1946

I told you last month that the class had met its goal for the 1998 Alumni Fund. I now have the final word from head agent Tom Adams. Our goal was $134,000. We raised $155,000. Participation was 60 percent, a bit off from our record of 80 percent for the 50th Reunion. However, a wonderful effort. On behalf of the class officers, thanks to all. Had a call from Bill Ashley down Miami, Fla., way. Bill's retired but with a 12-year-old son, who can say he's really retired. I think Bill does most of the baby sitting since wife Diane spends her time presiding over a bank. But Bill did say he still plays tennis—and none of that doubles stuff. He's a singles man! Bill had wanted Lowell Thomas' address and phone number. I obliged, and as always, when I give out such info, I always call the "victim," sort of give him a fair warning. And so I called Lowell, still way out in Anchorage, Alaska. He called it quits with that Mt. McKinley Airline he had, but still flies a bit. He and wife Tay were about to leave for New Hampshire. A daughter resides in Plainfield, N.H., and her husband teaches in the English department at the college. After that the Thomases plan a trip to the South Pacific, to Tahiti and whatever else is there. And Lowell said he's doing some writing, so I would expect another book one of these days. Ralph Smith still working in the legal business. Now with a new firm, Snow, Becker & Krause over on 3rd Avenue and 39th in N.Y.C. Ralph's out in Glen Cove, L.1., and commutes in the full five days a week. His work is mostly with large charitable institutions. One of them happens to be the Church of St. John Divine in N.Y.C., and that is a large place. Ralph's still golfing, but I politely refrained from asking how well. I tracked down "Robby" (as in RobinsonVohr) Smith. He wasn't at the Wayland, Mass., residence. Instead up at the acreage in Alexandria, N.H. He was out on the north forty chopping wood, but wife Joan prevailed upon him to talk to me. Robby had taught history at Bentley College and though formally retired, still teaches parttime. Big news is that his wife, who is an artist, has been commissioned to paint the portraits of the past presidents of Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.

And there's a Dartmouth connection to all that. According to Robby, some relative of our own Luke Van Orden is a big wheel at Assumption and helped Joan land the job. Hope I'm not giving away confidential info. Tried to call you, Luke, but no answer. Luke is still in Rhode Island, far as I know. And another interesting note from Robby. As you know, he's a fine singer. This summer he's singing with the New Hampshire Music Festival chorus.

And with who else? Our old friend Henry"Hank" Parker. Hank apparendy left California and is now back on the home base of New Hampshire. He had retired from the Stanford University faculty. Don't know if Hank has forgiven me yet for reporting he was running a still at his maple syrup place in New Hampshire. However, should you see a jug of Old Parker Reserve in your local store, remember you heard it here. Wish I had more to report. Hope you're all having a fine summer.

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