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| JAN./FEB. 2004 VOLUME 106 NUMBER 4 | Class Notes |
40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49
40 | Your correspondent is temporarily out of commission after a car accident last fall. Stay tuned to this space, and send news to: v Carol Clark Petrie, PO Box 8, Hartford, NY 12838; tel., (518) 632-5237.
41 | As I began this column, the whole campus and surroundings were getting ready for the installation of Cornell’s 11th president, Jeffrey Lehman ’77. I live in town, at the Kendal at Ithaca continuing care community, and a blanket invitation was issued to us all. This included transportation and lunch and an all-day series of speeches and activities. Of course I am going! Before the ceremonies here in Ithaca, the new president was to be inaugurated in the far-flung institutions administered by Cornell in Qatar and New York City.
Alice Sanderson Rivoire, MS HE ’48, and husband John ’42, MBA ’48, were on that great Adult University (CAU) trip to the Baltic, with four days in Iceland first. She says it’s a fascinating country with a variety of art and scenery and good food! Their luck held—they had great weather. Since then, John has had surgery for a head injury and a broken hip and is recovering nicely. Last year, Alice was selected to be on the board of the Tompkins County Library Foundation. Alice Marion Williams Hallanan returned the form, but sent no message. She lives in Alexandria, VA. Jean Soule Schragle of Lexington, MA, reports that she is widowed and proud of three children and one grandchild.
I was saddened to see the obituary for Pat Mooney Short in the Ithaca Journal in September. I met Pat in September 1937, and we were reunited when I moved to Ithaca.Another friend of Pat’s, Shirley Richards Darmer, has sent me more information. She says Pat is finally relieved of pain now, for she has been suffering in a nursing home for months.Her son John is concerned for his sister Josi, of whom Pat had been taking special care. He has set up a memorial to help her. If anyone would like to contribute, please contact me at the address at the end of the column and I will forward more information.
I am also sorry to report that Jane Webb Acton,my neighbor at Kendal and former class correspondent for the women of ’41, died on Oct. 17. Jane was in the Arts college at Cornell and was also the Women’s Editor of the Sun, a member of Mortar Board (senior women’s honorary society), and a member of Alpha Phi sorority. A very capable woman, she married Charles ’40 in 1942 and had four children. They lived in New Jersey and Bucks County, PA, and in both locations she was very active. Jane volunteered with the Bucks County Historical Society (heading the Folk Fest), worked on the hospital board, and encouraged the symphony. She and Chuck were awarded the Humanitarian Award, a first for a couple, for their untiring work in the county. They moved to Kendal when it opened in 1996. v Dorothy Talbert Wiggans, 415 Savage Farm Dr., Ithaca, NY 14850-6504, tel., (607) 266-7629; e-mail, flower @localnet.com.
Eddie Burgess Bartholomew and Bob Brunet, with the usual strong support from Chuck Lake, report that as of the end of June, 162 classmates have contributed $373,000 to Cornell.
Susan Clark wrote that her father Irving Orkin died Dec. 15, ’02. “His class of ’41 and Alumni Association were very important to him. He is survived by son Robert Orkin, daughter Susan, granddaughters Rachel Evans and Leah Clark, and great-granddaughter Kayla Evans.”
Don Robinson, MS ’54, had an annoying hospital stay of 14 days last year, with a pesky nose bleed. Paul Blasko has the right spirit of survival: “Keep healthy—exercise, medication, oxygen, wheel drive—all help.” Judge John Elfvin: “The legend of Matt Urban lives. In July 2003 there was a parade in Matt’s honor sponsored by the Erie County Veterans’ Services Dept.” Fred Vieth spends time with the American Legion in Pacific Palisades, CA. His daughter and family reside in Connecticut. Oldest son Jeff and family live in Newport Beach, CA. Son Tim lives in Sacramento, CA. Fred’s granddaughter Danielle is a copy writer with “Mother”Agency in London, England.
John Matthews in Albany, TX, is a rancher who rides on a four-wheeler instead of a horse. His area has been suffering a four-year drought. John, Pete Gifford, and Hays Clark are planning a trip to Lake George to visit Stu McKinney. They are the only ’41 Dekes living. Richard Weiss writes, “We still enjoy life in two idyllic places, Bay Harbor Island, FL, and the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains. Our pleasures come from our four great ‘kids,’ their families, lots of swimming, a little golf, and a lot of reading.” Guilford Woodward enjoys living in the Imperial Palm facility in Largo, FL: “It is a relaxed life, busy with clubhouse and church activities. We use the wellness center and pool frequently. We plan to spend three summer months in New York.”
The writer thanks all who shared in writing these columns. It makes my job a pleasure to one-finger type it. It is “The Great Class!” v Ralph Antell, 7015 Carnation St., Beaufort Towers #408, Richmond, VA 23225.
42 | Ken Stofer ’43, BCE ’48 (stofaork@aol.com), whose Blasters jacket surfaced when he moved, asks if anyone has knowledge of Whitey Nelson ’38.He is anxious to contact him re: his brother Gordon Stofer ’35, BArch ’37, and the past. Bill Webster (Little Rock, AR), who also recalls the Cayuga Blasters, says his alias was “Gunner.” After making a fairly good recovery from a stroke, last March he broke his ankle and detached a retina in a fall. But all is looking up following an operation. Bill and Elizabeth Luxford Webster ’39 enjoy sing-a-longs for daycare centers and retirement homes, as well as their four children, seven grands, and one great-grand.
Frank and Shirley Caplan (frankcaplan @cco.net; Lacey, WA) volunteer as full-time caregivers. Frank is editor-in-chief of the quarterly journal Quality Engineering. He is one of only 11 to ever receive the Distinguished Service Medal from the American Society for Quality. They enjoy four children, 14-1/2 grandchildren, and five great-grands. Lucky Bessie Kaufmann Grossman (Beekg@aol.com) has moved to my hometown of Rockville Center, NY. She enjoys making stained glass. Her grandson attends George Washington U., and her granddaughter is in high school. She can get together with Ruth Naitove Sherman of Lynbrook. Ruth is learning Spanish to help her as she tutors English as a Second Language at Hewlett High School. She cruised Alaska and is proud of her son, a law professor, and daughter, a biology professor.
Ignatius and Dorothy Lacombe (ilacombe @aol.com; Plattsburgh, NY) and 55 Cornell alumni had a great dinner cruise on Lake Champlain on the Spirit of Plattsburgh. A New England dinner of lobster, clam chowder, steamers, etc., was really special. Ignatius claims to have been the oldest on board. Frederick “Duke” Shelley (fshelley3@aol.com; Stamford, CT) goes walking, does wood carving, and attends Rotary meetings. He is proud of grandson Atticus, a starting triple-threat quarterback on his high school football team. Jim, MS ’47, and Alice Popp “Poppy” Whitaker (jhw17@juno.com; Storrs, CT) had a wonderful Russian cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow along the Volga and connecting canals through lakes and 22 locks.
Dick Thomas (Meadville, PA) has not been wasting his time since retiring as class president. He teaches a reading class of one—a 72-year-old who in one and a half years has progressed from being a non-reader to almost the fourth grade level. His student is most proud of his ability to read articles from the local newspaper. Emily Germer St. John and husband Robert (saint 78@att.net; Lake Oswego, OR) volunteer with Meals on Wheels. Their son John likes to tell about his 81-year-old parents taking meals to the “old folks.” Trips taken included Argentina, Chile, and the Iguazu Falls in Brazil, and two trips East. They regret their inability to attend reunion. They play tennis and exercise several times a week and enjoy their immediate family of 38 persons.
Ed and Jane Holub (Media, PA) see classmates Ed and Midge Millison Ryder (S. Yarmouth, MA), and Bob Wright, as well as Ron Wick ’69, ME ’70. Their travel is now limited to their second home in Earleville,MD, only 56 miles from Riddle Village, their lifecare residence. They feel most fortunate their son Stephen and his family all live nearby. Sadly, we belatedly list the passing of Helen Libisch Elmer. Helen was most active while at Cornell, and following graduation kept up her interest in the violin, playing in several symphonies and the Corning Philharmonic. She taught home economics, chemistry and math. Her dad was a renowned glass engraver for Steuben Glass. She and Thomas had three daughters. She is missed by many.
Ken Hubbard, BS ’48 (Ft. Myers, FL) sent me the “Faces in the Crowd” article in the Sept. 15 Sports Illustrated about my granddaughter Ariel Rittenhouse, whose mother Sharon attended the 60th Reunion with me. Ariel, 12, is featured for winning medals in the Junior Pan Am Diving Championships in Belem, Brazil. The article also included an 81-year-old woman who won the 100- and 400-meter races and the high jump in her age group in a senior trackmeet. Is anyone doing track?
Keep in touch with me and use all those email addresses. Don’t forget to visit our class website, http://classof42.alumni.cornell.edu. Pres. Liz Schlamm Eddy updates it regularly. v Carolyn Evans Finneran, 8815 46th St.NW, Gig Harbor,WA 98335; tel., (253) 265-6618; e-mail, CeeFinn@juno.com.
43 | Shig Kondo delivered a program recently at Winchester Gardens, where he lives along with the Jack Chances, or is it the Jacks Chance? If you missed his lecture, turn to page 63 in the Compendium. Shig, American born and educated, took a crash course in Japanese. The hard way.
A note from Pat Shaw, daughter of the late Patricia (Homer) and record-setting sprinter Charles Shaw: “Dad suffered a fatal fall in September while on a visit to his beloved Costa Rica. He had been traveling with his wife of three months, Carol Fischer. We held a small family service here in Seattle, and interred his ashes alongside our mother.We are grateful that Peggy Dilts Lakis, a lifetime friend, flew out from Massachusetts to be with us.May the wind always be at his back.”Amen.
Ellis DeGroff, Singer Island, FL: “I left Cornell in January 1942 to join the Army Air Corps. Served 3-1/2 years as fighter bomber pilot, including 79 missions beginning on D-Day. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 Air Medals. Returned to civilian life in ’45 and a sales career with NCR. Took early retirement and started my own business—sales and service of IBM machines. Sold that in ’93 and retired. Sixty years ago married the very beautiful Frida Harris [beautiful indeed, but, alas, no relation]. Since retirement we’ve spent summers in the Blue Ridge Mountains; winters here.”
Travelers. Eleanor Gillmor Amos, Columbus, OH: “As a docent at our art museum, I visit museums in Boston, New York, Philly, and Chicago. This past spring we visited the Netherlands at tulip and Van Gogh time. I’ve been a docent for 31 years, always with a wonderful travel package to look forward to.” Lucille Jenks McGown,Mesa, AZ:“My recent trips have been to discover the northwest. [Yeah, Lucille, but look who got the credit—Mr. Lewis and Mr. Clark!] Another to Sacramento, Reno, Lake Tahoe, and the following year a cruise on the Columbia River—a real learning experience. Now to enjoy an Arizona winter.”
Mary Jo Borntrager Ray, Dallax, TX: “We spent two weeks in France [this, dear reader, was 2002, as are some other old notes below], followed by eight days in London visiting our daughter and family.We were there for the graduation of our twin grandsons from the American School. They’re now at NYU, but spent their freshman year on the Florence, Italy, campus. I really enjoyed the Compendium. [Plug] Even my Northwestern grad husband read a lot of it. Now I regret not having written anything myself.” Jay Seth Rosenthal, East Hills, NY: “We’re still working in our real estate appraisal business, but nothing keeps us from traveling: London this summer [2002] and southeast Asia this fall [still 2002], including Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand.With e-mail and fax, we spend winters in Boynton Beach, FL, working and playing golf.”
Curt Strand, New York, NY: “So far this year [you guessed it, 2002], I’ve done some hotel consulting, gave a lecture on international development at the Hotel school, some pro bono work for the Executive Service Corps in Aspen, CO, helping non-profit organizations. Keep fit—or trying to—skiing, hiking, biking, golf. We got to Spain, the less familiar parts, and to Mayanmar, née Burma.”
Charles Morrison, Holmdel, NJ: “After a speed bump in summer of 2000 (colon surgery and chemo), we’re back in the travel mode: Bermuda (’01), cross-country skiing Galena, ID (’02), Elderhostel in Switzerland (also ’02).Magnificent railways; the Swiss really know how to run a railroad. [And here I thought it was Mussolini. Go know.] Still spend a lot of time at our ‘camp’ in the Adirondacks—canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, but no longer climb the high peaks.” (Correspondent note: Spreads in the wilds are called “camps” the way castles in Newport are “cottages.”)
Robert Warren, Spruce Head, ME: “Retired from General Electric. Remarried. Spent 15 years cruising aboard sailboat from Maine to the Bahamas.” Jean Quick Bryant, Parrish, FL: “We still spend our summers in Highlands, NC. Since we moved from Miami in ’89, we’ve lived at River Wilderness Country Club on the west coast of Florida.We’ve had many wonderful winter get-togethers with Joe and Doris Fenton Klockner and Sue Krehbiel Horger, MD ’47.Naval historian and author John Alden, Delmar, NY: “Moved to be closer to family members.Wife Ann (Buchholz) ’45 and I now have a granddaughter, Ruth Alden ’04, on the Hill.”
Constance Misener, Niagara Falls, NY: “Cruised the Caribbean in February with my younger daughter. Elected to third term as elder of my church. Expecting 12th and 13th greatgrands.” Which reminds me, Constance. Every day brings another spate of e-mail trying to sell me generic Niagara. Gordon Jones, Stanley, NY: “Thoroughly enjoying the Finger Lakes since retiring to just north of Seneca Lake in ’93. Spend much time traveling—recently cruised from St. Petersburg on the rivers, lakes, and canals to Moscow. Previous year through eastern Europe:Warsaw, Crakow, Prague, Budapest, Vienna. An Elderhostel trip: Lafayette, LA (Cajun country),Mobile, AL, and New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Real treat.”
Geraldine Jenks Gaenger, College Station, TX, shortly before her death last July: “We celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary last year. Married in Sage Chapel on a beautiful, warm October day in ’42. Frank was in the first class of Navy ensigns sent to Cornell for diesel training. They then scattered to pass on to recruits what they had just learned. It was a hurry-up war for us.We were stationed at Purdue, Cornell, Newport, North Carolina State, and New Orleans before Frank was sent out to the Pacific. Life has been good. I’m the first of fourth-generation Cornellians (my great-grandfather, Doctor Tarbell (1870)—‘Doctor’ was his given name, not his degree—was in Cornell’s first graduation class), and our son Paul ’70 is the first of the fifth. Ithaca and Cornell have always been very close to us, and always will be. May the Class of ’43 flourish forever!” v S. Miller Harris, 1955 Miller Road, Spinnerstown, PA 18968; e-mail, millerharris@netcarrier.com.
44 | In the July/August column you read about Art and Dotty Kay Kesten’s recruiting prowess— number one among the classes. Since this is a new year, you might like to know the new members they found. My records go back to ’91, hence the following are brand new. Richard Clark, BS ’47,writes from Laguna Beach, CA, that he “had a pleasant meeting with Mary Wright ’45 in Cooperstown in June” and that she would send a report. Fred Hannahs of Belvedere- Tiburon, CA, says he left the Air Force in 1945 and has been out of touch, but plans on the 60th Reunion. Clifford Earl and Ann are still at The Landings in Savannah, GA, and have two greatgrands. Thomas Barker, MBA ’48, is “still alive and still rehabbing inner-city housing in Minneapolis, MN.” Gen. Robert Christie lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada. He spent 37 years as a pilot in the Canadian Air Force, 20 years in agriculture in San Diego County, CA, five years in aerospace in Los Angeles, and retired in 2000 to Vancouver five blocks from his birthplace. “Vancouver, not San Diego, is the world’s most beautiful city.”
These others were last heard from as indicated. ’93: Curt Beck of Storrs, CT, taught political science at the U. of Connecticut for 45 years. “My interest in Democratic politics has never waned.”He is also an active board member for local, regional, and state mental health programs and remarried in 2002. ’95: Frank Reynolds is very active in Springfield,MO.He serves on the SW Missouri Citizens Advisory Board for Probation and Parole, on the Strategic Planning and Building Committee Evangel Temple, and as Board Chair of the Teen Challenge of the Ozarks, and teaches four hours of classes at Greene County Jail.He claims four sons and six grandchildren. ’98: Gilbert Smith, MD ’47, writes from Kentfield, CA— “a paradise” in Marin County—that he remarried in ’94, plays doctor in a urology clinic in San Francisco, takes courses in oil painting, and looks forward to our 60th Reunion—his first!
Anniversaries continue to be proudly reported. Bob Reidy and Jean celebrated their 50th in April with a party given by their children in Pound Ridge, NY. He mentions a 5-year-old granddaughter “legacy.” Taylor Keller and Carola, his German war bride, announce 55 years of married bliss. Their three children and six grands have accomplished much. One granddaughter is an ’03 grad who “majored in rowing” and was hired by Adult University (CAU). The family summers on Canandaigua Lake. His post-war buddy in Munich, Joaquin de la Roza ’43, settled in San Francisco. Dick Hillman of Northridge, CA, wrote, “Our kids are taking us to Kona in August for our 55th.”His only Cornell contact is one-time roommate Charles McCoy, BS ’48, of Orinda, CA. Edward, PhD ’50, andVerna Eaton Beckhorn ’46 claim a 59th anniversary. They attend Cornell Club activities in Naples, FL. Morton Kahn and Evelyn (Alfred U. ’44) of Auburn, NY, were married 60 years ago Oct. 3, ’03. Jean Slaughter Davis reported a 60th anniversary on June 9 and the arrival of number one great-grandson on June 13. She and Jeff married on graduation night at the US Naval Academy, so celebrated there in September and look forward to their 61st at Cornell.
Some of us have special claims to fame. John Cummings, BArch ’49, was recently named Binghamton High School’s Distinguished Graduate. Earlier he was given the title “National Secretaries Boss of the Year” (in ’78), Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” (in ’57), and “Rainmaker” for the three award-winning architectural firms he established over a period of 40 years. In retirement he has many activities and hobbies, as does his wife Carolyn (Hendrickson) ’45. Ted Smith and Betty Bob are healthy and busy in Savannah, GA. She is a noted sculptor who recently won two prizes in an art show.He plays golf five days a week. They visit kids and grands regularly. Dr. William Lane, MNS ’48, whose fame in naturopathy was described in a recent column, has another feather in his cap. He has set up a gallery in Las Vegas to display the many treasures in art, sculpture, and antiquities he collected during his frequent travels worldwide. Items are of gold, bronze, and jade, some 500 to 700 years old, even BC. He mentions three children.
In August the Rundells used a Timeshare to visit Pigeon Forge, TN, noted for Dollywood (Dolly Parton), an amusement park with lots of country music shows (corny but fun), good restaurants, crafts, etc.We also played golf and drove south through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains to Clemson, SC, to visit Marie Buenning Cramer and Shannon, Vice-Adm. USN Ret. This second marriage for both involves 11 children, 26 grands, and seven great-grands. Marie and I hadn’t seen each other since her wedding to George Ploetz (one of those diesel ensigns) on Aug. 3, ’43 (I was Maid of Honor). En route home we visited Hal, BA ’43, JD ’49, and Ruth Cosline Rhynedance in their beautiful mountain home in Fairview, NC, near Asheville. All are looking forward to our 60th Reunion June 10-13. Art and Dotty Kesten, Howard, PhD ’50, and Erica Evans, and Dan Morris, BA ’76, have already attended planning meetings in Ithaca. Y’all come! vNancy Torlinski Rundell, 20540 Falcons Landing Cir. #4404, Sterling, VA 20165.
45 | Although some recent news communications from our classmates report on 80th birthday celebrations, for some inexplicable reason many concern grandchildren and great-grands. Does anyone have an inkling as to why that might be? As previously reported in our list of legacies, George Martin, BS ’47 (Honeoye Falls, NY), son of the late Harwood Martin ’16, boasted of his fourth-generation Cornellian, Sarah B.Martin ’03, and said that his winter retreat at Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL, is great for wintering but too popular with his four children and nine grandchildren. Now George kindly sent a photo of Sarah in her cap and gown, along with her dad, James H.Martin ’75, and George himself, looking quite dapper. If the magazine printed photos we would use it, but you will have to await our reunion photo board to see it. James ’44, BS ’43, and Phyllis Avery Olin, BS ’44, settled into their new Charlottesville, VA, retirement apartment near their oldest son and wife, while awaiting their Ithaca visit for a granddaughter’s graduation. After having married off in 2001 grandson Marc Olin ’00, a granddaughter, and a nephew, plus going through 35 years of Roanoke accumulations, they deserve a rest.
Margaret Taylor Macdonald (Chapel Hill, NC) couldn’t persuade her latest college-age grandchildren to become legacies, so off to Kenyon and Yale they went. Peg’s three children all joined in the great fun at husband Ross’s 80th birthday celebration. Yale also claimed Nancy, daughter of Priscilla Okie Alexander, MA ’48 (New Haven), and her Yale husband. They have adopted two Russian sisters, who join Pat’s other granddaughters, 14 and 11, in receiving her attention, along with two chocolate Labs. Just to balance off the Yalies, a year ago last December Theodora Uelzmann Longenecker (Temple, PA) took great pleasure in attending the wedding of her younger grandson to a fellow Harvard graduate in the National Cathedral in Washington. Teddy says that, with her littlest granddaughters, 5 and 3, in the bridal party and the Christmas decorations in place, the setting was glorious.
Young grandchildren also please John ’43 and Ann Buchholz Alden in Delmar, NY, where they live near their youngest son, Lawrence Alden ’82, and wife Penny. All of their other grandchildren are college age or older. Last spring Ann and John went on an Elderhostel trip to Venice and the Dalmatian coast, which they recommend highly. Benjamin Klein’s daughter Roberta received her PhD from U. of Pennsylvania (!) and son Stuart is lawyering in Palo Alto, CA. Ben and Martha keep busy with Miami community activities while Ben is still trying to learn things at U. of Miami. From Dallas the family news of Roy Hughes is that their four sons “continue to prosper/survive/exist (pick one).” Three are fellow Texans, with the California one having two sons. Roy says that his arthritic right knee and hip make him barely able to walk on some days, with the result that he is “known in the family as a sheep/bull/lion (pick one, or on some days, all).” Restorative repairs will be in order soon.
Medical mending of a twice-broken wrist, broken rib, and torn cartilage convinced James Jenks, BA ’48 (Garden City, NY) that he’s a bit old for such foolishness as skiing and flying airplanes. He even sold his sailboat, with which he collected some silverware over the years of summering on Shelter Island, NY. Jim’s thinking about trying to get his golf average below 100 “after his back heals” and also says he is fully retired, on permanent vacation, and loves it. A year ago, in answer to our news form’s question on vacation activities, Jim wrote, “What’s vacation?” Maybe he’s finally got the picture. His kids are scattered: Jeffrey (Princeton) is in Schwarzeneggerland, Cynthia (U. of Connecticut) in Arlington,VA, and Schuyler ’78 in New Jersey. Speaking of New Jersey, from Morristown comes Jean Hall Dinsmore with news that her grandson James loves Cornell and is the 11th family member to attend in the past 110 years. Jean is serving her fifth term as Republican State Committeewoman for Morris County, but managed to take enough time off to visit Alaska and Hawaii.
Like Jim Jenks, I have fully packed it in. I testified in a trial in NYC last May and stated under oath that this was my last expert witness testimony. No sooner did I return home than I had a telephone call from a lawyer asking me to help in a forthcoming trial.My answer was simple; I don’t perjure myself and can’t help; end of the line! In my October column I wrote that Dick ’42, PhD ’49, and Catherine Verwoert Work, BS ’44, would welcome visitors in Tempe, AZ. Kay sent a nice note to correct my improper assumption that when she said “I,” she meant just that and not “we.”Unfortunately, Dick is deceased, but Kay still wants visitors, so long as she is not away cruising the Seine during the European heat wave, which didn’t bother her, as she is accustomed to that. Apologies to Kay; never assume anything! v Prentice Cushing, Jr., 713 Fleet Dr., Virginia Beach, VA 23454; e-mail, CescoVA@aol.com. Our class Home Page: http://hometown.aol.com/Cesco VA/CU1945.html.
46 | In the November/December issue, I reported on Cyber-Tower, which offers a capsule Cornell education via cyberspace. I had chosen to investigate the “forum” area. Professor Glenn Altschuler, PhD ’76, interviewed new President Jeffrey Lehman ’77 there on streaming video. As I reported, my experience with video on my telephonemodem-served computer was unsatisfactory. But on a friend’s cable-served computer, the results were spectacular.
I owe many thanks to Ralph Janis ’66, head of Adult University (CAU), and to Diane Kubarek, CyberTower’s technical project leader, for guiding me to the audio-only versions of the presentations.While not as elegant, the audio with slides interspersed does a very acceptable job. The audio version can be reached by pausing the video clip (third button from the right), clicking on “audio,” then restarting the video.
I heeded Mr. Janis’s advice on a study room subject, “Ezra’s Farmstead.” Kent Hubbell ’67, BArch ’69, professor of architecture and Dean of Students, and John Ullberg, landscape architect for Cornell’s Dept. of Planning, walked us through the years and campus since 1868. In the early days, Libe Slope was a cow pasture, and the Arts Quadrangle had been denuded of trees. They also gave insight into the dynamic tension between the scholarly Andrew D.White and the pragmatic Ezra Cornell, as well as following Cornell’s growth to the present day. I found it absorbing and think you will, too.
TO PUBLISH YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS, e-mail it to me. Include your name and city and state of residence. Send news to: v Paul Levine, 31 Chicory Lane, San Carlos, CA 94070; tel., (650) 592-5273; fax, (650) 593-2572; e-mail, pblevine@juno.com. Class website: www.alum ni.cornell.edu/orgs/classes/1946/.
Address changes: Priscilla Alden Clement moved back East to South Hadley, MA, in October. Gordon ’44 died on June 24. Leah Smith Drexler, BS ’45, widow of Henry ’45, downsized to a development made from a part of their family farm in Sherburne, NY. Write or call me for street addresses (sneaky way to get news from you).
How many sets of twins did we have in our class? I knew two—the Ortenbergs and the Whitfords. If you know of more, ask them to write. I’m especially interested in twins because I was one.My sister died at 3 months and I’ve missed all the fun these girls had.How I envy them.
Cynthia and Sally Whitford responded first, so I’ll start there. They were born in Galesburg, IL, where their father taught at Knox College, later moving to teach at Long Island College in Brooklyn, NY. They have two older sisters. “We were known as ‘the twins,’ rarely called by our names, always together—and dressed alike, to the confusion of everybody.” In the Home Ec college at Cornell, they became “individuals.” They had different roommates, classes, activities, and acquaintances, but they both joined Delta Gamma sorority.
After graduating in the accelerated program in 1945, they parted. They both taught nursery school, Cynthia in Brooklyn and Los Angeles for two years working with blind children, and Sally at the base preschool at Camp LeJeune, NC. In 1947, Sally married her high school sweetheart, Bill Morgan.He earned an MEE at Purdue while she taught. Both girls took graduate courses. Sally wrote, “In 1948, we returned to New York and purchased a house in Levittown on the GI Bill. It was a unique development built on the potato fields of Long Island. I had the interesting experience of working in the office of the United Nations General Assembly at Lake Success.” Cynthia was certified to teach in public school, where she taught visually handicapped children for 12 years. She also married.
Continuing their similarities, both had four children—three boys and a girl. In the early days, they corresponded weekly and visited every few years. In 1972, Sally and Bill moved to Maryland. Sally earned a nursing degree and worked as a medical-surgical nurse for 14 years. Cynthia divorced and later married John Cornwell, also from their high school (and a remote cousin of Ezra Cornell). Both girls are retired but keeping busy. The Morgans live in Stevensville,MD. They have four grandchildren, two in college in Maryland and two in elementary school in Texas. The Cornwells live in Tequesta, FL. They have 17 grandchildren between them.
Cynthia wrote, “Life as a twin has been wonderful for me.We talk by phone weekly and visit often.We still look very much alike and our voices sound the same.” Sally wrote, “We are lucky.We traveled to Europe three times, including the Passion Play at Oberammergau, and made a wonderful trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 75th birthday.” What a great way to be 150 years old!
Here’s to many, many more.We’ve seen them at several reunions and hope to see them again in 2006. v Elinor Baier Kennedy, 503 Morris Pl., Reading, PA 19607; tel., (610) 777-4938.
47 | Cornell is still wonderful! I have just returned from the ceremony installing the new president, Jeffrey Lehman ’77. It was a grand event. My fellow Rochesterian, Gail Freeman Kayson ’59, chauffeured me, and we felt lucky to be there. There were Pomp and Circumstance, good speeches, and feelings of joy. Everyone I talk to at the university seems pleased with him and is looking forward to his work. In his talk, President Lehman spoke of Cornell’s historical progress as “revolutionary” and of the university as “beloved.” Good words. Our class president Pete Schwarz was invited to be in the procession by virtue of his office.Other ’47 classmates I saw there were John and Helen Allmuth Ayer, BS HE ’46, Margie Newell Mitchell, BS HE ’46, Margi Schiavone Berens, and Jerry ’49, MBA ’50, and Enid Levine Alpern.
Two weeks earlier, my husband Doug Anderson ’50 and I were able to be at the special banquet gala at the Statler Ballroom at which Barlow Ware was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Also celebrating with him were classmates Margi Berens, John and Helen Ayer, and Pete and Elaine Schwarz. All of the new inductees were introduced to the whole community on Saturday at Schoellkopf Field. When Barlow was announced (the last person because the list was alphabetical), a large group of spectators started a roar of BAR-LOW BARLOW! Exciting! It all was Important and Swell. As I read the names of members of the Hall, the only other classmate I saw listed was Allen Dekdebrun. Hooray for Barlow!
I had one more recent Cornell connection when visited by Holly Hertel Heitzman ’96, regional director of Alumni Affairs for my region, who interviewed me on tape to record recollections from when we were students. Remember 1944 when we went to class on Thanksgiving and had only Christmas day off? I have long thought that it was so different in our time that it should be chronicled. Fortunately, the Federation is taping reminiscences now.
Our class has received thank-you letters from three students who are recipients of our Tradition Fellowships.Marianne Fives is a new transfer junior from the U. of Albany, enrolling as a fine arts major in the College of Architecture, Art and Planning. Coming from Goshen, NY, with an older sister who was in Arts and Sciences, Marianne is looking forward to the many opportunities available to her. Kate Walker, from Falconer, NY (which, she says, “is almost as far west in New York as you can get”), is a junior transfer from Jamestown Community College. She is enrolled in the Ag college and is majoring in animal science.Her family raises Holstein cattle on their dairy farm, and Kate owns five cows of her own. Showing her cattle at county, district, and state shows, she has won top awards. At the New York State Fair, her cow won “the second best udder in the class!” She is an athlete and from a family of Cornellians, including her father, an aunt, an uncle, and a grand-aunt. She thanks us from the bottom of her heart. Paloma Loya, enrolled in ILR and concentrating on International Relations, is a junior and busy in volunteer and extra-curricular activities such as Latin dance groups, the Mexican-American student organization, and several schools where she helped students with English language acquisition and skills. She also works in the office of Cornell VP Susan Murphy ’73, PhD ’94. Paloma thanks us “wholeheartedly.”
I had a nice phone visit with Dick Jones, BS ’46, recently. He and wife Mary are happy in Freedom, NH, where they resettled from Colorado. Clara McPherson Reiss is busy in the big city doing advocacy work on health matters as a member of the Women’s City Club of New York, the New York Citizens’ Committee on Aging, Bellevue Hospital Community Advisory Board, and Manhattan Community Board #6. That is a lot of Good Works. She also walks a lot, especially exploring the city’s ethnic neighborhoods, and goes to the theater, opera, and ballet, and reads a lot. Clara keeps in touch with her oldest friend from age 8, Kathleen LivingstonWatson, who was also her Cornell roommate. Clara and Kathleen had two wonderful weeks in Barcelona and Madrid in the fall a year ago and visited again on Kathleen’s beef farm in Ireland last spring. Clara adds that unfortunately both of them left Cornell before graduation after too early marriages.
Last spring, Richard and Margot Poritsky Jerrard (mjerrard@uinc.edu) visited their son Leigh ’85, who has started an architectural practice in Los Angeles. The previous fall they went to Turkey to visit son Robert ’86, a mathematics professor who was visiting Istanbul while on leave from the U. of Toronto. Margot and Richard are still getting royalties from the book they wrote, The Grad School Handbook, published by Perigee. Richard Greenfield (rkggps@inzl.com) retired as planning commissioner of Lafayette, CO, and pursues aerobics, golf, gardening, reading, and doll house construction. He and wife Greta, an artist, traveled to Scandinavia and Russia. They have four children and six grandchildren.
Alan Markham, BS ’49, writes that he retired from Allied Signal in 1991. “Keeping busy with Volunteers for Medical Engineering designing assistive devices for the handicapped and disabled. Also reading for the blind at the Radio Reading Network and the Library for the Blind. Active with the Radio Amateur Communications Emergency Service and serving as a volunteer examiner for FCC operators’ licenses.” He takes a cruise occasionally and was recovering from cardiac valve repair and quadruple bypass surgery.He was contemplating attending a Navy reunion in Charleston in the fall and keeps in touch with Cornell through his granddaughter, who is a sophomore. I have learned from past class president Herb Brinberg that his wife Blanche died unexpectedly in September. We extend our condolences.
Since I am still not fully functioning, I thank my daughter Beth ’80, son Roger ’78, and husband Doug for their assistance with this column. Send news to v Arlie Williamson Anderson, 238 Dorchester Rd., Rochester, NY 14610; email, arlie47@aol.com.
48 | Rita Lemelman Alper, Stony Brook, NY: “I’m a library page and volunteer for Three Village Meals on Wheels. Traveled to Vienna, Prague, and Budapest after floods subsided.” Franklin Wright, MA ’49,Memphis, TN: “Trying to cope with nightly TV news and our entanglements in the witch’s cauldron of Middle Eastern racial and religious hostilities. Can’t think of a solution that would be practical unless draconian in nature—given our love affair with suburban sprawl and the related power of automobile manufacturers. The world’s problem is overpopulation. Did you know that in 1650, six million people spoke English and today over one billion use it as first or second language? Life: ‘Tomorrow let my Sun her rays display, or in clouds hide them, I have lived today.’ ”
Willard Smith,West Hempstead, NY: “Still do insurance one day a week; birding and camping at other times.” Jane Randolph DeMott, Seven Devils, NC: “Am back to normal activity after physical therapy in 2002 for lower back problems. Life does not slow down or become less involved. Problem is ‘getting things done.’ Keep fit, do what you can. Environment and population problems can be solved by keeping informed and appropriately active. One can learn by observing wildlife at home. Life: In living, change is inevitable; progress is optional.” John Osborne,Vestal, NY: “Continue to do AARP tax counseling for the elderly.”
Lester Wise, Old Westbury, NY: “I’m tutoring third grade kids in math in Hempstead School District; also do painting and backyard sculpture. Son Paul ’74, MD ’78, is professor at Boston U. Medical School.” Patricia Hayes O’Brien, East Aurora, NY: “Busy meeting friends and learning how to use the computer. Son Joseph received PhD in biology after three years in Costa Rica. He’s now employed by the US Forest Service, Athens, GA. I felt very sad and shocked at what happened to our country on 9/11 and hope our grandchildren will be able to live in a safe world.We must pray and appreciate the sacredness of life and help the poor of the world. Since 9/11 it became so important to live the moment, appreciate friends and family, and let them know it.”
Dianne Shapiro Gasworth, Palm Beach, FL: “Retired Civil Court Judge, Housing Part, NYC. Presently do mediation in Florida court. My father was an appellate judge, son is a law professor and writer, and granddaughter is in law school. That’s four generations in the law business.” Dorothy Hirschhorn McGrath, Pompano Beach, FL: “Not only am I still ‘here,’ but I have moved to ‘there,’ which is Pompano Beach, FL. They specialize down here on what to do to better manage your life when you start to get somewhat decrepit and then, later, maybe very decrepit (hope not). Best of all, the prices, especially housing, are half of what they are in the New York area, so here I am!”
Bart Holm,West Grove, PA: “I’m on numerous boards and retirement community committees and do taxes at senior centers for AARP. Took coastal steamer in Norway from Bergen to Kirkenes above the Arctic Circle and on to the Russian border. Seven grandchildren, one at U. of Colorado and one at Skidmore.We’ll get one into Cornell! Skied at Jackson Hole last winter. Beautiful, but too hard on old legs. Summered on Lake Champlain. Cruised Danube from Budapest north; very relaxing. My problem is keeping up with all I’ve committed to do. Solution: Commit to less. Live and let live.”
George Ausenda, MEE ’50, Milan, Italy: “I’m secretary for the Center for Interdisciplinary Research of San Marino, and in my spare time I edit books for the center. Since 1991 I am finally doing what I always wanted to. Plans for tomorrow are to try not to die (Sid Caesar, 1956). Eldest son moved to the US as CEO of Pizzoli in NYC.” Claude Stone Jr.,Morton, IL: “Served out my final term as a State Senator for Illinois on Dec. 31, ’02. Now trying to keep up with the ‘home duties,’ and we’ll travel more often to see the grandchildren in Tucson and Los Angeles. The economy and 9/11 caused large budget problems for 2003.Very hard to cut funding for education and institutions for the disabled.”
Mary Holland Freeman, Albany, NY: “Lifelong learning courses, book clubs, volunteering at Cooperative Extension, bridge, traveling, movies, concerts, theater, art exhibits, swimming, walking, dancing, dining out, and visiting family all over the US. Celebrated 50th anniversary with Sam on Sept. 1, ’01 with lovely party. Our two sons are in Berkeley and Corte Madera, CA. We have one grandchild, Eva, 3. World’s problem is corruption of power and, as always, the seven deadly sins, especially greed. I’m most interested in the new discoveries in the biological sciences, especially genetics. There is no meaning of life.”
Jim and Jacqueline Smith Flournoy,Westport, CT: “In 20th year as secretary at Cedar Point Yacht Club. Busy with crafting, hospital thrift shop, playing bridge.Would rather be sailing. Visited Jim’s brother, Hugh Flournoy ’50, in Punta Gorda, FL, took Caribbean cruise on Holland America ship, and flew back to Florida on a Learjet due to Jim’s illness. Probably the only time I’ll get to fly in one. Have learned that a person’s spirit can handle most problems and that love and support of family and friends is all important.” v Bob Persons, 102 Reid Ave., Port Washington, NY 11050; phone and fax, (516) 767-1776.
49 | Happy New Year everybody! Congratulations are in order for B. F. “Bud” Stanton, Ted Levine, MA ’50, and Joseph McAuliffe, who have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments. Bud Stanton, with wife Lara, traveled to Finland in June ’02 to receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the U. of Helsinki. “While on a Fulbright there in ’66-67 I worked closely with one of the doctoral students, who is now Chancellor—a great fourday celebration.We visited Lara’s five living first cousins in Iceland on our return trip.Working part-time at Cornell as chair of the Health Careers Evaluation Committee. We sign the summary letters for the more than 400 students who apply annually to med schools across the country.” Ted Levine was awarded the Life Achievement Award by the International Economic Development Council ’02. Joseph McAuliffe was recognized in ’02 for his work and support of the International 4-H Youth Exchange at the 50th Annual Conference of the IFYE Assn.
Donald (aka Pete or Red Dog) Johnston has completed a huge undertaking—a massive, five-year project! He was editor-in-chief of the first Encyclopedia of International Media and Communications (Academic Press), a four-volume, 2,800-page set that contains 219 articles by specialists around the world. Pete says that as the world becomes more complex, the importance of exchanging information grows accordingly. He has been director of the International Media and Communications Program for grad students at Columbia U. for 13 years and teaches news reporting and writing. Before that he was a faculty member and academic dean at Columbia’s Grad School of Journalism, following 25 years of professional journalism at UPI and the New York Times. Pete is president of the Journalism Alumni Assn. and recently received a University Medal for contributions to alumni activities from Columbia, where he got a master’s degree in ’50. But—he still considers Cornell his true alma mater and is active in alumni affairs there also.
Dick Brown, 81, outstanding classmate and Hotel grad, died September 4 following a battle with cancer. Our deepest sympathies to Muriel (Welch) ’47, BS ’46, his wife of 56 years. They were married in Sage Chapel in ’47. Dick was former VP and assistant to the president of Banfi Vintners, America’s largest wine importer. He attended Boston U., served 3-1/2 years in World War II, then earned his degree in hotel administration at Cornell. Dick was president of the Cornell Hotel Society, founder of the National Inst. of the Foodservice Industry, vicechair of the Culinary Inst. of America, and a fellow of the Educational Inst. of the American Hotel-Motel Assn. He and an associate led the leadership campaign for the Hotel school, raising $43 million. In his honor the Richard W. Brown Amphitheater was endowed and will be a focal point in the school’s new Beck Center. Dick will certainly be missed. So many awesome accomplishments by our classmates!
Barbara Corell Lawrence enjoyed a trip from Schenectady to Melbourne Beach, FL, to visit “old roomie” Babette Tetter Rutherford. They lunched with Jan Molin Brown, Jean Davis Salisbury, and Lois Olsen Biehler and all agreed, “You haven’t changed a bit!” Muriel LechterWiesen, MPA ’50, and husband David are settled in Reston, VA, and really appreciate the beautiful countryside. Douglas McLean and wife Jean, prof. emerita in Human Ecology, love cruising on their 30-foot boat. Jean is recording secretary at the beautiful new Marco Island Yacht Club. Jim Henry and Natalie live nine months in Naples, FL, but still have a home in New Jersey. They play lots of golf and have five children and six grandchildren, who all visit while they are in Florida!
There is nothing more important than your health, just ask us! Edgar Van Zandt will mark the 10th anniversary in February ’04 of a miracle —his heart transplant! He has been able to lead an active and fulfilling life: travel to India, China, and Europe; yearly visits to Hawaii; mortgage manager for Habitat for Humanity; working on condo management at their retirement community in Princeton, NJ. Ed and wife Edna (Gillett) ’50 even find living among many Princeton grads quite stimulating and pleasant!
It took John Jones almost two years to recover from a bad auto accident in October ’00, but now he plays golf “and life goes on!” Mel Bennett “suffered a stroke four years ago, but manages with a cane.” He now has a greatgrandchild. Life certainly does go on, doesn’t it? Stephen Profilet had a quintuple heart bypass, but is recovering OK. Bette McGrew Benedict had a successful right knee replacement last March. She adds, “My surgeon is very tall and very handsome, but looks about 14.” Take care, ’49ers. Get all fixed up and return in June!
Early reunion notes (written end of September): 160 classmates or more (hopefully) will stay in Mews, a new air-conditioned dorm on North Campus; a panel discussion sponsored by ’44 and ’49 will be held on the 2004 National Election; souvenirs, of course; tennis tournament, as there are lots of courts nearby; milk punch party and more! Be there! vMary Heisler Allison, 1812 Puerto Bello Dr., Lady Lake, FL 32159-9442; email, ellenallison13@earthlink.net.