1915
It's a small world! At a fiftieth high school class reunion this past June, I learned that a charming lady classmate of mine had also attended high school with Jack Ferguson,Ray King, Ralph Clark, Paul Rothery, PaulVining and Leo Burt in Springfield, Mass. just prior to our entering Dartmouth. Jack says he remembers dancing the "Barn Dance" with her!
We all regret the passing of "Pop" Byers An interesting sidelight on his acumen as an editor is recalled by Herrick Brown '21 who was associated with him on the World-Telegram and Sun. When two ferries collided off the Battery one day, "Pop" turned to a young man near him and snapped: "Get down there — fast!" "But Mr. Byers!" the lad protested, "I just came in to see you about a job."
Commenting on his birthday, Opie Horton says he celebrated the 30th anniversary of his 39th birthday back in June. Says he'll "stick around" for our 45th and take SpeedGranger's advice to quit worrying and Fletcherize every mouthful.
From Deer Isle, Maine comes word that Peg and Stu Hill, Ralph and Esther Brown and Duze and Helen Lounsberry got together frequently during the summer. Ralph was reported quite busy as one of the town Selectmen of Brooklin and as president of the Center Harbor Yacht Club.
During July, Dale Barker was busy commuting between Arlington and Merrimac, N. H., where they were developing a town water supply. On test day, Bess accompanied him and the well came in as a gusher at 2000 GPM - which is a lot of water. After the test, they drove on to Hanover, spent an hour with Charlie and Susan Griffith, and then called on the Jack Bowlers. Jack was in Boston sitting for a portrait which had been commissioned by the hospital trustees. It is learned that, while in Boston, Jack spent his nights with Patsy in Cohasset and worked his board out carpentering. They were sorry to miss Jack, but had a pleasant visit with Madelaine and Dale says she makes an excellent gin tonic. I'm sure we all wish Jack well in his candidacy for Republican nomination as Representative from Hanover.
Congratulations to Kent Smith, engineer and industrialist, on the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws conferred on him in June by Western Reserve University.
George Ehinger, superintendent of the Elizabeth W. Murphy School at Dover, Del., was unanimously endorsed in June, by the and Representative District Republican COmmittee for the nomination for election as state representative from that district.
"If dancing is just hugging set to music, who cares for music?"
As this is written, a card comes in from George Ingalls wishing me happy returns (he and I are two of three '15 twins) and telling of delightful visits with the Stu Hills and Duze Lounsberrys at Deer Isle, the DaveHitchcocks and Chan Greens '16 at New London, N. H., and the Marv Fredericks at Galway, N. Y., as well as a short call on the Charlie Griffiths in Norwich. Says Hanover looked great and he was glad to take in part of the Convocation. In the same mail, Marv says I should send myself a card, but I'm content as is! Marv reports that the Mitsuis are planning a trip to U.S.A. in 1961 - which we all hope means they'll be with us at the 45th in Hanover.
Jack Burbank was caught on a July day down on Cape Cod buying a boat - our roving reporter didn't say what vintage. Jack and Bob Frothingham are golfing companions while their wives play bridge.
Here's a quote for Ralph Sawyer — "Just think," sadly observed the missile scientist, "here I spent eight long years at M.I.T. and all I do is stand here and count backwards from ten!"
After 42 years in the active ministry, DickMerrill is completely sold on the freedom that comes with retirement. Now living close to his eldest daughter in Cincinnati, he plans to teach at the summer school of The Pacific School of Religion at Berkeley next June and July, in spite of a full nine months on crutches following major hip surgery. He's definitely on his way back, however, and recently drove 75 miles and forgot to take his crutches with him - remarking: "Sign of senility? —or of really getting better?" Best o' luck, Dick! How about time out from that summer school job for our 45th in Hanover next June?
A cordial invitation comes from King and Mrs. Cook in Evanston to drop in the next time we're out that way. Give us a rain check, King — you never know!
The Paul Gibsons from Richmond spent an August vacation with friends who have a cottage at Third Lake, Old. Forge, N. Y. Says they probably won't be North again until the Hanover Reunion next June.
Fred Child tells of visiting the Leo Folans down at Casey Key this summer and of considerable Dartmouth luncheon activity around Sarasota. Says he recently had luncheon with Zeke Carpenter, Carl Gish and Charlie Griffith in Norwich. Zeke was up for a day from Cape Cod where he was summering and Carl was visiting his son Mike and daughter "Bee" in Hanover. Mike has been working with Paul Sample on a mural for the new National Life Insurance building in Montpelier, and "Bee" has been studying Russian in Hanover. Fred says the filing of Jack Bowler and Fletch Low for the Legislature is as good as being elected—up in that country!
Norvie says all's well with the Milmores and they expect to be among those to "stand up and be counted" at the 45th.
Speaking of birthdays, Chuck Ingram says they seem to be coming a little faster than ever, but he hasn't yet found out what to do about it. He, too, plans on being in Hanover next June.
The Bob Griffins became grandparents again - their daughter in Maine gave birth to an 8 lb. girl in September, to join her two-year-old son.
Lucy Grey Llewellyn writes that the welcome mat will always be out to Stan's friends, so many of whom have visited them in the past. She hopes "this tradition will not end."
A surprising number of '15ers foregathered down on Cape Cod over the weekend of September 16. The Dale Barkers played host to a number of couples at their several cottages, and nearby motels took care of the overflow. The Hal Claflins staged a delightful cocktail party at their charming home in Brewster Saturday afternoon and the Bob Frothinghams put on a mid-Sunday treat at their unique place in Osterville. In between times, spontaneously assembled motorcades brought to view the many unusual and interesting spots that have made that part of the Cape famous. That section has certainly become a Mecca for Dartmouth retirees and others who have taken up abode there, and I am told that the Dartmouth population there has risen to 117 — give or take a few. All told, 26 fortunate '15ers foregathered at the various functions, including wives, and here's the roster: the Jack Burbanks, the Warren Montsies, the Hal Claflins, the Doc O'Haras, the Doc Noyes, the Roy Laffertys, the Bob Frothinghams, the Duze Lounsberrys, the George Simpsons, the Dale Barkers, the Phil Murdocks, the String Downings and the Russ Rices. The Folgers '21 (he is currently teaching at Dartmouth) were also present. While Hurricane Donna had left its mark on the foliage, ideal weather added to the enjoyment of everything - even to those hardy souls who took a morning dip in the Bass River which laps the Barker estate. Wait'll you see the candid camera shots!
A note from Howie Stearns in Wellesley says: "I retired four years ago, so am not aiding budding physicists to become blooming physicists! Ouch! I still enjoy retirement."
And now — "A Happy Turkey Day to all!"
Changes of address: Peter H. Cannon, P.O. Box 218, New York 33, N. Y.: Lee Graham, Star Route, Woodstock, Vt.; Warren E. Montsie, P.O. Box 156, East Brewster, Mass.
Sumner F. Dennett '15 has retired as head of Columbus Academy, after 16 years as head-master. At a special dinner in his honor, Dennett (c) was given a memento of the occasionby Harry T. Minister, president of the academy's board of trustees. Looking on is Mrs.Richard Meiling, who represented the Mothers Association of the school.
Secretary, 245 Avenue C New York 9, N. Y.
Treasurer, 60 Stevens Rd, Needham 92, Mass.
