Class Notes

1940

APRIL 1999 Jack Faunce
Class Notes
1940
APRIL 1999 Jack Faunce

To the LIVING MEMBERS of the class of 1940: Every year you receive a birthday card wishing you a happy birthday from your classmates. In most cases, your secretary pleads for news to be used in this column. It appears that you have forgotten how to write or use only e-mail, so there is no current news to pass on to you and members of other Dartmouth classes who do not receive the 1940 IndianDrum. Therefore, this month you have news from former classmates—material that wouldn't fit in their obits.

Jack Little wrote in 1942 that he was the only '40 in Rhode Island. Therefore, he elected himself president, secretary, and treasurer of the Rhode Island Dartmouth Class of '40 Association. As hospitality chairman, he invited any '40 passing through Rhode Island to call.

In 1958 Will Pitz accomplished a job reported to have been done in a rather casual manner. A freight engine (without an engineer) and several cars went sailing down the track and into the bay. McMullen and Pitz Construction Cos. was called to fish them out. They did.

Bill Shelton wrote during WWII from Australia that "it amazed you to learn that in coming over here to take part in the war I had at the same time acquired a wife. Well, all that you have heard is true and serves to disprove that old adage that you can't combine business and pleasure." Brownie Browne adds that while in port he arranged to have Margie Shelton visit the navy doctor on his ship and confirm that she was pregnant.

Scotty Rogers remembered Hal "Chief'Wonson. At the end of the World Series pay off list was a "C. Wonson, $250." When next in Minneapolis, Scotty called Chief and asked if C. Wonson was any relation. With great delight Chief retorted, "That was me. I pitched batting practice all summer."

Virginia Rogers (Scotty's daughter) was a member of the first girl cheerleader squad in the 104-year history of Cornell.

Ed Miller's daughter Anne, an ash-blond, blue-eyed student from Colby College, was crowned queen of the Dartmouth Winter Carnival. It was a wet one—temperature almost reached 40 degrees.

Ken Steele wrote in 1942, when he was Yale Med student, "Enclosed is my annual contribution. Will have to wait another ten years before my wife makes enough to increase it."

Jud Lyon was presented the Bronze Star Medal "For meritorious service as Boat Captain of PT207...his daring aggressive and cool courage in the face of extreme

peril reflects the highest credit upon himself and the U.S. Naval Service."

Would rather write about the living than obits.

11 Overlook Drive, Canton, CT 06019-2022; (860) 693-8901

Enclose is my annual contribution. Will have to wait another ten years before my wife makes enough to increase it. KEN STEELE '40