1939's Tremendous Tenth
BEFORE getting into the business of the month which obviously is a rehash of the big tenth party in Hanover, I would like to say that it has been a pleasure handling the secretary's duties for these past few years. Thanks are in order to all you guys and your good wives who sent in letters and gave us fine support in every way. Without further ceremony let's pass this month's report on to Clem Burnap and let him re-count the big time in Hanover."—DlCK JACKSON.
The Class of '3,9 Tenth Reunion officially began for Ace and Doris Bailey, and Elaine and myself when we arrived in Hanover Thursday night about 11 p.m. We found a welcoming committee however, already on the doorstep of Topliff composed of Peggy and Joe Batchelder plus Brownie Sullivan and "Boots" Hoskinson. Peggy and Joe had apparently been there all day and were bewailing the fact that no real action had vet started. On checking with Joe at the end of the weekend I found that he, no longer could even remember having had such an idea.
Friday morning was spent by the aforementioned members of the class in getting readv for the invasion which began about 11 am. Preparations involved the moving o£ arab bag gifts, the 150 cases of Charley Gluek's beer, and various uniforms, steins, etc. down to Topliff- John Gauntlett arrived about this time from the Near East and officially opened the beer tent by "sampling" the beer.
The group grew steadily larger during the afternoon and following the minimum possible time for checking in and getting into cooler clothes wound up at the class tent. When it was time for the lobster dinner about 100 men together with some 80 wives were more than ready to eat. After cleaning up following the battle of the lobsters many of the class attended the President's reception.
Friday evening ended as it had started—at the tent with singing led by Dave Walsh; i.e., it ended for all except a delegation who still being hungry after the evening repast sought refreshment in White River Junction. Of these Bob MacLeod, Jack Raverfield, and John Mecklin were delayed due to a previously unrealized interest in one of the municipal buildings.
Saturday morning began for different people at different times. For example, at 5:30 I met Bob MacLeod. Bob was getting the key to his room, I was endeavoring to arrange for the removal of the lobster bodies from the class tent area before the class of '39 gathered for breakfast there.
The procedure of taking the class picture which followed breakfast took up some 40 minutes which was mostly occasioned by rounding up the members of the class from various places where they might be at 10 in the morning. A fairly representative group was finally gathered together, however, as shown in the above picture. Following the picture a slightly different group of '39 men and their wives attended the class meeting and movies of the '39 graduation ceremonies and '49 carnival. Moreau Brown ably presided at the meeting in the absence of Dick Jackson who was in such demand by the Kentucky Derby, baseball games, Harlan County feuding, etc., not to mention moving, that he was unable to attend. George Hanna made one of the most interesting financial reports I have ever heard, aided in no small degree by Chipper Foster of the class of 1962. The executive committee of the class was voted on at this time.
Unfortunately most of the class was unable to view the end of the commencement movies which so far as we can see must have been run off in the dark although we had not remembered such being the case. This was due to the eagerness of the wives to get away from it all and attend the wives' luncheon at the Dartmouth Outing Club. This affair was arranged by Bill Tucker, "Director of Miscellaneous Meals for the Reunion Committee for the Class of '39," and apparently was the high spot of the wives' weekend. Reports of the coolness prevailing along the banks of Occum Pond were in great contrast to the heat on the upper floor of the Gym where the members of the class attended the alumni luncheon at which William Andres '29, Sidney C. Hayward '26, Edward K. Robinson 'O4, John L. Sullivan '2l and President Dickey spoke with commendable brevity.
I was glad to find out at the luncheon that the White River boys had once again returned and the beer outing and gigantic grab bag which took place Saturday afternoon were in full preparation. The only athletic events of the weekend aside from the dance and lobster "rassle" took place prior to this grab bag. The first was a general contest of shagging flies with the ball being hit out by Bud Clifford, Pepper Gray and Skip Morse and featuring a sensational catch by Dave Walsh who up to that time had not shown any interest in expending much energy. The second event was a beer can relay, appreciation of which can only be obtained from viewing the Reunion movies. Suffice to say that the
"beer belly team" of Larry Vulte, Moose Wyman, Dave Walsh, Joe Batchelder, and Charlie Gluek drank off the honors. The leadoff man for my team, Jack Cathcart, did outdrink Dave (known as Harpo until he had his curly locks cut short) but with the sudden added load of beer forgot the opener and had to return for it thus throwing our team behind.
The grab bag was considered by many the outstanding event of the weekend, dreamed up and managed by Bill McCarthy and Bob MacLeod with the able assistance of Moose Wyman and Larry Vulte, the latter of whom persisted in drawing his own number but was continually found out. Unfortunately, your guest editor had a mental lapse about this part of the Reunion and failed to record a list of the donors and recipients. I believe it is safe to say that every meeting of any group of the Class of '39 from now on will recall many of the humorous and useful gifts which were presented. Many such as the nut and bolt given to Bozo Noland by Colby Howe and the Toro lawn mower sent in by Bob Gibson and Dave Lilly were contributed by class members who found themselves unable to attend. This resulted in all families drawing some kind of a gift and the remainder were auctioned off for the Alumni Fund. Trades were popular; one such went from a Card of IBM Template Cards to a 1926 law book to a package of cellophane; the la.w book went for a baby potty and the potty was finally traded for a hot water bottle. Steve Bachelder won one of the most interesting gifts, at least from the wives' point of view, in a nicely fitted leather handbag. is a bachelor (it hurts me greatly to this pun but it was unfortunately so true). Needless to say, he was impervious to offers of trade. The largest prize was shipped in a crate taking two people to handle. Many statements were made that if this prize were won at least half of the couple would have to return by train since there would be no room in the automobile for them. The gift turned out to be a beautiful antique table.
The class banquet took place in Thayer Hall following the beer outing. A really delicious steak dinner had been arranged by Hugh McLaren. Georgie Hanna ably presided as master of ceremonies. The honor speaker was Prof. Bancroft Brown of the Mathematics Department who gave us inside information on the gambling odds of various games of chance and presented a new business possibility combining the payment of library fines with slot machines in a manner that resulted in certain profit. An equally interesting, but much briefer address was given by Bob MacLeod. George Hanna introduced Bob's subject as "White River Junction at Midnight or Vermont Justice in Action." Bob MacLeod, however, spoke to a greater extent on the Dartmouth College Administration's real interest, even in 10-year graduates as evidenced by Dean Neidlinger's pilgrimage to the Junction at 3 o'clock in the morning. Moreau Brown announced the election of the members of the class to the Executive Council, as already given to you in a Newsletter. Rod Albright then led in the singing of the Men of Dartmouth which concluded the banquet.
The class split at this point with part attending the Players' show, "You Can't Take it with You," and the balance returning to the tent to be sure that Gluek's beer was finished and that none would have to be returned. This was a needless worry, I might add. The party at the tent lasted until well into the morning and the class found themselves host to many contemporaries and friends of friends who somehow had heard about the good party that was going on.
Sunday morning the class memorial service was conducted by Rev. Thomas and Rev. Batchelder, better known to all of us as Bob and Steve. This service was held in the beautiful setting of the Bema and with music provided by Prof. Longhurst. It was very inspiring and those who attended felt a renewed enthusiasm for doing a better job of following the wonderful example of sacrifice of their classmates. The memorial service was the last official get-together of the class and following a brunch which was served at the class tent the exodus commenced.
I think that from the above you will have received the impression that a really fine time was had by all who attended. I can also say that it was quite a relief to find that so few of the class looked the ten years that the calendar indicates have passed. I would like to take advantage of this space to thank the members of the Reunion Committee who did all the work on this reunion under my nominal direction. Bill Bailey who handled the class office, including finances, uniforms and miscellaneous bills; Bob MacLeod who so effectively took care of the class tent, the beer and the grab bag; Dick Dunham, our Hanover representative, without whose ability at tying up loose ends the planning of the reunion would have been virtually impossible; all deserve particular thanks from the class as a whole. In addition, Hugh McLaren, who handled the banquet, Bill Tucker, who handled the miscellaneous meals, Dick Jackson and Bert MacMannis, who provided the publicity, and Rob Albright, who acted as movie director and song leader are also commended for effective performance. I have already mentioned the excellent work done by Bill McCarthy who at the last minute was unable to attend, and Bob Thomas and Steve Bachelder who handled the memorial service. Following are a list of the names of those who attended the entire affair. In addition, Pem Pleasants, Joe Cottone, Homer Skeels, Roy Allen, and Ed Robinson were present for part of the time.
Rod & Priscilla Albright, Bud & Virginia Andrews, Hank & Betty Baggs, Bill & Doris Bailey, Toe & Peggy Batchelder, Steve Bachelder, Muggsy Bly Bill & Betty Bradford, Bob & Nancy Brown, Stan & Thalia Brown, Moreau & Pat Brown, Tom & Liz Burrell, Dick Brooks, Tom & Sue Brooks, Clem & Elaine Burnap, Bill Carter, Jack & Ruth Cathcart, Howie & Jane Olivers, Reese & Elizabeth Clifford, Mary & Jeanne Costin, Jack & Betty Cummings, Bill & Lois Cunningham, Bob 8c Polly Cushman, Walter & Dot Darby, Robert & Kay Davidson, Bob & Mary Dickgiesser, Moose & Priscilla Dudis, Dick & Dorothy Dunham, Dan & Yvonne Dyer, Bob & Myrtle Elkins, Frank & Bobby Farnell, Kevin Fay, Haven & Vera Falconer, Robert & Jean Field, Gardiner & Elizabeth Ferguson, John Finocan, ohn Fitzpatrick, Jud, Jane & Chipper Foster, Jim & Jane Fuller
John Gauntlett, Bruce & Janet Gillie, Charles & Kay Gluek, Chuck & Kitty Grant, Don & Rita Gray, Bud & Barbara Griswold, George Hanna, Jack Haverfield, Bud & Peter Hayward, Sam Hird, "Boots" Hoskinson, Bob & Louise Howe, Ken Hugo, Dan Hull, Tony Hunsicker, Harold & Rasmond Jensen, Robert Jessup, John Johnson, Jack Kuhlke, A 1 & Betty Lansberg, Bud & Janet Leach, Johnny Litchfield, Johnny & Meg Little, Archie Mallon, Hal & Jeanne MacGilpin, Bob MacLeod, Bert & Sally MacMannis, Walt Martinson & Father, Bill & Kit Mason, Herb & Sally Mattlage, Hugh & Trudy McLaren, John & Shirly Mecklin, Hank & Mary Merrill, John & Phyllis Mitchell, Dick & Joan Monahan, Skip & Penny Morse and 2 kids, Fred & Ruth Mowatt.
Wolf & Cynthia Naylor, Charles & Pat Neer, Herb Nichols, Bozo & Jane Noland, Lou & Elizabeth Oberdorfer, Pearl & Cherlene O'Brien, Lou & Virginia Oldeshaw, Ed Oppenheim, Boxter & Eloise Prescott, Bill & Esther Prudden, Joe & Mary Pyrtek Dave & Janie Reed, Orville & Virginia Richardson, Fred & Anne Richardson, Dusty & Happy Rhode, Andy & Evelyn Ruoff, Dick & Agnes Ruebling Pete & Coleen Salom, Jim Simpson, Ed & Anne Searles, Jum & Martha Schofield, John Sinclair, Endy & Georgette Smith, Ralph & Charlotte Sperry, Cleve & Mary Spillers, Dick & Mary Tean Storrs, Brownie Sullivan, Bob & Anne Thomas, Charlie & Jean Thompson, Bill & Lois Tomkins, Bill & Beryl Tucker, Doc & Chip Tower. Joe & Herbert Urban, Loren & Jane Vulte, Horton & Dot Wainwright Ed & Mm Wakelin Dave & Kay Walsh, Edward & Jane Waters, Bill & Peg Weber, Hank & Terry Welton, Con Wheaton, Bob & Jill Whitcomb, Ted & Betty Winton, John & Harriat Ward, Ev & Betty Woodman, Moose & Betty Wyman, Gus & Kay Zitrides.
REUNION CHAIRMAN
1939 HAD QUITE A TIME ASSEMBLING ITS FLOCK FOR A REUNION PICTURE BUT FINALLY PRODUCED THE QUORUM ABOVE
