1926

Drought is a country-wide problem, but the '26 news-item well again runneth over, thanks to the great summer response to the call. In the words of the inimitable '44 secretary, Fritz Hier, "Blessings!"

Especially notable were two notes from Floridian Bob Patten: a thank-you for a class birthday greeting, in which he reminisced about his Delta Alpha egg shampoo at the Inn corner trough, compliments of '25, and an August reminder to call him in case an extra football application is needed.

In a holdover note from last spring, GailBorden tells an interesting story of how 1926 men become acutely aware of the passage of time. Gail says he weighs just eight pounds more than he did as a freshman, but the extent of his exercise is to put a log on the fire (no tennis or golf), and that a lot of travel and some fishing keep Betty and him happy.

Tom Colt has been named an honorary member of the Association of Art Museum Directors: "This is an honor toward those who have contributed distinguished and devoted service to our cause, and there is no doubt in anyone's mind that your contributions havebeen precisely of that nature," said the association's president. Congratulations, Tom!

On the letterhead of Warren-Lamb Lumber Co., Rapid City, S.D., Dick (Warren) Lamb writes: "Despite having attained the age reserved for retirement status, it is satisfying to report that our daily schedule is actually a fulltime occupation. Fortunately, my youngest son David is sharing these interesting activities." Dick mentioned that a birthday card every 12 months for a '26er is much too frequent and also inquired who is sending the secretary a birthday card. In answer, your scribe was delighted to receive such a card dreamt-up by the '76 Newsletter Editor of the Year, Hub Harwood, and also signed by '26 brass: Tubba, Jack,Charlie, Al, Les, and Barbara (our Hanover specialist in all '26 widow matters).

AI Metzger's very interesting letter, which Hub says will have full coverage in "Smoke Signals," tells of Al's renewed studies in Greek and mathematics and his wish that he had taken more courses with professors Adams, Nemiah, and Brown. Besides his studies, Al does voluntary teaching in Bergin County (N.J.) Prison and keeps fit with tennis and gardening. Glad is active with volunteer work for church, hospital, and the Englewood Woman's Club.

We were so sorry to learn that Janis Opdyke died in May, and the Class sends its condolences to Oppie. Janis, a delightful person who often attended our gatherings, including the 50th, was well-known to many in the Class.

Dick and Dot Husband enjoyed an early summer trip to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Singapore - more details, we are sure, will follow.

Back in May, Jim and Retta Traquair lunched with Gail and Betty Borden, and Jim went to work on Alumni Fund in southern Ohio at the request of Perk St. Clair, who took over the regional responsibility when Johnny Heavenrich left us.

In spring a thoughtful card of thanks for George Tully's class birthday greeting was received from Gladys. George continues in good condition except for poorer eyesight and difficulty in reading. Gladys continues with her highly regarded community work. They send regards to all.

Tubba and Mary Weymouth sent a Seattle post card with an X marking their room overlooking Elliott Bay and Mt. Ranier on their western swing to visit daughter Sis. Trip was a complete success.

Painstaking '26 readers will recall reading in "Smoke Signals" the full report of the May class officers meetings which took place after the deadline for the June Magazine. The only matter of great importance in coverage besides all '26 officers having gotten up in time for an eight o'clock breakfast meeting was the action of the College bequest group naming CharlieBishop to chair for a three-year term the Committee on Bequests and Estate Planning and to be on the Alumni Council.

The 40th annual '26 informal summer reunion convened with a 5:30 p.m. social hour in the Hanover Inn on August 19 followed shortly (?) by dinner in the Inn dining room. Before the weekend was over, 46 classmates, wives, and widows enjoyed all or some of the activities. On Saturday the opening event was an eight o'clock men's breakfast meeting; a ten o'clock memorial book committee meeting in the Class of 1926 Room, Baker Library; a noontime 19th annual class picnic given by Ed and Peggy Emerson at their South Reading, Vt., farm, "Hyla Brook," and a 7:00 p.m. gourmet dinner at the Coolidge Hotel in White River Junction.

Formal business included president TubbaWeymouth's advice that Art Wilcox was named to the class executive committee to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Jud McCarthy; that the class gave a $1,000 gift to the William Jewett Tucker Foundation; and that at the memorial book committee meeting a resolution of thanks for his outstanding support of the 1926 memorial program was given to Ed Latham, '51, librarian of the College, who told of the constant use of the Class of 1926 Room for college purposes.

Present were Charlie and Lois Abbott, Ken and Delores Andler, Charlie and Edith Bishop, Bob Cleary, Ed and Margaret Dooley, Dan and Sally Drury, Ed and Peggy Emerson, Snipe and Kay Esquerré, Barbara Hayward, Dick and Dot Husband, Jim and Eleanor Jenkins, Johnny Manser, Helen McKenna, Hal and Caroline Marshall, Emmie Merrill, Russ and Louise Newcomb, Don and Libby Norstrand, Stew and Mary Lou Orr, Howard Rice, Jack and Dot Roberts, Carl Schipper, Les and Dot Talbot, Myrtle Tomlinson, Alice Thompson, Chuck Webster, Helen Weeks, Tubba and Mary Weymouth, Art and Inez Wilcox, and Marmie Williamson.

Missed indeed over the weekend were Huband Det Harwood, Hub being hospitalized with a heart attack. At the dinner Saturday night class greetings and love, with best wishes for a speedy recovery, were sent to Hub via a phone call to Det. Also missed were these spouses of attendees: Pense Cleary (picking up grandchildren campers), Nat Webster (with local commitments), and Charlie McKenna (recovering from a case of the shingles). Sincere thanks to Ed and Peggy Emerson for their continued generous hospitality to the Class, and to Johnny Manser and Les and Dot Talbot for the excellent town and gown arrangements, joyously made.

An oldie and a goodie from 1926: In which (from left) Charlie Starrett, Walker Rankin,Fritz Lawson, Harry Fisher, and Ed Duffy fake a spin on a Montreal "pee-rade."

9 Gammons Rd. Waban, Mass. 02168