Central New York
One of the most completely successful meetings of recent years was held by the Central New York Dartmouths during the Christmas holidays, when some 45 alumni and undergraduates of the Big Green gathered with 30odd assorted guests at luncheon. The guests included applicants for the Class of 1956, secondary school principals, a few coaches from area schools, and other prospects—not to mention one lonesome man recently graduated from Michigan, who wandered in and partook of our hospitality unannounced (probably wanted to see whether there was anyone there from the schools big enough to make the Michigan team. We explained to him that we were building character that day, not football teams!).
The meeting was held at the Onondaga Golf Club on December 29, under the firm guiding hand of Vice-President Carter Strickland '23, acting in the absence of Prexy John White '41, whom we released to the Navy last May. After a very excellent luncheon, which consisted of open hot turkey sandwiches in Louis' best manner, a fine speaking program was handled by several men. Treasurer Bill Morrow '41 gave one of the more pertinent addresses of the afternoon, the gist of which was that unless two bucks' dues is paid by the members, there won't be another of these meetings with 30 non-paying guests next year! Bill made no such statement in front of our guests, of course, but it was written on the outstretched palm he delivered to each alumnus before the afternoon was out.
Bill Morton '28, our representative on the Alumni Council, spoke for the College, and introduced each of our undergraduate guests with a recital of their several accomplishments. Three of tHe students were asked to speak: Ron Himberg '55 discussed his impressions of and reactions to his first semester just completed; John Martino '52 covered the Princeton controversy very nicely; and Fred Brown '51-T52 covered the Hanover scene.
The final two speakers were both secondary school men. Ken Drake, father of Dick Drake '55, spoke as a father and principal, said that one of Dartmouth's required courses must be how to be a successful host, patted us on our receptive backs, and ended with reasons why he is glad his son went to Dartmouth. Finally General Barker, headmaster of Manlius School, climaxed the talks perfectly with a reaffirmation of his school's interest in Dartmouth. The program was concluded with a showing of movies of the 1949 Carnival, which knocked the eyes out of even those of us who know what a tremendous event Carnival is.
Reactions to this meeting have been excellent, for it was carried out on a very high level. One secondary school man present said that he has attended numerous luncheons of college alumni, but this was the best, "and I'm not just saying that—." Another principal said that students from his school who attended were agreed that this was the best they had seen. We're all pleased with the outcome and will undoubtedly make it an annual event—if our members will pay their dues!
The next meeting in February will undoubtedly be coed, by popular demand of numerous and sundry wives.
SPEAKERS AT THE MELROSE DARTMOUTH CLUB DINNER: Stearns Morse, Dean of Freshmen, and Bill Vesprini '52, last season's football captain, were guests of honor and main speakers at the dinner on December 27. With them are (front row), Horace Dalrymple '20; (back row, I to r): John Little '39, Bob Taylor '42, Club President Wes Beattie '33, Bob Kimball '46, and Les King '25.
Secretary, 457 Brattle Rd., Syracuse, N. Y.
