Class of 1953
The annual secretaries' meeting, held in Hanover over the week-end of May 5th, was very successful, both from the standpoint of attendance and business transacted. In the neighborhood of seventy secretaries were present, representing nearly every class in recent years, and several of the larger alumni districts.
President Hopkins, in his address, outlined the building program for next year, and urged the secretaries to aid the class agents in the solicitation of the Alumni Fund. Seven new buildings are in order for next year. These include three dormitories, an English building, a hockey rink, an Outing Clubhouse; and a Fine Arts building. These new buildings are brought about for the most part by three generous gifts. The building program includes the remodeling of Fayerweather and Massachusetts Halls as well. All these new additions mean increased maintenance, therefore, generous contributions to the Alumni Fund are more important than ever.
During this same week-end the Athletic Council met and afterwards announced a complete change in the letter awards, beginning in the fall.
All men winning letters in the various sports will be awarded straight D's. Football men will receive the 7 inch D, baseball, track, hockey, and basketball the 6 inch D, and other sports the smaller D. This is, by the way, the first time that hockey and basketball are to be rated in the same class with baseball and track. The chief reason for this change in awards was to make all sports as near on a par in importance as far as the student body is concerned. Already this step has been commented upon very favorably and undoubtedly other colleges will follow suit.
Most of you probably read concerning the unfortunate death of John Rust '30, of East Cleveland, Ohio. Rust was drowned as a result of his canoe upsetting while he and a fraternity brother of his were paddling about in the river. The following extract from the Alumni Bulletin gives an interesting account of this most unfortunate drowning episode. "Occasionally things happen in a community
made up almost entirely of members of the present younger generation which answer the derogatory assertions of many of the older generation that the present youth of America is hard-boiled,, sophisticated, light-hearted, and possesses only qualities unsuited to fit him for the serious business of American citizenry. Last fall, early in November, it was the disastrous Vermont flood with its attendant destruction of life and property which brought to light the fine qualities of humanness and thoughtfulness which the college undergraduate of today possesses. Boys by the hundreds went to White River Junction and Hartford on flat cars. Football, studies, good times, and personal welfare were forgotten in the enjoyment of helping our unfortunate neighbors.
"Late yesterday afternoon a canoe carrying two boys turned over on the Connecticut. One boy, Wayne Bryer '29 of Peterboro, N. H., reached the shore. His fraternity brother and buddy, John Rust '30 of East Cleveland, Ohio, lost his life in the attempt to swim to the river bank. Bryer, entirely exhausted and in a semiconscious state reached town with his sad news. The Outing Club organized searching crews, grappling irons were secured in Lebanon, cannons were fired summoning hundreds of students to the search, doctors and pulmotors were rushed to the Vale of Tempe shore, and with Bryer pointing out the spot where he and Rust separated, three divers on the swimming team tore off their clothes and plunged into the ice-cold water. Preparing for an all-night vigil, a camp was set up and working in shifts, the river banks from the Vale of Tempe to the Wilder Dam were patrolled and five row boats were secured for using the grappling irons. Continuing through the night this work will go on until Rust's body is found or reason says there is no further hope. 1 11,
"When twenty-two hundred boy's act with one impulse for the sake of a fellow student and his family the human appeal to the most casual onlooker is great. To Dartmouth men it is inspiring." Frank Doten has come to the rescue again with several letters he received in connection with his most difficult job of collecting dues.
"Dear Frank: "I'm enclosing a late check for class dues. "This new letter head is because I am now working at a new j ob; and one which I like very much. This department, which I am trying to learn to manage, handles collections for the national advertising florists, laundry owners, photographers, and will soon begin on campaigns of the furniture dealers and manufacturers, and the lumber dealers. The funds for these campaigns are pledged by the subscribers in the form of trade acceptances and we act as trustee in their collection.
"I haven't met any Dartmouth men as yet, with the single exception of Joe Murphy '24, with whom I am going to lunch in a few minutes. Outside of this scarcity of Dartmouth men Indianapolis seems to be a mighty fine town.
"We are living at 1645 North Delaware, and if you have any way of inviting any Dartmouth men who might be here occasionally to let me know where I can reach them I will certainly appreciate your doing so. Outside of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE I've had very little news of the College during the past two years : and would be mighty well pleased to have a league with any of the boys.
"It's awful tough to be unable to come up for the sth, but it's just out of the question for me. I surely wish to the class a wonderfully successful reunion.
"Sincerely yours, "Taylor Smith.
"Taylor Smith 1923 "1645 North Delaware St., "Indianapolis, Indiana."
"Dear Frank
"I am enclosing my check for $3.50 for class dues for 1928. Best luck in getting all to kick through.
"Would give a lot to see the old crowd around home at one of the Boston gatherings George Fuller records every now and then in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. The class is not very heavily represented about Chicago, though we have an occasional round up of enough to afford an evening of conversation.
"Have planned my vacation for the mid- dle of June, for I wouldn't miss the Fifth for a bet. See you all there,
"Sincerely, "Walt Jones.
"Walter Jones, "344 Sixth Ave., "La Grange, Ill.
"Dear Frank: "My delinquency in forwarding you my 1928 class dues was not occasioned by lack of funds this time but my absence on a three weeks trip in Penn. territory for the firm. lam 'on the road' most of the time traveling New England, New York state, and recently Penn., so that many notices such as the above often remain on my desk for some time before I can give them attention.
"Hope plans for the 'Big Fifth' are progressing nicely and that we have many with us.
"Cordially, "Herb Viet.
"394 Howard St., "Lawrence, Mass."
Now to get down to real reunion dope. In the first place in case you don't know it, we got a real break by being awarded Gile Hall, Dartmouth's newest dormitory, to house our class. It's located next to Hitchcock, facing Webster Ave., and is one of the best dormitories in Hanover, private baths, etc., in most every room. Reservations must be made through Mr. Fairfield at the Inn. Be sure and state class.
The various committee chairmen are working their heads off to make this reunion one that will never be forgotten. Ted Caswell has lined up his ball team, and really has a fine club to battle '25 with. Sid Flanigan has something real cozy to pull at the dinner on Saturday night. You can depend on the "Wild Irishman" to put this across right.
Several events are being planned for the ladies but nothing definite can be given out until we find out just how many will be on hand.
In a couple of weeks the "BIG FIFTH" will be on "WILL YOU BE THERE?" Remember it will be five years before we have another chance to see the old gang again. Spend your vacation in Hanover and include the BIG FIFTH We want two hundred on hand—Will you be one?
Mail your check for $20 at once if you haven't already done so.
Secretary, _ 701 Cambridge St., Brighton, Mass.
