CLASS Of 1856

It was a pleasant sight that greeted the men who left College fifty years ago as they returned to Hanover. The village never looted more beautiful, and the College buildings, new and old, made evident the changes and growth of half a century.

Reunions of the class were held in 1859, 1866, 1869, 1876, and every five years .since that date.

For the fiftieth anniversary the class met Tuesday, June 26, in No. 3 College Hall, at seven o'clock P. M. Present: Ayer, Bridgman, Coffin, Currier, Ferris, Goddard, Hobbs, Merrill, Parker, Peabody, Taylor, Young. J. B. Hollister, of Rutland, Vt., who left the College after two years, on account of ill health, was heartily welcomed at the meeting. Professor Currier was called to preside, and he requested Brother Goddard to offer prayer. The secretary read letters from absent members, and others added reports- of interest concerning them.

As the names of those who had died since our last meeting were read, information in regard to their life and death was given, and words of appreciation were spoken in tender memory of each one.

Each member present then reported facts of interest concerning himself and family in the years past. Reminiscences of College life, the changes in the fifty years, personal experience and views of life occupied an hour. Especial mention was made of the men who left the class as the result of our one calamity at Sophomore supper, and of the honorable record made by many of them, which emphasized the loss to us and to the College when thirty men left us.

Several of the class have sent sons to Dartmouth or other colleges, and given daughters to teach or to honorable marriage, and the second generation of 1856 is an honor to the class, many having already made a worthy record. There are twenty graduates from college.

Voted, To meet again in five years. The secretary was reelected. Prayer by Brother Merrill. Adjourned.

After adjournment the class attended the .President's reception.

Following its custom, the College made the semi-centennial class the class of honor in all the exercises of Commencement. Professor Currier was elected president of the Phi Beta Kappa Society; Doctor Bridgman was called upon to respond for the alumni at the presentation of the new Dartmouth Hall, and Reverend Doctor Ayer spoke for the class at the alumni dinner.

A group picture of the class was taken as the members sat upon the steps of Dartmouth Hall. Copies can be ordered at $1.00 each, to be delivered by mail in good condition, of H. H. H. Langill, Hanover, N. H.

Each member halts a moment at this fiftieth mile post, and sends messages of love and fellowship to every other member of the class of 1856.