1945

Back doing business at the same old stand. It seems rather a let-down after a summer in Europe. But, I return with great news for everyone. I, SEC, am engaged to be married. Most of you won't believe it, but I assure you, it's true. A lovely girl, naturally, and one who will be a fine addition to our little '45 group. More on this topic throughout the years.

While in New York on the way home, I visited with Bill MacKenzie. The visit consisted of four quickies at the Commodore Bar, but I did have a chance to check on the results of 45's Alumni Fund Drive. Congratulations to all for an excellent job! Although we fell a little short in some departments, the increase in total number of contributors augurs well for the future. We're on our way!

Before I go any further, I must record a bit of information that my memory throws up into view. Somewhere I have the complete story, but that was before I left for Europe and met my future wife who, I assure you, is an American Girl; in fact, her father is Vice-President of Hiram Walker, Inc. Don't get excited, men! But.. .Jack Gile is a father and has been for quite a while now. And when I find the vital details in my extensive files, I will pass them on to you. I put everything away so carefully that now I can't find anything.

Quite a bit of news has accumulated over the summer months, but not as much as I had hoped. Most of it is from the College and therefore is very impersonal. What I'm looking for is the real homey touch. What say?

We'll start right out where my June column left off; namely, with Bill Hatt. This guy has the best publicity department in '45. Item No. 1 is dated May and comes from the Springfield (Mass.) News. It refers to his service at the Naval Hospital at Key West, noting that Dr. Bill is carrying on a family tradition, for his father was chief surgeon at the Shriner's Hospital in Boston. Item No. 2 gets Bill married to Miss Joan Porter in Key West, Fla. Joan attended Florida State University. They were married on August 23. Joan, as I have said, your husband is the most publicized man in the class. I have written about him three times in a year. Help him keep up his status.

Have a notice of Dr. Jerry Peacock's marriage. This one is unique. Jerry married Miss Marian Louise Read of New York and Easthampton in the Yokosuka Chapel, Yokosuka, Japan, on last April 20. A long way to travel to get married, Marian, but well worth it to get a guy like Jerry.

Hal the bachelors are falling like flies. Miss Jean Eva Perdue of Ridgewood, N. J., became the bride of Kenneth Ackerman deGruchy last June. Jean is a graduate of the University of Maryland. Al McAllily helped prepare Ken for the ordeal and then, as an usher, saw that he went through with it. Write me the details, Ken; I face the same thing in December.

This must be Doctor month, for here's another. Dr. Hank Blansfield was married last April to Miss Lorraine Lombardi of Danbury, Conn., a graduate of the University of Connecticut and its School of Nursing. Hank is now an associate resident in surgery in the New Haven Hospital.

Nelson Craver no longer is a member of the '45 bachelor club. He was automatically retired when, in June, he married Miss Dorothy Ethel Bigelow of Worcester, Mass. Well, Nelson, these things can't go on forever. Dorothy is a graduate of Simmons College School of Nursing. Add Dunbar Van Derveer to this month's list. He married Rita Marie Hannigan in June. Both are teachers, a fine profession; Dunbar at Newington (Conn.) Junior High, and Rita, of late, in Melrose. My what educated children you're going to havel

This one really does it. When this passed my eye, I took off my rose-colored glasses and looked again, It was true. Announced in the New York Times in July was the marriage of Miss Nancy B. Voght of Buffalo to none other than our own Warren Cram "Jug" Agry Jr. Nancy, you deserve and get the heartiest congratulations of the entire class of 1945. I figured that "Jug" and I would be eternal bachelors, but you've plucked him from the vine and I'm about ready to fall. The world must be coming to an end! Can hardly wait to get back to the 10th reunion and meet you, Nancy. In the meantime, welcome to '45.

"Mr. Marine Corps," Lt. Steve Hull, also got himself married during the summer. The lucky young lady is, or was, Miss Jean Holthausen of Tenafly, N. J., and a graduate of Smith College. Steve, presently at Camp Lejeune, N. C., is a member of the New York Bar Association. Why, I thought you were a professional marine, Steve. When are you getting out?

Engaging situation: Larry Levine to Miss Sally Meyer of Jacksonville, Fla. Sally is a graduate of Northwestern and also attended the Medill School of Journalism. You should be married by now. Congratulations to both.

Odds and ends from here and there. DickMomson was awarded his Master of Arts degree by the University o£ Minnesota in June. John McNamara spent a month in Europe this summer, according to the Dartmouth Club of New York News. Where did you go, John? Captain Ed McCrum is now stationed at the Clark Air Force Base Hospital 60 miles north of Manila. Seen in Hanover during the late spring were: Mr. and Mrs. Sumner Dorfman, Dr. and Mrs. Hank Blansfield (showing her the College, Hank? Good idea!) and Mr.and Mrs. John Reed.

And that's all I have at present, brethren. You had better sit down to your postcards and send me the news of summer trips, meetings, picnics, outings, etc. I'll be waiting.

Secretary, 2527-A Tantalus Drive, Honolulu, Hawaii Treasurer, Box 1612, Wilmington, Del.