1924
It's early March as I write, and we have turned a corner here at Dartmouth: the "changing of the guard" was a family affair on a very high plane; four of us marched in the academic procession onto the basketball floor in the Gym — Dick Mortal, RobinRobinson, Don Bartlett, and myself, properly gowned for the occasion. You'll read the details, so I'll forbear. Spring comes hard, always, but today is rainy instead of snow and it's slushy; but no duckboards yet and I doubt we will have any remnants of yesteryear. Better campus drainage and grading make the difference. I don't even own a pair of galoshes any more! Spring is also coming when we have our local town meetings and the arguments over school budgets especially are hot this year. Over in Norwich, Don Bartlett got himself elected as a "Lister" ... do you know what that is?
Speaking of schools, I wonder how many wives are working in the grade schools? Pauline Hartshorn has gone back to parttime teaching, third grade, fifth grade, high school. Wonder also how Hank is doing now that Pauline is a licensed stock broker ... and he is retired "doing nothing" ... except getting the "memorabilia" part of our reunion plans in shape. Don't forget: items "originating during our actual four college years" are included. Perhaps your wives call this "junk" ... but we should have a few (not dozens) of the senior canes where the carving is especially good and I hope you'll let him decide to "gladly accept" or "politely decline" your offerings. Right now the Hartshorns are off and relaxing, a 13day island cruise, then a few days in Florida and winding up, I'll bet, with Bevoand Quecha Beers ("highlight of the trip" - of course) at Shangri La ... I mean, Crystal River, Fla. Margaret and I have designs on a visit there, too, but doesn t look like it this spring (The Nat Burleighs '11 need us here; serious illnesses.)
I had my biggest artistic thrill of 1970 yesterday when a package came in the mails from Stu Eldredge with the promised eventual replacement for the present birthday card. I won't tell you the subject other than that it is a campus view, and done in the same medium as a present one. I have enough of the present cards to last at least through Reunion; at that time I'll gladly give you additional copies as long as the supply lasts, for several have spoken of their appreciation of the Baker Library picture. Thank you, Stu, for this second wonderful gift to the Class. Come up in June and enjoy the original with all of us at Reunion time. All signs read GO, and all plans excellent. Don't miss it; I'm saddened by the number who are not here to have the choice. I'll continue one more thought in that vein: I write the obtuaries, ordinarily, but I'm pleased that I've had help or 100% acceptance to all (3) requests to classmates or friends who knew the departed classmate well and better than I did. I'll acknowledge these either in our News Letter, through Butts Lamson, or with the obituary itself, as seems appropriate.
Incidentals: If you glossed over lightly, or missed, go back and read Bulletin #5 and also Spud's bit of yellow (how could you - or did you - pick that paper?) journalism ... and write in your YES response. ... Nilsens sent a card from Antigua; they and the Bents will hit St. Croix; Hobey Holbrook retired but now has taken and passed exams for his "ticket" as a California "Marital and Family Counselor" ... as well as his hobby with the Audubon group and work with the State Mental Health Rehabilitation groups. Hopes to make Reunion. ... Walt Kidde's mother ... Mrs. Louise Carter Kidde, whose husband was a founder of engineering and contracting firms bearing his name, died February 9, at 81 years of age. We seldom have such news sent to us. I am reminded that John Mauk's wife died. Nov. 19, 1969; Mrs. Henry Lockwood died January 24, 1968; Mrs. James Hutton died June 3, 1969.
Finally, two matters: our Class Officers meeting comes May 1-2; at that time we need to establish what if any constitution is operative for this class - so (point 2) we can take appropriate action at our Reunion in June. So once again ... "get with it"; sign up now.
Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd. Hanover, N. H. 03755
Class Agent, Box 58 Warwick, N. Y. 10990
