Author: jgibson

Categories Class Notes | 1940sPosted on

CLASS OF 1945 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

Our facility recently changed television servers, and so, I have the new e-address below. My math skills were ever frail, and the upgrade from Comcast to Direct TV is a new challenge in that channel triple digits and my own fumbling digits make watching anything an adventure in exploration; and my old love for reading and writing is rekindled. The word ’writing’ reminds me that a few weeks prior to this October, I received a handsome trophy that recognizes two poems I submitted to an Atria—an arts contest—more than a year ago. The citation indicates that my modest verses “…are among the 25 best of more than 900 offerings.” Well, as Archie would put it, there’s still life in the old guy. Enough life, at least, to be invited to deliver a talk on Veteran’s Day: the history of the Tenth Mountain Division in World War II. This division is unique in the U.S. Military in that it was recruited initially through a civilian organization, National Ski Patrol. It trained for almost two years at Camp Hale, Colo., and then distinguished itself in combat during the final months of the Italian campaign. After the war, division veterans revolutionized what was essentially a rich man’s sport into what is today’s ski industry; warming climate patterns hint at future industry woes.

This was our 70th Reunion year If anyone planned any sort of on-campus festivities, I never knew of it, so I’ll be truly happy to receive a note or an e-mail to include in my next class notes. Slán go fóill!!

FRANCIS W. LOVETT | francis.lovett1@comcast.net
805 Compassion Drive, Apt. 208, Windsor, CO 80550
907/460-9338

Categories Class Notes | 1940sPosted on

CLASS OF 1944 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

Adolf Grünbaum’s writings deal with the philosophy of physics, the theory of scientific rationality, the philosophy of psychiatry, and the critique of theism. In a 2012 book, Why Does the World Exist?, the New York Times journalist Jim Holt described Grünbaum as “arguably the greatest living philosopher of science.” And Holt declared (p. 63): “…in the philosophical world, Adolf Grünbaum is a man of immense stature.”

In 2013, Oxford University Press in New York City began publishing three volumes of his collected papers and lectures under the overall title Adolf Grünbaum: Collected Works. The first volume is devoted to his writings on scientific rationality, the human condition, and 20th century cosmologies. The second volume contains papers on philosophy of physics, time, and space. The third volume features lectures on psychology and psychoanalysis, including Grünbaum’s previously unpublished 1985 Gifford Lectures, and his 1985 Werner Heisenberg Lecture to the Bavarian Academy of Sciences in Munich, Germany.

Please send updates to the editors.

Categories Class Notes | 1940sPosted on

CLASS OF 1943 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

Again, I regret having to announce three more losses to our Class of ’43 since my last report. Cyrus Quinn, a fellow soccer player and longtime class agent, who was a member of Alpha Delta Phi, died June 29, 2014. Robert Ackart, a Psi U brother, died Dec. 14, 2014; and Rollin Polk, an Episcopal priest, who was a member of Delta Upsilon, died March 16, 2015. These classmates will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to their families.

Here in Virginia we enjoyed some balmy weather this fall. I hope the same was true where you are. I continue to be involved in my bout with cancer. I have already had two operations, and they have just discovered another cancerous tumor. So here I go again!

Fred Mellor writes: “Appreciated your notes. At 95 years, we’re both in our later 50 years of living, making us prone to injury. I fell and hurt my left leg, so I walk with the help of a cane now. We still belong to Portage Country Club, but only for eating out and playing bridge. I gave up playing golf at 92, the year I shot 59 at a challenge round. Our second son moved here (Akron), so we see him a lot at his own apartment or at our house. Our daughter is close by in Cleveland and our oldest son lives in Sweden with our 19-year-old granddaughter. I do not know of any classmates, or how ole’ Wes has grown over the years, but I do enjoy Wesleyan magazine. All that I can remember of sports and Beta Theta Pi fraternity is most favorable. Well, Fred, you do a great job of reporting on our class.”

From Dick Ferguson: “Always so good to hear from you. Don’t have much news for you, but I always think of you when I go past your Wildweed House. Those were the good old days!”

Frederick P. Appleton
100 O’Brien Court, Suffolk, VA 23434

Categories Class Notes | 1930sPosted on

CLASS OF 1938 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

The Class of ’38 got a little bit smaller last week.

I always appreciate when I am given more time to get the news from those incredible graduates from ’38. I don’t like sharing sad news but, alas, that what I must do. Last Thursday, Oct. 22, Leonard Weinstein passed away. I spoke with Suzanne, his wife of 64 years, who told me he died of renal failure. I was very surprised, because Len seemed to be in good health the last time we spoke in the summer. I have sent a copy of his obit to the editors. You may remember that I didn’t always connect with Leonard in time for an issue’s deadline. But more often than not, I’d come home to an answering machine with his news on it. And of course that would prompt another phone call, and eventually we’d have something for the next deadline. Len spent most of his life in Conn., not far from a fellow classmate, Ed See. I remember how much Len enjoyed his tennis games. I was also amazed at how long he worked as a personal financial adviser. He used to split his time between Conn. and Fla. but the last few years or so were spent solely on Longboat Key. When we spoke this past summer, he reflected on how lucky he felt to still be living in his own home at 98 years old. I am glad to know he was able to stay in such a peaceful-sounding spot. Our thoughts go out to Suzanne and his family. We wish you much strength during such a difficult time.

On a completely different note, family is coming to visit two of the fellows these next few weeks, all around the celebration of birthdays. Curt Smith turns 98 this Oct. 28th. Daughters Maggie and Suzanne will be visiting from the West Coast. His son, Phil, is already out in Providence, so he’ll be there as well. Curt is on a positive path to health. The minor stroke we mentioned in the last issue still presents its challenges but overall he is feeling much stronger. When we spoke, the Pope had just returned to Italy after his visit to the States. We reflected on the Pope’s visit to the White House and what may come of that. We also spoke about the massive migration in Eastern Europe coming from Syria and Iraq. Curt always keeps me thinking about the big picture. I appreciate his perspective on the world and how we can help to make it a better place. I try to remind him how he needs to get that singing group going, and how that will make the world a better place, too.

The other birthday belongs to Bob Porter, who on Nov. 7th will turn 100 years old. I wonder how many other Wesleyan grads have become centenarians? Family will be coming from various locales to Naples, Fla., to celebrate this wonderful event. Not to be forgotten, his wife, Doris, will be celebrating her 98th birthday Oct. 27th. So there should be quite the joy happening at the Porter home. Even though it’s been almost 80 years since Bob was at Wesleyan, he was asking about a German exchange student who had joined them for a year. He told me a little about him and wondered what happened to him. So if anyone reading this has any thoughts on this, please pass them along. We did manage to slip a little politics into our conversation: Bob mentioned that Bernie Sanders seemed like a remarkable character. “If he could get anything accomplished, it would be amazing.” But amazing in a good way is what I heard, not cynical at all. Well, Bob, you’ll just have to stick around to find out.

My last phone call was to Art Kingsbury, also in Florida. No birthdays here until April, but Art did say they’d had a reunion of sorts recently. Sons and daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and great -grandchildren all gathered in Venice, Fla. He said that hadn’t happened since his 90th birthday probably. It was a wonderful get-together. Art was happy to report a sprained leg was finally on the mend. It took him out of commission for about six weeks. There was some concern it might be a deep clot, but thankfully it was just a deep sprain. He’s been back on it for the past six weeks, back to his daily walks. We weren’t able to chat too long, due to company coming over. He said he was glad to be back on his feet and wishes everyone the very best. He also added that Diane is well and that she still enjoy growing the butterflies!

So some sad news and good news, but I guess it is to be expected as we head towards the 80th anniversary of the fellow’s sophomore year. My garden bloomed the largest pink dahlia I’ve ever grown and I am convinced it was Bill Heisler’s way of saying hello to the universe.

Let’s hope the winter keeps everyone healthy and strong and I hope we aren’t going too crazy from the political ads that I am sure are only going to ramp up in the months ahead.

GRACE BENNETT
daughter of the late Walter Bennett ’38
8104 39th Avenue, S.W., Seattle, WA 98136

Categories Class Notes | 1950sPosted on

CLASS OF 1955 | 2015 | ISSUE 3

Sad to let you know, we’ve lost another member of our class. On July 16, 2015, Hoyt Chapin passed away at his home in New London, N.H. Hoyt went on to the Columbia University School of Business in New York upon graduation from Wesleyan and began his career in home furnishings at both Bloomingdale’s and Dansk International Designs. The majority of his work life was in the retail sector as owner and president of the Pottery Barn, Inc., until his retirement. He was recognized and known for his forward thinking and creative entrepreneurial approach to good contemporary design at a great price. Hoyt retired to New London and Vero Beach, Fla., where, according to information received, he remained involved in several business adventures, including creation of two developments—Browns Hills and the Georges Mills Boat Club in Sunapee, N.H. An active member of the New London community, Hoyt served as a director of the Little Sunapee Protective Association, New London Hospital, and the Kearsage Council on Aging.

Note: Wesleyan was notified of Hoyt’s passing by his daughter, Deborah Chapin ’81 and I know I speak for all of us in offering our sincere condolences to her and her family.

Yours truly has logged 4,493 cycling miles as of Oct. 4, and with any luck, should reach the annual target of 5,000 miles by year end. I mention “luck,” as I had the misfortune of being guilty of committing a rookie error on Sept. 27, by my failure to consume sufficient liquid during an aggressive 31-mile ride. Completed the ride, loaded my bike back into the car, discussed where we were going to snack and then, while removing my cycling shoes as I sat on the bumper of my car, I passed out. When I came to, I was in an ambulance on my way to the nearest hospital (four miles away). Two of my riding companions joined me in the emergency room and watched as the ER nurse hooked up an IV and gave me a “lecture” on the need to drink while riding. Stayed overnight while the usual protocol was performed (CT scan, MRI, echo test, neurological evaluation, etc.) and was released. Hope to be back in the saddle in a day or two, once the soreness lessens and of course, plan on being a good “student” by consuming more fluids more often! Really felt pretty lucky I came away from the experience with four stitches and a few bruises. But, to be truthful, I was certainly embarrassed!!!

To all of you, I’d really appreciate a word or two to share with classmates if you have a moment. And, know my sincere best wishes for health and happiness are sent to you and your loved ones.

DONALD J. BRAVERMAN | ybikedon@bellsouth.net

27A Stratford Ln. W., Boynton Beach, FL 33436; 561/654-3711