1930

Box 96 Green Valley, AZ 85622

Liela and I enjoyed an early October luncheon with Bill and Peg OBrion, who were covering the Southwest, visiting Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Snowmass, Bryce, Zion, and Grand Canyons, and other points. They look great and were looking forward to more travel to Woodstock and Hanover.

Hard on the heels of the OBrions came a phone call from Bob and Page Blanchard in Phoenix. They were making some of the same points as the OBrions, plus Las Vegas, and weren't getting home until October 16, ruling out the mini-reunion for this year.

So far I've had three requests for copies of the Pete Callaway story, which, in the September column, I offered as a bribe to get some news out of my silent majority. The first came from Fred Scribner, who said he'd see me shortly in Woodstock and give me the news then, so you can wait breathlessly for another month. Fred also requested the Ned Grant article, thus owing me at least two items. Fred, Ned, and I were neighbors in Russell Sage 60 years ago.

Next came Celie French, who reported on a luncheon she'd given at her summer home for Eleanor Raymond, Carol Haffenreffer, Hannah Steers, and VivianCole.

Third, John Holmes says modestly that this isn't news, but he remains one of our last fully employed classmates. He and Ann have run their direct response business for many years. They're particularly busy before Christmas, which is the reason they never attend fall reunions. One of their problems has been keeping part-time help, but this is being happily resolved by the return of daughter Heather to live nearby and not only assist but also eventually take over the business. I told John that even if he'd said no more than "Dear Bob, Sincerely, John," I'd consider it welcome news.

It's man bites dog when someone scoops Lee Chilcote with news about the Chilcotes. In September Lee phoned Harrison Condon from Boston, where they had stopped for a day on the Royal Viking cruise. Kay had been very sick for several months with bronchial pneumonia, and the trip had been part of the recuperative process. Lee had also called Alex McFarland and said Alex had made great progress. Harrison hoped to visit Alex on his way to Woodstock, so I may have a later report.

A few of Harrison's loyal dues-payers have checked in. Ranny and Vera Hobbs had a fine summer: July in Gstaad; six weeks in the old home area of Wilson Point, South Norwalk, Conn.; and two weeks on the Cape. Then the Auto Train to Florida October 3.

Fran and Billie Horn couldn't make the mini because of a conflicting homecoming day at the University of Rhode Island. Chuck and Grace Simmons "are in good shape but a little dilapidated" after June in England and the rest of the summer in Wisconsin. They hope to get to Hanover next year. Wally and Gladys Wasmer are happy in their new home near Doylestown "in good old Pennsylvania." Better than sandy, flat Cape Cod, he says. They were in Hanover for the Penn and Harvard games and in Woodstock for the mini-reunion.

Wayne and Grace Van Leer missed the mini. They've forsaken Washington after 47 years in the same house and are building on the Severn near Annapolis. Boband Marge Chittim also missed it, as they returned to Longboat Key in September and plan to stay there until June.

Finally, en route to Woodstock I had a delightful three-hour luncheon with Johnand Flavia Marsh at their new address. Tired of Ft. Lauderdale's growing congestion, they've moved to an attractive rural setting, with pines instead of palms, and a nice comfortable house with a view. We not only settled the problems of the world, including John's special friend, Khadafi, but also did a fine job of reminiscing about our years back to about 1920.

Holiday Greetings!