1911
We were speaking recently of the robins. Let's continue the conversation. Each winter in January, the robins stop off in Clearwater long enough to get some water and a bite to eat on their way further south looking for warmer climate. Literally there are thousands of them as they swoop down from the sky like a great black cloud covering everything in sight: the trees, lawns, bird baths, and water spots. In a few hours they are gone and hardly one left in sight, to return a couple months later on their way north. This year their annual visitation was in the middle of January.
By the time we get to the Mountain View in June they will be there waiting for us. They know a good spot when they see it. A letter from Mrs. Elliott assures us that they will be expecting us as usual. The dates they are reserving are from Wednesday, June 25 to Friday, June 27. The rate this year will be $17.00 daily, per person, full American Plan. She also promises that there will be room over the weekend if any wish to stay a few days longer. Unfortunately each year the group seems to grow smaller. It is still not too early to start declaring our intentions.
A letter from Rachel Marden's daughter tells of her mother's death following a stroke on New Year's day. She had not been well since Bill's death a year ago. Also we must record that Mrs. Daniel Porter died at a convalescent home in Hartford, Vt., on January 27.
Borrowing headlines, and some context from the "Orlando Sentinel," we find: "Judge Don Cheney is still going strong at the Orange County Courthouse. Few visitors would ever guess that he just passed _ his 80th birthday. He is bright-eyed and pink-cheeked - he was the county's first juvenile judge - retired as assistant to the president of Rollins College in 1949, he tired of no work and went to work for the county, helping to get rights of way for roads, bridges, and drainage.
"He has continually been engaged in working with the youth of the county. He has a fifty-year badge in the Boy Scouts of America and was recently honored at a dinner of the Boys' Club of America. In 1940 he joined the American Red Cross as field director for the armed forces in World War II. Don is active in the County Historical Society of which he is currently president. It was the sum of these interests and activities that gave rise to a large surprise party. There is one other facility, known only to his close friends. He can make the best grapefruit concoction in the county."
Additional Florida recruits are the Griswolds who are en route to their winter home in Largo and John and Mig Pearson who will winter at the Lakeside Inn in Mt. Dora. They were due to depart from Hanover just as the thousand co-eds were about to arrive for academics. This sounds like a mistake in judgment.
Our latest world traveler has just checked in from Bangkok. Catherine Fuller was going to spend the winter in Hawaii but look at her trail, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei, Osaka, Kyota, and Hiroshima, but not necessarily in that order. She plans to be home by the middle of February.
Via the grapevine we learn that MarjorieSwain will again become a visitor in Clearwater for a brief visit. We recall a pleasant occasion of this sort last winter and hope it can be repeated.
We have been awaiting Biff Thompson's arrival at Sanibel Island near Ft. Myers. This is a favorite spot for shell collectors, fishermen, and bird lovers. He confesses that he is still a sucker for fishing. He admits that he has been concerned about the "far Left" movement but that he has cooled off a bit. On his way south, by way of California, he stopped to see Fred Long, who is making a good recovery from a coronary attack. But here is Fred's story in his own words.
"I was going along last July minding my own business when without any warning something happened. My M.D., who is Charlie Fay's son, called it a slight stroke which sent me to the hospital for eight weeks. At our rehabilitation center I made a remarkable recovery. I feel it was a miracle to recover and that it did not leave any bad effects. I am feeling almost as good as ever and in another couple of months will be good for another thirty years. I walk two or three miles a day and eat like a horse. I was delighted to see Troy Parker last week. He is in fine shape and just as jovial as ever. As to my Hanover visit in October of '67, my first in nineteen years, the big improvement in the physical plant is the new Inn and what a grand and glorious improvement it is. It not only anchors that corner of the campus but does it in such a way as to add beauty and distinction to the whole scene. It is a delight to the eyes inside and outside and of course to the palate at meal time. I looked at the old Commons of our time and College Hall and saw the only sad sight of my stay in Hanover. The Commons was deserted and not in use. We can hope and pray that the spiritual side of the college is as beautiful and inspiring the physical side."
Carl Waterbury is concentrating on trying to secure greater recognition for the contributions made to the College in its earlier years with special reference to Samson Occum.
There are kind words from Cora Taylor who is always thinking of others. "When the tornado, Gladys, was tormenting Florida I worried a bit about you. Then when a terrific storm struck New England I wondered whether the weatherman was determined to chase you from one place to another." She also has other kind thoughts which are much appreciated, such as this reply to the question about the MAGAZINE: "Being a Dartmouth wife all news of the College is of great interest to me and class news brings up many happy memories and gives pause for thought."
Secretary, 1123 Drew St. Clearwater, Fla. 33515
Treasurer, Seaside Ave., Saco, Me. 04072
Bequest Chairman,
