1924
It seems but yesterday that we held the old Corona in our ample lap, pounding out copy for the June issue of this well-known MAGAZINE. Yet here it is September, with summer but a fond memory, and duty calls once more. Well, fellers, hold on to your hats, for here we go again.
Your Secretary can think of no finer way to start the fall season than to pay a well deserved tribute to Chick Austin and his hard working crew of assistant agents for the really fine showing made by our Class in the Alumni Fund Campaign last spring. While we knew that the drive was going well, the final figures were not available until well into the summer, and it was not until then that the truly amazing results of their efforts became apparent. Our Class shot up to a healthy 81% participation, which was above the College average, and that, in itself, is ample testimony to the time and effort that Chick and his cohorts put into the job. If you have never played an active part in one of these campaigns it is hard to realize the uncounted hours of work they put in. Theirs was truly a labor of love. It is a pleasure to extend to Chick Austin and his merry men our gratitude and appreciation for their inspired and effective leadership.
It is a real satisfaction to report that Chick has consented to act as our Class Agent again next year. Under his experienced guidance we can look forward with confidence to even finer results in 1951.
During the summer solstice, news kept trickling in from hither and yon, giving us a little of the low-down on numerous members of our Class. One of the most newsworthy items, and certainly the most brief, is a two line note from Don Coyle reading, "Doris Dow and I were married in N. Y. July 15 last, and we are very happy about it." That, gentlemen, is restraint! On behalf of the Class, we extend our congratulations and best wishes to the newly wedded pair.
Fortunately for us, other of our correspondents were less reticent with their news. For instance, we know through other sources, that the aforementioned Don Coyle spent over a month last spring on a business trip through South America for the New York Trust Company. He hit all the larger cities below the Equator and some of the lesser spots as well. It is reported that he has some interesting and informative stories regarding economic conditions in our neighboring republics to the south. Apparently Don was back in the States just about long enough to take in his own wedding, for we understand that he is now off on a six-weeks trip to Europe. That man Coyie really gets around!
Globe-trotting is not confined to the Coyles, by any means, for by the time this is published Red and Bunny Holbrook will be on their way for what Red coyly terms a "quick look" at London, Paris, the Alps and way stations, just what he means by that descriptive expression deponent sayeth not, but he will try to get a more comprehensive report on his return. It seems a safe, even-money bet that, somewhere along the road, the Coyles and the Holbrooks get together to hit a few high spots, and we don't mean the Alps either!
Some months ago we reported on Fred Briscoe's interest in Kiwanis. Apparently this report was not exaggerated, for word reaches us that Fred has been nominated by his local Club as their candidate for Governor for 1951. This is an honor of considerable significance, for it bespeaks Fred's interest and devotion to this worthwhile civic enterprise. However. Kiwanis is but one of his many activities, for this community-minded individual is also deeply interested in Scouting, and is General Chairman of both the Community Chest and Hospital campaigns. Fred has been a tower of strength in his community and is certainly to be reckoned a "solid" citizen in the finest sense of the word.
Another classmate who does a good bit for his fellow citizens as president of this and director of that is John R. (Pete) Wheatley, who is about to begin campaigning as the Republican candidate for District Attorney of Plymouth County, Mass. Pete has long been interested in politics, and his candidacy should be welcomed by the voters. Naturally enough, Pete is getting enthusiastic support in his campaign from two other '24 stalwarts, RayHopkins and Jack Rogers, both of whom know a good man when they see one. With three members of the Class so deeply interested in this campaign it is hard to see how Pete can lose! We certainly wish him every success when the votes are counted in November.
In the May issue of Flair Magazine there appeared an intensely interesting sketch of the life and work of George S. Avery Jr. (Dr. Avery, to you), for six years Director of Brooklyn's famous Botanic Garden. George has won professional distinction on many levels, and has made amazing contributions to the valuable work being done by the Botanic Garden. Our classmate directs the whole operation of the Garden, covering some ten acres, and containing over 10,000 different kinds of plants. In addition he has developed an educational program of outstanding importance, edits an internationally famous publication, Plants and Gardens, and in his spare time carries on a long range program of laboratory research involving viruses that effect plant life and which he believes may have a bearing on human life as well. Unquestionably, George has attained a positionof outstanding distinction in his field, and itwas a privilege to read of his well-deservedsuccess.
Paul Borglum sent us a most welcome letterduring the summer. Paul operates his ownbuilding construction outfit, and writes fromSilvermine, Wilton, Conn. Reference to ahandy road map showed that he is locatedonly three miles from the Merritt Parkway,a most convenient location for any of theboys who may be travelling that famous highway. Paul reports that his daughter Linda hasjust finished her second year at Barnard, andhis son David his first year at Cornell, wherehe is studying Civil Engineering. This affinityfor the Big Red may seem a bit odd at first,but it develops that, after leaving Dartmouth,Paul went on to Cornell for an Engineeringdegree with the class of '26.
That seems to wind things up for the time being. With the football season in full swing, some of you lads ought to be meeting classmates at the games and should be in a position to pass on a little news in this general direction. Your letters are always welcome. See you later.
328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J.
Treasurer, 1312 Greenleaf Blvd., Elkhart, Ind.
Memorial Fund Chairman, 151 Ridgedale Ave., Madison, N. J.
