1955

One Christmas gift from which I derive much pleasure each year is a copy of The Old Farmer's Almanac from my spouse. As you know, the editor of this gem is classmate Jud Hale. A few weeks ago, Ralph Sauter kindly sent me a copy of the November 1992 Smithsonian which includes an article commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Almanac. The lead photograph shows Jud in his office holding two trusty talismans, a stuffed chicken (Rhode Island Red, I think) and a paper wasps' nest. The OFA's original 1792 edition had some 3,000 readers, which increased to 9,000 in 1793. The 1.993 edition will reach an estimated 4.5 million readers! If you haven't seen an OFA recently, get hold of one and give yourself a treat.

Ralph also passed along a note from LeonMartell, who had just returned from a monthlong business trip to Europe and India. Leon and Marilee were not able to make Homecoming this year, but they did plan to attend the Cornell game at Ithaca, where their son Christopher is in his second year in the Johnson School's M.B.A. program. With the benefit of hindsight, Leon, the football results were better at homecoming.

Nancy Goss, wife of Lane "Woody" Goss and self-described secretary to the Goss clan, sent a wonderful picture of four generations of the Dartmouth family. The latest arrival is William Woodworth Goss (2014?), son of Christine '86 and Ed Goss T'86, grandson of Nancy and Woody, and great-grandson of Conny and Lane Goss '25. Nancy's note also mentioned the arrival of another granddaughter, Katherine A. Goss, daughter of Kitty and Charles Goss '84. "Not too imaginative when it comes to names or places to go to college!" says Nancy.

Recently I received a press clipping reporting that Allan Walker retired as super-intendent of schools in Litchfield, Conn., last June. Allan had been with the Litchfield School System for 12 years, first as principal of the High School, and for the last four years as superintendent. Previously he had been on the faculty of the Woodstock Academy. Allan and his wife, Joan, live on a farm in Goshen, Conn., where they raise beef cattle. Summing up his 37 years in education Allan said, "Some good things have happened, and some bad things have happened, but I wouldn't do much differently. God bless you, I'm going fishing." Good luck!

Another clipping brought news of T.Brooks Barrett, who was running in the September IS Republican primary in Fairfield, Conn., for a seat in the Connecticut General Assembly. Brooks is president of Commuter Foods and owns several Dunkin' Donuts franchises in Fairfield County. He had a career in advertising with agencies and in industry before starting his first franchise in 1967. In addition to his work, Brooks has served as a member of the representative town meeting and the town planning and zoning commission. He and his wife, Kelly, live in Fairfield and have three children. In spite of his public service and business experience, he did not succeed in his primary contest.

110 Valeview Rd., Wilton, CT 06897