[  from The Tech, VOL. LXXIII. No. 31 - TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 1953 ] 

http://tech.mit.edu/V73/PDF/N31.pdf

Doctor And Mrs. Mason
Baker House Residents
During Next Two Years

by Alvin Drake '57

When exploring the Memorial Drive frontage of Baker House, students have discerned and been somewvhat puzzled by a small ladder of curious dimensions, leading to a first floor window. While much too large to be of service to a mouse who forgot his key, the laddelr is also far too dainty to assist a human burglar in the pursuit of his nocturnal routine. Careful observation and study of the situation has led some to the correct conclusion that the ladder is just about right for a medium-sized feline. This is as it should be-for Minnie is an ordinary, well-rounded, red-blooded All- American cat.

As Minnie utilizes his private ladder and ultra-modern mechanical door to enter his domain, he is, at the same time, entering the domain of Dr. and Mrs. Sam Mason, who will be the faculty resident family at Baker House for the next two years. New to Baker House this semester, the. Masons moved to the M.I.T. campus from a house in Newton. Their Baker apartment consists of three refurnished doubles, one single, and an assortment of would-be broom closets and miscellaneous rooms. With .a shiny new decor and Mrs. Mason's fine touch, the apartment rates comparison with sorne of the best in Cambridge.

Dr. Mason's official task is to be in residence at Baker, and do nothing more. He has no disciplanary powers, or lectures to give, except for the daily tasks imposed by his position on the Electrical Engineering faculty. But he is not expected to freeze into his apartment for two years and watch things pass as they may. He is doing his best to become personally acquainted with each Baker resident; the students are always welcome to drop in on the Masons, as many do. Dr. Mason's most pleasant personality is even furthered by one of the greatest social assets a man might wish to have - he is purported to be the best ping-pong player in Baker House.

The Masons have found life in Baker House pleasingly serene and peaceful. Dr. Mason has never yet been mistaken for a freshman and taken for a ride to Saskatchewan. Although it could happen because he mixes so naturally with the undergraduates, who, within the walls of Baker House, need not call him "Dr. Mason."

Dr. Mason was graduated from Rutgers with a B.S. in EE in 1942; he then moved on to the Institute to take part in government research in the radiation lab. He received his M.S. here in 1947, added his Sc.D. in 1952. He was appointed to the Institute staff in 1945.

A Social Calamity

Mrs. Mason is a native New Englander from Newton, formerly a dancing teacher. The Mason family now seeks a solution to a prevailing minor calamity. Although Mrs. Mason was an instructor, neither of the Masons, in fact, not even Minnie, can do the mambo. This makes them feel like, to use the words of Li'l Abner, "soshul leopards." Any "Tech man" who has in some degree mastered the mambo is requested to contact the Masons at Baker. Dr. Mason emphasized that this is a sincere request for aid.

The Masons hope to remain at the Institute for a long time. Dr. Mason is proud of his affiliation with this school and equally proud of the way the greater number of the students respond to what he calls the liberal policies of our school.

An appreciation of the life of Professor Mason is here.