1935

"Tho 'round the girdled earth they roam ..." How prophetic are the words of Richard Hovey, in his stirring "Men of Dartmouth," which we sang so lustily as undergraduates, little realizing how literally we might live these lines in our lifetime.

Maybe it's the landlocked isolation of Chicago. Or the ennui that comes of a winter too long extended, and a spring too long delayed. Yet, as I write these lines, I'm reminded that scarcely a month passes, without some mention of the globe-girdling travels of a classmate, or the truly international nature of our business and social lives.

I guess what really brought it home was a recent visit to Bob Smith, in his offices at Time-Life International, high above Manhattan. Bob was a pioneer in helping to build Life's international empire, and his office is replete with relics of world travel. Airline certificates proclaiming membership in Pam Am's "Round the World" Jet-set, or the SAS Polar Bear Club, hailing him as "Conqueror of the Top of the World," photos of Bob and Time-Life staffers in Europe, the Orient, and remote corners of the world.

As sales manager of Life International, Bob has spent much of the past decade travelling abroad. Recently, in a reorganization of the corporate structure, Bob has been working to assimilate foreign operations smoothly into the domestic structure. Bob himself has shifted to the corporate staff, and is now special assistant to the Managing Director of Time-Life International.

Bob had invited me to join him at a Time-Life seminar on the Far East. Another welcome guest was Bobb Chaney, and with a far more valid reason. As vice president of Young & Rubicam's International Division, Bobb is busily engaged in the kind of international business life which prompted my original observation.

Our esteemed former Class Chairman, Reg Bankart, took two weeks from his busy life as one of Madison Avenue's top ad-men and put in his stint at jury duty. No routine case of Uncle Reg! He drew one of the juiciest rape cases in recent years, and now considers himself a foremost authority on the subject. Ah yes, the purity of American womanhood was avenged, and the dastardly fellow convicted!

Jim Huntley, whose piano playing has delighted all at recent class reunions, has recovered sufficiently from his heart attack to move to Deming, N. Mex., where he will now make his home. Jim writes: "I have purchased a gingerbread house with a fabulous view of the Florida mountains to the south and Cooks' Peak to the north. I play for the Lions Club meeting every week; also for the patients at the new nursing home at Mimbres Memorial Hospital. I will make Deming my permanent home, but will try to keep in touch with '35ers. Though I won't be present to play for future reunions, I still have a warm spot in my heart for you all."

We have a new regional chairman for the Cleveland area. Jack AuWerter has agreed to serve, taking over the duties relinquished by Lou Weitz. Jack's address, for you folks in Northern Ohio, is 2350 Delamere Drive in Cleveland Heights.

While I haven't heard of any new claimants for the Grandfather's Trophy, Mai Gelof appears to have undisputed honor as our most recent father. Mai and Helen had their first child last fall, and Mai proudly reports: "Our first-born, Adam David, is now over five months old, but still needs help to walk." If memory serves me correctly, most kids don't walk 'til they're nearly a year old. Have patience, Mai!

Mai is director of Psychological Services at the Delaware State Board of Health. He started a whole new life for himself back in 1955, when he quit business and went back to school. After earning his 8.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from New York University, he entered health work, and is now a clinical psychologist and specialist in mental retardation.

A belated report confirms that Don Saunders won the mayoralty election at Westbrook, Me., and is serving a two-year term. Don has lived in Westbrook most of his life, and besides heading the firm of Saunders Brothers as chairman of the board, is founder and past president of the Maine Forest Products Council.

A fine promotion for Dave Goldman. Dave has just been made New York regional sales manager for the Weyerhaeuser Company's Wood Products Group, and will be responsible for a region that includes Metropolitan New York and Philadelphia. Dave has been with Weyerhaeuser for 28 years, and during this time has had a wide range of responsibilities in operations and sales. He will headquarter in Port Newark, N. J.

Mac McNamer has a fascinating new assignment with Johnson & Johnson. A division manager with J & J's hospital division, Mac is travelling one-third of the United States, marketing a new line of disposable, sterile garments and materials for use in surgery. It's a significant advance over traditional washable fabrics, in the hospital's continuing struggle to improve sterile conditions in operation rooms. Part of Mac's job has involved sitting in on a number of operations observing the new garments in use, and counseling surgeons on proper procedures.

A long newsy letter from Walt Petke's ever-loving Mary reports that Walt is recovering satisfactorily from major surgery. He had learned that the operation was necessary last fall, but postponed the ordeal in order to root Saturdays for son, Jon, who starred as fullback on Williams' fine team. Twice, Walt had the thrill of seeing Jon break away for 95-yard touchdown runs. A great season for the Petke clan!

Mary's letter continues: "Emmy Lou is almost 24, and a career girl who has finally made it to San Francisco. Susie is a sophomore in college, and one of her biggest chores is keeping the men in Gadden House at Williams in home-made cookies. Joey is a freshman at Eastern High in Bristol, Conn., and earning his letters in cross country and basketball. As for me, I'm fine ... a 'donothing' wife and mother ... but the education one gets here can't be beat anywhere - not even at Hanover."

That last sentiment, I'm sure, is shared by every mother in the class. On that happy note, so long 'til next month!

Secretary

840 Westcliff Deerfield, Ill. 60015

Class Agent, Ter Bush and Powell, Inc. 224 Harrison St., Syracuse, N. Y. 13202