1894

Jimmie Mann gives us an interesting account of his job:

"In the office—Highway Commission we are trying desperately to 'sell' construction contracts but having little luck. We can't let at prices over the Engineer's estimate and estimates cannot be raised more than a very small % over '41 costs. Results either no bidders or ones so high we can't let.

"However, we are busy changing plans made during the war for 'postwar work.' They now have to be revamped to meet new standards (Federal) which is frequently more work than doing the work in the first place.

"New men are coming and going in increasing numbers. Offhand, should say Engineering force was about doubled to meet the expected construction rush. If and when it comes don't know what we will do. We have practically no work 'on the shelf,' and new men unfamiliar with our details don't help us much. I imagine —but do not know—that most states are in a similar fix and 1 wonder what will happen when the real push starts, perhaps in '47."

Jimmie philosophizes a bit:

"For health—well, personally, X oscillate between dreams of 'stimulated connecting tissues,' with Donety of Russia, to live until 150 or wishing I might quickly pass out in the night with cerebral hemorrhage which seems to be very much the style, set up by our beloved F. D. R.

"However, most of the time am busy keeping myself ready and willing to perform the tasks of each day as they come along, through the old-fashioned way of temperance in most things, and keeping in touch with the doctor when something gets out of line and the old machine begins to heat up."

Jimmie didn't intend the following for any eyes but the writers; however, here goes:

"Don't know what possessed me to drool for 3 pages unless it is the pleasure of being able to write again after 2 or 3 years of arthritis in my thumb, which made writing more than a couple of lines extremely painful. Finally, after trying everything in sight to trim it, I gave it up as a bad job and after a couple of months doing nothing for it, it gradually got better, until tonight I think for the first time it seems to be all gone. Perhaps it is what they speak of as 'finally burns itself out.' "

Mrs. Frank Hodgdon wrote before January that she was looking forward with undiminished hope and courage to another New Year. "I have found a new motto for myself, 'Start again from where you stand.' "

Billy Wallis has had to come up from Washington to attend the funeral of his sister in Framingham. She was 88 years old. Billy says that he is improving every day a:nd hopes in a couple of months to have recovered from the ordeal of the fall.

Eddie Grover asks the pertinent question: "How about joining me here in Winter Park?" Victor Spooner undoubtedly seconds this. Perhaps some of us can do it next winter.

Secretary, 74 Kirkland St., Cambridge 38, Mass Treasurer, 89 Prospect St., Somersworth, N. H.

ANNUAL NEW YORK DINNER, APRIL 16 HOTEL COMMODORE AT 6:30 P.M.