1894

The celebration of eightieth birthdays seems to be the main interest as this writer starts his usual column.

First is a picture entitled "Grandfather Has A Birthday," in the center of which is none other than our Master of Ceremonies at the 55th Reunion, Frank Decker Field. Following is the description of the picture: "Birthdays are always the occasion for family celebrations, and when it's grandfather who's observing his 80th birthday, the event becomes doubly important. Shown in the Persian Room of the Cornhusker Hotel on March 27 are the 80th birthday celebrant, Frank D. Field, his two daughters, Mrs. Neil Dieterich (left) and Mrs. Samuel Faires and three grandchildren (from left), Neil Dieterich III, Martha Jean Dieterich and Mary Dieterich. Mr. Field also has another grandson, Pfc. Frank Field Faires, who is stationed at Scott Air Force Base, Ill."

Next is a word from Indianapolis, Ind. Jimmie Mann has the right idea:

"May you, like me, just drop off the eight and call it zero or one or two. Whatever it may be I tell my friends, the one or two who remain, that I am just wiping the slate clean and starting all over again. . . .

"I had two birthday parties—one at home and one at Frances', the older daughter's. At one or the other all of my tribe were present except Betty who is most too far away."

In his letter Jimmie reveals, two interesting facts: one, that not only is he being retained on the staff of the State Highway Department but his salary is being substantially increased. The other is that Jimmie is a cousin twice removed of the celebrated Admiral George Dewey. Why didn't you tell us that before, Jimmie? However, perhaps it was worth saving for your Both birthday! Also, Jimmie has had a visit from Art Stone.

Don Colby admits to having passed his Both birthday but leaves to the imagination the way that Claremont celebrated such an anniversary for its most distinguished citizen.

This leaves the Class Secretary to speak, and he herewith takes this lazy way of acknowledging the cards which he has received from his classmates. It may be that he will get time later to acknowledge them personally. An exceptionally choice word came from JohnHenry Bartlett, written on February 25. John Henry said "You have been a good Christian brother to each one of us." Well, it warms the cockles of one's heart to have that said even though one may somewhat doubt it.

Mrs. Fred Mudgett some time ago wrote from Port Washington, N. Y.

"I am spending the winter with my sister here as her husband is quite ill with an incurable disease."

Word now comes from her daughter, Hope Mudgett Pratt, that Mrs. Mudgett fell about three weeks ago and broke her hip and is at the Medical Center Hospital in Manhasset, N. Y.

"It is remarkable what they can do today. She walked on crutches two days after it happened. Of course it took her strength and when she does come out of the hospital she will go to Lancaster, Mass. (her son's home, address Sterling Junction). I am sure she would enjoy hearing from her friends."

Mrs. Arthur Adams writes that all of herfive grandchildren have gone away from hometo attend a school of higher learning.

"In order that the grandchildren do not look down on their grandmother she has tokeep up with the times by reading newspapers, magazines, books and listening to theradio."

Mrs. Frank Griffin, who is still in Sharon,Mass., acting as her brother-in-law's office assistant, also writes about her descendants:

"The children and grandchildren (4 little girls) are well and happy. Bob raises baby chicks, about 18,000 at a time, to the broiler stage, in Atkinson, N' H., and Barbara has gone with her army husband to Japan. They have been gone two years and a half and now are looking forward to coming home very soon."

Mrs. Carl Hoskins sends greetings: "Just a word of greeting to the '94 men to let you know I often think of you and the many happy reunions Carl and I had with you in yearS gone by. .. So all the best to you all and the hope that this finds you all in as good health, wealth and happiness as can be expected in these times and in spite of the years we have behind us."

Three men by the name of Bartlett graduated in this Class and each of them had a distinguished record. Alfred, the first to go, developed a business in distinctive greeting cards and sold over a million of "Cornhill Dodgers." Rolla, his cousin, had an honorable and successful career in floating loans for trustworthy business enterprises. The oldest of the three, John Henry Bartlett, is the last to go—his death took place March 19—and may be considered the one among us who went furthest in the service of his state and his country. A description of his career is in the In Memoriarn section of this MAGAZINE.

Secretary, REV. 74 Kirkland St., Cambridge 38, Mass. Treasurer, 60 Maple St., Somersworth, N. H. Class Agent, 141-45 33rd Ave., Flushing, L. X. 54, N. Y.