Letters to the Editor
A Lasting Education
Your marvelous story on Mary Clapp (Fall 2002 Montanan) prompts these words. One of our assignments from Mary Clapp, during an English course, was to write a secondary source paper. My long abiding interest in antiques caused me to write on Josiah Wedgwood, English potter born 1730. The research was most enlightening and made many lasting impressions. During a visit to the Smithsonian, it was thrilling to see and recognize one of Wedgwood’s copies of the famous Portland Vase. Thank you Mary Clapp.
During a visit to the Hermitage, my gaze was directed to a case of dinnerware, the Green Frog Service, commissioned by Catherine the Great 1773-1774 for the Palace of Chesman. The designs were of famous buildings in England, each topped by a Green Frog. In many cases they are the only surviving records of former buildings. A few years ago the current Wedgwood factory made a few ‘limited editions’ of some of the Frog Service and it was my fortune to obtain one of them for my collection. Although my grade was average, what a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment. Thank you Mary Clapp.
Don T. Stagg ’55, ’59
Blaine, Washington
Editor’s Note: This letter was sent more than a year ago and, unfortunately, placed in the wrong folder. Imagine my chagrin to find such an interesting letter lost in the heap and unacknowledged. I decided, however, that the message holds up and I offer it here, with my apologies to Don. - JM
Buckskin Charlie
I’ve just finished looking through the Winter 2003 (Montanan) and was excited to read the note on Valerie Jean Yule Walther ’49, Missoula. Valerie notes regarding her collection of spoons that her favorite is a Butte teaspoon featuring Buckskin Charlie, the scout who took Teddy Roosevelt up the Gallatin River and into Yellowstone Park. It is possible the Buckskin Charlie of the spoon was my great-grandfather, as that is the name he went by when he rode with the U.S. Cavalry as an Indian scout. As Buckskin Charlie Robards, he rode with General Custer at least once and only by a fluke was not with the party at the ill-fated battle.
Jeannie Green
Ashland, Oregon
Let’s Hear It for the
Forestry School
WOW! What a tremendous time my family and I enjoyed during Homecoming weekend. Being recognized as a distinguished alum is an extreme personal honor, but being recognized for accomplishments in forestry and natural resources is of particular satisfaction. I believe the award signals how important our nation’s forests have become and how important forestry colleges have been and are in preparing students to assume professional responsibilities.
Reflecting on my years at UM (1963-1967) made me realize that I received much more than technical training. I remember many of my professors who truly became role models and have had a strong influence on me. It also occurred to me that forty years from now, alumni will be referring to the current faculty in the same way. Dean Perry Brown, his faculty members, and program leaders are a quality team. I am extremely impressed with the entire forestry program at the University. I salute these committed educators and program leaders who are shaping the natural resource professionals of the future. Their responsibility is awesome.
Another thing that struck me was how many of my student colleagues have remained friends and associates over the years. So, for you students, remember that many of the acquaintances you are making now will last a lifetime.
UM had a great forestry school when I was a student and is now a top forestry college in the nation. I challenge my fellow alumni (of all ages) to reconsider your strategy for contributions to the College of Forestry and Conservation. I have! The college is a great place to put your money. Consider your financial support as an investment in people who will influence decisions regarding our national and global natural resources for many years to come. Also, Dean Brown told me that there are many opportunities for voluntary involvement of alumni in advancing the agenda of the college. Let’s do our part to help out!
Phil Janik ’67
Vancouver, Washington
Ah, Those Voluntary Subscribers
The Montanan is the best alumni magazine that arrives at our house. We receive three. My family [members] all enjoy reading what is happening on campus and in the state.
Betty Reynolds
Sunnyvale, California
Just because we live so nearby and enjoy the U in every way we can, there’s no excuse for our not paying our share. We read the magazine from cover to cover. Thanks.
Dorothy Miller Petersen ’40
Polson, Montana
Grateful Soldiers
The following letter was sent to UM Executive Vice President Bob Frazier and reprinted here with his permission.
Mr. Frazier, please accept this letter of appreciation from forty-five grateful soldiers from Montana. Your support during the holiday season helped to make a tough situation more tolerable. We are stationed in Kuwait and have been here since April [2003]. Being away from family is difficult. Your support helped demonstrate to the soldiers that we have not been forgotten and that our sacrifices are appreciated. The hats, mugs, socks, pins, and pens from UM made great stocking stuffers.
We also would like to congratulate you on a successful football season. Many of our soldiers received their college degrees from UM. I purchased season tickets in the North End Zone and look forward to using them next year. I look forward to meeting you and thanking you in person when our unit returns to Montana.
Ronda Scott
Command Sergeant Major
495th Transportation Battalion
