1950's 15th
It's too late now, fella. You may be sorry, but it won't help if you decided after the fact that you could have gone to Fabulous 50's Fabulous Fifteenth. Take it from those who did: the weather was wonderful, the people were prodigious, and the schedule was stupendous. All hail the great job done by Eric Miller and his stalwart crew whose functions will be cataloged as we recount the high spots of June 17-20.
If you were out rather than in, you may have raised an eyebrow at the June 17 date. Altho affairs began officially on Friday, a good group made it back by Thursday and informally christened the tent with individually brewed juices of their own.
At this point it seems appropriate to observe that several injuns traveled rather extensively to participate in the doings. Mileage cup no doubt belongs to Pete and LoisNottage who came from Hawaii. Another couple whose jaunt rivaled Marco Polo was Izzie and Isabel Stahl from Guatemala. We were delighted to learn that the child we feared might be named Gee Whiz to rhyme with three Izzes wound up with a moniker of Charlie.
We will probably slight some folk who logged impressive kilometers in addition to those we cite, but recognition must also go to Dan Schausten from Portland, Ore., and Nate Royall from Dallas. Dick and Liz Hoilands had a ways to go starting from Miami. We got a telegram from Brisbane, Australia, that demands full quotation here:
"Fondest felicitations for Fabulous Fifteenth Festivities from Furthest Farflung Fifty ... (signed) Jim McCrum."
We could go on paying homage to people like the Jim Vails from North Carolina and the Ken Rothchilds and Jack Brodies from St. Paul, but you can peruse the entire roster in our class newsletter later this summer when final tabulations on the Alumni Fund are available. It should suffice to say that '50 hit the road and for good reason! Reportedly we smashed all records for attendance.
Friday brought the majority of reunioners and a full schedule to appeal to all. In the morning a panel discussion on "The Challenge of 'Bigness': Blessing or Curse?" attracted many to the Hopkins Center, followed by three separate luncheons for grads of the Medical, Thayer, and Tuck Schools. Rumor had it that the Rotten Core was quickly dismantled for the latter group, but you couldn't prove it by their behavior during the weekend.
During Friday afternoon skimmers with green hatbands labeled "Fabulous '50" were given to men and wives. Admitting a degree of bias, we feel sure there were always twice as many of these straw hats in evidence as all of the other kinds of headgear combined. We can thank Dick "Plans" Echikson for garnering such a fine costume. If your boss objects that it isn't fitting for business wear, find another job. They are cool, comfortable, and chic!
About eight bells the clan formally gathered at the tent and it was swinging by the time we arrived at 1730 hours. Sixty minutes later the troops moved out to the ne Leverone Field House where a scrumptious repast was spread for about 2000. This affair, put on by the College for the five classes back for tenth, fifteenth, and 25-year reunions, was most enjoyable.
For future functions, you might note that tickets to the play (this year "Wonderful Town") are gratis but worth paying for if need be. We were amazed to discover that three hours had vanished between supper and final curtain! Staging was superb, singing was fine, casting excellent, lighting and pit orchestra and the whole bit were just great.
Professional socializing went on apace at the tent long after we folded at 2 a.m. In fact, some hardy souls were known to have watched sunrise.
Saturday morning coffee and doughnuts at the canvas-covered arena just west of the Sphinx tomb in front of our dorms (Smith-Ripley-Woodward) got some of the cobwebs swept away before our class meeting at 10 a.m. Frank Harrington culminated a five year stewardship as Chairman in high fashion running a well timed, effective, and interesting conclave. Si Morand presented his customary excellent accounting of funds and then the three of us joyfully noted that our tenure in office was at an end. Fearing we'd abscond with relics of historical value, however, we were put on the new Executive Committee with nearly two dozen other classmates. Representatives on this august body were bludgeoned into accepting office by nominating committee chairman CliftWhiteman, of whom more will be said forthwith. About half of the new team was on hand to elect a new slate of high muckety-mucks, and it is a stellar array who will hold the reins until 1970. John Dwyer, fresh from two years of outstanding service as head agent, becomes Chairman. Eric Miller, fearful he might have to run another reunion, sought safety in accepting the treasurer's post, and Ed Tuck takes up the task of secretary. And here should be inserted a fervent plea for post cards to the new scribe so he can pen rapturous reports this fall. Ed's home is 7 Fiske Road, Wellesley 81, Mass. Do it now!
With uncanny efficiency, the new regime bamboozled Sandy McCulloch into a stint as head of the Alumni Fund for the next couple of years and secured the services of Joe Medlicott to publicize '50's Follies in support of the Fund. The names of others tapped for officialdom will need be enumerated by Joe in his first "50-50."
Jim Birney led us in a fitting and fine memorial service for our eight departed classmates.
Rapidly recounting the remaining functions, we enjoyed Jim Stevens' panel on "Dartmouth After 15 Years," before driving to Lake Morey for a truly magnificent luncheon arranged by Whit Williams. It was billed as a picnic, but the cuisine was too lush for such an epithet.
The cocktail party Saturday eve was delightful, and Newc Eldredge was doubtless responsible. If not, Jack Harned's ability to gather in and disburse reunion funds so well could be given credit.
Dinner at Thayer Hall was a far cry from the old tin trays and hardtack treatment. Clift Whiteman acted as toastmaster and rolled 'em in the aisles while introducing various speakers. Si and I were too nobly honored with handsome Revere bowls for which we must humbly thank each of you. They will indeed have a Revere-d place in our homes!
Speaker of the night, Prof. Henry Terrie, updated us on campus jargon in a humorous speech that rated at least an Ace grade. He'd be surprised to learn, however, that afterwards we did observe some licky-face norgling at the tent! If that doesn't speak to you, you'll have to ask men who are winners in current college capers.
Space and time limit elaboration of the fun of dancing, Injunaires, power barber-shopping, and the rest. Sunday brunch set us up for an easy exodus knowing we'll be back with bells on at the next opportunity.
To all who made it possible, all of us who had such a great time extend our heartfelt thanks!
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
