1902

Once more we must record a break in the '02 family circle. Mrs. Alice Leavens Keniston, widow of Judge Davis Baker Keniston, died in Perkinsville, Vt., on March 11, 1964, almost exactly ten years after her husband. A graduate of Smith in the Class of '03, she was the sister of our contemporary Bob Leavens 'Ol, prominent when we knew him in college in forensic, dramatic, and scholarly circles, as well as a very fine fellow. Alice served overseas with .the American Red Cross in World War I, and after an early teaching career was active in church and social affairs in Boston where she lived until the very end of her life. She married Kenny, Sept. 2, 1920, and their son, Davis B. Jr., is a graduate of M.I.T. The world as well as the Class is the poorer because of her passing.

Word continues to arrive of the journeyings of Frank Drake. He writes under date of March 24, 1964" ... Just a word from the South Pacific. I arrived here in Tahiti about ten days ago after five weeks in Hawaii. This land and its neighbors, Moorea, Bora Bora, et al., are wonderfully beautiful. The natives, both men and women are fine physical specimens, and are very friendly. They seem very contented with French rule. Tahiti is one of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific that are governed by a French Protectorate. I'd say the French are very wise colonizers, as they interfere not at all with the domestic life of the natives but confine their control to matters international, defense, etc.

"Just now it is summer here - being south of the Equator — so it is rather warm, except that the nights are cool. Stores close from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M. (open at 7 A.M.). Have enjoyed motoring around the island and seeing the places where such well-known personages lived as Robert Louis Stevenson, Paul Gauguin, etc. As to the latter it is difficult to believe that he died a pauper and that at his death many of his paintings were given away or thrown on the rubbish heap, while today his paintings bring fabulous prices. Although Gauguin lived here for many years, the last years of his life were spent in the Marquesas Islands, about 700 miles northeast, and he died there.

"After another ten days I plan to start for home, stopping off en route in Honolulu and California."

We have also learned that Herb Parker has moved from Indianapolis to be with his sister in Worcester, Mass. Herb, as you know, never married.

Secretary, 29 Messer St., Laconia, N. H.

Class Agent, 35 Du Bois St., Noroton Sta., Darien, Conn.