1935
As this is written a soft snow is falling, we have just weathered two bitterly-cold weekends, Betty is convalescing from viral pneumonia, and I'm green with envy of classmates who have fled the hurly-burly of today's business life for exotic lands or the restive (and hopefully rejuvenating) life of retirement in sunny Florida.
A postcard from Owen Fairweather, sent from Algeria, put me in my present mood. Owen writes: "Sally and I are in the Haggar mountains, in the middle of the Sahara desert (Tamanrasset). Couldn't tell you why, except possibly to get away from the telephone and Phase II. Leave shortly for Kenya and Tanzania to photograph some animals."
If this doesn't do it for you, what about Win Mayo's note from Myrtle Beach, S.C.? "I left my executive position with Actors' Equity in '68. Roberta and I have built a home on the ocean. Golf all-year round. The two clubs I belong to are less than 10 minutes from the house. Ten more within a 30-minute range, and six more abuilding. Now have my handicap down to seven. Tell any '35ers to drop by—and bring their clubs." Also money, if Win is on his game!
Or this from Ralph Specht, detailing his retirement plans? "Trudie and I expect to establish residence in Florida later this year. We own property on Marco Island (as far south as you can go by car on Florida's west coast). Will probably rent for a year, before building." Ralph leaves United Shoe Machinery March 1, after 36 years. With their youngest son Scott a senior in High School and daughter Susan planning a June wedding, they'll be busy up north 'til early summer.
Or this report of Mexico re-visited by Jerry Spingarn? "Natalie and I were in Yucatan in early December to see the Mayan ruins. Then on to Mexico City, a return after 25 years. Very exciting, marvelous new museum of anthropology, charming people. Some relaxation at Cosumel, Mexico's Caribbean resort. Our sons are well: Jeremy is teaching at Grove School, and Jon (D '71) is a math teaching assistant at U. of Washington, in Seattle."
Well, enough envy and on with the news!
Carl Spengeman, associated with Provident Mutual Life, has won the National Quality Award of the National Association of Life Underwriters. Hank Hawkins was honored for his services to Claremont (N.H.) General Hospital, and elected an honorary trustee. Frank Adams (no mean golfer in the summer) won the Douglas medal at the curling bonspiel at St. Andrews Golf Club in Yonkers, N. Y. JohnMcPherson, having retired from Mosinee Paper mills, has moved up to the resort area of northern Wisconsin, at Minocqua. Gene Burnkrant is now in Wisconsin Rapids, having abandoned the sunny clime of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Ed Mitchell, on a business trip from Paris to San Francisco, stopped in Chicago to visit daughter Mary, now Mrs. Roger Brown. Over the phone, Ed reported that he and Peg will be taking a State-side leave this summer, and hope to see friends and classmates in June and July. Also returning State-side is Lt. Col. (Ret.) Dick Hurd, whose current address is an APO number out of New York.
From Ted Harbaugh comes this report of a nostalgic visit with Lee and JohnHowe. "The last time we were together was Paris in 1966. It was great to see them again, and get a direct report on their adventures in Rio, New Dehli and other fascinating places where John was stationed with UNESCO. Kay and I spent Christmas with our son John and his wife in New York. Went to Carnegie Hall to hear Isaac Stern and Pinchas Zuckerman play Mozart's Duo Concertante. A moving performance!"
Gordon Spencer's wife writes of a fascinating project he has been engaged in. "A study of Connecticut's transportation needs, 50 years hence. Spence still is with the Connecticut State Department of Transportation, and we lead a too busy, too active life. All kinds of civic activities in the greater Hartford area. Our daughter now is working on her Masters at Oregon State."
From St. Louis, Dan Kerwin writes: "Bill Chapman and his attractive wife recently had their picture on the front page of the Social Activities section. BoydRogers has been a very successful manufacturers' rep, and he and Ruth now live in Boyd's old family home. Peggy and I play a lot of bridge with our church group, and I am active in Kiwanis."
George Goodman writes from Palm Beach "Went to a Rotary lunch, and was surprised to hear Fred Axelrod introduced. Later, we got together with our wives for dinner. It was a pleasant evening." George plans to spend a couple of months basking in the sun.
Frank Cornwell and Ruth have taken up residence in London. If you're European bound, you can contact Frank at Monsanto House. Dave Goldman is rounding out 33 years with Weyerhauser, now New York City and New England manager for them. Lives outside of Waterbury, Conn., at Heritage Village. Their daughter Jane after getting her BA from Albright College, is secretary to the Dean of Business at the University of Hartford.
Meta Kirsch has found the answer to widowhood. Keep busy. And boy is she ever! Ever since Russ died, she has been working at the college where Russ taught and trying to keep up with her growing sons. In a letter to Bob Narramore, she writes:
"In March took Paul, my youngest, to the University of Florida to see the pediatric cardiologist. He goes back in February for another heart catherization. Not serious, but he can't play organized sports. Mike passed his doctoral core curriculum exams in Economics. Dissertation still to come. David is doing well in his sophomore year at the University of Georgia; worked in the tobacco market last summer.
"Attended a national meeting in St. Louis. Then drove to Houston and San Antonio. Finally saw the Alamo—and I'm a native Texan, too! Flew to London this fall for a week. What a fabulous city! I'm going back some day. Life is interesting, but I miss Russ terribly, and only wish he could have shared some of the travels." Quite a gal!
Also. Ernestine Hayes, widow of Chuck. She writes "Christmas again finds me on the ski slopes in Vermont, with my two children. Rick is a senior at the University of Transylvania in Lexington, Ky., and Wendy a high school junior. I keep busy teaching first grade, and am finishing up on my M.A. We all keep well and happy, but miss the balance in our lives—Chuck."
With these reassuring notes from two of our widows I find my own spirits perking up. Spring can't be too many weeks away!
Secretary 840 Westcliff, Deerfield. Ill. 60015
Treasurer, Apt. 323, 9820 Crawford Ave. Oak Lawn, Ill. 60453
