Many times I’ve lamented the way that loyal and long-serving staff members quietly disappear from the records and memory of this university. Even putting aside the fact that we can only do our work because of theirs, staff members are often the very people who bring kindness and humanity to the experience of students in a setting that can sometimes be rather harsh. So when I find something that brings some of them back into our view I feel obligated to share it. <end of rant>

This is a page from a publication that ran during the 1940s called The Owl and these three gentlemen seem to reflect exactly the kind of warmth and friendliness that I’m talking about. (Although I know better than to apply today’s standards to yesterday, I am slightly grieved that they didn’t mention Tony Martino’s last name.)

Based on the dates and the job description I believe Mr. Foster was the replacement for George Perkins, who was eulogized by Dr. Lovett here. In particular I’m interested in Foster’s role as carrier of university mail, which is something I’ve wondered about for a long time. (See here, for example.) Another interesting thing to note is the reference to Tony’s sweet potatoes–he really did grow sweet potatoes and many other vegetables as well as flowers out on the western part of campus. Most of these were sold in town, which would probably be some sort of heinous tax violation these days.

Bonus: