1939
We counted somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 classmates in and around Hanover during the weekend of September 23. Thirty bedded down at Bonnie Oaks, about ten more made the picnic at Bob Kaiser's, and the rest we saw either in the stands or on their way there. Great weather, a splendid game with a wholesome result, and all wrapped in that gentle "Linus blanket" of familiar classmates. It made for a nice fall reunion.
On hand were Curt and Barbara Anderson,Wells and Betty Bates, Tom and Liz Burrell,Doc and Chip Powers. The Burrells and Towers have planned a trip into Canada this fall. Modestly accepting congratulations for a big Fund job well done were Jim Corner and Doris,Bob and Louise Howe, and Wes and AnnGoding.
Also there were Jack and Billie Coulson,Jack and Ruth Cathcart, Bob and BunnyRichman, Moose and Priscilla Dudis, and George and Shirley Hanna, the last two guys being the long and the short of a continuing competition on the golf course and tennis courts. Rodg and Patty Harrison were there, with Rodg slimmed down to fighting weight despite his chores with Gourmet mag. Patty was also shapely. Also showing slender girth were Louand Peg Highmark, Lou having shucked some 20 pounds and brought himself back to college trim. The good doctor, Jack Kuhlke, and wifeLois grumbled about missing a chance to soften up the Penn coaching staff who usually bring their minions to Bonnie Oaks for pre-game rest, and get an all-night party instead. This year they went who-knows-where for their pregame siestas. Bob Loughry was there with daughter Jan, who works in the government maze in Washington, and gave us insights into that glamorous world.
Also Hughie and Trudy McLaren, the former laughing off his problems with Mayor Koch, for whom he maintains all NYC schools, and Ralph Holben, on a sabbatical from his overseas government career; and Cornie and JanetMiller, Endy and Georgette Smith, BillTomkins and Lois, Walt and Mary Darby, Fredand Jean Upton. Fred has just been named to the board of Mary Hitchcock Hospital. DustyRohde and Happy were there and received public thanks during the half for the glamorous new track ringing the football field. Naturally, the Kaisers were in evidence, as were prexy BertMacMannis and Sally. An added fillip to the gathering was the presence of Betsy Wyman,Bea Haartz, and Kitty Grant.
Joining us at the Kaisers were the Charlie Thompsons, who told us that they live in the very same house in Newton Highlands, Mass., in which Charlie was born. They have added five children to the scene. The Jim Brigdens, parents of six, have retired from the Cleveland area and moved to Lake Winnipesaukee, near where Herb and Ginny Mattledge and KimAyres summer. They came down en masse. Dick and Dottie Hobbs were there from nearby Lake Ossipee, where they summer before scurrying back to Pompano Beach, Fla., for the cold months. Seen walking to the game were Tom Brooks, Eddie and Barbara Wells, and George Mcllroy hawking an extra ticket. DickBrooks dropped off some trays and coasters that he'd designed for Campions, took in the picnic, and was vocal in the stands. Also saw the Joe Crehans, Jim and Lydia Anderson, and Mert Tarlow and daughter at the game. The Andersons have a son on the Dartmouth sailing team. Who can top that!
As usual, we had an executive committee meeting on Friday before the annual golf outing. Treasurer Miller advised that we have $42,34.89 in banks earning interest. During the year major disbursements were $2,671 for ALUMNI MAGAZINE subscriptions, $4OO for newsletter production, and another $50 for memorial books. With this year's dues, it should cover reunion expenses coming up June 11-14, 1979, and our 40-year gift to the College, which was finally voted to be a class scholarship fund, an item sorely needed. Darby reported that there is a collection of World War II letters written by classmates, some deceased and some still with us, which will be exhibited in the Treasure Room of Baker on those magical reunion days in June while we are in residence. Don't miss this extra bonus. Kaiser reported that our class has three bequests in the sixfigure category totaling $331,000, and nine bequests in all, which puts us near the top for our contemporary group of classes. Also announced was a generous gift of $50,000 by Mrs.James M. Mathes in behalf of the scholarship program she maintains in memory of her husband ('11) and Jim Jr. ('39). The Class is credited with $25,000 toward the CFD. On another subject, Kaiser also agreed to mastermind our '79 mini-reunion at Bonnie Oaks, to be held in concert with the Princeton game, September 22. But Goding reminded us that the ALUMNI MAGAZINE carries an ad stating we are reuning in June at Bonnie Oaks. Not so. We shall only picnic there at noon and will be bedded down in the town of Hanover proper.
President MacMannis appointed a nominating committee for our official meeting in June to suggest a slate of officers and an executive committee. Kaiser is to chair it, and he will serve with Rohde and Sam Hird.
It was reported that Bill Webster's supply of slides and pics for his reunion show is thin, and that only 150 have responded to Obie Boldt's reunion book questionnaire. Please get the stuff in pronto!
777 West St. Pittsfield, Mass. 01201
