1935
In case you didn't get to the Twenty-fifth or see the Reunion issue of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE you should know that an old retread, laid off for 22 years, has been thrust into the breach as Class Secretary. Last time I really thought about you fellows was while trying to get you to put postage on letters to England back in 1937. Some of you did, too; particularly Rudy Pacht, whose letters were wonderful.
In those days I could do what I liked as Secretary. You didn't know any better. Now I have to hew to the mark set by a couple of professionals: McCarty and Bankart. On the other hand" a little breather after the Twenty-fifth may do us all good.
The Industrial Research Institute, Inc. has elected Bob Chollar as its new president. The IRI is composed of the nation's leading industrial executives representing 172 major manufacturing companies and is dedicated to improving the techniques of research organization and management. Bob represents the National Cash Register Company, for whom he is vice president in charge of research and development. According to IRI, Bob has pioneered research in microporous synthetic rubber structures and has contributed inventions and publications in the fields of chemistry, electronics, water conservation and research administration.
Have you read the '35 Reunion Book? To catch up with the Class and to sort out the kaleidoscope of impressions created by the reunion itself I have been reading the biographical sketches with a good deal of care and intense interest,, occasionally fortifying my recollection by going back to the Aegis. Some of the articles are positively fascinating in revealing the life of various classmates who have escaped, so far as I know, the dragnet of these monthly notes. They also reveal some interesting tidbits of information which otherwise might languish unknown.
For example, how could you have known that Dave Smith has not been in a barber shop for twenty years? By looking at him? Of course not. Or would you have believed that 25 years could so change things that Bill Lingley, D.O.C. man extraordinary, still enjoys camping but now wishes "tents and dirty sleeping bags could be dispensed with"? Would you have known not to pick a fight with Derek Lee in a dark alley — or anywhere else for that matter? (He attained "3rd Dan" studying Judo, has instructed police organizations in the art and found it most consoling as a hobby "during 6½ years of war on the bridge of a destroyer in the Royal Navy, behind the lines in Burma, Indo-China, Malay and other remote places.")
I tell you this Reunion book is terrific. For sheer succinctness can you beat DanKerwin's "vita" in three sentences: "Have worked in New York, Chicago, Louisville and St. Louis. Spent three and a half years in the Army Air Force during World War II. Made it to Hanover for sth and 15th reunions." No wasted words in this. Some unknown preceptor in Sanborn Hall should feel he is attaining his reward this side of heaven.
How do you like the slightly macabre overtones of Don Koehler's observation that he is getting "6 months older every year"? Read "Dorian Grey" recently? Hm-m-m-h?
Do you realize that among the members of the class we have an infracinophile? An old infracinophile, no less. This word may become as popular as serendipity if we're not careful and we'll have to pay Ed Keane royalties. Did you make this word up, Ed? Pick it up? Or were you formally introduced? My Webster hasn't got it and I will leave to you a suitable analysis of the combining forms of "cino," alias "kino."
This sort of thing could go on indefinitely - and probably will if I don't get an information service running pretty soon. But who could resist congratulating Harry Deckert? The golf handicap of four would be enough. Add to that a wife in a red and white candystriped dress, three daughters, and the distinction of being the only candle-maker in the class, and what have you got? Read Deckert and find out. It's a well-written piece.
Win Mayo is another character who excites envy and admiration. Imagine being married to a Rockette! This would make a summer tour with Martha Raye and Imogene Coca almost bearable, life in Kew Gardens a breeze.
Or Charlie Tobey - who works for Esther Williams (or vice versa) - and whose fatherly restraint in pinning her corsage is admirable. Some people at NBC I know should have the same chance!
Compare this halcyon existence with JackEgan's plaint re life at the old (Milwaukee) Stamping Grounds: "I lead a dull and colorless life." Simply don't believe it, Jack.
A tough life I can understand.
Take, for example, the problems of a boxmaker (my own, not to mention those of my colleagues and competitors, Bob Carr or Dick Sleep) confronted daily by purchasing agents who act like Russ Field looks. "Get your revised price in here fast, Bud!"
Compare this fearsome visage with the relaxed, pipe-smoking, beard-sporting, smell-of-the-open-spaces look of Sel Hannah, who has "built up a reasonably modern farm on unreasonable New Hampshire soil."
"Robert Frost once had a farm here, too," Sel notes, "but he moved on."
There are still large gaps in a complete picture of our class, however. If you find yourself among the gappers will you send me a sketch of your own? No longer costs 5¢; a nickel will do; address at the Masthead.
Meanwhile, ODDS BODKINS - MarshallFrost has joined the Seaboard Surety Company, 100 William St., N. Y. 38, N. Y.; Charlie Ganzel has moved to Bethlehem, Pa. (216 Buckingham Drive), apparently so the head office of Beth Steel can keep a better eye on him; Harold Silverman from Allentown to Phila. (1256 Fanshawe St.); Line Washburn to Springfield, Mass. (c/o J. F. Egan, 31 Elm St.) from Christchurch, New Zealand.
Guil Richmond was taken ill last August and has been in hospital. Friends who want to write should direct letters to Mrs. Richmond at 41 Maynard Rd., Northampton, Mass.
A '36er who has more than a passing interest in the November elections is Phil Gilbert, Democratic candidate for Congress from the 26th District New York, in Westchester. As in 1958, his Republican opponent is Eddie Dooley '26. Phil reports that although the 26th District has been predominantly Republican for many years, the margin between the parties has been steadily diminishing and that this year he feels he is "within shooting distance of victory." Phil is a senior partner in the New York law firm of Gilbert and Segall and for some years has been in the thick of community, legal and political affairs. As sidelines he is president of Rolls-Royce, Inc., 30 Rockefeller Plaza, and also of Magnesium Elektron, Inc., 630 Fifth Avenue, New York.
Secretary, New Haven Board and Carton Co. New Haven 8, Conn.
Treasurer, 305 Grosse Pointe Blvd. Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich.
