1911

These notes are being written on Easter Sunday and it is one of those cool, windy, dreary days that come to Florida just as in every other part of these United States. However we have been fortunate in the weather this past winter, especially in the central part of the state, as we have had reports from home and elsewhere. But it is time to be getting back to good old New England and from here on classmates will be welcome at 1 Webster Terrace in that town where you all went to college.

The next event on the 1911 schedule is the Mountain View party from June 24 to June 29. Little can be gained by reechoing words describing the charms of the place and the occasion, so all you need do is write Schuyler that you will be there.

"City, State, Pause Today For Tribute To Burt R. Cooper." This was the heading in the Rochester paper the day of Burt's funeral. Elsewhere in the paper the editor wrote: "During the near quarter of a century that I have been privileged to share his friendship I have been amazed at the variety of his good works. He gave generously of his time, counsel and substance to every agency that promised social betterment, including the church which was the source of his strength." Carl and Ruth Hoar and Bill and Dorothy Gooding represented the class at the funeral. Carl wrote "I never saw so many people, somewhere around 500 or 600, nor so many flowers. The weather was bad too with a high wind and temperature near zero, but his friends came just the same, showing how highly he was respected."

The New Hampshire State Grange and the local Granges honor Dan and Marion Porter by presenting a program entitled "This is Your Life." The occasion was announced as one in which Dan, a noted story teller, was to give some anecdotes of his experiences in the New Hampshire Legislature. Instead he and Marion were conducted to the stage by Douglas Scammon, former speaker of the N. H. House of Representatives, who read the story of Dan's life which touched upon his days at K.U.A. where he met his wife, at Dartmouth and his valuable service to Lebanon and the State. They were presented with a plant upon which a large sum of money was tied and greetings were brought by representatives from the State and National Granges. About 175 of their friends were present. Dan is serving his third term in the legislature. His first was in 1913, when the Granite-State lawmakers balloted for 43 days on the election of a United States Senator.

Jim Irwin reports that Mort Grover and his wife are still in the infirmary in Asheville and that Mort retains his sense of humor, to wit: "You know, Dutch, the doctor is giving me some pills. He shouldn't do that to a scientist, but they do work, and he told me to take a small glass of 'licker' before going to bed. So now I look forward to going to bed every night."

Aubrey Butler was honored posthumously by the Massachusetts' Horticultural Society at its March meeting. The Thomas Roland Medal was awarded him "for exceptional skill in horticulture, leading in progressive advancement of floriculture and for service to the Society."

He surely looked healthy when he was here, but the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle tells of Ken Knapp's early retirement in May and that he is in Florida on sick leave. Ken went to work for the city in 1907, making preliminary surveys for an intercepting sewer. He returned to the job after finishing Thayer School and was appointed assistant engineer in 1914. He was engaged in a private engineering business from 1920 to 1930 when he again returned to his former job and in 1944 he was promoted to City Engineer where he has been concerned with supply of water and the sewer system. He has played a major role in the current eighteen million dollar sewer project there.

Occasional reminiscent letters come in from Johnnie Coggins like this, apparently thinking of the changes in college glee clubs. "It's a long cry back to Pease and Winship and tank towns. Lowell wasn't bad but you were at Exeter with McQueston, Griswold, Hough and Elwell and you hadn't seen a college glee club with tails. Now we have such sponsors as John T. Stevens Co. and fifty nurses selling tickets. Will see you in June at Hanover and Whitefield."

All these years a clever cartoonist in the class has been concealing himself as a minister. Any of you who received Mert Wilson's drawing, entitled "How to Have a Successful Operation," will know what I mean. With his permission it will appear in the next class newsletter.

Cap Hedges - via dictation to his good wife Coleen says: "I am still in the hospital and progressing very slowly. A good many in the class have sent me words of good cheer and it helps a lot. Coleen comes to the hospital each day and we are glad we are now in town instead of ten miles out. Maybe if I progress enough Sam will come up and drive us to Florida. I hope that will be before summer."

"Sterling Re-Elected by Ad Council," so went the announcement that our Chub, chairman of "This Week" magazine, was reelected chairman of the Advertising Council for another term running until next March. Chub was instrumental in founding this organization and has been active in its management ever since. He and Katherine took time out for a bit of island hopping before hitting the Florida East coast on their way home.

The Walter Morgans have moved to 20 Front St., Walpole, Mass. This scribe apologizes for not having more information about them.

Thanks for a card from Chuck Emerson. He and Emma were taking the southern route back from Long Beach, Calif., where they had been visiting their sons, Bob and Hugh.

Slim and Sibyl Eaton were others to reach Florida for a brief visit but happened to hit a few rainy days. They are planning a New England trip in June and will be at Whitefield from June 24 to the 29.

Julia Dunning arrived with her usual wit and charm and much interested to learn all the class news. Her son Stephen has just received his doctorate and is now trying to decide which of several offers to accept.

After spending the winter with his daughter in California, Troy Parker is back in the Black Hills. His son, Watson, is now the active manager of the Ranch but he still gets a lot of help from the Old Man. Janet made a hospital visit during the winter from which she made a fine recovery. Troy said "Sixty-One comes on a pace and we are planning on it."

Out of 1911 news, so a bit for 1910. We had very pleasant calls on Jim Porter and Mike Elliot at their summer places on Captiva Island. Both are retired and have discovered a wonderful spot to spend their winters. If any of you ever get to the area near Fort Myers when in Florida, do not fail to take that ferry across to Sanibel and Captiva which still look much as nature intended them to.

Dr. Harold E. Belcher '12, retiring treasurer of the Congregational Church's American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, was honored recently at a testimonial dinner in Boston in appreciation of his 45-year service to the American Board. He will continue as treasurer of several Board affiliates.

Secretary, 1 Webster Terrace, Hanover, N. H.

Class Agent, 92 State St., Boston, Mass.