1939
By now you have probably read Walt Darby's report on the fall reunion. Seventy-four folks in all were on hand at the festivities at Bonnie Oakes, and more classmates attended the game in the pouring rain (although let it be said that many of the wives took to the local shops or the comforts of the Kaiser homestead in lieu of the inclemency at Memorial Field). It is our function as official scribe to report actions taken at the executive committee meeting whose numbers were swelled by early revelers Kuhlke, Farrington, McLaren, Loughry, Sullivan (Bob on his first fall reunion) and Goding. President Bert MacMannis presided over committee members Bates, Coulson, Darby, DeGraff, Hanna, Highmark, Hird, Howe, Jackson, Kaiser, Miller, Rohde, Smith, Steele, Webster and Wyman.
It was noted that, this was the best attended fall reunion our Class has held to date. It was voted not to actively participate in the reincarnated Dartmouth Night going on at the campus that very evening since we were indeed ensconced at Bonnie Oakes. However a telegram to President Kemeny was to be dispatched each year from the Class. Treasurer Cornie Miller reported our finances stable and growing, and invested in interest bearing positions preparatory for our 40th year gift to the College. Memorial Chairman Jack Coulson reported that seven recent deaths (all reported in this Magazine over recent months) have had Memorial Books presented by name to Baker. It was voted to reject the library's suggestion that the class deposit funds a year in advance for our Memorial gifts program in anticipation of future deaths. Too ghoulish we thought. Reunion Chairman Wells Bates reported that organizational plans for our 40th are beginning to be made. Sam Hird, Photographic Co-Chairman (with Larry Vulte) suggested that BillWebster be added to the committee. The suggestion was adopted. Class Resources Chairman Moose Wyman stated that he has not been briefed as to his duties. No one could help him out, so we seek council from the College who requested the establishment of the committee in the first place.
Newly-appointed 40th Reunion book editor, O'Brien Boldt arrived just after the conclusion of the meeting - a shame since it was decided by the committee to join the trend of other classes in foregoing a 40th year book in favor of a 50th. All the better to keep the cash sheltered. Major Gifts Chairman Bob Howe expressed his disappointment with major gifts in last year's fund drive, but it was agreed to step up the same approach in the current year with better results anticipated. A vote of thanks was extended to retiring class agent, Robb DeGraff, for his excellent services to the Class and his resignation officially accepted. The committee welcomed the news that Jim Corner (who works but a floor above Robb at duPont) has taken over the post. Robb promises back-up help. And finally preliminary arrangements were made for next fall's reunion to be held at Bonnie Oakes over the Harvard game weekend. It ought to be a blockbuster!
From Ben Eckerson comes word that he tired of retirement and went back to work in January designing computer systems for the U.S. Employment Service. Then he tired of this and has taken on a new retirement. Now he trys to bridge the generation gap represented by three daughters and five grandchildren. Wife Louise has recently joined Ben in retirement which Ben suggests might put him back to work again if he is not careful.
Michael Ellis and his wife Michael were scheduled to open Delray's first real art gallery on November 15. Two days later Mike opened his third season as managing director at the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale. The name of the Gallery - One of a Kind (If you bought it here, you bought the only one in the world).
Bob Haslam still laboring as Exxon's New England Public Affairs man, wrestling with legislatures and off-shore oil projections. His daughter Sheila was married in May to a professor at Kean College in New Jersey. His son Douglas is back in college working on a masters in public administration at UCal. And son Bob III decided to chuck aeronautics after five years in the Air Force and now finishes up law studies at Hastings in San Francisco. Daughter Judith is at Bell Labs and dabbling in education at Fairleigh Dickinson. Only Bob is out of education, but fills free time in the summer by sailing Casco Bay in Maine.
By the time you read this Santa will be preparing a sleigh full of goodies for each and every one. May you and yours have a festive, restful, and merry yuletide.
Secretary, 777 West Street Pittsfield, Mass. 01201
Treasurer, 34 Prospect St., Essex, Conn. 06426
