Of lawyers and politicians

Had a delightful time at the National College of Trial Lawyers conference, held at Wentworth by the Sea. Kinda nice, that Wentworth by the Sea on a beautiful June morning.

To my surprise, instead of going golfing or to Market Square Day, a good many of the Trial Lawyers showed up to hear me tell stories of NH, preceded by J. Dennis Robinson who gave a very entertaining history of Portsmouth. (He’s written 11 books, J. Dennis has. Good ones! Check him and them out at www.seacoastnh.com.)

The lawyers and I were able to overcome the accent barrier (I have a slight NH accent) and share some good laughs. Joe Steinfield recalled a trip to Washington, DC, with the Stevens High School Band (Claremont). His father was friends with Sherman Adams, then Chief of Staff to President Eisenhower. Dad told Joe to say “Hi” to Sherm if he spotted him.

Sure enough, in the Rotunda, Joe spots Sherman Adams across the way. He approached and hold out his hand for a shake. “Good afternoon, Sir,” Joe said. “My father asked me to say hello to you.”

“And what is your father’s name?”

“Frank Steinfield, Sir.”

“Oh and how is your dear father.”

“He’s well, Sir.”

“And how is your dear Mother.”

“She’s well, Sir.”

“Well, it’s my pleasure to speak with such a nice young man and please give them both my regards.”

On the train, headed home Joe told his friend Mike how he’d gotten to talk with Sherman Adams.

“I didn’t see him,” Mike said.

“Well, he was there,” Joe said. “Look, there’s his picture.” Sure enough, on the front page of the newspaper was the great man’s photo.

“That’s not Sherman Adams,” Mike said.

“Course it is.” Joe read the caption, which identified Senator Styles Bridges.

At first Joe thought, well, the caption is wrong. Then he realized his mistake. From that brief D.C. encounter with the Senator from New Hampshire, Joe says, “I learned a lot about what it means to be a true politician.”