1956
Until our reunion information began to come in, I had no idea we had such an accomplished poet in the class as Tom Harper. Perhaps, as Oliver Wendell Holmes did as a Harvard graduate, he could write a commemorative poem for each of our remaining years however many that may be.
Plans for the reunion have shaped up well. With the likes of Jack Billhardt, Ken Bridge,Win Bridge, Len Clark, Boodge Erwin,Stew Wood, locals like Tex Fridlund and Josh Hill, and our own Mutt and Jeff combination of Will Sogg and Tom Rosenwald making the preparations for the rest of us, how can we possibly lose?
The entire affair looks terrific. Even now it is not too late to sign on and be there for the big 35th or 36th, if you like. You will be just in time to see Don Davidoff come waddling into the tent, fresh from his birthday celebration the day before, still wiping away the last of the remaining cake crumbs.
On opening day you can actually sing your birthday wishes to Dr. William A. Burke. Bill may possibly be found late in the evening, at die class tent, diligently attempting to sip beer through a stethoscope. If all goes well, Pharis Horton will be there with him, though at this writing he was yet to be heard from. Assuming he appears, sing a second chorus for him, and then tack one on for TonyNewey, also a June 15 arrival.
Alone among us, on June 16, Philip P.Patrick, last known address Wareham, Mass., will celebrate his natal day, though we don't know where. As we write, he too has not been heard from. We can only hope that he will join Burke, Horton, and Newey at the tent for several rousing choruses of something appropriate to the day and hour.
On Wednesday, June 17, get an extra sweet roll for breakfast, stick a candle in it, and take it to Don Hessler assuming, of course, that he's there. He is another of those unheard from as we go to press. That is, nevertheless, his birthday. If he is not in attendance, call him and sing to him. It'll serve him right!
Fortunately, there isn't a living soul in the class of'56 who has a birthday on the 18th, if my records are correct, so you can keep your collective voices in shape to regale Ed Delaney and Herb Kleber, who will be heading home for their parties the following day.
The foregoing may give you guys a clue that the class scribe, occasionally desperate for news, has no choice but to pad the column with whatever he has at hand—which ain't much. You could help, and I am sure I don't need to tell you how.
That's it for now. Till next time, if there is a next time.
51 Tradd Street, Charleston, SC 29401
Class of '56 June 15-18Come Bury the Hatchet
57's in town again RETURN TO THE SOURCE JUNE 15 - 18, 1992,
