1950
Winter for the first time in years has set in with a vengeance. Early this morning the temperature dropped 30 degrees in a little more than an hour. In that interval rain flashed into ice to form a treacherous base for the following snow. Paralysis gripped the Northeast as gale force winds pruned the trees of deadwood and sprinkled the new snow with broken branches. By evening the cold again reached below zero, usually a rarity in this area.
Reports from the North Country are no better. My undergraduate sources complain about the coldest January in their admittedly short memories. Typical forecasts from TheDartmouth: "Snow beginning today and ending tomorrow," "... progressively colder during the day," "Today and tomorrow, fair and unseasonably cold," or "Warmer today with temperatures ranging from five to ten this afternoon." The January thaw came on schedule and left with, "Skiway closed because of icy conditions."
How many winter hours did you spend (probably freezing) in old Davis Rink? Jog your fading memories to recall the Riley brothers, Mike Thayer, and Ralph Warburton and their exploits. You jammed the rink until it bulged to cheer on Walt Crowley, Arnie Oss, Tom Warner, Spif Kerivan, and Bruce Magoon. You watched as the ice softened on warm nights. The latest news: deficits may force Davis to close (after this year).
The old order changes. Thompson (it really is a superb facility) replaces Davis. In a few years an friend may be lost.
The good news is that both the hockey and the basketball teams are performing to match their new surroundings. Both squads were pegged to be the doormats of theivies. Surprise: the teams at this stage of the season have winning records and bright prospects. The hockey scoring leader: Tom Fleming.
From Devon, Pa., via Darien, Conn., Bob Thompson wrote to say that, after years of doubting, he became a Tom Fleming fan at the Princeton game (two touchdowns on passes totaling about 150 yards). Bob and Dodie were surrounded by Princeton friends, who concocted a little pool, which Dodie won simply by picking the Big Green. As to next year, Bob, watch Oberg; he will come into his own. There will be a battle between two sophs to win the Q'back position. The quality of the winner will determine the success of the team for the next three years.
The big surprise of the Winter Olympics has been the performance of the cross-country squad. A key member of that squad was Tim Caldwell '76, John Caldwell's son. Tim was the second best American finisher in the 30-kilometer race, coming in 27th. Although his favorite race is the shorter 15-kilometer trek, Tim raced while ill, faded in the stretch, and finished 38th.
The real credit, though, goes to John. He has been preaching the virtues of cross-country touring or racing for 30 years. Now he is becoming the prophet of a lately blooming sport. And at the Olympics the first U.S. medalist in crosscountry, Bill Koch of Guilford, Vt., credits"... his old coach at Putney (just north of Guilford - the reference used to be reversed), who is dedicated to the sport, as a big factor..." in his win. Incidentally, John's newest book on the sport, conceived for the developing and training of the serious skier, has just been published.
A note from Sarasota indicates that GerryBreyton has been appointed manager of sales and services for EMR, a manufacturer of telemetry equipment. Gerry joined EMR as an engineer in the telemetry division in 1965. Previously he had been a flight test engineer for Grumman, Republic, and Pan Am. Along with his other responsibilities Gerry will be concerned about export sales, an assignment that might entail trips away from Sarasota, home, and Monique.
Tidbits here and there: one of the officers of the N.J. Tennis Foundation, dedicated to coordinating and improving tennis development in the state, is Dick Arnold, insurance general agent and indoor tennis entrepreneur. EmilHudak moved his office and talents to Seward Luggage in NYC. Working from his N.Y. apartment. Nob Hovde still represents photographers and film directors. For the first time in 30 years Frank Barker (Capt, USN) will live in Illinois as chief of staff. Ninth Naval District, Great Lakes. Frank has absorbed Japan for ten years.
Since the juxtaposition of president's birthdays in February resulted in almost a week of free time, there was only one thing to do: head north. Only after my plans were set did the reason for all the trouble in getting reservations become clear. It is Carnival weekend. Guess what next month's column will report.
My edges are sharpened and my skis are ready to flaunt the ice. My trip down may be on my back, but it will be fun. Take care, and see you. Soon, perhaps.
Secretary, 510 Hillcrest Road Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
Treasurer, 19 Claybar Drive, West Hartford, Conn. 06117
