1924
England may have her Elizabeth Regina, but '24 has its Elizabeth Strong. Our Betsy stole a march on her royal counterpart, and was crowned Queen on February 20 - Queen of the Middlebury Winter Carnival. Betsy's picture appeared in the New York press, and certain it is that the judges made no mistake. Her selection as Queen of the Snows was particularly appropriate for, in addition to being just as pretty as a picture, Betsy also happens to be one of the most accomplished of skiers, and did much to bring victory to Middlebury's coed winter sports team. Betsy finished third in the slalom, as well as the combined downhill-slalom, and was credited with the fastest run of the day. Long live the Queen!
Just to quash any charges of partiality to the distaff side, we hasten to add that Jon Strong (or "Tiny" as he has been nicknamed by his classmates) is also in the athletic news. In a recent release, reporting a victory of the Freshman Hockey Team over Marblehead High, by a score of 3-0, we read that "Tiny Strong was in the nets for the '56s, weathering well two or three tough plays." What do they mean, "two or three plays?" When you score a shut-out you've done a pretty darn good job! Eddie Jeremiah, please note.
Larry Leavitt '25, the very successful Headmaster of Vermont Academy, recently sent us clippings from the Vermont press announcing that Stuart Eldredge had been awarded the F. B. Bernard Prize for water colors at the annual Art Exhibition of the Hoosier Salon in Indiana. The prize winning picture, "Winter in Rockingham," was painted from the top of a little hill right near Stu's home, looking toward Mt. Ascutney, that famous landmark of the Connecticut River valley which must remain forever in our memory. Stuart is living on Parker Hill Road, just outside of Springfield, Vt., and is conducting art classes in that community as well as Woodstock. He is doing a lot of painting and has become famous for his Vermont landscapes. Our congratulations on his latest prize-winning effort.
In sending the clipping on Stu Eldredge, Larry added a little note reporting that FredShanaman's youngest boy Dick is a senior at Vermont Academy. Leo Fitzpatrick's eldest son Leo is in the junior class at V.A. and it is expected that his younger brother will join him next fall. It's nice to know that these young fellows are already up there in the north country, for V.A. has a definite Green tinge, or at least exposes the boys to a bit of Dartmouth atmosphere. Here's luck to all the boys.
Not long ago we were fortunate to receive a letter from Frank S. "Ax" Coffin, floriculturist, insurance wizard and curling expert extraordinary, bringing us up to date on the Coffin family. Frank's son John is in the Navy, and his daughter Sarah is "like all the Coffins before her, struggling through grammar school." Ax has recently been made Executive Vice President of Moore, Case, Lyman and Hubbard, the oldest, and certainly one of the largest general insurance offices in Chicago. The good old firm of MCL & H is now in its 94th year of continuous operation, but it is not of insurance activities that Frank likes to talk. He prefers his hobbies, gardening and curling. Of the former, Frank reports that, "I became so enthusiastic about this hobby some years ago that I threw my golf clubs and the caddy in a water hole and have not played since." Ax has specialized in flower gardening, and, of late years, he has enjoyed growing flowers in a greenhouse during the winter months. This requires a highly specialized technique. It has been reported from other sources that Frank has become so adept at the art that he has written several articles for publication and is in demand as a lecturer for garden clubs and similar organizations.
In regard to curling, Frank writes, "During the past 17 years the game of curling has become quite active in Chicago, and when we become sufficiently skilled at the game it may be that the blue bloods of Brookline may invite us down there for a game. Last year and this year I have attended the famous International Bonspiel in Quebec, and have reached the top bracket both years. We have had the pleasure of going further in this competition than any other American curling team." There seems to be a bit of a challenge in the above, and it is just possible that one of these days our friend may lead his curlers into the sacred precincts of Back Bay, to show the local devotees how it should be done. With those two healthful hobbies commanding his time and attention, Frank has taken out some wonderful old age insurance, and without one cent of premium. What could be better?
Speaking of Back Bay, we received a couple of letters from the Boston area not too long ago. Chick Austin wrote that Fran Jr., a 2nd Lieutenant in the Field Artillery, is now on active duty in Korea, so the news from that particular segment of this turbulent world takes on added significance. We can all join in wishing him the best of luck and a safe return.
Walter Blanchfield was our other welcome correspondent. Walter has been on the advertising staff of This Week magazine since its inception of 1934, and is currently the New England Manager. His son is a junior at Deerfield Academy. Walt reports seeing TupTupper every once in awhile, and would be delighted to welcome any of the brethren at his office in the John Hancock Building. The suite number is 2208. Just walk up twenty-two flights and ask for Walter. Conversation at all hours.
That about winds up the news for the time being, but it would be impossible to close without reference to the 1953 Alumni Fund Drive which started the first of the month. This is the year of decision. For the past two years, 1924 has shown slow, but steady improvement, both as to contributors and the dollar total. Nevertheless, in those two years, the increase by the other classes has been so rapid that we have lost ground, relatively speaking, in the roll call of the classes. It is time for a change.
Harr Ranney, and his committee of 50, have worked long and well to prepare for an intensive and thorough campaign. The emphasis this year is to be on personal contact. Of course, it will be impossible to reach everyone, for we are spread all over the map, but wherever possible personal solicitation will be made. The classmate who calls on you will be giving of his time and effort to make this year's drive a success, but to achieve our goal your help is absolutely necessary. Give early, and above all, give generously. We must reevaluate our giving in terms of 1953 needs and in terms of the 1953 dollar. In this campaign, as in all other fund-raising efforts, the gift is measured more by the size of a man's heart, than it is by the size of his pocket book. Think it over carefully, and be ready to give in full measure when your classmate calls. See you later.
Secretary, 328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J.
Class Agent, Cherry Lane, R.F.D. 1, Morristown. N. J.
