Resurgent Canoe Club

DOWN by the Connecticut River, where John Ledyard once built his own canoe, a group of energetic students are putting new life and vitality into a well-known Dartmouth organization, the Ledyard Canoe Club.

Founded in 1920, the club has established a record of independence as well as leadership - the former in financial self-support and the latter on the streams of northern New England. In recent years, however, the number of active members had fallen off and the operation and upkeep of the club had fallen upon the shoulders of a few interested members.

This year under the leadership of its president, Robert J. Williams Jr. '62, and last year's president, Peter T. Knight '62, a reorganization program and a remodeling operation have given the club a new look. Williams is a four-year Navy veteran and the son of Robert J. Williams '35 of Billings, Montana. Knight, holder of the down-river race record from Hanover to the. sea, is the son of Charles L. Knight '32.

The club directorate has instituted a membership program consisting of six requirements. Now each prospective member "must work twenty hours on the renovation of the clubhouse or improving the grounds; learn the basic canoe paddling strokes; demonstrate an understanding of canoe construction; swim 300 yards; attend weekly training meetings; and show a continued interest in the club.

In spite of the new requirements some sixty students turned out for the program, less than half of whom were freshmen. Individuals who complete the requirements are elected to membership by the directorate of the club. Membership in the club is also open to faculty and townspeople, for whom a modified version of the membership program is required.

In an attempt to provide more stable and long-range planning, an advisory Board of Overseers has been created. It includes Howard P. Chivers '39, manager of the Dartmouth Skiway and director of one of Canada's largest boys camps; Peter V. W. Gardner, coach of the Dartmouth Rowing Club; John Ginty, chief steward of the Hanover Inn and an experienced sailor; Hanson Carroll, photographer and canoe enthusiast; and Professor Emeritus Lewis D. Stillwell, a well-known canoeist.

Work done this fall includes a complete renovation of the boathouse and club room, the installation of a heating system, the graveling of the canoe landing area, the laying of flagstones around the clubhouse building, and repairing of several canoes.

In addition to what has already been accomplished the club officers hope to form two new divisions, one for kayaks and one for canoe sailing. A number of students are interested in both.

According to Williams, two old Ledyard Canoe Club traditions will also be reestablished in conjunction with the club's increased activities. The first is the Thursday Night Feeds where good food and fellowship abound. The second is that canoes will once again be purchased in Canada and paddled by students across the border via the Richelieu-Champlain route.

Another sign of the club's new character and purpose is the modified Christmas Fresh Air Plan which will be inaugurated this month. Under this plan a group of orphan boys, fourteen to eighteen years of age, will be brought to Hanover to spend Christmas. It is hoped that enough club members will volunteer to spend their vacation in Hanover so that the youngsters can be paired off with students on a one-to-one ratio. They will be bunked at the canoe house and their days will be devoted to winter sports, some work, and lots of social activities.

With the increased interest in the club this year, a club membership plan for alumni has also been established. Under this plan an alumnus will pay $5 per year and in return will have access to the club's facilities and equipment. The officers of the club stress that the $5 is not a donation, but an actual key to the club. Alumni interested in joining the club or learning more about its activities may contact William C. Thomlinson '64, 107 New Hampshire Hall, director of the club's membership program.

Restoring the fleet of canoes to top shape is a major fall project.

Bob Williams '62 (r), president, checksthe work of two of his 60 club members.