1973

When J. Wright writes of his exploits, there's no need to add another word. In fact, the major challenge is deciphering his handwriting. At any rate, here's the latest (first in a two- part series) from the class's traveling correspondent. This is "On the Road" with J. Wright.

"Mark, since I can't get Newsweek, Time, the Atlanta Journal, the Wall Street Journal, or 60Minutes to publish my letters, I thought I'd try you again. If you reject this letter, please try to be a little more creative in your ding postcard than the above publications.

"I've been to Denver a number of times since my last letter and visited with Tom Sisk. I got tired of sleeping in Sisko's basement and threatened not to come back anymore. While he and Nina didn't care, little Katie likes me and they decided to put an addition on their house with a bigger basement. After hitting the only known underground stream in Colorado, bad weather, incompetent contractors, living with in-laws for months on end, I am sad to report that it is still not done.

"At least 'Sisk and Company' is doing extremely well, and if Sisko quits demolishing his clients' signs, he will be a wealthy man. "I spent last Thanksgiving with Doug DeVries, Kathy, little Andy, and new-born Katie. Other than overindulging in Cookie Monsters, Muppets, Big Birds, etc., we had a real good time. Andy already has better hands than the old man.

"In fact, I recently received a phone call from Earl and Royal Prevost, who were passing through Marshalltown. Earl was calling to give me grief about my 30th birthday and the local political situation. Other than the fact that my birthday isn't for several more months, it was good to hear from them. Earl reported that his little sister is applying for a Rhodes and/or Fulbright scholarship, which confirms where the brains in the family ended up.

"At Christmas time, I drove to Upper Montclair, N.J., to visit the James Sullivans at their new residence. Their neighbors include William Simon's offspring and a sibling of Meryl Streep's. I am sure they were suitably impressed when I pulled up in my mother's '69 Dart. Sully has changed jobs again and is now employed by Salomon Brothers doing whatever it is they do. Mari is living the leisurely life, which means she's smart enough not to be working.

"Fred Riggal, Gina, and I went on a company trip to Hawaii this spring. After getting settled in our rooms, it was easily discernible who had the better year. Fred and Gina had a marvelous view of the Pacific Ocean and were lulled to sleep each night by the gently crashing waves. I had a panoramic vista of a roof and was serenaded to sleep by the kitchen exhaust fans. We did, however, get to see Claudine Longet in a bathing suit and play a lot of golf.

"After the trip, Fred completed his M.B.A. at Northwestern University. He subsequently has transferred to our home office in Denver to become a big wig. His first official duty was to respond to a complaint lodged against my office. What are old friends for?

"On my way to Hawaii, I stopped at San Francisco and stayed with Tom O'Neill, spouse Sandra, and favorite cat Audro, to whom I gave a special book. While we skipped over to Hamburger May's, we did manage to see most of the sights and to alienate some people we played golf with.

" 'Killer' is moving back to Atlanta November 15. He and Sandra stayed with me while on a house-scouting trip. They were great guests, religiously making their bed each morning. Tom gave me an impressive Elvis souvenir he had picked up at Graceland, and Sandra outfitted my kitchen with teapot, potholders, and dish towels. I am encouraging them to stay in my place while I am out of town for a week. I'm hoping it will be completely furnished when I get back. 'Killer' is opening a new southeastern office for Tudor Engineering. He was recently named a stockholder and coerced the company into imprinting his name on the firm's official stationery.

"I was in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend to help Fred Riggall celebrate his M.B.A. designation. We played golf with Frank Hoffman and Phil Sievers. 'Froggy' has finally broken down and bought a car, while Vers's car has finally broken down. I thought it was at least 15 years old since the grey paint had dulled so badly. Fred informed me that the car was only three years old and was actually white underneath all the dirt. The only place dirtier than the outside of the car was the inside. I understand that Mayor Byrne ordered a special rat deinfestation team to do battle with the wildlife in the back seat.

"The Riggalis hosted a barbecue which was attended by a number of alumni and spouses Among the '73s were Frank and Bobbi Hoffman, Sievers, and Chuck Thomas. The previous evening we had a few beers with Bob Smith, who is doing 'old-fashioned hard work' for Smith-Barney (whatever that is). 'Schmidt received his M.B.A. from Penn and is now a full-fledged family man.

"In September I was in Baltimore for the wedding of Gary Dicovitsky '72. Chuck Thomas was also there. 'Potato' has been working incessantly on his medical residency in Chicago. It was good to see he hadn't totally succumbed to the job, since he was able to string more than two sentences together without falling asleep. He reports that Chip Reese may be in love with something other than his poker. Apparently 'the Dipper' is very serious (for Chip, that is) with one of the best female gamblers in Vegas. If this deal is ever consummated, you'd better keep your offspring out of the Beta cardroom in 18 to 21 years.

"This past August, I was privileged to have Dave Sullivan as a weekend houseguest. The highlight of the weekend was a round of golf played at my home course in Decatur Ed Soebeck's American Legion Country Club. After four holes, I was two under and fantasizing about a professional career until Sully started telling jokes during my backswing. I finished up at ten over for nine holes and quit since we had lost all of our golf balls.

"Sully is clawing his way up the corporate ladder at General Reinsurance in Hartford. Profits are up despite his efforts. Rumor has it that Sandy is expecting this spring. I hope the new baby is as cute as Meggy. If it's a boy, I hope he skates better than the old man. . . ."

With that compliment, we'll have to close for this month. Stay tuned for Part II, same time, same station, and same screenwriter, next month.

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