1936
Miscellaneous Musings from the Merry Month of May:
From the T.I.A.A. annual report we learn that George T. Conklin Jr., who has been a trustee on the T.I.A.A. operating board for over 25 years, has been newly elected to the top boards of T.I. A. A. and C.R.E.F. as well. For those whose fiscal fate in the golden years is closely tied to these great bodies, never fear George is here your welfare couldn't be in more capable hands.
From just around the corner in the New York area I got a phone call from M. Stewart "Pep" Minte to announce another prestigious achievement by a '36er. Seymour E. "Chuck" Sims has been elected mayor of Scarsdale, N.Y. Chuck tells me that the community of Scarsdale has a large body of capable employees and citizens dedicated to making the town the envy of all residential communities. It is the ultimate responsibility of the mayor, who serves without pay, to make and keep the town number one.
Another New Yorker steps up in the corporate limelight. Several months ago, Dean R. "Dink" Gidney, president of the Potash Company. of America, was elected to a three-year term on the board of directors of the Fertilizer Institute, a national organization which represents by voluntary membership more than 90 percent of the nation's fertilizer industry. All of you who still slave over beautiful lawns know that a big percentage of nitrogen in your lawn fertilizer will promote a fast and luxuriant green. But if you want a healthy root-growth to allow the lawn to fight heat, drought, flood, and pestilence, look with patience to potash/ potassium. Thank you, Dean Gidney!
Across the river and several zones west on the Pennsylvania Turnpike we find news from Phi- lipsburg, Pa., of James P. Scott. After 41 years of surgery and prescription-writing, he is closing out his office and is just going to take it easy helped in that endeavor substantially through a gift of golf equipment from his hos- pital staff, associates, and friends. What makes this retirement so newsworthy are the con- gratulations on his career from the governors mansion, the state house of representatives, and the White House: "Nancy and I are pleased to send our heartfelt congratulations," read the letter from President Ronald Reagan. Your years with the Philipsburg State General Hospital reflect the same remarkable dedication which has marked your generous contribution to the community."
Retirement for many is challenging, exert ing, and voluntary, but for Dr. Robert Bright of Suisun, Calif., it was not his choice. His wife Ruth sent me a note saying that afrer 23 years as a general practitioner he suffered a heart attack, forcing him to retire from practice. In 1982, however, he quintuple coronary by-pass from which he successfully recuperated. He does retain his terest in chemistry and medicine and a' professional meetings to keep abreast of opments in both fields. Bob's story is unusual in that after a 19-year successful career as a chemist with several oil companies, at the age of 42 he entered med school and a second successful career in medicine.
Back across the country at the Class Officers Weekend in Hanover on May 6 and 7, I mentioned Ruth's letter to Norb and Pick Hofman, who added a story that while they were diving into the surf out in Hawaii a number of years ago they unceremoniously bumped kerplunk into Dr. Bob.
The "C.O.W." this year was a delightful adjunct to the Green Key Weekend. The weather was sunny and warm and the schedule busy and full. On Saturday night at the D.O.C. House on Occom Pond, 42 classmates, spouses, and friends of 1936 enjoyed a warm evening and dinner at which Philip Mclnnis was presented the 1936 Class Award for a lifetime of exceptional service to the class, to the College, and to his community. Phil will be retiring soon only from his official College duties. His activities with the Hanover scene will continue and we will look forward to his reports whenever the executive committee meets.
A full report on the 1936 spring meeting will follow early this summer. One exciting affair, however, must get put immediately on the calendars of all who can make it. Because of uncertain reports on the health and recovery of Tommy Thomas, it was felt to be unwise to schedule our annual lobster feast and summer
get-together at Tommy's place outside of Bath, Maine. But you can put down in your date book Saturday, August 27, for a festive salute to the lobsters who survived the earlier part of the summer. The location will be House Island in Casco Bay (near Portland, Maine), on which still stands Fort Scammel, built to guard Portland Harbor during the Civil War. The whole island will be ours exclusively for the entire day or until we run out of lobsters and/or fellowship and if his health will permit, we'll hope to get Tommy to attend.
Pete Fitzherbert will be sending all in the area full details on the gathering. (If you are not on his list, drop him a line at 21 Beacon Avenue, Auburn, Maine 04210.) But for now just circle and-reserve August 27, 1983. It is a new way to attack a lobster (or a salad or a beer) and you really must try to make it.
See you in August and in the fall.
Philip D.Mclnnis '36, retiring at the end ofthis academic year from his post as assistanttreasurer of the College, has served in the treasurer's office since 1962. Previously, he wasdeputy state treasurer for the state of NewHampshire.
32 Lehigh Road Wellesley, Mass. 02181
