for several Balmacaaners to be in Hanover this coming June just to lay the groundwork for our Twenty-fifth. If you get in touch with Ed "Ozite" Kiley or Johnny Pell, you might get a ride up from New York.
Lincoln Filene celebrated his birthday on April 5, and the class received a delightful message from him in response to our birthday greetings. The class of 1916 wishes you, Mr. Filene, many, many years of health and happiness.
Dover, New Hampshire, to Wilmington, Delaware's, loss, now claims one B. V. Phinney. Bert, the song bird, has just been appointed store manager for the Kalamazoo Stove Company, 517 Centre St., Dover, N. H. With Bert around, we can form a quartet with any three Balmacaaners, for he sings any part from top tenor to basso prof undo.
Well deserved congratulations are in order for Dr. Eliot A. Shaw, recently appointed chief of the surgical service of the Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, R. I. Shorty is one of the finest surgeons in New England. Balmacaan is proud of you.
All this talk of goldfish swallowing is not news for Balmacaaners, for we know of one who took them at 25 cents per swallow, and did not need milk Or soda pop as chasers.
Generally I know it's spring when I receive a poetic outburst from the Bard of Bristol, Pa., one John Hyde Mensel. But this year so far, I have received no word, so perhaps this cold April weather is explained. However, Boston Balmacaan must make its plans for the season. Frank Tucker Bobst, genial class treasurer, will probably open the season in May with a golf party at his Belmont Country Club. June brings Hanover and maybe a golf party hereabouts. July will offer us Jake Story's annual fishing party. August, Heinie George's racing party at Rockingham Park, and September, Mr. Filene's all-day tourney at Weston.
Balmacaaners coming East this summer should let us know so we can arrange a party for them.
At the annual banquet of the Manchester, N. H., Alumni Association I saw Sweeney Fuller, looking just as young as ever, Gene McQuesten, prize Chi Phi song bird, and hard working Jim Shanahan. Ben Moxon, with the Public Service Company of New Hampshire, was sick with the grippe and could not make the party. Ben wants news of Dan Coakley and Cassius Kiley.
Bones Joy tells me Bob Burlen is sitting pretty with his radio job in Philadelphia, and plans to move his family to the City of Brotherly Love and Connie Mack's baseball team, real soon.
What does that redheaded Perc Burnham do in Wall Street when prices are breaking? I have not seen or heard from Perc since we took the mountain to Mohammed in New York some years ago. I'd like to have answers to the following: Is J. K. Fenno still sky-writing, or did the hurricane blow his planes and hanger out to sea? Is Joe Larimer still sleuthing for the Chicago Bar Association, or has he a peaceful connection in the Windy but Silent City? Has John Boyle McAuliffe marched to the altar as yet? If he hasn't, Cliff Bean's poem on "The Last of the Mohicans" is dead timber. Does Bob Dana love the U. S. Senate and the New Deal as much as ever? Does—Rog Morse make any more trips to influence legislation in Washington these days, and what has happened to my newsgatherers of olden days. Fletch "Nugget" Andrews, Roger Flagg Evans, Carl Nestor Holmes, Honey Abraham, and Grandpop Green?
Remember when you will be reading these notes, Boston Balmacaan will be in full swing with its parties, so get in touch with us if you visit New England. We promise to stage a party for any visiting fireman. Also remember hard-working Pete Cleaves and his class agents, who will be working hard on the Alumni Fund as you read these notes. Help him, won't you.
