1923
The span of interruption in these notes runs from about May 1 to September 1. Quite a bit of class news has accumulated during that time - some of which, because of space limitations, I'll have to dole out to you in later issues. Forgive me if some of it seems a bit out-dated.
Some months ago I offered the suggestion that the 20th century really began on January 1, 1901. Since a considerable number of us arrived in this world in 1900 it seemed important that we should determine once and for all whether that year was a beginning or an end. The only reaction to this effort on my part came from Kit Carson who finds himself in the 1923-arid area of Denver, Colo. In a very lively and learned letter Kit has convinced me that 1900 really did start the new century. I won't attempt to reproduce the formula by which he accomplished this feat, but rest assured the question is no longer moot and we really are a part of a newer generation.
Kit goes on to say that he and Hazel are most thankful to have been remarkably well all these years. He now operates on a reduced schedule but still heads the family business that he came back to 50 years ago from Hanover and which he has managed for the past 34 years.
I have a copy of an August 21st letter Charlie Zimmerman wrote to Alumni Fund Executive Secretary Charlie Breed. This letter summarizes admirably the reactions and comments of all of our class agents with'regard to the Fund and 1923's participation in it. For any of you who may still believe that we have failed to state our position clearly and constructively to the college administration it will be a pleasure to read. I have suggested that Charlie either send each of you a copy or have it included with a future Skiddoo.
Via a brief note from Alice Pollard I learn that two rooms in the Vail Medical Building have been furnished in memory of Kerch Holt and opened for use this summer. The furnishings were provided by Richard Holt '38, Kerch's brother, who with his wife and Kerch's widow, Phyllis Holt Larrabee, were present for the dedication ceremonies.
A two-column article in the Boston Herald tells of Paul Morgan's permanent move to Cape Cod and of the success of his growing real estate business there. Head of his firm in Boston for many years, he opened a branch office in Osterville in 1971. It has now become his full-time base of operations and he and Marge are enjoying the Cape-lifestyle in their lovely home which overlooks the fairway of the Wiano Golf Course.
In a letter to Truman Metzel, Taylor Smith writes: "We do wish we could have been with the Class at Reunion and know we missed a great experience. I don't know whether I wrote you about what interfered but it seemed very important to us at the time and we do not regret making the choice we did. Life here goes on mighty pleasantly. I had a great unexpected pleasure last fall - lunch with Priscilla and Paul McKown. I had not met her previously but as you know she is one of those very delightful people you meet one minute and the next minute feel as if you had been friends for years and years."
Tay then goes on to tell of a gall bladder operation last April that turned out successfully and to say that both he and Helene are now busy as chairman and secretary respectively of their golf club landscaping and grounds committee.
Jim Landauer sent me a copy of the College Library's publication of The Journal of Samuel R. Oliver during 1835 and 1836. This very interesting and personal account of a sort of offbeat young student's contention with Hanover weather and the College curriculum of 140 years ago was printed by the application of income from the James D. Landauer Library Fund, created for the support of special projects within the program of the College Library.
Word also comes to me via Paul Paganucci, Associate Dean of Tuck School, of the two lectures Jim delivered to the Personal Finance class series in early May. Paul says: "I know of nobody from any part of the United States who could have handled the job so comprehensively, expertly, and with such humor and judgement."
"Medical Instrumentation" was an unfamiliar term to me until I received a copy of the keynote address presented last April by JulesRippel at the annual meeting in New Orleans of the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. Long interested in all aspects of hospital administration and service, Jules still guides the destinies of the Fannie E. Rippel Foundation which makes grants to a variety of hospitals, medical research centers and facilities for the relief and care of aged women.
From Johnny Allen to Clarence Goss: "Glad you were able to reach George Plant on the phone. Your account of his life pattern (hospital and nursing home) is almost identical with mine over the past year or two - so identical in fact that George and I exchanged letters early this year to make sure neither of us was missing anything."
"Had a most pleasant surprise when I was in Merritt Hospital for three weeks in April. The national organization of veterinerians held a convention in San Francisco and Joe Millar took the time off and made the effort to find Merritt Hospital in Oakland and pay me a visit."
And the following quote from Johnny's note to Clarence I had missed and knew nothing about: "Was glad to learn that leadership received proper recognition in the form of Joshua A. Davis award for untiring efforts in '23's 1973 campaign. Since I was part of the team watching you at work I knew the award was well deserved and well placed.
Jim Broe very kindly sent me a recent and impressive New York Times supplement describing the work of The American Civil Liberties Union and listing Win Wadleigh as national treasurer.
An excellent article in the Bangor Daily News by Carl Gray deplores the hamstringing and apparently inevitable demise of American railroads. The accompanying editor's note says:
"Carl A. Gary, a resident of Seal Harbor is a retired manufacturer, known in the business community for his talks and published articles on free enterprise. He championed Connecticut's war veterans training program and a number of other projects involving the business community in social betterment. As an unflinching disciple of free enterprise Mr. Gray has dedicated his retirement to spreading the 'gospel.'"
It is my sad duty to report that since the last issue we have lost five more of our good men - Bill Gates, Ed Laventall, Ken Blake, PhilKeigher and Bert Teagle. To their widows and families the Class extends its deepest sympathy.
It is with great sadness also that I tell you of the recent death of Charlie Rivoires' wife Helen and of Jim Young's wife Flora.
1923's Ike Phillips and Jim Landauer tookboth the photo and the fish (on a #8 wetfly) in Northern Quebec in July.
Secretary, Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043
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