1924
Spring is a funny thing, whether in retrospect, or in the midst, or wishing for it to come. ... And now it is here. While the boys were away (not necessarily at home, what with Bermuda, Florida, and even abroad to escape to), the high piles of snow and ice melted under 60 degree suns. It was a very different winter and spring; lots of snow that stayed (there was no rainfall in February; no thaws), and so the ground kept covered, little frost, and so when the melting started it didn't leave the usual puddles. Duck boards were down and up again before they returned April 1; the campus was and is completely bare and without more than casual puddles as the melting snow went into the ground. No floods here. And so we're off on the third (spring) term, full of good resolve. Margaret and I stayed right here this recess, except for forays into Boston, etc. We were on the high seas going to Europe a year ago —as at least one other classmate and frau are about to do right now; wish we were travelling with them.
In the appropriate column, I have once more written the official record of the passing of another classmate - Sumner Robinson. Once more the villain has been "heart attack." He was living so near and yet we did not see him here as we had hoped. He, and too many others, are much missed. We continue to close ranks. Our deep sympathy goes to Frances and to his son, Kent and the two grandsons.
The law-and-politics arena gives two happier notes. Art Sprague, Illinois State Senator since 1956 and in his second term, is chairman of the Judicial Revision Committee and known for his interest in bringing legislation up to date. Now he makes news with an unusual twist: he's just earned his law degree from the University of Illinois after practicing law for forty years. He left Dartmouth in 1922 and went to work in a law office - and then gave marriage priority over law school, shortly after passing his bar examination. Art went into private practice in Chicago, and in 1936 formed the firm of Sprague & Jerstrom. Three years later he was elected State Representative from the 7th district (largest in the state), and was re-elected five times. Between terms he served his tour of duty in the Navy, as noted in the class record. Congratulations, Art, on a degree won the hard way. And to an un-named classmate... it isn't too late.
Carlton (Mutt) Reed has a State Senator Son (Carlton Jr., or Buddy) making his headlines in politics by "taking the ball through the G.O.P. line" — to a Democratic victory in Sagadahoc County (Maine) for the first time in fifty years. Buddy was All-Maine at Colby College; he's the third generation in a bridge-building family. They've built bridges in every Maine county except one (Aroostook), having been partners as Reed & Reed since 1953. There are four granddaughters for Mutt and Buddy, and wives, to enjoy. The line goes back to sea captains sailing 'round the Horn out of Woolwich. Some of you know the switch about the Reeds, Mutt and Stubb. Mutt was born in Flushing, Long Island, N.Y., and came to the ancestral home in Woolwich, Me., in about 1930. Stub, contrariwise, was born in Woolwich but has been with Western Electric ever since 1927. With retirement coming up, the betting here is that he'll be heading north a ways one day soon. Won't that be something?
The local paper shows a picture to ring a bell to some of us in this area. Fred Haubrich died in November of 1960, living in nearby Claremont. His brother, Bernard, was a veterinarian in the same area and also passed on recently. His son, Jeff, is shown as a new page in Congress in Washington. Local-area classmates will be interested in this tangential news. Having known Jelf through his school-work, I know his day now starts at 6:30 a.m. with classes in the special school for pages in the Library of Congress. Rough, isn't it, Jeff?
Congratulations to Fred Diehl, shining in the reflected glory of son Bill '63, who is one of seven to receive the coveted Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for graduate study. Bill's field is English. The Fellowship is a real honor, and also carries a stipend of $1,500 plus a "dependency allowance."
Two latest signers-uppers for Bonnie Oaks and the Fall Reunion next year: Louise andAl Tupper; and Olive and Arlan Schoonmaker. Many thanks to both. And for you others, remember it's first come, first served on locations. No guarantee for weather, but the law of averages has to be in our favor once more. We've had some wonderful days there - and will again.
Plans for the Fortieth are going along well. Since their return from their relaxing cruise abroad, Harriet and Ted Nilsen have been at the job of making detailed plans. We'll be discussing that when the officers meet here May 3-4 on Class Officers' Weekend. Then Stan Chittick will be starting the ball rolling. We had one sign-up a few months ago, but he was a year off in his timing. Time to plan, NOW. Jim Taylor has contributed some of the same art-work we knew back in College in the Jack-O; you'll see it on our publicity, and like it. We're off and running. That includes the Class Book, with Spud Spaulding way out in front of the rest of us. We need to get on the ball and send in those questionnaires. (That includes me, too. I've had it all done but a decent picture - and will get that in soon.) One good friend out that-a-way writes and says we have it all on file; nothing he can add. May I beg to differ - almost vehemently? I wish some could see their files - what we do not have in our records, try as we may. I can name a dozen for whom I've looked into the files and found not an entry of any kind in the past decade or even two; these are prominent members of the Class, interested and solid citizens. We don't complain, but we sure do ask for help. I hope the form sent to wives gets a good return; please send them to Spud, not to me, as I only have to forward them to him. You'll get a memo on the birthday cards although I'd rather keep them for only pleasant thoughts and no needling. Any suggestions you may have to guide us will be appreciated.
Hobey Holbrook, distant colleague, reports a trip to west coast; coming back from San Diego to Santa Barbara, he detoured by Rancho Sante Fe. And there, "believe it or not. . . are two fine houses, adjoining, with French and Coffin on the signs. Neither were our classmates." What a coincidence, and he asks if I didn't have a note on some such venture? Yes, I did. But it was Tucson Green Valley, south of Tucson, if you're looking for a spot in which to retire.
Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd., Hanover, N.H.
Class Agent, 328 Orchard PI., Ridgewood, N.J.
