LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dartmouth Retirement Center?

TO THE EDITOR:

In view of the growing interest and concern over the complex problem of our "Senior Citizen," I can recall no comment, editorial, letter or otherwise, in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE on this subject. So I am taking the initiative but confining my remarks to a single phase of this complex subject, "housing."

The word "housing" is used advisedly. Because ever since reaching retirement age and being politely but positively pushed from an executive desk some eight years ago we have been on the prowl for what we consider a suitable retirement residence in which to live out our years on the "Sunset Strip." Not a house, which is no more for us. Because, following several minor bouts with what the doctor termed "coronary arterial insufficiency" I have had the power mower and snow shovel denied me - not that I'm unwilling - and was told in G.I. parlance to "take it easy." So a house is out and housing is the word. That was seven years ago. But the search goes on and on with no satisfactory result to date.

True, there are retirement centers in California, Arizona, and Florida. But what of us mid-easterners with a daughter's family sprouting grandchildren here in New Jersey? Must we forego nearness to them and their baby-sitting problem to settle in the remote area of either California or Florida where we would be countless miles and dollars away from our duties and obligations to our children?

Not discounting the lure of climate, this is less of a factor now with air-conditioning with which we can manufacture our own climate to suit. After two years here, through summer's heat and winter's cold, I speak from experience. We easily accommodate ourselves to New Jersey's maligned climate, which by the way is not too bad, winter or summer, with big dividends of delightful cloudless days both spring and fall, with a profusion of seasonal blooms unmatched anywhere. And only thirty miles from the Princeton game come November! (So much for the Chamber of Commerce approach.) But with all of this, not one suitable shelter for the aging and aged in this whole delightful area.

Discarding the long list of most wanted features for the "last long mile," what we seek most is to live in a congenial atmosphere among a group with some common interest. Such as the common bond that links those of us who share a mutual devotion to the Dartmouth tradition.

Surely somewhere - bounded on the east by the Atlantic, the south by the Potomac, the west by the Susquehanna, and the north by the Catskills - there must be a locality suitable for the development of a residential unit that, regardless of individual preference, would attract those of us alumni "plus 65" where we can live out the remaining years in reasonable security and comfort, health and happiness, among a group whose interest centers in the Hanover Plain.

Seems time somebody should start planning. Surely among an ever-enlarging group such as ours there are some who court the same desire and have the energy and drive, plus the genius and means (which the writer lacks) to plan and develop such a Dartmouth retirement community.

Possibly someone reading this may share these same thoughts and be prompted to action. If so, let him address himself to your "letters" page and the start will have been made.

Morristown, N. J.

"Princeton" Seeks Help

TO THE EDITOR:

I have been commissioned by Little, Brown & Co. to write a biography of Hobey Baker, Princeton's famous hockey and football player in the Class of 1914, and am anxious to correspond with Dartmouth men who played against him, knew him, or observed him.

Princeton, N. J.

Mr. Davies is Editor of the "PrincetonAlumni Weekly."