1951

Certain classmates are never forgotten because they were neighbors to the left or the right in Great Issues, in other regimented seating situations, or in the Commencement parade. Al Brout was often on my right. On the left was Bing Broido, whom I haven't seen since Commencement. Now Bing has written The Spalding Book of Rules, which purports to contain rules for 41 sports, 1992 results and standings, 1993 schedules, and much more. We hope Bing will be wallowing in royalties and coming back to see us.

John Ives is now director of Memorial Medical Center in Savannah, Ga. Wife Anne reports that John has no plans for retirement. They still have their home in Gainesville, Fla.

Dick Barnes sent along a clipping from the May 1993 Science magazine which reported that Leslie Viereck was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Alaska-Fairbanks for his work compiling a database on Alaskan flora. The occasion was especially sweet because back in 1961 the UAF let Les go because of his outspoken objections to the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission's intent to employ nuclear, blasts to dig a harbor in northwest Alaska. Les and a colleague fought the proposal, and it was eventually scrapped, but the cost was high for Les. He is now a professor at the University of Manitoba and an ecologist at the Forest Services Institute of Northern Studies at Fairbanks. Dick Barnes was "a minor bureaucrat" at the AEC at the time of Les's tribulations but was "not involved in that project."

The class officers meetings were conducted in May. In addition to all the usual suspects, I happily encountered a childhood friend not seen in 45 years and an old Texaco colleague. There's much to be said for meetings that include all the classes.

The main event, a workshop for "Developing Effective Class-Officer Teams" was led by Peter Axelson, a professional consultant who happens to be Bob Hopkins's son-in-law. Four hundred class officers in attendance learned a great deal, and Peter, like any good teacher, picked up a few new angles too. Several of us encountered retired Prof. Chauncy Allen on the Inn porch. At ninety-something he looks great and does almost everything he always did but he has foregone playing piano at the AD house.

You should all know that if you're within range of Hanover and are aware of any function which might involve '51s you really should include yourself. We always combine pleasure with our "business." And Joe Welch welcomes any classmate at our '51 meetings. He can deputize you on the spot.

Joe convoked a quick Executive Committee meeting at the Mori's home. He reviewed the class finances (still sound). Then Bob Hustek spoke about his special projects and emphasized how pleased the Dick's House staff was with the Dickey Meeting Room, which is getting more use than ever anticipated. We also touched on the "clubbiness" of these Class Notes and the Fables the repetition of certain names. Our response: that's for you to change. Batch and your scribe long for news of classmates seldom heard from.

We close with sad word of the deaths of Bob Kreidler last August, John C. Pace last December, and Herny S. Robinson last April.

Our condolences to the families of these classmates. Obituaries will appear in later issues. Fax me at (203) 245-0887, call (203) 245-7191, send e-mail via PRODIGY (KBCX99A), or write.

48 Webster Point Road, Madison, CT 06443

Beverly and Bill McArthur got caught up in the swing of things at a '53 dance.