Chamberlin Observatory
The article about Chamberlin Observatory [“DU’s bright star,” winter 2005] brought forth some memories I thought you might have an interest in. As a “faculty brat,” I lived in the 2300 block of South Fillmore, a block south of the park where the observatory is. Dr. Recht was in charge of it at that time, and he welcomed the neighborhood to come whenever he was there. He was interested in giving information in layman’s terms so that we could understand. He made astronomy accessible to everyone. If there was some unusual event, such as an eclipse, a meteor shower or anything out of the ordinary, he went out of his way to make the telescope available to all comers. He welcomed the Scouts, Campfire Girls and other groups, and we were all entranced by his knowledge and personality. I still remember his question: “Why is there no Mrs. Man in the Moon?” His answer: “Because no woman would marry a man who makes a quarter a week, stays up all night and gets full once a month.” This type of “information,” coupled with the “real stuff,” made Dr. Recht a joy for all who knew him. Thank you for a great article.
Carolyn Fenner, daughter of Alfred (Pete) Nelson
Renton, Wash.
Chancellor Moore
I particularly enjoyed the article on Chancellor Moore [“The Moore legacy“] in the fall edition. The University archives will reflect that Dr. Moore married my grandparents, Mercena and George Thorp, in “the University parlors” in the 19th century. Both lived long lives to be aware of my graduation from DU in 1939. Thank you for your efforts on behalf of our alma mater.
Carroll Galbreath, BA ’39, MA ’40
Dallas
Kudos and critiques
Fall 2005 brought out a beautiful publication. Thank you! I don’t often write to the editor, but occasionally something stirs me to life. After reading Elizabeth Berg Aley’s letter [“Responses from our readers“], I was shocked that someone could rationalize Condoleezza Rice and Gen. George Casey into a Hitler metaphor. We live in a world where the irrational can and often does supplant the rational. Intended result achieved; score one for the editor.
Tom Cryer, BSBA ’76
Greenwood Village, Colo.
I was disappointed to see Ms. Aley’s undue comparison of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Gen. George Casey, two prominent and public alumni. Regardless of personal politics, these two individuals have achieved something special — they have excelled in their fields to the highest levels. This achievement is what should be celebrated and highlighted. Moreover, the University has the obligation to support and nurture critical thinking, research and dialog, not pander to any one political leaning. The University of Denver Magazine was justified to highlight the high caliber of graduates the school is producing. As a member of the Washington, D.C., Graduate School of International Studies alumni committee, I see future secretaries of state and generals in our midst. Just as parents do not get to choose which professions their children pursue, neither should universities get to choose the professions of their graduates. However, we can all be proud and acknowledge when hard work turns into success, as it has in these two distinguished alumni.
Ryan Douglas, BA ’98, MA ’03
Washington, D.C.
I believe the University of Denver Magazine is the best alumni magazine I have occasion to read. It contains reports about the University leadership, dreams, goals, achievements, teachers, students in a whole range of activities, as well as stories of worldwide travels and studies of students and faculty. It is a great read!
Raymond Youmans, EdD ’61
Hays, Kan.
Although I enjoy the University of Denver Magazine immensely when I receive it here in France, and the article on Mr. Ritchie [“Dan Ritchie, Unscripted,” winter 2005] was particularly interesting, I would like to comment that, while reading your “From the Editor” on Professor Herold, I had the distinct impression of being in the dentist’s office. Impacted wisdom teeth are a horror, and your triple use of “impact” was overdone. Among the “he impacted my life,” “his impact on me” and “a lasting impact on students,” maybe one little “affect” would have been more…comfortable. Thank you, though, for a generally excellent magazine.
Marilyn (Graham) de Saqui de Sannes, BA ’69
Ruell-Maimaison, France
Mystery solved
The seated student pictured on page 35 [fall 2005] with Judy McDonough is me! I am Carol (Plank) Blomquist. The picture was taken for the 1952 Kynewisbok, as I recall. I married Allan Blomquist, MA ’56; he died in 1997. Al and I have five children and eight grandchildren. My family has owned and operated the Chalet Lisl Lodge in Aspen, Colo., for some 20 years. Come see us! It is great to read of past alumni. I enjoyed the recent letter from Elizabeth Berg Aley, a former Aspen resident. Thank you.
Carol (Plank) Blomquist, attd. 1951-56
Aspen, Colo.
Stadium Inn
Ah, the Stadium Inn [“DU’s favorite dive,” summer 2005]. When we moved off campus and away from the required meal plan, the Stadium Inn fed us. A cheeseburger (with lettuce, chips, a pickle and a beer) went for 50 cents. And what about that liverwurst studded with pistachios on rye, or the pepper jerky for a nickel? The prices may have been even lower than remembered. Tuition was $1,500 a year; a used MG parked down the street went for $50 (I only had $30 at the time). At night, we would hang with the hockey squad. The ritual was 3.2 Coors pitchers until closing, at which time we would take all the fluorescent fixtures under our jackets (they were respectfully returned the next day in order to repeat the ritual). “Murray Manor” was illuminated with the signs in the early morning and the team was, miraculously, bright eyed for practice the next day. We never saw the Stadium Inn as a “dive.” It was a place to go after class. It had more of a pub atmosphere then — a respite, for me, from the rigorous pre-med curriculum taught by professors William Driscoll, Kenneth Porter, et al. It was a place to go after preparing for a practical exam on the dissection of the domestic cat. (Some of the cats, wrapped in oilcloth and reeking of formaldehyde, were sneaked out of Old Main and were found, to the horror of our roommates, in our home refrigerators.) You would bring a date to the Stadium Inn only if you could handle the jibes. An unescorted female was never seen there. The “good girls” would drink at keg parties in the mountains. It’s nice to know that the Stadium Inn is still there. When I return, I’ll order a beer and some pepper jerky. The Stadium Inn — a blast from the past.
George “Big Joe” Panin, BA ’65
West Hempstead, N.Y.