1917

The decision to leave Florida the first of March was not an easy one, particularly as we had just enjoyed a day with Jim andMinnie Cone. They showed us how proficient one may become, both in golf and lawn bowling, in the pleasant clime of Sun City.

During this transition, we were happy to find Hank and Polly Louden at their home in Winter Park. This is an interesting suburb of fast-growing Orlando. Henry divides his time between his summer residence in Rye, N. H., and Florida for the winter months. While we were fortunate in testing the excellent cuisine of the Rio Pinar Golf Club, time did not permit our staying for a popular tournament there in which all the members were interested. Some of his closest friends may remember that, in addition to playing the trumpet in the band during our college years, Hank was elected "chorister" of the class when we were seniors. Hopefully, the Loudens will be with us at our Hanover reunion in September.

Later in the week, at Mt. Dora, we found Bob and Gail Boynton waiting for us on the porch of the hospitable Lakeside Inn. If you have a suitable boat, proper equipment and plenty of time, you can sail from their landing on one of the largest lakes in Florida, north through assorted waterways, to New York City. After a delicious luncheon, we watched lawn bowling. Bob tells me that this is the largest center for the activity in the state. Bob, we hope our visit with you did not deter you from hitting the "jack" later in the day.

Our last stop in Florida was at Daytona. Here Ruth Sisson greeted us in her attractive apartment and assured us that she was already planning to be with us for the fall meeting. Ruth piloted us to Dot Stockwell's home at the other end of Daytona Beach, where we found that Dot had arranged for a pleasant evening at the nearby Country Club of Ormond. Many of you will recall that Dot's son, Fred, a prominent Boston real-estate man, has served on the Dartmouth Alumni Council.

Gene Towler reports that, like all of us, he is struggling with "my detestable calculations" for his income tax return. He sends news of classmate Russ Fisher who has recently moved from Phoenix, Ariz., to a retirement home in Wilmington, Del. His decision doubtless was hastened by the unfortunate experience of having his home robbed by a group of addicts looking for money with which to buy drugs. Even if one were in the best of health, this would be unnerving, and Russ at the time was convalescing from a severe bout with flu. We all hope, Russ, that your decision to return to Delaware will prove to be a wise one and that you will be able to come to Hanover in the fall and see your many friends of '17.

Recently, we heard through friends that Willis Fitch had a good visit with Walt Walters in the winter, and later, a meeting with Bob Blackman, perhaps rounding up some talent for next year's freshman football team. Let's hear directly from our favorite cheerleader!

On the financial side, Len Reade has just sent out the advance material for 1970 Alumni Fund drive. This task is not an easy one. While Len did not need any inspiration, he does report his presence at the Bicentennial party, last December. He states that it was a most felicitous occasion, a great event for Dartmouth, and distinct honor for Laurene and himself to be among the guests. Len, we are all behind you for a good send-off in your work for this year.

We have just heard from our eminent classmate, Al Hickmott, that he has successfully passed the three quarter mark. Al recently underwent eye surgery, but fortunately recovered sufficiently to prepare a catalog of his Shakespeare library for the press. Please keep in touch, Al, and let us know about your other interesting achievements.

As I write these notes, they say that spring is just around the corner. But from our windows, we can still look upon two feet of snow. A recent ad in the New York Times emphasizes our smogless climate and the invigorating minus 20 degree weather. So bring your grandchildren for skiing, but join your contemporaries with a flagon of wine in the reluctant sunshine of a March afternoon and reminisce on the good beer parties we had in the vales of Norwich.

Secretary, Box 399, Montpelier, Vt. 05602

Class Agent, Reade Mfg. Co., Inc. Ridgeway Rd., Lakehurst, N. J. 08733