1937
This is the last column prior to our long-anticipated 40th reunion. Ben Doran started three years ago organizing his committee and took frequent trips to Hanover to talk with the experts. Fran Fenn has been flying all over the country telling his story about the 40th reunion gift program to individuals as well as groups. You have received several mailings outlining the actual format of our June 13-16 activities. All is in readiness for what will be the best reunion yet. Our experience tells us (we having attended all but one) each is always better than the one preceding. Main thing is that any gathering of the Class is always a gala occasion and to be remembered. It's fun, it's nostalgic, and worth every effort.
Last weekend Marge and Ben Doran invited Katie and your secretary, Corky and Mutt Ray, and Jean and Bill Breitinger to be their house guests in New Jersey for a work session. Jean showed us the very attractive sport shirt for the men and tote bag for the women as arranged by Ernie Roos and herself and being fabricated in Reading, Pa. You will like them. On Saturday we went to Ben's office, where we called numerous classmates the country over to chat about their plans and get news. In all cases the phone calls were excellently received - enthusiasm from some and sorrowful regrets from others. Gil Nourse is doubtful: too much family responsibility and retiring in a year. EdDoremus is retiring from the Thomas Y. Crowell Co., book publishers, in September. Bud Bogert says he has to work forever. He's with the All Purpose Roll Leaf Company who make gold leaf for hard cover book bindings and for plastic decorations as well. It's an imitation gold made from anodized aluminum.
Art Munkenbeck says he's sick of growing old and has been walking thirty miles a week for his health. Ky Ayoob's job with the Bangor DailyNews is too demanding for him to get away for reunion. Bill Bell, retired, is busy with charity work and serves as a director on two boards. He will be in Colorado in June. We had two pieces of very sad news too, both of similar nature. Sherm Murphy and Don Albertsen underwent leg amputations as a result of aneurysms. Sherm's was four years ago, so he has adjusted to it and carries on his law business from home. Very busy. Don's was done in January so he's still recuperating at home in San Francisco. He sold the Albertsen Travel Service in 1972 but remains as president for the new owners. DickKraybill retired long ago, then worked six years for the American Bank Association and last year for the Labor and Industry department of the State of New Jersey. He is quitting that for complete retirement.
On Sunday Ben took us to the Montclair Country Club for brunch before we left. Connieand Bill Sayre, also members, showed up with the Breitingers as did Betty and Bill Dixon. 1937 was well represented.
From the directory reply cards we see JockFrancine has retired from Boeing to Limerick, Me. Warren Meredith retired from American Express in France. Bill Geraghty is with Wood Bros. Homes, Inc., selling real estate in Denver. (First news of him in years.) Bob McGay is with Student Services Division ACCP Directorate, U.S. Army Training Support Center in Fort Eustis, Va.
But of all the surprises - finally! In reply to the last of numerous requests for news - a threepage letter from Big John Merrill. Seems he got chewed out good by Dave Camerer for being silent so many years and it coincided with our letter to him. Reason for the chewing was coach Earl Blaik's 80th birthday in Palm Springs, Cal., and quite a celebration it was. Besides Dave and John there were many others including Muff Davis, Bob MacLeod, Jack Kenny, Pop Nairne, plus Army's Davis and Blanchard and even Bob Hope and ex-footballer Gerry Ford. Quite a tribute. John entered real estate in 1952 when he was recuperating from an accident and never got out of it. He is with The Real Estaters in their Corona Del Mar office and living in Newport Beach where the air lacks the smog of his former home in San Marino. He still has all his hair (bit gray) and all teeth except the two he left behind in the Princeton stadium. They have a condominium in Hawaii where they go for relaxation whenever possible. (Thank you, John. We're sending your letter to Rog Allen.)
So that's it until we see you all registering at Fayerweather for THE BIG ONE IN JUNE' '37 OUT!
Secretary 10 Colby Road Wellesley, Mass. 02181
Head Agent, 419 Princeton Ave. Metedeconk, N.J. 08723
