1923

The 1923 "Grandfather Derby" peaked sometime in the early sixties, and I do not propose to extend it to another generation. However, you should know that Bill and Dot Kimball, who won that contest hands down, are still ahead. Bill wrote from Sanibel, Fla.: "Since our last contact we have gained three more great-grandchildren all December babies, Christmas gifts to us. This makes a total of 12, only one son. We both keep fit here, so that time flies to help us through to our 60th anniversary in 1982."

In November 1979 the College mailed letters to 162 of our widows asking if they wished to continue to receive the ALUMNI MAGAZINE and remain on the Alumni Fund mailing list. A return card addressed to Connie Dodge was enclosed. Forty-four responses have been received so far, including several from ladies who have reading or other disabilities and have asked to have the magazine discontinued. For the most part, however, they are still interested in it. Although the letter was by no means intended as a fund appeal, three widows sent in much-appreciated substantial contributions. Hopefully many who have not returned the green card enclosed in the letter will do so soon.

Once again the memorial gift pamphlet has gone out from Hanover. It lists 423 names of 1923 classmates who were memorialized in 1979 by specific gifts to the College. Included are memorial gifts by 48 classmate widows. The remainder were sent by classmates, friends, or other relatives.

Your secretary again spent some of the holiday season in the hospital. I mention this only to thank very kindly the many of you who sent cards and letters and telephoned. All goes well.

One of the most satisfying refuges of our later years is good literature. Ed Stocker has made full use of it recently, studying the poetry of Emily Dickinson, the Amherst genius and recluse. In particular, Ed has put together an impressive explication of poem #754, called "My Life has Stood a Loaded Gun." He sent me a copy, accompanied by a transmitting letter in his own incomparable script. I have circulated both among some of our more erudite neighbors for comment. If any of you would like to make a pleasant journey back in time, get a copy of Emily from your local library. They have it, and you will enjoy it.

Ike Phillips has the advantage (?) over most of us of, being close to or at the modern Hanover scene. This exposes him directly to current College mores, occasionally generating an outraged reaction, softened for most of us by time and distance. Currently he is disturbed by the recent enthusiastic hearing given Alger Hiss and the accompanying reception at the Casque and Gauntlet House. To be sure, Dartmouth does and should stand for a free exchange of ideas, but hopefully that exchange will be an equalized one. And I guess, too and do forgive me - the incident reminds me of last fall when I stood on the Hanover Inn steps and watched a woman member of C&G sweep the leaves from the front walk of that memory-hallowed house. Ah, me!

Much-appreciated letters have come from Emma Riddle, now living temporarily at Epsom Manor, Epsom, N.H. 03234, Dyna Palmer, and Helen A. Russell, who explained the complicated relationship between herself and her sister-in-law Helen K. Russell. They live near one another in Falmouth, Maine. Helen A. is the widow of Kenneth H. Russell '27. Helen K. is the widow of our classmate Donald M. Russell. No wonder their mail gets mixed up.

The list lengthens as we learn of the recent deaths of Leif Norstrand, Jack Myers, John Gordon, Clint Wells, Jim Hurley, and Howie Sherman. Obituaries will appear in this or a later issue.

Box 2 Francestown, N.H. 03043