1937

Attorney, artist, legislator Hal Putnam has researched the Putnam family in England and Massachusetts and published The Putnams of Salem Village. Hal is the 12th generation of Putnams, beginning with John Putnam, who arrived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1640 at the age of 61. This fascinating story of his ancestors dates back to 1086 in the village of Puttenham, England, when the first census was insisted upon by William the Conqueror. Hal writes, "Joseph (third generation) led the fight against Salem 'witchcraft' in 1692, and he fathered Israel Putnam, later the second in command to George Washington in the American Revolution."

During the 50th Reunion in 1987 John Endicott Emerson and Hal discovered their common ancestry. Both classmates are direct descendants of John and Thomas Putnam. John Emerson was the next-to-last descendant to be born in the 1648 family homestead.

The house still stands today given to the Danvers Historical Society by John Emerson, Ed Emerson '26, and Miriam Peters. "From 1648 to 1991 it was owned by the Putnam family—by 1991 it was clearly the oldest house in America continuously owned by the same family. Eleven generations of the same family lived in it," said Hal. President James O. Freedman said, "Works like this help us understand our past and preserve our history... Congratulations." Printed by Penobscot Press, you will enjoy this history of Salem Village.

Chick Koop was co-chairman, along with former FDA Commissioner David Kessler, of a committee established to advise Congress on tobacco policy. He was critical of the proposed tobacco settlement. It is also reported that he is recuperating from his second knee replacement surgery.

Carolyn Erdman has recovered from injuries suffered in an auto accident and we are looking forward to the mini, having missed the 60th. She thanks everyone for their cards and sympathy. The class was saddened by the death of Frank Danzig on July 6, 1997. A class agent and executive committee member, he was a key classmate in California.

1415 Parkside Drive N, Wyomissing, PA 19610;