1932

Some of you "Flatlanders" may think that life comes to a standstill when the mercury dips to ten below in Eaton Center, N.H. "Not so," say Alex and Barbie McKensie, as they transfer their considerable talents and energies from their full summer life to the winter projects in which they have been active. Nor is "politics as usual" an appropriate expression since Barbie became a trustee of the Town of Eaton Center. She has organized a program by which the town helps to fund educational enrichment for both young and older citizens, while at the same time spearheading a drive to raise private money to augment this program. Barbie is also an active fund-raiser for Wellesley College.

As most of you know, Alex has been identified with the Mount Washington Observatory and Museum, having been one of the pioneers who first spent a winter atop the peak, recording the highest velocity winds ever at 237 mph. The museum, which was established in large part due to Alex's efforts, is visited by thousands of people each year, who may drive on the Carriage Road, ride the famous Mount Washington Cog Railway, or hike to the top. Alex is currently writing a small book recalling the early days of the observatory, and the part that Joe Dodge, the famous manager of the A.M.C. Pinkham Notch and White Mountain hut system, played in their development. Alex hopes that the book sales will help support the museum.

As a member of the Antique Wireless Association, which requires that its members use only pre-1939 equipment, Alex participates in various rallies. The wireless that he uses once belonged to Joe Dodge, and no doubt helped in many a mountain rescue.

In addition to all of the above, the McKensies manage their blueberry plantation, which is much like those in the "Blueberry Barrens" of Maine, where great rolling hills turn blue with low-bush berries when they fruit in their cycle of burn and grow and fruit.

A new dimension will be added to the Dartmouth campus when the Hood Museum of Art opens in September of this year. The new building is an exciting expression of architectural skill and taste, utilizing the old Wilson Museum site, and tieing into the east side of the Hopkins Center. And, while Hood will have its own distinct character, it will not bantagonistic to the Hop and will be as hand- some on the exterior as it is functional inside.

Dr. Jacquelynn Baas, the chief curator and acting director, toured me through the new building. The ten distinct galleries, plus the support facilities, are blended into a unified complex of exciting hallways, entrances, and vistas. In short, the new Hood Museum represents a quantum leap forward, as Dartmouth continues to be the cultural center of this region.

The acting director, with her impressive academic and professional credentials, is enthusiastically planning not only for the opening but also for exhibitions as far as two years in advance, which she told me is standard museum practice.

And the big news for 1932 is: "And this large and beautiful gallery has been endowed by Mr. Harold Sack of the class of 1932," said Dr. Baas as we entered the main lobby. I phoned Harold to express enthusiasm for what he has done.

We have indirect news of Dr. RobertDickey from Mrs. John Dickey, whom I met at a reception recently. Bob has retired after a distinguished medical career and is living in Danville, Pa. He came to Hanover last summer, bringing three very fine trout for his brother, Dr. John, with whom Bob has shared a love of fishing and the outdoor life. (John Dickey '29 has been confined to Dick's House following a disabling stroke.)

I am happy to report that Sonny Savage (Mrs. Francis Savage) is on the mend after a fall which injured her back. She told me that Francis had learned to cook with his usual attention to detail (which was helpful to us in putting on the 50th reunion).

And so, Sal and I are off to Borneo and other Indonesian ports with the Museum of Natural History. Back about mid-March.

Ben Ezra.

Snowfield Farm South Vershire, VT 05079