1945
The only consolation that March has is that April soon follows. And in New England, March is regarded as the one month in the year that could easily be left out. Although we don't have duckboards here at Middlesex, we do have the mud. It doesn't have the delicious aroma of Hanover mud, but it's just as sticky and gooey. We also have that pleasant March weather. Rain one day, snow the next. 65 degrees one day; 25 the next. Ah yes, there's no place like New England in the early spring. There couldn't be. And yet, I have a letter from a man who says that there are only two places in the world that he would live in. I received a letter from Jim Doole. Where he writes from, there is no mud; it's warm; the sun shines every day; and the precipitation comes in the form of liquid sunshine. Sounds lovely, doesn't it? From 55 Piper's Pali, Honolulu, Hawaii, comes a welcome reply to my pleas. Jim is a teacher and from where I stand it sounds as though he has found the millennium of school teachers. He actually says "the salary is good." In fact, Jim likes Hawaii so much that he baldly states that the only other place in the world he would even consider living in is Hanover; and that's because of Dartmouth. Sounds like he's sold on Hawaii. Here are a few quotes from a long, newsy letter. "I do see Cline Mann occasionally at an alumni gathering. Just for the record, our second child Pamela Fraser was born last July 2. We'll probably retire now with one of each. Wow, do they keep us busy! That is one respect in which the climate here really helps. When they act up, just put a pair of pants on 'em and kick 'em outdoors ... twelve months of the year." Not being married, and, of course, having no children, I guess I don't fully appreciate that. But my married friends assure me that nothing could be more handy than a year-round play pen in the backyard. Thanks a lot, Jim, and if I ever get back to Hawaii, I'll most certainly look you up. (The only way I'll ever get back there is by courtesy of the U.S. Navy, and God forbid!)
From Stan Newton, the following: "We had dinner with Bud Ellms and Lynn a couple of weeks ago at the home of mutual friends in South Sudbury. We also see my old roommate and his family once in awhile. Bob Bessom is practicing medicine in his home town of Swampscott. He too has two swell daughters." Stan also augments the February issue announcement of the birth of his second daughter with the following information about Pamela: "She weighed in at 8 lbs., 14 oz., and I am told that she inherited my wife's good points and my bad ones. (Sounds like she inherited some of your weight anyway, Stan.) We now have two girls and are very happy about it, but we have vowed not to quit until we have a prospect for Dartmouth." And that, folks, is the old Dartmouth spirit personified.
Notes and quotes from here and there. Warren Quimby, called back into the Marines, is taking a special basic course at Quantico for training in infantry tactics, etc. He has two children ... two girls. This must be the season for girls, for that's just about all you hear about now. What's going to happen to this poor old world if the present ratio keeps up? Quiet, girls.
Just to show you that all is not feminine in the Class of 1945, Dave Kendall sends word that he has sired a son. The lad's name is Peter Cleaveland and he was born on November 20 at Gilman, Colo. He's going to have a tough time at reunions if all those girls come back with their parents.
To William D Knight 'OB I am indebted for the following news of Holden Farrar. A doctor and a first lieutenant in the Air Force, Holden is at present serving in England. On January 15 his engagement to Miss Marilyn Kohout of Cicero, Ill., was announced by the bride-to-be's parents. The wedding is planned for April and will take place in England. Marilyn is a graduate of Northwestern and of the Evanston Hospital School of Nursing.
Also noteworthy and newsworthy is an interesting bit about Ken deGruchy. It seems, according to the Paterson (N. J.) Call, that Ken has become engaged to Miss Jean Eva Perdue of Ridgewood, N. J. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland. I suspect that they met through business, for both work for electrical concerns. "Shocking" news, isn't it? Always knew Ken was a "live wire." Now they can both "plug" the same products. I could go on for ever on this line but I'd better quit here. I can already see a drop in circulation.
And that, my friends, is, sadly enough, all the news of your doing that I have been able to corral this month. And my fertile mind is so burdened with trivia that I have not been able to find time to compose an essay of any sorts. Therefore, I must sign off. (Don't cheer so loudly please. You'll wake the baby.) But before doing so, let me remind a certain select group that the "finger" is still on them, and I would most certainly appreciate hearing from them. Also, for any other of you who feel the urge to relate your activities, you can be assured of a receptive audience in this direction and an almost certain guarantee that your efforts will reach the print. No publishing house that I know of can or will make such a statement. It's an opportunity that you cannot afford to miss. You may have hidden talents.
And now a reminder to the delinquents. Jim Andrew, Bill Ashley, Ted Belfit, Larry Bellows, Hank Blansfield, John Bressler, Howie Brundage, Ed Bundy, Russ Chase, Bob Dyer, Ray Fontana, Al Gluek, Bob Haffenreffer, Howie Hoots, George Hunsicker, Harry Judge, Bob Loomis, Jack Nuber, Johnny Ormond, Bob Pease, Dick Seybold, Gunnard Reynolds, Fred Ferbert, Howie MacCurdy and Johnny Miller. Just a line is all I want. Just think of the satisfaction of seeing your name in print. And think of the pleasure all your college friends will get reading about you.
Secretary, Middlesex School, Concord, Mass. Treasurer,: 2049-A Mather Way, Lynnewood Gardens, Elkins Park, Pa.
