1931's 35th
One of the surest ways of evaluating whether I am having a good time is whether time lingers on or rushes by. By this test, I know I 'had a wonderful time, and similar comments Wednesday afternoon as the Class Picnic was drawing to a close made it very apparent that many others were mighty pleased that they had returned for the 35th — which was far from a myth!
Sunday afternoon Ori Hobbs' Reunion Committee members arrived from time to time until by dinnertime all were on hand. After dinner at the Norwich Inn, committee members met in 104 Mass, which was our official class headquarters, and reviewed the many details that make for a successful reunion to be sure that all assignments were under control. Upon completion of the job, we found time for good fellowship, with wives joining the fun.
Monday morning was anything but pleas- ant from a weather point of view, but that was the only unpleasant factor and it was completely offset by the fact that the efficient registration fellows were located right on the front steps (well protected from the rain), and right across the street was our class tent, well equipped with liquid refreshments for both old and young.
The fact that the weather was terrible meant that as soon as people checked in they went to the tent and thus we were all pulled together much more effectively than would have been the case had the weather been favorable. There is usually a silver lining to most situations.
By 6:30 we were a pretty united group, thanks again to the rain, and we headed for the Alumni Dinner at Leverone Field House. The informal visiting in the President's garden naturally was cancelled out, but the rain let up so that those who wanted to could join in on the "Hootenanny with 1930" — and quite a group did.
The fact that all was relatively quiet for the balance of Monday night proves that even though our 35th wasn't a myth,' it did prove that we're all much better self-controlled, or just not able to raise hell like we used to.
Tuesday morning was overcast, but since most of us had a restful night, a goodly group showed up at 9:30 at "Three Views of Today's Faculty."
Our Class Meeting was very well attended, and my personal count came to 55.
Chairman Wilson called the meeting to order at 10:00. The Secretary's report, Treasurer's report, Class Agent's and Special Gifts reports were given by Wolff, Benson, Guernsey and Nickum. A resolution was read by Johnny Benson to the effect that the Class would do its best to participate in the Bequest Program. After discussion and revision, the resolution was voted.
The Chairman stated that a number of classmates had taken the time to wire, write or otherwise send regrets about not being able to be with us and asked that such acknowledgments be made. The following absentees' messages were reported - Harms, Clark, Geo. Stevens, Walrath, Groves, Grant, Laughton, Martin, Toomey, Charlie Schneider, Rosen, Ewing, Snow, MacMillan, Hale, Seeney, Weisert, Wendell, Freeman, Feltner, Cukor, Akerlund, and Galley.
Chairman Wilson commented on the need for and effectiveness of regional representation in all class activities. He said that Beany Thorn has done some work on the matter and recommended that the new administration carry on.
Ori Hobbs asked for the opportunity to thank the members of the Reunion Committee for the job they had done. He discussed some financial details and made recommendations. After discussion, it was voted that the Executive Committee be authorized to support the next reunion chairmen with an underwriting assurance of up to $500, should such support be required.
Jack Reno proposed a resolution extending the thanks of the Class to the present officers and Executive Committee. The resolution was voted.
Jim McElroy reminded us of the Memorial Service to take place Wednesday morning and requested full class attendance.
Chairman Wilson next requested the report of the Nominating Committee. Committee Chairman Doug Woodring then recommended that the present chairman appoint a standing committee chairman, that an amendment be approved to adjust the executive committee membership from eleven to seventeen, that an amendment be approved to change the title from Chairman of the Executive Committee to President of the Class, that the new Executive Committee members, after appointment, select their own officers and make other necessary appointments. Accordingly, Johnny Benson was appointed Standing Committee Chairman, and all the recommendations were approved. Woodring then asked BunceClarkson to read the Executive Committee nominations as follows — Austin, WaltDouglas, Bob Biesel, McCarthy, Nickum,Boardman, Hobbs, Leach, Brummer, Steck,Wolff, Boermeester, Swift, Bunill, Snow, and Lyall.
All nominations were approved, and the new members were requested to return for further business immediately after the class picture to which we adjourned.
After the picture, all new executive committee members in town for reunion actually did return for further business, during which the following appointments were made:
President — John Benson for 6 years; Secretary — Roger Burrill (3 yrs.), BobBiesel (3 yrs.); Newsletter Editor - BillSteck (3 yrs.), John Boermeester (3 yrs.); Head Fund Agent — Bill (Jim) Swift (3 yrs.); Jim Lyall (3 yrs.); Bequest Chairman - George Nickum (6 yrs.); Jim Godfrey as local counsel; Treasurer - Shep Wolff (6 yrs.); Reunion Chairman - Hank McCarthy.
The balance of Tuesday was devoted to golf and other such activities with cocktails at 6:15 in the War Memorial Courtyard, Hopkins Center, 7:30 Class Dinner at Thayer Hall (and it was delicious), 9:00 Class Dance or Dartmouth Players' presentation of 'Wonderful Town" at Hopkins Center Theater. More good fellowship for the balance of the evening and again (believe it or not) quiet prevailed most of the time! Incidentally, the weather was favorable in general, being sunny and cloudy on and off.
Wednesday turned out to be a truly wonderful day all around.
The Memorial Program in Rollins Chapel with '3O and '29 was very well attended, and our classmate, the Rev. James Francis McElroy, handled our class's part with his customary effectiveness. A very sobering thought is that 77 classmates are no longer with us.
The class picnic started at 11:00 with just about everyone getting to Storrs Pond promptly. Hank McCarthy, Johnny Boermeester and Roger Burrill really showed their "stuff" here! Refreshments, food, games and entertainment were tops! The day was wonderful, and the picnic a great farewell for those who were leaving.
The 35th WAS NOT a myth!
The 40th will be in 1971!
It's later than you think!
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
