1924
Written the week before Carnival, snowing gently, big Campus statue nearing completion. Remember forty years ago? I have a few deathless memories: Kits was my date, and we were lucky (like the current Olympic bob-sledders?) to escape broken backs as we took off —in the dark - down the golf course big slope on a toboggan; also down the steps of the stadium and across the football fields in the first such toboggan run in Hanover other than paralleling the "old" ski jump; singing the traditional songs in the Glee Club, next to Jeff Adams and Frank Jetter — can't remember other tenors. And, wasn't Carnival Show that year "Sahara Derby," with the best song, "I'll Build a Garden?" Now, forty years later,_ I halve Wally Lord's son in my office talking jobinterviews; a senior and in upper half of the varsity squash ladder.
We have had too many suddenly-departing deaths, as the obituary notices show. One "good" aspect of these tragedies came to hand just recently. I have passed on, to share with all of you and others, an excellent and affectionate "profile" on Joe Liebling, written and permission-to-print given by Jimmy Reid who knew Joe intimately, as few of us ever did. Be sure to read it in the next Class Letter Butts Lamson will be sending out. (Others may copy.) We wish this might encourage others to do the same, when or as appropriate and timely. Our records are too often bare bones, by comparison. Perhaps something can be attempted in memory of one of our very colorful peers whose notice will also shock many—TedHubbell. The obituary notes will always, I'm afraid, be lacking in such warmth as is often deserved.
Several of our class get together for various reasons; I regret every time I miss seeing you, and you, as when the trustees met in January and I missed both FrankHarrington and Bill Buchanan; also FredShanaman who was in town then, too. I had better luck soon after when Henry and DonBartlett and I (Margaret was in Boston) represented the faculty at a Dartmouth Horizons program. Charlie and JeanetteFrench were there; the Joe Falcons didn't make it; Ted Lamb and his daughter Priscilla were with us for this exciting and demanding program. Ted showed the red cheeks as a by-product of a month's skiing. A couple of you wrote commenting on Ted's appearance in late May on the "Today Show." His book, "No Lamb for Slaughter," on his experiences in becoming a business leader and successful defender against accusations of communist membership or sympathy, continues into a third printing and receives very high praise in many book reviews I've read from coast-to-coast media. His chapter and TV comment on "How to make a million dollars" — "Anyone can do it." - always gets special mention, naturally. Recommended reading, as Dick Morin's review in this MAGAZINE indicated last spring. That reminds me that another successful writer, Marcellus Joslyn, has published another book (back in October, I believe) entitled "Ways for Wagering Success." Of this, more later.
As writing was pleasure for the abovenamed, so hobbies are often absorbing interests. Several of you share my enthusiasm for stamps; Putty Blodgett's retirement hobbies now include a fine collection of old tools, properly housed in an 1800-1810 corn crib and shed on his farm up in Bradford, Vt. There are hand-made planes, broad axes, a bear trap over 100 years old, an ox sling, cheese press, churns, a very special handmade plow, etc. Son Put runs the adjoining dairy farm while father learns about early Vermont farming and Charlotte enjoys antiques and music. Brad Hersey's collection in New Boston, Mass., is another and very noteworthy display; here also a son makes a go of a dairy farm.
Without in any way pointing a personal finger at anyone - I leave that to your own conscience, individually and collectively I must add my bit to the fine job Ford Bowman is doing in keeping a continuing record of your plans to attend or not to attend or hope to attend our Friendly Fortieth come June - now coming closer and closer. As of now, there are too many for whom the notation reads "No Reply." It is to these that I make a plea for whatever response seems probable at this date. There is no finality to your reply for a while yet, but we need to make plans in terms of who is coming. I've just scanned the list and there are surprises in all categories: Yes, No, Try to Come, and No Reply. One thing is very clear, it is going to be the very best reunion we've ever had and it most surely is going to be friendly. We've already had two specific comments from wives who are coming for the first time; their husbands have been more concerned than the wives that they, the wives that is, might not have a good time. The program is being set up on a family basis - and be sure that this makes for better reunions.
Once more we ask your help to locate classmates for whom we have no effective contacts by mail. Allen Vincent has a Beverly Hills address but we receive no replies. How about some of you nearby helping to check and take him out of our very small "lost" file? Here nearby, Paul Lockwood, Newtonville, Mass. Any help there so we may reach by mail? Your help is needed.
Now for Carnival. Look up your Mem book for 1924.
Secretary 2 Brewster Rd., Hanover, N. H.
Treasurer, 29 Woodside Rd., Winchester, Mass.
