1914
By our special correspondent, Fred David son:—
The first 1914 dinner of the year in New York arranged by Bill Hands, was held at the Dartmouth Club on February 21. Canny Bill not only worked out a splendid program, but by selecting the holiday eve made it possible for an extra good crowd to turn out, some of whom came from quite a distance, including "Dutch" Burnham from Pittsburgh, "Rufe" Sisson of Potsdam, Jack Conners from Bridgeport, as well as the trio of old faithfuls from the Philadelphia area, Dick Barlow, Jess Stillman, and "Red" Davidson. It was a lively occasion overflowing with enthusiasm. Seldom, if ever, has the Dartmouth Club been treated to such a review of the old songs as, after spontaneously electing "Gus" Fuller song-leader, the gang proceeded to prove once again that 14 is the singingest class of all In tact it turned out to be quite a chore, for Jim Heenehan, the toastmaster, to bring an end to the musical phase and get started on the rest of the program.
Jim presided with all the urbanity of the distinguished lawyer that he is. He started off on the right foot by calling on Eleazar Wheelock who responded with a heart-warming and satisfying invocation. This, be it observed, was a notable improvement over our previous dinner, when in similar circumstances, Eleazar himself being in the presiding chair, found it necessary as Bob Hopkins recorded it, to try a long forward ,pass without any ends down the field to receive. After reading messages from several who were unable to attend, the toastmaster had each man in turn stand up and briefly tell of his family and current activities. What a glow of vicarious pride in hearing of the accomplishments of the sons old classmates carrying on around the world in the armed services! Nor did Toastmaster Jim tail to give us an opportunity to pay tribute to those of 14 who are themselves serving in the war.
NT re^urfr Sisson in person—a rare treat for us New Yorkers—-was persuaded to tell us a bit about the problems he faces and the ambitions he nas ror the treasury. Class Agent Conners, under extreme compulsion, of course, consented to take a little time to get in a plug for—you guess what. Everybody applauded the_ swell job that "Rufe" and Jack are doing in their respective spheres. All hands, to a man, are right behind them. With other matters covered, Jim, at length, was able to present En Voorhess, who delivered the major address of the evening. Out of his broad experience, which has made him a recognized authority in this field, En discussed some of the fundamental aspects of the present and prospective business picture, including taxation, labor unions, etc. Some existing weaknesses in the situation were pointed out and certain corrective measures _ suggested. It was indeed a stimulating talk, as indicated by the lively discussion which followed, in which the majority of the company participated vigorously. "Chuck" Kingsley, Gordon Sleeper, Johnnie Palmer, Hal Pease, "Walt" Daley, and John Hanna were among those not previously mentioned, who got their oar in with some pertinent comment. Al Humphries and "Ken" Fuller had a word or two to say, and naturally Kalendarian added quite a few more. ("En" did not need to be told how much his talk was appreciated:—that was self-evident.) In short, Jim's toughest job next to getting the meeting started was to bring it to a close.
Before dashing for the late commuters' trains, there was still a little time for the last round-up of informal get-togethers with Dick Barlow and "Howie" Fahey, two of the principal custodians of our youthful spirit, circulating about, irrepressible as always. It was great to see Brownie Brownell and "Dutch" Burnham again and have "Al" Richmond back with us after his long tour of duty as a lieutenant colonel. Ralph Jenkins, Bill Breslin and Jack McCullough were kept busy, like everyone else, swapping notes and catching up on the news. King Learoyd, with just the right touch of added avoirdupois, looks even more like the genial monarch than when he was first crowned at Hanover. What is a New York class meeting without "Sig" Larmon? and, of course, "Sig" was on hand looking as young and fit as ever. All told, it was a memorable holiday eve and those of us who are more or less old timers at the Dartmouth Club in New York, took a vast pride in the outstanding performance staged by the class.
The two following letters speak for them selves. First from Lt. Col. Paul Perkins:
Your February 24th letter came as a big surprise today and a most delightful one. The ALUMNI MAGAZINE ceased arriving months ago, and always was addressed to Memphis, so I had concluded that I must be lost. Yet you fellows found the correct address somewhere. My present quarters are in the edge of a Pandamus grove about a hundred feet from where the surf booms on the jagged coral shore. The daytime view (when I'm elsewhere) is magnificent—right now you couldn't see ten feet, and the perspiration rolls off in a steady stream. I'm wearing a halo of bugs of all sorts—guess they like my thin thatch. Our life is a very busy one, which is a big help. This is my twentieth month in this same particular island and I'm looking forward to a transfer to a different one. Occasionally I see a Dartmouth lad, but not often. My very best regards and best wishes to all the chaps who signed your most thoughtful letter, particularly to "Stubby," with the hope that his recovery is rapid and complete.
From Alec Tuck in Italy:
Your letter arrived when I was having a blue spell, and it cheered me up more than I can tell you. I have been on eleven combat missions and have decided that I am a little too old for this business. Please give my best to all those who signed this letter. I am grateful. Hope to be back in a few months. God bless you all.
Captain "Ken" Grant, whose picture accompanies these notes, has been with the Military Police since he went on active duty in April 194 a, with the First Service Com- mand. After moving around New England for sixteen months he was transferred to Camp Custer, Mich., in command of an M.P. Escort Guard Company. In November 1943 he was shipped to Roswell, New Mexico, where he has been most of the time since, in command of various P.O.W. units. Ken's wife, and daughter, Carol, have been with him all of the time. The older son Alan was the first to enlist and is now a Storekeeper, l/c in the Navy at - Oakland, Calif. The younger son, Howard, is with the 9th Army with the Infantry somewhere in Ger- many. Chick describes his own picture as that of "a hell of a fat guy who doesn't seem to be in the excellent physical condition of Sam Sheldon and Sherm Saltmarsh, at whose pictures I have just been looking. However, right now I manage to play a couple of softball games a week."
With his check to the Alumni Fund, comes a word of greeting from Paul Wilson, who is way up in Bethel, Vt. Paul writes that for the past four months he has been busy editing a Monthly Home-Town News Bulletin. It is some ten to 20 pages long, and after being mimeographed by "Herb" Austin, it is sent out to some two hundred Gls "from this valley." Paul's son T/Sgt. Herbert J. Wilson, a holder of the D.F.C., is with the Bth Air Force. He was married January so to WAAF Lillian Osborne, from Newport, Isle of Wight.
One regrettable item which comes to the secretary's attention is that Lt. Horace L. Borden, A.C., is reported missing in the South Pacific. The Major and his wife surely know that we are all deeply grieved by these words, and that they have our utmost sympathy, as well as our ardent hope for good news.
Much more news in the file, but space is limited. Not even a plug for the Alumni Fund, but we must add that it has been interesting to watch the boys rise to the emergency.
WITH THE MILITARY POLICE SINCE 1942, Captain "Ken" Grant '14 is at present in Roswell, N. M., where he commands various prisoner of war units.
Secretary, 88 Sea Street, North Weymouth, Mass Treasurer, a 6 Garden Street, Potsdam, N. Y.
