Tag: 1957

Jim Brown ushered in 2020 with a family cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas. Three oldest granddaughters, ages 22-25, granddad comments, “all cute and creating devastation among bachelors and partying ’til 5 a.m.” The Brown dinner table was a lively experience with 14 in attendance.

Last summer, Ed Mehlman had a health scare, waking up with intense pain that led to an ER visit and an immediate operation to repair a perforated intestine. It was successful and he was home within four days. The ordeal was not over, as he suffered a stroke shortly thereafter that affected his speech. Could not talk at all—a “full stroke.” With speech therapy, he got back to normal. Subsequent happy news included weddings for his middle son and his eldest grandson. Ed was pleased to host relevant dinners, all events taking place in New England.

Hank Fulton took to the road last summer, keeping up with classmates. There was a lunch in Easton, Pa., with Rod Henry, whom he’d not seen in 60 years! Then visiting Penny and John Parkin in nearby Michigan. This attests to the enduring friendships we made at Wes. Hank has been slowed down some with an AFib and the acquisition of a pacemaker early this year.

Bob Gorin’s daughter, Bethel Gorin Gottlieb ’90, attended Wes’s admissions weekend with daughter Alexandra who is a junior at The Brearley School in NYC.

Heard from Bill Fullarton recalling a meeting some years back with the president of Ohio Wesleyan about a real estate project. Upon exchanging greetings, they realized there was a Wes connection. It was Tom Wenzlau, who was an economics instructor in the late 1950s. I too remember Tom, having taken his Labor Eco course. Catching up on family, Bill writes that three daughters with his first wife, Ann, are all married, all with three children of their own. Grandchildren are in a host of colleges, e.g., University of Washington, VA Tech, and George Mason. Bill has been married to his present wife, Jane, for 20 years. He remains active via service on real estate boards, plays golf in season, and he does the gym four times weekly. He’s also learning Spanish with a group meeting every week.

Jeff Williamson writes from Great Cruise Bay in the U.S. Virgin Islands. That’s his mid-winter residence from which he then heads back to Madison, Wis., where family resides. He reports that it has been 11 years since retirement from Harvard. Health remains strong.

Dividing time between home in Washington State and traveling in Mexico, you can find Bob Anderson with a host of activities, including art, immigration and environmental issues, and even an occasional sermon when his current pastor is away. His art output is heavily influenced by Mexican culture, including some from prehistoric times.

The Wilmots—Gordy and Marilyn—celebrated their 30th anniversary with a river cruise on a paddle wheeler from Tennessee all the way down to N’Orlins. One of their granddaughters graduated from URI with a degree in wildlife management and is in Florida doing dolphin research. She lives with the Wilmots in Palmetto and has a convenient commute to work.

Sadly, we have lost three classmates. Jim Brecht in Elizabethtown, Pa., in October. He is survived by wife Patti. Ted Voss and Owen Garfield in November; Ted in Newton, Mass., where he is survived by sister Sophia, and Owen in Yarmouth, Maine, where he leaves wife Deborah. Condolences to the families on behalf of our class.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

Welcome to the latest of a range of events and recollections. Janice and Ken Travis celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier in 2019. And shortly after, their grandson’s wedding. Ken adds that the mother of the groom, daughter Leslie ’85, was beaming throughout. The “something old” on the wedding cake was a cutter from the Travis wedding reception of 1959. Ken says that he and Janice had it washed.

Not to sound competitive—Jack Goodhue reports that he and Jane are in year 63 of their marriage. They are living the good life in Wilmington, N.C., and have since Jack’s retirement at age 58 as president of an oil company in 1993. Recent trips overseas include one to Budapest and another to Southern France. They also drive cross-country once annually to California to visit their son and teenage granddaughter. Jack writes a monthly magazine column, “Your Business.” He’s done 307 of such since 1993 (but who’s counting). At the time I am writing this, Jack says the Goodhues survived fierce storm Dorian (the 16th one they’ve experienced with no significant damage).

How would you like an inflation rate of 55%? That is what Naren Bali tells us is the state of the economy in Argentina. And some around here are not pleased with the Fed. Naren and spouse Margarita get by on savings and a bit of work alongside of that. He has been retired 12 years, but hires out as an IT consultant. Their daughter, born in Seattle when Naren was teaching at the University of Washington, is a professor of poli-sci at Michigan State. She has two children, ages 13 and 10. The Balis’ son is also a professor (math), as is his wife, and they had their first child, a girl, earlier in 2019. Naren terms her “our new weakness.” Their Buenos Aires neighborhood is pleasant and is 15 minutes from downtown by train, and they spend most of the summers at their beach house in Uruguay.

The Gordy Wilmots also celebrate an anniversary—the 30th. He and Marilyn embarked on a river cruise on the Mississippi—a steamboat from Chattanooga to New Orleans. I hope Gordy knew when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. The Wilmots enjoy excellent health, have even joined a bowling league. They go down to Palmetto, Fla., annually, from late in the year until May. Can be reached at 941/981-9888 and would welcome classmates who may be visiting in the Tampa-Sarasota area.

Dick Cassie retired from Rutgers Dental School in March. Having been a widower for some 10 years, he has been seeing a lovely widow, Suzy Maguire, in recent years, and has moved from the Jersey shore to Newtown, Pa., to be closer to her. Recently they traveled to California to see Suzy’s grandchildren and where he connected with Bill LeSuer in San Francisco. Dick’s new address in Newtown is 124 Willow Drive 18940.

Catching up with Ed Parmee, writing that he had taught anthropology and community development at the University of Arizona at Tucson for 36 years. Two marriages, each for 23 years, and a daughter and two stepdaughters. There are eight grandchildren to keep Ed busy. Also keeping him well occupied is a family history project that will weigh in over 500 pages and cover several hundred years. A wide group of nations comprise the story—they range from France and Germany to South Africa and Australia. He hopes to go to publication in 2020.

Bob Gorin reports that his grandson, David Gottlieb ’22, completed a successful freshman year (“Did better than I did,” Bob adds). David is an Argus sportswriter. He included a photo of David in his sophomore dorm room and said, “The large banner on the wall is the 1987 Little Three hockey championship banner. David’s late dad, Brian ’88, was the goalie on that championship team. Shortly after Brian passed away the coach presented the banner to my daughter, Bethel ’90. It had been signed by all team members. It is so appropriate that it is now back at Wesleyan.”

Bob Anderson has traveled to prehistoric Mexico, with Oaxaca on the Yucatan being a favorite spot. He would welcome like-interested companions who might be at least modestly conversant in Spanish. He continues with his sculpture and drawing projects.

Mike Stein died in September. An eloquent note from his son, Peter Stein ’84, paid tribute to his father’s 50-year U.S. government career, three years as a Marine officer, and 47 years working for the CIA. Peter made particular reference to Mike’s communications skills and commented on the capital cities around the globe that duty took them to. Mike was Wes-loyal throughout. ’57 has lost a great friend.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

I hope all are enjoying the summer: Sonnet 18 tells that “summer’s lease has all too short a date.” Jim Brown continues to be fit with regular gym workouts. Wife Betty underwent a second knee replacement with success. He says that keeping up with children and grandchildren keep both he and Betty well occupied. Son Dr. Chris Brown is active in fields distant from medicine, e.g. a third book about DaVinci, a PBS film, and earlier this summer, an expedition in search of the Ark of the Covenant (which, for Wikipedia fans, is thought to be a chest containing the Bible’s sacred treasures, even possibly the Commandments—at least some of them). Jim adds that he knew he was outflanked when Chris beat him at chess, daughter one swam faster, and daughter two made PBK at Wes.

Bill Pratt reports that the “blue wave” democratic victory in New Mexico in the 2018 elections helped his win, taking a seat that had been Republican for some years previous. He was pleased with the 2019 legislative session—constructive in addressing practical problems such as water conservation, criminal justice, and surprise medical bills. Some disappointment in failing to take on gun legislation. So far he likes his new career, adding that being retired and experienced has its advantages.

My eldest grandson Johnny Maggio entered the University of Wisconsin last fall and—early on—had a meeting with Jeff Williamson in Madison that provided a unique and valuable intro to college life. Jeff has been busy managing repairs to his winter home on the island of St .John (USVI) that sustained damage following a severe hurricane that struck the Caribbean.

Sad news upon the loss of two classmates past May:

Allen Jay, suddenly, of a heart attack. In recent issues herein, I wrote on Al not allowing orthopedic problems to dissuade him from an adventurous trip, but his passing was, of course, unrelated thereto and unforeseen. Condolences to wife Ricky and the Jay family.

Then, Bob Sharlet. Bob’s Wes tenure was interrupted by military service, and upon said conclusion, he transferred to Brandeis, where he graduated in 1960. He taught at Union College for 35 years and authored a number of books, many focused on international political science.

Sam Bergner is ensconced in a new apartment in Metuchen, N.J., having sold his house last year. He says that wife Lynn loves the new digs, adding that her view is all that matters. He is dealing with early stage Parkinson’s.

Bill Shepard writes that his Wes decision to major in French lit was influenced by the choice of something that would remain active even in retirement, which has proven to be the case. He mentions reading Hugo’s Notre Dame de Paris at about the time last spring when the fire hit the cathedral. He adds that his command of the language is adequate, surely aided after his years of usage in France during his years of service.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

New directions and Wes recollections from our class correspondents, so we will get right to it.

Hank Fulton’s noteworthy event last year was a trip that he and wife Nancy took to Glasgow, Scotland, the occasion highlighted by Hank receiving an award in recognition of his biography of John Muir, a Glasgow physician of the 18th century. He was given a “freedom of the city” token that must have come to good use, given his reference to “all that walking.” The Fultons then went on to Stratford and London during the three weeks they were away. In family matters, Hank reports that their four children are doing just fine in locations primarily in Pennsylvania and New England.

Another writing recognition—this to John Chaplick from the Florida Writers Association in the form of a silver medal awarded for his novel, Parchments of Fire, at the organization’s annual meeting in Orlando.

In the nostalgia category—if there is such in the column—Dick West writes that he and Mike Stein would make “spontaneous trips” to Smith looking for dates and that on one springtime jaunt their contact lady was none other than Gloria Steinem and there was Tom Lehrer entertaining on the college greensward. Upon their return to Middletown, he and Mike found the campus in an unusually hushed manner in the wake of an episode that, well, is best lost to memory.

We learned of Al Jay’s Antarctica antics in our last magazine and Dr. Al reports that he’s holding his own following a third hip surgery. He adds that medicine was more enjoyable from the other side of the desk. Enjoyable for him lately is following the progress of 5-year-old granddaughter, Maya, on the soccer field.

There were warm holiday greetings from John Allison and he says he stays in touch with Sigma Nu brothers Tony Arena ’55, John Ineson ’55, and Bob Provost ’58.

Bill Fullarton is learning Spanish, to help keep the “cranial synapses” functioning.

Bob Gorin’s grandson, David Gottlieb ’22, has completed his first semester at Wes and is writing for the Argus, covering sports including volleyball and hockey. His late dad, Brian ’88, was goalie on the 1987 Little Three champion team.

Bill Pratt has moved from ortho surgery to politics in his home state of New Mexico. In 2018 he filed as a Democratic candidate for their House of Representatives, won a primary, then the general election with 51 percent of the vote. With a new governor and a diverse legislature, Dr. Bill looks forward to improvements. He says he is once again a freshman at age 83.

From Washington State, Bob Anderson is keeping active with his artwork. He is taking a life drawing class and producing in a wide range of media including clay paper sculpting and bas-relief. He recalls being part of a group that led Professor John Risley to hold the first sculpture class in the DAC in 1955, and further adds that in another art class, Professor Butch Limbach advised his students not to quit their day jobs. That surely resonates with yours truly.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942

It seems like a long time past—summer, that is—so here go a couple of recollections.

Dick Cassie and son Scott toured Russia. Scott was a history major at Trinity. Dick’s message was illustrated with a photo of the two with a backdrop of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which was blown up during the Stalin years and later completely rebuilt. The Cassie duo spent four days in Moscow and the same in St. Petersburg.

Marilyn and Gordy Wilmot reunited with the Brancarts—Claude and Lesley. The latter couple live in Brunswick, Maine, and the Wilmots in Warwick, R.I., so the difference was split with a house rental in Hampton, N.H. Claude has medical issues including dementia, which did not detract from an enjoyable time for all, but Claude did not recall his Wes years very much—although he did remember yours truly when we roomed together in Clark Hall junior year!

He went on to MIT the following year under the “three and two” program and I recall visiting him in Boston in a nifty apartment that he had at the time.

And while on the subject of roomies, here’s a note from my freshman year roommate in North College, Bob Anderson. From Washington State, where Bob spent many of his years as a minister in UCC churches, he writes that he lives in a house he helped design and build on Guemes Island which is halfway between Seattle and Vancouver, which he (and many other people to be sure) never tire of visiting. Keeping him busy are landscaping and art. He lost his wife of 31 years just a little more than a year ago. He too attached a photo along with his note. Replete with beard, and longish hair, looking quite in style.

Two classmates with strong family continuance with Wes are Bob Gorin and Ed Mehlman. Ed’s son, Jeff ’84, and his wife, Lynne ’84, are both alumni. Jeff did coaching on the first women’s rugby team, which is where he met Lynne who played on said club. Ed has several grandchildren ranging in age from 19 to 25. This past summer he vacationed in the Canadian Rockies. He checks in with Ed Stein ’60, Al Jay, and Dick Cassie.

Bob Gorin’s grandson, David Gottlieb ’22 is residing in a dorm named for President Vic Butterfield which, Bob informs, sits on a site once occupied by Bob’s Gamma Psi house. Bob visited during Family Weekend.

News from Allen Jay: Rehab following a third hip surgery and he was not dissuaded beforehand to take a 10-day expedition cruise to Antarctica and some close associations with such as penguins, seals, and a boat-rocking humpback whale. Al sent a photo wherein he appears heavily bundled up.

Jack Braitmayer wrote, “Didn’t do much cruising this summer; our son used our new Hunt 33 more than we did. It all relates to his position and what we get out of it—he is now CEO of his company and the boat is loaded with his products. Spent the past summer and winter in Marion, Mass. Used to go to Florida for three months, but the marina closed and we decided to stay north after it closed—we spent 10 years there; and that was enough.”

The Parkins—John and Penny—live in their (originally) vacation home in northwest Michigan, where the summer population is about eight times the year-rounders. The County is a poor one, and John and some other residents organized a task force to address a wide range of economic issues, e.g. job creation. They have been able to raise state and local funding for projects, including skills training. Further, John convenes with fellow Alpha Delt brothers in NYC during the holiday season.

Mike Stein reports that he has chronic kidney failure and must have dialysis treatments three times a week. He sends his regards to his classmates.

I realize I’m stating the obvious in bringing attention to our inexorable movement to the front of the class notes section, especially now with the conclusion of the Class of ’38 notes. Hope that we read Grace Bennett’s piece in the summer magazine—a tribute to the class and a heartfelt l’envoi. Well done, Ms. Bennett.

Art Typermass | joanarth64@gmail.com
144 East Ave., #302B, Norwalk, CT 06851 | 203/504-8942