1924
Hold on to your hats, kids, here we go again! For the fifth, and last, time your Scribe sits himself down at the old Corona to record the doings of the Class of 1924 at the beginning of another fall season. So much remains to be done. So much remains to be said. Time's a wasting, so let's have at it.
Without doubt the most important matter to demand immediate attention is to take due recognition of the results attained by the Class in the 1953 Alumni Fund. Dick Morin covered the statistical details in great shape in his late summer edition of the '24 HourNotice, but we would be grossly derelict in our duties if we failed to make official obeisance complete with genuflections and salaams to Harr Ranney and his dedicated group of assistant agents for the utterly marvelous accomplishment. Owing to the complicated rating system used by the powers that be, we still are not ranked too high in the scheme of things, but when it comes to contributing the Long Green for the Big Green, 1924 was right up there with the fourth highest dollar total of all the classes. That, we submit, is something of which we may well be proud, for as of this writing, no one has yet found a way to pay bills with percentiles! Dollars still serve a useful purpose.
Our thanks and appreciation go to each of the 350 members of our Class who shared so generously in making our record contribution possible. While we must acknowledge the im portance of every single contribution, still and all, the accolades must be tossed in the direction of Harr Ranney and his hard work ing associates who set up the plan of campaign, and carried it through to a whirlwind finish. Harr, in his first year at the controls, spent untold hours in planning the campaign and setting up a vigorous, smooth-running Committee of Fifty. These fifty men really worked at their appointed jobs, and turned in some sensational results, lifting the Class to proud place in the alumni body. To each of them our enduring thanks for a job superbly well done.
Just by way of breaking the news gently, we would draw your attention to the fact that our Thirtieth Reunion is scheduled for June 1954. In the clear, crisp air of October, June seems rather far away, but it will be here before you know it. After the tremendously successful 25th, we are looking forward to an equally delightful reunion next June. Your officers are already at work, and plans will be announced in due course. Right now it is only necessary for you to remember that you have a most important date in Hanover next June, and start laying vacation plans accordingly.
At our reunion there will be the customary election of a new group of officers to take over class affairs for the ensuing five years. In order to give this important matter careful consideration, a nominating committee has been appointed, with Don Coyle as chairman. His cohorts are Spud Spaulding and Jim White. This committee will soon be at work, and would welcome suggestions from any member of the Class. If you have some constructive suggestions, send them to Donald E. Coyle, c/o New York Trust Company, 100 Broadway, New York, N. Y.
About two years ago 1924 inaugurated our Memorial Book plan. Through this plan it was our intention to purchase some suitable volume, desired by the Dartmouth Library, as a lasting Memorial to each of our deceased Classmates. At the time the plan was announced we appealed for funds to activate the program, pointing out that the average cost of the books was about $20. The response was reasonably good, but we are still short about $200 to make our program 100% effective. This project is very much worthwhile, and it is our hope that we can carry it through to completion this year. We would appeal to all of you who have not previously made a contribution to send your check, in whatever amount, to 1924 Memorial Book Fund in care of your Secretary, at the address shown at the mast head of this column. Many classes are following our lead in starting a Memorial Book program. It would be embarrassing to admit that ours was not completely effective. Let's take care of it now.
As was the case last year, there will be no organized fall houseparty this year, but several couples will again be at the Lyme Inn for an informal get-together on the weekend of the Colgate game, October 17. No doubt many of our New England confreres will be taking advantage of the fall foliage, and one of the rare appearances of the Big Green in Hanover to return to the College that weekend. In order that those who will be back might have the opportunity to see each other and say hello, it has been arranged to meet for a picnic lunch at noon on the road leading to the Observatory, immediately behind Richardson Hall. This is the spot we have used for the past several years. It is convenient to the Stadium, and provides an attractive place for a spot of lunch. If you plan to be in Hanover, be sure to join us. We'll be looking for you.
During the summer another welcome letter came in from Emilio A. Lanier who has been teaching at Nagoya University in Nagoya, Japan. Emilio went to Japan originally to teach under contract with the Institute of International Education. His two-year contract having expired, he remains at his post under contract with the Japanese Ministry of Education. During the month of August, Emilio and another Dartmouth teacher, Burton E. Martin '33, were selected by the American Embassy to conduct a seminar at Nagoya on American Literature and Culture for 40 Japanese professors of English. If the Korean truce is fulfilled and peace restored to the Far East, Emilio is hopeful of extending his teaching experience at Tsing Hua University in Pekin, where our classmate Quentin Pan is Dean. He is our one means of contact with Quentin Pan, for all our mail is turned back by the Iron Curtain.
Emilio reports the birth of his second daughter, and third child, Emiko Leonia, last March. He has a real problem to face as regards basic communication with his children, for, living in a Japanese community, the youngsters are beginning to speak nothing but Japanese, and have increasing difficulty in carrying on a conversation with their dad in English. Emilio will soon have to devote a portion of his teaching hours to introducing his own youngsters to the English language. A most unusual, and interesting situation, but one which shouldn't pose too much of a problem for one with his experience.
Guess that about winds things up for the time being. Don't forget to send in suggestions to the nominating committee, and, if you have a few spare dollars in your pocket, we could use 'em for the Memorial Book Fund. Think it over. See you later.
Secretary, 328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J. Treasurer, 1312 Greenleaf Blvd., Elkhart, Ind. Bequest Chairman,
