1909

BASEBALL HEROES OF OUR DAY

When members of the class of '09 were freshmen, we were privileged to see four star baseball pitchers in action: the Glaze brothers, Ralph '06 and John '08; Percy Skillen and Skinny Beckett, both '08. Ralph Glaze later pitched for Boston following his graduation, but only for a season or two. John Glaze was on the team for four years, captain, his senior year. Percy Skillen, a speedball artist, was captain in '07, then on the coaching staff in 'OB after he had been declared ineligible for playing summer semipro ball. Skinny Beckett, a tall guy with wavy blond hair, played ball for four years.

The Glaze brothers,, who hailed from Denver, were two of Dartmouth's outstanding athletes. Ralph, who carried the nickname of "Pitcher," was a great football end who played on the team that beat Harvard for the first time in 1903. John was also a footballer who played quarterback for four years and was captain his junior and senior years. In that respect, he emulated the great Wallie McCornack '97 who played quarterback during his four years and was captain in both of his last years.

Of this "fearsome foursome," only Ralph Glaze, now a resident of Cambria, Calif., remains alive. Percy Skillen was the first to go. He died of a lingering illness in 1924. Here was a blithe spirit with an infectious laugh, somewhat self-centered, but not in an objectionable way. The last time I saw him, not long before his death, his big frame was emaciated. John Glaze died in 1937, the result of an operation for tumor of the stomach. Skinny Beckett, who seemed to have lost contact with Dartmouth after his graduation, died in 1944.

You can thank Art Farrington '07 for the photo that accompanies these notes.

'09's JUNE REUNION TAKING SHAPE

Affable Al Newton, '09's tireless president, has been sending out feelers for reaction to our informal reunion, June 16, 17, and 18. He reports that considerable interest is aroused and it looks as if we'll have a healthy turnout. He says that Tubby Bird, who is taking a trip around the world, expects to be back in time to take his place as one of "Jim Haggarty's Boys," dispensing liquid refreshments in the tent. Parson andAnna Bull sailed on April 6 on the Empress of England for London, Holland, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, and France. "I know of no couple," says Al, "who more deserves the joy of such a trip."

Climb aboard the band wagon, classmates, and join the gang that will be in Hanover, come June.

HEAD AGENT DUDLEY LAID LOW

Ben Dudley, top man in '09 for this year's Alumni Fund campaign, has had a long, tough winter, not only weatherwise, but healthwise. He had a virus early in October and coughed for about two months. Then he was miserable with arthritis in his back. About the end of February he seemed to perk up, but on March 1 he caught cold and a few days later, pneumonia. Because of over-crowded conditions in the hospitals, his wife, Mary, who's the sister of Tubby Bird, decided he'd be better off at home where she could look after him. Her last report was that he seemed to be gaining a little, day by day. And that's welcome news.

Despite these handicaps, Ben had lined up his assistant class agents and, with the help of Mary, '09's part in the fund campaign is off to a good start, in fact the best start it's had in years. Before April 1, the opening date of the campaign, over $2,000 had been received with pledges for a couple hundred bucks more. A surprise gift of $1,000 by a generous-hearted classmate was a big boost. This is the largest single donation our class has received, outside of the $2,000 that Jess Hawley kicked in before his death in 1946.

As this is being written, I'm home in the Garden Spot, resting up from a heart attack that confined me to the hospital for three weeks. As the news got around, I received, and I am still receiving, get-well cards, letters, and other evidence of goodwill, for which I thank all and sundry.

My friend, Jack Richmond '10, called up the hospital from New York. Although I was unable to talk to him, a nurse gave me his message of cheer. So now I'm closing with a prayer written by Jack which he mailed to me. It will be helpful, I know, to others who may find themselves sick or in trouble.

Dear God, I'm most grateful for all you've given me:

Hands and feet to move about, eyes with which to see.

I'm thankful for the faith and strength needed to go along, And the mind and power to know what's right and wrong.

You have been very kind to me, each section of the way, Blessing me with peace and rest at the ending of each day.

And when misfortune was my lot, you helped to pull me through; So my prayers of gratitude always go out to you. But should you deem I suffer, I never will protest, For when you make things happen, it's always for the best.

Class Notes Editor, 141 Pioneer Trail, Aurora, Ohio

Secretary, Sandwich, Mass.

Class Agent, 66 Lilac Dr., Rochester 20, N.Y.