1908
Who could forget Stan Tappan, the erstwhile boy wonder who worked his way through college playing poker? Well, sir, he must have kept on playing, for he's made enough to retire and now resides in Manchester, N. H. Stan writes that he and Ruth "live such a quiet life that the Harvard game is a big event in our lives." That's what old middle age will do to a man.
Looks like '08 is moving to Florida this winter. Among all the others, now comes a letter from George Fine from Merchantville, N. J., who doth attest as follows "Martha and I are starting on New Year's day for 32 E. Yale Ave., Orlando, Fla., where we expect to be for the next three months. They say the lakes there are just popping with big bass, and I'm going to find out.” (I'll bet the Chamber of Commerce sent that information.)
The register of the Hanover Inn carries the name of Tat Badger as a December visitor to Hanover. It must have been so.
Had a nice long letter from my old roommate Lee Marshall, who retired as trust officer of the Rockland-Atlas National Bank in 1951. Among other things he writes as follows:
"Some years back, Gladys and I acquired a small place in Brookfield, N. H., and now spend six months of the year there. There is always plenty of work but no real farming. As to vital statistics, we have two sons. The elder, Lee W., who served in the Navy for live years during World War II is now married and we are the proud grandparents of Richard Lee Marshall. Some day I hope that he may enter Dartmouth. Our son George H. is now going on his sixth year in the U.S. Army, at present serving in Germany, having served in Japan and Korea, being awarded with the commendation ribbon with medal for meritorious service there, with rank of first lieutenant. Gladys and I have spent two short seasons at Ormand Beach, Fla., but were unable to make Vero Beach either time. It looks like we'll hole in this year at Manchester, Mass. Best regards to all the boys."
Here comes a notice from the Alumni Records Office to the effect that C. Arthur Fifer has a new address at Rt. 3, Box 503, Orlando, Fla. They don't say whether this address is permanent or temporary, but you can bet it's a sure bet for now, anyway.
Walter Furman, who added so much to our informal reunion last year, represents the news from New York in this yere column with a good newsy letter in the following pattern:
"If I kept a dairy (no, it was diary) the daily items would be like Mark Twain's 'got up, washed, went to bed.' Nothing much else in my routine except frequent visits to my doctor who still cherishes the hope that if he probes long and deep enough he can find an excuse to remove my prostate. But he's losing hope, for each time things are a little better. I suspect he only keeps me coming to indulge in sadistic joy at my reactions to his devilish tricks.
I did see Dartmouth play three games this fall. Was at the Harvard game with a party and saw General Knox there. I couldn't make the dinner Friday night, though I wanted to. Also saw the Columbia and Princeton games, to the latter I took my son and two grandsons. The boys were delighted and amazed to see Dartmouth win. I, of course, was too old for such things. Gertrude and I were in Wilton last fall and stopped in to see Mike and Annis Stearns. The venerable squire of Wilton was in his backyard, sitting in a rocking chair and listening with a dolorous countenance to the Dartmouth-Colgate game. He prophesied no victories for the team this year. We're glad that he proved wrong.
Gertrude plans to go to California right after the first of the year but I expect to keep my nose to the grind-stone. I'm encouraging her to return in time for a trip to Vero Beach. In fact, the California trip should make up for visiting Vero on which she looks with a dim eye. So, perhaps we'll see you there. I hope so. Best wishes to all for 1954."
Speaking of Vero Beach, here's a thought. If those who intend to be there will send me their names, we'll list them in the March issue so we'll all know who is going to be there. Please do this. It's important. Names must be in by February 5. Do it now and then forget it.
February has short days, Weatherwise, contrary ways. There's no excuse for lack of news, Complaints or fairy tales or views, SEND 'EM IN!
Notes Editor, 119 Parker St. Newton Center 59, Mass.
Secretary, 115 Broadway, New York 6, N. Y.
Treasurer, Taftville, Conn.
Bequest Chairman,
AN ERROR The editors regret that in the caption under the picture of "Professorial Progeny" appearing with the 1907 notes last month Thacher Worthen '07 was incorrectly identified as Thacher Richardson.
