1909

What's Happened to Frank Austin?

Answer to the above question is supplied by '09's worthy president, Joe Worthen, who has contributed the following. And a fine piece of writing it is, deserving an A from no less a personage than Clothespin Richardson.

Down the west bank of the St. Johns River 20 miles up-stream (south) from what is now Jacksonville, Fla., a 1,000-acre tract was granted some 200 years ago by the Spanish governor - from his fort and castle in St. Augustine — to a distinguished settler named Fleming. Ever since then, almost this entire tract, with its moss-hung live oaks and cypress, seeming to antedate the grant has belonged to the "Flemings of Florida. Some years ago, one of them was married to George Austin of Hartford, Conn. His brother Frank with his good wife, Connie, in frequent visits, became understandably enamoured of the place.

About five years ago, Frank bought from the family some eight acres fronting on the river where, from the water hyacinths, the bluffs rise quickly some 15 feet to terra firma. They proceeded to clear enough palmetto to give the great trees their deserved perspective and then to design and erect as charming a habitation as one could find in many a long year. Panelled in solid walnut and cypress, the house is equipped, as one would expect from a discerning ex-vice-president of the New York Central lines, to let the owners and their fortunate guests be warm or cool, dry or wet, at pleasure.

The'guest house, too, in a very real sense is "out of this world." Bertie French, who dropped in on Frank and Connie a year or two ago, has already described, I believe, the swimming pool which is fed from a 500-foot flowing artesian well, and is lined with 250 tiles, each signed by its separate giver.

It finally came about that the Worthens, spending the latter half of March at the Ponte Vedra Club, some 40 miles away on the Atlantic coast, drove over to renew an old friendship, and to enjoy, not only what Frank and Connie had created, but also other concoctions which they hospitably dispensed.

Among impressive contents of this residence I knew that one in particular would interest readers of these class notes. It was a beautifully hand-illuminated tribute, of which I insisted on getting a copy, and which will serve as a fitting close to this report. Although such creations and acquisitions as I have tried to describe do, indirectly, reflect the man and the woman who assembled and prize them, this one seemed to throw a shaft of light straight on our good old '09 friend, himself. Here it is:

"To Frank S. Austin — in recognition of his splendid contribution to the New York Railroad Club as an officer, and during the past two years as President. His record of leadership, his keen, constructive interest in its manifold activities, and his faithful attendance at, and participation in, club and committee meetings is outstanding. Our affectionate regard to a New England gentleman - energetic, frank, and courteous."

This was dated December 1, 1946, and signed by Felix Gerard, president, and D. W. Pye, executive secretary.

Harry Blythe Lives Again

The piece about Harry Blythe has brought comment from a number of Dartmouth men.

Sid Rollins '04, eminent bank president in Newport, N. H., writes:

"I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed your reference to Harry Blythe and the accompanying poem. I was a senior at the time he was a freshman, but somehow I saw quite a bit of Harry and liked him a lot. His death took away a most promising career. And I love that poem you quote. I am too dumb to get any satisfaction out of a lot of so-called modern rhyme, but pieces like that hit me just right."

From the widow of Ted Glattfeld '07, Harry's roommate during freshman year, came a note offering to send me a copy of Harry's book of poems. "I am certain," she wrote, "that nothing would please him (Ted) more than to know that this book had fallen into appreciative hands." Thanks, Mrs. G.

This from Bill Smart '07: "Harry was my close friend until his death. We were classmates at Harvard Law school.... I have always made a contribution to the Alumni Fund in his memory. Do you remember his favorite exclamation? 'Odds Bodkins?' Had Harry lived he would have become a famous man, as a poet, or otherwise."

From Pineo Jackson '10: "It is gratifying to me to have had the opportunity of assisting you in reviving the memory of Harry to his college contemporaries. When he was a senior living with Bill Minsch ('07) on the top floor of Sanborn, I was a freshman on the same floor. Harry was very kind to me."

George Warren Grebenstein '07: "That was a wonderful writeup about Harry Blythe. Harry was one grand guy."

George Scales '04, who's in the real estate business in Pontiac, Mich., wrote: "The Blythe poem is a gem. How amazingly true it is, even as of today."

Among older classes is a trend towards reminiscences, harking back to undergraduate days. And why not? It's good to bring to life experiences and traditions that were part of Dartmouth's molding process, through which has been created the Dartmouth spirit. Younger men, too, enjoy hearing about "old times/' for then they can compare their own experiences with those of the past. This is the Dartmouth family. Harry Blythe has captured the care-free feeling of college life in his poem -

The Peace of College

So forceful are the giant elms, the hills That this sharp bell which strikes the passing hours Disturbs not their controlling peace which stills All sense of strife beneath the college towers.

Thus youth hears not the faint and far away Sad cry of life - sadder than God's great sea - Nor knows what bitter conflicts rage today, Where strive the millions of humanity.

A poem titled "Reflections From a Rearview Mirror" was enclosed with Frank's letter, evidently written by Frank who alsomentioned the days of Type Hitchcock: "Idistinctly recall the costume parades led byfife and dram to the final exams; the Mackinaw jackets and the corduroy pants with sandpaper conveniently placed on which to strike matches. Type boasted that no man ever flunked his course."

This being the last class notes until fall, you are left with the suggestion to send your contributions to the Alumni Fund or the Development Fund, if you have not already done so. Although the college seeks as large sums as an individual can afford to give, remember the emphasis this year is on participation, and that your contribution, large or small, is what counts.

Class Notes Editor, 141 Pioneer Trail, Aurora, Ohio

Secretary, Sandwich, Mass.

Class Agent, 21 Walden St., Newtonville 60, Mass.