1909

"Enjoy yourself - It's later than you think!"

Even in the days of us old-timers, when Reed, Thornton, and Wentworth were dorms, these three were getting down at heel. But thinking about them brings to life fond memories, They must have impregnated Harry Blythe '07 with reverence, as indicated in hispoem titled -

The Ancient Three They are old and worn and dreary, Wentworth, Reed, and Thornton Halls, Not by half so bright and cheery As our later, modern walls; They don't "stack up" with New Hampshire Or with Massachusetts Row, And they're dark, a trifle damp, sir, These old "dorms" of long ago.

Sons of Wheelock without number, Good sons, great sons, staunch and true, Sons who now have gone to slumber, Sons who never saw the new, Toiled in these old halls of knowledge Dream-lit by their young desires, And they made up Dartmouth College - For these same sons were our sires.

Thornton may look rough and musty, Reed may lack luxurious style, Wentworth's bedrooms may be dusty, Bathrooms, too, seem short of tile; They don't class with Dartmouth's latest, Those on Massachusetts Row, But these "dorms" are still our greatest - Classic links with long ago.

It well might be that undergrads in our day didn't get the full impact of Dartmouth unless they spent at least part of their college career in one of these dorms. When Dutch Schildmiller and I teamed up as roommates sophomore year, we had modest quarters on the first floor of Reed directly back of the northwest corner room which was occupied by Follette (what a fancy handle) Isaacson '08. Our quarters were nothing to write home to mother about - a single window to the north gave light to living quarters just large enough for a couple desks and a home-made corner settee. Later, one end of the settee collapsed and that's the way it remained. Guests found it a little uncomfortable sitting at an angle, but what did Schildmiller and I care? We occupied our desk chairs. Back of these high-class living quarters was a narrow alcove that housed a double-decker bed and space for hanging up our extensive wardrobes.

Reed had a bunch of good Joes in those days. Across the hall from Dutch and me were Greetings Norton '08 and Clark Tobin '10. Freddie Carroll and Reggie Colley had a room down the hall a few doors. On the second floor were Bill Bailey and George Burns. Guy Carpenter '10 was another Reed resident.

Reed friendships were solid. One such is recalled by a correspondent of mine - that of Roland (Pop) Chesley and Malcolm (Mike) Stearns, both '08. My friend writes:

The date of birth (July 24, 1881), as well as a great capacity for sympathy and understanding found in some older people, won for Roland Chesley the honored brevet of "Pop." In our time, he was by common consent senior counsellor to one and all in Reed Hall, including the janitors. Although Pop was a Phi Gam and Mike, a Theta Delt, when they sat knee-to-knee, there was never a finer example of brotherly affection and deepdown respect.

In that day, however, it would never do to show any visible expression of esteem. Rather, as was campus custom, they indulged in crying forth each other's name (always slightly altered) in a tone of command, yet with a slight overtone of derision. As Mike mounted the first floor stairs, it was his custom to bellow, "Row-w-w-la-a-nd Cheesely," and to repeat the command now and again as he strode his course to the teird floor where he and Pop had nearby cells. And about the moment that Mike reached the third floor, an answering resound would come from the Owsley cell. Stearns." It was a simple enough exchange of affectionate regard, yet enough, sometimes, to start the tears.

Mike's death last June was a body blow to Pop. Their friendship had been kept alive during their post-graduate years, and in the ensuing falls, together they took in many Dartmouth football games. In a letter from Pop, he told me how keenly he missed Mike's companionship.

"That Old Gang of Mine"

The picture that accompanies this column shows another segment of the '09 group that met for dinner at the Boston City Club October 27, 1922. In the first row are Sam Bell, more portly than he was in college; DutchWest, less portly than he is now; Mike Farley, whose hair retained its natural pigments; Skinny Rogers, whose span of life was to be cut short in just a few years; Dick Lord, who lived to take in our 40th reunion but died four years later; Ed Martin, a high-brow then and even higher now. Back row; Plum Leighton in his snappy mustache who, at that date, had just celebrated his 13th wedding anniversary on October 25; George Burns, who had not yet reached the aldermanic proportions he acquired by the time of his death in 1946; Tom Fardy, one of '09's few bachelors; Bab Eaton and Harry Floyd, two swell guys who were taken too soon (Bob in '32 and Harry in '50); Bob Stone, another prominent '09er (it doesn't seem possible that his death was six years past, last November; Doc Bill Holzer (he didn't know it then, but he was to wait 24 years before stepping into double harness); Gordon Weinz, head class agent, who hasn't changed much in looks since those days; Hal Burbank (I think), who died in 1951 after a distinguished career as an educator.

Linking the present with the past, Jack Glynn's latest photo appears as an inset. With those expressive eyes and noble dome, the gals call him downright handsome. Located in Beverly Hills, Calif., where glamour is the watchword, it's a wonder he hasn't been grabbed off by the movies.

'09's class notes seem to be stirring up memories on the part of readers. Whit Eastman '10, eminent ornithologist, though in amateur standing, wrote that the piece about Madame Schumann-Heink "rang the bell. I was so poor I couldn't afford the price of a ticket, but Mrs. Will Rand took me to hear her. I worked for Rand's store at the time, with Henry Pelton, about whom you have spoken All the Tenners you mention bring back many memories. I succeeded Spuddy Pishon as class secretary after he was killed, in fact, I received the last letter he ever wrote.... Your reference to Jimmy Vaughn '05 reminds me that his son, Dick, is an officer in the Northwestern Bank (Minneapolis) where I have my office. I see him nearly every day.... You sure do dig up some rare morsels."

By the time you folks receive this issue, winter will be on its way out, and, in succession will come spring, and '09's informal June reunion. Prepare to enjoy yourselves, gents, for it may be later than you think!

A part oF the '09 group that met for dinner at the Boston City Club in October, 1922. First row, left to right: Sam Bell, Dutch West, Mike Farley, Skinny Rogers, Dick Lord and Ed Martin. Back row: Plum Leighton, George Burns, Tom Fardy, Bob Eaton and Harry Floyd, Bob Stone, Doc Bill Holzer, Gordon Weinz and Hal Burbank. The inset is a recent picture of Jack Glynn. More complete details appear in this month's 'O9 class notes.

Class Notes Editor, 141 Pioneer Trail, Aurora, Ohio

Secretary and Treasurer, Sandwich, Mass.