1917
Rain, and more rain! Those few words pretty well describe the conditions prevailing during the weekend of our fall outing. But in spite of the adverse weather conditions, everyone present had a thoroughly good time. The program, if one can call it that, was about as usual with Friday evening devoted to an informal get-together at the White Cupboard Inn; the Penn game on Saturday afternoon; our Class dinner Saturday evening and a meeting of the Executive Committee following dinner. Guests at the White Cupboard and New England Inns included Slatz and Helen Baxter, Bill and Helen Birtwell, Sumner and Charlotte Emerson, Mose and Pauline Hutchins, Norm and Mary McCulloch, Larry and Lucile Nourse, Don and Marion O'Leary, Len and Laurene Reade, Jack Saladine, Ralph and Ethel Sanborn, Bill and Sally Sewall, Len and Sally Shea, Vic and Irene Smith, Skinny and Dot Sturtevant, Barney and Adele Thielscher, Tommy (Errol) and Dot Thompson and Gene and Lucile Towler. In addition, Bill Eaton, Bob and Gail Boynton, the writer and Helen and our house guest, Ruth Sisson, were with the group practically the entire time. At dinner Saturday evening we were joined by Duke and Dot Howe and the Ralph Carpenters with their guests, Mr. and Mrs. Purdy. While, because of the downpour during the game, it was difficult to spot other 17'ers present, it is known that Larry and Florine Lockwood, the Karl Stillmans, Heinie Wright and the Butch Shermans were on hand. All in all, and in spite of the weather, it was a grand weekend!
The writer's sincere apology has been extended to Sherm and Helen Smith for a "boner" pulled in announcing their recent marriage. In my notes in the October MAGAZINE, I stated that Sherm had married Helen Green. Those were her names all right, but her full name was Helen Green Skelley, and that is the way my announcement should have read.
Several who would have liked nothing better than to have taken part in the fall weekend were unavoidably prevented from so doing. Gil and Marie Swett who had planned to spend the summer at Boothbay Harbor, were two of these. Early in the summer, before leaving Sarasota for the North Country, Marie fell and broke a thigh bone. Surgery was required, followed by a long period of convalescence, first in a hospital and later in a nursing home. Undaunted by this mishap, Gil sent a fine wire to the weekenders at Woodstock saying, "Will be with you next year even if we must trundle up the highways in wheel chairs." We hope that such extreme measures will not be necessary, but certainly look forward to seeing them come another fall.
Ralph Cocks actually had a reservation at the White Cupboard, but had to cancel it at the last minute as it became necessary for him to undergo surgery to correct an abdominal ailment. A very recent report from Jack Saladine said that Ralph has had two operations, but now is coming along nicely. We certainly hope so!
Herbert Searles recently retired for a second time. Five years ago he retired from U.S.C., and again this past July from San Diego State College, after 44 years of teaching in all. Bert recently advised Vic Smith that he is now enjoying a few months sampling the life of indolence before deciding what to do next. His wife, Anna, and he are respectively, Director and Associate Director of the Institute of Character Education and Research at U.S.C., and Bert expects to devote a good deal of time to writing and research in that field.
While Walt Walters was in Hanover during the latter part of October for meetings of the Medical School's Policy Committee, the Boyntons and Brookses had an opportunity to spend a most interesting evening with him. He and Phoebe have traveled so extensively that it is a real treat to hear him reminisce.
Leon Cone must be a member of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce judging from the way he wrote about his summer spent in Florida. Said Leon, "It was hot and dry in this area although the southeast breeze was delightful. If too hot I could always go inside where the house is air conditioned. All in all, Florida is just right. No extreme cold, no snow, not too hot if you stay in the shade, good fishing, golf the year round, excellent beaches, swimming pools, etc." How's that for salesmanship?
"Big news with us, at the moment," said Ted Lonnquest in a recent letter, "is the return of our daughter Elaine and family last week from a three years' stay in Jordan where her Foreign Service husband was posted. Best of all, it appears that they are likely to have a Washington assignment for the next couple of years. Son Ted, a naval officer, is currently on duty here, so we are contemplating the pleasant miracle of having both our children and their respective families close aboard for at least several months."
After two years of teaching in the East, Sam and Lou White decided that the West Coast looked awfully good to them so they packed up and returned to their Pacific Northwest home at 1000 Evergreen Drive, Belleview Drive, Bellevue, Wash. And speaking of Lou, she had the misfortune to break her leg and was on crutches for some months. Sam reported that there were no complications so it can be hoped that by the time these notes are read she will be able to ambulate under her own power.
Just before sailing for Scotland to attend a wedding, Curly Carr spent a pleasant evening enjoying dinner in New York with Gene and Lucile Towler and Tom Towler '49. After getting to Scotland and following the wedding there, Curly planned to motor from Southern Scotland down through Western England, stopping off in London, and then going on to France for a brief stay in Paris.
Word has been received, but not officially, that on September 20, Forry Emery married Lee Hayward, widow of Larry H. Hayward '16. Best wishes for the years to come go to the newlyweds from all 17'ers.
The Holy Cross game at Hanover on October 20 attracted several 17'ers. While the writer did not see them all, it is known that the following were at the game: WaltWalters, Spique and Ruby Maclntyre, Aland Maud Edgerton, the Karl Stillmans,Tommy (Errol) and Dot Thompson, Dukeand Dot Howe and their son Bob, HeinieWright, and Bob and Gail Boynton.
The time for extending the season's greetings will be here before we know it, so once again the Brookses join in sending each and every one of you and yours their best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Secretary, R.F.D. 1, Box 27 Woodstock, Vt.
Treasurer, 315 Oxford Rd., Havertown, Pa.
