1898

What hath been written shall remain, Nor be erased or written o'er again. The unwritten only still belongs to thee. Take heed and ponder well what that shall be.

Frederic Winthrop Perkins, "the Old Perk," rugged, terse, loyal, and individualistic, must abide those lines of Longfellow. From his shell of reticence come these two gems from Georgetown, Mass.:

"Fortunately you nudged me. Procrastination is one of my major faults. You may not believe me. Have not once carried a watch or time piece since junior year. Have had two wonderful wives, been in every state of the Union but three and to Canada three times for long stays. To me, Essex County, Mass., the best.

"My experience as salesman of sorts and an experience in agriculture have left me memories that if I were to live life over again would ask nothing changed for fear of unbalancing the rest. Have served my Town as School Committeeman, Library Trustee, Town Clerk and several appointed situations. Am a 64-year Mason and at home in any church. Am sure Heaven and Hell is within you with both trickling through. Personally hope the world continues to treat you well. Still go to Bradford lectures and to shows when convenient, Best of luck, F.W.P."

And this one two days later: "Dear Ike. Please scratch out mention of Masonic Lodge and side remarks about Heaven and Hell, etc. Please insert 'served as Episcopal Church Warden for twenty years.' Had an eight-year bout with malaria, three times phenomena, two hernia operations and four cancer. Awarded in name of Congress Selective Service Medal World War II (two). Sorry, but first wrote you while away for a few days and in too much hurry. You deserve two and a half medals at least, 'willing horse pulled the load.' Old Perk."

I wax poetic. Time he ignored; survived the surgeon's knife. Found Heaven and Hell were just a part of life. Serving his town in every field of work. Off go his classmates' hats for our "Old Perk."

Secretary 50 Court St., Brooklyn 1, N. Y.

Class Agent, Meadowbrook Manor, Meadowbrook Lane Framingham, Mass.