1903

'Tis the day after Christmas and a grand day too that was for the "sec" and his family. We hope that it was a happy occasion for you all.

Even as the "sec" was writing the January notes and expressing the wish that he hear from more of the class mentioning among others Billy Stevens, he has since learned that Billy had already hung up his fiddle and bow for the last time, having died Nov. 13, 1961. A grand classmate and Dartmouth man of long lineage. Our united class sympathy goes to his surviving family in their bereavement.

There was a grand gathering at the class Christmas party at the "see's." Gladys Bergengren was the first to arrive and was a great help in getting things going and in helping the hostess. In short order followed Neva and Leigh Kimball, Mazie and FrankPerham, Frank McEldowney, Omar Swenson, Ham Bennett, Elsie and Herb Follett,Ag and Mariam Smith, Eunice and Bill MacLennan, Grace and Harold Hess, Ned Kenerson and Dana Whipple. There was plenty of good cheer and singing led by Omar. Beck Johnson '04, Squid Lampe '04, Tub Besse '05 and Bill Page '06 also dropped in. All reminisced about the college and pals and sent their greetings to absentees. A grand party and hope more will turn up next year.

During the game around the Christmas tree the "sec" learned that Ham Bennett was "purty" good and had had as recent callers, the E. L. Browns, also up to par; Gladys Bergengren will join her son at Daytona Beach; Omar Swenson shows up regularly at his company's office. The Hesses are well and Harold still enjoys his weekly bridge; AG Smith attended the Cornell game and survived the whirlwind finish and victory; grandson Peter seems to be headed for Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. If so there is some possibility of seeing Ag when he does some visiting with Peter. The Perhams are still holding forth at their antique shop in Frederick, Md., and had some interesting tales to tell of their clientele. Leigh Kimball with his usual modesty didn't have much to say but we all enjoyed his and Neva's presence. About the time you will be reading this, Frank McEldowney, our first class secretary, will be embarking on a "freighter" cruise from San Francisco for ports unknown. The MacLennans are enjoying their Carmel, Calif, home, Billy engaged in historical research and Eunice with her painting. Herb Follett still busy at his store. His son and associate probably doing the "hefty" work. There were many other items related but the above were the principal ones which registered with the "Sec."

Harold Ropes sent an unusual picture of the burning of Dartmouth Hall that winter day back in 1904. There was the evidence of an explosion in the scattering of onlookers.

A sad note just came from Jane Howard telling of the death of her husband, Preston (Pip. as he was affectionately known to us) on Dec. 19, 1961 in St. Petersburg, Fla., where the Howards had made their home for several years. Pip had not been in good health for several months and spent the last three weeks of his life hospitalized. A most genial personality has left us. As class secretary he was probably closer to each of us than any member of the class. He was always present at class and college reunions. He will be greatly missed by each of us. On behalf of the class will you please, Jane and your daughter Rhoda, accept the sincere sympathy of the class in your bereavement. Jane is planning to continue her home at 4291 Maple St., N.E., St. Petersburg, Fla., which is but a short distance from that of her daughter.

Those of you who were enjoying the southern warmth may be interested to know that we had a White Christmas. Best wishes to you all and the "sec" also thanks Charley Widmayer and Barbara Hayward for their help and kindnesses during the past year.

Secretary, 1822 Willow Rd., Cedar Village Camp Hill, Penn.

Treasurer, 4A Rivermere Apts., Bronxville 8, N. Y

Bequest Chairman,