1946
Wonders will never cease. Two weeks ago we were wallowing around in several inches of dirty snow and slush and the outlook for an early thaw was not bright. But nature reversed itself once again, and today the snow is completely gone, the trees are starting to bud, and all sorts of pretty little birds are coming back to partake of the goodies my girls provide on the several bird feeders that I was commanded to reinstall on the premises. Early spring fever has already come and gone and we are now settling down to a pleasant warm season. Hope all of you will be enjoying the same by the time you read this.
First news on the agenda is a report on John Fairbanks. From the news release announcing his presidency of the Citizens National Bank of Newport, N.H., it seems that John is "Mr. Newport" himself. In addition to owning and operating a large garage there until 1952, he practiced law and was appointed judge of the Newport Court in 1957. He is chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Republican party county chairman, town meeting moderator for 12 years, a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 1952, and a major on New Hampshire Governor Dwinell's military staff. Having been a director of the bank for the past 12 years, he has now become president. Obviously, John, Miriam and their four children lead a full and successful life.
Received a nice letter from Charlotte Roberts, wife of Jim Roberts, with a report of their six children and a great St. Bernard - currently 125 pounds and still growing. Jim and Charlotte live in Kenilworth, Ill., with their three boys and three girls, ages 1 through 12. Thanks for the letter, Charge wish more of you gals would do the same.
Jack Sayers has accepted a position with Burman & Co. as a registered representative. Jack is an experienced stocks and bonds man, having been with National Securities and Research Corporation, one of the country's largest mutual fund management organizations. Good luck in your new position.
Recently received a wonderful letter from old neighbors and friends, Gene and Jim von Rohr whom we bumped into momentarily at a Dartmouth hockey game in Hanover. The von Rohrs spend a lot of time commuting to ski country from their home in Wayne, N. J., and the whole family skis at Mad River Glen in Vermont where they belong to a ski club. Their most important and wonderful news is a coming addition to their family, and they all couldn't be more excited. Leave it to a ski enthusiast to have a baby in the summer so she won't miss any skiing. Seriously, congratulations you two, and be sure to keep us posted.
Dr. Herman Gensler, captain in the Med- ical Service Corps of the U.S. Army, has been awarded the graduate degree of Doctor of Optometry by the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry. Herman earned the doctorate by attending special graduate courses for the past 18 months, while he has been serving as optometrist at the Army Hospital of the U. S. Military Academy at West Point. He is making military optometry his career.
Bob Gerrish, sales manager and director of Palmer & Parker Co. of Boston, Mass., was elected president of the Mahogany Association, Inc. recently in Chicago. His company is one of the oldest mahogany firms in the country, and Bob's long association with them has put him in an important position in the industry.
"Obie" Obermayer, to my knowledge, is the only newspaper publisher in our Class, and he is now making sure that no one catches up to him in his field. Previously editor and publisher of the Daily Record of Long Branch (New Jersey), Obie has now, in addition, bought the Northern Virginia Sun, where he will hold the same offices. The Sun has the largest daily circulation in Northern Virginia and is located in Arlington, Va. Though he will be operating in the shadows of some of the best newspapers in the world, Obie promised his readers in a recent editorial that he would not give them a diluted version of a Washington paper but a good local newspaper for Northern Virginians. What's next, Obie? I understand there are some great small newspapers in California!
Have been reading a lot lately about Dave Lampert, a Topsfield, Mass., resident and president of Middlesex Supply Co. of Lowell. In addition to this company he is interested and active in many more companies than I could possibly list here. Recently he has become involved with several enterprises which he had an active part in creating, such as American Dynion which markets a water purification system, and General Services Co., an establishment which provides complete common services, such as house cleaning or house building, to people. Dave lives on a 200-acre farm with his wife and five children, and directs the 10 families who work the farm and raise his prize cattle. He is an acknowledged expert in this field. Somehow he also finds time to be very active in community and church affairs, which proves that it can be done if you have the interest.
Final notes this month concern Jud Hannigan, a very busy guy who keeps moving often enough to make things interesting. Previous mention in this column referred to his being named assistant northern division manager of the International Paper Co., to be located in Glens Falls, N.Y. Apparently that job wasn't challenging enough, since he's now been promoted to the executive staff and will move to the company's New York City headquarters as assistant to the vice-president. Say Jud - how's that big city going to look to you after all those years in the small towns of upper New York State? Well, one thing is certain - there are a lot of '46 troops waiting there for you to show up.
Well, that's it for now. Not many of you are writing in, so we'll make it a short column this time. How about some news? I'd sure hate to subject you to straight literary efforts, and this column has to be filled each month. So either come through, or watch out.
See you next month.
On hand for the St. Louis alumni clubdinner were (l to r) Paul and Mary JaneLacke '46, Bob and Genevieve Turner'33, and Dottie Le Resche (Doug '43).
Secretary, 12 Keniston Rd. Lynnfield Center, Mass.
Class Agent, Box 655, Devon, Pa.
