1939

At our tenth reunion quite a few class officers had their terms expire and so the process for seeking successors has commenced. A number of startled classmates found themselves elected to the new executive committee whose principal function is to nominate the new slate of officers. Most of the startled new members were not present at their commencement election, being at what they considered safe distances from Hanover in places like Indianapolis, Evanston, and Seattle. However, their notifications of elections eventually reached all of them by mail and a cooperative orrespondence is in progress with the Secretary Pro tem (another of the startled ones).

Although the committee is handicapped by being widely scattered, it is grimly resolved that this will not hinder selection of the best possible new slate of officers. We all feel strongly that the next five years are vital to class organization and to good foundations, hence we are moving slowly but surely—account distance, vacations, etc. Incidentally, we extend heartfelt thanks to Dick Jackson,Moreau Brown and George Hanna, who are staying on the job and helping us through this transition period. There is progress and in the next issue or so I hope we can officially announce the new slate and extend the well-earned congratulations and thanks to the old.

It has brought back memories corresponding with committee members, most of whom I haven't seen since graduation. I've had fine letters from committeemen Jim Garnett out in Evanston, Ill. and from Parker Paul in Seattle. Also from lawyers Fred Upton and Lou Highmark in Concord and Indianapolis respectively. Tom Brooks is close by in New York, as is Don Wheaton. And Bob Brown and Dune Farr round out the group. Bob is deeply enmeshed in management of the family department store in Gloucester and seems to be one of the town pillars what with such activities as Red Cross, YMCA, and the Chamber of Commerce (whose folder he mails out at the slightest provocation). Dune Farr at Newbury port is continuing manfully as class agent and is, frankly, the wise old owl of the committee. A fervent prayer of thanks for his experience and advice!

I cannot complain that there is no news or information for me to write about. Each mail brings some baffling (to me) communication. First came the Railway Express trucks with orange crates and shoe boxes filled with the archives of former class secretaries. There must be a wealth of material in these. Then came numerous clippings to which I hope to do justice "once I get organized." These are truly appreciated though some are cryptic. For instance, alone in an envelope comes the clipping from the San Francisco Chronicle with the headline WORLD FEDERALISTS NAME NEW OFFICERS. Then follows a long list of names including O. P. Webb as Treasurer. Remember Ollie Webb at Tuck School? Well, that must be who it is. Congratulations, Ollie! I can't remember any of the others listed such as Harry Barber or Max Thielen jr. and am without Aegis. But just to play safe- Congratulations Harry and Max!

I have some fine letters whose contents I'll pass on in future issues, notably one from Foster Clippinger in Japan which deserves quotation at length, but which I will save for a news drought. Also, some letters are as puzzling to a Secretary pro tem as the clippings referred to above. Quoted in full is the following from San Francisco forwarded to me by Dick Jackson: "Regards, Abe Winslow. Paul and his brother, Ben, are good additions to our local alumni group." Offhand, I think of Paul O'Brien and Ben Reynolds, but am quite sure neither had brothers that fit this equation. Perhaps we should make a contest of this. The first postcard received giving the last name of Brothers Paul and Ben wins for the lucky contestant a valuable prize (one of the left-overs from the commencement grab bag).

Have seen a good bit of Corny Miller who, unfortunately for me, is leaving Philadelphia for a job with Pratt and Whitney at Hartford. His attractive house in Wayne is for sale (plug) which reminds me that Baxter Prescott, now a leading light of the Telephone Company in Huntington, W. Va., might be persuaded to part with five acres in Washington which he owns jointly with me—this attractive site (White Elephant Bluffs) lying squarely on the proposed route of the new six-lane free way.

Exchanged mournful greetings with a number of classmates at yesterday's unfortunate affair at Franklin Field. Didn't envy BootsHoskinson, Will Parkhill and Ralph Holben their gloomy rides back to Washington after the game. Incidental advice: Whereas Palmer Stadium on the Dartmouth side is the world's coldest, windiest place, Franklin Field blots out the wind and somehow, with its double decks, magnifies the sun and converts the Dartmouth side into a Turkish bath. Bathing suits (black) were the appropriate spectator garment yesterday.

I note from the "Publisher's Letter" in Time, issue of September 28 that "John Mecklin, Time's Ottawa bureau chief, turned in 22,000 words at firsthand reporting for our Sept. 12 cover story on Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. He had two long sessions with St. Laurent (the most time the Prime Minister has giving to any publication since taking office), another with ex-Prime Minister William Lyon MacKenzie King, who fed him tea, toast and honey made by his own bees."

I should have saved the clipping and picture I saw in the paper of Zeke Hill, who seems to be reaping well-deserved fame for his latest book, The Winooski. As I recall, the picture was titled "Historians on Lake Trip View Champlain Battle Sites." Anyway, there stood Zeke on the deck of this ferry boat surrounded by grey-bearded historians. Zeke looked the same as ever, even the reversible raincoat looking like the one he used to wear in college.

The Secretary pro tem welcomes advice, clippings, and news from all and sundryeven shoe boxes of old archives if necessary.

Secretary, 5244 Reservation Rd., Drexel Hill, Pa.

Treasurer, Kendall Mills, 40 Worth St., New York 13, N. Y.