1923
Babe Miner plans to give the class a full report of the status of our Memorial Book Funding Program at our 55th reunion. He has given me the following preview:
A study of the program was initiated in 1947 by Pem Whitcomb. The first gifts, totaling $4OO, were received in 1951, and the first memorial book placed in the College library in early 1952. Our class was the eighth to memorialize its members in this way. A total of 37 classes are now following similar programs. For many years $l0.00 was given the library to purchase a "rare book." In 1977, because of increased costs and the difficulty of obtaining rare books, your class officers agreed to fund each book at $15.00 and to authorize the library selection officers to purchase a non-rare book. This action permitted a much wider choice of titles and placed the books selected on the open shelves.
As of May 1978, the class had disbursed $3466.27 to memorialize 376 classmates. Funds for the program have been accumulated by deducting a dollar from each classmate's dues and depositing a small amount of money from time to time as a drawing account from which the library purchases the books. At present there is $4421 in a 1923 savings account, which will be sufficient to fund the program to finality.
As each memorial book is purchased, a formal notice is sent to the classmate's widow, together with the title and author of the book. Many of our widows have-written Babe thanking the Class through him and telling him they have visited Baker Library to see the book given in their husband's name. It is the opinion of Babe and all of your officers that the memorial book program is a vital factor in enhancing our profile as a family class and bringing us all more closely together.
As you may remember, 1923 matriculated 698 men. This was increased by an estimated 40-50 transfers over the years. Including both categories, we now number 246 active and 41 inactive members. In addition there are 9 men who are considered as "lost," i.e. neither the College nor I am able to reach them by mail or otherwise. On the off chance that some of you may know where they are, I am listing them again. Do write if you have any information at all about them. They are William M. Henry,Robert L. Jonasson, Lawrence F. McDermott,George R. Murphy, Raymond T. Reeve, DonaldP. Richardson, Raymond H. Smith, Alfred E.Stotz, and Leonard C. Brown.
Babe Miner wrote me in mid-April that his brother Stan '22 had at that time been in Mary Hitchcock Hospital the preceding two weeks with a heart attack. Many of us know Stan well and can sympathize with Babe and his family. For this reason, and because of other family commitments, Babe was unable to attend Class Officers Weekend in late April. Latest word on Stan is that he is "making some favorable progress."
Connie and I are just returned from a three-weeks' Florida trip. We covered 3400 miles by car, had ideal midsummer weather every day, avoided the New Hampshire mud season, and saw a Red Sox game at Winter Haven. We also had a fine stay with Olive and Ted Caswell in their very comfortable and attractive condominium, lunch with Jean and Charlie Rice, and a brief visit with Ruth and Roger Billings. The Florida weather agrees with Olive. Both she and Ted are well. Charlie played golf two or three times a week all winter and seems to have mastered his bout with Parkinsons'. Roger is pretty well immobilized, also with Parkinsons', but seems happy at their home on Bird Key.
After 40 days in a Haverhill hospital, ChetBixby is convalescing at son Ben's home. He still is under treatment for a skin allergy, but as of April 30 was his usual cheerful and optimistic self. To add to the Bixby woes, Barbara had a fall, which resulted in a concussion and her being hospitalized too for two weeks. Barbara and Chet were unable to attend our 55th because of a conflict with their granddaughter's presentation and debut in York, Pa. Also about that time the senior Bixbys celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.
At Bradford College's 175th anniversary celebration, Chet was presented a distinguished service award for his active and enthusiastic participation in civic affairs. A former candidate for mayor of Haverhill and a longtime member of its school committee, he has also served with distinction as secretary and treasurer of Bradford and a member of many community committees. Ben follows in his dad's footsteps as a Bradford trustee.
The annual Class Officers Weekend at Hanover came a bit earlier than usual this year. As a consequence, Pete and Peg Jones were unable to be with us. As previously noted, BabeMiner was also absent. Truman Metzel, because of his devoted concern with the capital gift program, was there, however. This meant a real sacrifice for Truman, since he and Bunny expect to make a second trip to Hanover in June for our 55th. Others present were ClarenceGoss, filling in for Pete, Ike Phillips, and WaltDodge.
The class officers session does not include formal individual class meetings. The usual format was followed, and it began Friday, April 28, with a joint 'meeting of secretaries and newsletter editors, followed by cocktails and dinner at the Hanover Inn. A Friday afternoon highlight was the appearance of John a. Rassias, Professor of Romance Languages and Literatures. On Saturday morning President Kemeny addressed the entire conference, and then followed individual" officers' group meetings and luncheon for the more elderly officers in the Inn Dining Room.
Since my last letter I have had the sad news of the deaths of seven more of our number: BillMerchant on March 6, Jim McCabe on March 15, George Scammon on April 12, PudgeNeidlinger on April 22, and Ed Flindell on April 24. Also I have just learned of the death in 1976 of Steele Roberts and of Jim Kavanaugh in 1968.
This letter Concludes my eleventh year as your secretary. With the exception of the sad but necessary duty of reporting the loss of so many of our classmates, particularly during recent years, it has been a happy and rewarding experience. Thanks to all of you for providing me with the help that has made it possible to complete this column each month and perhaps in some small way to bring us all more closely together.
Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043
