1915
Now is the time for all good procrastinators to come to the aid of their country and file those belated tax returns. Dig in, boys!
The Chan Harwoods were reported on a trip to Nassau and Bermuda early in February.
Kell Rose and George Dyke visited with the Zeke Carpenters in Washington late in January. Kell. reports that Zeke is up and at 'em at his desk every morning at 7:30. Must be the State Department really goes for that "early bird" business! Mr. Dulles certainly sets a torrid pace!
The longshoremen's strike delayed the Johnnie Johnsons long enough here in New York for them to corral Art Nichols and Justin McCarthy for a pleasant luncheon at the Roosevelt, where they spotted Win Davis during a lull in a convention gathering there. Later, the Phil Murdocks joined Johnnie and Bea for a clubby dinner at that old German place formerly known as The Brauhaus. They finally got off the next morning on the first leg of their 'round-the-world cruise and the last heard from them was a note from their freighter of the Wilhelmsen Lines somewhere off Salvador (mid-February). Johnnie raves about life on a freighter - congenial people, good accommodations, relatively cheap, three good meals plus three snacks a day, Old Forrester at three bucks, nice air, a nap in the AM, a nap in the PM, and still get in a good night's sleep - why more folks don't do it, he'll never know! Quiet - please!
A February card from George and MaeMartin pictures an inviting motel where they stopped en route to Coral Gables - says it's like coming home there now - same gang every year. Hope Marty can get his Red Sox off to a good start this year!
I regret to report the passing of classmates Dan Waugh and Ed Mabie and we extend our deep sympathy to their families.
Eleven '15ers turned out for the annual Boston Alumni Dinner at the Statler Hotel on February 8 and a good time was had by all. Russ Durgin's son, Rev. Lawrence Durgin of Providence, gave the invocation and later came over to meet Russ's classmates. TommyTomfohrde from Oakland, Calif., was a surprise visitor — he had registered at the Statler and spotted the bulletin board announcement. Those present were Tomfohrde, Simpson, Barker, Foster, Richardson, Clough, Shea, Claflin, Bull, Rice and Sherman.
Al Sherman comes up with a fine tribute "to all those who put so much thought, time and effort behind the wonderful results" of last year's Reunion. He's all for an interim Reunion — to give those who planned but couldn't make it in '55 a chance without so long a wait, and to give those who now realize what they missed a chance at the pleasures and satisfactions they now hear echoed. All those in favor.... ?
Bob Frothingham has retired from SoconyVacuum. I wonder how these youngsters get away with it!
The Memorial Service for Russell LutherDurgin, held on February 11, at the Chapel of the Riverside Church in New York, was most inspiring. Dr. Norris Tibbetts of Riverside Church conducted the services and addresses were made by Dr. Thomas W. Graham, Arthur forgensen and Dalton F. McClelland, who were associated with Russell during his long service for the YMCA in Japan. The Consul General of Japan, Honorable Jun Tsuchiya, spoke feelingly of the warmth and depth of feeling which Russell left with the people of Japan. After the services, Delphine and family received those present, a noteworthy contribution in view of the large attendance. The family had requested that no flowers be sent and suggested that those who wished to express their regard for Russell might contribute to the Russell Durgin Fund, c/o the National Board of YMCA's, 291 Broadway, New York 7, N. Y. Classmates attending the service were Ralph Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Eckstrom, Marv Frederick, Bob Fredericks, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Griffin, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lafferty and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Murdock.
The Joe Comstocks have been counting the months, weeks and days towards a reunion with their older son and family upon their return to this country. Joe Jr. has been in France for the past three years as an officer with the U. S. Army and is returning to take over an assignment as Assistant Professor of Military Science and Tactics at the University of Indiana. His wife, formerly Ann Whitford, is the daughter of an old friend who was in college with Nan at Smith. With Ann's father having been a college professor all his adult life, and with Joe jr. holding three degrees from U.S.C., the little family should adjust itself happily to life in a university town. They will bring with them the three only grandchildren of the senior Joe's — Jane, now 5, Sam, all of 3½, and the youngest, Edward Sykes, born in France about a year ago. Jane and Sam chatter as fluently in French as they do in English; Edward Sykes has yet to meet the gaze of his fond grandparents. It is evident, from plans now in the making, that this reunion staged at the Comstock home on the edge of the Pacific will contain many a happy thrill.
Seeing The Court-martial of Billy Mitchell recently reminds me of this one: Old lady: "How often do big ships like this sink?" Sailor: "Once."
The Providence Hospital Building Fund announces that two private rooms on the fifth floor of the new hospital will be built and equipped in memory of Dr. Patrick E. Gear from a fund of $14,400 subscribed by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Andrews and family. Dr. Gear, who died in 1952, was for many years head of the urological service in both Providence Hospital and Holyoke Hospital in Massachusetts.
Art Sheldon was in the Big Town in February to attend the annual dinner of the Traffic Club.
Harry Ellms confirms, in his own inimitable way, the rumor that flew in from Denver that he's got himself married. He identifies as his best man Bob More '13 — "a great guy and a most noted lawyer in these parts - played tackle along with Jogger Elcock and Moose Englehorne - probably put you on your fanny a few times (I hope)." Says he occasionally sees Phil Alexander "head of Denver's largest bank which has just tied up with that Texas Murchison family — just to make sure the bank doesn't run short." OK, Harry, I'll ignore certain vague cracks about my "lilywhite" past and "fraternal" associations. What I wrote you still goes. We're all mighty glad you're happy and contented!
Those '15ers in New York are due for a treat at their dinner gathering on March 21. From various and sundry sources channeled through our worthy president, Dale Barker, we expect to put on a showing of Reunion pictures, a sort of preview of what's in store for our next (interim?) Reunion. A report will have to await next month's issue but, at this sitting, it looks like a good show coming up.
Out of Hanover comes news which one of the principals, herself, admits as slightly "earthshaking." Those of us who have had contact with Charlotte Ford, our efficient Alumni Recorder, are surprised and delighted to learn that on February 2 she became Mrs. Hugh S. Morrison, wife of a long time professor of art on the Dartmouth Faculty. To Charlotte Ford Morrison, the Class of 1915 extends its sincere good wishes in this happy event and, may we add - congratulations to Professor Morrison! Fortunately, it can be added that Charlotte Ford Morrison plans to continue as Alumni Recorder "for some time to come."
Hal Davison and Ralph Brown seem to have something in common - a sort of "How NOT to win friends and influence people." Ralph's job as general counsel for New York Telephone Co. is to constantly battle for "equitable" phone rates for his company. Hal's job as chairman of Public Utilities Commission of New Hampshire calls for him to pass on similar requests in that state. Whatever they do, they're bound to get in the doghouse, either with the public or the companies. Hal has just allowed a 3½% increase in New Hampshire rates - which is less than the company requested and just about 3½% more than the public wants. Hal says: "I seem to lose friends who influence people." In the immortal words of Joe Humphrey (one-time prize fight announcer): "May the better man emerge victorious!" Shake hands now, boys, and come out boxing!
And so — until next month — may I offer this naive quote: "If you hire people who are smarter than you are, you're smarter than they are!"
Dr. Wallace Drake '14 administers a Salkpolio vaccine shot to 7-year-old John Haughn,a pupil in the Athens School, Quincy, Mass.,while the school nurse, Mrs. Hoyle, assists.
Secretary, 301 East 53rd St. New York 22, N. Y.
Class Agent, Federal Trust Bldg., 24 Commerce St. Newark 2, N. J.
