1927

Congratulations to Nat Morey and Gordon"Red" Pulver, whom we welcomed into 1927's "Made it to 80 Club" in March.

Just in case you missed it, as I almost did on my first reading, turn back today to page 15 of the December issue of this periodical and read the excellent review of Francis Steegmuller's latest book, The Letters of GustaveFlaubert (Belmont Press of Harvard University). This is Francis's second volume of Flaubert's letters. Of the first volume, the reviewer wrote: "Skillfully edited and brilliantly translated," and of this second volume: "A sensitive and artistic translation."

Jack Andrews's annual letter from Spring field, Mass., was jam-packed with news as usual. He and Nancy had their normal busy summer in 1983 at their lake-shore complex in South Hero, Vt. Now that their children have grown up and flown the coop, they face the problem so familiar to many of us as they wonder how many more years it will be practicable for them to maintain a summer home with its attendant problems of opening up, getting boats and docks into and out of the water, and then closing up in the fall.

Gus Buschman's 1983 included celebrating his birthday in January during a month's stay at the South Sea Hotel on Stewart Island, New Zealand, where he and his wife Sue rested up after walking the famous Milford Track with its 33 miles of beautiful scenery and famous waterfalls. They went there on a freighter out of Los Angeles on which they were the only passengers and returned a month later on the same ship. Last June, at the annual reunion of their family in Dennis, Mass., on Cape Cod, about 40 friends, relatives, and neighbors celebrated with the aid of a three-piece German band plus ample sauerbrauten.

In Alta Looma, Calif., Ed Fry has joined those who are finally winding down their business activities. He has sold his ceramic manufacturing operation and now busies himself as a licensed real estate operator. For Wil Shaw, 1983 was relatively quiet as he kept active in his vegetable garden, splitting wood for the fireplace, and helping his wife with her flowers. One important event was a visit from his great-granddaughter.

Gene Sullivan has a new address in Clear water, Fla., having recently moved across town from 2546 Oak Leaf Lane to 2561C Royal Pines Circle; his ZIP code remains 33575. He reports good health, which he measures by the fact that in 1983 he didn't use up his Medicare deductible of $75.

In early January, Jock and Elizabeth Davis forsook the cold weather and ice and snow of New England, as well as the pruning of their apple orchards in Sterling, Mass., to enjoy the sun of Bermuda at the Southampton Princess Hotel. We know this partly from the picture on the card which they sent us and partly from a first-hand report that they gave Ruth and yours truly when we had dinner with them in Worcester a few weeks ago.

When Mim and Ben Bell wrote from Sarasota, Fla., in January, it was apparently a bit warmer there than here, as they were just beginning to pick their oranges and grapefruit. Ben continues to improve after the severe stroke that he had a few years ago, and both he and Mim enjoy daily walks on the beach near their winter home.

Chuck Baker was unable to attend the semi-annual December meeting of Dartmouth's board of trustees, but he did send us a detailed report of the goings-on that had been sent to him. We are delighted to pass on his assurance that much positive action is being taken in resolving the major problems that confront the administration and that in Chuck's own words, "Things are in good shape in Hanover."

So long until next month.

11 Rolling Lane Wayland, MA 01778