1924

Long before you read these notes, many of you will have received your membership in the "Ancient and Honorable Society of Latter Day Letter Men of Dartmouth College" - you and almost 14,000 were in on the largest mass letter award in intercollegiate history. I've heard nothing but praise and appreciation for this recognition; it should stimulate many and make the annual Alumni Fund drive easier and even more amazingly successful. Be sure you have your part in it; send that check now.

Reading Ford Bowman's periodic reports on who is coming to the 40th reunion in June (and also noting, to the delight of Doug Craig, as treasurer, that several are sending in the full amount with their reservations), I can agree with Ford that "it would appear that we're on the way to really having a big Reunion with the best attendance of any class for its 40th in the history of the College. All we need is a few more cards marked 'Yes, I'll be there' and we will have it made."

Will you be with us come June 15-17, 1964? God willing? This is a must; top priority. After all the other reasons are considered, chew on this hard fact: time is running out for too many of us. This will have to be the last such reunion for some; others who had planned on this one are already "over the hill." Excuse the life-insurance talk, but don't ignore it, please. Make sure you're here in June. Distance should be no obstacle; the Ned Mansures, for one, are coming from California. Bevo and Quecha Beers will be at the October reunion; perhaps June, too. How about bringing the Thurston Ritters, Bevo; he has a banana plantation and real estate office in Baranquilla, Colombia - and hasn't been back to Hanover in many years, if at all. Ted and Harriet Nilsen report having met them when recently on a cruise. (That's for me, too, one day - after I retire. Which reminds me, I hope to have news of your retirement as it occurs; we're interested and in a personal rather than only a records-keeping way.)

Margaret and I skipped town between terms; visited the children and grandchildren in New Jersey, talked with a roommate in Annapolis, and spent Easter weekend with another on the way home. Most of the time we were in Williamsburg, Va., where we just missed the Harry Holmlunds according to the bookman there - as they were returning home from Florida. Found that Hanover had had 6-8 inches of snow on Easter morning, and more since then. As I said last month: "Spring threatens."

You've had four reunion bulletins; the response has been very good, but not "good enough" if you haven't checked in yet. Few know the hours devoted to planning; it is a group effort, but the real credit must go to Ted Nilsen; we foot-soldiers are glad to serve with him. We'll make good on the title, "Friendly Fortieth"; it's a promise, not an idle phrase. The ladies, with Lois Hersey and Margaret and including all the Hanover wives, guarantee that your Mrs. will be a real part of our reunion. I know one or two are skeptical, but we'll do our best to make this a real family party; you'll meet some "distant cousins," and they'll meet you - happily.

Now for the fall reunion, with the Princeton game as a big drawing card. Hanover is already booked solid; "no place to hide." But, within limits, we're safe at Bonnie Oaks again. First come, first served, as always, and you're late if not already signed up. I'm sending information to all who have ever been at Bonnie Oaks with us; a copy is yours for the asking. No deposits needed until about August 1.

Howard (Pinkie) Booth's plans for the June reunion with his wife and daughters and their husbands were upset by his hospitalization; thanks to a good recovery the plans are now "on" again. A warm welcome awaits. Another "iffy" situation: the Stu Eldredges may be painting in Europe again, but may also make the reunion. In any event, he'll have some of his pictures in the art exhibition of '24 art Dick Morin is arranging. You'll see some mighty fine talent on display, and also books by very good authors (Jimmy Reid, Marcellus Joscelyn, Ted Lamb, etc.).

My very sincere thanks to the increasing number who write to thank me for the birthday cards I've been sending out for these almost ten years. One aspect may interest some of you: some months are light, some heavy; there were 45 in April, and some days had as many as four each (April 18 and 29). Those are the times I have to plan to be ahead of the procession - but manage to be on time most always. I enjoy sending them; your responses, when they come, help. A question arises: shall we reprint Stu Eldredge's excellent drawing of Baker - or have you other suggestions?

You've read of the Don Bartletts' return to Japan, in the April issue. Hope they'll be back for reunion. Son Don Jr. '59 will have graduated from medical school and goes to the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N. Y., as an intern. (Some may have forgotten that Don was born in Japan and came to the States when he was twelve years old.) Graduates of '24 sons this June are: Frank Loveland III, who will go to sea with the Navy before returning to graduate school; Wally Lord, also economics-minded; and Peter Luitweiler, who has had a ball leading the touring Rugby team in their recent tour in Great Britain to continue that newborn tradition. Jim Kettle '65 has another year to go. Still more '24 sons to come, which I'll report in the fall.

Back in early February Chy and PuttyBlodgett, together with Louise and the Tupper, were guests of Lois and Brad Hersey in their lovely Powderhorn Farm in New Boston. The focus was on Americana: Put has a fine showing of early farm equipment and I've commented on the Herseys' antiques and Lois's skilled hand in remodeling old homes. Now I hear that Brad has also backed a Lumberman's Museum in Patten, Me. - place of origin of Brad and Lois; they also summer there. In addition to a collection of articles pertaining to lumbering, brought together by a relative of Lois', there are models of early lumber camps, up-and-down saw mills that work, etc. Ought to see this, you lumbering men now once removed in making paper (Larry Kugelman,Charley Kearms, et al.).

Retirement means only a change of activity to many, including Cap Whitney who reached 65 and was retired by the Bell system after forty years. He was General Directory Supervisor for a five-state area. Many know he has served in alumni groups in every notch, "from secretary to president," helping to interview prospective students including right now. He has been considering a new business arrangement... but he'll attend his first reunion this June, the first in forty years. You'll find many friends, Lil and Cap. See you soon.

Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd., Hanover, N. H.

Class Agent, 328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J.