Thanks for including the portrait of John Hatch in Gary Samson's article "The Eye Behind the Image" (Winter '00). When I turned to the page, my breath -- and a little piece of my heart -- was taken away. In an instant, I was back in the Paul Arts Center, 25 years ago. Hatch, as we lovingly called him, had come up behind me while I worked on a student painting, murmuring his approval -- the highest praise a young artist could ask for -- then, as I picked up the exact wrong color on my brush, spluttering his dismay in a series of noises like a '57 Chevy with a bad muffler. That happened more than once; you learned how to interpret Hatch's noises. Himself the finest of artists, John Hatch knew how to challenge talented students and encourage those of lesser abilities. He was a gifted teacher, thoughtful mentor and, when the occasion required, a compassionate counselor. Beneath all this, like an underpainting that flickered around the edges of his gruff sea-captain's voice, was the kindness so evident in Samson's portrait. Thanks again for printing the photograph. I plan to frame that page and hang it in my office so I can feel Hatch's presence over my shoulder, remember his encouragement and hear his occasional spluttering.

Ken Sheldon '76
Jaffrey, N.H.

As an amateur photographer with a lifelong love of UNH, I was delighted with Gary Samson's retrospective (Winter '00). I was particularly pleased with the fine 1998 portrait by Samson of the late John Hatch, who, as my art history teacher, had shown how to view great works of the past, much as my then humanities/18th-century literature professor Max Maynard (also an artist) had helped me to "see" pictures through poetry and prose. Let us hope that sometime soon UNH will have the funds to allow Mr. Samson to create a volume of the history of our school in photos. I will be among the first to purchase this book.

Richard Daggett Lynde '57
Aromas, Calif.

Launching a Museum

The past, the present and the future -- all wrapped up in the UNH Magazine. Important, and by no means least of all, is that treasure of a University Museum, which hosted the show of photographs featured in "The Eye Behind the Image" (Winter '00). Many dedicated alumni, in particular the classes of 1932, 1936, 1938 and 1958, donated seed money to establish the first campus museum. Perhaps my visionary eye glancing into the future perceives a documentary tour, bringing so many of those shelved museum treasures to all parts of the state. Thank you for providing a wonderful reflection of the university.

Charlotte Boothroyd Chase '38
Durham, N.H.

The Horse Barn Fire Photo

Thank you very much for your article and selected photographs in the Winter '00 issue of the University of New Hampshire Magazine. Perhaps you would be interested in the following information. Regarding "Fighting the horse barn fire" (1961): the late Scott Louis Locicero '64 is the second from the left in the foreground, helping with the hose. He is wearing dark pants and a white T-shirt. At the time of this photo he was 18 years old. He and I were married in September 1961. It is interesting to note that Dick Merritt took the photo. Dick and his wife, Edna, were our upstairs neighbors when Scott and I lived in Madbury in 1964 and 1965. Regarding the excellent portrait of John Hatch: I was in several classes taught by this most delightful and talented man. I have a watercolor-charcoal landscape of his that I still enjoy. Suggestion: consider a sequel to this article and focus on Dick Merritt.

Alice Owens Locicero Johnson '64
Fremont, Calif.

The Friends on the Fence

The photograph included in Mylinda Woodward's article "The Way We Were" (Winter '00) is such a gem I thought readers might like to know more about it. The photo is a gift to the University Museum from Anne L. Reynolds, whose grandmother, Blanche Foye Nash, is the woman sitting on the left side of the railing. The other woman is her friend Alvena Pettee Nelson, daughter of Dean Pettee, who brought the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts from Dartmouth to Durham. Both women were from the Class of 1900; the men are unidentified.

Dale Valena
Curator, University Museum
Durham, N.H.

Pranks, and an Uplifting Buggy

I enjoyed your entertaining and educational article "The Way We Were" (Winter '00). I believe my father, James H. Woodward, taught woodworking there for a period of three years encompassing the year 1915. Because I was not born until several years later, I have only vague recollections of stories told in my early childhood. I remember his laughter as he told of the pranks of the students. One in particular pictured the students hanging a buggy on a flagpole.

Lois Philbrick Dupuis
Wilmot, N.H.

Sixth Grade Science Presentation

I am the son of a UNH alumnus and read the article "Science on Ice" in the UNH Magazine (Winter '00). I liked the article so much that I shared it with my sixth-grade science class at Hampton Academy Junior High School. I was wondering if Joe Souney could maybe come in and talk about his adventure in Antarctica with my class. My science teacher, Mr. Tierney, thought it would be interesting. Is there any way you could forward my e-mail to Joe? I would appreciate any help you would be able to give me. Thank you.

Eric Sikorski
Hampton, N.H.

Editor's Note: Joe Souney '98 visited Hampton Academy Junior High on Feb. 23. Souney, who is a Hampton Academy graduate, spoke to four classes about his research in Antarctica.

How They Got That Photo

I note with interest the lovely aerial photographs that adorn both the back cover of the fall issue of the UNH Magazine and the insert that arrived with the annual fund request. If I am not mistaken, the photographer was flying with my husband, Dale V. Hardy '60. He is a helicopter pilot and told me that he was flying with some people to get some shots of UNH. Good thing for an alum to be doing!

Penny H. Hardy '59
Lee, N.H.

Structural Praise

I wanted to drop you a quick note of praise on the layout and organization of the magazine. Your structure was clear and helpful to the reader. The table of contents was comprehensive and allowed me to select the articles to read. Personal reading time is at a premium, so having a well-thought-out and structured magazine makes for easier reading. I am looking forward to the next issue.

Bob Hewes '86, '88G
Arlington, Mass.

Bright Future

I would like to offer my heartiest congratulations to all who contributed to the outstanding Winter 2000 issue of the UNH Magazine. It is an exciting production that brilliantly depicts the past, present and very bright future of the University. It is obviously an inspired work and thus it moves me to find ways to do even more for this great institution. I am delighted that you will soon make part or all of this edition available on the World Wide Web. My deepest thanks for all of the energy and effort that went into this exceptional edition of the magazine.

Carole K. Barnett
Assistant Professor of Management
Whittemore School of Business and Economics
Durham, N.H.

Archives of letters to the editor.