1907

Leon Sprague's wife died on December 18, after several years of serious illness. Leon and his wife, Harriett, were regular members of a group of Dartmouth friends who spent the winter months in Anna Maria, Fla. In early 1957, she became ill in Florida and Leon took her to their home in Newington, Conn. Her illness continued and she was taken to a hospital a short time before she died. It has been a very difficult period for Leon. He has two children, Mrs. Harriet J. Tucker and Harold C., who attended Dartmouth. '07 extends sincere sympathy to Leon.

Ted Redington is the very proud grandfather of two grandsons. Both are students at Dartmouth, Robert '61 and Dick '64. Ted sends "best regards to all the fellows."

"Tim" Richards has a new home address. He resides now at Chepachet, R. I., and his mail address is Box 217.

Most all '07 men have been receiving the '09 Class Letter produced by Jack Childs, its editor, and entitled "Dartmouth Diddings." You will have read with interest his frequent notes about '0O7 men and men of other classes before and after '09. College authorities have asked whether '07 plans to have its own letter or prefers to continue to receive the '09 letter. Your secretary has received reports expressing interest in and appreciation of the '09 letter and also a small number of reports that are not favorable. An expression from all who are receiving the '09 letter will be welcomed. Please send your comment to H. R. Lane, 8 West Hill Place, Boston, Mass.

Mention has been made in earlier editions of this MAGAZINE that Ed Barker and his wife have not been in good health during the current year. A recent letter from Ed reports that he had a serious operation last April, and his wife, Agnes, has had to contend with arthritis. But, it is encouraging to know that they were able to visit northern New Hampshire and Hanover during the autumn, and to visit their children in Michigan. Ed's mind is active, however. For example, he poses this question: "With all the expansion at Hanover, I wonder if the water supply is adequate for the future." A good question. Perhaps Harry Storrs can answer it.

Classmate Annah Hazen, sister of Dick Hazen, who died on August 13, 1911, reports that a picture of Richard Hazen '32, is shown on the "Public Works" Magazine's outside cover. This Richard Hazen was born just one week before Dick Hazen died, and was named for our Dick Hazen.

"Bishop" Niles is a busy fellow in spite of his age and his so-called retirement. He has really turned over his insurance business to his son but it's a good bet that he is wellinformed.

But in another sense, he has retired. He has certainly given up money-making activities, and is giving advice and assistance to good causes. He is currently active in a very interesting and worthy cause. He is President of a non-profit organization named the Commonwealth Housing Foundation, which is dedicated to housing for senior citizens. In this work he is aided by Mr. Frank Norris who is director of the State's (Mass.) division of housing for the elderly and consultant for the project.

This project has a purpose that predates the Civil War. In iB6O, the Home for Aged Colored Women was established in Boston by a small number of dedicated persons concerned over the status of indigent negro women. Its early homes were on Beacon Hill. In 1944, the few remaining clients were transferred to rest homes and the Home for Aged Colored Women Fund continued to pay for their maintenance.

As the number of needy clients declined the funds swelled by judicious investments. This situation, an active member of the Board concluded, called for a survey and the survey indicated that most elderly persons preferred private housing and their own small apartments.

Before the death of this active Board member, Mrs. Ada Hinton, she was a party to the transfer of some $250,000 from the Home for Aged Colored Women Fund to the Commonwealth Housing Foundation, presumably because the objectives of the two organizations were compatible, the Commonwealth Housing Foundation having been formed with the sole intent of creating suitable reasonable housing for elderly persons.

This interest is one of a number which occupy "Bishop's" post-retirement years such as his church, his grandchildren, his College and his home in Wellesley, Mass.

Secretary, : 8 West Hill Place Boston 14, Mass.

TreasurerL 25 Broad St., New York 4, N. Y.