1923
You have all had in detail the good news from Charlie Zimmerman of the final 1978 Alumni Fund results. A few highlights bear repeating. Total 1923 contributions were $61,693. plus, of course, the magnificent response to the Founding Association Program with over $2,300,000 in gifts, bequests, and endowments. For 55 consecutive years we have exceeded our yearly fund objectives.
Records are only made to be broken. The Class of 1953 did it this year with a vengeance - a million and 53 dollars. Several 1923 sons are members of that class, among them Donald Goss, Clarence and Priscilla's son. He received a standing ovation at the class banquet for the fine job he did as editor of the 25-year class book.
Henry Perkins was recently featured in an excellent magazine article by Tap Goodenough, who is widely recognized as the dean of New England ski writers. At 78 Henry is still an active skier and swimmer. Formerly from Salem, Mass., he and his late wife Ginny moved to Fayston, Vt., in 1948, opening the Perkins Ski Lodge now known as Millbrook Lodge. From 1958 to 1974 he was associated with the Sugarbush ski area. He has also served as town moderator.
During World War II Henry was a member of the 10th Mountain Division ski troops with the 87th Regiment. Now retired, except for his many outdoor activities, he is a true philosopher with characteristic but liberal Vermont opinions on most everything. For example: Skiing - I'll take up cross-country skiing when I retire." Weather - "Hard to predict up here. I take each day as it comes. They can't all be perfect." Women - "I like 'em all. Not against Women's Liberation either." Age - "I'm not a Golden Ager. I'm as old as this century but in a lot better shape."
All of which goes to prove there is much to be said for positive thinking!
Clarence Goss' letter, way back in June, included the following: "The Sherm Cloughs were house guests for two or three days, and we took them out to lunch along with Jock and AliceOsborne, who were here in Newtown for their granddaughter's wedding. We had a delightful time together. Yesterday we attended the afternoon wedding - 250 guests and an orchestra for the young people to dance to. Jock's son Jim '47, father of the bride, was an All American soccer player at Dartmouth."
Truman Metzel sends along a bit of 1923 memorabilia, together with the news that he and Bunny are selling their house in Winnetka and moving to an apartment. Truman finds it depressing to dispose of much of a lifetimes' accumulation of papers, pictures, correspondence, etc., but says the maintenance problems have made it necessary.
Cap Palmer writes that Leif Norstand came through his third operation, is feeling better, and is now having therapy at University of Connecticut in Farmington. Also Cap sends regrets from Hartley Caldwell, who missed our 55th because a bar examination which he had to take was moved up ten days.
A few weeks ago Cap came across a photo of a 1923 band which played for us at freshman commons. Included were Ben Goulet, piano; Mox Hubert, banjo; Tom McKnight, sax; WaltHolmes, violin; and Cap, drums. Cap sent copies to the three living members of the band and had acknowledgements from them all, including Walt Holmes, whom we haven't heard from in a long time. Walt is now living in Darien, Conn.
Kully Lundberg writes: "I really missed this reunion but it was quite out of the question this year. In May I had to make another trip to the hospital. Spent eight days there, was kept on antibiotics for another two weeks, and have stayed pretty close to home since. Glad to say I am feeling tip-top again." Kully and PudgeNeidlinger were freshman year roommates.
Charlie Rice also was back in the hospital recently for a couple of days of tests. He has had to give up golf temporarily but hopes to be back on the course in a few weeks.
Win Wadleigh's wife. Faith Preston, presided in June at the 10th baccalaureate and commencement at White Pines College in Chester, N.H. Faith is president of the college.
Very fine letters from several widows to Clarence, Babe, and myself are being sent to Ike in hopes that he can use some of them, although I know he is on short space rations while "Skiddoo" publishers are in their present temporary quarters. Also comes word of the marriage of Hart Nays' widow Roma to Karl F. Rund. Hart died in 1972. The Runds are living in Bradenton, Fla.
Last May Bob McMillan was honored by the presentation of a bronze plaque when he retired as founder and first president of the Wellesley chapter of AARP. Bob has been tireless in his efforts for and leadership of this chapter, which now has a membership of 400.
Joe Millar says he is doing fine since he had his pacemaker replaced nearly a year ago. He and Helen plan to attend our fall reunion at the Yale game and will then go to Portsmouth, N.H., for the five-day meeting of the New England Veterinary Association.
Pem and Bernice Whitcomb couldn't make the 55th but plan to be at Gate 14 for the Harvard game, as do the Dodges. The Whitcombs, who for years have joined a group of Harvard families for this game, say, "They are all nice people and cook lovely lamb chops on a little gas grill."
I am sad to report the deaths of four of our 1923 ladies - Nancy Sammis died suddenly at Berkshire Medical Center on June 30, following a three-day illness. On June 4 Mary GaskillBooth died at her home in Danbury, Conn., after a long illness. Alice Robinson, Robby's swife, died on June 25. She had been in a nursing home for a year prior to her death. Ellie LyonBaldwin died on August 15. Her father was Class of 1894 and her brother Stan was class of 1924.
I have also just had word from CharlieZimmerman and Leon Sargent that Bill Catlin died at Hartford Hospital on August 13. He had been hospitalized since last December. Charlie and Charlie Rice represented the Class at the services.
You will undoubtedly notice that all obituary notices will be more brief now than in the past. As the larger classes approach these later years, space limitations make this necessary.
Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043
