1919

As these notes are being typed, it is early January and the Rands were supposed to be in sunny Florida at Ocean Ridge and enjoying the golf, the weather, the beach, etc. However, fates decreed otherwise, and it is a sunny but cold day in Hanover with plenty of snow and real winter weather. Marion had to undergo surgery for a kidney stone, is now out of the hospital and recuperating slowly, but, by the time you read these brief notes, we will surely be at Boynton Beach, and may stay later than usual, because of our late start.

Birthday and Christmas cards are grate-fully acknowledged from Jack and Hester McCrillis, Jim and Polly Wilson (we hope to catch up with the Wilsons later in the winter in Delray), Cotty and Kitty Larmon, Don and Winifred Lovejoy, now at their lovely home in Gulf Stream, Fla., Fat and Hon Jackson - more from Fat later - Larry and Emma Eastman, Red Murphy, Connie and Ed Seward of Pasadena, Calif., Ken and Marge Huntington, Harry and Lil Colwell, King and Alice Cole, of Delray Beach.; Edna and Dick Werfelman, doubtless at their fine home in Fort Meyer, Fla.; Bunny and Henry Siegbert, Dot Ingraham, widow of Clarkie, now in Palm Springs; Leonora and Budd Welsh, Hattie and Bob Paisley, Helen Buttenwieser with a fine picture of son James Lawrence; Maud and Ingleton Schenk, Maddie and Arthur Havlin, Adele and Bri Greeley, Constance Levy, widow of Will I; Kathryn and Charles Warner, Stu and Dot Russell, enjoying their winter in Scottsdale, far from the Hanover winter; Spike and Dick Dudensing, Bob Proctor, Mary Ewart, widow of Sam, of Pittsburgh; the Bill Grants of Ruxton, Md., Jessie and Eddie Fiske, Fran Little, widow of Vaughan; Jack and Doris Ross, adding, "We fully expect to be at Woodstock next fall for a full round of fellowship. Our plans now are to go to Hawaii for Christmas with our daughter Nancy and her family. We are looking forward to warm weather and a good rest"; Marie Drane, widow of Mai. Also Waddie Owen of Friendship, Me., who said his birthday card arrived right on time in their once-a-day mail and who also claims that it is beautiful country, winter and summer - quoting "I celebrated this morning by felling some trees with my chain saw and cutting them up for next year's firewood." Hope some of the cards didn't get lost in the large number that arrived and in shuttling them back and forth to the hospital.

Paul Halloran (also thanks for their card) represented the College at the dedication of the United States Military Academy Library at West Point recently.

Quoting in part from a letter from the aforementioned Big Boss Jackson, "Thanks for the birthday card. I enjoyed it and reading the 'Mighty Mandates.' I'm afraid I didn't pay too much attention to the rules and regulations and perhaps in those days I was a bit of a non-conformist. However, life in general - business and the Democrats have done a job on me, and now I conform to most anything. We don't look forward to new birthdays at this stage of the game but we are thankful to be around and healthy to enjoy them." Bob Stecher checks in, "It is ever pleasant to get a reminder from the Class of 1919. There is, indeed, some recompense at having reached the 68th year because of so many accolades from so many sources. Florence had a neighborhood party of 32 which was most enjoyable, and the staff at the hospital surprised me with a gracious and soul-comforting cocktail party. . . . My experience at the 45th reunion taught me that I was silly ever to pass up any class meetings and I can assure that Florence and I will be most diligent in our attendance."

Other holiday cards received with thanks include those from Jane Cody Blyth, widow of Lou; Helen Bird, widow of Phil; Alice Earle and Rock Hayes, and Ed and Bea Martin. Pete Grey reports that his birthday card arrived, "Just as I was laid low with a mysterious virus which has kept me in bed (in the hospital for 5 days for tests) until very recently. However, I am back in circulation again and feeling as fit as ever, even though the medicos still don't know the source of my trouble. Marylou and I now have seven grandchildren (still short of the class record, Pete).

The New York '19ers really get together - their next luncheon will be on the first Monday in March at the Dartmouth Club of New York at the Hotel Commodore - visiting firemen please note. On hand for December 7 were Tom Bresnahan, Henry Siegbert, Bri Greeley, Mose Robinson, San Treat, Nick Sandoe, Lou Munro, Ray Legg, Dick Dudensing, Lou Stone, Chet Demond, Harry Colwell, Teto Webster, and Ken Huntington, general manager of the affair. This really was a fine turnout - the largest since Win Batchelder started things going some years ago.

Just a reminder - the next class gathering will be next October 8-10 at the Woodstock Inn when Penn comes to Hanover. Lunch at the Hanover Inn Tavern before the game. Please keep the letters, cards or what have you coming and keep smiling.

Secretary, Box 1572, Boynton Beach, Fla.

Treasurer, 184 Summer St., Springfield, Vt.