1900
The class of 1900 has suffered a great loss in the death of Leonard W. Tuttle. The last week in January he was taken to the New Rochelle Hospital suffering from a stroke. At first it was thought to be a relatively mud attack from which he might recover, but the second week in February he grew rapidly worse and passed away in the evening of February 14. Len was a popular man with our class. He possessed a most likeable personality, a ready wit, and withal a fine sense of sincerity and honesty. An obituary appears on another page of this issue of the MAGAZINE.
Arthur Roberts is a man of parts. He is healthy, lively as a cricket, and thoroughly likes living. In the winter months Robbie enjoys the quietness and repose of a lovely home life in Natick. During the summer at Center Harbor, N. H. he swings a powerful scythe and wields a mighty axe - with what detriment to property is not stated - and plays tennis. Can it be that our Robbie is conditioning himself to challenge the tennis record of the late King Gustavus V of Sweden? Robbie also helps sponsor the Hungarian refugees which Natick has adopted. His knowledge of the Magyar tongue has been most helpful. He says:
"The man I see most is a former bank president from Budapest. He is a cultivated man with a pretty sad face after being held six years in prison by the communists. For a man over 60 who is not a manual laborer and speaks no English it is hard to find a job. I like to think that his suffering and courage will find a reward in freedom finally."
Robbie among other good qualities is an incurable optimist, and despite national violence and international chaos he does believe this old world is becoming more civilized.
Jim Woodman is one of the few members of the class who has not retired. Two years ago the Franklin Chamber of Commerce and his neighbors and friends gave him a testimonial banquet in recognition of his 50 years of devoted service to the citizens of Franklin. The class of 1900 wishes at this time to raise its collective hat in deep respect to Jim's long, faithful, sympathetic and continuing service as physician and surgeon.
Mrs. Mary F. Fairfield, wife of Harry Fairfield, after a prolonged illness is now fully recovered. She is teaching at the Deanwood School in Darien. Her address is 2420 Post Road, Darien, Conn. Unless she is much younger than your secretary suspects, this is something of a record.
We are sorry to learn through a letter from Mrs. Manion that Joe Manion has been confined to his bed for some weeks. The illness appears to be both physical and mental. We sincerely hope at this writing that Joe has improved, and that he can again enjoy some of his normal activities.
On December 10, 1956 the final number in the 1956 series of the Fine Arts Course of Clark University was given. At this time the resignation of our classmate Dr. Loring Holmes Dodd as director and manager was announced. The program of that evening carried a complete record of the entertainments offered the Worcester public for a period of 35 years. The course was founded by Dr. Dodd in 1922. This record of entertainment ranges over the whole field of art in its broadest sense and has included operas, plays, dance numbers, concerts, and lectures on art and literature. Loring ably assisted by his wife has over the years managed the course so skillfully as to make it financially self-supporting, and in these days that is no small accomplishment. In connection with this program the Dodds have had the pleasure of entertaining many of the visiting celebrities in their home.
The Worcester newspapers of December 11 and la speak in most gracious terms of the Dodds' contribution to the art lovers of Worcester. "For 35 years the Fine Arts Course at Clark University has been almost wholly identified with Dr. Loring Holmes Dodd." "The Fine Arts Course has added a great richness to our community life. It has helped knit town and gown together." "The work of maintaining such a series for so long has been taxing. Yet Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have carried it forward with a devotion that could come only from love of the task." Besides his work on this course, Loring has been for many years and still is art critic for the Worcester Evening Gazette. In this story of Loring a quote from Scripture certainly is appropriate: "He doeth all things well."
Walter Rankin and Ned Bigelow attended the annual luncheon meeting of the Florida West Coast Alumni Association. They were among the oldest living graduates present. They report that Dean Jensen gave a vivid and interesting talk on the general state of the college. Walter laments the fact that there were very few present whom he knew. I suppose that is one of the penalties of belonging to a class as ancient as "Naughty Naught."
The Florida contingent in and around the Vinoy Park Hotel at St. Petersburg have been enjoying themselves in various ways. Ned Bigelow recently gave a luncheon for Walter, Hod, Warren Kendall, '99, Ernest Eddy, '01, and their respective wives. A right merry good time was had by all.
Arthur Virgin writes that he thoroughly enjoys New York during the winter months where he has the opportunity to go to the theatre and to take in other forms of cultural entertainment. In the summer he and his wife fly away to the farm in Canada. Here Arthur keeps busy with gardening which serves to keep him in good physical condition. All this proves, I am certain, that Arthur still possesses the vital zest for living. Interestingly he has come recently into possession of an oval plaque in dull gold wood containing the silhouettes of seven of the first Dartmouth professors. In the group is Eleazar Wheelock and Bezaleel Woodward who was treasurer of the college and professor of mathematics.
Secretary, 3 Pleasant Street Hanover, N. H.
Class Agent, 34 Carruth St., Dorchester, Mass.
