1940
As I put pencil to paper on this day that approaches perfection in late September, one that is crystal clear, comfortably warm, with the foliage abundant and verdant, it is hard to think ahead two months when my efforts will be in print and fall will be nearing its terminus. Those of us locked into office procedures for a livelihood too often observe the passing days as numerals on a calendar day by day, month by month. However, days like today provide an indescribable exhilaration, an extra feeling of appreciation for the world and all its beauty. Bring on the rest of the year!
Weather isn't everything, but it sure helps make a Hanover weekend more enjoyable. So it was during the September 19-20 mini-reunion. For starters, there were cash bar libations and dinner at the West Leb Sheraton that got the weekend going for the gathered group which included Chet and Ruth Berry, Lloyd and Peg Blanchard, Brownie and Joyce Browne, Joe Burnett, Cliff and Chris Holmes, Mac and Crosbie MacMillen, Jack and Lois Moody, Jack and Inez Schleicher, Gordie Wentworth, Stet Whitcher, my wife Zel and me.
Saturday morning found all of the fellows in a meeting at the recently dedicated Blunt Center (Crosby Hall completely rejuvenated and augmented). Class finances were reviewed by Stet and by Mac, who nursed the reunion expenses through to a modest surplus. The extra bucks were taken care of in short order with a suggested expenditure all of us will enjoy when the project is an accomplished fact. You will also be pleased to share word of a beautiful, substantial gift made by Walter Diehl, announced by bequest chairman Wentworth. Bob Austin had driven up from Penacook for the day without June, a first in my memory. She was following her doctor's advice and easing the tempo after a thorough physical.
The meeting was followed by lunch in the lounge at Blunt then off to the Penn-Dartmouth game, won decisively by the home team. Joining those already mentioned were John Manley, the Whelands, Frank and Ruth, and Jack and Fan Willson. Following the game, it did not take the group too long to reconvene in Lyme at the MacMillens' to partake of their ever generous and warm hospitality in a home built originally a century and a half ago, high on a hill overlooking the mountains to the north and the Connecticut Valley to'the west. Inside and out, it engenders an inspirational thrill. Burnett was a bit late arriving, having taken his daily dozen laps back at the hotel's pool. Lois Duncan made the scene with daughter Polly, who is a senior this year at the College. Closing out the day was dinner at Bonnie Oaks and then the usual farewells.
You may have noticed a familiar name or two missing from the roster of attendees those of Hugh and Joan Dryfoos. There had to be a reason, which certainly there was. Hugh had undergone surgery earlier in the week for removal of a melanoma. Happily, we can report the operation a success and the recovery speedy. The man was at his office two weeks after his cutting experience. In fact, he expects fully to be in Hanover for the Yale and Harvard games and to head south with the dozen or more '4os who are scheduled for the Williamsburg weekend and the William and Mary game. Incidentally, my last column related Jay Weinberg's active roll in the cancer war. (You can see just how active by glancing at the American Cancer Society ad below.) You won't have to stress the mind too much to figure whose name was suggested for lay consultation by Hugh's surgeon the morning after surgery. The recommendation was pursued and the discourse most valuable.
Mentioned last month was the imminent promotion expected by Bill Chapin. It happened in September: Professor of Journalism at San Francisco State University. Congratulations, Chape. I believe this makes your third successful career challenge. What's the next one, Bill?
"Jabbo" Blass didn't get back to Hanover for that great reunion in June, but his efforts for Dartmouth are high on his activity list. Through his recruiting efforts (he's area director) from his Little Rock base, the local alumni group is growing, with three or four boys matriculating each year. Don't let the 1800 miles stand in your way for the 50th, Julie. Jimand Faith Kuhns were among the Californians who came a good piece further, thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and are looking ahead to the next big one in 1990!
What would I do without Jack Fitzgerald? His clipping service is superior, and most recently it announced the election of PaulHurley to chair the board of directors of Hancock Bank, Quincy, Mass. Jack recalled in the accompanying note that on the day he wrote, Lindbergh flew the Atlantic just 53 years ago. How intense his concern and those of his schoolmates had been for Lindy's safety. Not today, Jack? Well, with names like Khoumeini, Mugabe, and Xiaoping commanding the headlines, it is a different ball game.
The Jack Willsons will be on the move during the current month. It's off to Florida in mid-November for a bit of R and R before heading for Thanksgiving to Northfield, Minn., where married daughter Wendy teaches and second daughter Betsy will be visiting. Then it will be home for Christmas with the rest of their family.
As this column was being put to bed, word of the recent death of William J. Hotaling was received. Bill had made his home in Montclair, N.J., and operated Hotaling's News Agency, Inc., located in Times Square in New York City. News publications from around the world could be obtained from this source. The sympathies of the class are extended to his wife Marian and to their children. Bill's obituary will appear in a later issue of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE.
To all of you, have a hearty Thanksgiving. And, when the eyes need a rest from all that football on the tube, jot a note and send it this way, bringing an interested class up to date about you and your family.
Jay Weinberg '40 appeared nation-wide recently scoring another one against cancer.
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