October produced a welcome series of notes and letters from many of you:

10-8-09 – Donna Faunce relayed a note from Bill Wotherspoon saying, “Thank you for your birthday card on behalf of 1940. I am lucky to have reached 90 in good shape.” His card had a picture of Colorado wildflowers. Donna remarked, “when Jack and I were in that area, we took the train to Silverton – beautiful!”

10-23-09 – Lorraine Williams wrote, “When I read the Indian Drum I tell myself that I should, for my Sambo’s sake, send some news, but I really do not have any. But I’ll give it a try because maybe some of the poetry Sam used to amuse me just might be hidden away near the top of the memory pile like this one from the ZETE house????“

She wears silk underwear.
I wear my last year’s pair.
That’s where my money goes
To buy my sweetie clothes.
And/or:
“If you’ll be M I N E mine,
I’ll be T H I N E thine
And I’ll L O V E you all the time.
Rack ‘em up, stack ’em up Any old time

“Lots more verses I prefer to leave out for now. Maybe Bill Bumstead can fill in. Hahahaha.“

“Oregon and I are getting along just fine. Trees look just like trees in New
England in the fall, and the apples taste the same, and the syrup is good too and the
honey, and Mt Hood is covered with snow. I have two great granddaughters who are
cousins born three months apart in Colorado, and I wish you all a very nice
Thanksgiving.
“With best regards to all Forties, Lorraine Williams.”

 

10-24-09 From Ed Schechter – “Dear Ike: I know how you feel. Not yet 90 but close (I have just three more months to go) I'm often in a new world, and find it difficult to believe that I've come this far and yet am the same man I was years ago “My physical condition now makes my life very different than yours. My wonderful Betty, (we soon will celebrate 65 years together; she is just a year younger than I) does the shopping and much of the cooking and house care, and looks after me. Muscular Dystrophy has me in an electric wheel chair 12 or more hours a day. I can't walk or get in a car. I have aides that help me for an hour or so each morning and
night, but for the rest of the time, with Betty's help, I make it by myself. Our house has no stairs - all the rooms are accessible to me, and when the weather is right, so are the grounds that surround us. I try to get outside as much as I can. Cold fall days and the coming winter will keep me housebound‘ Yet in spite of the MD (my particular type is MD-FSH, which destroys muscles of the face, arms and legs but leaves the rest of the body alone) I remain healthy. My doctor tells me that he wishes his vital signs were as good as mine. I work at my desk four or five hours a day and I luckily still manage to earn some consulting income. This computer and modern electronics help a lot. For example, it is still hard for me to believe, but early this month I was in a conference/discussion with people in Toronto, Montreal, Scotland, and New York, and we accomplished an agreement that 70 years ago, in my HBS days using the mail, would have required months.
“I'd like your opinion on our new D president. From what I read in the D mail he is an excellent choice and an unusually fine man. But those opinions may be biased, and yours, once removed, may see it differently.
“Ike, your DRUMS are so well written and always informative. You must continue writing them. I wait for it and miss it when it's late. My Hanover days are now just dimming memories that brighten when I see the Drum from you, so close to the college. If we are lucky our now one year old great grandson will directly follow three
previous family Schechters to Hanover. I envy him.“With kindest regards and best wishes, Ed.”

10-25-09 – From Victor C. Bloede in Honolulu –“Fond greetings to all! I just received the belated sad news that my former roommate Edwin H Baumer died on February 7, 2009 – He and his wife Jean remained our close friends over the years, and we were in regular contact, We will miss his vibrant and significant presence! Our condolences to his wife Jean and their three sons“For the sake of posterity, I have volunteered below expressions of my experiences since leaving the cloistered halls of Dartmouth, and I hope no man will take umbrage. Amazingly, I am now in my 93rd year, and according to the medical experts, in excellent
physical health, and all senses intact.“During WWII I received basic training at the Naval Academy and was
subsequently selected for specialized training at the Harvard Business School. Upon graduation in ’43 I served three years in the evolving torturous Pacific arenas, Tarawa, Iwo Jima, etc aboard several combat/support vessels. In 1947, as a reward for intensive and extended war zone duty, I was extended the option to elect for early inactivation as a LTCMDR.
“In 1950 I earned a ‘J.D. Cum Laude’ from the University of Maryland/Baltimore Law. This was followed by three years at the Georgetown Graduate Law School (DC) for an ‘LL.M/Public & International Law’ while simultaneously engaged as Associate General Counsel (Litigation) for the office of General Counsel, Navy Department (DC)“During the late 50’s I accepted the post of House Counsel, University of
Hawaii. This post placed me in the forefront of diversified challenges which involved: 1– The development of International Astronomy facilities on Mauna Kea (elevation 13,000’+); 2- The evolving world wide Oceanographic Research Program involving vessel acquisition, planning and operation; 3- the attaining of Statehood for the Territory of Hawaii; and 4- The transformation of a leasehold monopoly to Fee Simple/
a 10 year battle in the courts, ending with victory in the Supreme Court.“Following retirement in ’82, The University Dean of Research perpetuated my legal services for the University System under contract for the ensuing10 years.“Since ’92, my wife Ellen (Nee Miller) and I have been involved in foreign travel –
Germany to explore our joint/several Deutsche Orden, Italy, France, New Zealand etc.
Ellen is a retired State of Hawaii judiciary Social worker with A.B. and M.S.W. degrees from the University of Hawaii – She is a consummate helpmate, supporter and cicerone!
“Aloha and best wishes to surviving classmates! Should my future endure –
minus untoward incidents – Ellen and I may materialize at the 70th/1940 Class Reunion
which I have heard is scheduled for September 24-26, 2010(?). Fondly, ‘Vic’/ Victor C. Bloede”

10-29-09 – From Carol and Dave Davenport – “We sold our house in New London, NH this past summer and we will miss the Granite State. Dave’s brother John, D ’39, passed away Sept. 16, 2009 in Cleveland – a big loss for us. Dave is doing well as am I at Glenridge Retirement Center in Sarasota. Fondly, Carol.”

Green card from Lloyd Blanchard – “For some time I have done no writing at all Guess it’s time I respond to some notices. Sharing homestead with brother in old family home, we manage to maintain house and property and do have lots of friends in town. Friendly neighbors, large backyard bordered by stone wall. Keep it mowed during the summer. Swing at a golf ball on occasion – nothing very exciting. Nice hearing from you. Lloyd Blanchard”

In a separate note – “Newsletter editor, congratulations In a separate note – “Newsletter editor, congratulations on your Oct/Nov 2009 Indian Drum. It was full of news and I read it with interest, including your bit of verse.
Hope we hear from you again to bring us all up to date. Sorry your wife has suffered from a heart attack. Leaves you with most of the shopping and cooking. Hope she recovers quickly. I noted 70th Reunion Sept 24-26. Doubt I can make it. I am not doing much driving. “We have a big backyard to keep cared for. I do enjoy the work and plan to keep it under control. We have had a bit of snow, and there will be a lot more. Stay
busy taking care of house and grounds. Still a long way to spring. “You speak with enthusiasm about the ‘State of order’ at Dartmouth and the DOC . President Kim is enthusiastic. Sounds like a good leader.
“Peg and I are doing fine. We stay busy and caught up. Stay in touch, Ike. Lloyd.”

10-30-09 – We have another author in our class - From Fred Fuld, Jr – “Thanks, Ike, for a newsletter well done. Reading about Ned Jacoby in Oct/Nov Indian Drum reminded me of last time we had lunch together, years ago, with Scotty Rogers and his wife at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach. Much water has passed under the bridge since then. Over the years Gloria and I have traveled world-wide. “When I retired from my accounting practice I began writing again. (I had a couple of non-flction books published which sold very well in the 50's and 60's). Early in year 2008 I had my first fiction book, JUSTlCE, published. It is sold in shops and on
Amazon. Enclosing a copy here for you. I have a second book in the computer, proof
reading for publication “Then on October 3, 2008 I had a stroke, which affected my left side. In May
20, ’09 I celebrated my 90 years . Between Gloria and a caregiver and regular visits from sons and families, I am recovering nicely. I exercise daily and go on short walks. Now my balance is my only concern. Happy Trails, Fred Fuld jr. '40”

10-30-09 – Mary V. Cockley tells us that Eben Cockley is now in the Alzheimers Unit of Harbor Chase inn Vero Beach, FL. We send our best to both of them. Martha Sutherland informs us that “’Hec’ passed away from Alzheimers on September 10, 2009, age 93. He was a loyal graduate of ’40 and would want you to know. He
ended by being a Department Head at Rochester Institute of Technology.” Her address: Mrs. Hector Sutherland, 920 Plantation Blvd, Apt2, Fairhope, AL 36532- 2930.

11-7-09 – This morning our local newspaper the “Valley News” had a concise article covering the fiscal picture at Dartmouth. As of June 30 ’09 the value of the College’s endowment fell $835 million, or 23% to $2.8 billion, due primarily to a 19.8% drop in investment performance. The College also posted operating revenues of $701 million and operating expenses of$735 million, the gap caused primarily by investment losses. Total net
assets fell by $916 million. The trustees asked the administration to develop a budget plan that aims to
trim $50 million in expenses from the College’s fiscal 2011 spending plan and another$50 million from fiscal 2012. Spending from the endowment is the College’s largest source of revenue, totaling $227 million in fiscal 2009. The trustees asked the administration to plan on a more sustainable endowment distribution rate in fiscal 2011 of between 5% and 5.5%, down from the 6.3% rate in fiscal 2009. President Kim said that there is no way Dartmouth can avoid layoffs. There were 72 job cuts earlier this year, along with a reduction in hours for 68 other workers (some laid off workers have since been rehired). The College provided $99 million in financial aid to students in 2009.

11/8/09 –John Peacock sent some clippings and squibs and wrote, – “Again, thank you for ‘The Drum’. Glad to hear that your wife, Hazel, is making progress. She is to be admired for ‘sticking with it’. Several of my friends here are on the same route, and it is encouraging to note their slow but steady gains. “Our fall has fallen except for a few beautifully yellowed maples which are holding onto their leaves in spite of today’s steady rain. Bedraggled squirrels are zigzagging among the trees gathering the last of a bounteous nut fall. The chipmunks
seem to be in hibernation. “Sylvia and I tried the computer but totally failed because of our lack of discipline to practice, practice, practice. “Anything much going on with the campus or in town? New buildings arising or
old favorites being recycled? Hope that you are awash in cords of firewood by now.
Anything going on with woodworking? Best wishes, John.”

Editor: In reply, there are hundreds of things going on, and the campus is loaded with new buildings many of which I have not been in. Despite the budget crunch, several new ones are being built. One is the new Arts Center on Lebanon Street just east of the Hopkins Center. Another, south of it on Currier Place, will house the Studio Arts Programs for about two years and will then be rented for office space and stores. I have six cords of firewood in the cellar and am back to heating with wood. My Tarm Danish wood gasification furnace is remarkably efficient. I haven’t had much time for making furniture this past year but have turned out two coffee tables that I am quite pleased with – one of apple wood and the other of curly maple.

11-11-09 – Dartmouth football fans are a little happier now that the team has broken the 17 game loosing streak and beaten both Columbia and Cornell. In a quick look at some other fall sports – Men’s soccer is 1-0-5-1, women’s soccer 10-7, field hockey 9- 7, men’s ice hockey 0-4, women’s ice hockey 2-1-2, men’s X-C 1st of 4 teams, 6th of 42, 2nd of 11, 9th of 17, 3rd of 8; women’s X-C 2nd of 3, 18th of 40,5th of 12, 3rd of 49, 6th of 8. The Rugby Club team was Ivy League champion and has advanced to the NE semi finals.

11-12-09 – Extracts from an email from Joe Huber: “Thought it was time for a small chat. We are enjoying good old California weather and looking forward to our return to the east in early December. Our stay here (Coronado) has been great, due in large part to being able to keep in close touch with the two new grandkids – two years for Heidi and four months for little Henry. Needless to say they are wonderful. Seph and family
live just around the corner that makes it possible to see the kids nearly every day. I'm now a qualified sitter! Best wishes for a great Thanksgiving. With love, Joe and Priscilla.”

11/12/09 – Sherwood (“Joe”) Burnett dug down in his files and sent an interesting article about Chief Meyers, a Cahuilla native American, who was also a semipro baseball player who was admitted to Dartmouth in 1905, with the help of the fund for Indian education set up by the Earl of Dartmouth, but left the summer after his freshman year to make money playing pro ball and never came back. He ended up in the New York Giants in 1908. He wrote, “I liked playing ball, and I made good at it, but I do wish I had finished my college education. Dartmouth is just like the Giants: once a Giant, always a Giant, a spirit that never leaves you = once a Dartmouth, always a Dartmouth. You never lose that affection for the old school, regardless if you just get
in there and get a cup of coffee. They instill that spirit into you that lasts, Dartmouth men are very, very close, all over the world. They’ll never let you down.”

A note to Donna Faunce from Diana Baumer informs us that her mother Laura Jean Baumer, widow of Ed Baumer, passed away Sept. 3, 2009. Also Cecilia Halpern Morgan, daughter of John Halpern, thanked Donna and the Class, on her mother’s behalf, for the library book in John’s memory – “ He was the published author of 3 books of photography. Dad had such fond memories of his time at Dartmouth. As a student at Sarah Lawrence, my mother visited him there when they were courting…. They used to study together in the Library.”

From Ned Jacoby –
Some notes for The Drum about our next year’s 70th Reunion**
Two weeks ago I got a note from Walker asking me to “include some propaganda touting our upcoming Seventieth” and then, in true Weed style, he proceeded to give me the liveliest lines for the article: “perhaps some ideas on a speaker or suggestions based on this year’s Class of ’39 program – free walkers,
wheelchairs and stretchers assisted by comely co-eds? Hot air balloon rides over Hanover? Although the College is picking up the tab for most everything, I imagine that the 1940 Treasury could finance an open bar. 90 year olds don’t drink much. Anyway, take all the space you need.” (signed) W.

You can see there’s not too much I can say after that brief but very thorough preview of the possibilities for our Big 70th . . . but I’ll try. September 24th, 25th and 26th, 2010! Our 70th Reunion is less than a
year away! And it’s that landmark reunion year when the College picks up the tab for your rooms (for two) and all meals at The Hanover Inn! Donna Faunce, our class secretary and general authority on all things D’40, tells me that she thinks more than 20 of us might make the trip! The college has never looked better and with our
energetic new president, Dr. Jim Yong Kim (whom we will get a chance to meet and listen to), there are lots of new things happening in Hanover. Living in California for nearly seventy years is my very feeble excuse for never having been to one of our class reunions so, early this October, I went down to the Inn for the Class of ‘39’s 70th Reunion registration day just to see how things might be for us next September. The whole setting seemed just about perfect for spending a relaxed three days - just visiting and dining with classmates, climbing on a bus at the Inn’s front door for a docent led tour of the many new Dartmouth buildings and facilities, some talks on new college plans, problems and developments and probably a walk over to The Hood Museum to see and hear about their current collection and new acquisitions. And, with everyone staying at The Inn, naps are just a few steps away! The Class of 1945 will be having its 65th reunion at the same time. While there I also met Jennifer Casey who is Assistant Director of Class Activities for the Office of Alumni Relations and will be responsible for keeping our Reunion on track. She’s available to help you with any questions about reservations, travel or personal needs while you’re here, and you can reach her at 603.646.2292 or
by Email at jennifer.e.casey@dartmouth.edu And just to show you that the excitement never stops, our 70th Dartmouth Calendar for 2010 should be arriving pretty soon with photos to remind you of how
things looked “back then” and how they are right now. So start thinking about the possibility of coming. It’s a perfect time of year, the leaves will be in full color, the traveling should be easy and . . . did we mention this?
It’s on the house!
Editor – So I will send this to press in the last week of November and hope it will reach you before the mail rush of December. Best wishes from us in Hanover to all of you for the Holidays and for 2010! - Ike