1935

First off—here it is February. And as far as Hanover is concerned, one of the deadliest months of the year. Nothing to do but ski. But we fooled 'em this year. The Bankarts spent the New Year's weekend in Hanover with 12 inches of snow, lots of rain and fog, and three sleds for three children which were a headache to pack in a car and which were never used all the time we were there. Actually we spent three nights in the Lyme Inn, a very friendly and gracious spot if any of you are thinking of visiting in the vicinity. Spent New Year's Eve with George and Ruth Colton and managed a long distance call to Eleanor and Dave Smith in San Francisco during the evening, which tied the two ends of the continent together in spite of three hours' difference in time. But enough of us-all, on with the news of you-all.

Biddy Chase has left the United States to take on a very interesting and challenging assignment in the Philippines. You may recall that Biddy has been involved in the production of moulded plastics for the past good many years up in Leominster, Mass., and, most recently, in Rhode Island. Seems a large firm in Manila, Carlque Sales, decided to set up a moulded plastics factory to produce a wide variety of items for local consumption, primarily combs, which had heretofore been imported. Mr. Chase, with his considerable experience and "know-how," has taken the job of production manager of the new plastics firm. He will supervise production and train local personnel to operate the various machines required for injecting, grinding, etc. The Manila Chronicle, dated September 1, 1951, devoted considerable space to the opening of the new plant, including an article, "Better Things for Better Living," with a byline by Howard L. Chase, and several pictures of the lad himself in action. It all sounds like a wonderful opportunity. Here's best of luck from the class.

Next—a report on the New York Cocktail Party which took place on December 8 at the Dartmouth Club. In attendance: Fran and Charlie Benton, Lou Bookheim, Babs and Reg Bankart, Jean and Al Sherwood, Hortense and Dick Eberhart, Audrey and BobRichter, Holly and Ernie Draper, Louise and Maury Rapf, Harriet and Gordon York and Hall Colton. Hall was a surprise visitor who is in the process of moving from Chicago to New York for Continental Can Co. He's in the engineering department and his new address is 100 East 42nd St., at least until he finds a house or apartment in the suburbs. When the cocktails were sufficient the whole group moved to the Brauhaus for dinner and broke up at a decent hour to pay off the baby sitters. Incidentally, the Rapfs also spent New Year's in Hanover and we ran into Maury on Main Street.

Here's a note from a guy who works with Bakers' Weekly but who insists that he be kept anonymous: "Fred Atkinson was in town last week (New York, the last week of November). Had lunch. His flour mill considered one of the most efficient in the country although far from the largest. The trade tells me he and his partner Don Rogers are 'about the smartest operators in the industry.' " That sounds like quite a compliment and Art ought to know. (Batnford, that is, in case you haven't guessed.)

We've had several discussions about DonHagerman's position as "rector" at Holderness School. Don himself has finally cleared up the situation for us on his official stationery. I really must correct the impression that I have now turned-my collar back-side-to. While the announcement had me listed as the new rector, this is not quite true. I have done some research into the matter and find that a rector can also be the headmaster of a school in the English sense of the word. In our American society this seems to connote something different. Seriously, though, it has been wonderful to come to a school such as Holderness and we have enjoyed every minute of it. Thanks, Don. Guess we're all clear now and we'll expect to meet you in a routine business suit.

Back in December the Universal Atlas Cement Company announced the promotion of Charlie Baker, formerly assistant to the president and secretary, to vice-president and general attorney of the company. Charlie has been associated with Universal Atlas for the past nine years.

Here's a note from Rudy Pacht who keeps his eyes wide open for news on the West Coast. A clipping from the Los Angeles Daily News dated December 8, 1951, states: "Wedding bells were to ring today for film producer Armand S. Deutsch and Mrs. Harriet Berk Simon, widow of the late producer-director S. Sylvan Simon. The ceremony is set for late today in the Beverly Hills home of her parents but the honeymoon will have to wait because Deutsch starts a new picture Monday. The producer was divorced by actress Benay Venuta last year after ten years of marriage."

The Army Air Force has released some interesting news about one of our top fly-boys: "Presque Isle, Maine.—Colonel James C.Averill, commanding officer of the 23rd Air Base Group at the Presque Isle base, was recently rated a USAF Command Pilot, the first and only pilot at the base to receive this honor. Requirements for this rating, the highest pilot's rating awarded by the USAF, include a minimum of 15 years' service as pilot and over 3,000 hours of flying time. The Colonel (Jim, that is) has flown approximately 3,800 hours, but recently completed 15 years rated pilot service according to official records."

Tim served. 41 months in China (1943"46 where he received the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Cloud Banner, a Chinese Government citation. All-in-all it seems as though the Colonel has been up in the air most of the time for the past nine years. Actually it figures out to over five months of solid flying time. Long time to have your feet off the ground.

Dick Upton of Concord, N. H., former speaker of the house, is a member of a new legislative council established by the state to shorten legislative sessions. Seems the New Hampshire legislative body of 400 members is surpassed in numbers only by the U.S. Congress and the British Parliament. And these boys still consider their task as part-time employment. By summer they want to get back to their farms, resort businesses, and other incidental ways of making a living, Hence, they are asking the voters how it can be done. Dick will participate in public hearings once a month in which the state's citizens can air their complaints and suggestions on how to improve the efficiency of their government. Personally I'll bet the hearings will take more time than the legislative sessions.

Here's a squib: "Milburn McCarty, V.P. of Douglas Leigh, Inc., had to leave the Columbia game early to appear on the TV network program All Around the Town, guest-starring as an authority on the Spectaculars which flash and flame on the Main Stem of New York." Had lunch with Mac the other day. Was informed over potted swiss steak that Bea and Bob Sellmer had spent the Christmas weekend with them, up from Washington, D. C., where Bob is a Captain in Public Relations. The Sellmers presented the McCartys with a cat for Christmas and the McCartys in turn presented the cat with a turtle for a playmate. Couldn't find out what the turtle was presented with. Possibly a box of ant eggs. Bob Sellmer, incidentally, expects to be transferred to Europe this Spring. Mac also reported that Tom Lane has just had an operation for removal of veins in his legs, something that has been bothering him for some time. He and Ginny will recover from the ordeal by taking a cruise to the Carribean.

Last announcement: Eileen and Bud Gaboon, the legal eagle and political aspirant of Harwichport, Mass., had a baby girl, Margaret McLean, born December 3. Sounds like a very fine Christmas present.

And so we wind up another struggle with this Royal portable. Thanks to the many of you who have sent in news about yourselves and other classmates. Thanks to the many of you who are going to. And everybody have a swell February—March is still to come.

FLYING HONOR: Col. James C. Averill '35, Commanding Officer of the 23rd Air Base Group at Presque Isle, was recently rated a USAF Command Pilot, the highest pilot's rating awarded by the USAF. The first and only pilot at the base to be so honored, Col. Averill has a record of some 3,800 flying hours and 15 years' rated pilot service.

Secretary, Compton Advertising, Inc. 630 5th Ave., New York 20, N. Y. Treasurer, 67 May St., Needham 92, Mass. Memorial Fund Chairman, 598 Madison Ave., New York 22, N. Y.