1945

An invitation to an early fall 1945 lobster weekend at John and Molly White's island home near Cundy's Harbor in Maine is a sure sign that summer is fading and that there are a lot of classmates in different areas of the country who are working to keep the class of 1945 alive and cohesive. The Whites have hosted a group for several years. One of my delightful memories is the view of sunset over Casco Bay from the roof of their summer home. A wedding in Portland with reception in Kennebunkport kept us away and we missed it.

Last month's speculative news about Vic Smith and our class in the Alumni Fund proved to be correct. The class of 1945 won the Green Derby for the classes of 1943-49, excluding the reunion class of 1946, thanks to an overwhelming lead in dollar objective. Participation in relation to the other classes was unimpressive, with 17 fewer contributors than last year. It is obvious that events on campus affected results so that despite the efforts of Vic and his agents a number of usual contributors stayed away. I join those who hope that this college year will be devoid of divisive issues-and further that our class will achieve a new high in participation.

Through the years many '45s have been honored with various community, educational, and civic awards, but none has been so exciting as the honor bestowed on Frank and Jeanne Hutchins by the Rochester Museum and Science Center in the spring of 1986. Both had been previously nominated for the award individually but neither had been a winner until they became the third husband and wife team to receive the top honor in 48 years. John Osborn provided a newspaper account of the award ceremony and the recap of what both Hutchins have done in Rochester is both impressive and uplifting. Perhaps if more people did what they have done government would not be such a big factor in all our lives. Congratulations to Frank and Jeanne; as a reminder both have devoted a great deal of time and effort in class activities, including Frank's service as Alumni Fund chairman and class president.

As usual, George Barr wrote an informative and thoughtful July newsletter. Those of you who are golfers should be properly impressed with the fact that after 46 years he played again in a state amateur tournament. Retirement must be good for his game, particularly since he now has time to listen to Betsy's advice.

Another item gleaned from George's column is that Win Sargeant has joined other classmates at Skidaway Island, Savannah, Ga. If enough move to that location, where there is an abundance of golf courses, the Johnny Brooks tournament can be revived in an area where weather will not be a problem.

And as more of you retire and move to warmer climates a clearing house of addresses makes a lot of sense. Your next bridge, tennis, golf, or jogging partner might be a '45 living in the same residential or condominium community.

It seems that almost every column lately has ended on a sad note. Yesterday's mail brought news that Jim Spanos from Manchester, N. H., a loyal classmate and friend from' Marine V-12 days, died on July 27. Jim, who had been in the wholesale liquor business, had helped with arrangements for some of our reunions and had been a frequent attendant at our activities. Personal and class condolences are extended to his wife, Amy, and to his children and family.

When you read this, foliage will be gone, Dartmouth night and mini-reunion will be over, and Christmas ads will be starting. Hopefully, Harvard will have been decimated and an Ivy League championship will be developing (in some fall sport). In any event Happy Thanksgiving.

Box 111 Westford, MA 01886