1926

Here it is well into the first month of 1976 and in less than five months we meet on the Hanover Plain June 11-12-13 for our FINEST FIFTIETH. Russ Clark, our hard working reunion chairman, as of the December 2 date of this writing has reported 205 persons coming for sure and 90 persons hoping to come. The committee urges the undecided not to miss seeing all these other members of 1926's Aristocracy of Brains gathered in one place again - so send in those reservation cards!

Dick Mandel says that he has a grandson in the sophomore class who likely will be one of the bartenders in the 50th Reunion tent. Are there any others available - we may need more than one?

Distant classmates Herrick Norcross, Tyronza, Ariz., and Morry Storer, Gainesville, Fla., have "Dear Jacked" their 50th intentions, and after returning from their winter sojourn in San Marcos, Calif., Herm and Dot Trefethen also will be on hand.

Charlie and Lois Abbott enjoyed their annual visit to Paris, crossing both ways on the QE2. During a three-week stay in Hanover, Lois was a student in French 21, even taking the midterm exam. Undergraduates in her class could not quite understand her voluntary attendance, but as Lois said, they aren't old enough to know it is fun to prove to yourself you can still do it. Chuck endured rainy Penn, Brown, and Harvard games and enjoyed practice sessions and Quarterback Club luncheons.

More "Dear Jack" writers reporting in as prospective 50th goers: Art and Margaret Stack, happy retirees since 1969 in Silver Spring, Md., Gob and Marion Des Marais, happy in their continuing teaching at York Technical College, Rock Hill, S.C., Clary and Betty Taylor, Rhode Islanders displaced to Clearwater, Fla., who a year ago were first to indicate their 50th intentions, and of course, "Jack" (himself) Roberts, class treasurer, who collects news as well as dues and who at the proper time will leave Ft. Myers, Fla., with Dot for northern class treasury quarters at Heritage Village, Southbury, Conn., to have check book available for the big event.

It appears, according to present plans, that the 1926 classmate who will come the longest distance for reunion will be Francis Pan from Hong Kong. Besides reunion the Pans will see the Olympics in Montreal, part of the Bicentennial celebration, and Francis is to be elected International Director from the Orient at the world convention in Honolulu of the Lions Club.

In September Howard Rice gave a most interesting and informative lecture at the Boston Public Library on the French Participation in the American Revolution: A Boston View. Hub and Det Harwood were in the audience and reported the excellence of Howard's presentation at this Bicentennial program.

Previous mention has been made of the ser service of great distinction of Tom Colt as director of the Dayton (Ohio) Art Institute. The president and trustees of the Institute tendered him a reception in September marking his retirement, and the class congratulates Tom on this occasion.

1926 "Downeasters" were invited by Ed andAlice Cole to stop in on their way home from the Yale game at 17 Parker Place, Branford, Conn., and Don and Libby Norstrand, the only Downeast New England attendees at the game, were delighted to accept their hospitality at their attractive water-side home. High spots of the visit were seeing the Branford 1976 Bicentennial Calendar sponsored by the community and coordinated by Alice, featuring 12 local colonial homes sketched by a resident artist, and also seeing Ed's revised and up-dated book on stage settings on which he had been working.

A note in October from Hap and Pat Johnston from Leesburg, Ela., with regrets about missing the Harvard game, leaves us in some doubt as to whether they got an early jump on a long winter vacation or whether this is a new retirement address.

Obbie and Frances Barker took in two of 17 high school boys from Perkins Institute for the Blind in Boston to spend a weekend in Duxbury, Mass, under the auspices of the Duxbury Council of Churches. This semi-annual program is arranged in accordance with suggestions of the boys and is an important event in the school life.

Ninety Chicago alumni met November 19 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1925 team becoming the National Championship Team by defeating University of Chicago. Captain NateParker, Hal Marshall and Jack Straight represented 1926 as players while '26 supporters included Warren Fellingham, Mai Jones, Ollie Kobisk, the Louers (A 1 sparked the idea of the celebration), Caroline (Hal) Marshall, the Murdoughs, Lois (Nate) Parker, the Hank Parkers, the Weymouths, and Norrie Williamson.

Secretary, 9 Gammons Road Waban, Mass. 02168

Treasurer, 932-A Heritage Village Southbury, Conn. 06488