1952

Lots of our classmates live in the Chicago suburbs—"Chicagoland." They're all retired and presumably could live anywhere they want but they've picked the Chicago area. Why? We called a few to find out.

Marcel Durot, about whom the adjective "ebullient" lacks sufficiency, is an ardent and extremely enthusiastic advocate for Chicago. It is, he says, "a beautiful, modern, progressive city." Words tumble out as Marcel describes "the fabulous architecture, the beautiful lakefront, the civic pride and everyone very friendly." Clearly, it's his kind of town, Chicago is.

Tom Schanck owns three residences—in Florida, Maine and Oak Brook, Illinois. The latter, a Chicago suburb, is home. Ask him what's so special about Chicago and Tom starts off with the people. "Open, welcoming and friendly." He did business in this city for most of his life and considers it beautiful and well-run. Toms proud of the community spirit and of the many business executives who volunteer significant amounts of their time for civic causes and have made the city what it is. Tom did plenty of that himself. He says that Chicago truly is "the city that works."

Drew Waitely lives in Lincolnshire and thinks that Chicagoland has "really nice people, the salt of the earth with strong personal values." Like his other area classmates he applauds Mayor Daly and regards Chicago as being "a very well-administered city." Lake Michigan and its lakefront are "a treasure," the transportation system is "excellent," and if it's a little cold in the winter, "the summers make up for it. What's not to like?"

Jack Foster lives in Burr Ridge. He came from Detroit but his business career transferred him all over the country. In the end he and Sally decided to settle in Chicagoland. Why? Well, they just generally like Chicago. They subscribe to the Chicago Symphony, contribute to and use The Art Institute and the Field Museum. Chicago is home and it helps that it's central between two children and convenient to their farm in Canada.

Next we spoke to Pete Burnside, who lives in Wilmette. Along with a half-dozen other '52s, he came to Dartmouth from New Trier Township High School. After 18 years of playing professional baseball Pete returned to New Trier to teach and coach. He has two sons who are science teachers at New Trier.

Pete says: "Chicago has been good to me. It's a neat city with an administration that does a fine job. The winters are a little tough but the spring, summer and fall are fabulous. I have everything here—the activities I like, my friends and easy access to our three kids and grandchildren."

So there you have it. Not a single knock. Classmates in residence believe that Chicagoland has wonderful people, a great climate for nine months of each year and a progressive, functioning metropolis. Life is good. Everyone should live there. Call Marcel for realtor references.

Keep in touch and definitely open up on outclass Web site, www.dartmouth.org/classes/52, to see what a super job our Webmaster Ben Lawwill is doing.

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