1914's Advanced 45th
"Wonderful," "Magnificent," "The best ever" - those are some of the superlatives heard describing the advanced 45th Reunion of the Famous Class of 1914. Never mind if the tent did get a bit soggy, or the continental breakfast was enjoyed (?) while shivering in the last gasp of Old Man Winter, or the springs of the student beds had more bumps than the Hanover Golf Course or Lyme Road - a GOOD TIME was had by all!
We did get a few breaks — it was fairly sunny on Monday when most of the clan gathered - and we did have a wonderful cocktail party in back of the Inn - thanks to Mart and Kathleen Remsen, to set us up for the rest of the program. We did get a class picture without too many raindrops - and we did get in a marvelous picnic out at Keenes' even if it did pour and the tycoon of Georgia did have to be pulled out of the ditch. High praise goes to Chairman Hands and his committees - the only sub-committee which fell down on the job was the committee on the weather and we gave them the usual gesture of disrespect and had a lot of fun.
Some of the highlights: the delight in seeing Beulah Koelsch and Jessie Claeys Beck and Marian Naramore; the arrival of Phil Smith for his first reunion; Jeff Beals and wife coming up from Florida where they have settled for retirement; Bill and Tensie Washburn all the way from Frisco; Brownie trying to kid himself that he was still at Vero Beach by sitting on the hearthstone at Keenes' before the roaring fire; Grandpa Barlow still in good voice leading "We're on our way to Hanover"; Farmer Snow from Epping herding the clan into line and ringing the bell on the speakers, including M.C. Walt Humphries at the banquet when we welcomed the ladies for the first time; the excellent dinner furnished by Maitre d'Hotel McFate; the bagpipers who gave a lift to all occasions and reminded us that we missed Rocky and Mary Flanders who instituted the bagpipe idea.
In a more serious vein should be noted the excellent talk by Sig Larmon and the presiding of Ellsworth Buck at the Alumni Luncheon. Much thanks go to all those who worked to make this reunion an outstanding landmark: the Chairman, John Palmer with his up-to-date handbook: Howard Curtis with his sharp pencil which kept the cost within reason; the local Hanover Committee of Remsen and Piane; the Memorial Service of Lize Wheelock; and all the others who had a "finger in the pie." If any have been missed, it is due to the senility of your retiring secretary not to lack of appreciation.
For those who could not be present, the following were seen and officially checked in; California, the Washburns; Connecticut, the Conners, Bob Hopkins, Dick Pritchard, Phil Smith; D.C., Lay Little, Ben Quarles; Florida, the Beals, Browns; Georgia, the Floyds; Illinois, the Dunbars, Les Parker; Maine, Hod Potter; Mass., the Aborns, Batchelders, Buckleys, Howie Curtis, the Drakes, Elkins, Faheys, Greggs, Chief Higgins, the Kingmans, Lawrences, Henry Lowell, Mayos, Abe New- mark, the Nichols, Snows, Vogie Stiles, the Warrens; Michigan, Page Junkins; New Hampshire, Warner Bentley, the Campbells, Doc Kingsford, the Paul Smiths, Pianes, Remsens, George Tilton; New Jersey, the Bacons, Baldwins, Barlows, Hands, Haywoods; New York, the Bucks, Davidsons, Edsons, John Hanria, Rosy Hinman, the Humphreys, Chuck Kingsley, the Larmons, John Palmer, Jim Shields,' the Sleepers, the Wheelocks; Pennsylvania, Paul Howe; Rhode Island, Alden Littlefield; Texas, Roscoe Dewitts; and good wishes via telegram from Gus Fuller, Loveland, O'Connor and Rice.
The class meeting approved the new constitution which results in a more uniform organizational plan for all classes and we elected an executive committee to carry on the affairs of the Class until the 50th. Under this new arrangement the Executive Committee is the governing body of the Class with Bill Hands as Chairman, Jim Gregg, Vice- chairman, Jack Conners, Secretary, Chas. Batchelder, Treasurer. The other members alphabetically are ; Aborn, Buck, Curtis, Davidson, Larmon, Little, Palmer, Remsen, Sisson and Wheelock. It was moved, seconded and unanimously passed that the Class express its appreciation and thanks to all the officers and committees who had labored so conscientiously for the group during the past four years.
This is my final blurb as your secretary, a report which should not end without my personal expression of appreciation for the privilege of working with the other officers and serving such an outstanding group. It has been a lot of fun and, at the same time, a distinct honor to be numbered among those who have been so complimented. You will be hearing from Jack Conners in the fall. Have a good summer.
Ellsworth B. Buck '14, Vice President of the General Alumni Association, who presided at the June 10 alumni meeting, shown talking with Sidney C. Hayward '26.
The "Famous Class of 1914," led by its class officers, gathers in the reunion bleachers on the green.
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
