1935
We seem to be approaching an age where our hobbies make more fascinating reading than our careers! I say this not to demean our business achievements, but rather to highlight a dimension of our lives classmates rarely discuss—at least in their letters to the column. To prove my point, let's take the case of Harry Ackerman.
Few of us can match Harry's career for achievement (successful producer of sundry TV favorites) or glamor (lovely, actress wife and the social excitement that only Hollywood can provide). Yet, in a recent letter, Harry wrote about a hobby that is both fascinating in itself, and has brought him some reknown.
"I am a collector of historical autograph material, especially oriented to the French and Indian Wars and the American Revolution. Some of my letters—by Washington, Lafayette, Philip Schuyler, Anthony Wayne, and others—were put on display in Los Angeles this summer. The Los Angeles County Museum also borrowed a Lincoln's engraved pocket knife and his legal wallet, which I also own;"
I suspect many a classmate who hasn't written the column in years has an equally fascinating, and revealing, story to tell. Let's hear from you!
Hall Colton Our hard-working treasurer, is my biggest contributor this month. He turned over to me the newsy notes that several classmates scribbled on the back of their class dues notices. But, before getting into them, Hall asks that I explain to the class what the "Optional Memorial Fund Contribution" is all about. A year ago, the class agreed not to raise dues from $10 to $l5. Rather, to provide an extra $5 on an optional basis to help build up our Memorial Fund, which is used to finance projects in memory of deceased classmates. This year, we'll build an illuminated "Coming Events" display case and bulletin board, in front of Hopkins Center. These are class projects and should not be affected by your politics, views on co-ed education or any other area about the college, which you may consider controversial.
Harry Deckert reports he has sold the candle factory and is now a "banker" (his quotes). His offices are in the Mercantile Trust Company, St. Louis. Harry's daughter, Pamela, is one of the few young women to crash Madison Avenue as an account executive—with Dancer-Fitzgerald-Sample.
Bill Clark writes that son, Dave, now is a senior and graduates in December. Bill and Helen were up for the Princeton game, to watch Dave perform on the "A" Rugby team. Dartmouth won 11-5, with Dave scoring a touchdown. Bill's real pride, however, is reflected in the note that Dave had a 5.0 average as an English major last spring, and plans to go on to law school.
A deep sigh of relief from Bob Ritcher. Son, Gerry, not only returned home from Vietnam safely, but won a few medals to boot. Gerry received the Bronze Star and Air Medal, while serving with the 101st Airborne. He is being re-assigned to Fort Benning where, as Bob phrased it, "He now must play war games. Sort of silly, but that's the army."
Boyd Rogers reports that his oldest daughter and son-in-law are moving from Geneva, Switzerland, to Paris. "Nick, who is Tuck '68, is with the First National City Bank. So I'm sure he could raise bail for any '35er in trouble in Paris." (Ed Mitchell take note!)
Gordon Spencer's daughter, Lisa, graduated from Duke in June and is now teaching first grade in Washington, D. C. RudyPacht wrote that he owes Dero Saunders one letter and me two. Perhaps, if I embarass him in this fashion, he'll get off his duff. Art Bamford claims he's still working evenings, weekends and full-days . . . go-go-go!!! He bought into a cosmetic firm (identity not given), which he reports looks terrific.
Two sad items. Floyd Pansing died of a heart attack while driving his car in Sidney, Ohio, where he was president of Sidney Aluminum. Further details will be in the "In Memoriam" section of this or a subsequent issue. The column also extends sympathy to Merc Curtiss, who lost his dad October 15.
From Bill Fitzhugh comes news that number two son, Josh '70, is starting a newspaper career almost under the shadow of Baker Library. He is editor of a brand new newspaper, headquartered in Lebanon called "The Connecticut Valley Reporter." Bill enclosed a copy of Volume 1, Issue No. 2 and quipped "Volume 1, No. 1 obviously becoming a collector's item." Bill's older son, Bill Jr. '64 has produced yet a second Fitzhugh grandchild, and started a new job as an anthropologist with the Smithsonian Institution.
Hank Hawkins writes "Son Clay will be wed in December, an excuse to bring our California people home. After 17 months in our new, 1825 home, we're most happy, and remind '35ers we're only 3 minutes from the Ascutney exit on 1-91, heading north."
From the Gallagher report, a Madison Avenue gossip sheet, comes this tid-bit. "Growth of suburban airports and connecting airline service to Albany prompts Mohasco Industries President, Herb Shuttleworth, to move twelve divisional sales managers from New York City to company headquarters in Amsterdam, N. Y. All carpet operations (sales, marketing, production, top management) under one roof." Herb never did want to leave home!
Cramp Carrick writes that daughter Pat is in California as an associate producer on a TV kids show. Son Rick graduated from the University of Vermont, and is looking forward to ski patrol at Stowe, Vt., this winter. Youngest son, John, M.I.T. '74, preparing for a career in electrical engineering.
Phelps Luria says '35ers are scarce "here on the South Shore (Long Island). See Freddie Mebel and Dr. Rauch every once in awhile. Since the kids left the New Hampshire area, I rarely get back. Hanover has changed the past six years. Miss those old elms in front of the Inn, and can't stand the cement, stones and bricks of social progress."
Progress or no, Hanover is the objective for all '35ers next June 14-15-16. Make your reunion plans now!
Secretary 840 Westcliff Deerfield, Ill. 60015
Treasurer, Apt. 323, 9820 Crawford Ave. Oak Lawn, Ill. 60453
