1931
This column represents the June issue and also concludes four years that I have written the class news. It's probably corny to say that it can't be four years, but it just so happens that it is a fact - and that fact is borne out vividly because next year is our 35th reunion and that represents five years by the calendar, by golly!
Friday, May 1 and Saturday, May 2 our class officers and Fund Agent were in Hanover for the annual meeting. During those two days members of the class executive committee met to discuss plans for the 35th reunion.
Some months ago when Johnny Benson advised that Ori Hobbs had agreed to be reunion chairman I mentioned the fact that the Class was very fortunate indeed. I now make that statement again! Ori is right on the job and has "things" pertaining to reunion activities well on the way. It's also fortunate that there are quite a few class members in the Metropolitan Boston area who are very interested in our class activities and who can be counted on to come through nobly when asked to do a job for Dartmouth and/or 1931.
In this respect, Hank McCarthy, JohnnyBenson, Ori and I met in John's National Shawmut Bank office (and it's a mighty nice and comfortable, one) the other night and made good progress lining up items and matching up people with the items to be handled at reunion so that Ori will be prepared next weekend at Hanover to give his reunion chairman's report and further line up details while there.
As in most instances, good things just don't happen - they usually are the result of good planning and Ori has been planning! So, if sometime in the future you get a request from him to "pitch-in" and do some part of the reunion please give him your support with a prompt "yes" answer.
Holy mackerel - the 35th's up!
"Henkle" Reno's son John Findley Reno was married at White Plains, N. Y., on April 18, with the result the McAllisters and Renos had a good get-together. After the wedding, Jack and Alice came to Boston and amongst other things made time for a get-together with the Wolffs and boy, we had a swell evening together out here in the sticks.
Bob Alcorn recently gave a talk at the Hartford (Conn.) Club on the subject - "Espionage and Sabotage in World War II." The publicity item regarding the talk sheds light on Bob's activities which will, no doubt, interest many classmates, so here it is:
Colonel Alcorn was responsible for the financing in World War II of all espionage and sabotage operations of the OSS from the Baltic to the Mediterranean in Europe until the spring of 1945 and thereafter throughout the world. He will tell us about some of his experiences. He was a lieutenant colonel in the war, holds a reserve commission, received the Bronze Star Medal and received two battle stars.
He is now a full time author and has written several books which have been published here and abroad, including "Riding High," "The Count of Gramercy Park," and "No Bugles for Spies." The last of these books was recently published by David McKay Company and is also out in England, France, Belgium, Switzerland and Japan.
Our speaker graduated from Dartmouth — 1931 - had two years' graduate work at Cambridge University in England and studied two years at the Ecole des Sciences Politiques in Paris. He taught English at Westminster School in Simsbury and later was executive secretary to the late U.S. Congressman William J. Miller of the Hartford District.
A note from Dick Fisher, 2230 W. Mequon Road, Mequon, Wis., advises that he met up with Bill Minehan at a Milwaukee Dartmouth Club luncheon. Bill is still keeping the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company on the right track - he's secretary, you know - and I'm darn glad of it because some of my policies are there, thanks to Charlie McAllister who "pushed" me into them way, way back in the early 30's.
A mighty thoughtful letter came in from Doug Morris (executive vice president, Morse Iinternational, Inc. - Advertising), regarding "one of my closest friends during those four years on the Plain," Rog Burrill. His letter, along with a copy of one from Rog, explains why neither he nor we had heard from Rog for many years. More than his share of family illness cast quite a shadow on his life until recently. Rog was married again on April 18 and he states "Everything has changed for me now, and I am intent about becoming active in the '31 circle of the great D. You willl have to believe this when you see it, I know. I'm waiting for bids - like, what can I do. I must tell you that my piano playing is developed into a sophisticated combination of Fats Waller and Peter Nero. It's confusing, true, but as loud as ever - and I can play 3579 different songs." This leads up to two things, Rog - one, we hope you'll make reunion next year and two, that Ori will be sure to have a piano under the tent for you! Happy, happy days on your new Frontier, Rog!
Thanks to Bill Murphy, 62 Paxwood Road, Delmar, N. Y., and Ed Gruen, US/AID-APO 928, San Francisco, Calif, (this address gets mail to him in the Philippines) for their notes via Johnny Benson. Thanks also to Ernie Moore for the picture and news item of Delcie Bean's daughter's marriage in March. A beautiful daughter and bride, you fortunate Beans.
It's news to no one that Bob Oelman gets around, but it was interesting to see his picture on page 63 of the March ALUMNI MAGAZINE showing him (obviously in wonderful shape) in Moscow - look it up if you missed it and get a glimpse of your old friend.
In recent columns I have used the words "New Frontiers" rather frequently, and now I can use it again by advising that Harriet and I are trying another New Frontier which comes in the form of our having sold our house in Wayland and renting an apartment at 290 Beacon Street, Boston. This is the first time Harriet and I have ever rented an apartment since we have been married, and we no doubt will be in for quite a few new experiences to which we are looking forward - believe it or not. We had very definite pre-set ideas on the type of apartment and location and came mighty close to getting 100% of what we wanted. We have a beautiful view overlooking the Charles River and the City of Cambridge across the river with the M.I.T. and Harvard buildings forming the main background. The next time you are in Boston give us a ring, join us for a drink while overlooking the Charles.
Since there will be no further column until the October issue, it is timely to wish you all a very wonderful summer, along with a wonderful vacation and may you all keep in the very best of health.
Secretary 36 Shaw Drive, Wayland, Mass.
Class Agent, Schoharie, N. Y.
