1928

The award winning attendance at our superb 60th seemed to surprise a lot of people outside of the class. Did they think we were too old to show up in such numbers? After all, we are only in our early 80s. Evidently we decided that that isn't necessarily old. That we were not all in first-class physical shape is not surprising. In fact, "very special mention should be made of those who, in spite of various and sundry infirmaries, couldn't be kept away. For some it must have been taken extraordinary effort to get there. The sheer exuberance and loyalty that brought them were a source of inspiration and wonder to the rest of us. Also, winning the "Class of 1895 Cup" would have been impossible without them. Another factor contributing greatly to the reunion's success was the presence of so many classmates' widows. Their vigorous support for the class and the College has been shown before in Alumni Fund contributions and should not have been unexpected.

It seems unlikely that any other class could have had a secretary who was more dedicated or devoted to his job than Os Skinner. He served in this capacity for us for 50 years, 1938 to 1988. Before that, he founded The Campaigner in 1935 and served as its editor until 1938. We were reminded of his extensive c'orrespondence with his classmates when each of us attending the 60th Reunion was presented with his own personal file compiled by Os over the years. His death leaves a great void. Our sympathy for Mary Skinner can only be enhanced by the sense of loss we all feel. Mary, we hear, was persuaded by her son to take a trip, arranged previously, to Venice and Switzerland where she spent a quiet and restful week or so.

Our Reunion committee co-chairmen, Mutt Jennings and Curly Prosser, and their associates performed nobly and the only complaints were about the unreasonably hot weather. Our peripatetic president, Curly, seemed to be everywhere, a juggler with a dozen balls in the air. If he ever dropped one I didn't see it. Craig Haines reports that, while all the figures aren't in, the modest head tax we paid to cover meals and fees actually appears to have done so although the administration people predicted otherwise. Trust canny Craig for close figuring. In addition to the reunion, Craig and Eleanor attended the College graduation ceremonies for their granddaughter, Carolyn Haines Salsgiver. She graduated cum laude of course.

Ed Flanders deserves special mention. He orchestrated a tremendous response to the Alumni Fund appeal. Indications are that we have exceeded our dollar objective by over 11 percent and very likely have achieved a participation record for the class.

Bill and Elizabeth Ballard celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception in Norwich on June 25th. This notable event was attended by Herb and Mimi Sensenig, Joe and Marg Tidd, Laura Sadler, and Curly Prosser. Welcome, Bill and Elizabeth, to the happy, halfcentury honeymooners, or something. We must have a substantial number in that category.

Finally, a help wanted ad. Attached to this column is the name and address of the poor fellow who, in a moment of weakness, agreed to try to keep the class news flowing in the regrettable absence of Os. Please write or call.

3835 N. Tazewell Street, Arlington, VA 22207