Eight Classes Return
Their Hanover Reunions on June 18-20 Weekend Mark Successful Start of the New Robinson Plan
THE INAUGURATION of the Robinson Plan for class reunions found 750 alumni from eight classes, supplemented by 350 members of their families, returning to Hanover for the weekend of June 18-20. The three-day program opened Friday night with individual class receptions and a general alumni reception given by President and Mrs. Dickey at their home on Tuck Drive.
In addition to the classes of 1908, 1913, 1933 and 1938, the war-time classes of 1918 and 1919 and of 1943 and 1944 also held reunions as part of the new plan to bring back classes that were in college together.
In addition to the President's reception, other events for all returning alumni were a dance in Dartmouth House Friday evening, a meeting of the General Alumni Association Saturday noon at Alumni Gymnasium, and a performance Saturday night by the Dartmouth Players of Vets Village, student prize-winning play written by Robert C. MacLeod '46.
Speakers at the alumni luncheon Saturday noon were Parker Trowbridge '13 of Worcester, Mass., vice president of the Association; Sidney C. Hayward '26, Secretary of the College; and President Dickey.
By bringing a steady downpour Saturday morning, the weatherman threw a scare into the hearts of reunion chairmen for the classes of 1933, 1938 and 1943, who had based much of the success of their reunion programs on outdoor picnics. Fortunately the skies cleared before noon, saving both the picnics and the traditional class pictures taken at the north end of the campus.
The Class of 1919 conducted in three parts a successful raffle which included a stomach pump and a live goat. After the play Saturday night, the Class of 1943 with its own "Doc" Fielding staged a show at the class tent which attracted many from other class groups. And to prove that it is still a topsy-turvy world, the Class of 1944 had members who graduated June 13 and returned a week later for their fifth reunion.
Two Memorial Services were held Sunday morning. Rev. William F. English 'OB conducted a union service in Rollins Chapel for the classes of 1908, 1913, 1918 and 1919. He was assisted by Clarence C. Meleney 'l3, Edmund H. Booth 'lB and F. Ray Adams 'l9.
The Classes of 1943 and 1944 chose the Bema as the site of a joint Memorial Service for their 45 classmates who gave their lives in World War 11. The service was conducted by Rev. Donald T. Oakes '44 assisted by Robert W. Thede '43.
The reunion programs ended with a 1918 picnic at Moose Mountain, a 1919 picnic at Lake Morey and a 1943 buffet at the class tent.
Donald W. Cameron '35, Associate in Placement in the Personnel Bureau, again served as general chairman of reunions for both weekends this year. He reported all the class reunion programs well organized, with ample activities but with plenty of time also for the informal visiting that alumni seem to enjoy most of all. The growing trend toward family parties for reunion was accentuated by all classes this year, led by 1923 on Commencement weekend with an amazing turnout of 458 alumni, wives and children.
MEMBERS OF CLASS OF 1908 swap stories outside Middle Mass., headquarters for their 40th reunion.
