Venezuela

Although full of good intentions about reporting the first alumni meeting of our group here in Venezuela, I was distracted by an pctended trip to the States, and since returning we have met again so I am able to cover two meetings instead of one.

Our first gathering took place on March 4 at the home of Bill Coles '29 and we had a nice turnout for our initial try. We were strengthened by Al Walser '32, out of Chicago, who was peddling sheep dip, and JerryGarduno '42 of Vick Chemical from New York who was spreading Vapo-Rub left and right. The balance was accounted for by the following local residents: Bob Bottome '30, Bill Coles '29, Chester Emerson Jr. '38, PeterJacobsen Jr. '41, Jim O'Neil '47, HaroldPierce '28, Dick Russel '48, Arthur B. ToanJr. '36, Red Tucker '32, and Jim lrvin '35.

We had a short business meeting at which it was decided not to establish a formal Alumni Association entailing officers, dues, etc., since all of us living abroad are more or less nomadic and it was felt that with a changing group we would do best to remain on a more or less informal basis and meet when the spirit or someone moved us. This argument has since been borne out with the transfer of Jim Kelley to Creole's Jusepin Camp in Eastern Venezuela and Dick Russel to Maracaibo. Also, I am returning to New York the end of this month.

Our second gathering was on June 7, also at Bill Coles' palatial residence, and wives were invited to attend. A full count included Bob Bottome, Eleanor and Bill Coles, the Jack Corwiths, the Warren Davises, Mary and Chester Emerson, Pete Jacobson, Jim O'Neil, the Art Toans and the Irvins. We all got a real kick seeing the 1948 Football Film which was sent to Maracaibo to be seen by the alumni living over there.

Chet Emerson will carry on and sound tne call from time to time. We have made a good start and are sure that this will continue to be an active alumni group.