1920

Jack and Margele Mayer on a safari in the Southwest in March and early April spent two lovely and restful weeks at the Camelback Inn in Phoenix, Ariz. While there they visited Art Pfeiffer and his son Bruce at Taliesin West in the Scottsdale area where Art is putting the finishing touches on his new home, a Frank Lloyd Wright house from plans that go back to 1938. The Mayers also visited and lunched with Kit Stevenson, daughter of Bill andLaura Carter and saw the new Carter hogan in its construction stage. The Mayers later flew on to the San Diego area, putting up at the Rancho Bernardo. There they were joined by Jack's brother and his wife who flew down from San Francisco. Jack reports a very nice visit also with an old and close friend of high school days who in 1916 matriculated at the U. S. Naval Academy while Jack joined 1920 in Hanover. As we all know from the mails, Jack is safely back on Staten Island, leading the Class in that annual drive for funds as Head Class Agent, a dedicated and loyal class officer who deserves our utmost support.

At the regional Class Agents luncheon on April 13—a miserable spring day, by the way, with rain mixed with snow or viceversa—the agents were addressed by Charlie Zimmerman '23 and George Colton '35 in their official capacities. Phil Gross from New London, N. H., joined BillCarter at the lunch table. Buttons Hill was scheduled to come over from Rutland but that drive over Pico Peak was more than Buttons cared to undertake, having grown soft from Florida sunshine and the fragrance of orange blossoms during the winter months.

Down Philadelphia way things have been moving along apace. The big news concerns our own Sherry Baketel Jr. who was honored this spring by the Dartmouth Club of the Philadelphia area. The Club decided to make a special award this year "to the outstanding alumnus in the area for service to the College." Who was chosen? By unanimous decision the Club Executive Committee selected H. Sheridan Baketel Jr. for "your marvelous efforts on Dartmouth's behalf over the past 50 years." and "a model for all alumni to pattern themselves after." What a tribute to pay to this genial, smiling gentleman whose every thought is Dartmouth directed! But this isn't all. On April 1, 1972 in the Library Lounge of the Union League Club in Philadelphia more than 60 friends and family of the Baketels appropriately celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary of Betty and Sherry. Congratulations are extended belatedly but nevertheless with utmost sincerity to the happy couple from all 19205.

From the joyous we now turn to the sad. Hilda Shea has reported from San Diego that Bill passed on in March. An obituary has been written about Bill and a memorial book is being placed in his name in Baker Library.

Ruth Farnham, Bill's sister, acknowledges with appreciation our write-up about Bill. She says she will take the Alumni Magazine to the nursing home where Bill is currently receiving care for his illness and they can read the article together.

It. is always good to have before us a reminder of events to come. On July 15 next, 1920 and 1921 and other assorted classes hold their annual summer assembly at "Hackberry Farm" in Canterbury, N. H. There the Canterbury Church ladies will serve a most delicious home-cooked meal to one and all under the shade of Bob and Martha Burrough's great elm trees, or in their spacious barn if the weather is inclement. This is an event that is unsurpassed for its warm friendliness. One cannot afford to miss it if one is within driving distance of Canterbury. Good fellowship, good food, and gracious hospitality from our thoughtful hostess and host, Martha and Bob Burroughs.

And even closer at hand is 1920's informal June reunion—June 12, 13, and 14—where hopefully many 1920s will gather for a quiet time on the campus. And perhaps some will choose to spend a night and a forenoon at Loon Mountain with Sherm and Rachel. We shall see.

Finally, this is the last set of class notes to be written from Robert Frost Lane in the Etna Highlands. In 1960, the Carters left a lovely home in Norwich, Vt. They tried to escape those tough Vermont winters. Soon, in 1972, they will leave an even lovelier home in Etna where the view extends far into Vermont, and for the same reason to take up residence in the Valley of the Sun. From 2549 East Beryl Avenue, Phoenix, Ariz. 85028, we hope to keep in touch. Alfred North Whitehead summed it up in these words. "I think it is a mistake to cling to a region because it has given you a delightful experience once. You merely accumulate dead possessions. Don't cling to the old because it made you glad once; go to the next, the next region, the next experience. We have left behind us the most extraordinary succession of delightful dwelling-houses each of which in turn meant every thing to us, but not one of which we now regret having left." That is a consoling bit of philosophy. Let us hope he is right. So, adios amigos. Hasta la vista.

Secretary, Robert Frost Lane Etna, N. H. 03750

Class Agent, 90 Iron Mine Dr. Staten Island, N. Y. 10304