1949

It's a bitter-cold day here in Rhode Island as I write this, the holidays having just ended much to the relief of all businesses which have accomplished nothing for two weeks. Our state went through one of the most trying political decisions in the country's history when the Democrats managed to throw out some 5000 absentee ballots which had — on paper - elected the first Republican governor in sixteen years. It turned out to be a very shady, extremely unpopular (even among 90% of the Democrats), hairline constitutional technicality which disenfranchised the above absentee ballots and "re-elected" the present governor for a fourth - but what is sure to be a violent - term. The newspapers are in an uproar, and politics is common table talk instead of "What did Santa bring you, etc." Incidentally, the typewriter on which I'm beating this out was my very wonderful gift from the bearded-one, and I'm sure the Brattleboro, Vermont Press (or whoever prints the MAGAZINE) will be most appreciative that my previous relic with the half letters is out of circulation.

Pat and I got a flock of wonderful Christmas cards from a bunch of you, and I'd like to acknowledge them with our thanks: In no particular order, we heard from Persis and Bob Alden, Nomi and Bill Ballard, Brud and Jane Becker, Jean and Fred Briscoe and troops, Harvey and Jane Nolan, Bob and Joyce Pridham and troops, Al Wagner, Bob and Joan MacArthur, Summy and Nonie Arneson, Lois and Mike McGean, John and Nancy Stockwell and troops, Lynn and RoyLovell and three sons, Peter and Mary New, Lew and Dolores Geer and troops, Herb and Ann Gramstorff, Cary and Jim Smith, Mimi and David Vogels, Barbara and Jay Rosenfield and troops, Lou and Pat Clarke, Betty and Art Wallace, Jody and King Ball and daughter, Kay and Dave Strasenburgh and sons, Paul and Cathy Erwin and daughter, Sue and Bert Rodman, Bob "Deke" Jackson, John and Joan Sweetland and children, Ed and Marge Clogston and troops, John and Paula Gallup, Ann and Tom Swartz and troops, Jack and Peg Kilmartin and gang, Warren Ornstein, Ken and Mimi Wheeler, Tom and Ginny Huggins, Terry Maphis and Chet Palmer. Thanks all!!!

A letter from Red Bank, N. J., from Mary McManus announces that Tom (who is not a good correspondent) graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School in 1954, went in the Navy as a Lieutenant and served just over two years at Bainbridge. Mary was able to live off the base with Tom, and their daughter, Cindy, was born there seventeen months ago. Tom was discharged in October and opened his dental office for private general practice in Red Bank. The McManuses see the Swartzs and the Pridhams in their New Jersey travels, but few others.

Tom and Ginny Huggins proudly announce the adoption on November 29 of Margaret Clay Huggins, born February 18, 1956. "Posey" thus joins Libbet (age two) and Peter (a strapping three and a half) to form the nucleus of a swell - and very happy - family. Tom writes that he was disappointed that no one stopped in this fall en route to Hanover football games, and he hopes next year will be different.

Jay Urstadt, of Pelham Manor, N. Y., has announced his engagement to Miss Elinor Funk of Santa Monica, Calif. Elinor is a Smith grad. Jay is associated with Nevins, Jarvis and Pilez in New York City.

Harvey Chandler has been appointed manager of the Hillsboro (N. H.) District for the Public Service Company of New Hampshire.

I was in Hanover over the weekend of December 8 when the first blizzard of the season hit (I tried to drive home in it) and it was a beautiful scene. It's always a pleasure to get back in town there. I had an opportunity briefly to call on the Sweetlands who are the recent parents of a baby daughter, Karen.

A couple of "messages" from the Christmas cards we received. ... Tom and Ann Swarta have moved into a new home, have a new daughter (age four months), and may make Green Key in Hanover instead of Winter Carnival Mimi Vogels writes that David hopes to be sent to Syracuse University (from San Antonio Air Force work) to obtain his business degree. ... Lou and Pat Clarke have bought a home outside of Kansas City where they're very happy, except for the mileage between them and "the hills of Hanover." Lou met Pete New at a recent Dartmouth alumni luncheon in Kansas City.

Guess that's it for this time. How about a letter to catch this rusty old column up on your news?????

Secretary, 50 Tryon Ave. East Providence, R. I.

Treasurer, 21 Crescent Dr., Whippany, N. J.