From A 1908 Mem Book

NOT EVEN our revered dean emeritus himself can say definitely just when the above picture was taken nor can he tell the exact title of the doings of which the snapshot under consideration shows a big moment. We know this much, because, on a recent dash through Hanover we visited Dr. Craven Laycock and exhibited the picture to him. The former dean, although enjoying a siesta, was interested and condescending. He said the figure caught in suspended motion and to the extreme right is a likeness of the professor of biology in our time, William Patten. Next comes Craven himself who was billed in the front section of the 1908 Aegis as "assistant professor of oratory on the Evans Foundation. Delta Kappa Epsilon. Phi Beta Kappa.' Then pictured is the beloved Dr. Tucker. He is followed by John King Lord, "acting president of the faculty in the absence of the president. Daniel Webster professor of the Latin language and literature. The boys all called him, in a spirit of deep respect, "Johnny K." Next is the dean of our life and times, Charles Franklin Emerson, good old "Chuck." And last, but occupying a particularly choice spot in the hearts of Dartmouth men of the "Type" Hitchcock period of the ice age, Charles F. (Clothespins) Richardson, "Winkley professor of the English language and literature." The 1908 Aegis was dedicated to "Clothespins."

"They've all gone," said Craven, "I'm the only one left. I remember the occasion, I was the marshal for the exercises. But I was marshal at so many events during thirty years, I can hardly keep them all clear in my mind. My last marshaling was done last commencement."

The photograph, taken during the winter of 1905-06, further research indicated, includes a corner of the present Dartmouth Hall built to replace the original building. As even the oldest member of 1908 will be able to see, possibly under the glass, the brick walls of which the new Dartmouth building is constructed had not been given their baptismal coat of white. Presumably the day was one of those sparklers in deep winter when a dash across the campus meant having your ear in your mitten, if you weren't careful. The occasion was dedication of the building. A parade from the Senior Fence, headed by the college band (imagine curling your lip over a slip horn on a day like that) was wending its way across the campus to the main entrance of the new Dartmouth Hall. As the picture was taken, the delegation of dignitaries was holding back a bit awaiting arrival of the cross-campus paraders. "Well, anyhow, it shows hard hats were sometimes seen by the Greenie undergraduates, even in those far-off days.