1916
In his halcyon days when he was courting Leila Henry Anson Bates was wont to believe that the longest way 'round was the shortest way home. But Henry thinks that old saw is now the bunk, and his change of heart came about recently, some days after he and his wife boarded the cruise ship "Santa Maria" at Lisbon on their way home from a four-months' tour of Europe. When the ship was seized, turned pirate - well, if that's a dirty word, substitute hijacked, and then started playing "spin the bottle" in the Caribbean the Bates family wanted home and that by the most direct route. But home was a long way over the horizon and after twelve days of high tension the wayfarers were finally put ashore at Recife, Brazil, from whence Henry sent a cablegram to the Washington Post describing the fantastic events to which they had been eyewitnesses. An excerpt: "Having bad time getting baggage. Probably autos will be taken back to Lisbon, leaving myself and wife stranded with 300 pounds of luggage and no way to get it home. Otherwise healthy but worn out. American colony and consular staff at Recife are jewels. Everyone opened up their homes, where we are quartered until able to leave." A subsequent press report stated that having landed from the hijacked liner Henry and wife were not going to put up with any more foolishness, but were determined to claim their automobile and baggage and go by freighter to Miami, their originally planned port of debarkation. As I write these notes negotiations are under way to sign up Henry as a speaker at our Class Reunion dinner where we would hear of his adventures in lurid detail. This added attraction will be at no extra cost to you, you lucky '16ers who will be in Hanover in June.
The Class extends its sympathy to Johnny Pelletier in the death of his brother Phil '15, well-known to many in the Class.
At the February dinner of the '16 group in New York Parker Hayden, the scheduled speaker, was unable to make it from Boston so those present hashed over questions which Sam Cutler had propounded in connection with plans for our Fabulous FortyFifth. Those present: Cressy, pereet fills, Dingwall, Doenecke, Jones, Lowe, Pelletier, Freddie Smith, Stackpole and Beans Sully. Dick Parkhurst is slated as speaker at the March dinner.
Fletch Andrews was the toastmaster at the Dartmouth Alumni Council and Regional Conference banquet in Cleveland on January 26. Fletch reports it a marvelous affair, with a fine attendance. Due to the lack of '16ers in that area he was the only classmate present. Fletch was recently appointed to the newly created posts of legal counsel, chief master, and referee for the Probate Court of Cuyahoga County. As such he will act as legal adviser to the judges and will hear and decide selected important cases referred by the Court. In announcing the appointment the president judge stated that it would "bring to the court one of the keenest legal and analytical minds of the community." Who would gainsay that statement? Plunging into this newest job at the age of 67 Fletch says simply, "I hope that the men in the white coats will not be after me."
In an adjoining column the picture of Gettysburg's First Citizens. Both gentlemen are, or soon will be, retired presidents. Willard Stewart Paul submitted his resignation as president of Gettysburg College at a meeting of the trustees in December, stating that he wished to give up his job for health reasons. The board has until September of this year to find a successor. Stewart has been president since August, 1956 and during his tenure the college has undergone the biggest expansion program in its history. Few men of our acquaintance have given more o£ themselves to the service of their country than Stewart and his illustrious companion. Each has earned the profound gratitude of his country and each richly deserves the peace and happiness of retirement. I have an idea though that neither will stay very much retired. We have it on very good authority that Stewart will be in Hanover "for Monday evening or Tuesday sure" of Reunion week. His wife must go to Miami for her son's graduation on June 13, but she may be back for the post reunion at Loch Lyme Lodge. The Class earnestly hopes so as it is most anxious to make her acquaintance and assure her of a right royal welcome into the Class.
OUR FABULOUS FORTY-FIFTH: Sam Cutler, Art Conley and their co-workers have come up with a most alluring program more news of which should be in your hands by the time this is. It is an occasion not to be missed, because, if you will pardon the somber note, it may be the last reunion for some of us. So come one, come all!
Heimie Wacker '17 (1) and his wife Rita recently paid a visit to Fat Spears '17 and hiswife Cornelia at their Florida home.
Stew Paul '16, President of Gettysburg College, took part in presenting a sterling silver tray and plaque to Gettysburg's first citizens, former President and Mrs. Dwight Eisenhower. The gifts were given in honor of the Eisenhowers' return to private life.
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