1903
The morning of June 12 was bright and warm. The Wadhams were happy and free from worry. The income tax had been met and no major problems for another 90 days. Then the postman with a letter from KidCohen saying that at Reunion I had been elected Class Secretary and would I accept. What the heck, darned if I want the job etc., etc. Brought to heel by my good wife, a letter of acceptance was dispatched and on the 16th came another from the Kid telling me to get going. But how and where to start?
By chance I recalled that June 16 was Bucky Lewer's birthday. So a letter to him - my first venture and it struck pay dirt. I got a dandy letter from him by return mail. He has set an example of prompt response which I hope is indicative of what each of you Potholers will do.
A day or so later the first incoming letter arrived — from AG Smith, "may his like increase." He and his wife are studying steamship, airline and all sorts of travel folders regarding the Hawaiian Islands which they hope to visit this October stopping en route at Mill Valley, Calif., to visit their younger daughter and twin granddaughters, the latter born July 4, 1957. Their birth date should be easy to remember. One disturbing line in AG's letter said my being elected secretary served me right for not being at reunion when I could have said "No." Made me wonder how many others had been proffered the job and ducked. Well here I am and now I don't give a hoot if I was the last on the list; I'm going to try to get some fun out of it.
Pip Howard, the Class is appreciative of your services as its secretary for a decade or more. You have its sincere thanks and wishes that you may enjoy many happy days freed from the labors and frustrations which went with the job. Best wishes also to Mrs. Howard.
Many thanks to Wayne Perkins '04, for his thoughtfulness in telling us of the death of Tim Lyman. Our Herb Kelley has passed along an interesting chapter of Tim's life which bears repeating. Like many others Tim had to receive financial assistance through college and medical school. He had entered Johns Hopkins with Ned Burbeck and Kelley but was obliged to leave at the end of his second year on account of lack of funds. Then he spent several years at many and varied tasks: a tutor to a young boy; a valet for a FFV Colonel; then a series of he-man jobs - a strike breaker; a cowboy in Wyoming; then becoming a bit domesticated we next find him working for the Telephone Company in Seattle and later as a male nurse at a veterans' hospital in California. It had become possible for him to resume medical training and he enrolled at Leland Stanford Medical College from which he graduated in 1915.
While we are on the subject of doctors, Oats Mudge was recently awarded a plaque by his associates in the Essex-North Medical Society in recognition of a long and honorable career in medicine and surgery. Among services mentioned were those of medical advisor to Amesbury High football teams. You will recall Otis as a good and plucky player in college days.
A few days ago the 20th Annual Report of "The Friends of the Dartmouth Library" arrived. There's an activity too little known among the alumni and countless "could be made interested" Friends. Kid Cohen, Mort French and your "sec" have been Friends for many years. Started by Prof. Herbert F. West '22 and sparked by him these 20 years the Friends are doing much to aid in building up at Dartmouth a great research library where may be found outstanding collections of first editions, author collections, original manuscripts and countless items of unusual value and interest. Last year there were about 400 Friends, many not Dartmouth men, who contributed books, money or both. Why not write Prof. West at the college for information as to how you can help, or ask your "sec."
Dick Brown did a swell job in reporting our "55th." There is the guy you should have made secretary. Don't pass him by when the next vacancy occurs.
A letter from a long lost brother wants the names of the men in the reunion picture. He could name but 5 with 1 wrong. Here goes, hope I'm right. Top row — Gage, Lewers, M. R. Brown, Whipple, Jackson, Hess. Front - Mudge, Kidger, Cohen, Edwards, Watson, AG Smith.
Frank Perham, New Market, Md., an engineer turned dealer and authority on old silver, is anxious to renew contact with his Thayer School classmates. Why not some of you lead off? I've given you Frank's address.
Watson and his wife, the former Edith Kingsbury, observed their 50th wedding anniversary, July 23, with an open house at their home in Keene, N. H. There were over 250 relatives and friends present including four children and 10 grandchildren. An eleventh grandchild, Frederick J., a senior at Dartmouth, was enjoying a vacation in Europe.
These first notes have been tough but fun. You'll get a kick too if you will pitch in and help.
Secretary,1822 Willow Rd., Cedar Village Camp Hill, Penn.
Treasurer,4A Rivermere Apts., Bronxville 8, N. Y.
Bequest Chairman,
