1923
Paul Soley hasn't been reported in this column for more than ten years. I'm taking the liberty therefore to quote a small part of his recent fine letter to Clarence Goss: " — Mine has been a very busy life with much work, some play, a happy family situation and the same amount of joy and tears that everyone gets going through this valley.
"I will certainly be up there for the Reunion and consider myself lucky to be alive and well. A doctor is very keen about the many rocks a man can trip on healthwise before he reaches age 71.
"I am still practicing medicine but have given up any more major surgery. My three daughters are thriving. One married a physician and has four children, another married the chairman of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Columbia and has adopted two boys. My third daughter is a professional violinist. Mrs. Soley is busy all day doing work for this community so you see we haven't yet adopted the slogan 'Get out of the front lines but continue to participate.' We are very much in the front lines and intend to stay there if we have the health to do so."
Paul goes on to speak affectionately of"rot. John Aulis" who gave him a job in freshman commons. As one who also benefited greatly from John's help and understanding I join Paul in fond memory of a very kind man.
On March 17 Chet Bixby received the "Book Golden Deeds" award from the Haverhill change Club. This award is the highest honor the Club can bestow on an individual who has distinguished himself by unselfish service to his community and fellowmen. All of us well know 0f Chet's devoted service to the Class and the College. Not so many know of his community vices as a school committeeman, secretary treasurer of Bradford Junior College, chairman of the Haverhill Welfare Board or of his work with Boy Scout, Boys Club, YMCA, and many organizations. Needless to say there was a hugeturnout of Chet's Haverhill friends at the award dinner.
Frank O'Gara writes to tell Clarence thai between 1850-60 Frank's grandfather planted all of the elms bordering both sides of West and East Wheelock Sts. He wonders if they have survived the blight. My remembrance is that they have, as have many of those surrounding the campus. The college no doubt has had to do a lot of work on them. It's a pitiful sight to see one of those beautiful champagne-glass shaped trees lose its leaves in July and in a few weeks peel and die.
A few evenings ago on invitation from Paul Richter '20, Connie and I joined a group of 1920, '21, and '22 folks for a fine dinner at the China Dragon in Hooksett, N.H. Paul's invitation read — "No special reason —just fun;" and it was that exactly. This group isn't an official Club - just a few Dartmouth people who get together ever) month or so for the sake of talking with one another — and not entirely about the College either. There were. 15 of us: Col. Charlie and Elsa Crathern '20, Paul Richter '20, Phil and Hilda Gross '20, David and Edith Bowen '21, Ken Bean '21, Charlie and Dotty Gilson '21, Col. Roland and Jessie Batchelder '21, and Andy Heath' 22. During college years there's a vast generation gap between freshmen and upper classmen. It disappears after 50 years or so. It was fun!
Many of you have complimented the editors of The Golden Review. From Mike McGean, Secretary of the College, to Ruel Smith comes especially welcome praise. Mike writes: — "like a good book I'm sorry it is over and envious of those who still have some Golden Review issues to read. The Review has crossed my desk at rather busy moments but it has never allowed itself to be pushed aside. I've been educated as well as entertained every time through and my admiration for you, the Review Committee, indeed the Class itself, could not be higher."
Aubrey Miller's widow Kay and son John write to thank the Class for the memorial book presented to the College Library in Aub's memory. Also from Roma Nay comes a letter of thanks for the book in memory of Harford. Roma went to Bradenton, Fla., in November for a six months rest and unfortunately had to undergo some' rather complicated surgery. She's able to get around again however with a walker and feels very hopeful about the future.
Some weeks ago Starr Murphy's wife Edith wrote that Starr has been ill for the past three years following a paralytic stroke. Edith also expresses the hope that Metty Morse's wife Katherine has recovered from her recent illness. Starr and Metty were college roommates.
Many of you read Yankee magazine published in Dublin, N.H., and probably the most popular "rural" periodical in the country. Yankee printed a short item to the effect that it was at Dartmouth, in the College physics lab on February 3, 1896, that the first scientifically documented American medical x-ray was taken. The patient broke his wrist while skating on the Connecticut River. Yankee, which is full of these New England tidbits, also publishes the OldFarmers Almanac which many of us, in these parts at least, set great store by. This year however the Almanac forecast the most severe New England winter in history. We got all braced for it with a new snow thrower and then proceeded to experience one of the mildest on record.
We are saddened to hear of the death on March 12 of Bill Welch's wife Annie. The sympathy of the Class goes to Bill and his family at this sad time in their lives.
We also regret to tell you of the death on March 19 of Dud Hawkins. Dud was at Dartmouth during freshman year and then transferred to Yale where he graduated in 1924 and received his law degree in 1928. An obituary will appear in this or a later issue of the Alumni Magazine.
Ted Barstow wants me to be sure and remind you that our 50th is not the only 1923 reunion of the year. Again the class will get together on October 13 for the fall class meeting and the Penn game weekend. Ted has a batch of rooms reserved if you want to get in touch with him at Dunster Drive, Hanover, N.H. 03755. Our 50th overshadows the fall weekend a bit but October's a pretty good time to be in Hanover, too.
Secretary, Box 2, Francestown, N.H. 03043
Class Agent. 3 Sealand Dr. Newton, Conn. 06470
