1933
Another reminder (as if we needed one) that 1983 is the year for the great class of 1933's 50th reunion! Organizing this notable occasion is Jeff Davis, who welcomes input/suggestions/ideas on reunion from any and all classmates. If you have any such, write him: E.S. (Jeff) Davis, Plymouth, N.H. 03264.
By this time you will have received, directly from Jeff, a questionnaire-reply card. If you haven't already sent it in, please do so promptly. Jeff and his hard-working committee need all our cooperation to make our one and only 50th reunion a blast.
That September letter of President PageWorthington's, accompanying our dues notices, was a great one and brought back memories of our graduation and Class Day exercises. Sam Cunningham tells me it accomplished one other thing it got more of you to pay your dues sooner than ever before. I don't know why I'm urging you here to pay your dues; it's the guys who don't, and thus don't get this MAGAZINE and don't read my little gems, who need the urging. I'll leave them to Bob Fox and his newsletter.
Speaking of the old Fox and Sam Cunning-ham again, I hope you didn't miss that spot in the newsletter that said Sam and Madeline have drawn wills leaving the bulk of their estates to Dartmouth. What a fine thing to do if your family situation allows it! Bequest Chairman Jud Pierson also points out that Dartmouth's bequest program can be beneficial while you and yours are still living.
That old Sachem Orator, John Monagan, sent me a letter concerning the Drew Dudley Memorial Endowment Fund. This was started by Drew's sister and three brothers and has been added to by many of Drew's friends. For a start, income from it will be used to support one of the Dartmouth Players' theatrical productions this year. As the fund grows, projects in this area will be expanded.
Ken Jacques sent Foxy and me duplicate letters on the stationery of the Jacques Orthopaedic and Joint Implant Surgery Medical Group Inc. of Los Angeles. On a trip east this July, with daughter, son-in-law, and four grandchildren, in van and trailer, they ran low in funds as they reached Hanover. (It can happen with a crew like that!) Dr. Jack Wright helped them with check-cashing, and then Jack and Madge entertained the gang at their home and swimming pool. The family wondered why Ken ever left beautiful New Hampshire and Vermont to go west. He's coming east again next June. Ken's secretary is in a rut she made Foxy and me both M.D.'s in his letter.
Sam and Jean Black attended Hanover Holiday-Alumni College for the second consecutive year. He says, "It's habit forming; try it, you'll like it!" George Theriault was a leader of one of the discussion groups. After papers were graded, the Blacks had dinner with George and Ray.
Two former invalids, Jack Manchester and Tom Maskilieson, are recovered and playing golf again. Tom is expecting to bring his handicap down from its 24 to his former ten. Egad!
Mel Katz says the entire Hanover '33 contingent is busy working on the 50th reunion program, but that it also has its "perks." He had a summer visit to Wes and Jan Beattie's vacation home in Wolfeboro, N.H., with a dip in the cool, cool lake.
We've had a plethora of' 33 obituaries in the MAGAZINE this month and last. Even one is too many. The one on Fred Birmingham, in this issue, was written by his lifelong friend, Fred Steele, who, for the last 50 years has been secretary of the class of '33 at Norwich University. Fred Steele is, or was, a good friend to many of you-Jack Manchester, Archie Lade, George Drowne, Al Gemberling, and the late George Hamilton and John Marden. In addition to helping me with the obituary, he sent me the picture of Fred Birmingham accompanying these notes. It's of Fred when he was editor-in-chief of the Saturday Evening Post.
Heaven help Dartmouth! It has accepted its sixth Rugen. Rebecca '86 joins her cousin, Kate '83. Bless them and you, too.
Striking a pose reminiscent of a Norman Rockwell Saturday Evening Post cover, Fred Birmingham '33 was, in fact, editor of the Post when he sat for this portrait. Birminghampassed away recently and the picture was foundby a friend, Fred Steele, Norwich University'33, who wrote Birmingham's obituary in theback of this issue.
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