1911
Christmas in Florida, even though a bit on the cool side, was a very pleasant occasion with many of the local Dartmouth group spending much of the day together and congratulating ourselves on being away from the cold and blizzards of other parts of the country. Adding to the Burleighs' joy was the viewing and reading of Christmas cards from more than a hundred classmates and widows who remembered us. We thank all of you for the thought and sentiments. Some had newsy items which we can pass on to you. As we learn of the illnesses or misfortunes of a few in the Class we are thankful for our health and opportunity to continue to be of some service to the Class and College (we hope).
It was depressing to receive a telegram from Dave Hedges telling of his mother's death that morning. Coleen and Cap both were beloved by all of us and they loved the Class. We hope that Dave, still our class baby, will continue to feel that he is part of 1911. The news of Coleen's death was especially shocking to us as a cheery Christmas card from her said, "I wish I were anticipating a trip to Florida. I may go in February as Sam is now manager of a new place, 'The Surf Rider Club,' Pompano Beach. I am quite contented in my little house. I have had several little bouts with arthritis and have needed a nurse but she is leaving and I feel much better now. I thought the write-up in the Magazine about Cap was so nice. I miss my dear one but could not wish him back to suffer as he did the last weeks."
We are indebted to Josh Clark, who in his appealing manner woos and wins our widowed gals, for bringing back into the fold Bill Pounds' widow, now Mrs. Hazell Margo. She regrets that she will not be able to come back for a reunion; her last was in 1936. She is living in a lovely retirement home, the Bethel Methodist Home in Ossining, N. Y.
Charles Harris' daughter-in-law of Darien, Conn., writes that her father is in a nursing home, the Nestledown Convalescent Home, 59 Cortland Ave., Stamford, Conn. A year ago he had a severe- stroke followed by another a month later and a third after six months. He is now confined to bed and a wheelchair.
Margaret French has written: "Thank you for continuing the Alumni Magazine and the Class Letter. George enjoyed through the summer all the 1911 news in the mail and was disappointed to miss the gatherings. Jim and Carolyn and I are grateful for the class custom of a contribution to the Memorial Fund in George's name. The College and the Class of 1911 had great meaning in his life."
Ray Nead in responding to good wishes on his wedding anniversary said: "If we can only hold out two more years we will make the 'Golden.' Seem to get progressively more difficult as the years go by."
Seeing Cora Taylor at reunion in Whitefield last June was good for all of us — and her. She likens travelers to migratory birds who in flitting have the best of each location for their enjoyment. She is a great rooter for Palo Alto where the trees have all the colors of New England maples since the city has controlled all parkway planting.
Fanny Cheney reports for the family as follows: "We spent the summer trying to make a new place look like home. Donald is busy all the time. He's no one to loaf and is out of doors most of the time. We have all kept well. An occasional trip to the shore constitutes our vacations.
Jack and Dorothy Steeves have returned from a wonderful trip to Australia and will be arriving in Clearwater on Feb. 6 for a month.
There is good news of Ed Keeler from Frances to the effect that his leg has improved and the spirits of both revived after a Thanksgiving visit with Lucy Jane and Jim Stanton and their lively and warmhearted family.
Dorothy Odlin, back home from her trip, writes: "My summer in Europe was wonderful beyond my wildest dream, certainly a red letter in memory, fabulous beyond words, and then three weeks with my beloved friends in Rhode Island. We went foliageseeing It was beautiful. I hope to get back to Mew England before too long." Next June at the Mountain View would be a good time and Place, Dorothy.
Another good wife-reporter who gives the family news is Florence Stebbins and here it is- "Wintry blasts are here with us. Glad you can escape from the New Hampshire cold Charles has had to limit his activities w is thankful to still be in circulation (Ed. note — that report goes for all of us). Wee Kimball does a wonderful job with the 1911 news.
Doris and Eben Holden send word from Raleigh, N. C., that they are enjoying the nlace so far, no severe weather yet, nothing worse than a warm 24 degree F. on several nights. Hope to get to Florida before they go holne. This was reported before the freeze and snow in December and have not heard since.
True Dudley has settled down with his son and family in Annandale, Va., as his permanent home after the death of his wife in 1962.
Betty Curtis Smith is now right handy to any classmates who may be going over the Skyline Bridge across Tampa Bay, south of St. Petersburg, Fla. She and her husband are fortunate to have one of those new apartments that have just been completed.
Stan and Sibyl Eaton's Christmas letter was filled with happy memories of visits with their many grandchildren, in school and out and scattered from Wisconsin to Texas. However there was one bit of less pleasant news, coming after their 50th wedding anniversary a year ago and where they were overwhelmed with remembrances from so many friends. In May Stan was stricken with "acute heart failure." Recovery has been slow and his eyes have bothered him so that he has had to retire from his many activities. They love their home, still feed many birds, and watch glorious sunsets lighting up the Blue Ridge before them and the Alleghenies behind them.
On the occasion of the opening of its 80th season, the Mountain View House "Horizon" contained this paragraph: "This is a long time for a family to live in one spot, a long time for a business to continue on the same location. To us who are carrying on this business started by our grandfathers and our great-grandfathers it is a source of pride, but it is also a responsibility and a challenge. . .. They little realized the growth that would take place on this hill. They started the first inn and carried it on with high hopes for its future They reflected in their personal lives and in their business dealings, their fine character and ideals. They felt that here was a lovely spot, unusual in its natural advantages. They strove to establish here a place where people could come for rest and refreshment."
Because Frank Dodge was one of these generations, we have been privileged to enjoy this heritage. Our next opportunity will be June 27 to July 1, inclusive.
Secretary, 1133 Drew St., Clearwater, Fla.
Treasurer, Seaside Ave., Saco, Me.
