CLASS OF 1908

The glorious and ancient class of Nineteen Eight held its initial "opening" on Saturday, June 24, at its headquarters on Main street. The "opening" exercises were held that evening at seven o'clock, and were admirably conducted by the world-famed past master, Dr. Fiske, A.M. After a few prayers, the class, about fifty strong, formed in single file, dressed in convicts' uniforms and headed by a fife and drum corps, marched around the campus, cheering the classes who had the honor of "reuning" with us. Then the dignified array lock-stepped its way across the campus, each man carrying a red or green load, or rather light, and singing lustily. Loud applause greeted us from the porches of the Commons and Inn. The rest of the evening was passed quietly at headquarters.

Sunday morning memorial services were held at headquarters over the Dead Soldiers. They were most impressive.

The next memorable event was held Monday morning, when the class in uniform marched up to President Nichols' house, listened to a few words of greeting, and then marched over to President Tucker, who also spoke to us and complimented us on our most becoming (?) dress. From there we retired to the campus and had a baseball game with '06. Unfortunately they got two runs before we, or rather Hobart, knocked out a "homer," thereby living up to his college "rep," in the last inning. It was the irony of fate that the bases were empty at the time.

At five thirty that afternoon we climbed into various articles of conveyance and drove down through West Leb and the Junction to the White River Tavern. We kept away from the vicinity of Windsor, fearing that the natives would think there had been a break for liberty from that grim institution and call out the militia. The Tavern reached, we proceeded immediately to limber up. A punch brewed by the seasoned Dr. Fiske had a telling effect. "Count" Donahue acted admirably the part of toastmaster, calling at one .time or another upon each one of the assembled throng for a speech. Each in turn responded gallantly, either standing or sitting as the case might be. The Hon. Arthur T. Soule, late of Africa and the Far East, cheered everything in sight from the oysters with a hearty "Raw" ! down to the Discoverer of Man. It was long past midnight when the hearty cheers of '08 ceased to ring, only to be taken over by Morpheus in an '08 snore.

On Tuesday morning, headed by the band and preceded by the other classes, we marched to the athletic field and witnessed the Amherst game. Quite a bit of excitement was afforded the spectators by a general escape of the "convicts."

Tuesday afternoon we witnessed the presentation of the new Administration Building, and envied those of , the future who were to have the advantages of such a building.

Wednesday morning we attended the commencement exercises, and enjoyed the alumni luncheon afterwards.

From our class there were fifty-nine men who signed the book as being present at one time or another during the Reunion. From all accounts it was a grand success, and the "Third" will always remain a memorable event in the history of the class of 1908.

Secretary, Laurence M. Symmes, 115 Broadway, New York