1909
We had a fine turn-out at the Boston Alumni Dinner. In fact we seemed to have a great many more participants than other classes about our time. I think this is the fourth year we have had such a fine gathering and X hope those who did not make it this year will come next year, for it does give us an excellent opportunity to have a get-together. Those who attended were Herb Hawes, Chet Brett, Howard Spaulding, Gordon Weinz, Harry Floyd, Cad Cummings, Ira Kiiburn, Curt Hilliard, Ben Scully, Dick Lord, Allen Newton, George Adams, Wallie Ross, Bob Holmes, Sandy Hooker, Art Swenson and Mike Farley. Bob Burns, as retiring President, was at the head table. We were also very much pleased to see two new faces, Bob Johnson who acknowledged we haven't seen him for thirty-five years, and as a lawyer practising in New York was a welcome addition, and Abbott Thayer from Taunton, where, he tells me, he does a bang-up business running clam bakes. Abbott always had a little weight on but he had to admit he had added considerably to it. Walter Brown, who has been in the government service for the last four years, is now back with the United Fruit Company.
The following is a very interesting letter from Jack Childs who has just returned to Aurora, Ohio, after trying out a job in Chicago:
The pull of the old homestead in Aurora, the Garden Spot of America, proved to be too strong, and so after three and a half months in Chicago, I returned to Ohio and teamed up with an old friend of mine whom I have known since boyhood days in Evanston, 111. He operates the Powers System of Estate Analysis that is sold to insurance people, trust departments in banks, and lawyers. I'm also starting a side deal of editorial service to house organ editors, which will be tested out in the near future. I hope it'll be what editors have been waiting for.
The only '09 guy I have seen in Cleveland is Ced Wellsted who's still in the investment business. He and I have gotten together at a couple of weekly Dartmouth lunches. He's looking good and is one of the few men in our class, I imagine, who hasn't changed a great deal since college days. Jim Huselton is in the coal business in Cleveland, but seldom is seen by other Dartmouth guys. Frank Solomon is the fourth member of our class here, and is in the clothing business.
When I was in Chicago, I ran across Nut Root on the bus. He's looking well and prospering with Sears Roebuck. Hasn't changed a great deal, except for more weight around the jowls. He could pass for a politician. Jess Hawley, who had that serious heart attack, a thrombosis condition, last year, is getting back on his feet, but he's got to take it easy. He was playing up to four holes of golf last summer, and he's turned the running of his business over to his brother, Don.
My piano playing is coming along quite well, and I'm beginning to get the feel of the keyboard. Up until last month or so, my theme song was "Stumbling," a popular number in 1922. In exchanging confidences with Norm Catharin, he tells me that after he got married he took up piano playing and was getting along nicely until he and the wife got to playing duets. Then they got to fighting and Norm quit. I always thought that music was a harmonious deal.
It is sad to contemplate deaths of good guys like Freddie Carroll, Sam Bell, Ben Ayer and Allan McCurdy. Now that we're getting along on the road, such news comes in more frequently. Those of us who remain may be thankful that we're still able to enjoy living and, I hope, bring some enjoyments to the living of others.
So long, son. It's nice to have had this little chat with you. Give my regards to any members of the old guard that you run into.
Curt Sheldon writes me as follows regarding the memorial to Fred Carroll, which was put on by the American Bankers Association at their last meeting:
Six members of the Class were present at the tribute for Fred Carroll last Monday, namely: Colley, Dillingham, McLoud, Readey, Chappelear and myself. Mrs. Carroll was also present in the balcony. Those who took part were Merle E. Selecman, Deputy Manager of American Bankers Association and Secretary of the Trust Division, who was with Fred in France at the time of the accident, Basil O'Connor, Chairman of the American Red Cross, Miss Miriam Jordan, Director of the Entertainment Department of American Red Cross in the European Theatre of Operation, and Gilbert T. Stephenson, Director of Trust Research of the Graduate School of Banking, American Bankers Association, at Rutgers University. Over a thousand Trust Department men from all over the country were present and it was a wonderful tribute.
A letter from Harold Wheat, who is in Orlando, Fla., states that in addition to his work with Dickson-Ives he also is in the fruit business and is doing very well selling tree-ripened fruit to the people in the North. He will be very glad to execute any orders from members in the class. He feels they would be very happy with his type of fruit. His address is Lamar Hotel, Orlando, Fla.
Poor "Cap" Kelley died Monday, February 25, 1946, at the Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, Wash. Cap suffered a stroke several years ago and had been in ill health ever since. In spite of his illness Cap was always very cheerful and delighted to see Dartmouth men who came along. He was a marvelous character and will be missed sincerely not only by us all but by his many friends as well.
Secretary, Wm. Filene's Sons Co. 426 Washington St., Boston, Mass
Treasurer, 16 Wall St., New York, N. Y.
