Class Note 1938
Issue
Nov - Dec 2018
I share here a blast from the past from an amazing freshman in November 1938.
“I slept 13 hours last night, missing two classes this morning. The reason was a sort of body-building ceremony [that] the Outing Clubbers call ‘going on a trip.’ There were six of us—two upperclassmen and four uninitiated and innocent freshmen. Leaving the comfort and security of Hanover Saturday afternoon, we drove northeast through unexplored wilderness of forests and farms.
“At the foot of Smarts Mountain we parked the car and started the climb to the top. On top of the steep south face of Smarts is the hut, a log cabin perhaps 15 by 25, well roofed and equipped with blankets, several double bunks, and an iron stove. It was damp and chilled inside when we six mud-bespattered pilgrims arrived, and with commendable enthusiasm I grabbed the axe and went for firewood. The axe looked as though generations of freshmen in their search for fuel had mistaken the granite of New Hampshire for coal.
“After supper and once the dishes were washed, we sat around the stove and sang songs while it exuded smoke at every pore. There’s a choice ditty about roller-skating by St. Peter’s knees in an old Ford car with a deacon who is being converted to the full life of Mae West—you ought to learn that, Pop; go great in the Rotary Club.
“Around 9:30 p.m. we all rolled into our bunks. Upon rising, one of the two upperclassmen stood in the doorway stating, ‘What a day!’ No clouds, four inches of new snow, and I wish I had a camera.
“By the way, if old Santa Claus still is under the illusion that I am a man of virtue, I should like very much to suggest not an electric train or a machine gun, but a good pair of hickory skis. I’ve been seeing some movies of skiing up here, and it appeals to me as an escape from monotonous life, perhaps even from life itself, if done with discretion!”
Life is truly a wonderful experience and should be experienced to the fullest—live each day as if you were still a freshman with all the awe, wonder, and challenges that lie ahead. A very happy holiday season and all of life’s blessings are being sent your way!
—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095
“I slept 13 hours last night, missing two classes this morning. The reason was a sort of body-building ceremony [that] the Outing Clubbers call ‘going on a trip.’ There were six of us—two upperclassmen and four uninitiated and innocent freshmen. Leaving the comfort and security of Hanover Saturday afternoon, we drove northeast through unexplored wilderness of forests and farms.
“At the foot of Smarts Mountain we parked the car and started the climb to the top. On top of the steep south face of Smarts is the hut, a log cabin perhaps 15 by 25, well roofed and equipped with blankets, several double bunks, and an iron stove. It was damp and chilled inside when we six mud-bespattered pilgrims arrived, and with commendable enthusiasm I grabbed the axe and went for firewood. The axe looked as though generations of freshmen in their search for fuel had mistaken the granite of New Hampshire for coal.
“After supper and once the dishes were washed, we sat around the stove and sang songs while it exuded smoke at every pore. There’s a choice ditty about roller-skating by St. Peter’s knees in an old Ford car with a deacon who is being converted to the full life of Mae West—you ought to learn that, Pop; go great in the Rotary Club.
“Around 9:30 p.m. we all rolled into our bunks. Upon rising, one of the two upperclassmen stood in the doorway stating, ‘What a day!’ No clouds, four inches of new snow, and I wish I had a camera.
“By the way, if old Santa Claus still is under the illusion that I am a man of virtue, I should like very much to suggest not an electric train or a machine gun, but a good pair of hickory skis. I’ve been seeing some movies of skiing up here, and it appeals to me as an escape from monotonous life, perhaps even from life itself, if done with discretion!”
Life is truly a wonderful experience and should be experienced to the fullest—live each day as if you were still a freshman with all the awe, wonder, and challenges that lie ahead. A very happy holiday season and all of life’s blessings are being sent your way!
—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095