1923's "Birdy" Fortieth Reunion
"Hanover Bird Watch Pays Off" was the heading of classmate Henry Moore's column in "The Boston Herald" on June 20. As this was the first reunion he had ever attended the article by this well-known newspaper columnist seemed to sum up the feeling of those in attendance. It stated: "Two and a half days of bird watching in Hanover, N. H., turned up both pleasant and serious news this week, although you'll find none of the birds we spotted listed in anything from Audubon to Roger Tory Peterson. They were fellow members, wives, children, and guests of Dartmouth's 40th reunion class of 1923. They flocked back to Hanover in all-time record numbers under the inspired slogan 'The 40th Is for the Birds' - and had a ball disproving it."
And disprove it we did as the pay-off was beyond the greatest expectations of the Reunion Committee. It was a record-breaking gathering in every way. It first paid off in attendance as we walked off with both the Class of 1894 Cup, awarded to the reuning class with the highest percentage of living graduates back, and the 1930 Cup, awarded to the class with the highest number of both graduates and non-graduates in attendance.
There were 263 people present for the three days including 128 members of the class (37% of graduates). This compared with 203 people at our 35th (96 men or 26% of graduates). Our total attendance was higher (percentage-wise) than 1919, 1921 or 1922 at their 40th reunions.
The humorous theme was indeed a real pay-off. The men's badges read "Bird Watcher" and the ladies' "Lady Bird." The costumes - a golf cap for the men and a handbag for the ladies — featured the now famous "Skiddoo Bird.'
The weather was perfect in every way which made the many familiar scenes appear more beautiful than ever.
A guided tour of the new Hopkins Center on Monday afternoon was a thrilling experience. This was followed by a delicious buffet dinner in the Leverone Field House, the sight of which made all the "birds" gasp with amazement. In the evening there was informal visiting in the President's garden for those who did not attend the Players' production of "J.B."
Later, a large gathering in the tent at Fayerweather Row, our headquarters, proved to be a real pay-off when our song leader, Jack Booth, inspired us to join in singing some old favorites.
After a delicious meal Tuesday morning in our breakfast headquarters, Thayer Hall, we were privileged to attend a most informative panel discussion, entitled "Education for the Public Service," moderated by Howie Alcorn. The speakers, at this Spaulding Auditorium meeting, were Michael H. Cardozo '32, Thomas B. Curtis '32, Henry P. Smith '33, and Perkins Bass '34.
At the Class Meeting came the genuine pay-off. Reports of the officers were outstanding. Babe Miner, Class Treasurer of the Year (an honor also awarded to his predecessor, Pete Jones), reported on our sound financial condition. The Secretary's report was given by Chet Bixby, recently elected as the Alumni Council representative of the Secretaries Association. LouWilcox gave a most encouraging report on the Alumni Fund, stating that the class is well over our minimum objective of $33,140, and indicated that we might well make our goal of "$40,000 for the 40th." IrishFlanigan modestly reported on his newsletter program, which has been so outstanding that he was recently elected president of the Newsletter Editors Association. TrumanMetzel, who was elected president of the Bequest and Estate Planning Association this spring, was delayed in reaching Hanover in time for this meeting. Class President Charlie Rice, whose term of office has seen 1923 rise to new heights in all areas, called on Ted Shapleigh, chairman of the nominating committee, whose report recommended John Moore for President and that all other officers be reelected. The slate was unanimously elected.
At the meeting Bud Freeman, chairman of the 1923 Scholarship Committee, reported on our two previous scholars, Art Quirk and Jack Krumme, as well as our present scholar, Sam Abram, who appears to be a most deserving and appreciative lad from the Chicago area.
Tuesday afternoon we heard a report on the New College billed as "1923, Forty Years Later." This meeting, held in the Top of the Hop, chairmanned by Charlie Zimmerman, Trustee of the College, was outstanding. Reports were given by President Dickey, Dr. Weiss of the Medical School, and Dean Seymour.
A cocktail party preceded the class banquet in Alumni Hall. At each place were two book matches which reproduced our "Skiddoo Bird." The front of the menu contained a new bird to be spotted. He was the "Green Breasted Alphabet Snatcher." The missing "D" in Skiddoo appeared proudly on his chest, as he will soon enter college and major in orthography. On the reverse side of the menu "Skiddoo Bird" appeared surrounded by the nine big birds. The six Class Officers at the head table were joined by Pudge Neidlinger, Ted Caswell and the two speakers Charlie Zimmerman and Orton Hicks '21. We enjoyed a delicious dinner perfectly served in an ideal setting.
On Wednesday our Memorial Service was held at the White Church. Pudge Neidlinger led us in a dignified and most inspiring service. His observations and memorial to our 176 deceased members was an impressing and moving tribute to those who are no longer among us.
We were honored to have the wives of the following deceased classmates in attendance: Sherm Baldwin, Colin Stewart, PokeGoss, Haub Haubrich, Red Carbaugh, andGeorge Musk.
A buffet luncheon at the D.O.C. House on the shore of Occom Pond proved to be a glorious final pay-off. In a beautiful setting, on a perfect June day, we ended our Fortieth. It could not have been better and all agreed we really did have a ball. Indeed we thoroughly disproved the slogan "The 40th is for the Birds."
Congratulations are due Chairman TedCaswell, Walter Dodge's charming wife Connie, Ivan Martin, Frank Doten, and Fred Davis for their planning and untiring efforts in making this our biggest and best reunion. The Class of 1923 has a proud heritage and a brilliant future.
The 50-year class pictured here had 78 alumni back, 62 percent of the living graduates of the class, and a full reunion total of 143.
Reunion chairman Bill Towler happily raises attendance cups won by 1913
The Class of 1923 had a campus-view reception from the Hopkins Center porch.
REUNION PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN
