1924
The annual Class Officer meetings are just behind us; they are always very special even though they come at about the busiest time for me. We missed the Pete Wheatleys, with a "conflict of interest" priority, but the Phil Vail Huycks, the Brad Herseys, the Butts Lamsons, the Ted Nilsens, and the Chinee Aliens met for class-college business, to eat, and socialize. All agreed that it was first class. The weather was very kind - kinder than back home whence they had come - spring is really bursting now (on May 5 as I write). Brad was chairman for the treasurers' meeting; in Pete's absence, a son of '24, Frank Harrington Jr. '50, led meetings for the chairmen.
Many things came out of the officers' meetings and you'll hear more about them. We have a good record among the classes on many scores (including the Green Derby on which Van is working so hard and so many helping effectively). Of the 315 living graduates (never exactly accurate) and 155 living non-graduates, the percents paying class dues are a bit better than average. Our dues are also about average, too. (As an aside, Brad has been able to satisfy those who doubt this by indicating how we spend our funds - including the excellent Memorial Books program.) Another item gleaned: '27 this year will be next door to us, at the Lake Morey Inn, for the fall reunion ... after some years in nearer Tebanon. That note of mine to our own former reuners at Bonnie Oaks is in the mill, waiting only time to get it in "print" and mailed. Not too late for new-comers; I'll do the best I can for everyone.
The above analysis of living grads vs. non-grads suggests one more emphasis on the fact that this breakdown has almost nothing to do with continuing interest in the Class and the College. I continually find myself, after ten years as Secretary and writing the birthday cards to all 470 of you, surprised at who graduated and who did not. All of us belong. Don't let non-graduation (for which there are very many reasons) keep you away from our fortieth reunion. In reading the list of those definitely coming, we are happy to see some returning who have never been back before. I hope some who read these last-minute words will decide to join us; you won't regret it; you'll have a wonderful and Friendly Fortieth reunion.
I reported on Jimmy Reid's personal ventures in publishing since his retirement from Harcourt, Brace & World. Now he's back in the fold as HB&W has bought his share in the Institute for University Studies which will move into their building with Jimmy as one of the directors. This was a venture, born four years ago with partner Alan Gillespie, "to fulfill an obvious need . . . enrolling qualified persons in college courses which can be undertaken at home by the use of recordings, study guides, and examinations." Another of our writers, Ted Lamb, has his pamphlet entitled "Trial by Battle: The Case History of a Washington Witch Hunt" published in late April by the Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions of the Fund for the Republic. This is the story of his successful fight for renewal of his radio and television licenses - at a cost approaching close to a million dollars and on behalf of "the hundreds of minor officials ... and innocent bystanders who were run down by the McCarthy juggernaut." The introduction states the issues raised by the case are still before the country - hence the publication now. It is claimed that one result of the Lamb case is the abandonment, by Federal agencies, of the use of professional witnesses.
Over in Norwich, across the river, PennHaile goes his quiet way but is heard from through his various talks. One . such was at the annual meeting of the Vermont Council on World Affairs, in mid-April at Waitsfield, where he talked on "The United States on New Paths to Old Goals." Penn has been a frequent lecturer for the Foreign Policy Association and at orientation courses at army posts for the War Department. His book, "The Eagle and the Bear," is coming out in paperback.
A short while ago, Kae and Spud Spaulding were in town for three full days of hard work in the files, whipping up material as needed for the Class Book. This will be an excellent job; whatever Spud does he does 100%. I am reminded again, as I noted back in January, of his award (co-sponsored by "Printers' Ink" and by the Advertising Federation of America) of the Silver Medal for "creative ability, integrity, and help to others and activity in social and religious groups." You'll be proud to own a copy of the Class Book when you see the good job Spud and his helpers have done.
Bill McNiff has a good reason, not excuse, for not being with us for the Fortieth: for several years he has taken groups to Europe in the summer in coordination with his teaching at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio - not Florida). He reports reading Ted Lamb's book (as a teacher of History) and enjoying its "vigor and punch." I enjoy his writings: an annual St. Pat's card in response to my annual birthday card to him. Bon voyage, Bill, and come visit us. ... I mentioned that Peter Luitweiler '64, son of our own Luit and Sally, was captain of the Dartmouth rugby team which went on tour from Hanover, N. H., to Hannover, Germany . . . and also in Scotland. They won fewer games than might have been but they sure had a wonderful trip, made a very good impression, and won the respect of the seasoned teams they played. The trip was supported by the federal People-to-People program, and also by Hanover merchants. This group has supported itself, was self-coached, and earned the support of alumni, friends, merchants and government. Well done, Peter.
Don and Henry Bartlett, back in Japan again, may miss our Reunion. We read of their work, of being joined by President and Mrs. Dickey on their recent flight to Japan and Hawaii - but they might like to know the glowing tributes a Japanese student now on the campus here made to me when casually talking as I picked him up in my. car headed back to the campus. Also, in. reading some notes Frank Jetter (who sang with us in the Glee Club) sent me from his retirement home in Ridge Manor, Fla., I am reminded that Don sang first bass. But I'd forgotten much, such as: that Les Hawes (also first bass) was our peerless leader, 1923-24; that second tenors included Art (AD) Adams, Lew Erckert, Bob Ellsworth, Leroy Linnekin, Nat Sawyer,, and Earl Hamm; that first basses also included Jim Kirkbright and Cap Whitney; that second bass included Don Wilbur;, and that almost a dozen were in the Mandolin Club of which Win Sturtevant was leader in 1923-24. That ought to stir some memories; about half of them will be back for the Reunion. Jeff Adams and LewErckert will be missed as they have been since their passing. Frank Jetters will be back; he still sings as tenor soloist and as song leader for Kiwanis groups, now that he has retired as Director of the Music Department in the Amsterdam (N. Y.) schools.
At the alumni dinner in Pittsburgh were(I to r) Shepard H. Patterson '24, EdwinP. Wilson '55, and Remington Drury '48.
Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd., Hanover, N. H.
Class Agent, 328 Orchard PI., Ridgewood, N. J.
