1900
In late April Harold Hastings left the somewhat rugged spring climate of Tumble Brook Farm in Connecticut for the balmy, lotus-eating environment of Redding, Calif. He is visiting his son Lem and family for several weeks. On May 7 they celebrate with proper ceremony Lem's birthday, and on May 8 his own and his daughter Mary's birthday, the latter in absentia as she is still out in India. Presumptively the birthdays were honored en masse, so to speak. Harold is staying on in California to attend in June the graduation of his granddaughter, Katie, from high school. Katie has made a splendid record as both student and athlete during her high school years. She expects to enter the University of California in the fall. On his return journey Harold expects to visit cousins in Minnesota.
George Tong has spent the past five months very comfortably in Santa Barbara, Calif. In his letter he says nothing about the repeated absence of good old Father Sol, much rain, heavy floods, houses undermined, erosions, and earth contortions ably reported by newspapers, magazines, radio, and TV. Perhaps such ominous reports have been unduly exaggerated, or it may be that Santa Barbara is a Shangri-la which by some magic can escape such unbecoming behavior of weather. Neither does George, as a former loyal Brooklynite, give evidence of any distress or feeling of inferiority over the defection of "Dem Bums" and the shift of the franchise to the West Coast. Ah, well! Times have changed. In early June George expects to be back with his daughter in Libertyville, Ill., where he can again resume his pedestrian habits on the well conditioned roads of that community.
Marion Atwood, wife of Chels Atwood our beloved omnivorous tax collector, spent the winter months in Florida. Her time was divided between St. Petersburg and Winter Park. She regrets having left St. Pete before the 1900 delegation arrived to enjoy the unprecedented cold wave which swept over Florida. Marion was enchanted with Winter Park, and writes enthusiastically about the charm and beauty of this Florida college town. As is her wont she expects to spend a part of the summer in Chelsea, Vt.
Arthur Roberts is still holding aloft the banner of education. He recently addressed with, I am sure, Demosthenian fervor the local Rotarians on the subject of "Prejudice in Education." In this address he ably defended the enduring virtues of the private school as against public mass education. He extolled the high standards set and the thoroughness of the procedures in the private schools of the country. Not only does he talk on education but on a variety of other controversial topics. And just to show his intellectual flexibility and versatility, he also addressed not long ago a Bible study group on "Gnosticism," a variant philosophical concept of the early Greek period. This depth and range of knowledge undoubtedly reflect in part his long association with that exact and inspiring and beloved teacher of Greek in our college years, Prof. Charles Darwin Adams. Finally as a bit of sage advice "Robbie" says "It is better to dig out than dig in."
In a letter recently received it is evident that Jim Woodman has at long last retired from active medical and surgical practice, and has joined that noble fraternity of most of us which college vernacular names "emeritus." Jim, I know, has many other interests to occupy his thought not the least of which is ten grandchildren.
Clarence Paddock still keeps busy with private tutoring in mathematics, mainly for high school students. At this season, when not tutoring, he is likely to be found dressed in handy-man garb puttering around the lawn and flower beds. Clarence reports that his four children are happily married and well situated, and that the thirteen grandchildren are fast growing up, indeed one of them will enter college in September.
Gertrude Balkam, wife of Gilbert Balkam, is now living with her brother and wife down on Cape Cod, a mecca for tourists, renowned for cranberries, and in June radiant with rambler roses. She has now lived for nine years on the Cape, and writes that she grows more fond of it with each passing year. Gertrude makes frequent visits in the homes of her married children who are all well located and are performing useful services in their several communities. One of her grandchildren is a graduate of Pomona College, and another, who has majored in physical education, graduates this year from the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Ronald Eaton, son of "Pa" Eaton, writes that his mother, now 81 years of age, is quite recovered from her illness of a year ago and enjoys good health for one of her years. She has had to give up her annual winter trips to Florida, but she delights in the home life of her son in Troy, N. Y., and is especially entertained with TV programs. Ronald himself is now manager of a large hospital in Troy.
As a regrettably belated note, but to keep the record straight, Arthur Virgin and his wife and Bob Jackson represented the class at the Hopkins Anniversary Dinner held at the Waldorf in New York last February. Arthur reports a splendid time, and this seems to be the consensus of opinion from all sides. We are sincerely sorry that more of our class could not have been present to pay honor and deep respect to "Hop." The first of May Arthur and Jeannette left New York for their summer home at Clematis Farm, North Hately, Quebec.
I am sorry to report that early in March John Mathes had two operations and was hospitalized for several weeks. He is now back home and slowly recovering from the effects of his hospital experience. The class of 1900 sends John our affectionate regards and all good wishes for a complete recovery.
Secretary, 3 Pleasant St., Hanover, N. H.
Class Agent, 34 Carruth St., Dorchester, Mass.
