1931

The only thing hot about this column is going to be the writer. I am sitting in a non-air-conditioned office on the 48th floor of one of New York's better incinerators, with the mercury in the thermometer making a slapping noise against the ceiling, and the humidity breaking records, spirits and whatever I might use as a line of thought. Be that as it may, here we are back at school again. This was to be the beginning of the new era in class secretaryship with intense and purposeful devotion' to reorganizing the class operation, working more intimately with the executive committee, keeping in constant touch with all our confreres of XXXI, and all these myriad things that have existed so long in resolve and so little in practice. What has been accomplished in that direction... nothing! and right this minute, I am too cussed hot to care much one way or the other.

This situation does emphasize what I think is both a great liability and a great asset in this thing called a college class. We certainly would be a lot better off, both as a class and as individuals, if we could bring ourselves to calling, writing to, or seeing other '31ers more frequently. Yet despite that, it's pretty wonderful to realize that when we do meet a classmate, there's a great warmth that springs up almost spontaneously, even among those who weren't particularly close during the four years in Hanover. For some peculiar reason, it's a stronger bond than exists between members of adult fraternal organizations, and it seems to be effusive enough to spread to the wives and children. Obviously, this mutual affection doesn't exist as a burning flame. We don't go through our daily routines carrying a torch for fellow '31ers. It's more like a pilot light which sets off the bigger flame whenever we push the little valve in our memories marked "1927 through 1931."

This thought began building in me sometime last August when I had to make a quick trip to Dallas to address a sales meeting; and during a hiatus in the proceedings, I called Joe Linz. I don't think I have seen Joe since the day we graduated, and we weren't especially close while we were at school. Yet, over the telephone, there was immediate recognition and a very hearty welcome. Unfortunately, time did not permit my accepting Joe's invitation to lunch or to visit his home, but I came away with a feeling that I would have felt very much at - home. Incidentally, it had escaped my records, but Joe finally succumbed, and, mirabile dictu, married a dam yankee. As you well know, only a few years ago I was not much of a '31er. Other things got in the way of being a good alumnus of either the College or the class. But, I don't mind telling you that this awareness of being a part of so cohesive a group has been, and is, a tremendous thrill... and I can only hope that the rest of you do or will feel the same way.

There probably never has been a better expression of this theme than all of you voiced through the recently completed Alumni Fund. It is not enough just to tip our hats to Bill Minehan, Ned Campbell, and their slugging cohorts. The same chapeau has to be canted toward everyone of you guys and your gals. It isn't easy to lay that dough on the line, and when you do it year after year, and in increasing amounts, you express better than this column will ever do the pleasure and pride which is the foundation of Dartmouth and the keystone of '31. If that sounds like soap-boxing...sic. semper enthusiasm.

While some of us have been going about our insignificant ways, others of our gang have reared up and done some big things. Buell Whitehill is on leave of absence from his academic spot as associate professor and head of the Speech Department at the University of Pittsburgh to take over the assignment as personnel director of the Rust Engineering Cos. Buell is well known for his work in theatre and motion picture studies and has authored many articles in the speech field. Pete Peterson has just been elected chairman of the Massachusetts Blood Program Coordinating Committee, representing the 85 Red Cross Chapters in the Bay State. Apparently Pete did such a great job as Chairman of the Walpole Red Cross Blood Program that being upped to State chairman was one of those inevitable things. Next time you cut your finger or your throat, just get in touch with Pete because I am sure he can find a use for all that carmine stuff. Prof. Charlie Prouty, Elizabethan authority at Yale, is credited with discovering "the missing link in the history of the Elizabethan theatre"... a model of which has been built and exhibited under his direction. If I gave you full details of Charlie's work in this direction, it would occupy most of the column. Lloyd Wilson has been reelected vice president and director of Griffith-Consumers Cos., one of the largest coal and fuel oil distributors along the eastern seaboard. (This is your commercial plug for the year, Lloyd.) Bill Smith, erstwhile treasurer of the Springfield Institute for Savings, has left that post to become president of the Holyoke Savings Bank. The published citation reads: "The trustees feel Mr. Smith's educational background and his long experience in the banking business will be a great asset... and the trustees were also impressed with Mr. Smith's record of participation in community affairs...." Max Shultz, executive vice president of the Technical Tape Corporation won this year's award for distinguished achievement in the field of merchandising and marketing.

Jim Lyall now bears on his 'scutcheon the title assistant secretary of the United States Trust Cos. of New York. If it were not for the fact that I am constantly mentioning some recent achievement of Charlie McAllister, I'd use this column to announce that he has been appointed chairman of the 1954 Community Chest Campaign in White Plains; but rather than give Charlie more than his share of space, I will refrain from mentioning it. Mort Klein sent along a note with his Fund contribution, enclosing, a snapshot of his daughter; she is a real gorgeous creature and I am sure Mort will supply further information on request from the teen-age sons of '31.

Dr. Hat Lane, previously assistant professor of astronomy at Colgate, has been elevated to associate professor. Hal has worn the gown at Dartmouth, Middlebury and Amherst. After this column is written, but before you read it, Howard Crosse, assistant vice president of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, will have been a panel member at an investment seminar on the subject "Liquidity in Relation to Bank Deposits." Now there's a subject I've always been interested in. Although I will have to admit that in the field of bank deposits I have had more association with frigidity than with liquidity.

The roster of Hanover returnees includes Mr. and Mis. Bernie Boyle, Mr. and Mrs.Temple Nieter, Mr. and Mrs. Homer MacVean, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Rick, Mr. and Mrs.Len Clark, and Mr. (without any Mrs. whatso-ever) Bill Alton.

Now, just to get the year off on the right foot, why not sit down and drop me a note - long or short, newsy or not - makes no difference. Also, why not start loading up the piggy bank so that Charlie McAllister's Memorial Fund pitch will get the hearty response it so completely deserves. We have adopted the class title "the friendly class"... so let's make it and keep it that way. And remember - no matter how old you feel, you're always 31. See you next month.

Secretary, Lambert & Feasley, Inc. 60 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y. Treasurer, 1512 Spruce St., Philadelphia 2, Pa. Memorial Fund Chairman, 224 Beverly Rd., Scarsdale, N. Y.