1929

Three '29 couples joined John Dickey on a memorable cruise to Alaska last summer: the Andres, the McKeans, and the Weeks. Frank Weeks' enthusiastic letter follows:

"I can report nothing but the most favorable aspects of the recent Dartmouth Alumni College at Sea with friendly classmate John S. Dickey, Esquire! He did a magnificent job of reporting about American-Canadian relationships and told us much that I, for one, had not appreciated previously. His presentations were very relaxed, and he told us about things in simple and understandable language. Elsie and I thought the five seminar sessions were great!

"I am afraid we'll miss the 50th reunion, as we had to commit ourselves for a trip to mainland China on May 30."

Many thanks for your notes to Jack Hubbard; they started coming in just when my news was running out. Here is the first batch:

Bud Purdy: "Raye and I retired in 1974 and moved up here to Orrington, Me., to look after two of Raye's aunts (aged 91 and 94). Our three sons are scattered around the country, with Bronson, Jr., in Palo Alto in an executive capacity with Xerox. Gerry in Denver as vice president of International Athletic Clubs, and John in Atlanta in the auditing department of the Southern Company. We have five grandchildren - four girls and one boy. See you at the 50th."

Sonny Hetfield: "God willing, we expect to make the 50th and have already applied for reservations at the Inn. We were in Hanover for the Penn game but will not make the informal reunion next month - too cold! We leave for Naples, Fla., after the holidays for three months. They have a very active Dartmouth Club but only a few '29ers."

Paul Babcock: "All is serene at Ossipee Lake. My two sons are still connected finan- cially at Dartmouth: Paul A. Babcock 111 '66 is class treasurer, and Ernest J. Babcock '70 is class agent. I just watch my pennies!"

Nat Barrows: "My grandson Jeff Bannon '81 is unbelievable. As at Exeter, he sings the lead in musicals. He and others got together a new musical revue organization at Hopkins Center. In one performance Jeff produced songs by Stephen Sondheim, directed and starred in the singing of several songs. He did not get his talent from his grandfather!"

Some good news from Jeff Stearns: "We are looking forward to the big 50th, Lord willing. We had planned to get north again this summer, but I had an artery by-pass on July 17 - almost six hours on the table and three days in intensive care, which I came through in great shape. No complications, and I played 18 holes of golf five weeks after the operation. Have been playing since, even though my gut is uncomfortable. Gena was a terrific nurse and helped me greatly. She is feeling well and We continue to love our life down here. Always a nice summer breeze and not too hot. Went down to the Keys for a week and enjoyed it. I also had a skin cancer cut out of my forehead two weeks ago but it is now healed. Our very best to all our friends - looking forward to seeing you all."

Herb Bissell: "Retired from Honeywell in 1972 and have been well occupied with hospital and other activities of a service nature since then. In 1977, Rachel died, after 46 great years of marriage. Am now remarried, and Gertrude and I may well be at the 50th."

Morgan Baker: "All goes relatively well here since Margie and I returned from our trip to Huron Mountain on Lake Superior. Air travel is a far cry from the days of easier but slower going. 1 fear that the trip was a bit much for these old bones, and I have been paying the piper ever since. The enforced rest has done a great deal of good, and I am somewhat encouraged, but as much as I would like to contemplate that 50th reunion, I fear it may not be possible. (I used a wheel chair going through those endless airports.) Standing and walking are my only real difficulties, so there is much that I can still do. We are still enjoying our retirement living here at Casa Dorinda."

And a note from "Friends of Dartmouth Rowing": "The Friends have bought a new racing single which will be named after William E.Heeremans '29. The waiting period on the single is almost one year so the dedication will occur next spring."

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