1911's 55th
1911's 55th reunion is now history but many pleasant memories remain. Limited space allows only a brief summary of the principal events, but a more complete story will be found in "Leven Up." Festivities began with the arrival of forty men and women at the Mt. View House on Wednesday afternoon. Mary and Tom were there to greet us as the Dodge family has always done. Our time there was spent as usual, chit-chatting and visiting and just enjoying one another. The pre-dinner gatherings in the Caravan room are always delightful and were especially so this year. Les Gibson was our host Wednesday evening and Thursday Mary and Tom arranged a pretty and satisfying cocktail hour, even if you no more than looked at the sumptuous hors d'oeuvres. Although we arrived and left in the rain, Thursday was a beautiful mountain day. Friday afternoon was departure time for the Hanover reunion and the principal event of the week.
Headquarters in South Fayerweather was a hectic spot with so many trying to register at once and greeting old friends all at the same time. Before the weekend was over 42 classmates and a total of 92 people had shared in our activities including two third generation grandsons who had just graduated. Ed Chamberlain and Bill Gooding were the two proud ones. Ken Clark, JohnPearson, Jack Russell, Bob Sanderson, and Burleigh were attending their eleventh straight reunion. Two others who had never missed one should be included, Ed Keeler who was present by wire and Katherine Sterling who had always been present with Chub. A new record was set by Cap Weston whom we were pleased to welcome. Our 55th was his first.
Regrets were received from many whose hearts were with us but were unable to join us. We especially missed Treasurer Griswold and Editor Kimball. Bendy was in bed with the flu and bronchitis and Wee had to return home Saturday morning with Els who had tripped and fallen on the steps in leaving dinner Friday evening. No bones were broken but she was somewhat battered and bruised.
We were fortunate in having delicious meals throughout, starting with dinner in Thayer Friday evening. We followed the program as it had been laid out for all the weekend guests along with a few special plans of our own. The President's reception, Players and Glee Club performances, all were enjoyed. The alumni luncheon and meeting on Saturday saw the greatest number of eleveners together at one time, as a few classmates were able to be here only for the day.
The highlight for the class however was the evening affair in the Inn Tavern that was strictly 1911. This started with cocktails at 5:30 where we were the guests of four good classmates and ended following the banquet and business meeting. The dinner was opened by Gay Farrell who gave the invocation. The next event was a memorial service for the 46 men who had died since our last reunion five years ago. Mert Wilson offered prayers and read the names of those men whom we mourn. We were pleased to have President Dickey drop in on us and in his friendly way give us a few words of greeting on his very busy weekend.
In the business meeting that followed, the president as presiding officer called on the class officers to report on their several fields. In the absence of the treasurer and news-letter editor he expressed the regrets of all that they could not be present. Following Sam's appealing report, he announced that four men had indicated their interest in making new bequests. The treasurer's report by letter assured us of our liquidity with $2500 in the banks. Josh Clark who had just gone into third place in the Green Derby reminded us that we still had a long way to go to meet our quota but gave thanks to those who have cooperated so magnificently. The secretary's report consisted principally of announcements and reference to the many letters and telegrams expressing regrets of the absent ones. He announced that the attendance figures exceeded any previous 55th reunion, topping 1910's record last June of 39 men and 68 men and women. TroyParker and daughter Ellen from South Dakota and Don and Fanny Cheney from Florida were the long distance runners. The vital statistics department shows that out of a total enrollment of 395 there are now living only 111.
At the mention of Wee Kimball's name loud applause broke out and a resolution was moved and voted unanimously that he deserved the entire class's thanks and commendation for his excellent record as editor. The only other resolution, which was likewise unanimously passed was a vote of thanks to the hosts of the cocktail hour. They have turned out to be Sarge Eaton, LesGibson, Wee Kimball and John Pearson.
A nominating committee of Sanderson,Gibson, and Kenworthy presented the following slate to be the executive for the next five years: Aronowitz, Burleigh, Cheney,Josh Clark, Ken Clark, Eaton, Griswold,Kimball, Learoyd, Pearson and Wilson. The committee then proceeded with the election of its officers, which resulted in the present officers being continued in office. It voted to continue dues of $6.00 per year. The meeting was adjourned in time for the start of "Once-on-a-Mattress."
An attractive luncheon Sunday noon was the key for the end of our last official reunion. The Burleighs were pleased that final good-byes for the several couples who were remaining till Monday could be made on their piazza at Webster Terrace, where there was ice and something to pour over it, in contrast to their greeting in the rain on the previous Friday.
As he had for reunion five years ago,George Kreider '16 traveled 1200 milesfrom Springfield, Ill., by motorcycle. Hepromises to repeat it for the 55th.
The 50-year class of 1916 poses in front of Parkhurst Hall, named for a 1916 father, Lewis Parkhurst '78,
CLASS SECRETARY
