Sa SS TS eS eee

ELAS

In Memoriam:

John Reeves

Professor Emeritus of English John K. Reeves died on April 28, 1982, at the Saratoga Springs, Hospital at the age of 75. Dr. Reeves who taught English for 25 years at the college, took early retire- ment in 1963 to pursue his own literary interests and in 1975 he was granted emeritus status by Skidmore’s board of trustees.

Born in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, John Reeves was educated at Williams College where he earned his A.B. in English and was graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He received his B. Litt. from Oxford University in 1932 and his Ph. D. from Harvard University in 1938.

William Dean Howells was a writer of special interest to him. He published

many articles and studies on Howells and chaired a Modern Language Associ- ation Conference on Howells in 1958. He was a Fulbright lecturer in American literature at Ankara University in Tur- key, in 1969.

Dr. Reeves’ first wife, Alice Phelps Reeves, an instructor in English at Skidmore, preceded him in death in 1960.

Dr. Reeves is survived by his wife Janet Ahlfeld Reeves, a son John Reeves and two daughters, Virginia Vishanoff and Susan Williams.

Robert Davidson

Robert W. Davidson, associate pro- fessor of art emeritus at Skidmore College, died Saturday, July 3, 1982, following a long illness. A native of Indianapolis, Robert Davidson came to Saratoga Springs in 1933 for a year’s residency as a guest artist at Yaddo, and

joined the Skidmore College art faculty the following year, in 1934. He retired from teaching at the college in June, 1972.

Professor Davidson began his study of art at the age of eight, when he became an apprentice to his father, and later continued his study at the Chicago Art Institute, the School of American Sculpture in New York City and at the Bavarian State Fine Arts Academy in Munich, Germany. He also studied privately, both here and abroad, with such noted sculptors and master artisans as Robert A. Baillie, Anton Bauer, Otto Korn, and Joseph Wackerle. _

His work has been exhibited at the Chicago Art Institute, the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, the Whitney Gallery in New York, the Palace of the Legion of Honor in San Francisco, and at the Chicago World’s Fair and the Glass Palace International Exhibition in Munich.

Professor Davidson is represented in the permanent art collection of Skid- more College as well as the permanent collections of various museums and galleries, and he has executed commis- sions for libraries, schools and other institutions throughout the country, including a sculpture for the Legislation Building of the New York State Gov- ernment Center in Albany.

Preceded in death by his wife, Maryetta Mauck Davidson, who was also a professor of art at Skidmore, Professor Davidson is survived by his daughter Jalia (Mrs. Claude) Seward, five grand- children, one brother and several nieces and nephews.

The college has planned a memorial service to be held at the Wilson Chapel on campus. Memorial contributions may be made to the Maryetta and Robert Davidson Scholarship Fund at Skidmore College.

class notes

Editor Patricia Totten

Editor’s Note: The following class notes for this issue were compiled, with a few later additions, on April 25.

17

Mary Taggart Schock writes that Katherine Spofford Dunham 18 was a close friend during college days and the only attendant at her wedding 60 years ago (August 20, 1921). Mary's seventh great- grandchild was born this April 4th. One son lives in San Diego, two live near Boston. Mary heard from Ruth Prentiss Lee at Christmas and she included a lot of snapshots of the 1917 art class — her gift for the Memory Book. Mary also keeps in touch with Helen Snyder Russell 19 in Ft. Lauderdale. Mary has been a member of the Great Book Club for over 50 years and is the only surviving member of the original group.

Gladys Munro Icke Embury Apartments, 123 East Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 A few faithful 19ers have returned their cards with news. | will hope for more replies for my next report.

Ruth Trask Emery is now living in a Senior Citizen apartment in Gary, IN where she enjoys talking books because of failing eyesight. She had recently visited her sons and families in Denver, CO and Bloomington, Indiana. Good to hear from you, Ruth.

A nice note from Doris Atwood McLean, who keeps busy playing the organ and piano at the retirement home where she lives. In May she expects to fly to Portland, OR to visit her daughter Edda (named for Edda Bennett). Doris keeps in touch with Mary Robertson Dodds '20 and Dode Niles ’20.

Due to broken hip, Ruth Thompson Thomas spent the winter close to home in Factoryville, PA. We wish you well, Ruth.

Megg Heaton Doremus is now residing at Glengariss Manor, Glen Cove, NY. Dot Wilson Miller has moved to Lombard, IL to be near one of her daughters.

A telephone call from Olive Southwick Whitten who now lives at East Ridge Village, a retirement center south of Miami, FL, says that she and her husband recently enjoyed celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

Bea Keeney Day wrote Christine that she and Bob had enjoyed a month at Ft. Lauderdale this winter. She saw Snyde who now lives there permanently. Snyde is happy to have daughter Sally living nearby and she is a great help to her.

On March 11th, Christine Hope attended a concert at college given by a world-famous pianist — Alicia de Larrocha. Filene Hall was sold out, and Christine reports that she played brilliantly. Christine saw Miss Williams who is doing a great job as head of the Music Department. Hopie has a very talented student, Maryanne Snell, who has been chosen one of ten semi-finalists for one of the four new music scholarships, final judging to be held in the near future. She also plays a very “mean flute” and is one of four semi-finalists in that category.

Lucille Crittenden McChesney died on September 28, 1981 at the home of her daughter Ann. Crittie was always an enthusiastic member of our class and we shall miss her.

Gig Lothrop Anthony wrote to the Alumni Office that she attended a Skidmore luncheon in Sarasota on January 26th and was pleased to meet President and Mrs. Palamountain and so many alumni. Gig still lives in Venice, FL, and has seven grandchildren.

Snyde’s Christmas greeting always contains one of her humorous poems for which she is noted. A recent poem reads, “| have on by bi- focals, My false teeth fit me fine, | have my hearing aid turned up, But, Lord, How | miss my mind.”

As for me, | am still enjoying life at my retirement home near Skidmore in Saratoga. Whoever thought | would be living here sixty- two years ago? Many changes in town since then, but for the better. Most of the dorms on the old campus have been converted to apartment houses, and Skidmore Hall is now an attractive apartment house. From my living room windows, | have a wonderful view of the new campus and have watched the progress in building the huge gym which they expect to finish by next fall.

Keep your cards coming!

ZU. ae

77 Third Street Stamford, CT. 06905

Helen Hutchins Simonds is active at church, local AARP, bridge and

golf. Her first great-grandchild was born in June to her oldest grandson and his wife in Denver, Colorado.

Mary Robertson Dodds and husband celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September. They are expecting their fifth great- grandchild in June.

Helen Crane Hill still keeps going and had a large garden again this past year — 60 x 80’. Things were most prolific, even though the summer was dry. She canned everything she could and stocked enough for a couple of years. “The coons got the corn!”

We are sorry to learn of the death of Dorothy Dean Gordon in Worcester, MA, on November 20, 1981. Her son, Harry Gordon, Jr., of Root Road, Somers, CT 06071, survives.

At Christmastime, 16 of my family were at my nephews’ in Middlebury, VT. This past Easter | spent in a New York hotel, enjoying meals with numerous old friends.

a. Bent

11 Ladshaw Drive Madison, CT 06443 It's that time of year again when we start to think of Skidmore and what we can do to help financially to keep our class alive with our annual contributions. We have done pretty well in the past, so let’s keep up the good work and let the younger members of the association know that we are still able to help meet the goals.

Our world traveler, Eloise Hall Hammel, is travelling this year with a Tucson, AZ group, and a recent card from her reported that she was on her way to Florida via the Mississippi Queen for three days and nights. She has seen the Vicksburg Battle Grounds, Natchez homes, Carlsbad Caverns and the Alamo.

Jo Lennox visited her brother this Spring. She and Dottie Noble finally got together last fall after many years of not seeing each other.

We were pleased to see Dr. and Mrs. Palamountain and Alumni Director Candy Fahey when they were in Sarasota for a delightful luncheon at the Field Club in January. Many of you may remember Grayce Pelton Harrison '25 who was also there with her husband.

Our twelfth great-grand was born recently. Can anyone top that? Please send me some news, if only to say Hi! HAPPY SPRING.

Correspondence from '21 friends hasn't been too lively of late. How about a note from you to keep us in touch?

ct

11Central Avenue

Nyack, NY 10960 Such wonderful telephone conversations with each and every one in the class. | can report that in spite of the wear and tear of Sixty Years, we are all hanging in there and we're on the move.

Helen Filene Ladd has returned to Maine from their place in Tucson, Arizona and Evelyn Warner Banister is in her old Vermont home after a winter's stay with her son in Connecticut.

Mildred Johnson Scott supervised from a wheelchair as a grand- daughter helped her move from a home of twenty years to an apartment in Rochester.

Myrtle Stansel Lair included Lake Louise in her travels this past winter; Mally Lane drives her car to visit shut-ins, and Mildred Tucker Nalen looks forward to living in North Carolina where golf courses are green all year.

Pauline Haynes was Chairman of the Music Department at SUNY Brockport for forty years, and has been so happy in Brockport that she has no desire to move.

Lillian Goldman McKenzie is supervising the construction of an addition to her home in Boulder, CO, which had been planned by her husband.

Grace Schoonmaker Raym, Harriet Schwartz Backenstoe, Rachel Kimball Farnham, Agnes Joslin Griswold and Margaret Bolles Zehner

continue to be very busy with a variety of interesting projects.

We were saddened to learn from her husband that Wilva Atkins Dimmock had died. We remember her as a very happy classmate. Our sympathies are extended to T.S. Dimmock, New Port Richey, FL 33552 and trust that his health is now improving.

Mildred Jenks Beebe’s correct address is Broomall Presbyterian Home, Maple Road, Broomal, PA 18008.

23 Miriam Pitts Pitt

(Deceased May 21, 1982) In Tribute:

It is a great sorrow to feel the loss of a dear friend whom we have known, admired and loved since 1919. Our sympathy is extended to her family.

At Skidmore, music was her major and continued to be her great joy all her life. We remember her talented organ playing in College Chapel.

Pittsie has been the leading spirit keeping our class of ’23 together over the years. Her enthusiastic, friendly letters helped inspire us by her loyal devotion to Skidmore — past, present and future.

Our lives have been enriched by her cheerful, kindly loving personality. Happy memories remain and we give thanks as we honor our dear classmate whose joy and faith will continue to sing in our hearts.

Joyce Mather Glassey

Frank and Betty Williams Gilloon have been busy reading and finding ways to give so the Class of '23 will gain recognition and so that Skidmore benefits from their gift while they are alive. Betty and Frank have many interests-in education, medicine, wildlife, etc.

Joyce and Jerry Glassey are holding their own, too, out there on Mercer Island near their two boys, with yearly visits to their daughter's in Connecticut. Mary Joyce Glassey Ehbrecht’57 celebrated her 25th Reunion at Skidmore this year.

a, ae

23 Williams Terrace We have Kay McKinlay Brehm to thank for the following news items.

Bellows Falls, VT 05101 Kay had lunch with Grace McClelland Leslie recently and they telephone visit very often.

Florence Buhrmaster Harr is recovering from a broken hip and her husband reports that she is getting along well.

Peggy Hayford Taylor's son taught at Skidmore in the Art Department this year and is having a show of his work in New York City.

Kay reports that she is fine and has kept busy and contented during this past winter's ice age. She expects it must have been good for ski business in Vermont. (Right you are, Kay, but! could gladly have done with less of the white stuff!)

Esther Case Williams wrote to the Alumni Office that she had a delightful cruise on The Mardi Gras, the first of March, to the Caribbean and Mexico.

2 5 Dorothy Hensel Axford

497 N Abington Road Clarks Green, PA 18411

Grayce Pelton Harrison and husband Schuyler celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this past year, and daughter Hope Hollister ran it all, at Canoe Brook Country Club, in South Hills, MA. Five of the original 14 in the wedding party were on hand for the occasion. The couple then spent 10 weeks at their camp in the Adirondacks as usual — Grayce’s 74th time there. Then, at the end of September, they flew to San Francisco for 10 days with daughter Nan and family. The Harrisons expect to stay in Sarasota until June of this year.

Virginia Brandt is now at Oxford Manor, 7 Locust Street, Oxford, PA 19363. Please drop her a note.

Emily Beach Smith wrote to say that she is still active inher church. She and her sister drove up the East coast to Maryland last June and spent Christmas with family in New York State. ...Grace Phillips Michelsen was in the process of moving to Delray Beach, FL, when she wrote in January. She and Rolf are settling into an adult retirement community. He is 82 and has both glaucoma and cataracts while Grace has been recuperating from a serious operation. Their new address is 1115 SW 22nd Avenue, Apt. 327, Abbey Delray, Delray Beach, FL 33445.

As for the Axfords, we have 12 grandchildren whom we see often. Two are graduates of Skidmore. | am still painting — poorly, but manage to sell every now and then.

Rydel Park 460

26 Rydal, PA 19046

Christmas cards brought news of several classmates, the most detailed with interesting pictures from Marj Smith Davis. She and

Frances Tompkins Fuller

Deane were planning to go to Sarasota this year instead of to Arizona.

Bernice Alexander Cummings has visited her girls out west a couple of times during the past year, and also spent ten days touring Vermont.

Gen Anderson Morgan seems to be having a very busy time with family and friends in and around Avon, NY, now that she is settled back in her old hometown.

Class of 1927

On my Metroliner trip to Boston, Betty Honness McKaughan just happened to be sitting across the aisle. We had a fine visit before she got off in New York to spend the holidays with her daughter and family.

Two sad items: Dr. Hazel Richards died on November 15, 1981, in Longmeadow, MA, and Olive Roy Armstrong's husband Harrison died September 25, 1981. We extend our sympathy to Dixie's daughter, Jennifer Hatcher '54, of Denver, CO, and to Olive and her family.

Lois McAdams Standfast wrote to the Alumni Office that she and Alfred celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in June 1981. Their three children put on quite a party, with 10 grandchildren, many cousins and other relatives and friends attending.

2 8 Mary Roberts Teare

45 Goode Street Burnt Hills, NY 12027 Norma Lippold Howard has moved back to Spring Lake Heights, NJ, where she has bought a townhouse near a golf course. She is glad to be back in the area where she lived for so many years. A note of interest: The President of her women’s club is Dr. Borst’s daughter. Remember History of Ed?

Mary Thompson is enjoying her new home in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Mac Hunt Evans and Alton took their boat to Florida for another winter of cruising and visiting friends.

Connie Goodwin Cheney wrote to the Alumni Office that it was a most nostalgic and delightful day when the Palamountain entourage came to Sarasota in January. Elinor Griffin McFarlane sends her love to all the Class. She is at Hamilton Nursing Home, 141 Chestnut St., Needham, MA 02192, and would love to hear from classmates.

The class mourns the loss of “Luddie”, Evelyn Ludlow Bowers, who died March 29, 1982, three weeks after her husband of 56 years, James Bowers, died on February 21st. Luddie was our creative and dependable arranger and accompanist for the last several reunions. Although she left before graduation to marry James, she continued piano lessons with Mr. Johns after he married and moved to new Jersey. She was active in the Altar Guild and Choir of St. John’s Episcopal Church, a 55-year member of Red Cross, a member of Somerville Civic League, Womans Auxiliary of the Somerset Medical Center, Somerville History Club and Bound Brook Garden Club. James, a past president of the Rutgers Law School Alumni, had served as State Assemblyman and Senator and leader of the Democratic Senate Minority, as Prosecutor of Pleas of Somerset County and as Judge of the first Judicial District. He was a Brigadier General in the NJ National Guard, Director of the Somerset Trust Company, and a member of the NJ Civil Service Commission. The Bowers are survived by two daughters, E. Guinevere Bowers Brokaw 60, of 9 Fieldstone Drive, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, and Marjorie