1929
SECOND ANNUAL FATHER-SON ISSUE
Preface: There are 25 sons of the Class of 1929 in College today, as compared with last year's 20 strong. Eight are freshmen, 14 are sophomores, three are seniors and one a graduate student at Medical School. This is a very gratifying and exclusive source of joy to your Class Secretary (as well as to the proud papas) for reasons convincingly demonstrated by the following letters from fathers and sons-at-Dartmouth responding to requests for material for the Second Annual Father-Son Issue and expressing wholehearted approval of the Father-Son idea. I am sure that all '29ers will share a satisfying sense of appreciation and pride in the recorded accomplishments of the sons—and of the fathers as well.
There is space for only about half of the letters this month. The rest will be printed in the next issue.
Wellington Barto 725 13th St., Washington, D. C.
-John W. Barto, '52 Phi Delta Theta
"When I first thought about writing you to bring you up to date on the Bartos and Dartmouth, it struck me that there was not really much to say; however, it did not take much second thought to realize that the reverse is true so I will try to keep this in bounds. This past summer I worked for an insurance company in Washington, D. C., and the job turned out to be wonderful experience, despite the fact that I do not intend to go into that field. I found myself making the down-town run to office and back with 'the old man' and it was not long before we were doing a little coaching in the twilight Softball league—a girl's team, no less. The Duke is a pretty fine coach—thanks to Dartmouth, I guess! In August the family took their vacation in New England and, of course, a pilgrimage to Hanover was included. The town was sleeping then but a month's time changed the picture. I arrived from a fishing trip in Maine where a fraternity brother and I were vainly attempting to tame the landlocked salmon. We were greeted with a splash of fall color and a football weekend. Between living at the house and the football weekends and despite the faculty's efforts to keep us otherwise busy, I don't think the party ended until the Princeton weekend, with '29ers Panos,Woodbridge and Barto in attendance with wives. This winter has proved to be the only real oldfashioned kind we have had since I have been here. The skiing has been tops, so let me urge all '29's ski enthusiasts, especially Hal Letch, to kill two birds with one stone and visit Hanover and take advantage of plenty of snow. As for the future, I have my eye set on law school, but I'm not sure which one. Of course the service is inevitable, but possibly it can be postponed until after law school. I took the Law School Admissions Test on February 23 and Eo Parker was there, so I assume he has similar plans. In the meantime, the doors of the Phi Delt house are open so please drop in and see Luke Case and me. My dad would sure appreciate it if you would bring him along too. Johnny."
"Duke" Barto writes:—"The biggest bit of father-son news that I can give you is that John made Phi Beta Kappa in his junior year, something that his old man didn't do in four years and couldn't have done in six years. The fact that Johnnie Parker's boy Everett equalled this achievement only adds to my personal and Class pride. As further evidence that '29 relationships still pervade the Hanover plain, George Case's boy Lucien '54 is a fraternity brother of John's in Phi Delta Theta.
"Unless any of you want to hire a bright young man at about SIO,OOO a year, John plans to attend Yale Law School next year (Uncle Sam permitting). "Objectively, John is Jelighted with Dartmouth, having stated that he wouldn't want to be anywhere else, and is particularly crazy about skiing. Fortunately after three years of poor snow, this year he should be getting his fill of it. In fact, his letters contain little else except "yesterday I went skiing on Oak Hill, the day before on Suicide Six and tomorrow we go to Stowe." The Dartmouth spirit is strong within him and I can assure you he will carry on in our tradition.
"All in all having a son at Dartmouth has been a most wonderful experience and has enabled me to relive my own Hanover days to a remarkable degree. Not only am I proud of John's outstanding scholastic performance but his other personal characteristics and our close relationship has more than fulfilled this Dad's dreams.
Duke"
John Parker 40 Summer St. Bath, Me.
-Everett H. Parker '52 206 No. Fayerweather John Parker Jr., '54 106 No. Fayerweather
"Continuing in last year's vein, we're making this a joint letter in bringing you up to date on Parker activities in Hanover and elsewhere. Everett leading off—
"The logical start here seems to be an outline of summer activities and vacation jobs. Johnny wrestled trays (nothing said about waitresses) as a busboy while I was employed by a plant at home as an assembly mechanic, a misnomer for the least skilled of unskilled laborers. I also managed to work in a heavy schedule of night baseball during July and August. Came September, and, after seeing brother Gerry ('59) into his first year of high school and sending sister Virginia off to her freshman year at Hood, we trooped back to Hanover. Johnny quickly settled down to a grinding routine of pre-med course and basketball practice. Incidentally, he gave up the former after a rather disastrous first semester. I loafed athletically anyway, and have only just started to get in shape for the coming baseball season. Most of my exercise came from filling out applications for various law schools (attendance dependent upon Uncle Sam). Other than that, there's nothing unusual or outstanding so I'll turn it over to Johnny—
"Because of that disastrous semester referred to above, I can only look up from the books long enough to mention that two sons of '29 fared a little better -when Johnny Barto and brother Everett were taken into Phi Beta Kappa in the fall. Everett seems to have covered the rest of the field pretty well, so that leaves me little to do but sign off for the two of us.
John and Everett Parker."
Arthur C. Buffington 4519 Wooddale Ave., S. Minneapolis 10, Minn.
—John W. Buffington '54 109 Fayerweather
"At home on my book-shelf stand two Dartmouth beer mugs, one bearing the numerals 1929, the other, 1954. They stand for two Dartmouth men—Big Buff and Little Buff. Twenty some years ago Big Buff gained a wonderful education and had a lot of fun doing it. I had often heard his stories of the wonderful times on the Big Green and thought them exaggerated, but now I know his tales were true. I too am receiving a wonderful education. I am doing quite well in my studies, and am taking a Tuck-Thayer major, hoping to go on to business engineering. Last year I played freshman hockey, but this year my exercise has been limited to inter-fraternity sports and D.O.C. trips. Also skiing is one of my favorite pastimes. I joined Psi Upsilon this fall along with 19 of the swellest fellows in the Class of '54,. and am extremely happy with Psi U. I am learning a lot and making a lot of friends. I'm picking up some of that New Hampshire granite that Dad picked up 25 years ago, and am thoroughly enjoying every minute of it.
John W. Buffington '54."
George S. Case Jr. 18230 Shelbourne Rd. Cleveland 18, Ohio
—Lucien H. Case '54 303 Streeter
Lucien '54 speaking: "After my marks dropped for the second semester, the family council decided it best for me to bring up the grades. Last semester I did manage a slightly more impressive grade, but it still isn't as good as Dad claims he used to get. I pledged Phi Delta Theta this past fall, and other than that, there is little to note except that I have sewed up the bottom place in the Glee Club. If things go as planned, this summer I will be working in Bogota, Colombia, for John H. Graham & Cos. The job sounds fine, and for at least part of the summer, I will be living with the manager's family. His son is a sophomore at Princeton and is a swell guy. All in all it should be a good summer. Lucien H. Case."
]ohn Clements 965 Spruce St. Winnetka, Ill.
—Robert Clements '54 403 So. Fayerweather
Robert '54 speaking: "The past year has been a busy and interesting one, but, when I sit down to think about it, nothing much of earth-shaking importance has happened to myself or the rest of the Clements family. I am a sophomore now and this fall became a member of Alpha Delta Phi. I have also joined the ranks of the Air Force ROTC, which promises to keep us in College until we graduate in exchange for two years' service on active duty after that time. So if the war continues or gets worse, the near future is pretty certain. Beyond that, anything can happen. The big news at home, however, came last spring when the old man finally broke down and bought a new car and we moved from Evanston to an ancient house in Winnetka, which is gradually being refurbished under Mother's practiced hand. Dartmouth continues to be a rewarding place to go to school and the second year is, as everyone says, much better than the first.
Bob Clements."
Albert C. Fisher Box 1 Roslyn Heights, N. Y.
-James M. Fisher '54 206 Gile
Al Fisher '29 reporting: "We are enjoying the experience of being sophomore parents almost to the same extent that we were thrilled at being parents of a freshman. In those days, we received frequent letters keeping us posted on events in Hanover. This year Jim is placing less a strain on his finances for postage and is resorting more to the use of the telephone (collect). As long as his grades are holding up we are inclined to believe his plea, that he has been busy studying. Once in awhile he backslides and becomes a 'chubber' on an Outing Club trip even at the peril of losing face with some of his less ruggedly inclined brother rats at the Tri Kap House. One thing that I miss this year is the Father-and-Son Weekend in Hanover. Last year I got a big kick out of sleeping in the dorm again and attending classes with Jim.
Al Fisher."
James M. Fisher '54: "If enjoyment and appreciation of Dartmouth College should increase in proportion to the jump from an ascetic freshman year to a sophomore year pregnant with activities and new experiences, my senior year should be the pinnacle of undergraduate existence. Little does the somewhat expectant sophomore realize what is in store for him in the first semester of that year —the 'sophomore slump,' fraternities, all that is connected with fraternities, courses with high numbers, eating from dishes, a change in deans, and a little more self-respect. As the semester unfolds, there is none of the leisure of the freshman; the day must be planned down to the last second, even to the point of working in a shave. There is no time to arrange the furnishings of the room, and the piles of clothes start to mount up from any available surface. Fraternity rushing starts, and there is a haggard expression that haunts those who are stoking up their personalities for the seven days of formal and informal gatherings afterwards. The pace does not seem to let up a bit. I joined KKK, and have found a whole new experience through that choice. My outlook on achievement has changed from a limited emphasis on the grade in college work, to the broad participation in all aspects of work—man shall not live by books alone. The fraternity offers the activities of Dartmouth on a small scale. For instance, my hockey ability was not up to making the varsity squad, but my average experience was up to par with the KKK players. My social life has broadened since joining KKK. Last year, for example, I went home for Winter Carnival because I thought it would be too much of a 'rat race' for a freshman, especially one who had been kicked out of his dormitory to make room for the dates. This year -I would no sooner have missed Carnival than have jumped off Baker Tower. I am out for the 150-pound crew to add to my worries, but because I am gaining weight instead of dropping to the required weight, 1 have an idea that I may eat my way out of a berth. The spring lies ahead and more opportunity, as far as I am concerned, to make the sophomore year at Dartmouth even more beyond expectations. In the springtime a young man's fancy turns to what the girls have been thinking about all year long.
James M. Fisher"
George A. Hume Jr. Iron Works Pike Lexington, Ky.
—George A. Hume III '54 107 Woodward
George '54 speaking: "I fear you've picked the wrong boy if you're looking for any kind of enlightening information because there doesn't seem to be much. I did successfully make it into the sophomore class, and it seems I'm staying there after finals last month. I have cleverly got myself into the Ordnance ROTC Unit here, and it looks like I may be able to stay with Dartmouth until 1954. Then I think I'll find myself in a fairly edifying branch of the service. I have joined Theta Chi, the finest house on Campus, and I am certainly prepared to do my bit for the house in interfraternity competition. Next week I will beautifully deliver 92 words in the play contest. I also occasionally move furniture. My main extracurricular activity is still crew. You may be sure that the Dartmouth One-Fifties will make an improved showing this year over last. We will certainly be trying. But the way of a noii-college-supported sport is hard—both physically and financially.
Joe Hume."
Walter Y. Kong 1108 State St. Santa Barbara, Calif,
—Thomas Q. Kong '54 409 Gile
Thomas Kong speaking: "I've sat down many times to try and write an interesting letter to you, and have, each time given up more discouraged than the time before. I'm not much of a writer; I found that out in Freshman English last year. And when I write about myself, I am definitely treading on dangerous ground. Nothing spectacular, or I should say, nothing even vaguely interesting has happened to me since my last letter, and that is why I find it so difficult to write. My life up here has been average. I'm still taking a pre-med course and therefore spend most of my time studying. In fact, I could sum up my year by saying that I spent most of it with the books in Baker. Even though there is more studying, Dartmouth seems more fun this year. I think it is because I have made pew friends and made, my old friendships more solid. I joined a fraternity, Chi Phi, and became active a little before Christmas. The House has some fine fellows and we've had some great blasts. I've thought about what lies in the future and have come up with a very unsatisfactory blurry picture, because there are too many variables to take into consideration. However, whatever few plans I have made, the Army is not in them—yet!
Thomas Kong '54"
Walter Kong reports: "I am glad to learn that you are making the '29 Father-Son news an annual affair in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. What Tommy told you about, me last year remains substantially unchanged. Nothing sensational, good or bad, has happened to me within the year to merit mentioning. My routine is still one of trying to keep this business' of mine going and garnering enough cash to pay the various taxes that one faces today. And it is becoming a good size job. I am afraid this routine will continue for sometime unless I strike oil.
Walter Kong."
George H. Lane 22 Perkins Ave. Norwich, Conn.
-Leman G. Lane '54 308 Richardson
Leman Lane '54, writes: "I am very pleased to be able to offer something to the Father-Son issue of the '29 Class notes, for I think it is a fine project. I was told when I came to Dartmouth that I would like and appreciate it more as the years progressed. With half of my second year completed, I am beginning to realize that is true. In my freshman year I found myself pushed into a new type of school and a completely new life. It took me time to adapt myself to this change, and by the time I recovered, the year was half over. Now I feel thoroughly socialized into the" Dartmouth life. I've learned to work more efficiently, which gives me more free time to take advantage of the many opportunities the College offers. I've been able to get out into the surrounding territory (mostly on skiis) and view the beautiful New Hampshire countryside. Also in a year and a half, I have made many close friendships, something which has been possible only because of the small size and compactness of the College. I'm beginning to feel myself a part of the College. My grades haven't been outstanding, but they've been satisfactory. My weak point seems to be the Social Sciences, and my strong point the Natural Sciences. I am still planning to attend Thayer School and study civil engineering. Of course the Army might have something to say about that, biit I hope not. Right now I am in good standing, having passed the Service Test and being in the top half of my class, but should the world situation get worse, I don't know what will happen.
My parents have been up to Hanover two times this year. My father loves to come back and see the College again. There is something about Dartmouth which draws its alumni back year after year. That same something brings a greater percentage of contributions from its alumni each year than any other college receives in the United States. That something is the Dartmouth spirit. I guess that brings me up to date. In conclusion I'd like to say I'm very thankful to be able to go to such a fine college, and I hope I get the most possible out of it. Good luck to the Class of '29.
Lee Lane"
Father speaking: "Emily and I spent a very enjoyable weekend in Hanover February 15-17 with friends of ours from Norwich. We left our daughters at Colby Junior for the weekend and then went over to Hanover Friday evening. It was a rather rugged drive home Sunday in the snow storm but we made it without mishap. We spent a very enjoyable weekend with Ted and Fran Shackford the weekend of February 9. We attended a Dartmouth Alumni Benefit dance at the University Club Friday evening. Saw Ollie Holmes and wife there. Ollie looked same as ever. I don't believe I had seen him in 15 years. Ted and Fran were as hospitable as ever and it was wonderful to spend a few days with them. Our daughter Nancy is in a dither trying to decide what to do next year and where she wants to do it. It looks now as though she's going to land at Mount Holyoke, but her decisions are subject to change at a moment's notice. As for myself, I am still with the Plastic-Wire & Cable Corp., making telephone wire for the Signal Corps as well as all types of wire for civilian electrical use. I had the good fortune to be elected a minor officer, Assistant Secretary. The seven years with this Company in Personnel & Credit work I have found quite different from the relatively serene and smooth banker's existence I led for the 14 years previous. I have never worked harder nor enjoyed work more than I have the last seven years, though. I am associated with a wonderful bunch of fellows who are all intelligent, aggressive and industrious. I guess I'll close my feeble effort to add something to our Class News. I am glad you were commended by the ALUMNI MAGAZINE for your Father-Son idea. I am sure you have the hearty commendation of all '29ers for serving so faithfully and well as Secretary of '29 all these years.
George Lane '29."
Kenneth M. Moran McElroy Co. Jamestown, N. D.
—John M. Moran '54 106 No. Fayerweather
John Moran '54—"This year the pleasant chore of bringing you up to date on Moran affairs falls to me, as a collective family effort would be rather difficult right now. At the time your letter arrived my mother and dad were en route to a land of more clement winter weather than North Dakota. They're visiting my father's sister and family in Florida. When saturated with warm ocean water and sunshine they plan to make their way back to North Dakota by way of Hanover, a route I thoroughly approve of. New Orleans was the locale for a small '29 reunion on February 19 when the paths of Moran, Henretta and wives crossed. No chance meeting, this was a maneuver carefully premeditated from the time Bill and Ken discovered during one of their frequent and lengthy telephone, conversations that they were planning Southern trips at the same time. You can be sure a good time was had by all, as the former roommates hadn't seen one another for some time. There have been few noteworthy changes for the Morans since this time last year. Thus far it is another fine year for me here at Dartmouth and an equally interesting one for the folks at home. What with recent oil developments in North Dakota last summer, we are all looking forward to a well or two in the back yard once the tundra thaws and drilling begins again.
John Moran."
Kenneth Moran '29 speaking: "Ginny and I are en route to Florida. Coincidentally, Bill Henretta is looking over my shoulder as I write you. Bill and Adelaide having flown in yesterday to spend a few days, pre-Mardi Gras, with us here, we're having a good time, as might be suspected.
Ken Moran."
SONS OF 1929: Eighteen of the 25 sons of '29 now in college are represented in the photograph shown above. Front row, I to r: Thomas Q. Kong '54, Leman G. Lane '54, George A. Hume '54, William H. Nickerson '55, John C. Cavanagh '55, James E. Cavanagh '51 M 2, John H. Brabb '55. Second row: Richard P. Reading '55, Everett H. Parker '52, John W. Barto '52, Lucien H. Case '54, Brooks C. White '55, Herbert O. Morse '55. Back row: Harry T. Lewis '55, James C. Fisher '54, John Parker '54, John M. Moran '54, John H. Levitas '55.
Secretary, 75 Federal St., Boston 10, Mass. Treasurer, 1728 Beech wood Blvd., Pittsburgh 17, Pa Class Agent, 10 Cranston Rd., Winchester, Mass.
