1931

We sent out 31 Christmas cards to classmates. Among those we received, the original creations of Trudy and Roger Burrill and Laura and Doug Morris were truly outstanding.

Fred and Ruth Slaughter wrote on November 22 from Long Bay Hotel, Tortola, B.V.I.: "We are pleasuring ourselves on this delightful island, where we have returned for the past four Novembers to savor the sun, sea, surf, sailing, tennis, or the option of sheer indolence. We'll remain through Thanksgiving (our British island friends will perhaps serve us crow), then a few days on St. Thomas, and home."

Newspaper clippings notified us that SpenceMiller, " one of the longest-tenured railroad company presidents in the nation, will retire December 31 after 25 years as president of Maine Central Railroad Company: "Miller will continue as chairman of the board of directors and will be available to Maine Central as a consultant under a five-year contract negotiated with the company."

Bill Wilson sent us a brochure announcing "An Award For Innovation In Corporate Support Of Higher Education." C.I.T. Financial Corporation will present a $10,000 grant annually, to be awarded to a college or university, and for a use designated by the winning company. Bill is a member of the panel of judges. He writes: "I devised this program while still a consultant to C.I.T. I hope Dartmouth gets some of the money!

"I've also been elected a trustee (emeritus) of The New Jersey College Fund Association, composed of the 15 private institutions of higher learning in the state, including Princeton."

Jim Lyall sent us the following from the December 1977 NY Callboard, a publication of the New York State Community Theatre Association. (Harriett receives it as a member of the Chappaqua Drama Group.)

"The 1977 Mary Eva Duthie Award was presented to Edgar Pitkin and to his wife Muriel posthumously, during the banquet of the NYSCTA Conference. This award is given annually to the person or persons who have made outstanding contributions to community theatre in New York State.

"The Pitkins were cited for their efforts in the founding of two theatre groups. While residents of Glens Falls, Muriel and Ned were instrumental in helping to organize the Glens Falls Operetta Club. Later after they moved to the Capital District, they were among the founders of the Triune Musical Company which is now known as the Colonie Triune Players. Ned is an active member."

Anne Conklin is exhibiting her sculpture in welded steel at the Cyvia Gallery, New Haven, January 10-February 3. Forwarded by John Cogswell:

Brant Mc Cullough: "Retire a bit more every six months. About a year ago both Freddie and I broke our backs in the same accident. Getting along okay, just don't get our back up. '31ers are a bit scarce on the Peninsula. Wish we'd made the 45th."

Jim McElroy: "Donna and I are enjoying our second month in our cottage in Seal Harbor, Me. We had seven weeks in Longport, N.J., where I conducted services in June and July. We spend a lot of time in our boat and enjoy hiking the trails of Mt. Desert Island. With luck we shall be here until September 30."

Tom Patterson: "Ginnie and I just returned from a cruise on the MTS Argonaut sailing from Rome on September 18 through to Straits of Messina, up to Venice, then down the Yugoslavian coast, and through the Corinthian Canal to Athens. The only '31er I ever see is Bob Oelman, quite often. Do enjoy the newsletter and the ALUMNI MAGAZINE."

Jim Rick: "Wish we could join you and the others for the fall gathering, but it's not possible for me to take a whole day's outing and be comfortable. Anyway, Ginny and I are fine, enjoying our grandchildren, and I'm still trying to break 90, but can't seem to put it all together for 18 holes. I come close at times!"

Ray Robinson: "Katherine, a Middlebury graduate, and I both retired from teaching in July. My stint was of 42 years duration and hers of 25. We are slowly getting adjusted to a very different but much relaxed way of life. We were able to travel some last summer, to Quebec and Cape Cod. We are keeping busy doing gardening and house chores."

Rock Rockhill: "Sorry, shan't make the fall meeting, headed for West Africa again. While I've been able to shed the chairmanship of a Nigerian company, I've stayed on the board, so can check up on the grandchildren in Belgium en route."

Rusty Rusterholtz: "I greatly enjoy retirement in my long-time Chicago home and summer home in Chautauqua, N.Y. No Florida, Arizona, or California for me! Like a traditional Dartmouth man, I like the varied seasons, winter included."

The mail bag is empty, except for a few more notes forwarded by John. Please send news!

Bob Baumrucker '31 (left) and former shipmate from the West Virginia got togetherlast autumn in Thompson Falls, Mont., to renew acquaintance and swap war stories.

Old Turnpike Bridgewater, Conn. 06752