1899
The secretary this month first presents a blue ribbon to each of three separate families within the Big Dartmouth Family of 1899. Just an appreciative gesture to the Maurice Dickeys, the Clarence Joys, and the George Rounds. Why the award? Because among the more than fifty families heard from over the recent holidays every member of these three sent greetings. In each case the surviving parent and each of the two or three living children also sent separate messages. Pretty heartening just to hear at all from so many families who love both Dartmouth and the Class of 1899. But what an exciting Holiday Reunion it made to receive those extra remembrances. And listen to this: In the Dickey group, our own original first generation Maurice worked for the Springfield, Mass., "Union," and now there is still a Maurice Dickey on the same job. One more sidelight: CharlieCushman's Florence the all-Randolph piano teacher says under her breath, as it were, "There's plenty of mischief too in that Drysdale gang in Randolph." Well, they look the part, all lined up for that Christmas picture!
Perhaps I should have first mentioned two that have left us. Sam Smith's sister Florence, and on December 12, Carl Miller's widow Mary Elizabeth White Miller, "Bess" to almost everybody. In March we'll say something about the many things that this mother of Ed Miller '40 and Mary Lou Spang did in her long and unselfish life. Sam and his two devoted sisters, Florence and Mrs. Stella Hersey, lived during these later years together in Pembroke, Mass. I myself saw this fine New England trio some years ago in Hanover. And just last spring I was able twice to talk with Bess Miller in Connecticut.
Now for some '99 Brevities. Charlie Donahue's son Jack and his Marjorie are rejoicing in the safe arrival of their son Charlie's Sean Hoe Donahue. Says Jack, "I wish his great-grandfather could see him. Perhaps he can; I like to think so anyway." Jack's daughter Sheila is working at the Peter Bent Brigham Hospital. So far as I know, Bert Boston is still putting in a full day regularly at his gas station. By the way, Bert, please thank Nina for her nice letter, and also ask Barbara whether I owe her a letter, or whether she owes me one! NelsonBrown's daughter Ellie and Roy Blanchard in Norwich had twin granddaughters last March, Sara and Lucy. "Personalities developing already!" And Ellie's sister Charlotte Wentworth says, "Son Carl Jr. got his doctorate in geology at Stanford in December, is still with U.S.G.S. in California. Brother Tuck has been living a gypsy life all over South and Central America as well as the Caribbean Islands for the First National City Bank. But he's ready for a little home life."
Our eloquent Owen Hoban will not be forgotten while his niece Olive McKenna keeps in touch with '99. Owen was a latecomer, but never a part-timer. Herbert Lyster's son Leland retired a year ago and motored with Helen into Mexico for a "delightful six weeks." Then he visited his mother in St. Johnsbury. She is quite contented to live alone at least while her surprisingly good health lasts. "God bless '99" said Leland. Horace Sears' son Alfred and Ruth spent 32 days cruising the Caribbean last year. "Oldest son is 29, still mending cars; the younger still tug-decking it in and out of New York." Rodney Sanborn planned to leave for Florida at Christmas time, but no address yet.
Where are George Clark's old cars? Look in Cliff and Julia Fifield's big sheds - I should say "sheepfolds," hobnobbing with the Christmas flock. Sounds like Jerusalem instead of Orford. There's the '21 Reo, the legendary "Molly Ann," and the '11 Maxwell and the '11 Model T Ford. There's more to say about these Fifield folks, but time's run out today. Tomorrow's the Fifth!
Secretary, 40 Church St. Winchester, Mass. 01890
