Tag: 1938

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

Well, I do believe I’ve had a first happen during my time as secretary for the Class of ’38. Seattle has had higher temperatures and less rainfall this June and early July than all of the places where I check in.

Okay, so I really only call Rhode Island and the western coast of Florida, but still, this is an amazingly dry summer we’ve got going on in Seattle. When I was looking over the last issue’s notes and saw how there was still snow on the ground when I spoke with Curtis Smith back in late March, I actually felt a little cooler. But these are actually the notes for the Class of ’38, not Seattle’s weather, so let’s get to them.

I am buying a lottery ticket because Len Weinstein and I actually spoke this time. I am delighted to report all is well with him and Suzanne. They are feeling very lucky. They are still living in their own home in Longboat Key, Fla., and he hopes it stays that way. “It’s a beautiful place on the edge of a golf course, overlooking a pond.” Who would want to leave that? Len enjoys playing bridge several times a week. Though a cane or a wheelchair may be needed, he still gets out daily to enjoy life.

Heading south just a bit, you’ll find Venice on the coast and that’s where you’ll find Art Kingsbury and wife, Diane. Normally Art is full of news but unfortunately Art’s hearing aids were on the blink the day I called. He sounds very well but our conversation was compromised. I did try later in the week and spoke with Diane, but the hearing issue wasn’t resolved. Besides the obvious frustration that comes with the loss of one’s hearing, all else was fine. Another great-grandchild will be joining the family this year. And as one can expect, that always brings much joy into their world.

Bob Porter and wife, Doris, are doing well. It’s a smaller world they are living in these days, but recent visits from their daughters brightened their June. “Nothing very exciting to report, I’m afraid, but fresh air is still on the menu.” So while he may not be putting around a golf course, getting out to watch the other residents is still an option he enjoys. We spoke about the exciting Women’s World Cup soccer games, as that was going on when I called. Bob was saying how differently soccer is played now from when he played for Wesleyan back in the day. “The ball control is amazing. The speed, the team work with the passing, it’s all fascinating.” Something I’d like to add that I think is fascinating is that Bob Porter is looking forward to celebrating his 100th birthday this November. I can’t wait to hear the details about that party!

After my Florida conversations, I called my sole fellow from ’38 who still lives up north. Curt Smith, you may remember, was rehabbing from a minor stroke. When we spoke this time, Curt said his recovery has steadily been improving, gaining strength and feeling better as the days go on. He is adjusting to his new place of residence, though he does admit the staff seems to fuss over him a bit more than he’s used to, but he’s working out a strategy for that. I await to hear if it works. While he may not want all the extra visits from the nurses, he thoroughly enjoys his visits from his children. Both daughters have visited from the Northwest this past spring. His daughter Maggie was going to be coming again soon in mid July. His son Phil swings by every week. Curt is still singing but currently it’s only in church. Perhaps when we speak next, he will have news about a choral group that he may start up at his residence. We both acknowledged what an amazing day it was when the Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. We often talk politics and current events but I know these notes aren’t often the place for those issues. Every now and then a little sneaks its way in.

I miss my conversations around gardening at this time of the year, the ones I used to have with those from ’38 who have moved on. I hope they all are enjoying yummy peppers, incredible tomatoes, and beautiful dahlias.

It’s a wonderful image, isn’t it? And on that note, I close. Enjoy your summers and stay healthy. Check in with your families. Never forget that what you do now will be felt for generations to come. These notes remind us of that every issue.

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

It seems in the last edition the notes got, how shall we say, a wee bit verbose.

I’m not sure that is the correct way to represent the few fellows I speak with from the Class of ’38, so in keeping with the saying, “less is more,” let me say that Art Kingsbury, Curtis Smith, and Bob Porter are all doing well.

Curt has moved into The Scandinavian Home, recuperating very well after a slight stroke and the rehab that follows. Snow was still on the ground when we spoke. Art is delighted his granddaughter and family have moved back to Venice. He and Diane are enjoying watching their latest great-grandchild discover the art of walking! Bob and Doris are hanging in there. Life in Naples is quiet but they enjoy their visits from family.

Len Weinstein and I still are swapping messages. Perhaps this summer I’ll win the lottery and catch him and Suzanne when they are home!

Here’s wishing all a wonderful spring and a healthy summer. All the best,

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

While the number of fellows I have the honor of calling for the notes has definitely, how shall I say it, changed, those remaining are wonderful conversationalists! It is springtime and the guys are glad the winter has tucked itself away for a rest. While three of the four I reach out to now live in Florida, that doesn’t always mean getting out is the sunniest experience, especially after this wet winter! But in late March and early April it does.

Bob Porter kicked that pneumonia we mentioned in the last notes but he is still dealing with some shoulder pain. PT seems to be helping it. He reports Doris is well. Bob said it was a very wet winter in Naples and he is very glad to have that behind them. The sun and fresh air is so good for one’s morale. In February Bob and Doris welcomed another great-grandchild, the first girl of this generation! Bob says his “mind is sharp but the body is getting weak.” I can attest to the mind’s quickness as he broke out in song bringing up the words to Amicus Usque Ad Aras. Bob said it might even have been a Yale song but he remembers singing it with fellow freshmen when they went on a trip with an English professor to Mory’s! Perhaps the Whiffenpoofs were performing, and perhaps this professor had a connection to Yale? If the Olla Podrida from ’38 is correct, then there is a certain professor of English who had connections to Yale! What a fun adventure for Bob to share.

Heading north from Naples is Venice, Fla. Art Kingsbury has lived in Venice for 34 years. We figured out this was over a third of his life. Back in the day, most students attending Wesleyan came from the Northeast, or Midwest regions. No one in the class of ’38 came from Florida. But many did retire there. So the thought that one can retire for over a third of one’s life anywhere is another way of saying they are doing something right! Art celebrated his 96th birthday on April 13th. I still can’t imagine entering a university and experiencing almost a full first year as a 16-year-old! Art and Diane are doing very well and are in “fine health.” Their new pet of last year, the cat, entertains them daily. Art’s sons and their families were coming to celebrate his birthday. Visits with family are always enjoyable. He wishes his fellow classmates the best.

I left a few messages for Leonard Weinstein, the class’s other Florida resident, but didn’t actually speak with him. Better luck next time.

The next fellow I caught up with was Curt Smith. It was a very long winter in Rhode Island. While it was spring there, Curt commented on how it didn’t really feel like it, since the color of things was so delayed. He took a trip to northern New Hampshire and he learned from the sugar makers that the sap is also delayed. Oh dear, there goes the price of maple syrup! Curt had a visit from one daughter in February. They had a packed visit, including catching the old classic Arsenic and Old Lace at Rhode Island College. In late April his other daughter will be visiting. Every week he sees his son. He is very grateful for his time with his children. He attended a Jewish Film Festival at a local synagogue and highly recommends the film The Other Brother. Curt says they are trying to revive the singing group at his community. He is staying active, even if it means enduring stares from fellow residents of his community. Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet keep him inside! I received a lovely card from Emily Cowan ’86 who now lives in Lancaster, N.H., Curt’s old stomping ground. When she moved there in 2000, Emily said Curt came and paid her a welcome visit. Recently she attended a fundraiser for a local ski area and sat with Curt and his son Philip. She had a wonderful visit with them, discussing which articles they enjoyed in the current alum magazine. “Curtis is the dearest man. And he is so active it just takes my breath away.” Thank you, Emily, for your wonderful card.

Something else that Curt shared with me was an article in the Providence Journal. In January Bill Heisler died. While I haven’t seen an official obituary, the newspaper clipping Curt sent was an amazing tribute to Bill’s time in Providence. “Bill served the Rhode Island community in a multitude of ways as a volunteer leader of most of the prominent nonprofits in our state during his long tenure as a resident, while also serving as CEO of Citizens Bank throughout the 1960s and ’70s.”

I also learned from this article that before the government had passed the Community Reinvestment Act, “Bill had initiated his own version of CRA at Citizens, as an outreach effort to give access to diverse populations.” The Heisler Leadership Fund at The Rhode Island Foundation has been established in his memory. I so enjoyed my conversations with Bill. His last decade was spent at Medford Leas, a Quaker-based senior living and continuing care community. He always had something to share about the importance of community. He also had wonderful stories about his trips that he took well into his late 90s. My condolences go out to his family, and also to the class of ’38. This past year has been a challenging one with the loss of four classmates.

On that note, I have cross-referenced a program from last year’s Reunion’s Memorial Service, with my father’s copy of the Olla Podrida, and I have 15 names on a list. I’ll see if I can find any news from them. I think I’ve got my work cut out for me. Here’s hoping next issue will be full of news from long lost fellows of’38! Until then, enjoy the colors of spring, whenever they decide to peek out, and the warmth of summer.

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