1926

With the 55th reunion so close at hand, chairman Art Wilcox urges last-minute prospects to reserve now. Don't miss this important gathering. Treasurer Jack Roberts, having corralled 187 dues payers as of February 4, has turned his attention to lining up '26 musicians for the reunion tent. There are still openings for "Jazz Age" mandolin and ukelele players. Congratulations to Whit Blair on his engagement to be married to Mrs. Celia Slocum, a good friend of 50 years. Celia, who was a teacher of music at Ithaca College, is being coaxed by Whit to help out in the tent musicale.

As 1926 celebrates its 55 years in the Dartmouth fellowship, the opportunity is ours to break all our previous records of financial support for the College in the annual Alumni Fund. Head agent Al Louer says this is possible, and to do so we have a target of the $129,198 record set by '24. Thinking ahead, we also have the opportunity to perpetuate our annual giving through the creation of endowment funds. The 1926 funding associates project headed up by Charlie Bishop is the available vehicle for participation in both endowment and the vital $185-million five-year "Campaign for Dartmouth," now in its fourth year.

From Aiken, S.C., we had word from two local '26 men acknowledging class birthday cards: Al Morris is hopeful of attending the 55th if Sadie's muscle disorder permits; and BillPitney is doing a little writing each day of interesting business experiences as well as a few short stories.

Steve and Helen Mitchell, Port Washington, N.Y., report San Diego, Calif., trips to visit daughter, son-in-law, and three grandchildren, European travel, and the hope that they too can be at the 55th.

Having retired in 1978, Doc Metzer has had time "to go through the house" at Riverside, N.J., sorting out the good from the bad. Maybe some day the rest of us will do the same? Doc and Evelyn's two children, Patricia and Bob, turned out to be attorneys, not following in their father's medical footsteps.

Our 1981 crop of "Dear Jack" notes sent to treasurer Jack Roberts, Ft. Myers, Fla., survived the citrus freeze and we have these items: Larry and Jean Kennison have been advanced by the American Contract Bridge League from "master" to "national master" status (those lunch hour Hanover 700-rubber victories paid off); Don Hopkins had a good visit with BobStopford and we hope he made it this year for the 1981 Florida '26 luncheon; Jim and EllieJenkins are thinking in terms of Florida if Connecticut winters get any worse; Courtney Brown is taking leave of his longtime duties on four boards of directors, which allows time for travel as well as time to enjoy his and Marjorie's place in the Bahamas; and Bob Cleary told of making steady progress on his still restricted schedule.

Still more: Duckie Heacox was pleased indeed that Ritchie Smith bought one of the first copies off the press of his latest book TheGallant Grouse; Ed and Ollie Raisbeck were due to be in their Sanibel condo in March and probably ran across native Sanibelians Ted andPolly Seely; Norm and Dorothy Clarke, having celebrated their 50th anniversary, are probably still in their St. Petersburg, Fla., quarters: Art Forrest made a point to see Dave Shula at the practice session prior to the Senior Bowl in New Orleans; Dick Mann wrote that if his recuperation from open heart surgery permitted, he and Kay would be in Florida. We hope that was the case; and Hal and Ann Rosenberg, besides celebrating their 50th anniversary, enjoyed a northern Pacific cruise.

55 JAZZ AGE REUNION JUNE 12-14 1981

9 Gammons Road Waban, Mass. 02168