1921
It is not very often that we can eulogize a person when he is alive and in good health. It is called an encomium or panegyric. Such is the case with James C. Wicker. This tribute is made because of his recent gift to the Howe Library in Hanover, which is erecting a new building at a new location on East South Street. The money will be applied to the building cost, with an endowment fund, the income to be used for periodicals and books. The president of the Library Board is Mrs. Richard Fowler, the daughter-in-law of William Fowler.
The gift was given in memory of Professor George R. Wicker and the late Mabel Sweeney Wicker who were both prominent in the life of Hanover in earlier years. Professor Wicker taught from 1905 to 1917. His subjects ranged from economics to finance, statistics, money and banking, and labor. For eight years he was associated with Tuck School and collaborated with Professor R. T. Ely, the author of Elementary Principles of Economics, a must for all students majoring in business courses.
James Wicker prepared at Hanover High School while living on Occom Ridge. After finishing at Dartmouth he entered Harvard Business School. He has lived in California for more than two decades, and has prospered in the real estate business in the Bay Area, and lives in Oakland.
Getting back to the Howe Library: It used to stand on the site of the present Reed Hall, and was moved to its present location to be the Eleazar Wheelock residence. It was a private home until 1910 until the interior was remodelled, and it was given by Mrs. Emily Howe Hitchcock to the "village" library.
Harold Geilich has tried to induce his wife Martha to join him at homecoming, but received neither a positive or negative response. Martha's arthritis of the neck bothers her no end, which is a discomforting age handicap and "otherwise would be just great."
Harold reports that he has 8665 acres of virgin land to sell in Orlando, Fla., just six miles from that city. His cousin is among the owners, and the land has been theirs for 20 years. The asking price is a fabulous $2750 per acre. Harold is still active in acquisitions and mergers, but it is impossible to make any deals under present money conditions.
Charles P. Gilson has sent in a report on the movement of his widespread family. His two boys, Charles Jr. and Benjamin, are making careers for themselves. Charles still lives in England, and is vice president for American Express. His six children are approaching adult age, with the youngest close to her 15th birthday. Ben '54 is still practicing orthopedic surgery in Attleboro, Mass., and his children at home are thriving. Stephen, the oldest, has one more year at Vermont Academy and hopes to make it to Dartmouth, but fears he won't. His sister Carolyn, who is scholastically minded and is quite determined, has plans for Dartmouth within two or three years. Dorothy and Charles Sr. are thriving and keep reasonably active in various Hilltop and general community in. volvements. They see Nelson and Terry Smith often which adds to the Hilltop Dartmouth Club, not yet formally organized. The Gilsons both hope to make the homecoming game, and also other home games during the present season.
Deceased classmates from October 7, 1973 to date September 12, 1974: Malcolm F. Johnson 10/16/73, Wilbur K. Doran 10/23/73, Henry O'Malley 11/5/73, Sumner A. Perkins 12/15/73, Alden P. Chester 1/31/74, Hugh M, McKay 2/14/74, George D. Gaffield 3 / 30/74, Charles M. Johnson 5/14/74, Edward E. Kelley 6/2/74, Clarence C. Fleet 6/15/74, Roger D Patch 9/11/74, Charles T. Allen 9/12/74.
Secretary, New Boston Rd. Norwich, Vt. 05055
Treasurer, 5049 Wornall Rd. Kansas City, Mo. 64112
