Last month’s Buoy Lunch, presented by George Tupper, was an exciting peek into a time when the approaches to physical oceanography were different, or, perhaps, comfortingly similar, to the ways in which things are done today. “Buoy Lunch: WHOI in the Old Days” attracted an audience of more than 45 people and included photos, charts, memories, and lore from a rich and storied nearly six-decade long sea-going career. Buoy Lunch itself was recognized as a long-standing PO department tradition, which was first instituted by Robert H. Heinmiller, then head of the Buoy Operations Group. Dr. Ferris Webster gave a Buoy Lunch talk on July 17, 1967, which was also George’s first day of employment at WHOI. Ferris and his wife, Jackie, attended last month’s Buoy Lunch.

George recalled life on the R/V Gosnold, explained how instruments were used at sea, and presented a chart showing a drastic decrease in lost moorings from 1968 onward. Coincidence? Perhaps not.

In classic Tupper form, humor was woven throughout the presentation and laughter erupted when a photo of Al Vine’s solution to Eel Pond maintenance appeared, which showed people being ferried from the Iselin Dock to Water Street on what looked like massive inner tubes rigged up to a rope pulley system.

In addition to a brief history of iconic research vessels, aircraft, and people, George shared his own sentiments with witty and moving anecdotes. “Buoy Lunch: WHOI in the Old Days” was a treat to all who attended. Thank you, George!