1924
As I write, Hanover is an unusually attractive place for this time of year. The ice went out of the river a month early; the campus is relatively dry with boys playing baseball on the north end - the south having been torn up for new heating pipes, made even and seeded. Spring recess is two days away and the air is electric. There are storm warnings from the West where blizzards make life miserable. If you talk to faculty or students, it seems as if everyone is taking off - Florida, Glee Club trip, etc. I'm sure some of this rouses memories. Fellow Glee Club members will recall we got as far as Cleveland; big deal. Now they're off far afield. Many more are working on projects than when we were in College; working, that is.
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Paul Ford as the Colonel in the movie version of "Teahouse of the August Moon." Don't miss it; it's good entertainment. Then go back and read the book, if you haven't already. Paul is in fast company in that cast, but does a fine job.
Out in San Francisco, classmates may be picking up some pieces from the recent earthquake. Harry Fairfield, for example. Lyman Thompson, in real estate; and Beach Soule. Others have moved out — Fred Wood to Texas to catch the blizzard there; George Gercke, in the U.S. Information Service, back in Washington. News from any or all would be welcome.
On May 9, which is his birthday, Bill Buettner will be remembered in most appropriate fashion in Elizabeth, N. J., when a new building is dedicated as a symbol of his work in single-handedly creating and developing the National Pest Control Association. We have made plans for the Class to be represented on this occasion, if possible. There will be a bronze plaque, with a likeness of Bill raised from it, and these words: "Dedicated to the Memory and Tradition of William Oscar Buettner, 1900-1955 - Architect of an Industry." And these words from Emerson: "An institution is the lengthening shadow of one man." (Bill died September 6, 1953. He had organized the NPCA, and became its first president, just 20 years earlier. He may be remembered in College as being active in debating, and editor for our 1924 Green Book, and as business manager of the daily Dartmouth in his senior year.)
Dick Henry, among others, responds to his birthday card with slight amazement at his increasing years; is playing golf still, but not the 36-holes-a-day variety. Keith Drake corrects our records as to his date of arrival. I hope others will correct any errors we may make, when and if. We had him here five months ahead of time. Changes in address come in now and then; please help us have the record straight. One special plea: How about a home address instead of only a business address? Will use whichever you specify, but would like to have both for the record.
I mentioned my pleasure at -seeing the Luitweiler, and son, recently. Other transients seen by some but not by me, alas: The Tuppers from faraway Boston; and Spud and Kay Spalding who were here on a flying trip to see their daughter and son-in-law who is a student again.
Ham Fish, now Colonel James Hamilton Fish, —my co-beater of drums in the Band our freshman year, fellow sufferer in freshman Math., etc., is on his second tour of duty at Fort McPherson, Ga. He is a New Hampshire lad (Keene); assistant in the Inspections Division of the Third U. S. Army Inspector General Division; formerly in Stuttgart, Germany. He was at this same post from 1950-53; he's one of our few professional soldiers, having been in service ever since 1925: National Guard from 1925-40 and on active duty since 1940. He won his Bronze Star Medal and others while serving with an anti-aircraft Artillery group in the Southwest Pacific area during World War II.
Pastoral notes: Sap buckets on the maple trees here-abouts; new syrup already on sale in the stores. As for the motel reservations for next fall, procrastination seems apparent. So you may know what my records look like, here is what I have listed; correct me if I'm wrong: the Brad Herseys, our noble Treasurer and Lois; the Ford Bowmans, who does business with the College on supplies — as noted; the Jim Rutherfords, who will be returning from distant safari; the Pete Wheatleys; the Hartshorns, whom I delight to see on occasional visits here; the Lamsons, rested from preparing a Class Letter, no doubt; and the Bents. Others?
Phil Van Huyck and an enlarged group of Assistant Class Agents, many of them old hands at this important work, started on April 1 to reach our goal for the Alumni Fund. Your early (and frequent) action will be appreciated by everyone. It will encourage Van and the rest, get us off to a fast start, and reduce costs against the gross receipts. We're counting on you.
Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd., Hanover, N. H.
Class Agent, 328 Orchard PI., Ridgewood, N. J.
