1951
Skip was desperate to escape "this God-forsaken state" (Connecticut), which winter had turned into a wasteland. Your scribe, no pearls in the mailbox, and facing a DAM deadline upon return, packed pen, foolscap, and a '51 directory and the motor trip to Florida was on.
Day 1: Pinehurst, N.C. No 'sls here, but Jack Sutton only a cheap toll call away in Winston-Salem. Jack is still a manufacturer's rep for building supplies, outdoor equipment, and do-it-yourself stuff.
Day 5: Vero Beach, Fla. Tom Trolle enjoys retirement after service with GM overseas in Stockholm, then as VP of Xerox Financial, and finally some consulting. He's in good health. John Schultz retired here, too, in 1987 after a career in manufacturing in Illinois. John lost his first wife four years ago and will be remarried this April. They golf and go in for a bit of bridge.
Bill Funk, also in robust health, is a commercial corn and soybean farmer and florist in Decatur, Ill., but winters in Vero playing duplicate, tennis, and studying oil painting. Bill wanted to be remembered to Charlie Packard when I got to Fort Lauderdale. We shot right by Ft. L., so, Bill, call him yourself.
Day 9: Delray Beach. Jim Asker, after 20 years of corporate life with Sun Chemical, followed his dream and became a cabinet maker. He now operates Associated Cabinet Makers of Palm Beach. Jim recalled a recent trip to Hanover during which he wolfed down a slice of raspberry pie at Lou's and reports "tasteunchanged" from the good old days when it was his daily, and some days only, dish. He keeps in touch with roommates Ted Davidson and Dr. Dave Angel, all doing fine.
George Southwick is retired in Boca Raton but studies constitutional law at Florida Atlantic University, plays duplicate, and does hospital volunteer work. He says there are more than 200 alums in the Palm Beach Dartmouth Club.
Juli Olney sounded absolutely jubilant from his offices at Barnett Bank, where he works with "high-net-worth clients." A year ago Juli had a PSA of 42 and all that implies. Surgery and other healing therapies have brought him back to full enjoyment of his two passions handball and his church. He says he "learned a lot" during those tough times, doubtless a huge understatement.
Dwight Allison in nearby Boynton Beach sold his investment business at an age when he was too young to retire, so he continued to advise on the purchase and sale of various enterprises. He still serves on bank and other boards in Boston and L.A. Recently Dwight wrote a book for private publication about the non-material characteristics of modern science: Risk of Consciousness. He promised to send a copy to Batch so, '51 Fables readers, brace yourselves!
Skip to Day 21: Savannah, Ga. DougFrandsen stayed with Armstrong Floor Coverings through many sales positions in Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and New Orleans before retiring about ten years ago. He then dove into the noble profession, real estate, in his present resort community, The Landings. Doug expected an imminent visit from BobFiertz, another corporate type gone realtor. (Like me.)
Though we missed many, it was fun to see some. Your part of the country looked awfully good this winter!
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Jim Asker recalled a recent trip to Hanover during which he wolfed down a slice of raspberry pie at Lou's "taste unchanged." BILL BROOKS '51
