1945

Gloria, the fiercest hurricane to hit New England in years, forced an early departure from the office in Lowell and provides a chance to get a prompt start for December's notes. Since power in Westford is out this may be the first Alumni Magazine column in many years to be (partially) written by candlelight. Frank Aldrich wants us to know that in addition to the members of 1946 present at the 100 th anniversary of the Sphinx Society in May (as reported in September 1946 notes) there were several '45s: Art Carey,Dick Southwick, Dick Hinman, and Frank. He writes that the highlight was "an incredible full 15-minute ovation upon the appearance at the head table of Richard Parkhurst '16, a man who personifies the granite of New Hampshire."

Time passes (power is restored), and along with October, Dartmouth-Harvard tickets are in the mail, a reminder that after freshman year (and other than a reunion year) Dartmouth alumni become very familiar only with the end zone at a D-H game in Cambridge. By now you have John Osborne's class dues notices, and your early response would be helpful as would news on the back of the bill.

The following notes come from John's mail: Paul Cover of Westminister, Md., writes that he was planning to be married to Ruth M. Hanson on October 5. The class sends best wishes and congratulations to both and our hopes that you will join us at mini-reunions, particularly the one planned for Annapolis next fall.

Ned Newdick reports that daughter Vivian matriculated at Harvard in September and that son Matthew was a "distinguished graduate" of U. S. Air Force OTS at Lakeland AFB in September. Congratulations to both Newdick children as well as their parents.

Tom Davidson, who lives in Bridgehampton, N.Y., has four grandchildren, two in Manlius, N.Y., and two in Worcester, Mass. As the grandchild count, mounts, it would be interesting to know which classmate has the most.

Rick Crabtree of Taplow Berks, SLOHX, England, has had a stream of house guests in their guest rooms (two) and has the welcome mat out for all of you - but the Crabtrees have a popular place and need advance notice.

From Standish, Maine, to Venice, Fla., is a big move, but Howard Sawyer and Alice planned this for October 31. Their retirement includes volunteer work in Sarasota with Hospice, an organization devoted to care for persons who are terminally ill. With their medical background the Sawyers should be a tremendous asset to the Sarasota Hospice program.

This has not been a happy fall for 1945. In addition to Grif Strasenburgh we have news of the passing of three other classmates: Neal Lawson on August 14, 1985; John Chivers on July 11, 1985, of injuries received in an automobile accident; and John Reed on September 22, 1985. John Reed had attended the reunion in June, and although obviously ill he displayed his usual cheerful and friendly spirit. Further details appear in back section of this or another issue, but on behalf of the class sincere sympathy is extended to all their families.

In the last column there was mention of potential Ivy League champions, but omitted were the cross-country teams which would seem to have the best chance of all. My apologies to them; hopefully by the time you read this we can toast a championship for one or both of them.

Don't forget class dues, and write a note on the back - or send a message directly to Box 111 in Westford. The Leggats wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, and prosperous 1986.

Box 111 Westford, MA 01886