1932
On many occasions, the accomplishments of the men of 1932 have been chronicled and extolled. However, there is one major success story which has never been mentioned. It is this: We have been uncommonly successful in the selection of wives. In no small part should the credit for the success of 1932 men go to them. The ones whom I shall mention are but a small sample from this remarkable group.
We can start with Mrs. Leon Warner (Mary), who has spearheaded the organization and operation of a citizens action group to combat the kidnapping of dogs which are sold to laboratories for experimental purposes This has become a national program, called "Action 81 Dognapping." It has exposed the inhumane stealing of pets, who are picked up, piled into overcrowded vans, and delivered to dealers, or laboratories, for huge profits. Action 81 acts as a clearinghouse of information on dognapping and on how to deal with this threat. Many pamphlets and booklets have been produced and distributed by Mary. If you lose a pet, call her at 703/955- 1278.
Mrs. John Zimmerman (Alice) has been president of her Wellesley class, she chaired her 50th reunion fund, and she has been trea- surer of the Wellesley Alumnae Association. She has also been active in her community and is currently senior warden of her church. We understand that she serves as first mate on the Zimmermans' sailboat, under the watchful eye of Captain John.
In academe, Mrs. Ambrose Cram (Mary Francis) has led a distinguished career, serving as dean of Linfield College, president of the women's committee of the Japanese Institute for Christian Women in Tokyo, and on the national board of the YWCA.
While checking on these facts, I talked with Amby Cram in Chautauqua, N.Y. He told me of their move to Bermuda Run Village in Winston Salem, N.C., and of their intention to return to Chautauqua for summers.
Most of us know Mrs. Arthur Allen (Deborah) as one who has been active in class affairs always present, always helpful. But it may be less well known how much she has given of her time and talents to this region. For example, she plays the accompaniment for the Hanover Ballet School, she does the same for the Hanover Women's Chorus, she is the organist for the Quechee Community Church, and one of her most loving and appreciated gifts is her regular entertainment for the residents at the Hanover Terrace Nursing Home. It is no wonder that she was recognized with an award from the state of New Hampshire for her volunteer work.
Dobbie, as she is known to her many friends, is first mate on the Allen yawl, Capella. She knows every headland, every light house, and every safe harbor from Long Island to New Brunswick. She collects small stones from far places and postcards of light houses.
In looking over my collection of Life magazines recently, I discovered a two-page photographic essay in the issue of September 7, 1942, on the formation of the Women's Army Corps. Wow! The featured example of military participation by women was none other than Dorothy Kenna, known to us as Mrs. Ben Burch. From her start in Officers Candidate School, Dorothy rose rapidly in rank and responsibility from command of the WACS in Massachusetts to director in all of New England, eventually retiring as a major.
Material close at hand: Mrs. Ben Drew (Sally) has excelled in whatever she has done. There have been three phases to her career so far. First she was a leading mother in PTA and Girl Scouts, the founder of the American Field Service in our town, and a director of Gilbert and Sullivan productions; she kept busy during those young family years.
The second phase started with a return to college for a degree in library science, which led to a position as librarian in one of Boston's more difficult junior high schools. Her library was the only room in that building which was respected, because, through Sally, it representd a recognition of the special back grounds of the students.
The third phase of her career has been as a Vermont horsewoman, winning ribbons in many Green Mountain Horse Association events and raising two fine Morgans one of which was ridden by our daughter Leslie as the Vermont trail-riding champion last year.
A note from Alice Zimmerman reported having seen a number of classmates on a recent trip to Florida. Included were the Cor-betts, the Walsers, the Morey Hubbards, DanGage, and Willie and Jack Morris. The Zs also attended a reception for Ad Winship '42, retiring vice president for alumni affairs and development of the College; this event was hosted by Bill and Peggy Morton.
Finally, we regret to report the sudden death of Peter Ostafin in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Janaury 31. For many years Pete had been on the faculty at the University of Michigan. He and Eleanor were the parents of two daughters, one a Dartmouth honors graduate. A more complete obituary will appear in the obituary section.
The next column will come from the South Pacific, providing I don't lose my head in the highlands of New Guinea. In the meantime, gentlemen, send me more reports on your marvelous wives. Ben Ezra.
Moody Hill Road Vershire, VT 05079
