1904
Edward K. Robinson is the first to contribute to 1904's reminiscing feature, with a thumbnail sketch of one town's role in the late presidential election. His description follows.
"Some classmate has suggested that the 1904 news column in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE should print a few reminiscences by different members of the class which would be interesting to classmates and other Dartmouth men. The class secretary has asked me to respond. He had no idea my reply would concern him, or that the "Reminiscence" would be so recent. Nevertheless, I hope he will put aside his modesty and print this or some other account of the event. . . .
The little town of Waterville, N. H., centrally located in the Valley of the Mad River between the Sandwich and Franconia ranges, contains only a few scattered houses and a very comfortable modest hotel, the Waterville Inn. There are but a handful of year-round residents and registered voters in the town. Early in the epoch-making year of 1952, before the primary elections were held on March 11 (the New Hampshire primaries are the first in the nation), the New Hampshire Governor felt his State might set the tempo of the Republican campaign in New England. Pleased with this idea, the Waterville Town Clerk, proprietor of the Inn, promptly alertecl all seven voters of the town to be his guests at the Inn over night so that the meeting could be legally opened on the last stroke of mid- night. At 12.01 A.M. the ballot box was passed to the senior voter, David Sands Austin II, our classmate, who marked and deposited his ballot. All votes were promptly cast and the tellers reported that all voters of the town were present and the total vote of seven were all for Dwight D. Eisenhower for President. When the complete balloting for New Hampshire was recorded it proved that all 14. of the states electoral votes went to Eisenhower. An excellent article by Beverly Smith in the Saturday Evening Post of January 24 tells of the considerable influence these New Hampshire votes had in the Republican National Convention in Chicago. Incidentally, this article is about another Dartmouth man, Sherman Adams, who occupies a top place in the new administration. It would be stretching the imagination too far to claim that Dave Austin was responsible for the election of Eisenhower, but enough honor remains in the fact that he cast the first ballot in the nation in the great campaign that put such a man as Eisenhower in the White House, - destined, I believe, to become one of this country's greatest presidents. I recall a reference in the Bible to the one who cast the first stone. My memory does not bring to mind any biblical reference to the one who casts the first ballot. Nevertheless, I am sure, I should be as proud as a peacock if it had been my honor and privilege to cast the first ballot for Ike."
EDITOR'S NOTE: Here at 12.07 A.M. the temporary laboratory of NBC began sending the result of the Waterville vote and its unanimity of purpose with pictures, to some 300 outlets covering every state. Morning papers in cities gave millions the Waterville result with their breakfast, and TV for afternoon and evening, just as the New Hampshire polling places were opening.
Just before taking the night plane from Boston to London January 29, Matt Bullock sent the Secretary this interesting story of his plans for February and March, all of which have to do with his past three winters in Haiti and Cuba and his dedication to the Bahai' World Faith. It will be a pleasurable pastime to keep pace with Matt through Africa by current news and family atlas.
"As you know I have been away from the city during the last three winters, two in Haiti and last winter in Cuba. Well, I am about to leave again, to be gone this time for about two months. When I was retired I decided to give my time, my energy, and what little money I can afford, to the propagation of the Bahai' World Faith. That was my reason for going to Haiti and Cuba. I am leaving tonight, weather permitting, for London on my way to Israel. Maybe I should say that the shrines of our Faith are on Mount Carmel in Haifa; hence my trip to Israel. From Haifa, after a stay of about ten days, I am going to attend a conference in Kampola Uganda British East Africa. The conference will last eight days. From Kampola I am going across Africa via Juba, Stanleyville, Leopoldviile, and Acera to Monrovia, Liberia, where I expect to spend two weeks. From Monrovia I will go to Lisbon, Portugal. Up to this point my trip concerns the Faith. On my way home I hope to visit Rome, Geneva and Paris. I am due back in Boston about April 1. I am glad to state that my health is good and that I get real joy out of doing something I consider worthwhile. You may be interested to know that last April at the annual convention of the Bahais' of the U.S. held in Wilmette, Ill., I was elected as one of the nine persons who constitute the administrative body of the Faith. You probably know that our Faith has no clergy - the nine trustees have entire control of the Faith in the U.S. The convention is composed of delegates from every State in the Union. There is no electioneering, no speeches, no nominations. The qualifications for the position are read, prayer is said, and after a period of meditation the vote is taken. If a guy is given a 'Wah Hoo Wah' for his election as a bank president you can give one for my election to something infinitely more worth while."
A.P. News January 23 - "Augusta, Maine, January 23. Gov. Burton M. Cross said today that Superior Court Justice Arthur E. Sewall of York has resigned effective March 1. By law Sewall would have to resign before his 71st birthday, March 14, to be eligible for retirement pay, three-fourths of his $10,500-a-year salary. The Governor said he would not name a successor for some time. Sewall, a one-time chairman of the Republican State Committee, has been on the bench since 1942. There will be more Sewall news soon. One of his brothers in the Three K group suggests him as the Grand High Priest of the Abenaqui Indians.
Pen and Sarah Mower arrived in Florida the latter part of January,— some complaint about cool weather but it provides a good atmosphere for relaxation. Pen quips, "Our golf is terrible but then you know we play only for our own amazement." More Florida news next month. Rosie and Ellen have been there months already.
Good news from the Mannings. Pat has been ill for two years but he is feeling much better and all his patients are returning to him. Ann wrote that they were planning to celebrate their eleventh wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day by attending a Dartmouth gathering at the University Club in Rhode Island, with friends.
This from a February letter: "I note that numerous classmates are in Florida. What's the use of going there? You only have to come back again!" Who said it?
For nearly five years birthdays haven't produced much enthusiasm from this writer's viewpoint, but there seems to be reason for a brighter outlook. "Throw the rascals out" has been achieved in a bipartisan uprising. Tom writes a nice letter of congratulations and an advance report that the class is as usual entirely solvent. Sid comes through with a poem for the occasion which is entirely printable. Let's raise our sights to 1954.
February 11
If you will live on borrowed time, Accept this message, sent you free, And recognize this lousy rhyme Now you've arrived at seventy-three.
One feels the aches and pains of age, Not skittish as one used to be, When active sports were all the rage It just ain't so, at seventy-three.
However, you've got some pep left, As anyone can plainly see You're not entirely bereft Tho' it is true, you're seventy-three.
So David, here's a toast to you! I drink it with the utmost glee And hope that you can now pursue A lot more years than seventy-three.
D.S.R
Secretary, Canaan, N. H. Treasurer, Morristown, N. J.
