1922
By the time you've read this far, you will have realized that this issue is primarily devoted to a review of the commencement and reunion activities.
I am confident that you have already decided to be on hand for our 25 th next year. Early indications are that we'll have a hell of a big gang back, plus wives and children. The flurry of catch-up reunions will be over and June of '47 will see more normal commencement and reunion weekends.
The fall issues of the MAGAZINE will tell you about our own reunion committees, and plans for our Twenty-Fifth will be outlined.
In your own planning for that event, don't forget about our 25th Anniversary gift. Bill Bullen, 38 Newbury Street, Boston, wants and needs to hear from you!
I had written up a flock of news for this issue (there was no July issue as you know) but then decided to put them over to next fall and instead try to give you a picture of the Hanover scene during class officer meeting weekend of June 7-8. So here goes—
I reached Hanover about noon by taxi from the June after a sleeper trip from New York, Because the Inn was full to the top with Trustees, alumni, councillors (Hotchkiss was there), older secretaries and class officers, plus regular guests, I was assigned quarters next to Bob Borwell '25 in Streeter Hall, just off Tuck Drive.
After a quick cleanup to get rid of the B. & M. cinders, we went downtown for lunch and to see who was around. Lunch that daywas very important as the old B. & M. R. R„ has no diner service north of Springfield, and we all had to get off early at Greenfield for a snack at the station lunch room (the coffee was lousy)!
Friday afternoon I parked my feet on the; Inn porch for a while to survey the sceneand it was good! then went over to see Olie Olsen at Tuck.
There was to have been the Interfraternity Hum finals on the steps of Dartmouth Hall at 6:30 but threatening weather caused cancellation.
Seven o'clock that evening we all gathered in the Colonial Room of Thayer Hall for the joint dinner of the council, secretaries, agents, treasurers, Memorial Fund chairman, etc. and; enjoyed a simply superb lobster dinner (how Mrs. Hayward did it, I'll never know). The glee club octet did themselves proud with several numbers, including Dartmouth Undying, then we listened to Meryll Frost '44 and First Marshal of the graduating class. After remarks by presiding officer Tom Campbell 'lB and the presentation of gifts by Sid: Hayward for the college to the best class secretary and best class agent, we were all primed for John Dickey's talk. As I have said before, the guy is good! I won't attempt to discuss his speech (very likely it is reported in other columns in this issue) but I can tell you he gave us plenty of food for thought concerning the part our country should play in world affairs. Other representatives of '22 at our table were Gene Hotchkiss and Olie Olsen,. After singing the Dartmouth song, the meeting broke up. Some of us went downstairs to the Tap Room or Tavern for a look at Walter Humphrey's marvelous murals of Eleazar, the Indians (oh, those luscious gals!) and the educational background of the college, all illustrating the Song "Oh, Eleazar Wheelock, was a very pious man—." If you haven't seen 'em, don't miss 'em next June! Much later .... Borwell and I tried like hell to find a "toast side" but the town was closed tightafter a sandwich by the courtesy of the Inn watchman, we climbed into bed pretty late as there had been a lot doing and many people to see.
Saturday morning at 9 in Baker Library, a joint meeting of all class officers was held under the able leadership of Bob Cleary '26.
Pudge Neidlinger spoke of the problems which he faced as dean of the college concerning the admission of veterans, followed by an excellent, well-rounded and argued outline by dean of freshmen and director of admissions Bob Strong of the tremendous problems concerning the admission of civilian and veteran freshmen. This was followed by Don Cameron's discussion of the class reunions this summer—the food shortages (no butter, meat, or beer), the lack of a cleaning and bed making, staff in the dorms, etc. etc.—"Don't expect too much, and come and take 'pot-luck' with us" was his theme. No kidding, Twoters, we're lucky as the devil not to be having our reunion this year!
Herb Hill spoke on the Hanover Holiday program, and Josh Davis' report on the progress of the 1946 Alumni Fund was presented.
We then broke up—secretaries, agents and treasurers—into separate groups for further discussion. We secretaries stayed right where we were, and Bob Cleary continued as our presiding officer. We listened to a very able and human presentation by Charlotte Ford, Alumni Recorder, of her problems in trying to keep up with the Dartmouth man in service. Miss Ford is a modest lady doing a wonderful job—and what sleuthing she does to get her man's address!
Then Charlie Widmayer, editor of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE spoke well on his subject and the advantages gained from the wholehearted acceptance by the classes of the 100% subscription arrangement.
Sid Hayward, having sat quietly by for some time, then had his innings and made the annual secretary's report. It is always a pleasure to see and hear Sid. He's an able guy!
After election of officers for the ensuing year, our meeting adjourned and the usual picture was taken of our group on the side steps of Baker.
I walked downtown with Dick Kershaw, secretary of '23, and we had just joined Dorothy, his attractive wife, when Rolf Syvertson, dean of the Medical School, rushed up to me with the terrible news that Bob Strong had just died of a cerebral hemorrhage. It didn't seem possible as Bob had spoken to us not more than an hour ago and seemed to be fine —though tired. Naturally his sudden passing saddened the whole community and we all felt a sense of deep personal loss.
After luncheon, a chair on the Inn porch seemed like a good idea, and later many went down to Memorial Field to see the Holy Cross baseball game. I decided to walk up Rope Ferry Road to see Hoppy. Fortunately I found him at home, but deeply grieved over Bob Strong. We sat on his back terrace looking east over the hills, smoking and talking for about an hour, and I left him with an added love and affection for the college and for Hanover.
Saturday evening, Gene Hotchkiss, Bob Borwell and I were guests of the Olsens for cocktails, and after a terrific rain and wind storm had passed, we journeyed back to the Inn for one of its famous buffet suppers.
Later that evening, I spent awhile with my cousin Andy Marshall Jr. (a Harvard man no less but a good lad) and his bride, the former Peggy Sayre (erstwhile famed manager of the Inn). Confidentially, it seems that Peggy's announcement of her engagement created quite a stir on the Hanover area, as many people were sure that I was too old for her! Andy has a son, Andy III, so the various Andrew Marshalls—past, present and future, will probably continue to cause some confusion in the town!
Sunday morning was devoted to seeing friends, saying goodbye to those leaving early, and to parking my feet again on the Inn porch rail. The day was glorious—a typical Hanover day in June—a beautiful coolness in the air, deep blue sky, and the big white puffy clouds sailing serenely over the weather vane atop Baker Library. People were sort of dressed up, the silken panties and babies' diapers that were hung on lines from the dorms set aside for the young marrieds were clear, the youngsters were spruced up and proud young couples were pushing babies across the campus in go-carts and coaches.
Early afternoon I headed for home again, after a few days spent in complete relaxation and enjoyment. Old associations were made closer, and new friends enjoyed. Just to be in Hanover is a great tonic and I am sure that we all feel that way and are looking forward with eagerness to coming back to Hanover Plain next June.
A happy and pleasant vacation is my wish for you all.
See you in the fall!
THE 1923 FAMILY sits for its portrait during the final Reunion weekend.
Secretary, 1837 Arlington St., Bethlehem, Pa
Treasurer, 143 East Ave., Norwalk, Conn.
