1931

For the purpose of emphasis I'll start out with a short statement about the Alumni Fund Drive by saying that so far as the Class of 1931 is concerned, to date our efforts are far from anything that look like a "Drive." You have all no doubt received Bill Wendell's April 12 letter which very clearly states the Fund picture and outlines the part our Class should be playing. From April 12 to date (May 1) it would seem that not very many of us read it carefully because right from the very first interim statement pertaining to Group III Classes 1926-1932, dear old 1931 has held steadily onto the last position with only 12% of our objective, as contrasted to 42% for 1929 in first position and 25% for 1930, which is in fourth or median position.

You will not get this column until the first part of June, so to scold you now is simply talking to myself until you do read it. There will, however, be plenty of time left before the Drive is concluded at the end of June to make up for lost time by getting in your contribution or by reconsidering your original amount and adding to it if you possibly can.

As stated in the last column with reference to our past performances, we do pretty well by the "participation index" insofar as the number of contributors is concerned, but we just don't contribute large enough individual amounts to arrive at a respectable "percent of objective." Such is our case again this year! Five-dollar and ten-dollar amounts are appreciated if that is sincerely the best you can do, but there are so many of them that I personally just can't believe that so many of us have made so little financial progress in 31 years. We need very badly more $50 and $100 amounts which are more nearly the level I am sure most of us are at after 31 years in business.

Perhaps too many of us think that fivedollar and ten-dollar amounts are the average and that making such a contribution is perfectly in order. If this is the case then our class agents have done a very poor job and are thus causing our poor showing. We need ten times the five dollars and ten dollars to be where we belong amongst our Group III 1926-1932 Classes.

After you have grumbled at me for writing the above statements and under your breath have said "who the devil does he think he is" please just calm down, seriously reflect upon how much good you got out of your Dartmouth training and how vital the Fund money is to the life of the College and then send in as large an amount as you can see your way clear to do or increase your original amount if at all possible. Amen.

Way back in February Jack Warwick sent a nice letter, mostly about Chuck Adkins as follows:

My host and I were milling about when in walked the President of Briarcliff College - none other than our own Chuck Adkins. He was eagerly beseiged with admiring embraces from Briarcliff girls and prompted the remark from my host, "Wouldn't it be wonderful, Jack, to be president of a girls' college?" Whereupon Chuck turned to us and said "I see you fellas drooling so I had better tell you of a recent experience to make sure that your observations are not subject to misunderstanding." Then he proceeded to tell us this tale. I think it's a wonderful story even if it did not happen.

It seems that Chuck was visiting one of the girls' buildings and met a young lady in the hall who engaged him in conversation. She was dressed somewhat deshabille with a towel around her head and some kind of a loose-fitting robe. In the middle of the conversation, she jumped behind Chuck and said, "Do you mind if I hide behind you? I believe there are a couple of men down the hall?"

I hasten to add that Chuck and his charming bride certainly look the part of a beloved and respected college president and wife.

Jack also relates about having met up with Doug Morris, Dick Holbrook and Charlie McAllister. His letter was dated February 2 and then out of a clear sky last week we received a notice stating "The Board of Directors Announces the Election of Jack Randolph Warwick, President, the Carpet Wool Council Inc., 750 Third Avenue, New York 17, N. Y." Looks like Jack took my "seek new frontiers" column of several months ago and went out and got himself a nice new frontier. Congratulations and the best of everything, Jack. How does it feel to be out of the advertising business?

A small group of '31ers had a very pleasant afternoon and evening on Saturday, April 14 at the Spring Tea Dance at the Wellesley Country Club. As Johnny Boermeester said "if we didn't accomplish anything else we at least got Wolff out on the dance floor" (and that for your information, my friends, is quite a neat trick, editor's note). After the dance, Marion and Johnny were gracious hosts to Janet and Pete Peterson, Rose and Hank McCarthy, Angie andErnie Moore, Eileen and Dave Kelley, Shepand Harriet Wolff.

Bill Steck sent a clipping that states that Spence Cram is secretary-treasurer of Bingham Inc., 1278 W. Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio. The firm "sticks strictly to the distribution of industrial products plus railroad and mine supplies and builders' hardware." The picture of Spence shows him to be very trim and very capable of a great big pleasant smile. Ernie Earley 'lB, who keeps me posted on some of our New York classmates, sent a nice, but brief note about his talks from time to time with Bob Frederick. Seems like Bob is doing well, that his wife Mary just got her master's degree in Speech and that son Sam may be going to prep school soon.

On Friday, April 13 at 2:30 p.m. CharlesO'Neill gave an address "The Andrews' Raid" so states the University of Chattanooga which "invites its friends to attend programs to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of The Andrews' Raid on April 13 and 14, 1962." The program's outline of the speaker's background brings us up to date regarding Chuck's doings and is therefore reported here as follows:

Charles O'Neill is a professional writer, who for a number of years has made the Andrews' Raid and its participants a major interest. In 1956 he published "The Wild Train," which historians, reviewers, and readers received with praise. It is generally accepted as the best modern account of this exciting adventure.

Ernie Moore sent an item from the Springfield Daily News (Mass.) dated February 28 which relates that "William H. Smith 2d, of Longmeadow, president of the Holyoke Savings Bank, was elected to the board of trustees of the Western Massachusetts Companies during the annual meeting in Boston today, and three vice-presidents were elected by directors of the Western Massachusetts Electric Company - principal operating subsidiary of the Western Massachusetts Companies. Mr. Smith also was elected a director of the Western Massachusetts Electric Company.

Another news clipping from the Phoenix Gazette shows Bob Hale with other officers of the Arizona Cotton Growers Association. The article announces that Bob is now president.

Getting news from the West and Southwest is always greatly appreciated, therefore, many thanks to Marty Zinn from 9814 Kilarney, Dallas 18, Texas, for a nice long typewritten letter. Marty and I got to be good friends during our four years at Hanover because there aren't many names beginning with X and Y which come between W and Z. Our seats in many classes were next to each other so he appropriately salutes me as Dear "Seat Mate" and then states, "I'm sure that after this salutation you will quite promptly turn to the signature to find out just "who would make such a reference - and for this I don't blame you." I did exactly that, Marty! I knew you were in Dallas, but the motel stationery from Amarillo tricked me so I did turn the page immediately to see the signature. Marty reads your newsletters way down there, Beany, and your recent one about my being in the hospital was "the main impulse that prompts this letter." Thanks for your comments, Marty. He says that "very few classmates have made their domiciles in these parts. I do get to visit about twice a year with the G. Bedell Moores in San Antonio -the rarity of same being my own fault. There is a permanent welcome sign out in Dallas for those who may by some chance "happen" into town for short or long periods." However, since he travels a lot he says, "weekends are the best time to find me home."

On Friday 13 we were shocked here in New England to learn of the death of Dr. Paul J. Crehan. He was respected in his profession as Dr. Paul and respected every bit as highly by those of us in the Class who knew him as just a darn regular guy by the name of Chucker.

Of the letters received regarding him, the following one is submitted because it rings so true

CHUCKER '31 (a swell roomie)

It's hard to believe Paul Crehan has gone. He was such a jovial friend and so kind to everyone. I'll never forget the Saturday night song fests we used to have in Sanborn Hall with Chucker Mitch Millering his band (?).

Chucker led this band (?) with the only legitimate musical instrument, a ukelele. His fellow musicians (?) were Elly Armstrong (God rest his soul too) who would break a chair and select the two best rungs for drumsticks and with an inverted waste basket make like Gene Krupa, and the less talented artists Bart McDonough '30, Bob Walsh '29, Eddie Jeremiah '30, Eddie Picken and Ed Stokes would cover their best combs with the best Scott's tissue and provide background music (?).

These simple, wholesome, entertaining Saturday night song fests were most memorable because Chucker's lovable personality shone through it all. Here's hoping that Chucker and Elly Armstrong are together again in Valhalla Hall.

You good folks have now put up with two years of my column writing which means that this June issue is my last. Ernie Moore will take over when the MAGAZINE starts up again next fall. It is not bologna when I say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the job. You're a swell bunch of people - please keep the news flowing in to Ernie and Beany. So long for now - hope you all have a most enjoyable summer.

Howard D. Crosse '31, vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New YorkCity, was luncheon host at the Federal Reserve Bank in March to classmate-bankers.Front row (l to r): John K. Benson, senior vice president, National Shaw mut Bank,Boston; Arthur B. Boardman, executive vice president, Irving Trust Company, NewYork City; Richard M. Henry, resident vice president, First National City Bank ofNew York, Philippines; Mr. Crosse; Charles A. Briggs, vice president, County TrustCo., White Plains, N. Y.; James Purdy, vice president, Manufacturers & TradersTrust Co., Buffalo, N. Y. Back row: James Lyall, vice president, U.S. Trust Companyof New York, New York City; Victor E. Rockhill, president, Chase InternationalInvestment Corp., New York City; Donald A. Stoddard, vice president, MorganGuaranty Trust Co., New York City; Gaylord A. Freeman, vice chairman, First National Bank, Chicago; Rodney Hatcher, vice president, First National City Bank ofNew York, New York City; Robert Fendrick, vice president, Howard Savings Institution, Newark, N. J. Another '31 banker unable to attend was Montagu T. Smith,senior vice president, Bowery Savings Bank, New York City.

Secretary, 36 Shaw Drive, Wayland, Mass.

Class Agent, 227 Wells St., Bridgeport 6, Conn.