Cold Memories

To the Editor:

When I note the cold temperatures of the last few days, I must think back to the date of December 22, 1942 when I was waiting in minus 39 degrees for the steam train from Montreal at 2 am in the morning. This was in White River Junction, Vt., five miles south of Hanover, N.H.

I had just finished the five, four-hour exams to complete my last year of Dartmouth. These were tough engineering exams, but I was thankful that Uncle Sam allowed me to finish college before the Navy took over. The graduation we never had was listed as January 1, 1943 and we had gone to college all of the summer of 1942, having started our senior year in March of 1942.

This engine that would take us to New York City was using all its steam to move the train, leaving little for hearing the care. I remember almost running from the station to the train, carrying a suitcase, trombone and skis. It was cold!

Robert Pierson Stokes

89 Church Hill Road, Sandy Hook                          January 16, 2004