In the last issue you may remember that the interview with President Michael Roth ’78 (by editor Bill Holder ’75) about the importance of a liberal arts education came directly before Class Notes. I thought it was quite appropriate that the interview ended with a three-part question asking if Wesleyan teaches its students to be masters of complexity? President Roth answered that Wesleyan teaches them to have the courage to be what they want to be. Another line really stood out for me: “You are learning how to adapt and thrive in a context of change.” His final lines in the interview were: “So many alumni, whatever they’re doing, are united in their gratitude and respect for Wesleyan because it’s an institution that prepares students to act on their best selves. As students and alumni alike, we can act on our best selves if we are relentless, creative, and courageous.” And then, if you were like me, you turned the page and saw the news from the Class of ’38.
To me, President Roth’s last line speaks directly about this class. Over the 13 years I have served as class secretary, the comments from the gentlemen of ’38 have always shown them to be people who have acted relentlessly, creatively, and courageously. For most of this class, their courage was truly tested during World War II. Most of these fellows had to be extremely creative during the Great Depression. Talking with my father’s classmates about their success, I learned that it came from being relentless—at their jobs, at keeping themselves healthy, and in building stronger communities. It is true that my notes come from only three or four guys these days, but they represent a perseverance few folks get close to these days. It’s been a true treasure getting to know my father’s classmates of ’38. And on that note, here’s the latest:
Art Kingsbury and his wife, Diane, welcomed two more great-grandchildren to the family. Their total is now up to 10. Their first great-granddaughter is a freshman at Bates College. That got me thinking: If Daddy were still alive, he’d be welcoming his first great-grandchild this November. Art and Diane are in good health. He still golfs weekly, more if the weather is on his side, and walks daily. They enjoyed a lovely visit from one of their grandsons and his family over the summer. Thinking about what President Roth said about adaptability, Art and I reflected on the tremendous changes in technology and how amazing it is, watching all of these generations communicating via so many styles. They wish all safe and happy holidays.
I was so glad to hear Bob Porter has stayed healthy, keeping the pneumonia at bay. He had visits from his children and they have helped him and Doris “reduce the clutter.”
Bob told me about inheriting some old Civil War paper money and some rare coins from his folks, including some gold coins from China. He and Doris decided it was time to pass that all along to their children. How cool is that going to be for a great-grandchild to have a paper bill from the late 1800s? Doris did spend some time in the hospital in late summer but she is back and holding steady. Bob is dealing with macular degeneration, so that is making things a bit more difficult. He misses catching his football games on TV. It’s back to the radio for the play-by-play reports these days. Of course he has to share the air space with Doris and her love of the baseball games. Like Art, Bob wishes everyone well. We wish you, Bob, a very happy 99th birthday in November and Doris a very happy 97th in October.
I had a little scare when I first tried to reach Curt Smith. He had temporarily moved rooms to receive treatment for some muscular pain. I tried back a few weeks later and was delighted when he answered his old number. He had spent three weeks in therapy dealing with back pain and muscle spasms. He is feeling much better but he did say he was laying low because of the back issue.
When I spoke with Curt, his daughter Susanna was visiting from Seattle. His other daughter, Maggie, had also been out to visit. And of course son Phil lives in the same city so he sees him regularly. Curt will be celebrating his 97th birthday at the end of October.
He is very grateful for his loving and helpful children. Next time I will get more news about the music he has gone to hear, or the theater he has seen. I didn’t want to keep him from visiting with his daughter. Have a wonderful birthday, Curt.
For some reason, I have the hardest time connecting with Len Weinstein. I am sure that as this goes to print, Len will call me with some news! One of the times I tried, I did speak with his wife, Suzanne, but she told me Len was resting. I said I would call back but she warned me that he might be out at his card game! Then I missed a call from him. Well, I hope all is well with you Len. I trust that one of these days we will have an actual conversation. Enjoy your 98th birthday in December.
I think often of the fellows who have left this earth and are “out of my range.” I wish I could share with Bill Heisler how beautiful my dahlias got this year. Or tell Mac Dowds how long the tomatoes lasted this season. Joe Masselli, you’d give me a “thumbs up” on my sausage and peppers. John Baird, I know your strong voice and powerful ideas are being shared somewhere. You see, they, along with these men in these notes and another 125 or so men, learned 76 years ago how to act on their best selves. I saw it in my father. I learned it from my father. Thanks, Wesleyan, for helping these men tap into their greatness.
Have a wonderful holiday season. Here’s to good health and future stories from the Class of ’38. Have a very happy New Year.
GRACE BENNETT
daughter of the late Walter Bennett ’38
8104 39th Avenue, S.W., Seattle, WA 98136
