1900

The first week in August it was a joy to greet Arthur and Jeannctte Virgin in Hanover. They came down from North Hatley to attend the summer program benefit concert in which their friend, Anthony Di Bonaventura, was the soloist, and to see their friend, Lewis Turenne, play the part of the king in Shakespeare's "Richard II." Arthur, after his long siege of illness, looked and acted much like his normal self, but he, much against his inclination, is compelled to limit his activities. Arthur told me about the progress of the summer theatre project in North Hatley and of the dedication of "The Piggery," the Virgins' gift to the cultural life of that area of Canada. A reporter from the Montreal "Star," who was invited to attend the dedication ceremonies, in part, says of them: "Although no concrete plans were announced one learned that the Guild hopes to have a series of plays in English throughout each summer preceded and followed by short French seasons. One thing was apparent to the stranger, however. That Arthur R. Virgin had played in the dream and the realization of the North Hatley theater a role of inspiration and help somewhat similar to that of Tom Patterson in the Stratford Festival." Pictures which Arthur sent me show a building of dignity and charm well adapted to its purpose.

Alice Rankin, widow of Walter Rankin, during July spent some restful weeks at the Mountain View House under the benign and cooling shadow of the grand White Mountains. Unfortunately she had to return to her home in Brookline, Mass., just at the time when an intense hot wave blanketed New England and much of the eastern area. Alice reports that on July 7 she attended the wedding of her granddaughter, Faith, in Dedham, Mass. Faith's mother, Dorothea, Ted Cates's daughter, in her capable and efficient way saw to all the details of a charming wedding.

In July Arthur and Ruth Roberts, on arrival at their cottage in Conway Center, N. H., discovered, much to their dismay that thieves had broken into the house and made way with blankets and many pieces of furniture. Much of the furniture taken consisted of choice antiques which, over a life time, Arthur and Ruth had diligently collected. Arthur wrote that the thieves showed an uncanny ability in selecting those pieces which were readily saleable. There has been a clever gang of robbers operating in the New Hampshire and Maine resort areas which law enforcement officials have not been able to track down. Although sad at the loss of these possessions Arthur and Ruth have faced the situation philosophically. Arthur says he looks out daily on the Presidential Range and gains something of the serenity, permanence, and eternal strength of the mountains. Material possessions, though much cherished, are after all only the pleasant adjuncts of a full and happy life.

Our class baby, Ruth Bean, Harry Jenkins' daughter, has been experiencing a difficult problem. Early in the summer her husband, Homer, suffered a thrombosis which left him partially paralyzed. He has had a tough time of it in relearning how to use his legs. Over many years Homer has been a capable and efficient officer of a Massachusetts savings bank, and this fall is up for retirement. Ruth has been the faithful and constant helper during his convalescence. She wrote that she was so glad that she had had trips to Washington, the far west, the World's Fair, and the wonderful 65th reunion of 1900 in Hanover before she had to face her exacting problem.

Secretary and Treasurer Box 714, Hanover, N. H.

Bequest Chairman,