1916
Since the last issue, two members of 1916 have died: Ray Chapman and Bob Burlen. Obituaries will appear in the MAGAZINE October or November.
Several members of the class have recently visited Hanover. Frank Bobst and Cliff Bean afforded us a brief glimpse of themselves and opportunity for a talk about things that matter. Mrs. Bobst accompanied Frank and they were able to remain for a few days at the Inn, but Cliff was here only for a day. Max Bernkopf with his wife, accompanied by their daughter and her husband Dr. Frank, were also in Hanover for a few days of vacation. Jim Coffin passed through the village and left word of himself but his visit was hurried this time. Gran Fuller passed this way in the course of his business and stopped for a leisurely and pleasant chat about things in general. Altogether it is felt that this is fairly good performance for 1916, but, of course, nothing to what we should be doing. When gas rationing is relaxed, better plan your first trip up this way,—the boys seem to like it and we certainly do.
Ed Gurobart's recent letter is not only just what the doctor ordered but also so typical of the kind of letters we all ought to be writing more frequently to each other that 1 should like to quote it in extenso, or something, but will have to confine myself, darn it. Ed has been working hard at the Bethlehem Steel Cos. in Cincinnati as Manager of Sales, so hard that he got "run down" and visited the physician, but was informed that he "would live another fifty years." Other interesting details in Ed's letter are concerned with "changes in design and changes in urgency-ratings," so that life seems like "Poe's descent into the maelstrom." Ed tells us further that "most of the Dartmouth men around here are younger than sixteeners, but it's getting so that this no longer means young." Ed concludes with the remark that nothing exciting has happened to him, but I submit that he is wrong, that news of his doings is exciting to us in 1916, and that we want more news of this sort, more often, from him and from others.
Another good letter from Perce Burnham (Major Percy C., Army Service Forces, New York Port of Embarkation) recounts his experiences, although in scant detail, and informs us that John McEndy, now lieutenant commander, currently securing candidates for the naval aviation program in Kansas City and vicinity, expects transfer to Washington. Perce speaks also of meeting from time to time with Beans Sully, active in his profession of the law in New York City.
Bill Banton is active as manager of the Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance Cos. for the State of Maine; his ability and popularity are indicated by the fact that he is also honored with the post of chairman of the Portland Community Chest.
The other items at hand had best be postponed until the next issue in which, also, some word on the Alumni Fund as it concerns 1916 is to be forthcoming from Parker Hayden.
Earl Cranston's return to Hanover as Professor of Religion is known to us all; I am sure his comments on this event will also be welcome news to us:—
Returning to Hanover after an absence of twentyeight years, broken only by a one-night visit eighteen years ago, I am impressed by familiarity, development, potentiality. The campus looks natural; one could imagine that he had never been away. The new buildings are so well related to the old structures that they seem like friends with which I have long been acquainted. A score of old-time faculty members, some retired and others in the full exercise of major responsibility, serve as welcome links to the past. The many instructors and professors who have come since our student days are alert and competent, representing various backgrounds, interests, and points of view; it obviously will be a pleasant and constructive experience to work with them and the administration in the days ahead. I was glad to see two women sitting in the benches at my first faculty meeting. The enlarged gymnasium, Dick's House, the Outing Club by the pond, the academic halls and laboratories, and the swarm of new residences spreading out in all directions are all in a sense focused around the really great addition of the last quarter century, the Baker Library, which has become the creative center of the newer Dartmouth. Students like to drop into one or another of its diverse rooms, all of which call forth a desire to read and think. The building is a teacher's dream. I am fortunate in having my office and small classes in it.
The student body, in each generation the main factor of any college, is at present composed largely of the typical but excellent naval training unit, whose commander manifests an unusual appreciation of the deeper educational values. Such civilian .students as we have are good, although, from the nature of the case, mostly young. The great problems of the renewing of Dartmouth when largescale demobilization shall begin lie somewhere ahead. The College seems aware of the issues and prepared to meet the unprecedented responsibilities. It will need the advice and encouragement of all of our Alumni group. I believe we will continue our support with fresh enthusiasm, both on the financial side and in the more individual ways which are equally important. I look foward to seeing a large representation of our class at the Thirtieth Reunion, which should be a significant occasion.
Secretary, 2542 Stratford Rd., Cleveland Hgts., Ohio Acting Secretary, 3 Downing Rd., Hanover, N. H. Treasurer, 34 White Oak Road Wellesley Hills, Mass.
BOSTONIANS - ATTENTION - OCTOBER 13TH - This should reach you in time to make attendance one hundred per cent for a big night before the Notre Dame Game at the University Club. Walt Meader has agreed to take charge, so the job will be done right. A Reunion, a Dinner, a Social Gathering, in fact, everything to make a swell '15 gathering has been arranged. We also want a short Class Meeting, to hear the latest word from the College relative to the policy on reunions. GRAB YOUR HAT AND HEAD FOR THE UNIVERSITY CLUB!
