1935
It is with great sadness that we report fee death of two classmates this month. Bill George, chairman of the department of Romance Languages at Syracuse University, died January 7, ending a distinguished career in education and international relations. Phil Wilson, a lawyer-businessman and civic leader in Maynard, Mass., succumbed to cancer shortly before Christmas. More complete details will be found in the "In Memoriam" notices. The Class extends its deepest sympathy to both families.
The Class also expresses its sorrow to George "Yank" Price, whose beloved Adele died in late December.
Several fine promotions this month: JimHughes was named to head the newly-merged Diamond Shamrock Corporation as its first president. He formerly was vice chairman of Diamond Alkali, a firm he joined as treasurer in 1956. Bill Mathers was elected to the board of Gimbels, adding these duties to those as a partner in the law firm of Chadbourne, Parke, Whiteside & Wolff, a director of the Pine Street Fund, and a trustee of Barnard College.
Dave Williams was elected a director of Bin-Dicator Company in Detroit, where he is also vice president of the National Bank of Detroit. Bo Kreer was named administrative senior vice president at the Buchen advertising agency, which he joined recently. Bo also was elected to the agency's board and management committee.
As these notes are written, there is considerable speculation over Bunky Knudsen's next move in the automobile industry. Bunky resigned January 31 as executive vice president of General Motors "to pursue personal interests." Industry observers noted that he had elected not to accept early retirement, and, in severing his ties with G.M. left himself free to work for another auto maker at any time. Bunky had been with G.M. since 1939, and at various times headed the Pontiac, Chevrolet, and Detroit Diesel Divisions. [Editor's Note: Speculation ended February 6 when Knudsen became the new President of the Ford Motor Company — a move that made front-page news all over the country.]
Line Washburn manages to keep the College totally confused about his whereabouts. Just about the time the Alumni Records office lists his new address in New Haven, I find he is back in Seattle again. Line explains: "The truth is I am spending six months on each coast. My reason for being in Seattle, is that the University of Washington is developing a strong program in environmental research, in which inter-disciplinary Quaternary studies and glaciology are intimately involved." As one of the world's foremost authorities on matters glacial and Arctic, 'tis no wonder Line is deeply involved.
Bill Hands and his daughter Deirdre are vying to see who can log the most miles in international air travel. Dede has just been named by Braniff Airways as their official ambassador to promote San Antonio's HemisFair throughout Latin America. While she commutes south of the border, Bill is off on another round-the-world junket for H.K. Porter Company.
One of the most gratifying developments is the way widows of deceased classmates continue their strong ties with the Class. This, of course, is a real tribute to Bob Narramore, who heads our widows' program. Bob has forwarded notes from Sylvia Owens, Bob Lovegrove's widow, and Dorothy Krivan, Sid's widow, to share with the Class.
Sylvia is living in Albuquerque, and reports that all three children are married. Older daughter Susan is living in Milan, younger daughter Sara is in Albuquerque, and son Bob and his wife are at Ft. Collins, Colo., where he is working toward his Ph.D. in Forestry. While Sylvia did not mention how many grandchildren she has, Bob and his wife are imminently expecting their firstborn.
Dorothy Krivan writes "Am working in Jacksonville for a mortgage company. My son, Harold, who graduated from Harvard and worked two years for Prudential, is back in Hanover at Tuck School. Daughter Susan is a senior at the University of Florida, and younger daughter Laura is in tenth grade."
A fascinating letter from Swanee Dawson, who serves as our Commercial Attache at the U.S. Embassy in Bonn, West Germany. He writes: "My job is to assist American exports, and act as general advisor to U.S. business in Germany. This runs the gamut from product market research, advice concerning investments in Germany (which now run over $3-billion), trade promotion through German fairs, to advising wives of American business managers how to be happy in Germany!" How about that last assignment, Swanee?
His letter continues:
Before coming to Germany, I spent several years in Washington, and had the privilege of attending the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. Of course, having specialized in the economics of underdeveloped countries, I was immediately sent to the second most industrialized country in the world.
The children are all grown. Our baby is in college at Gulf Park, Miss., our son is a longhaired actor in California, and the oldest daughter is the mother of two boys. We have passed from the station wagon era to a two-seater Mercedes sports coupe, and have taken advantage of our new freedom to travel extensively throughout Europe.
We spent our home leave last fall at our home in Sea Island, Ga. where we expect to retire. This could happen in two years, but somehow I can't see myself retiring because I am having so much fun working. _ I have just been recommended to participate in an industrial management conference at Cahors, France, where I presumably will be both student and instructor. We're looking forward to two months in France, and will spend our weekends exploring from Bordeaux to San Sebastian to Tolouse.
Swanee reports that not many Dartmouth people are traveling through Bonn these days, but adds, "Would welcome any classmates who pass this way." So, if LBJ doesn't curtail foreign travel too drastically, any '35ers bound for Europe should include Bonn on their itinerary.
A newsy note from George Goodman brings us up-to-date on a number of classmates.
Morry Heller and Rose stopped by the Sunday after the Harvard game, and told us they had spent the evening before with Joe Sholkin and Mel Rosen. Remember how good Mel was with the boxing gloves? His reputation for having gifted hands continues - Mel has a most enviable reputation in the Dental Fraternity.
I occasionally hear about Jack Corcoran, and at last reports he was still living in Portsmouth, N.H. Ken Rule still is in Concord, N.H„ and maintains a busy schedule. From time to time, see Bud O'Brien, one of the most prestigious attorneys in the Merrimack Valley. Bud keeps trim, and I think could still give a good account for himself in the Dartmouth pool.
Not too long ago, our Merrimack Valley Dartmouth Club (Lawrence, Lowell and Haverhill) had Dean Seymour as speaker at an evening meeting. We have about 225 alumni in our area, and I am confident that we can strengthen both our regional club and its association with the College.
Sounds like an opportunity for other '35ers to pitch in.
A postcard from Len Shortell from Ft. Lauderdale, "Rose and I are taking a break from a break, and enjoy bumming around the beach. Many new (to us) cultural pursuits — Jai alai, Greyhounds, etc. Trying to figure out how we can delay our return home."
Quickies: At press time, Art Allyn was headed for gall bladder surgery at Evanston (111.) Hospital. Al Van Leuvan reported a new address from Pompano Beach, Fla., which sounds like retirement. Neil Roberts agreed to head the Third Century Fund in the Denver area. Bob Narramore named for another 6-year term as Commissioner of the Board of Apportionment and Taxation at Bridgeport, Conn. Just another of Bob's non-paying extracurricular jobs!
See you next month!
Secretary 840 Westcliff Deerfield, Ill. 60015
Treasurer, Apt. 16-H, 333 East 34th St. New York, N.Y. 10016
Bequest Chairman,
