1937
Fall reunion might be classed as one of the best yet in spite of rain and a few less people. More pertinently we might call it BillBreitinger's Homecoming. He was the central figure. To quickly review - he returned to the hospital last June to have a plate put in his head due to bone degeneration and headaches. It did the trick. Jean drove him to New Jersey where Marge and Ben Doran took over driving them north while Bill Sayre transported the wheel chair and accessories all coming together at Hojo's. Bill can say more words but the main thing is he laughed all the time, attended all functions including class meeting, sat on the sidelines (thanks to Russ Stearns) in his wheel chair with Ben Doran holding an umbrella over them both the whole game. And, bless the Breitinger's three kids for sending a surprise case of champagne to celebrate, half of which was gleefully downed at a party in their room late Friday night. Jean told us Bill hummed Dartmouth Undying all the way home to Pa.
The Drake Room dinner Friday was scheduled so we could catch the biggest bonfire ever, followed by Brewer Doran bringing a large part of the Glee Club to entertain us.
Pre-game festivities were held in the old Norwich train depot, now painted, remodeled, kitchen added, and known as Club X. Jud Smith is a member thus enabling us to use it. The game needs only one word - RAIN - most of us left early. Saturday night all showed up at Lee andRuss Stearns marvelous steak roast cooked in their garage (still pouring out). Sunday all were invited to Quechee for a Bloody Mary Brunch put on by Jackie and Park Johnston in their rented condominium that stretched out to mid-afternoon. With all the constant rain the Class had more "togetherness" that weekend than newlyweds in a blanket.
A few notes. Esther and Fred Mayo canceled out having sold his business in Rhode Island and moved to Phoenix, Ariz., temporarily 315 West Windsor Ave., c/o Ellet, awaiting their condominium. Same with Fess and Cal Eldred who moved five miles to Talladega from Bemiston, buying the ex-mayor's house - 723 Maple Drive. They mainly missed as they were headed for Italy on business and pleasure. Cal retires in two years but is already involved with the hospital, city council, and VP and director of the new S & L. The Reynolds have a problem with Gib, a kick-up of varicose veins with swollen legs, thus a trip north was not encouraged by his doctor. Ginny and Rog Allen were in Bermuda on a banking convention but a card addressed to the "37 Group" (arrived a day late) said they were thinking of us.
It was nice to welcome Fred Vogt, retired from Price Waterhouse after 29 years, the last ten in Denmark. He bought a small house in Guilford, Conn., and is planning to travel the U.S. after getting acclimated. He said Al Gray has been sick for three months but is better now, also he was visited by Charley Schaaf in Denmark. Kay and Ralph Griffith were also welcome newcomers. Rog Graves bought a condo (seems very popular) in Innesbrook Club, Tarpon Springs, Fla., and is looking forward to retiring there in three years. Ernie Roos is working with Blue Cross in Canton, Ohio. HankDoremus sold his veterinarian practice and is now teaching but further details are lacking. Crawf Hinman appeared with a new mustache which he claimed enabled him to raise his obstetrical fees. Dick Watson's still staff surgeon at Hitchcock Clinic and associate professor of surgery at the Med School. This new complex is known now as The Dartmouth Medical Center.
Betsy and Bob Ross spent six weeks in England and Scotland finding the railpass transportation a good deal. They continue wintering Florida, summering Duxbury.
At the class meeting with our 40th coming up, it was deemed appropriate to increase the size of the executive committee. Chairman Gus Farwell of the nominating committee proposed the following who were duly elected: Ben Doran,Bob Ross, Ernie Roos, Ad Parker, Hal Putnam, and Bill Sayre. We also adopted a fifth member into the Class, a close friend of Corkie and MuttRay by name Don McKinley (wife Charlotte). They were a great addition to the gathering. And you read it right - this McKinley is spelled with an e where our own Don spells with an a.
Ed Davis is now a senior vice president at Newsweek, Inc. where he has been for 29 years. Ed has overall responsibility at the magazine for manufacturing, distributing, subscription, and administration services operations. He is also the contracting officer for the company. Ed joined Newsweek in 1946 and subsequently became circulation manager, circulation director, a vice president, and general manager. He has been a member of the board of directors of the Audit Bureau of Circulations since 1969 and has served on the paper and postal committees of the Magazine Publishers Association.
Hal Putnam, now full-time painter, brought several works and sold four to classmates. From the proceeds he promptly donated $260 to our scholarship fund. That makes nine of his paintings now owned by classmates.
In addition to the above attendees we list the following: Fred Asher, Sid Lansburgh, TomNast, Frank Robin, Howard Ross, Judge andRuth Martin, Polly McLane (widow's secretary), Jean Tallberg and daughter (Bill's widow).
It was great, think about it next year you STAY-AT-HOMES!
Secretary, 10 Colby Road Wellesley, Mass. 02181
Treasurer, 14 Burling Ave. White Plains, N.Y. 10605
