THE DARTMOUTH CLUB OF BOSTON*

A tendency to organize and co-operate, not only in college matters, but in the affairs of business, professional, and social life, has been said to be the striking characteristic of Dartmouth men. Particularly marked when the body of men in a given locality has been relatively small, this tendency has been less noticeable when the body of men has been large and rapidly increasing, the latter condition resulting merely from the difficulty in finding a suitable medium of expression for the cohesive spirit.

A desire to co-operate has been shown to exist among Dartmouth men in and about Boston. That if a medium of expression were to be provided there would result pleasure and profit for those who cared to associate themselves together, and an opportunity for real service to the College, has been the conviction of a number of active men who have been shaping, during the last few months, the plans which have resulted in the formation of the Dartmouth Club of Boston.

Among the members of the new club are men who were associated with the older Dartmouth Lunch Club, which after an existence of twenty years failed simply for the reason that its offerings and activities did not produce the changes in the composition of its membership which would keep pace with the changes 'which have taken place in the College and its men. Among the organizers also are men who have enjoyed the privileges of the New Hampshire Club, and who appreciated that its failure was due only to that lack of strength of a common interest which was so necessary to its continued successful existence.

"The object of this club is to effect a permanent organization of Dartmouth men in and about Boston; to provide a means for their better mutual acquaintance and fellowship; and to increase their efficiency in furthering the interests and influence of the College."

The object of the Dartmouth Club is well stated in this extract from its laws, and the plan of operation is simple and yet complete and effective. The permanent organization has been formed. A suite of three rooms at the Hotel Bellevue, on Beacon Street, has been leased and equipped in substantial club fashion. The hotels assumes all the burdens usually borne by a club establishment, and members in attendance are entitled to the same privileges and take advantage of the same service as do other guests of the house. For club purposes all the facilities of the hotel are available, and it is planned that the club quarters shall be the center of Dartmouth activities in Boston.

That such a common meeting-ground was desired and would be appreciated was instantly shown when the suggestion was informally made that it would be provided. The club enrolled one hundred and seventy-five members immediately, with no active solicitation. The membership already exceeds two hundred and fifty, a sufficient number to ensure financial success during the first and critical year.

Resident members are those who reside or have their place of business within a thirty-mile radius of Boston, paying as annual dues ten dollars per year, excepting members of the three last classes graduated from College, who pay as annual dues five dollars per year. Non-resident members, are those who reside or have their place of business in New England outside the thirty-mile radius, paying as annual dues five dollars per year. Dartmouth men resident outside of New England may become nonresident members if they desire, but whether members or not are expected to make use of the club facilities as occasion may require. Any person who has ever been enrolled at Dartmouth or in its associated schools as a student or member of the faculty, or any recipient of an honorary degree, is eligible to membership, subject to the approval of the membership committee.

Many plans are now being formulated by the board of directors, looking to the performance of real service by the club organization. The club will promote social intercourse, and foster the acquaintance. of Dartmouth men among them- selves, endeavoring to realize all the beneficial results of co-operation. In addition and in furtherance of this purpose informal dinners and entertainments are to be arranged; there will be an informal gathering at luncheon on each Friday at 12.30 p. m., for the present season. Thursday evening of each week is designated as "club night" when members may expect to greet their friends; an effort will be made to give a semi-official character to all movements and activities of the members, who .may for example desire to attend athletic contests at a distance or to visit Hanover on occasion; facilities for procuring and distributing information regarding all Dartmouth matters will be provided; an up-to-the-minute catalogue of Dartmouth men in Boston and in New England as far as possible, giving both business and residence addresses and telephone numbers will be maintained in the club headquarters for reference purposes; there will be kept a historical scrap-book record of events in Dartmouth life; files of the Dartmouth publications, Boston and New York newspapers and standard magazines will be provided for the members; and in general the club will endeavor to keep closely in touch with the College with the hope that through its organization the College may find another connecting link with Dartmouth men.

The present officers of the Dartmouth Club of Boston are as follows: President, William M, Hatch '86; vice presidents, Thomas W. Proctor '79, Alexander Quackenboss '87, Edward K. Hall '92; Secretary, James P. Richardson '99, address, 51 Page Road, Newtonville, Mass.; treasurer, Robert D. Brewer '04; Directors, J. Will Newton '86, Daniel B. Ruggles '90, Horace G. Pender '97, Natt W. Emerson '00, Irving J. French '01.

Additions to membership, both resident and non-resident, are desired and expected. A substantial increase in numbers will warrant an extension of social equipment and of activity as an alumni body, resulting ultimately in the permanent establishment of an organization capable of powerful and efficient service in the name of Dartmouth.

The club was formally opened on the evening of September 30, with a dinner attended by about 150 Dartmouth alumni. Secretary Richardson acted as toastmaster. The speakers were: Prof. E. J. Bartlett, who represented the College; J. W. Newton '86, Isaac F. Paul '79, Sturgis Pishon '10, John Herbert '71, J. R. Chandler '98, Irving J. French '01, William Carroll Hill '02, and E. K. Hall '92. Owing to the celebration of Dartmouth Night in Hanover, President Nichols was unable to attend the Boston dinner. Congratulatory telegrams were exchanged between the two meetings, the one in Hanover, the other at the Hub.

Editorial Comment.