1934
February 5, 1958 - It was just one of those fabulous nights — the night the Waldorf-Astoria turned Green to honor Ernest Martin Hopkins. It should be highlighted for the benefit of those who weren't there and for the memory books of those who were there.
First let us pass out some bouquets and credits. To Bill Scherman for making all the arrangements. Weeks before, he had the tables reserved for our class. He also planned the cocktail party in Assembly Suite M and then, as a crowning touch, the gayest gathering the Waldorf Towers ever had. Elsa Maxwell is a johnny-come-lately compared to Bill and as you know we were invading her home territory for she lives in those gilded Towers. In addition to this, Bill found time to write the lyrics for the song about the guest of honor.
An Oscar of the Waldorf goes to Dick Gruen for his customary capable assistance to the dinner committee. He was the Committee! Plaudits to Roily Morton for printing the art souvenir program with Hoppy's picture and the menu. More of the same to Jerry Danzig who was chairman of the Public Relations Committee. Particular mention should be made of Bill Embry and Jim Wendell who with their lovely wives came the greatest distances. Bill, all the way from Louisville, is our only National Sponsoring Committeeman and Jim came from Grand Rapids to cohost the Towers party along with Moe Frankel. You all remember Moe as a connoisseur of fine wines and champagnes so Jim allowed him to select the scotch and rye. Finally, little silver (for our approaching 25th Reunion) Oscars to all of you who gave Orv Dryfoos the loudest ovation when he was the first Trustee introduced from the dais by Nelson Rockefeller '30. Thus far you can be pardoned for thinking that '34 was the only class there. We did seem to be in the thick of things. But Rockefeller as Toastmaster was great. Hope one of these days the New Yorkers will have an opportunity to vote for him for Governor of the State. Speaking of that, I sat next to George "Shorty" Thomas and I mentioned to him that I had just seen my law school roommate, John Monagan '33, and his pretty wife Rosemary downstairs. George told me that John could be Governor of Connecticut if he wanted the job.
Others at our table included Perry Woodbury and his wife Nancy, and Van Thome and Aurelia. Perry, a neighbor o£ Shirley and Ray Hulsart in Chappaqua, had to come to New York City to see his fellow townsman.
Like every successful party the men outnumbered the women. Tycoons Carl Hess, Wil Maynard, Mac Collins and Bud Yallalee rubbed elbows with stage and television star, Alan Hewitt. The latter made small talk with our other celebrated theatrical star, Bob Mann's wife, Ann, currently appearing in "Auntie Mame." She had to leave after the cocktail party in order to get to the theatre before the curtain call.
The medical profession was out in force having notified the exchange where they could be reached. Dr. John Kneisel, Dr. Em Day and Dr. Sig Stern were the men in white, decked out in black tie and dinner jacket.
From Jersey came Jeff Jackson, Chuck Cotsworth and George Copp. George was makingfinal plans with Bob Smith for their annual cruise to the British West Indies. Bob brought me news from Nels Krogslund. Nels is counting on all of us to pay him a visit on June 21. The annual strawberry festival will be held in Middletown as usual. The whole family including children are invited and the Krogslunds are looking forward to this almost as eagerly as we are. Remember to save the date now and directions will be sent later with all the latest gen on the do.
Babe Shea and Hope shared a table with the Gail Raphaels and Tom Lane '35 sent along a picture which was snapped for the occasion. Sey Lewis and Bernice, and Jean and Len Harrison couldn't see very well from their table along the wall but when the speeches started they squeezed in with our more fortunately seated classmates. Jocko Stangle because of a late reservation was roaming around in an upper tier but we reclaimed him early in the festivities. Stopped to offer congratulations to Dave Callaway,the senior vice president and newly appointed resident manager of the New York office of First of Michigan Corporation. Dave is in charge of all their business in the Eastern States, not only municipals but the underwriting of stock and corporate bond issues as well.
Among the distinguished group we also glimpsed Mr. and Mrs. John Bathrick, Mr.and Mrs. J. Clarence Davies and Mr. andMrs. Martin Dwyer. The only couple we didn't see "were Bud Hall and his wife. Wanted to chat with Barbara and Art Willis who were originally at our table but when we were herded away from cocktails the seating plans went awry along with the martinis.
We missed Harry Gilmore although he was with us in spirit. When the toastmaster asked the five men at table 4 to rise, the other members of President Emeritus Hopkins' class rose, and one of them was Harry's father, Class of 1901.
Had lunch with Bernice and Jim Wendell and Moe Frankel before the Wendells went back to Michigan. We spoke about Dr. TedFleming busy practicing in Buffalo and Dr.Charlie Mills, ditto in Salem, Ore. Jim had also seen or heard from John Metzger who operates his own construction company, BobMiller, the Dean of boys at Clifford Scott High. School in West Orange, N. J., and Ed Davis, wielder of racquets par excellence, be they squash or tennis. Incidentally, if any of you come to New York and have difficulty getting seats for the Broadway shows, I would suggest calling the Dartmouth Club. I have discovered that when all else fails, they can get very good tickets and at the last minute.
It was Valentine's Day and for old times sake we stood under the clock at the Biltmore. We were waiting for a client when who should hove into view but Kirk Spitler. He was on his way to wave bon voyage to his mother, off on a cruise to South America. Kirk and the Cleveland group of Dick Loughry, Frank Heath, Swede Lindstrom, Bob Morris, Dick Campen, Tim Lindheim, Sid Wisch, Charles Steffey, Ray Vickland et al are making plans for a dinner get-together.
You could warm the cockles of my heart on this frigid February night by sending some mink-lined news items to the class secretary who has everything else. And please don't forget the date at Nels Krogslund's house on June 21.
Secretary, 160 Broadway,. New York 38, N. Y.
Class Agent, 1750 Elm St., Manchester, N. H.
