1930
Our news this month can be attributed almost entirely to those members of the class who were quickest on the draw both for their checkbooks and their pens in other words, to those who not only reacted to the annual billing for class dues, but also remitted some news of themselves. Superb fellows all!
Some had very good reasons for promptness, such as Chuck Simmons, who wrote, "Fast pay, because Grace and I are on our way to France for four weeks this afternoon."
Al Marsters reports on another type of trip - back into memories: "It's hard to believe, but I'm going back to my 55th at Exeter on September 25!"
Al Fisk reports that all is well in Virginia for Maggie and him, but he notes that Charlie Humiston is on the way back from congestive heart failure.
Kel Clow comes through with a cryptic, "I retired again on May 1; enjoying relaxing."
Early in October, Boof and Billie Perkins leave for their annual trip to England to visit "the kids." We believe they will be returning just in time to take over their new condominium in Florida.
The pace of his note to Treasurer Harry Condon really reflects the pace that Jim Clark set this summer: "I had a nice summer. One month in New England with son and family - family parties; Little League; grandsons; several schools; year-end parties; Agawam, Mass., steam railroad ride; Essex, Conn.; Deep River and Chester, Conn.; then boat ride on the Connecticut River (basket supper, band, bar) with Hartford Ballet Association; and golf with friends and relatives in Springfield and Monson, Mass., Newfane, Vt., and Manchester, Vt. One month in Northbridge, Calif., with daughter and family - three trips to Hollywood Bowl (basket supper, tablecloth and candles, wine) all on outof-doors picnic table or on the road inside the bowl; Beethoven "Third Symphony" (last act massive fireworks from perimeter of stage, timed to the music outstanding); Las Vegas; three excellent shows Sammy Davis Jr., Jubilee and the Great Siegfried (he makes an elephant and tigers disappear), and a comedy act with two gorillas tops; Hearst Castle fabulous; the Laguna, Calif., Arts Festival, with the only living stage portraits "The Last Supper" breathtaking. Drove the whole trip alone 10,550 miles from Florida to New England to Yellowstone National Park to Northbridge, Calif., and finally back to Florida in four days. Drove 850 miles the last day back to Sun City Center, Fla. The trucks and buses with their CB's really help. You asked for a class note; now ain't you sorry!" No, we liked it, Jim.
Mel King writes that Libby is having some breathing difficulties due to an asthma-bronchial condition, and they will not be at Woodstock. We all miss it when the regulars don't make it!
"Red" Lynch, with whom most of us renewed acquaintance at the 50th, will be leaving for his usual winter stay in St. Petersburg.
We are indeed sorry to report that Jim Dunlap's wife, Anne Louise, died last spring. He says, "We had been married 41 years, so it has been a pretty rough summer. I guess I'm one of the few guys still working, but I wouldn't have it any other way."
We will not have seen the Bill Fentons at Woodstock this year. Bill writes that on that weekend the Conference on Iroquois Research, which he started in 1945, will be having its meeting at Rensselaerville, N.Y., and he regrets the conflict.
Another traveler, Don Hight, writes,
"Harriet and I have just returned from two weeks in Scotland. The Military Tattoo at Edinburgh and the Highland games at Braemar were the highlights of the trip. The rugged scenery and the friendly people offset the problems of driving on the left side of those narrow roads."
And finally, we regret to report the death of Bob Bottome. His obituary, in this issue, was prepared at our request by Carl Haffenreffer. In connection with this, Carl brought back memories of one story about Bob. "It was no great surprise to any of us who knew him," said Carl, "that Bob would sooner or later be tapped by Nelson Rockefeller. Although it may be pure apocrypha, it. has been said that when Nelson's father, John D. Rockefeller Jr., queried Prexy Hopkins about Bob's credentials as a possible associate for Nelson, Prexy demurred a bit and then recommended caution, for he said the chances were that both Mr. Rockefeller and Nelson could end up working for Bob! Given Bob's record, during his four years in Hanover, this was not at all unlikely," concluded Carl.
And now, if any of the foregoing has stirred a memory, won't you write when you pay your dues to Harry - or direct to me. Ote Humphrey said something about reunions once that may be applicable here: "Everyone who goes makes it more pleasant for all the rest of us." Please let us have your news!
Maple Grove Road Walpole, N.H. 03608
