1888*
The Secretary is pleased to record that some of our men are willing that the world should know their plans for the summer. Pattee is again far from the truth when he has the temerity to suggest that the mothers of '88 should have christened them with Indian names, all meaning "men that fear to use ink." See below for my evidence.
Chase, Fred H.—"My life is so uneventful that it can be summed up as office, house, eating, and sleeping." Here Fred ends his letter. Such modesty for one 51 years out!
Dunlap, Fred T., has been cavorting about Florida all winter as if he were to teach the geography of the state. The Secretary's letter of April 27 caught him on the wing as he was leaving Orlando, headed north. He says it will seem good to get back to "God's country," but he still prefers the "hotter place" for the winter months, and wishes the wives of all our honorable crew would let them join the '88 crusade next winter. His itinerary, if here recorded even in part, would leave no room for further items. His address until November will be Milford, N. H.
Doc Ely, Richard S.— Dick, the good Samaritan, says he has been feeling "not so good" this winter, as the result of the "flu." We fear he has been giving too close attention to some of his preferred flu patients.
Hardy, George F., the busy man that he is, finds time to read the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. Let me quote: "I now have a better general knowledge of the College than I ever had before. This has led to my looking over some other similar publications, and always with the same result, that I have seen none that I thought equaled it." Now George Hardy, as you know, is a man of few words, hence the above quotation should bring satisfaction to all of you who help to make the MAGAZINE what it is"the best in its field," so says a Harvard friend.
Keay, Forrest L—Cully says on May 1 that he is trying to make Hanover at Commencement time, but that his work is still pressing. I'll be looking for him.
Doc Lougee, W. W., still working. Says he is too young to retire. The mention of Doc will recall to you that his son Laurence volunteered to act as film artist at our 50th. The result, so Doc reports, is a good full-length film which will be of interest at our 55th, or sooner, if you will call at 135 Summer St., Maiden, some evening by appointment. Mrs. Lougee serves refreshments. The Secretary has wanted a dispassionate opinion. Wendell Williams was selected for the task. The preview started off with credit to all concerned, a fine picture of Junkins '87, Pattee holding the "Golden Book" while listening to one of Cully Keay's heated arguments when the motor of the projector went dead. Doc has put the case in Wendell's hands to find out who killed the motor, whether it was due to the overheated argument of Cully or the presence of the Golden Book, which seems to have made a lot of trouble during its short life.
Nelson, Sam B.—A good letter on May 5. Plenty of snow on the mountain slopes. Skiing is guaranteed until midsummer. (Grandchildren please note.) One son and wife and 5 granddaughters aged 5 to 10 years made a recent visit. Why marvel that Sam carries his years so lightly? He says not a word of hard times. Why should he, with 18 grandchildren to help keep his mind from mundane things?
Pattee, Fred L— On May 1 Pat writes, "Your must legislation has been passed. Summer plans? I have none. May go again to the summer school of English in that bugless and heatless North Carolina mountain top associated with Duke University. Can't make long-time contracts these days even to keep or be kept off the dole." As to Florida, he says: "A solid winter of glorious sunshine, which nearly dried us up and blew us away; had to hire a lady rainmaker, and now we are 0.K." Pat tried to work the MAGAZINE for another free advertisement for his new book, "The Feminine Fifties," but my memory is too good, and besides I have just seen the May issue of this MAGAZINE.
Pearson, Fisher H.—On May 1 Fisher made a complete showdown, indicating he had read the last "two-point appeal" of the Secretary. This is worth remembering. Fisher is still in the game (law). Somewhat handicapped physically. No plans for summer, except may go to the Fair. One grandson has been admitted to Dartmouth 1943, which means we may expect him at our 55th. Mrs. Pearson is far from well. The have three children and seven grandchildren, and by 1943 he may be a great-grandfather. As for doings of an "old man"_ spends much time in looking over the past, reminiscing, and regretting, all of which is foolish stuff.
Richardson, William /.—May 1 found Billy in a reminiscent mood. His letter took this reader back to the days of 55 years ago, but the choicest part must be reserved for the class report. He speaks most touchingly of a visit which he had with Charlie McCarthy in Littleton in the fall of 1937, as well of the exquisite pleasure of reviewing old times with "Ben Butler" at the reunion. Billy did not forget to file his claim for our "progeny prize." Sam Nelson better take notice. Present family when all are gathered around the table equals 17, with 5 birthdays in April, just before the Alumni Fund appeal (horrors), and he did not ask for help. Says he lives in the best town in North America, and he should know, as his professional work has been in the provinces of Quebec, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, as well as in nearly all of our eastern states from Maine to Florida, not to mention Mexico and Cuba. All this, and has been besides an active Mason for 50 years, four times selectman of Littleton, and two times a representative to the General Court. When you are marveling, please remember that his family when counted numbers 17. Billy says, "Throw this in your wastebasket," but before doing so I must record him as the strong man of our class.
Spencer, Henry F., is on the spot as usual. Says he is still "padding" around; hasn't been feeling so well this past winter, but still able to read and enjoy William Lyon Phelps' latest book. I fully appreciate the fine and discriminating review which he gives in the interests of my education. Thanks, Henry.
Williams, Berton, seems to have a consuming desire for real spring, which will enable him to get out in that garden of his, so well spoken of by '88 men who have called on him. It must be a strange feeling. It's been years since this Secretary has had such yearnings.
Williams, Wendell, reports well and contented in spite of his lost trip to Florida. Wendell and Mrs. Williams expect to spend July and August at the Lake Placid Club, and I am authorized to command any '88 man who chances to be in that neighborhood to look in on them. Also Wendell and Mrs. Williams are booked for Hanover during Commencement—will be at the Inn.
Official.—'The Secretary will expect reports during the summer. Address from June 20 to Sept. 20, Ocean Point, Me., 6614 miles northeast from Portland, 19 miles southeast from Wiscasset. Come, but don't stay over night. You will understand after you have seen us on Linnekin Bay just how kind I am not to invite you for over night!
Secretary, 11 Oak St., Belmont, Mass.
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