1923
The mail has been relatively and pleasantly heavy this month (February), much of it generated by Ike Phillips' kind inclusion in "Skiddoo" of my recent in-hospital experience. For all of which I am very grateful.
We are "also at the apogee of the pretty colored postcards from the deep South, most of which, however, explain apologetically that it has been cold down there. Again, thanks!
I have had somewhat conflicting reports about Jim Taylor's health. The latest is that he is better but still hospitalized. In any event it would be a good idea to write him at Memorial Hospital, Johnstown, Pa. 15905. If he is back home by the time you see this - and I hope he will be - they will forward his mail.
Some time ago Sammy and Nancy Sammis decided to retire and move to Hanover. They bought a fine place on Gilson Road in West Lebanon and were about ready to move there when the impact of leaving old friends and associations of many years hit them and they gave up the idea. The house is on the market now although it is leased until June 1, which wouldn't be a bad time to arrive in Hanover. Write Sammy if you're interested.
John Guppy and I were classmates at Newton, Mass. High School. That plus the fact we haven't had much news from him over the years led me to ask him to update us. John's letter follows in part:
"1959-1965 was a combination of pre-1959, working as an engineer for American Bridge Division of U.S. Steel in New York. I retired in 1965, and Ernestine and I spent our time at home or touring all over the U.S.A. and most of Canada. Last trip was to the coast in the spring of 1973.
"Ernestine became ill that next fall and from then on I had a full-time job of taking care of her. There was gradual deterioration, and she finally passed on last December 2nd.
"Since then I have been staying here by myself except for a swing through New England to spend Christmas with my son in Lexington, Mass., a few days with my sister in Contoocook, N.H., and New Year's with Ernestine's sister in Thetford, Vt."
John himself has had several recent health problems, most of which now seem to be behind him. Says he is looking forward to spring so he can get out and move around more comfortably.
Len Marshall writes: "We live in San Diego now in a mobile home on Mission Bay - good swimming, sailing, and we play badminton every day we are home. Walk a lot, bicycle too. We do spend quite a lot of time away. Went to Hawaii in November and back home last of January. Next week we go to Tucson for an art exhibit we are interested in. Still go to Silver City occasionally. I have mining property near there. It is gold - dormant now. Perhaps some day it will come to life. Do hope to get east one of these days. I would like to get to Hanover, of course. Hope to see you there and the rest of the gang too."
Many of us are reaching the diamond 75th milestone these days. There were eleven who made it in March alone. Ray Barker, whose birthday was in February, writes:
"My three sons and wives took Peg and myself to Key Biscayne for a four-day weekend. The eight of us had a great time together, and although the boys are all connected with me in the business, it was a great opportunity for the wives to see a good deal of each other.
"We went down on Friday and came back on Monday and spent the rest of the week celebrating with seven grandchildren.
"When I am in town I am partially active, about half of each day, but Peg and I spend three or four months a year traveling."
Wood Gauss is the latest among us to have trouble with mail from the College. He says he has received nothing for the past year and a half but Alumni Fund and Bequest material. This is too bad, for it only takes a note to me or BabeMiner, or to Nancy Elliott at 203 Crosby Hall, Hanover, N.H. 03755 to get things straightened out. Everyone in the Class (unless he requests otherwise) should receive regularly the ALUMNIMAGAZINE, football game applications, the "Bulletin," and quite a bit of other material. If you don't get it, please let some one know soon.
And for you purists, reactionaries, traditionalists, or whatever else you may have been called, the following from Don Morse's widow Vivian will be heartwarming:
"Many times during the past few years, I have been tempted to write to you but have managed to restrain myself with the thought I am only a Dartmouth widow and the changes are none of my business. But I have just read a book (an old one) telling about the founding of Dartmouth. It is called "The Story of Dartmouth" by Wilder D. Quint. I found it very interesting. There were many hardships and privations, but the men of Dartmouth were a special breed. Now with hundreds of co-ed colleges, why did Dartmouth have to get on the band wagon? With the admission of women (bless them, I have two daughters) Dartmouth has lost something.
"As for the cheer - to quote from the mentioned book, 'Wah - Hoo - Wah' is traditional. It was the invention of Daniel A. Rollins, class of 1879. No college has anything like it in fitness of sentiment as applied to origins. Maybe "give a rouse for" is more ladylike.
"As for doing away with the Indian symbol, I talked to a Cherokee and a Wampanoag. Both said they felt it was one more way to make Indians give up their identity and that as the college was founded as an Indian school, they felt the symbol should stay. Of course, that is the opinion of the two I talked to, and I agree with them.
"Well, I have said it: Dartmouth was unique in its day."
There are several other letters I shall cherish until next month. At this point, well-aged news doesn't seem to be as out of style as it used to be.
Secretary, Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043
Treasurer, 960 Longmeadow St. Longmeadow, Mass. 01106
