1935
Chinese acupuncture. Revealing glimpses into life in the Soviet Union. More declarations, yes or no, on retirement. These and other burning issues of the day, we have them all in this month's continuing saga of the Class of 1935.
Fred Raymond is our current authority on the Soviet Union. He and Bette spent the Christmas New Year's holidays in Moscow and Leningrad: His observations:
"I was surprised at how many of the old things have been carefully preserved and/or restored. Like putting real gold leaf on the onion domes of the churches in the Moscow Kremlin. One palace of the Tsarist regime, near Leningrad, has been completely reconstructed to its former splendor, after being demolished in WW 11. I was fascinated by the floors of rare woods, in intricate patterns. When I asked our guide about reports that they had given a kilogram of platinum for the wood in one floor, she gave me the double punchline in this non-religious country: 'As the Bible says, man cannot live by bread alone!'
"Of course, they don't have many private autos, but they're not handicapped by this. Public transportation (at least in Moscow and Leningrad) is developed way beyond ours. The subway stations are elegant, complete with marble walls and crystal chandeliers. Trains are frequent, fast and clean. There are a few taxis (advance appointment through Intourist), but to stand on the street and hail one - forget it!
"We weren't conscious of any unusual surveillance, but behaved ourselves by avoiding the black marketers who offer to buy one's clothes (I felt hurt; it was several days before anyone offered to buy mine!). Twice we were being shown around galleries, where there were small treasures of great value. Each time our group was joined by a seedy-looking Englishman. The second time we invited him to leave, but he declined. We still wonder whether they were guards or really seedy looking Englishmen."
As for Chinese acupuncture, John Wallace reveals that Doug Ley has taken treatments with miraculous results. "Doug has been bothered by arthritis in both hips for the last four years. His orthopedic man wanted to operate. Instead, Doug went to a Chinese doctor named Chu, near Tarrytown, N.Y., and received eight acupuncture treatments. For the first time in several years, he is able to stand, sleep and sit comfortably - even touch his shoes without pain. Enroute home from these visits, Doug and Ruthie stop in New York for dinner. The price of the meal exceeds the cost of the medical treatment!"
John's letter also told of a cocktail party for Boston-area classmates which Ruby Field (Ralph's window) held at her lovely home in Wayland in mid-January. A great turn-out, including: Marge and Dave Buxbaum, Eileen and Bud Cahoon, Bobbie and Fran Chase, Jean and Dan Cotton, Anne and Harry Ferries, Ruth and Doug Ley, Lois and Bob McLellan, Phyllis and Charlie Nayor, Margaret and Don Radasch, Thelma and Art Somers, and Flelen and John Wallace. Unfortunately, several others couldn't make it.
As for retirement, this month's vote is mixed. Rem Ryder writes: "Who can afford it?" SamRees (a partner with Haskins & Sells in Kansas City) counts "another 5% years to go." DanRegan says he is cutting down his eye, ear, nose and throat practice in Worcester, Mass., with tactics like this: "I discourage unnecessary office visits by remarking: "Wish I had been a vetinarian - I'd have a higher class of patients."
Wiley Hubbell, still plenty active with General Electric in Roanoke, Va., visited John Mayo awhile back at Myrtle Beach. "John looks great in retirement. Keeps his golf handicap nice and low. So watch out!" Of his own family, Wiley" reports: "Cynthia is married, Stewart graduated from VPI and is a civil engineer, Chris is a sophomore at Randolph Macon. We went to England, Scotland, and Ireland last fall. Only Dartmouth incident: our rented car had accelerator trouble on the ferry to Dartmouth, England."
Earl Arthurs spent two days with Bud Hulett at Key Biscayne. "Tho Bud is troubled with an arthritic hip (better talk to Doug Ley, Bud), he still heads up his three companies, built around National Auto Glass Specifications, Inc. If you break a window in your car, the mechanic must use Bud's NAGS catalog to order. It's the only service of its kind in the world. Bud divides his time between Detroit and Florida. He makes frequent use of his 48-foot cruiser, complete with captain and mate! As Bud says: "Why should I retire?" Good question.
Earl reports that his family - "bachelor son, two married daughters, two fine sons-in-law, three terrific grandchildren, Jane and me - are just in a happy rut and loving every minute of it. I am scheduled for a week's skiing in Alta, Utah, in February - the first time on skiis in 30 years. In case I disappear mysteriously, check the snowdrifts!"
Amid the trek to retirement meccas, two classmates are digging in for the duration in Manhattan. Jerry Davis writes: "have moved my OB-gyn practice from Brooklyn to Manhattan, where we've lived for several years. On the staff at N.Y. hospital, Cornell Medical center (Lying In) — and busier than ever. What's all this palaver about retiring?"
Fritz Hormel writes: "Madeline and I bought a small condominium at 77 W. 55th St. Since it is so centrally located, we hope a lot of classmates will drop by. Tried to get Russ Field down from Schenectady bdt his disability keeps him close to home."
Also busier than ever is Hal Stanton, still in the industrial film business. "Our new creative division has given us the best first quarter since the last quarter of the Yale-Dartmouth 33-33 classic. We in Massachusetts are still awaiting a visit from 'Ambassador McGovern.' "
A sad note from Ralph Wesby. "My wife Alice passed away August 8. Besides me, she leaves our two daughters and two grandchildren." We're terribly sorry, Ralph, and extend the sympathy of fellow classmates to you during this difficult period.
Also, heartfelt condolences to Bob Richter on the loss of his father Emil. Bob writes: "Dad's trips to Hanover for '35 reunions were highlight of his life. You see, he never even finished gram mar school himself." Those of us who got to know Emil in Hanover share Bob's feeling of keen loss He was a charming, interesting, and truly educated gentleman, grammar school diploma or not!
Wayne Geib provides this sequel to last month's report by Rudy Pacht. "We were flooded out in Rapid City last June. But our family all survived which was better than about 25 of our close neighbors. Our house and furniture were extensively damaged, so we boarded it up and I guess the government will eventually buy it for a flood plain project. Even before the flood, we had decided to move to Roanoke, Va.. and were building a house there. Moved in September 19. After 25 years Civil Service as a consultant to the V.A.. I decided to go into the V.A. full time. Am now in the laboratory at the V.A. hospital in Salem, Va."
QUICKIES! Don Rogers named Eastern Region bakery flour sales manager for ConAgra Inc., and will headquarter near Easton, Pa. Ben Rosenberg recognized for organizing the Physicians' Brass Ensemble, of New York, with its premiere concert during the holidays. NickJacobson gets the honor of being the first '35er with an undergraduate daughter. "Nora transferred from Antioch and entered the Junior Class January 3. Son Peter (Chicago '62) is teaching Government at San Diego State, Antoninette (Bennington '71) is studying in France. Noah Tobias in the 6th grade."
A fascinating letter just received from DickHalvorsen. Will save it for next month!
Secretary, 840 Westcliff, Deerfield, Ill. 60015
Treasurer. Apt. 323, 9820 Crawford Ave. Oak Lawn, III. 60453
