1902

This is the first of the class notes to be written by your new secretary. Scared? Of course, I am. Could it be otherwise in one who succeeds so capable a secretary as PhilThompson? The more I study his class records the surer I am that your former secretary did a grand job a job so good that I cannot believe your present secretary can ever equal it.

Speaking of Phil reminds me that a few days ago Estelle and I drove over to South Portland and had lunch with Phil and Jenny in their very lovely bayside home.

Among the records Phil passed on to me is a letter from Luke Varney '99, telling of the death of his brother, our dear Dike, on April 23, 1950, at a hospital on Long Island. This sad news probably has already appeared in the class notes, but I do not recall seeing it.

Last spring I had a letter from Fred Bradley expressing his regret that the condition of his health and that of his wife would prevent his attendance at our 50th reunion. Years ago, when I was in California, I tried to look up Fred, but, unfortunately, I chose the same day he went to look me up. I think it would mean much to Fred to hear from his classmates.

Do you all know that shortly after the 50th our very dear Roy Hatch had a heart attack at his summer home at Hubbardston, Mass., and was forced to spend several weeks in a hospital? I rejoice that he is home again. AmosFitzGerald has been with him during his illness and still is, I understand. Amos bless him is a true friend. Roy was vastly pleased that 39 of his classmates wrote him while he was in the hospital.

We all grieved that Billy Thompson could not come to the reunion. He sent a telegram expressing his regret, adding, "Have to go to hospital instead. Greetings to everyone." Will Johnny or someone send in some word regarding his condition?

I have before me a lettei' from Karl Brackett. He and his wife have a book shop in Belmont, Mass. It was good to see Karl in Hanover in June, looking so well and so little changed from college days.

Phil passed on to me a very touching note from Mrs. Neale Carley, enclosing an unfinished letter from Neale. He had so hoped to attend our 50th.

It was a great regret to all returning classmates that Hartshorne could not be with us at the reunion. His life has been so full of adventure and service that he has much to give his friends.

All our hats are off to you, Ernest BradleeWatson-dear Wattie. We shall never understand how you could carry on as chairman of the reunion committee and prepare and deliver a very wonderful 50-year address when your heart was so full of worry about the serious illness of your and our Daisy. You both have the love and admiration of the whole class.

THREE GENERATIONS: Arthur H. Ruggles '02 (center), former Trustee of the College, with his son Arthur Jr. '37 and his grandson Arthur III photographed in Hanover during the 1902 reunion.

Secretary, 210 Columbus Avenue, Coronado Station, New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Treasurer, 73 Tremont St., Boston 8, Mass.