1909*

The New England contingent of 1909, when they opened their newspapers on Monday, September 8th, were all astounded to read that Harold Osborne had died suddenly on Sunday, September 7th. Harold retired in good health on Friday night and on rising Saturday morning he had a sudden heart attack and passed away on Sunday.

"Ozzie" had what might be termed an Horatio Algier career. In his freshman year he roomed with Sid Hazelton on the top floor of Middle Fairweather. "Cad" Cummings roomed next door to him and stated that they were the most inexpensive rooms in College and the occupants were known as the "attic rats." The rooms however, were filled with visitors as might be expected, who would gather about such a trio as Harold, Sid and Cad. Harold completely fascinated them. They had first-hand observation of his mystic developments. He had dress clothes with secret pockets everywhere, cards strung together with invisible thread, jointed billard balls, etc. He spent many good-natured and patient hours trying to teach his disciples how to make cards and coins disappear. He was an excellent amateur magician and probably there is not a member of the class who has not seen him perform at times. He even kept this up in later life in spite of his arduous duties and put on a performance in the Lynn Theatre that took two hours and rivaled a Thurston or Houdini show. It was capitalizing on his magician's ability that permitted him to go through College and made him appreciate what hard work it was to secure an education. As a result of this experience many of the younger generation of Dartmouth men have him to thank for the help they have received that has permitted them to go through Dartmouth. Because of his modesty, very few people know of the many boys who have been able to go to Dartmouth because "Ozzie" financed them. This was all done quietly and without ostentation and the loss to the younger generation of possible Dartmouth men is immeasurable.

Harold was mild, unassuming and never lost his temper and the outstanding characteristic of his life that is mentioned by everybody who knew him, is his loyalty to his friends and his frankness in admitting his mistakes.

It is interesting that when he met Sid Hazelton for the first time and was told that he was a wonderful ball-player, Sid did not appeal to him as such a "hot shot." Association with Sid changed his opinion so that "Ozzie" in later life mentioned many times in public that one of the major regrets of his life was that he did not think so much of Sid as a freshman. How few people there are who have the honesty to acknowledge this error in judgement? Undoubtedly "Ozzie's" loyalty, enthusiasm and equitable disposition was responsible for his rise in the business world. He became Vice-President, General Manager and Director of the United Shoe Machinery Company. He was also a Director of the Littleway Process Company; United Shoe Repairing Machinery Company; Krippendorf Kalculator Company; Turner Tanning Machinery Company; B. B. Chemical Company and the Campbell Bosworth Machinery Company. He was a member of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, The Tedesco Country Club, the Algonquin Club of Boston, the Oxford Club of Lynn and the Beach Bluff Club of Swampscott.

He was one of the most popular men in the shoe industry and known to shoe manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers throughout the nation. In spite of his eminence, which he obtained in the business world, he was a friend to everyone in trouble and forever loyal to his classmates and friends of former years.

Funeral services were held at the Central Congregational Church, Broad Street, Lynn. Sid Hazelton was one of the pallbearers; Mike Farley, Allen Newton, Howard Spaulding and Harry Floyd represented the Class. Harold's popularity was well evidenced by the very large attendance of his associates, and the largest display of floral decorations that I have ever seen in one place. Rev. Garfield Morgan delivered a most impressive eulogy which many of us will long remember—it must have been extremely consoling to his family. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Bessie G. Osborne and his mother who is almost go years of age. Mrs. Osborne wishes to express to the Class her appreciation for the lovely pillow sent by them as well as our expression of regrets. She has been most cooperative in trying to find a picture of Harold which I could use with this article. Harold carried his modesty to the point where he disliked having his picture taken and it required a great deal of search on the part of Mrs. Osborne, to find even a snapshot. Our many thanks are extended to Mrs. Osborne for her assistance in making this picture possible for the Class.

One of the rare photographs of our lateClassmate.

Secretary, William Filene's Sons Co., Boston, Mass. Treasurer,: 16 Wall St., New York, N. Y.