1885*

The Secretary's heart was gladdened during the Christmas season with cards from John and Mrs. Brooks, Charles and Mrs. Chase, Charles and Mrs. Floyd, Warren Adams, Frank Whipple and Frank Colby, for which he is pleased to make acknowledgement.

He also received letters from classmates or their families as follows: Henry Austin writes that his grandson, Robert, quartered at Camp Eustis, has had a short furlough which he is improving by trying to find snow enough in the White Mountains to do some skiing; his granddaughter, Judith with a delegation of New Hampshire University students has been in attendance at a Christian Association conference in Oxford, Ohio, where she had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Frank Allard, widow of our classmate, and her daughter, Mrs. Beatrice Brooks, who live in Oxford, where Beatrice has been teaching for several years. From what Henry writes there are fewer winter visitors at St. Petersburg than usual and in view of our war defense conditions, those who came by auto are more or less disturbed about making the return trip on account of the tire situation. He adds that they have had some- "blackout" try-outs which resulted much the same there as elsewhere.

Lorrain Weeks reports that his health is good, his fighting spirit strong and he is looking for the "knock out" of the Axis confederates during 1942; we all hope his wish may be verified.

The news from "Life" Philbrick is not encouraging and he takes very little interest even in listening to the radio which heretofore, on account of his failing eyesight, had been much comfort and entertainment for him; his condition as well as that of his wife arouses the heartfelt sympathy of us all.

The Secretary was glad to receive a note from Mrs. Plapp, widow of our classmate "Fuddy"; she and her children are well, one of her sons is engaged in aeroplane manufacturing at Columbus, Ohio and the other in the production of metals with the American Smelting & Refining Cos., her two daughters are teachers in Chicago and the latter live with her in their old family home. She sent cordial greetings to all of Fuddy's classmates and their families.

We all must realize that the last month of 1941 witnessed the greatest national awakening since our government was founded; our country has declared war and not only joined in a world-wide contest but is committed to a world settlement thereafter, the meaning and demands of which are entirely beyond any present comprehension or definition.

Secretary, Kimball Bldg., 18 Tremont St. Boston, Mass.