1934
Happy October, Mr. and Mrs. Thirty-Four, and what's hell about hello? By way of proving beyond all peradventure that nothing exceeds like excess, here is the tribe scribe back to plague you injuns for still another term. And a lot of news has been abuilding since spring, so lets get with it.
As always, it seems meet to tee off with happy tidings of newly arrived chillun, and what better beginning than this note from Billy Embry: "We now have a new son—yep, that makes three straight—who let out his first yell on the evening of May 11. The name—Joel Talton; the weight—7 lbs. 9 oz.
"Realizing our family was about to increase, we've been spending some time looking for a bit larger home. At the same time my mother and father started wondering what they were doing with so many bedrooms when their kids were practically all married off and making homes of their own—sooooo the obvious switch was made, with them taking over our house, and we having a chance to raise our boys at the same home where I learned the facts of life. The correct address is 2564 Woodbourne."
Then on June tenth (or rather, dix Juin) the number of Germanns at the American Embassy in Paris was upped to five when Catharine Lilian joined Capt. Ted and family there. Her sister and brother, you will recall, are Colette and George.
July was doubly productive for '34, beginning on the Bth when William Richardson Rath weighed in at Hyde Park and 714 lbs. Little guy's pappy, Fred, soon thereafter switched from his post with the Dept. of Interior at the F. D. R. National Historic Site in favor of an interesting spot in Washington. This is as Executive Officer for a new nongovernmental organization, The National Council for Historic Sites and Buildings. Praise-worthy goal of the outfit is unification of the forces working for preservation on a nationwide scale. Understand the Interior Dept. cagily induced Fred to consider this a leave of absence, in hopes of keeping a few strings on their boy.
Still in July, we have a clever card from Richard Keller Hardt who says this about himself: "I arrived on 24 July 1948, tipped the scales at 7 lbs. 10 1/2 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches tall. Drop in and see me some time at 1109 Maplecrest Circle in Gladwyne (Pa.)." Mom and Pop of course are Jean and Dick.
And from far-flung correspondents we learn a bit belatedly (but better belated than never!) of other happy birthdays. Bill Gay, for instance, reports the appearance of Charles William, born February 7, 1947. Also advises the completion on July 1, 1948 of a new home, handy to the Hollywood offices of Foote, Cone & Belding. Says "Life is good—if costly—and couldn't ask for more—except for some of you city fellers to come on out and look the place over."
Another epistle, this from our Truro, Cape Cod leg-man (a prominent newsletter editor who shall remain unanimous), goes as follows: "Guy is down on the beach digging a sand trap for his four-year-old when a wave all but engulfs them both. Who is first on hand to lend a hearty laugh but old Will, and then who does the guy turn out to be but FitchBriggs, with wife Kay, kids Kirk and Kim (little girl, about 17 mos.). He's staying at his Dad's joint in Truro." So that catches us up on a couple of sectors, doesn't it?
It was good to hear the voice (even if only on the phone) of Jack O'Brien a while ago. He, with his two children, was spending a short stay in his native Westchester from Chicago where he is with Sylvania Electric Products, Inc. But it was a real wrench to learn that Jack's wife, the former Lois Freyberg of New Rochelle, passed away on February 27 after a gallant fight against a painful combination of illnesses stretching over a period of the past three years.
Well the much anticipated June picnic for Metropolitan Area '34s turned out to be a very merry festival indeed. Hosts Edie andBob Smith provided a perfect setting at their beautiful place in Munroe and all hands had a high old time, what with beer, baseball and badminton, chow, chatter and croquet—a really congenial gathering. Jolly participants were the Bob Allaboughs, the George Copps, Em Day, Ray Ely and charming guest, two sets of Gilmores: the Bills and the Duckies, the Art Grimeses, the Dick Gruens, the Herb Harrises, the A 1 Jacobsons, the Harry McCanns, the Charlie Millses, the Les Reeves, Fred Robbe, the Bill Schermans, Dick Wells and the Art Willises.
An equally gay and beery reunion was celebrated at about the same time by a somewhat smaller Regional Association of a more Southern exposure. In commemoration thereof the official report is herewith spread on the minutes, thanks to the reportorial eye and ear and palate of Stu Barber:
"Sir: I am directed to report to you that the Southern (White Supremacy) Chapter of our class recently held a highly informal reunion at Myrtle Beach, S. C. This location was chosen because it is located on the 34th parallel of latitude, also because our distinguished secretary, Mr. Houck, had procured a small castle there for the occasion.
"Present were Mr. Houck, the well-known textile capitalist from South Tennessee, Mr. Gussenhoven, the auto tycoon on vacation from South Mexico, and Comrade Barber, people's commissar from South of the Lincoln Memorial, who traveled incognito. In honor of States Rights, Memorial Day was celebrated with toasts to Calhoun and Cotton Ed Smith.
"Principal occupation of the weekend was preventing the six Gussenhovens from contracting chicken pox at the hands of the youngest Houck. This exhausting occupation required that frequent refreshments be served. This in turn proved a great strain on the eldest Houck, who was seldom able to get in his usual nap between the frequent calls for more drinks. Since his own thirst was naturally increased by these labors, it was very difficult for the others to keep adequately moist.
"Principal athletic event was the All-Southern Loaded Horseshoe Pitching Derby. In this, Barber, the favorite, was for three days the victim of an obvious capitalist conspiracy to hamper his form. On the last day, however, the Tory grip weakened, Barber was allowed to consume two beers in rapid succession, and promptly regained his normal form of pitching numerous ringers in rapid succession, completely routing all opposition."
Now let's get really South, Texas this time, where the news is that Dave Hedges has been elected assistant vice-president of Houston's City National Bank. Dave was formerly with the investment house there of Moroney, Beissner & Cos. Another candidate for a wah-hoowah is Dave Calloway, who is now a director of the First of Michigan Corporation, Manhattan house of finance.
And then there's a good word from Hobart College, Geneva, N. Y., regarding Sey Dunner, beg pardon, Dean Dunn. Yep, as of Sept. 1 Sey took over the deanship at that highly regarded seat of learning. He started at Hobart as an instructor in 1938, later becoming assistant professor. And on July 1 last, he was elevated to the rank of associate professor of history. One more success story involves RussDavis, who has been named New England Division Group Manager of the Accident and Health Department of Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, according to an official announcement from its Boston home office. Russ started with Liberty in 1937.
Speaking of surprises, New York was treated to one this summer when the California family Dwyer (Marty, Joy and little Jackie) dropped East for a spell. Marty had just renounced the Oath of Miamonides, having said
"That's all" to Rexall, and a little breather seemed indicated before settling down to the new position. As a matter of fact we can't rightly know just which of several positions was finally accepted by Our Chairman, but when the word filters East we'll pass it along.
Still have a few good items but no more space. They'll appear next time, along with the many additional bits we hope to be receiving from you faithful correspondents between now and then. So long, Gang!
Secretary and Treasurer, no Fulton St., New York 7, N. Y.
