1939

As we set these words to paper we are just back from N.Y.C., where the class executive committee held its spring meeting at the offices maintained by Bert MacMannis at the Reader's Digest headquarters in the Pan Am building. Present were MacMannis, Cornie Miller, Hugh McLaren, Dick Brooks, Sam Hird, Bob Kaiser, Jim Corner, Al Tishman, Bob Howe, Jack Coulson, and Dick Jackson. Your scribe started the reports with a downer, acquainting the group with the news of the deaths of Bob Timbers on March 26, after choking on a piece of meat, and Fred Kurr on April 6, due to causes as yet unknown, at or near his home in Puerto Rico. Also reported was the loss of Mrs. Frank Valier, who died on March 9 as reported by one of the sons of the late "Fuzzy." As our memorial chair was to report later, we have lost six classmates since our last executive meeting in September, five of whom have passed away during 1983.

We had expected Wes Goding to be with us at the New York meeting, but he called to send last-minute regrets. He had to tend to his. 96- year-old mother, who had faced a crisis. Endy Smith was belatedly pinned down by a business meeting he couldn't duck, as was Bozo Noland, both of whom had been expected. Betsy Wyman, a faithful attendee, was on a trip to Indonesia but promises to be on hand for our mini in the fall.

The treasurer's report was a healthy one, in- dicating $28,521.24 currently invested. This includes 1983 dues of $9,634 received to date from 325 men. Our treasurer assures us that we will be able to meet the $25,000 gift to College slated for our 45th reunion, with an additional $50,000 to be realized by our 50th this is the plan developed by the executive com mittee at our fall gathering.

The bequest report indicated four matured class bequests for the sum of $33,102 the latest of which was a $ 10,000 bequest from the late Herb Nichols. There are 13 life trusts in the class for a total of more than $5 16,500; one of these is a new one for $5,194 and one is an addition for $31,072.

While he had the floor, Bequest Chair Bob Kaiser switched hats and reported that our mini-reunion plans are all set at the Sheraton in West Leb, which will be handier for golf, tennis, the football game, and other Hanover activities than our heretofore headquarters at Bonnie Oaks. Details may have already reached you via " '39 Out" by the time you read this. The reunion is scheduled to coincide with the opening game with Princeton on September 17. I have been asked to also remind you that the College is planning some special activities for the weekend following, when the football team visits Michie Stadium at West Point. Details on this will be presented by the College, but it was voted by your executive committee not to attempt to convene a formal class gathering at West Point so soon after our mini-re- union.

Incidentally, our "athletic director," Hugh McLaren, is looking into a suitable golf course for our annual reunion jousts and is also planning to sign up some College tennis courts for class use.

Our special projects man, Dick Brooks, is planning a special green and white class tie featuring our class seal. Broosky reports that there are still a few class t-shirts in stock in all sizes. Cornie Miller will be peddling same at our mini, Brooks planning to be on the water in a rather prolonged nautical adventure which will take him and Bunny from Essex, Conn., to Chicago, thence down the Mississippi, into the Gulf, and eventually up the eastern coast to home base. Incidentally, Brooks also advises that a picture of his 1939 snow statue of Eleazar will be featured on the cover of a commemorative "coffee-table" book on Dartmouth Winter Carnivals, which is in the process of publication.

A final report was heard from Jim Corner, who suggested that the College, in placing our goal for this year's Alumni Fund at $ 120,000. has really tossed us a curve despite our smash ing record of last year. But he said that he still confident that his army of agents would get the job done.

Appointments were made and confirmed: Wes Goding has accepted the job as our 45th reunion chairman, and Bob Howe and Bill Tomkins agreed to co-chair our reunion giving effort. It was also reported that there had been 32 memorial gifts received in the amount of $3,865 in memory of the late Jim Anderson.

Until our next — in October — we wish one and all a healthy and happy summer.

777 West 'Street Pittsfield, Mass. 01201