1908

A few statistics for the gerontologists. Although the average age of our class is 731/2 years, out of the 262, including non-graduates, listed by the alumni office, 122 or over 46% are still alive. This emphasizes one of the most serious problems of our times, the senior citizens. 1908 always was a rugged class.

I believe Art Rotch originated in jest the "grandfather derby" several years ago, the winner of which was adjudged in our Golden Reunion class book to be Larry Treadway with eighteen grandchildren. Now it is time to start the "great-grandfather derby," the first entrant being Henry L. Stone of Haverhill with two great-grandchildren; Jane, aged seventeen months, and Susan, aged 33 months, the daughters of Henry's granddaughter, Donna Stone Kimball. If there are any other entrants at this time let's hear from them.

The D. D. Chase Lumber Company of Haverhill, Mass., of which our Henry Stone is president, opened a new home improvement center on March 31. Once a lumber shed, the building has been made into an area where customers can sit down and try out their home improvement ideas in comfort. The walls display varieties of grained hardwood panels. Kitchen cabinets and fixtures are all on rollers and can be shifted around to try the effects of various arrangements. The D. D. Chase Co. has been in business at this location for over 100 years.

Royal "Nick" Carter from the Philippines reports that he is recovering from hardships suffered during the Japanese invasion which resulted in a severe case of amoebic dysentery, kidney and other troubles. X-rays show that he has four kidneys, three of which are still operating and he expects to live a few more years. Nick writes that he has a few more grandchildren, a few more hectares of land, more coconuts, and more rice on his plantations. His worst affliction is economic controls. It is a criminal offense to have American dollars and he cannot send money orders to the U. S. or purchase U. S. goods.

Rosie Hinman, a leader of the nation's paper and forest industries, is not contented with directing the development of the International Paper Company into the largest private forestry organization in the world and setting a pattern for the industry in diversification of products, markets, and manufacturing locations, but is branching into a new venture. In February he was elected as a director of the Maine Central Railroad Company. Let us hope he can be as successful in building up that railroad as he has the paper company.

Larry Symmes in his class letter of March 9 has given details of Ben Knox's generous and thoughtful gift to the college through the 1908 Class Alumni Fund. Though with us no longer he is still loyal to the class and the college.

Jane Schilling, widow of our Fred, is doubly bereaved by the death of Fred's brother, Albert Schilling '02, three months after Fred's death.

Scott Mann writes from Wells River that he refuses to retire and continues to keep active and enjoy life as cashier and a director of the National Bank of Newbury.

Bert Thwing, our Canadian citizen, writes that the Canadian winter has been mild, that he is just fine but a home body and not planning Ms usual trip to California to visit his daughter's family.

As of March 9, the Hanover Inn reports reservations for the Memorial Day weekend from Joe and Katherine Blakely, Harry Rogers, Stan and Ruth Tappan, Art and Juliet Soule, and Edward Bartlett reports he and Eleanor expect to be there. Your scribe would not miss these informal reunions which are in many ways more pleasant than the larger formal reunions. No formal program has been announced except for the class dinner planned for Saturday night, May 28. Better get your reservations in before the ten reserved are all taken.

With these items your scribe has completed his duties as deputy class news agent and future notes should be sent directly to George Squier.

Notes Editor, 16 Clovelly Rd. Wellesley Hills 81, Mass.

Secretary, 115 Broadway, New York 6, N. Y

Glass Agent, North St. (R.D.), Medfield, Mass.