1936

On Sunday, February 27, a new 2,000-pipe organ was dedicated at the regular morning service of the First Parish Church in Portland, Maine. An article in the Portland Press Herald said the organ was "dedicated to Abbey Sharpless Niss, who headed the church's music committee for 11 years before her death in 1991. Niss and her husband, William, served on the church committee that recommended the purchase of the organ. He was head fundraiser for the project." Bill said, "The committee and parishioners saw the organ as continuing a valued part of the church's heritage." There was a recital the afternoon of the 27 th featuring an organist from Boston's Trinity Church, and Bill told me later that it was really magnificent. This was another of many truly worthwhile causes to which Bill has lent his talent and support.

One day in early March Pete Fitzherbert came down from Auburn to join Nancy and me for lunch. Pete had just returned from a trip to Arizona, including his usual stay at the White Stallion Ranch in Tucson, which at one time was owned by Brew and Marge Towne. I regret to report that Brew passed away on February 17. Pete had a chance to visit with Marge and said she had heard from a number of '36ers. If you knew Brew, and had not heard the news, I'm sure Marge would be glad to hear from you.

In mid-March I had a telephone chat with Helen Higbee. She and Ed were heading for the Balsams the next day for several days of relaxation and possibly some skiing. However, by the time you read this they should be settled back in their comfortable summer home in the woods on Barters Island, Maine, near Boothbay and we trust that by then the snow will have disappeared completely!

One last reminder: if you made a pledge to the Alumni Fund, payment must be in by June 30 to be credited to this year's campaign. Hope you all have a good summer, and we'll be back in these pages in August.

15 Bluff Road, Yarmouth, ME 04096