1924's 40th

The Friendly Fortieth was doubly successful: we lived up to the promise of the title, suggested by Putty Blodgett, and we broke the record for the fortieth reunion attendance set only last year by '23. It rained the first night and then turned cold for a chilly 48° at breakfast-in-the-tent on Tuesday . . . but from then on it was fine and much — so very much - better than the days following when it was hot and muggy; got up to 95°.

There were 134 classmates present; a total of 267 people for a new record; 230 couples, 23 stags, 4 widows (plus Dot Strong who could only peek in as she had to be off elsewhere), and 10 children.

One more statistic, and with pride rather than any negative implied of any kind - there were 18 couples reuning for the first time. (Some had been back to Hanover, of course, but not for a reunion.) They are: the Cap Whitneys, Larry Stones, Lee Ramsdells, Pop Fosters, Ed Morans, Ed Oberts, El Dickinsons, Norm Everetts, Jerry Kings, Steve Crosses, Perry Moodys, Frank Love-lands, Dave Strongs, Howie Clarks, Rollie Bates, Maurie Cates, Frank letters, and Joe Hollidays. And I'm sure all of them are glad they came; I think I spoke to each couple and know that from some of them their response was very enthusiastic. (Some will add to the usual group at the Bonnie Oaks party come October and the Princeton game. ... On that score, there may still be room for you even now and up to July 15 at least. If interested, write me - not Bonnie Oaks. It's going to be a big party; and don't count on more than your own two tickets - there won't be any extras for this football - fall foliage-Columbus Day holiday weekend.)

We had the pleasure of adding a member this reunion: Jeanette Gill, U. Nebraska '24, and honorary D. 'OO. She has regarded herself one of us and so now it is official. Should anyone not know who she is, she is the one who stages the excellent alumni, class, graduation dinners — this time in the new Leverone Field House (Monday night in the rain). Some of you have eaten at the Outing Club House, where she reigns and serves superb food in a lovely setting. She put on a fine buffet lunch there for those who could stay over on Wednesday noon - and that was the majority. Jim McFate, mein host at the Inn, staged an excellent clam bake (fish chowder, steamed clams, boiled lobster, apple pie, and the usual trimmings - which was out at one of the newly developed picnic areas at Storrs Pond). Breakfasts were Continental style only, catered by the Inn in the tent. We ate well . . . and often.

The saga should go far back to the day when Ted Nilsen gathered his committee to start thinking. Several of us met in Manchester at the Country Club last August; then again at Bonnie Oaks in October. The names come up in various patterns, but here is the "official" committee under Ted. Stan Chittick got out five Reunion Bulletins, with art work by Jim Taylor (and again on the matches we gave out); Ford Bowman used his know-how and IBM equipment to get out data on who was and was not expected, registered, etc. - and which was of tremendous help; Doug Craig shifted from reunion chairman for our 35th to treasurer for the 40th, with eclat and efficiency; DonBartlett and I (with our wives, Henrietta and Margaret - and with all the other Hanover wives, without exception) mobilized the home front and acted as liaison staff, with the Bartletts getting back from Japan just in time to pitch in. Otis Jackson did a wonderful job at .the Memorial Service in the White Church for the 128 classmates who have died (as of February, 1964 - and hence not complete as I write); Dick Morin assembled books and an art exhibit which won many expressions of pleasure, and to which must be added the excellent display of Colonial silver loaned by Frank Harrington and placed on exhibit in Hopkins Center. (We regret that two artists could not be with us: Joe Butler was in the midst of his busiest time in his own art center; Stuand Marion Eldredge are in Florence, Italy, where he is on the staff of the Instituto Pio XII — and where both are painting as well as having a complete family reunion over there for the first such in seven years.)

Putty Blodgett headed Hospitality, as was proper inasmuch as he coined the phrase that gave us our theme (easy for him, and joined in by Charlotte); last time he was treasurer; Doc Christophe worked with Chipman '19, in a very good Variety Night show - and he had,Wally Lord and son Wally Jr. - who had just graduated and worked with us in Gile Hall, Joe Egolf at one of the pianos, Will Sturtevant with his banjo, and Bob "Fenderson, at the bass viol. (I goofed at drums, not having such any more . . . and not having drummed in 20 years.) Spud Spaulding doubled: class movies in the tent had been edited and saved from turning to dust (as other classes' film have), and also did a tremendous job on editing the Class Book. (And a special bow to Kay, for uncounted hours and hours of editing, typing, proofing.) Lois Hersey and Margaret Allen teamed for "Women's Activities" . . . but the wives of all classmates here in Hanover were active in many ways, especially in the Sunday night massassembly of a bag containing a hat, a very attractive bag for milady (they sold out all extras quickly after the reunion events), tickets, programs and maps . . . it was all done in the basement of Gerry Hall (where I teach) and was fun. (Refreshments at Morins afterwards were appreciated.)

The list of 134 names isn't available to me as I meet the deadline, but I'm sure Butts Lamson may have it for the Class Letter. And that reminds me I must report on the meeting of the Class after the Memorial Service. Butts may repeat, as he will also report on a motion made and also file Brad Hersey's treasurer's report. DickMorin reported for the Nominating Committee he headed, as follows: For chairman, Spud Spaulding (and check the Class Book just edited by him if you want to see how often he has been in the official line-up); Brad Hersey, Butts Lamson, and myself repeat as treasurer, class letter editor, and secretary, respectively; Charlie French also carries on with the Bequest Program, but is getting much-needed help from area-assistants. All were duly elected; one more position will be reported later on.

As deserved, many kind words were said for the hard work and good results of retiring Pete Wheatley (chairman) and the Van Huyck (Alumni Fund). Van's job is a hard one and demands devotion to the College and to the Class. They got it in very grand style. Prediction: both Pete and Van will be back in harness "someday" again. A new executive committee included a carry-over of three: Frank Harrington,Butts Lamson, and Ted Nilsen; others elected were: Arn Jenkins, Larry Kugelman, RedMaloney, Jimmy Reid, Frank Sheehy, and Les Sycamore.

Just room for a few notes: Allison Hersey continues her notable sports career, as she becomes captain of the Women's U.S. Lacrosse Team, touring Great Britain for 40 matches in August; Arn Jenkins' daughter, Sandy, was married in May (as reported by Butts recently); and Jerry Glauker's stepdaughter was married during reunion. Two very sad items: Bert Manley's wife died recently (no complete data available yet), and Bob Wilkinson's wife had a heart attack which cancelled reunion plans.

The Class of 1939 took over Tuck Mall for its happy, scintillating 25th.

CLASS SECRETARY