1903

Back in my Jan. '63 notes when I was still in the apprentice stage as your secretary, I assured one and all of you that I hoped to be able to answer, as promptly as possible, all letters which you were good enough to send me. For a while it looked as if I had stuck my neck out but I hope I lived up to my promise. Right now your letters are almost as scarce as hens' teeth. There have been three this month - Thanks Be, no obituary notices.

One letter wanted the names of the 24 living class members and the marital status of each. I was able to send him an extra copy of our latest (8/'64) list on which I had marked off the names of those who have gone before us. I wonder how many of you keep track on your lists of those gone, or maybe even keep the lists. I do not have a record of marital status except as to those who were good enough to complete and return the questionnaires mailed out last year with stamped return envelopes. I gave the writer the names I had.

Gink Ford sent in a sheet from a magazine (could not get its name) containing a very interesting write-up of how the old-time play "East Lynne" got its start. A young actress, almost still in her teens, commissioned a writer to work up a play based on a book of the same name, then a best seller. She was Lucille Western, daughter of a cigar manufacturer here in Binghamton. This used to be almost the center of the cigar business in the country. The play was produced in Brooklyn, N. Y., in January, 1862, and thereafter ran consistently from 1862 until the 1920s and is still seen in little theatre productions.

Another letter from Ned Kenerson in Green Valley. Sounded as if he were getting a bit homesick for his "Yankee Land." He is a big help to the secretary particularly in all New England news.

If you don't think you have the time to write, maybe some member of the family can help as your secretary. I send stamped addressed post cards to my freshman grandson who does not seem to have much extra time. Now and then he sends one in and it helps a lot. I will be glad to send such a card to any of you willing to fill it in and return.

From recent notes I can report that at least four of you are in good health and with enough time to let me and you know it: Ned Kenerson, Gink Ford, Lewis Haney and Ernest Brown. Some of the classes also have reports of their widows who receive the MAGAZINE; we have some 18 such and will welcome a word from them.

These notes should arrive at about the half-way mark in the Alumni Fund Campaign. I'll try, with your help, not to pester you too hard; maybe in June a last reminder will keep you from forgetting although doing something right now will help a lot for all those in the Fund Office and your many titled Secretary. We have had a really worth while record in past years and I do hope can keep it up this year.

Secretary and Class Agent 13 Vermont Ave. Binghamton, N. Y. 13905