Journey to Portsmouth

    29 June 1956

    AN informal meeting of the Society was held at the home of Mr. William Greenough Wendell, 222 Pleasant Street, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, on Friday, 29 June 1956. Mr. Wendell, in addition to entertaining the Society, served as Secretary pro tempore. Eighteen members and the following guests were present: Vice-Admiral Morton L. Deyo, U.S.N. (ret.), Mr. Charles E. Buckley, Director of the Currier Gallery of Art, Manchester, New Hampshire, Professor Johannes A. Gaertner, of Lafayette College, and Mrs. William G. Wendell, who acted as hostess.

    One member, Lucius J. Knowles, of Pomfret, Connecticut, for whom two seats had been reserved, did not appear although he had accepted. Two members, who were not expected, appeared, thus equalizing the numbers. One hundred and thirteen regrets were received.

    The absence of the Editor was deplored all the more because he had been called to Washington to attend the funeral of Fleet Admiral Ernest J. King.

    After refreshments in the house consisting of Martini cocktails, the company repaired to what is colloquially known on the estate as “the Barn,” in an atmosphere which would be described in racing parlance as “weather clear, track fast.” Twenty-two persons sat down to a modest but elegant collation which was washed down with Moselle. The hostess sat in a convenient location in order to direct the several handmaidens but avoid undue attention at an essentially male gathering.

    After lunch most of the company visited the Warner House and appeared to enjoy the amenities offered by this venerable building.