Patey and I were speaking and writing some time ago about the seventy-fifth birthday. As the boys would say, "That is some birthday," and it is fitting that more than ordinary notice should be taken of it. I expressed a belief that expressions of loyalty and grateful remembrance were more to you than material things would be. I hope the expression will be as spontaneous at this time as it has been from year to year all through your service. I have never known in any other case such a continued and universal loyalty as the students of St. Johnsbury Academy have given to you. By reflex action it has been inspiring to me and cultivated in me the same desire to serve my pupils which you have shown.
With best wishes,
Franklin A. Dakin.
Words are after all poor substitutes for the genuine feelings of the heart but I know you will be able to brush aside the words and get at the sentiment back of them.
In three more days from this date you will be rounding out seventy-five years of a very useful life.
I am sure you will let an old pupil and one who has received so much inspiration and good cheer from your life tell you so at this time.
Your boys and girls are in many lands but they are still your boys and girls. Never have I seen a man retain the affection and esteem of those who have come under his influence to a greater extent than you have.
May the good Lord continue to bless you and yours is the sincere wish of your former pupil and friend,
Hedley Philip Patey, '86.