1948's Advanced Fifteenth
Our big 15th reunion was everything we expected this year and for the 115 or so people comprising the '48 reunion family in Hanover, even the weather cooperated. The weekend was perfect except for a few showers on Friday night.
I'm just going to give you a few of the highlights here, but Bobo Russell will have a complete list and more details about reunion in the next newsletter. Our classmates came from all points in the United States, to once again set foot on the dear old Hanover Plain. Paul Richrath and Jay Rutledge came from California and Mouse and Vondo Taylor arrived from Tampa, Fla. The Carl Evans from Chicago and the Gingriches from Atlanta were among others. One who unfortunately couldn't be there at the last minute was our Co-Reunion Chairman Rick Landon, but because of excellent advance planning he and Jim Schaefer, the other co-chairman, had done prior to reunion Jim was able to carry on without any problems.
We arrived Friday afternoon at our tent in front of the Ripley, Woodward, and Smith dorms which were our headquarters, and found many of the early arrivals had gotten a good start on the keg. I spotted the Dan Kenney family with sons Dan and John, and another group consisted of the Herterichs, Axelrods and Ira and Sue Robbins.
After checking in and receiving our hats, a tam the same as last reunion, our badges and a very nice green memo pad - compliments of Bobo Russell, we went to the gym for the Alumni dinner served by the college to all those returning for reunion. All there were invited to attend a reception in President Dickey's garden. Because a short thunderstorm occurred about this time, this affair had to be shifted inside until the rain stopped. Although there was a dance in College Hall, almost everyone seemed to visit other class tents to see old friends, particularly in classes of '46 and '47. Our own tent saw quite a lot of activity itself about this time. The Russ Carlsons were there most of the evening as were Bob andNancy Arnold, Don and Ann Briggs, Alanand Sally Epstein and Bud and Rickie Gold.
Gil Shattuck drove up in his sports car with his attractive wife, Sissy and Dickand Patsy Leggat came into the tent later. It was nice to see Sam and Jean Wilkinson made it back again this time. Over in the corner of the tent Jim Johnson, Peter Foster and Larry Pedersen and all their wives seemed to be keeping the beer flowing while discussing old times. About this time I decided to go to bed.
The next morning those who were expecting a little breakfast at the tent before the meeting were disappointed as the Inn forgot to take care of the '48 tent. Chairman Schaefer told Inn manager McFate the strong disappointment and weak stomachs prevailing in our tent, but it was too late as our class meeting started at 9:45. The meeting was very well attended and Chairman Russell asked for a report from JohnFenno, treasurer. He reported income of $1,385.95 and expenditures of $1,293.52 for the 1961-1962 year or a yearly gain of $92.43 to give a four-year total of $1,297.77, which is in the savings banks. John reported 60 to 70% of the class were paying dues which was considered very good. Bobo Russell noted that two years ago John had won the Class Treasurers' Award.
Head Agent Carlson reported that there was a good possibility we would reach our dollar objective this year. He suggested his successor set up some sort of scale ladder of giving for the class. Congratulations and thanks for a job well done were then rendered to Russ who is retiring as our head agent.
Chairman Russell read the names of the present executive committee and then threw the meeting open for discussion and election of new officers and executive committee. A very lively discussion ensued led by JoeSmith, Bob Tracy, John Hatheway and others which really showed the class seems to have more cohesiveness and interest in it than ever before. The main points brought out were that the officers should be elected by a more active smaller executive committee for the class and certain rules governing this committee should be passed. The following are the rules governing the executive committee: (1) It must meet at least once a year. (2) The committee will name the class officers, both at the reunions and in between if necessary. (3) The committee will report its actions to the class by means of the ALUMNI MAGAZINE or the newsletter. (4) An agenda will be prepared by the chairman of the Executive Committee in advance of the meetings and sent to each member. (5) There will be a chairman of the Executive Committee in addition to a class chairman.
In the discussion following it was suggested by Bob Tracy that geographic diversification should not be considered too important as it might hamper the working of the com- mittee. The majority of members should be in the East and those from other sections should travel to that section of the country occasionally, at which times meetings could be arranged at their convenience if possible. Joe Smith then stated that if possible new officers should be appointed to all positions or be considered as this would maintain a broad interest in the class and not perpetuate the leadership. All the present officers concurred on this and then elections took place for a new chairman to replace Bobo Russell. As the previously appointed nominating committee had not had an opportunity to function properly Bobo suggested retiring Class Agent Russ Carlson as the new Class Chairman. Russ then took the chair as chairman of the meeting and opened nominations for the new executive committee. Those elected were Dick Greene, Carl Evans,Joe Smith, Bob Tracy, John Hatheway,Marv Axelrod, Ed Gingrich, Russ Carlson,John Fenno, John Van Raalte and BoboRussell.
At this point the general meeting was adjourned so the executive committee could elect as many officers as possible and report the results to the class at dinner that evening. Many names were mentioned for each position. Dick Greene felt there would be a great deal of effort necessary eventually for the memorial chairman and consequently would accept the job with Bobo Russell and John Hatheway as co-chairmen. This was agreed upon. Although John Fenno was willing to continue to remain as treasurer, but in accordance with the class desire to change where possible, Bob Arnold was recommended and accepted when asked later. Russ Carlson accepted responsibility for finding a new class agent and he will be seeking his.replacement over the summer. John Van Raalte agreed to remain as secretary until the next reunion when he would step down. Although several were recommended for Newsletter editor, Bobo Russell agreed to remain on the job until a replacement is found. For our next reunion chairman, Dick Barlow was unanimously elected, as we all know with his strong interest and many suggestions concerning our reunion that he will do an excellent job as Chairman of our 20th.
The meeting was then promptly adjourned so that we could make the class picture. After meeting our wives, who wondered where we had been for so long, the pictures were taken and then everyone went to the Canoe Club for our class picnic. We enjoyed talking to a few late arrivals, particularly George Gendron and Don and TrudyGilmore and Bob and Ann Hoekelman. After enjoying hot dogs and potato chips some went canoeing and swimming, others enjoyed a hot volleyball game, while MarvAxelrod, myself, Brad and Peg Winans and Harry Wood among others, departed for the golf course, which Rollie Sontag had burned up the day before.
After returning from the golf course we found our respective wives relaxing under the trees with Frank and Joan Rimbach, with Frank enjoying a siesta at that point. After cocktails at the tent we all adjourned to the Tavern in the Inn where we had a lovely steak dinner. After dinner Herb West spoke informally about the college and then answered questions from the floor. Bobo Russell then presented Ellie Schaefer, our Reunion Chairman's lovely wife, a gift on behalf of the class for tolerating and assisting Jim with the reunion and Paul Richrath received a gift for traveling all the way from Los Angeles, California. Most went back to the tent, although some attended the Players production of "Li'l Abner."
Among the late Reunion arrivals with whom I enjoyed talking at the tent Saturday night were Herb Call, Howie Westney and Jack Tracy and Marv Hader. After visits to other reunion tents, where the bands were blasting, we all went to bed. Next morning after breakfast in the tent we all departed from Hanover in beautiful weather with the memories of a happy weekend.
Green-trimmed white tarns distinguished the men and girls of 1948 at their 15th reunion,
CLASS SECRETARY
