Class of 1917

XX FIRST FLASH FROM SFWALL XX

Hello again—this is the TREMENDOUS TWENTIETH Publicity Bureau broadcasting—so don't blame Dr. Charlie for anything that follows.

A previous statement in this column told you that you would have to subscribe to the MAGAZINE to get the low-down on the TREMENDOUS TWENTIETH, since no other medium of publicity would be used. When that statement was made, it was planned to do just that, so Chuck wasn't trifling with the truth—then. But as plans for the big party began to take shape and its special importance to the class became more apparent, it was decided to let the good news overflow the columns of the MAGAZINE and trickle out to every Seventeener through the channels of Special Reunion Announcements. The Subscription list of the MAGAZINE showed too many gaps in the Seventeen ranks—gaps that we want to see filled in at Hanover in June.

And so you will receive—very soon—the first detailed announcement of what June 11 to 14, 1937, has in store for those opportunists who grab the chance of renewing valued old friendships against their original background of class and college. This first piece of mail matter will tell you part of the story and (we hope) induce you to decide now to join the party. It will ask you to do certain things—like supplying information for the five-year roll-callwhich please handle the day you receivethe request, before you have a chance to forget. It will be followed by other news from time to time, to keep you fully informed of all plans and progress toward our twenty-year objective.

For mind you, plans are already at an advanced stage of development under the capable guidance of Prexy Baxter's handpicked committee and its master mind. Gene Towler. The proper spots for such events as the banquet and the picnic are all reserved; something special is being worked out by Spique Maclntyre's costume sub-committee; and a program of music and entertainment is being prepared by Arch Earle and his gang which will not only surpass our own highly successful efforts at previous reunions but which we confidently expect will set a new high for all time—or at least until we get back again in 1942. Let it be here noted that 1916 had a sufficiently vivid recollection of, and high esteem for, our Arch's talents to borrow him for their Twentieth last June. So just imagine what he will do when surrounded by his own bunch of such artists as Bud Robie, Heinie Wright, Mike Donehue, Gyp Green, Bob Scott, and all the rest of the barber shop choir! Rumor has it that the college of today has forgotten how to sing—and Arch aims to see that Commencement guests, at least, get a demonstration of the old-time religion as only he and Seventeen can produce.

All the other little details, that can clutter up a Hanover reunion if not properly attended to, have been parceled out to various sub-committees under an organization that is just about the most comprehensive and well-planned set-up that could be imagined.

So all in all, that leaves practically nothing for the rest of us to do but come back and enjoy the program with whatever kindred spirits did most to make the class group and the undergraduate years so pleasant to remember. And that is the part assigned automatically but unofficially to every man in the class who is coming back,—namely, to make his own reunion more satisfying and memorable by taking the initiative in getting back for reunion week-end one or more of his own particular intimates.

There is not a man on the roster but has two or three cronies in the class whom he would enjoy seeing again in Hanover, particularly if the rest of the class were on hand at the same time to reproduce the old setting. And not a case in ten where this can't be managed somehow or other if plans are worked out in advance—starting NOW.

It is only once in five years that this can happen—and THIS is the year. Five years from now—who knows? Maybe war again or another depression. So set your sights now for June 11 to 14 THIS year—in Hanover with the gang—one hundred and fifty strong—but particularly with one or two of the boys whom you want to see there and whom you will help get back. Chuck Gilmore's sub-committee on attendance is taking the official responsibility for rounding up the strays—but you can back up their efforts with personal letters, telegrams, and telephone calls on the two or three men you most want to see.

We want not one soul less than one hundred and fifty Seven teeners back for the TREMENDOUS TWENTIETH—a REAL reunion. We've never had one yet —and it's time we did.

Secretary, Craig House, Beacon, N. Y.