1910
Another old-timer-a Dartmouth Tenner -"Doc" Foster, dug into history and his experience and fitted into the news with a picture-all of which was in tune with the Christmas holiday period. Having had a lot to do with making a large part of Maine free from tuberculosis, it was a natural that Doc appeared on a television promotion of the Christmas Seal sales in his home state. "We've lessened whooping cough," he told his audience, "and measles, pneumonia, mastoids, and ear infections and the like. There's no typhoid or diphtheria, and polio has lessened." But there is still TB, he said. Doc has been in the anti-TB fight for over thirty years. During that time he has seen the incidence of tuberculosis in Portland cut in half. He recalled working with what he terms "pre-tuberculosis children" in the "open-window schools." "I remember we had some money left from Christmas Seals," said Doc. "Children who were under weight, easily fatigued or had frequent upper respiratory infections took part in the program. We had cots on which they could rest and we served them hot lunches. They wore extra clothing and the windows were kept open. The curriculum was paced more slowly. Soon they began to look better." The success of this experiment brought about its introduction into more schools.
Doc recalled that the nation-wide fund-raising sale of the "stamps" was started in this country in 1907 by Miss Emily Bissell, a summer resident of Maine. The news story which appeared in the Portland Press gives this reference to Doc's activities: '"'When Dr. Foster isn't looking after children or isn't busy with other medical matters, he enjoys studying history, especially that of the Tudor era. He is a student of medical history and has written the history of the Maine Medical Association. The doctor is a third generation Foster to serve as president of the MMA." Next Christmas, say we, when we have another opportunity to buy Christmas seals, we can recall Doc Foster's story, and buy an extra-generous number of the stamps. More power to Doc Foster of 1910.
That Tenner crowd in Florida keeps on growing. A line from Mac Kendall tells of the arrival of the Munroe Coles and their entertaining the Scarletts and the Kendalls with a dinner at Bones Jones' new Schrafft's. Mac says he is looking forward to the arrival of Ethel Bryant, the Art Lords, the Mickey Holmes, and the Shorty Worcesters. Almost in the same mail, came word from Andy Scarlett. On the same subject of the "new Schraffts" Andy expects that Bones will be in the vicinity before long. Andy states that the 1910 Alumni Fund receipts to date-and the drive does not start for several weeks-have reached the pleasing figure of $4410. That is particularly pleasing to Andy because he has to operate from a different angle this year-from sunny Florida instead of the cold north of Hanover. Incidentally, I experienced the cold of Hanover late in January, to attend a gathering of Fund Agents and some of the older class newsletter editors. It was like a late March day when I drove up, early spring on Friday, snowy winter all day Sunday and early spring again when I drove back home. Saw a grand game of hockey Saturday night when Dartmouth trimmed West Point.
Another caller Andy and Mac expect, is Whit Eastman. He and Karen are on their annual trip to Florida, etc. He had visited the Dave Colwells and said that Dave will have to miss the 55th in Hanover because his grandson is graduating from Virginia Military Institute at the same time. Dave might be interested to learn that that important part of a cadet's dress-his collar -was made in Troy and had its first laundering in my small plant. Small world!
From another spot in the Sunshine State, comes a card from Herb Coar. The spot is Jupiter. His comment: "The Polar ice-cap wouldn't have to melt much to put most of Florida under water but as long as it doesn't it's wonderful for winter. So hope you keep having snow!"
Our Tenner news for the February MAGAZINE had been turned in before word of Dinnie Pratt's passing was received so we were unable to make note of it. Apparently his death came suddenly. So we have to record the loss of another member who was one of our loyal men. Dinnie served as vicepresident of the Class in one of the periods since we left college. Bert French '09, lifelong friend and neighbor of Dinnie, wrote the "In Memoriam" as a tribute.
Secretary, 501 Cannon PL, Troy, N. Y.
Treasurer, 2144 McKinley St., Clearwater, Fla.
