1933

In October Hal Smith achieved a master stroke in today's financial recession when his bank, Waterbury's First Federal, acquired assets and deposits of First Constitution Bank of New Haven, increasing First Federal's assets to $2.2 billion. This put it in the top ten of Connecticut financial institutions, serving 140,000 customers in 32 banking offices located in four counties of the state. This behemoth is far from the modest oneemployee, store-front organization which Hal opened in 1935. Some time ago he turned primary management over to his son Jim '71, president and CEO He and Copey have now taken off for a few months of relaxation in Naples, Fla.

The class executive committee has voted and has received permission to plant a flowering crabapple tree in memory of EmilyHobbs on the space once occupied by the White Church, south of Sanborn Library. An identifying plaque briefly noting her contributions to the class is in the works, and EdFoley, the moving spirit, would welcome contributions to defray the cost of preparation and lettering. Contributions should be sent to Alexander S. Cunningham, Class of 1933 Treasurer, 1700 Cunliffe Lane, Sarasota, FL 34239-4419.

When we called Bill Raoul recently, he was agog over the reception he was helping organize to welcome the U.S. women's rowing team to Chattanooga, where they will train for the Olympics. Bill lives on Lookout Mountain, ten miles from Chickamauga, historic territory indeed. He still rows eight months a year himself, having started the sport locally 20 years ago. It is now the largest sport in the area, involving schools, clubs, and individuals. When Bill is not sculling on the Tennessee, he is working vigorously with much success, he says, on the program of the American Chestnut Foundation to bring back the lovely tree which was killed in the famous blight.

This activity ties in with Vin Merrill, whom we later ran to ground in Lincoln, Mass. He alleged that he is merely "surviving," but is still active as a landscape architect on a more limited basis than formerly. He and Anna recently celebrated their 50th anniversary. Vin is greatly interested in conservation and natural preservation. He acts as a technical advisor to a pro-bono horticultural committee, Friends of the Boston Public Garden, which helps keep that facility up to snuff. He also helped the Charles River Watershed Association, a similar protective group, get started. Don't forget the 60 th June 14— 16. Tell JackManchester you're coming.

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