1948

Sonny Drury here, standing in for an ailing Bob Huke. (Editor's Note: As we go to press, we receive word that Bob Huke died in the middle of January. More details in the next issue.) John Cameron, now in central Florida, still recalls his initial arrival in the Upper Valley in 1942, as a Navy man in a two-car train at tiny, lonely Lewiston (Norwich) station with Hanover nowhere in sight. He was one of eight fleetmen in first Dartmouth Navy/Marine V-12 contingent. Roomed in Middle Mass. Recalls illegally leaving dorm with others to watch spectacular Nugget fire one December night. After active service John returned in late '46 and roomed final two years in North Mass with Boz Kirkpatrick, later noted surgeon in Meadville, Pennsylvania, and with Lou Springsteen, then president of Dartmouth Christian Union and later beloved minister in Newjersey. "What great meals local farmers gave us," says John in thinking back on Lou's DCU work trips. John knew Ron Spiers was a "born diplomat" and would become renowned, as indeed Ron did during dangerous Cold Waryears, when he served all Americans in many sensitive foreign posts for Uncle Sam. Retired surgeon Dave Miller has nobly served his profession for most of his life in Portland, Oregon. Has overcome serious illnesses, including two shoulder replacements, and now feels fine. Worries about old friend Bob Douglas, longtime Gulf Oil official retired in Houston. Dave overcame malignancy in lung and now encourages Bob who has same problem. Dave also recalled ski crack-up on Big Bromley years ago when a rolling mass of Don Drescher, the late Keith McLoud and Dave took on the mountainside and survived. "The Great Spirit smiled on us," says Dave. Abe Abrahamson attended 55th, largely confined to wheelchair pushed by son Dick. Said flashback by Jerry Wensinger to missing "Detroit gang" (the late Don Kuhn and Jerry Ludington were named) of undergrad days brought on much nostalgia. Twing Metzel, with Dorothy, was sole '48 to ride up Mt. Washington Cog Railway after 55th last June, just as he was only '48 to visit Balsams in Dixville Notch after 50th. Said day on the cog was beautiful, but at Balsams it never stopped raining and he incurred tennis elbow from indoor billiards. He noted he is the only 48 who attended all three of Ed Shipper's weddings, and that Ship still lives in Little Rock, perhaps only 48 in Arkansas except for Frank Murphy in Hot Springs Village.

Here is strongest possible wish for complete recovery to Dick Dahl in one-time operation to replace both painful knees!

Partridge Hill Road, Norwich, VT 05055; (802) 649-1115