1924
As we sit down this evening, preparatory to adding yet another literary gem to our collection of priceless prose, we are pleasantly aware that our correspondents have been doing their stuff, and are deeply grateful for the steady flow of letters that has been reaching us of late. Instead of pondering the problem of making something out of nothing, we are confronted with the pleasurable task of making the best use of all the news which is at hand. Therefore, without further unnecessary verbiage, let's have at it.
In sending in a contribution to our 1924 Memorial Book Fund, Vaughn Berry admirably phrased what seems to be rather a common theme these days by saying, "I'm beginning to realize that my 'premature' gray hair isn't premature any more. And I'm not running for buses much any more either. In the first place I never was much of a runner, and in the second place I don't believe I quite deserve the pitying glances of my fellow passengers when I sit down and puff, halfway to my destination." Breathes there a man among the older alumni, i.e., circa 1924, who hasn't had a somewhat similar experience? Uh, uh! Tell the truth now! Vaughn doesn't say what he is doing to keep out of trouble, but in case you are in the vicinity of the city that made Schlitz famous, he would be glad to welcome you at 2584 North Frederick Avenue, Milwaukee 11, Wis.
Walter Barnard broke a period of silence not too long ago, and admitted that thus far he had been successful in eluding the sheriff, and was still brightening young lives by interesting them in the undeniable advantages of life insurance. Walt reports that both he and the "boss" are doing fine, and that the children Joyce, 18, and Bruce, 13, are keeping very busy.... Joyce is a freshman at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and Bruce is burning up the 8th grade. Just in case you feel an uncontrollable desire to be fitted for one of Walt's better policies, he may be reached at 50 Congress Street, Boston 9, Mass.
In the January issue of The Eastern Underwriter, the trade sheet of the fire insurance industry, our George G. Traver is pictured, presenting a citation to the president of a wellknown cigarette concern for their work in connection with fire prevention. (We offered to give the manufacturer a plug here, but they refused to meet our price.) George is manager of the public relations department of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, and it is no secret in the trade that he has been doing a grand job. It is alleged that George is to be seen nightly in a gym where he keeps fit for the arduous task of entertaining visiting dignitaries and whipping up enthusiasm for the all-important work of the National Board. It was our thought that the gym work was usually done in the day time, to fit one for arduous nights, but apparently George has everything in the proper perspective. Our congratulations on your work, George, and, as one fire man to another, more prevention and less fire is greatly to be desired.
Word reaches us that Joseph V. Falcon, formerly in charge of sales and advertising for the Drybak Corporation of Binghamton, N. Y., has recently resigned his job to take the position of Sales Manager of the Sporting Arms Division of Savage Arms Corporation, with headquarters at Chicopee Falls, Mass. Our efforts to provoke a letter from Joe have proved fruitless thus far, but it is to be hoped that he may yet be prodded into writing us some further details. Apparently Joe is following one of his first interests, for he was associated with Montgomery, Ward and Company for many years as buyer of arms and hunting equipment. In returning to New England Joe is moving near the area where he can take a quick week-end and sneak away to try out some of his products first hand. Lucky fellow.
This month's candidate for the "light under a bushel" department is Judge Edward G.Moran, from whom we have heard all too infrequently. Ed wouldn't dream of telling this, but we have been advised that on January 1 he began a four-year term as Judge of Probate in the Norwich district in Connecticut. For Ed his election was old stuff as he has held this office continuously since 1939. So well has he administered the duties of his high office that he has frequently enjoyed that political rarity, endorsement by both parties. That, indeed, is a tribute! It is plain to be seen that Ed has amply earned the support of his fellow citizens, for he served as mayor of Norwich for six years, being one of the youngest men ever to hold that position. He has also served as chairman of the state rehabilitation commission and as a member of the state highway safety commission. In his spare time, Ed serves his community as a trustee of the Norwich Free Academy; a member of the Executive Board of the local hospital; a director of the Dime Savings Bank, and an active member of his Church parish. Our sincere congratulations to Ed on his recent election, as well as for his many and varied activities that contribute so much to the civic welfare of his community.
Sam Ellis is also putting in a lot of overtime these days as one of the Commissioners of the town of Port Washington. We are told that Sam was elected to office in a red hot campaign last fall. Since election he has been handling the financial problems of his community, a responsibility which is entirely in keeping with his vocation as a partner in the well known accounting firm of Haskins & Sells. Sam should be a natural for that job, and it's a safe bet that at the end of the year the taxpayers will receive an accounting which will justify every last penny of expenditure.
Last, but by no means least, in our group of civic leaders is Johnny Dregge of Grand Rapids, Mich. Johnny is actually a resident of East Grand Rapids, a small, residential community which serves as a suburb of the larger municipality. John has been active in both communities, and has taken on the responsibilities of leadership in Community Chest, Red Cross and similar affairs. Currently John is a candidate for Mayor of his home town, after having been drafted by a large number of the electorate. Having miscued so badly on our last venture into the field of political reporting, we approach John's candidacy with some trepidation. Without claiming victory in advance of the actual election, we wish Johnny well, and express the hope that the voters will do themselves a favor by putting "our boy" in office by a landslide. We will have our scouts on the scene of action and will have a further report at a later date. Along with the political news, John reports that he and Connie were in the East around the holidays when they visited their daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Bill Hatton and "the most important member of our family, granddaughter Susan Hatton." Johnny says that "having a granddaughter is a great institution and I am heartily for it." That's a plank we can all stand on, Grandpa.
In late January the sports pages of TheNew York Times carried an account of cross country racing at Franconia. It was most interesting to note the names of Wes Blake, Ralph Miller and Putnam Blodgett as being well up with the leaders. Shades of 1924! Young Ralph, aged 17, competed from Hanover High, and finished ninth in a field of 40, most of whom were veterans at the sport. It rather looks as though Coach Prager has some very capable material coming up to keep the Big Green on top in winter sports. That seems to wind things up for the time being. Before we close, just a word of preparation for things to come. Don't look now, but Chick Austin and his assistant agents are getting set to contact you on the 1951 Alumni Fund Drive. Let's make their job easier this year by giving promptly and giving plenty. Get ready now. See you later.
Secretary, 328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J.
Treasurer, 1312 Greenleaf Blvd., Elkhart, Ind.
