1903 Enjoys Its 55th
The Class of 1903, fourteen strong with eight faithful wives, two sons, and a guest came back to Dartmouth to celebrate its 55th Reunion. The fortunate ones: Cohen, Kidger, A.G. Smith, Hess, Watson, Whipple, E.L. Brown, and Gage all accompanied by their wives; Kimball,' Mudge, each with a son; Lewers, Edwards, Jackson, M.R. Brown, and a guest of A.G. Smith, Mr. Allen, Hamilton '98.
The festivities began with our Get-Together Party at 5 p.m. in our so-called lounge in Fayerweather. The years faded away and we spent an enjoyable time getting caught up with each other. After the "toasts" we adjourned in a body, to Thayer Hall where we dined cafeteria style; then on to the President's Reception where we were greeted by President and Mrs. Dickey in their beautiful garden. We were invited to come early and avoid the crowd - age has some compensations. Afterwards some of the ladies attended the Glee Club concert while most of the men gathered and got some of our ideas, both of praise and criticism of the present day, off our minds - none of which makes much sense but all of which makes one feel better. Some of the discussions lasted until well after our usual bed time. You know, you have been there.
Saturday was a beautiful, warm June day and Hanover never looked better. We must admit that Friday was a little on the cool side.
We had our picture taken and at noon attended the Alumni Luncheon in the Gymnasium, where again by virtue of our age we were admitted at a separate door on the ground floor, so did not have to climb the stairs and get into the crush. After the luncheon some of us attended the Alumni Meeting and watched 1908 do themselves proud. The afternoon was spent doing whatever one wished.
We came together again Saturday evening at Thayer where President Cohen welcomed us and we had our Class Dinner in a large room, 1898 at one end, we at the other with a screen between. After the dinner the screen was removed and President Dickey addressed us jointly, telling among other things of the events leading up to and why Dartmouth had the honor of entertaining President Heuss of the West German Republic. It was a very interesting story and added much to our enjoyment when we saw our President confer the degree on President Heuss the next day.
We elected our officers and the class stood while Harold Hess read the names of the twenty classmates who had left us during the past five years. It was a very simple but impressive memorial service.
At the official class meeting we elected the following officers: President, Arthur J. Cohen; Class Agent, Morton B. French; Bequest Chairman, Edward H. Kenerson and Secretary, John Pray Wadham.
Commencement Day was overcast but no rain. Again by virtue of our mature years we had reserved front seats and did not have to come early to get a good one. It was the same picture - the chimes pealed, there was a flourish of trumpets, and down the center aisle came President Dickey with the honored guests, the Graduating Class 600 strong and the Faculty in their gowns with hoods of many colors. As the procession came, the sun appeared for a short time - a good augury for the Class of 1958. The speeches were excellent and we especially enjoyed the Valedictory to the College delivered by a Korean who, we understand, four years ago could read but not speak English. It gave one pause for thought.
After the exercises the Reunion was officially over and we gradually began to break up, some leaving immediately while others stayed over until Monday. We said "So Long" to each other for in the Dartmouth vocabulary there is no such word as "Good-bye."
It was a very enjoyable Reunion. Those who came felt well repaid, our only regret being that you who were not there were unable to enjoy it with us.
The fourteen members of 1903 who enjoyed their 55th Reunion over Commencement Weekend.
