1940
Dear Class: What better beginning for the column than to remark on our Green Derby winning performance in the Alumni Fund (final results just received as I write this). So, well done to Ted Miller and his hardworking crew. Well done, too, to all you givers out there, many of whom "gave with their fingers crossed." Pat Timothy put it very well in his recent letter: "I was saddened to hear the news (of the shanty fracas, etc.) Of course I shall continue to support Dartmouth. Let's hope that the reaction of the alumni will lead the administration to deal more severely with extremists on both sides especially those tenured left-wing faculty members." Pat goes on to report that their big news is daughter Francine's (Wellesley '72) Ph.D. in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Utah. Vicky and Bob Clark visited the Timothys in March, which led to dinner with Jim Gibson, also a Longboat Key resident. Pat is busy with condo board, tennis, civic, etc. Good news about Mel Wax, who is recovering nicely from major surgery in late June. Moreau Brown '39 passed on the news. Hank Rosen checked in from Boston with a cheerful "no news" postcard which graphically dramatized the fact that Hank has indeed "pulled it off again," with the passage of another year. Hank, where do you get those cards?
Joe Harpham and wife, Esteri, were on their way to Idaho when the letter was written. Purpose: a reunion with their three daughters and families. Joe and Esteri are now living in Canterbury, N.H., which puts them closer to Hanover and occasioned a visit from Stet Whitcher on his way to the Hanover Plain. More of Joe: "Keeping active with the N.H. wing of Civil Air Patrol as a check pilot and emergency services officer gives me a good reason to fly around the state. Esteri is involved with the Shaker Village restoration and we're growing our usual garden crops via the 'raised bed' technique. Forced retirement at age 60 from airline flying wasn't such a bad idea after all."
Although I have loudly proclaimed that I am retired, an occasional freelance project crops up. The current one is kind of interesting composting. It's just now being rediscovered, apparently, as an effective way to dispose of industrial and commercial organic waste, not to mention municipal sewage sludge. You get rid of a problem and pick up a useful product stable, pathogen-free compost in the bargain. You always knew I was good at throwing it now I'm selling it!
A 50th reunion at Deerfield Academy brought Jack Reitzell east from his home in Baton Rouge. Jack notes that all is well with his life. He manages to get east for a visit once every year and we trust that in 1990 that visit will be for our 50th. Jack noted that the Deerfield reunion had a 50- percent attendance. We should do as well!
A short fanfare, please, to welcome a note from Pres Joyes, down Louisville way. Pres breakes a long silence as follows: "Adele and I have two girls, 33 and 36, one in Ithaca, N.Y., the other in California. Two grandchildren, five and three. We spend part of the summer in Leland, Mich., where we occasionally see BillWotherspoon. He vacations 15 miles away. I've been retired for nine years and enjoy it thoroughly a few community activities, a golf course nearby, and a farm 25 miles away." Pres notes that this year's events (shanty, etc.) were shocking but not surprising you could see them coming, and closes with: "Would like very much to come to our 50th and will try to work things out." Good show.
Joe Burnett sent on some photos from past reunions (thanks, Joe) and a nice letter to boot: "Have been active in the Alumni Fund this year, together with TedMiller and Lloyd Blanchard. Joe Adams and Ben Webb helped out with regional telethons. Herb Porter's letter along with mine in the 'Drum' may have helped to convert a few folks, thanks to Bob's timely publishing. Most of us care, whether we are of one view or another. Stet Whitcher and I will be in Hanover for the Alumni College (my fifth and his 22nd). Along with everything else, this gives me a chance to talk with the students in a non-reunion, non-football environment and that is where I derive my enthusiasm for today's Dartmouth. WahHoo-Wah! Joe."
Bill Squier sent a lighthearted chain letter to Joe Burnett, who sent it on to me, and I in turn have kept the faith. If you get it you'll like it. Bill also penned a note to the class: "Pattie and I recently made a trip to the Canadian Rockies under the watchful care of Maupintour. The service' is great and we had a great group of people. Seattle to Calgary; Vancouver, Victoria, Lake Louis, Banff, and Jasper in between. Now back in good old North Carolina, fighting the heat wave and drought. Thank somebody for air conditioning!"
If you don't read the letters to the editor of this magazine, you are missing half the fun. The right to dissent and the loyal opposition are demonstrated there every month. This is not meant to make light of the opinions rather to encourage one and all to express their own.
Bur first, of course, your bounden duty is to write to the class via me! See you next month.
P.O. Box 336 Old Lyme, CT 06371
