1936

It's always nice to lead off with good news. So here goes. Bob Fernald, ably abetted by his regional and class agents, did a magnificent job in the 1977 Alumni Fund drive, and the Class reached an all-time high in donations for a nonreunion year of $71,100. More classmates gave in 1977 (382 to be exact) than in any previous year since graduation. Congratulations to you, Bob, and to your agents for a tremendous achievement.

Over 60 people attended the annual lobster festival held August 6 at West Bath, Me., genially hosted by Tommy and Laura Thomas. With generally fair weather, interrupted by a slight shower, there was ample enthusiasm. However, some of the heavy eaters (e.g. BradChase and Ruth Thompson) seem to be slipping, consuming only four apiece instead of the usual six or eight.

The Class voted by a 2-to-1 margin to devote part of the special fund collected over the years with the Class dues to the giving of an award each year to the outstanding female in the senior class, based on all-around achievement. As the dean of the College notes, the first recipient, Georgia C. (Robin) Gosnel, may present a difficult problem for picking future winners, because of the high standards set by Robin. Space does not permit listing of all her achievements (see "Tithe"), but Robin was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, graduated with highest distinction in her history honors major, and was awarded her degree summa cum laude.

At its meeting in May, the class, executive committee unanimously voted to set aside a major part of the class special fund to help finance the special book program in which the Class presents a book to Baker Library in memory of each deceased member of the Class. The undersigned can personally attest to the wisdom of this. In the short time I have served as class secretary, I have had the sad duty of reporting the deaths of 15 of our classmates.

More than 20 '36ers were present in Hanover for the weekend. It was capped by a gala dinner at the Outing Club on Saturday evening arranged by Phil McInnis. And on Sunday morning Bob and Tanna Fernald had the entire group in for a marvelous breakfast. It was a fit ending to a great weekend.

Ken Langler reports he retired last April and, more recently, he and wife Shirley indulged in a seven-and-a-half-week tour, driving to Denver, Tucson, San Diego, San Francisco, and back home to West Hartford. With all this driving, Shirley and Ken had to pass up the lobster festival. The report on the lobster fete is courtesy of Pete Fitzherbert, who recently was promoted to executive vice president of the Dunlap Agency in Auburn, Me. Congratulations, Pete! A fitting climax to 25 years with the agency. Meanwhile Don Robbins has retired as senior vice president and a director of The Singer Company, but will continue to assist Singer part-time. And the New York Times reports that United Merchants and Manufacturers, Inc., obtained court permission to continue top executive compensation at the levels in effect prior to filing for voluntary bankruptcy. To the uninitiated, Larry Marx Jr. is an executive vice president and director of United Merchants.

Reports from here and there: Mrs. RobertPrentice, a/k/a Theo, hosted the annual meeting and picnic of the Mount Holyoke Club of the Fairfield Villages this past spring. HankDearborn's happy state of retirement continues with a trip to Mexico last spring and to Ecuador in June. And all pleasure, no business! CharlieNichols reports he retired from teaching at the end of last year and is really enjoying a life of leisure, although busier than ever. LouisBenezet, as the father of four daughters, one still in high school, should be pleased that the Class voted the annual award to the outstanding female member of the graduating class. Ray andBettie Dorsey have become active volunteerniks in the San Diego area since Ray's retirement. And Fred Cleaves writes from Charlotte, N.C., that he has been with American Mutual Liability Insurance Company for 41 years, currently as district claim manager, and will be happy to retire on October 30 at age 65 and to spend more time on his hobby of woodworking.

A note of sadness: Since the last class notes word has been received of the passing of LenFlorsheim on May 17 in Tucson, Ariz.; GibSykes on July 2 in Dorset, Vt.; Clark Sorensen on July 18 in Lakewood, Ohio; Dick Tucker on August 11 in Valhalla, N.Y.; and Ed Fenton, date unknown, reportedly somewhere in Florida. It is also with deep regret that there is reported here the passing of the wives of two of our classmates, charming Lois Bayles, the wife of Rogers Bayles and lovely Gerri Brooks, wife of Budd Schulberg. The deepest sympathy of the Class is extended to the surviving spouses and members of the families of the above.

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