1931

So I goofed last month! That closing date for the column loomed ominously in front of me for days; and, although it sounds completely ridiculous, there wasn't a single, soli- tary minute that could be devoted to it. Annual plans for clients, annual sales meetings, annual this-and-that in never-ending profusion and confusion ate up the time to the point that, even after getting a five-day extension, I couldn't meet the due date. I am sure that this meant more to me than it did to you, because I doubt very much that any of you hangs in sweaty anticipation until the column reaches you via the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. It was probably more significant than usual, because now, if ever, is the time for constant communication between us. It seems only yesterday that the Big 25th was "a year from now". .. and, as of the day this is being written, it's only six months away. Therefore, my apologies, my sincere regrets and my usual resolution to make amends and do better provided time permits, and that one red corpuscle which has been holding me together for the past decade or two can stand another six months of drainage.

First of all, let me try to straighten out something that has apparently become a point of confusion. The Sargent Studios have been appointed as the official photographers for our Reunion Book. I am told by various of the '31ers who have written to me, as well as by Sargent Studios, that the response to their initial letters has been somewhat meager. Many of you are paying no attention whatsoever to the request that you go to a designated studio and have your picture taken. Perhaps you think that this is just another photographer's solicitation and have been consigning the letters to the round file next to your desk. This you should not do. You should go to the photographer designated by Sargent Studios, or to some studio of your own choice (under the terms laid out in the letter from Sargent Studios) ... because, if we don't have your picture, you aren't going to be properly represented in the 25-Year Book. I shall attempt to cover this in greater detail in a letter addressed to each one of you, if, as, and when I can get around to writing such a letter.

Jim Godfrey is commuting between Concord and Hanover to get many of the details of the Reunion thoroughly straightened out. We know now that we shall be headquartered in those beautiful buildings along Tuck Drive ... which means that we will be proud inhabitants of one of the most beautiful spots on the entire Dartmouth campus. Your families will be comfortable and, for at least once in your alumni life, you will be the lord of all you survey. There will be a special Han- over Holiday program organized for '31ers. This will be an effort to bring you up to date pleasantly on things specifically Dartmouth and generally academic; and, once again, you will have an opportunity to prove to yourself and your family that Dartmouth men are, of course, mentally superior (any questions?). Additionally, there will be a complete teen-age, tween-age, blue-jean-age, junior, toddling, and diaper-debutante programs — so everybody should feel free to bring offspring of any and all ages. Judging from the record of the 20th Reunion, it's obvious that most of you are inclined that way anyway. This is just to inform you that the big time you will have at the 25 th will be no less enjoyable for every member of the family. Specifically some are concerned about a program for the very little tots. There will be a squad of thoroughly-trained baby sitters, so that even the most doting parent can feel free to enjoy himself or herself in the full confidence that the little one is amply and completely chaperoned. Here again, a letter - or many letters - will cover these subjects in greater detail. This is being written because I have a strange feeling that I had better get it in print while there's a chance, rather than rely on my self-ordained promise of writing various communications.

All in all, things are moving along with reasonable expedition, although one of these days both Dick Holbrook and Charlie McAllister are going to cloud-up and shoot lightning at me if we don't find time for a general committee meeting to get plans thoroughly coordinated. Meanwhile, however, you have a job to do and that is to get your picture taken. Don't underestimate the importance of this ... please! Later on, we will be getting in touch with you to get all your vital statistics and interesting personal data to go into the biographical part of your section of the book.

Now for some class notes. Why a "blessed expense" should be made the leading item might be a little hard to explain, except that at my age (and yours!) such things are pretty, spectacular. A note from Walt and BlytheGehring informs us that Mary-Blythe will make her first reunion appearance at the Big 25th, at the advanced age of 7 months. Figuring back (with considerable strain), it appears that the Gehrings had ample opportunity for giving thanks on the day of November set apart for that . purpose. This is their first! Ned Rosen writes that his health is good, his family is well, his daughter is going to junior high, he's up to his neck in work, and he is looking forward to the 25th with great expectation. Charlie Schneider pens that his son, who is now a junior in Hanover, is looking forward to the Tuck-Thayer combination ... which, as I understand it, takes a lot of man and he's the guy who can do it.

Aside from a general request to be kept informed about the physical well-being of all of us classmates, Sam Taylor is concerned only with the fact that, during this cold weather, he'll probably have to wear his gloves for golfing. (Some people are certainly bowed down with problems.) Peanut Winslow proudly comments that he had a good summer season, but then goes on to caution that "what's good for these back coves wouldn't pay your commuting bills." The ever ebullient Charlie Engstrom pencils a note to the effect that he, Mildred, and young Charlie spent the month of September in Hanover and came face to face with near tragedy. Young Charlie was put into Mary Hitchcock Hospital with polio but "luckily he will probably be essentially in the clear in four months or so." All we can say is that we are holding our breath and thank God it seems to be turning out all right.

I have in front of me a press photo of JoeLinz inspecting a prize-winning pearl and diamond necklace ensemble "as part of his duties at Linz Jewelists." Although we seldom use these columns for direct communication, may I suggest to Joe that such a bauble would be a wonderful item to be included in the auction at the 25th (in case you take this seriously, Joe, I have already bought my wife a pair of cut-glass earrings, so we're out of the market).

The other day, in the mail, I got from Ernie Moore a copy of the 1931 Commencement Exercises program. You have no idea the memories this brought back. As a matter of fact, I don't recall having seen it in 1931.

What fun it's going to be to review these 25 years when we all get together in June. Between now and then, keep on trying hard to be '31 ... it's not as late as you think. See you next month.

Eugene H. Catron '32 has been admitted as a general partner to Shields & Company, New York investment banking firm, which he joined a year ago.

Secretary, Lambert & Feasley, Inc. 430 Park Ave., New York 22, N. Y.

Treasurer, 1512 Spruce St., Philadelphia 2, Pa.

Combined Fund Chairmen, 224 Beverly Rd., Scarsdale, N. Y.; WILLIAM F. STECK, 1250 Terminal Tower Bldg., Cleveland 13, O.