1894

In their wildest flights of imagination men of '94 have never dreamed that the Class would be likened to the Supreme Court of the United States! Well, it will be remembered that this Court was once referred to by people who didn't like its decision as "The Nine Old Men." That is exactly the number of our Class who are living. But if anyone hurls this epithet at us we will be inclined to hurl back this from Ralph Waldo Emerson

As the bird trims her to the gale, I trim myself to the storm of time, I man the rudder, reef the sail, Obey the voice at eve obeyed at prime: "Lowly faithful, banish fear, Right onward drive unharmed; The port, well worth the cruise, is near, And every wave is charmed."

This writer keeps thinking of interesting incidents in the life of Bar Cassin. For exmple, is it generally known that for a number of years he manufactured the gouges that the seniors used in putting their initials on their class canes? Bar found it very interesting work and one is sure that he did it to the queen's taste. Incidentally, he was nick named "King" as well as "Bar." Can anyone tell us why?

Health note: An attempt by the secretary and his wife to call on Woodie Parker several days ago found him out on some trip, with a "bank man." It was good to meet his. sister who is his "caretaker." His son has written about him - "My father is in good health and seems much more happy and contented than he did last winter."

Next month this column will be written by Phil Marden, our veteran '94 raconteur. Reason: the secretary and his "chauffeur" expect to be in Florida at that time. In June an account will be given of "Our Roving Round-up" because we expect to knock on the doors of a half dozen or more of the '94 Family, especially including Eddie Grover at Winter Park.

On Monday, February 29, the secretary and his wife drove over to Clinton, Mass., and represented the Class Family at the funeral of Abbie Downer Mudgett, whose husband (Fred L.) was the third member of our Class to leave us, his death taking place in 1918, Her death had occurred the preceding Saturday after two months of hospitalization. Mrs. Mudgett's loyalty to and interest in the Class are illustrated by her attendance at our Sixty-fifth Reunion last June and by her attendance at our Round-Up in October. It was related by her family that during her last illness, when she was in an oxygen tent, she was discovered reading the '94 column in this MAGAZINE! Her relationship to the Class Family not only gave her satisfaction but was a source of great enjoyment to us during all these years since her husband died. With great courage and resourcefulness she brought her three children to maturity. They survive her: Mrs. Ruth Margaret Allen, living in Texas; Vernon Downer Mudgett, who has made a name for himself as a breeder of Guernsey cows and as an apple grower on his father's farm just outside of Clinton; and Hope Mary Pratt, who lives in Quechee, Vt., her husband having a jewelry store in White River Junction. There are five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Secretary, 74 Kirkland St., Cambridge 38, Mass.

Class Agent, 18 Center St., Nutley, N.J.