1909

If Dick Lord wants to do a research job, he might check into the whereabouts of PsycheFisk, Birch Wood DeLappe, Francis Kullberg,Alvis Kusic, and Seymour Stearns. DeLappe, Kullberg, and Stearns were with the class only during freshman year. Alvis, known as the "Last of the Mohicans," was with us for four years, and Psyche graduated with the class. Then there're Frank Bartlett, who showed up at reunion, but who has failed to give the college his latest address; and GeorgeLeavitt, who has left no forwarding address from New Canaan, Conn., his last known domicile. It should be fairly easy to find the present address of B.uss Pettengill, now of Boston, but whose address in the alumni records is 1 Old Mill Road, New Hope, Pa. Off and at 'em, Dick. See what you can dig up on these guys.

My evanescent contact with Dick at reunion must have innoculated me with some of that research virus. He's got me doing it, so I've been checking up on some class records. Ben Burpee always claimed he was the second youngest, member of the class, but I find he s third. He was born on March 20, 1889, but Pastor Phil Rose wasn't born until April 24, same year. Bert French, undisputed youngest, was born July 1, 1889. Fred Brock completed the quartet of 16-year-olds who entered with the class. He was born Jan. 31, 1889.

Al Hill, now a retired minister at Biddeford, Me., is the oldest living member of our class, born Jan. 10, 1867. Remember when he and George Goodwin joined our ranks? Both of 'em were in their 40's then. George, who was born April 12, 1865, lived to be 78. Franklin Taylor, who started out with 'OB, but who graduated with 'O9, was born May 11,1873.

Four members of '09 were born outside the continental limits of the U. S.: Bill Ashworth and Reggie Bankart in England; Tom Bell, in Glasgow. Scotland; and Ralph Theller in Norway. Charlie Kent, who started with us and finished with '10, was also born in England.

The death of Bob Johnson on July 29, 1940, but which was only recently reported, brings the list of '09 departed to an even 100, although there are three others—Fred Batchellor, Jack Clough, and Mark Smith who finished with the class of '10.

Checking class vital statistics at this writing only one classmate has died so far in 1949.. but between the years of 1940 and 1948, 39 have passed away. In the decades, 1930" 1939 and 1920-1929," 21 members have died each 10-year period. From 1910-1919, there were 13, and during our undergraduate years, four. 1947 took the greatest toll—eight; in 1948 and 1946 there were six each year. The years of 1939, *927' *925 each saw five men join the "choir invisible." Of the months during which men have died, July has taken the heaviest toll—13; August comes next with 11; January and May, 10 each; February, June, and September, 9; October, 8; March, 7; April and November, 6; December, 5. The date of the death of John D. Lawson is unknown.

Of the known ages at time of death—93—eight of our classmates died between the ages of 20 and 30; 19 between the ages of 31 and 40; 13 between the ages of 41 and 50; 39 between the ages of 51 and 60; 12, between the ages of 61 and 70; and two, between the ages of 71 and 80. Eight men have died at the age of 60, and six at 61; five died at 59, 58, and 56, and it is rather surprising that five died at the age of 35, and four each at 37 and 38.

NEWS GATHERED HITHER AND YON

Let's get up to date on '09's Alumni Fund record. Since the last Diddings of July 29, subscriptions were received from Russ Cowles (nice going, son) and Art Sxvenson—his second. Gifts from Harry Floyd, Karl Hammond,Bill Patch, and Fred Reed came in too late for the 1949 drive. They will be credited to the 1950 campaign. By mistake, Nut Root was credited with a memorial gift for RoswellPearl. This was sent in by his widow.

Thanks to Jock Adams, Mike Farley, and Tubby Bird for sending me those reunion snapshots.

A letter from my pal Charlie Truman says that he has received an offer to let Margaret Lenhart, who sings with Bing Crosby, record his song, "Your Star is Next to Venus, Dear." Watch for this number ultimately getting on the Hit Parade.

When Dick Lord" hit Thomaston, Me., on his vacation, he found research opportunity in the Knox Memorial Mansion which is connected with plenty of history—what kind, he didn't say.

Dutch Thorn, apparently, is back in Tampa, after being hospitalized at Atlanta. A card from him stated that he sure hated to miss the 40th—the first time he had failed to show since the 5th. Let's have that letter you promised, Dutch.

According to President Bob Holmes, the next '09 promotion, now that the class is reacting to its hormone treatment, will be the dinner before the Harvard game on October 22. Dick Lord, official Boston correspondent, will kindly send in the full dope.

A letter from Harry Floyd informs that he's getting along O K after his rather strenuous experience at' reunion when he passed out of the picture and woke up in the New London hospital. The excitement was too much for him, but the doctor tells him he will be all right as long as he gets plenty of rest. Floyd's Farm at Byfield, Mass., is a good place for that sort of thing. One of the events that Harry missed the most was the clam bake, but Al Newton thoughtfully sent him a couple of lobsters, and that helped.

The Childs tribe has a new cat that we call Lana, a stray we found sleeping in our barn. Soon after she arrived, she met up with a boy friend, Mr. Topping, and before long, X suppose, there'll be a few little Toppings running around the place. But Lana is earning her keep. In the last couple of days she has killed a mama mouse and five baby mouses.

So long, you buckos. Drop me a line to the Garden Spot of America (Aurora, that is) and your name'11 appear in this here column.

HEROES OF '09 CLAM BAKE are Bunk Irwin (left), at whose farmstead outside Norwich the feed bag was tied on. The other '09er is Al Newton, the clam bake king, all duded up in official regalia.

Class Notes Editor, Pioneer Trail, Aurora, Ohio Secretary and Treasurer, Sandwich, Mass.