1894
Eleven men of our Class attain the sobriquet of "octogenarian" during the year 1952, as follows: Don Colby, January 11; Jimmie Mann, February 25; C. C. Merrill, March 3; Decker Field, March 27; DelayHall, April 13; Paul Jenks, June 23; FredBushee, July 21; Bud Lyon, August 12; KentKnowlton, August 14; Ben Welton, October 10; Fred Smalley, November 1.
Lest these men should feel that they have reached a stopping place they must remember that during this same year of 1952 Herman Lovejoy (May 31) William Gibbon (October 16) and Cassin (October 20) will be five years older than they and John Henry Bartlett (March 15) will be three years older, thus setting a goal for the young men who were born in 1872.
Irving Read just escaped becoming a member of the 1952 "Eighty Club" (Bud Lyon's name for such a group) by being born December 6, 1871. However, he celebrated his eightieth birthday in advance by the Happy Event of August 26, 1951, recorded in this column last December and thereby has surely added greatly to his prospects for longevity.
In front of the writer of this column is a picture of John Henry Bartlett which is indeed worthy of the "elder statesman" that he is. A recent note from John's pastor indicates that he regards a '94 man who was born in '69 as being much younger than an '89 Bartlett who was born in '69!
A letter from Gib is always welcome. Even though its news is not good. Under date of February 3, after speaking of a severe accident sustained by his wife last Christmas which followed a bad sprain the preceding spring, he goes on to say:
"Since that tragic holiday morning, I have never been able to leave her for as much as one solid hour. Abused bones at her age just won't do what we could hope for so earnestly and even prayerfully. Most of the time referred to above I have had a nurse with her all morning, and another all noon, while I kept myself in touch the whole 24 hours. My only reason for feeling she is a trifle better is because she just doesn't grow appreciably worse. Wounds like hers just don't stand and mark time."
"A year ago, the whole earth here was covered with a thick sheet of ice which lasted a week. This year, we have not even experienced any cold weather, up to now. Maybe some will surprise us yet."
A card from Aubrey "Luce" says,
"Touring Florida. Had a visit with EddieGrover. Strange to relate he didn't know me, so I had a bit of fun keeping him guessing. He took us through Rollins College. The chapel is the most impressive building I ever saw. Eddie sure has lert his mark on that place."
"Luce" had previously written about hissojourn in South Carolina which began lastApril:
"I have had something of a problem to adjust myself to the Southern line of thought. New England is predominantly mechanical- and industrialminded. Here the atmosphere is mainly agricultural. Politically I am surrounded by real Democrats and there is a vast difference between Democrats and New Dealers. These people feel that Washington has stolen their name and applied it to something entirely different. Personally my candidate for president is Senator Byrd of Virginia as he is the only outstanding public character who stands unequivocally for economy. Barring him I shall vote Republican....
"Ceasing to be a cog in an industrial machine and being on one's own again is a wonderful experience. Like coming out from under dense clouds into brilliant sunshine. It put me back into my original status of being an independent human being. I call it my second childhood.
"Darlington, S. C., is a clean town and a friendly one. I like it. It is so good in fact that I am inviting all my New England friends to make it their chief port of call when on their way to Florida. It is a bit more than half way to Vero Beach. Follow Ocean Highway to Wilmington, N. C., and then switch to Route 76 into Florence, S. C., and you are only nine miles from Darlington."
The Class Secretary has also been traveling a bit. First, to the telephone, for frequent talks with B. Smalley. Next, to Patten's Restaurant in Boston where on January 30 he had lunch with Phil Marden and Bud Lyon. Next, to 128 Chestnut Street, Boston, where he had a pleasant chat with Mrs. Rob Penniman and her daughter. This will be Mrs. Penniman's permanent address from now on. She found the care of her grandchildren in their Long Island home somewhat too arduous. Next, to New Haven, Conn., where he had an all too short visit with Herman Lovejoy whose game leg is recovering in what seems to be quite a remarkable way. Herman was first seen in his library looking over his books. He is perhaps our foremost student as well as our oldest member. Finally, in New York the Secretary talked (telephonically) with PaulJenks who is renewing his youth by assuming the duties of housekeeper while his wife recovers from an illness.
Secretary, REV. 74 Kirkland St., Cambridge 38, Mass. Treasurer, 60 Maple St., Somersworth, N. H. Class Agent, 141-48 33rd Ave., Flushing, L. I. 54, N. Y.
