ALTHOUGH my official position ceased to exist as of June 17, it seems to be the custom of the Class that the outgoing Secretary shall write the reunion news. It does seem a shame that this further suffering must be inflicted upon you as by this time you must be fed up with my style. However, it does give the incoming Secretary time to catch his breath and prepare for his labors.
The 35th Reunion is now history, but it will linger on in our memories as one of the
most successful. It felt great to meet old classmates once again, to exchange reminiscences, and to fondly recall those classmates who could not be with us. Time passes so quickly during those precious three days that it is only when we return to our homes that each event becomes clear. Perhaps the best way to tell about Reunion is to put it in chronological order.
Friday was registration day and what a joy it was to see the cars roll in, filled with smiling classmates, their wives and children. We" even begrudged the time spent in unpacking as everyone wanted to get into loungclothes and greet the new arrivals. For those whose throats were parched from the long ride, the Committee had thoughtfully prepared some of Tanzi's best internal medicine. Badges were given out and favors distributed—green and white ties to the men, scarves of the same design to the ladies. A tent had been erected near the Sphinx and to this we repaired at 6:30 for a buffet supper. Stoves had been set up, and how wood that food tasted. From there we went in a body to the President's reception. President and Mrs. Dickey with Mr. and Mrs Hayward greeted the alumni in the garden. To me, the beautiful setting of woods and flowers, the bright stars in the dark blue canopy overhead, the hidden searchlights casting a soft radiance on the lawn; the merry laughter and greetings exchanged between old friends; the hearty welcome of our host as he grasps our hand, and the graciousness and charm of our hostess, present an unforgettable scene. The alumni dance followed the reception, but there seemed no great desire among the Fifteeners to try out their creaking limbs in the rhumba or samba, so we all gathered in the tent for a good old songfest. Assisted by a few aged members of 1914 we tried our best to prove that our lungs were still strong even though our arteries might not be 100% perfect. A little later we gathered over at the 1914 dorm to watch some movies of past reunions, and they must have been hot ones as the screen collapsed in the middle of the performance. Then back to the tent where some of the hardier souls continued until the wee hours of the morning.
In the early hours of Saturday morning we were greeted by a terrific thunder and lightning storm. Despite the elements we dashed to the tent where we were served an excellent breakfast. You should have heard the cheering when at last the sun broke through the heavy clouds, and then how quickly the raincoats were discarded.
At noontime the wives went shopping or took an auto ride, while the men attended the Alumni Luncheon at the Gym. Your exSecretary took a humble part in the proceedings, being the Chairman of the Nominating Committee of the General Association. Evidently the nominations were popular as they were unanimously adopted. A little later we were to have a Hum with 1914 and 1916 but either the drop in temperature or the heavy luncheon proved too much of a handicap. About 4:30 we all went over to the bleachers that had been erected on the campus to sit for our Class picture. If any of you absentees see these pictures, you might wonder if they were taken in June or late fall. Topcoats, sweaters, and even fur pieces were a must. String Downing and Eb Clough wore their famous green "Kellys" so no one could mistake what class was having their picture taken.
Then came a most delightful surprise. The Bowlers, Jack, Madelaine, and children, invited us up to their home for cocktails. The party was held on the lawn of their most beautiful home overlooking Occom Pond. I believe we would have been there yet, but a sudden shower and the knowledge that we were due at Thayer Hall caused a regretful departure. I'm sure the Class wishes me to express
their deepest thanks for the Bowlers' thought-fulness. The Class dinner was held in the Colonial Room of Thayer Hall. This year we broke precedent by having the ladies with us. This innovation proved so successful that I imagine it will now become permanent. At the head table were the Class Officers, Llewellyn,Livermore, Foster, Griffith, Frederick, Huntress, Crawford, and the guest of honor, Dr. Dickey. After everyone had stuffed himself with a most appetizing and delightful meal the meeting was called to order by Stan Llewellyn. Chan Foster received a cheer when he reported the Treasury was solvent. Your ex-Secretary read a few telegrams from classmates and gave the report of class activities during his term of office. Frederick proudly reported that our Class Alumni Fund was over the quota and should give us another Green Derby. Livermore was called on to say a few words. Then BillHuntress in his dual capacity of Reunion Chairman and Chairman of the Nominating Committee presented the new slate of officers for the next five years. For President, JackMason; Vice-President, Kike Richardson; Secretary, Art Nichols; Treasurer, Russ Rice; Class Agent, Marv Frederick; Executive Committee, Stan Llewellyn, Chan Foster, SidCrawford. For R.V.P.'s, Burt, Chase, Clough, Ferguson, H. Fuller, Gray, Lafferty, Livermore, Loomis, Monheimer, Montsie, Buster Sawyer, Kent Smith, Tomfohrde, Bags Wanamaker. A resolution was read by Fred Pearce and adopted "that the Class of 1915 assembled in Hanover for its 35th Reunion forfally adopts the principle that devotion to and support of the College shall be projected into the future .... that we pledge to the President and Trustees of the College that the proportion of the Class now having made provision for Dartmouth at death, shall be very materially increased by the time of our 40th Reunion, five years hence." The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a check by Charlie Griffith, chairman of the Memorial Fund, to Dr. Dickey, bringing our total up to $22,000. President Dickey replied in his usual entertaining and gracious manner. The ladies were especially delighted at this because it was the first opportunity most of them had had to hear our President. The meeting concluded with reports of sickness among members and instructions for the incoming Secretary. Then, following some cheers for the past officers under the leadership of String Downing, we adjourned to Webster Hall. There we had an opportunity to compare the performance of the present Players in Light Up the Sky. Nowadays real women assume the female roles, a far cry from the days when some of us donned girdles and wigs to entertain the Prom girls and Commencement guests.
The temperature by this time had taken a nose dive to the freezing point and heat was turned on in the dormitories so all activities in the tent were cancelled. Some of the classmates went down to the A.D. House to watch the movies of past reunions under the direction of Dale Barker.
Sunday morning opened up sunshiny and warm, and after breakfast the Class repaired to the White Church where memorial services were held for our departed members. Charlie Griffith was in charge and the services were most impressive. A few classmates had to leave to catch trains, but the rest of us drove out to the Outing Club where a most delicious dinner was served in buffet style. Doesn't this menu make your mouth
water—lobster, turkey, ham, salads, vegetables, etc., and ending up with an iced dessert. Then came the cheery goodbyes and the promise to return on the Fortieth. The few of us who were left returned to the dormitories to pack up, chat awhile longer, and as the sun descended, regretfully take our leave of Hanover.
Following is a list of those present:
George Adams, Murray Austin, Mr. and Mrs. Blaisdell, Don and Fannie Bennink, Jack and Madelaine Bowler with their daughters, Dale and Elizabeth Barker with their son, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Boyd and son, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Bull with their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Bigelow, Mr. and Mrs. Eb Clough without the icehouse, Charlie Comiskey, Pete Cannon, Mr. and Mrs. Gib Campbell, Tom Connelly, Dick Clarke, Mr. and Mrs. Sid Crawford and son, Justin McCarthy, Dr. and Mrs. Dex Davis, Mr. and Mrs. String Downing, Mr. and Mrs. Bud Doe, Stubby Dennett, Mr. and Mrs. George Ehinger and son, Mr. and Mrs. Dolph English, Mr. and Mrs. Al English with their daughter and friend, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Chan Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Howie Fuller, Mr. and Mrs. Mary Frederick and son, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Griffith, Paul Gibson, Carl Gish, Mr. and Mrs. Shorty Gray, Dave Hitchcock, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Huntress, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Harlow, Dabney Horton, Mr. and Mrs. Speed Henderson and son, Mr. and Mrs. Stu Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Duze Lounsberry and daughter, Johnny Kimball, Ray King with his son and two daughters, Russ Liver-more, Mr. and Mrs. Fletch Low, Mr. and Mrs. Stan Llewellyn, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Lafferty, John Loomis, Walt Meader, Johnny Mullin, Mr. and Mrs. Norm Milmore, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Murdock, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Mason, Mr. and Mrs. George Martin, Nut Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. Art Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. Doc Noyes, Harold Pinkham, Mr. and Mrs. Freddy Pearce and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Russ Rice, Dick Redfield, Mr. and Mrs. Kell Rose, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Reynolds, Mr. and Mrs. Kike Richardson, Mrs. Ray Russell, Al Sherman, Mr. and Mrs. Kent Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Buster Sawyer, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Scharmann and son, Mr. and Mrs. George Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. Art Sheldon, Mr. and Mrs. Red Stevens, Charlie Sargent, Dr. and Mrs. Tower, Mr. and Mrs. Turk Turner, Mr. and Mrs Tommy Tomfohrde and son, Mr. and Mrs. Howie "Wing, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Waugh, Mr. and Mrs. Bags Wanamaker, George Young.
Seventy-eight classmates with wives and children totaled 151 present. Dennett, Hill,Horton, Murdoch, and Redfield reuned for the first time since graduation. Geographically we had members from the East, MidWest, Far West, and South.
The Reunion is over and for the next five years a new Secretary, Art Nichols, will carry on. If you give Art the grand cooperation you gave me, then the Class will go on to further glory. Write him as often as you can, because his success is yours too. Congratulations and best wishes to the new officers. Aufwiedersehen.
IT WAS HARD TO KEEP THE BUSILY REUSING CLASS OF 1915 STILL LONG ENOUGH FOR THIS PICTURE TO BE TAKEN
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY