1922

In the autumn of 1918 Dartmouth's enrollment totaled 750 students including a freshman class of 434. Practically all were in the Student Army Training Corps or a similar Navy organization. Reveille sounded at 6:00 a.m. or some such atrocious hour; students dressed in uniforms, of course, including puttees; they stood at attention in front of dorms and marched to breakfast as to all meals. During the day we drilled and hiked and sang ("Oh, it's not the pack that you carry on your back") and drilled some more. Between times we attended classes and studied. That was "college life" for '22's first term and for about 75 per cent of the class who were 18 or older the military paid for tuition, board, room, clothes, books, and $40.00 a month.

But for the "under-privileged early bloomers," the other 25 per cent under 18, it was a bizarre experience. Slightly more than 100 of these precocious Twoters together with a score of gifted sophomores volunteered and paid for the privilege of serving not in but with the U. S. armed forces. Too young for formal enlistment, too unbearable for parents to keep home, these "over-achievers" did everything their older colleagues did, but had to pay for their tuition, board, room, uniforms, and books. Neither did. they receive a penny for their efforts, nor did they subsequently share in veterans' privileges, bonuses, and honors.

"Corny, square and silly" by modern values, the truth is these Twoters became proud of their segregation. Living together, mostly in New Hampshire Hall, no lads were ever known to worry about "identification or involvement" they were all completely identified (4th Squad-Rear Rank - No. 3) and they were fully involved from pre-dawn to lights out; and if one sought "self-expression" he'd better be a damn fast talker because time was precious. Then and since, older Twoters have been sufficiently mature to tolerate the gung-ho of these premature classmates unwanted, unclaimed, unloved even by the Army. They had to develop pride or perish. Compelled to build their own self-esteem, they exceeded their fondest hopes. It will be no surprise, then, when Co. I (eye) as these "young contemptibles" were known, receive a "Call to Arms" from one of its more taciturn members, Andy Marshall:

"With our 45th Reunion just ahead, June 12, 13, 14, it seems appropriate that Co. I - the 'Boy Scouts' whose fame as S.A.T.C. enrollees remains envied and undimmed (but never undinned) - should reconstitute itself (as far as practicable) for an hour or so during Reunion.

"Our proud military record began when, hearing that 100 or more freshmen under age 18 were available to 'Make the World Safe for Democracy,' Major Max Patterson, officer in charge of the S.A.T.C. at Dartmouth, ruefully asked, 'What the hell will we do with them?'

"He found the answer in Ort Hicks, Dan Ruggles and Red Stanley, three sophomore Eisenhowers each less than 18 himself and all with more or less military training from preparatory schools. So, Ort became com- pany captain with Dan and Red as sergeants. Their directive was a model in command communications: 'Whip those kids into line.' And under Ort, Dan, and Red, Co. I (according to those in it) became the best drilled and smartest outfit in the S.A.T.C. (can't deny Co. I still has ten of its 'soldiers' listed in Who's Who in America). But more important then was Major Patterson's com- ment as the thin unwavering lines of Co. I passed in review: 'I don't know how those kids do it.'

"It is only one year short of 50 since we were freshmen and wouldn't it be heartwarming to those of us left from Co. I (there are 60 of us) if we could get together during Reunion and maybe prevail upon Ort, Dan, and Red to let us once more 'unbeaten and unbowed' Pass in Review.

"With assists from all former members we can learn who was in each squad of Co. I and get the record accurate while there is still time. With this objective, will all Co. I men please write to me (Andrew Marshall, 1837 Arlington St., Bethlehem, Pa. 18017, or telephone 215-866-3483) and let me have the composition of your squad, its number, its corporal, the men and their position in the squad — as you remember them —so that while still possible we can build a permanent record of Co. I. And to everyone in Co. I and in '22, hope to see you in Hanover, June 12, 13, 14."

Co. I's story is possibly unique in the history of classes at Dartmouth. So, please do write to Andy. He, for example, was in the First Squad of Co. I as was Larry Henderson. Other possibilities among the tall lads were Gaylord Anderson, Jack Dodd, RogerEastman, John Glennie, Sheldon Hare,Johnny Johnson, Shaw Livermore, HalTayntor, Sterry Waterman, etc. Now before the fire goes out, who were all the members of the First Squad and each other squad in Co. I? As an extra the Class may also possibly find what Twoter still has the best memory - have you noticed how other people are slipping lately?

Another good Co. I man, Horace L. Shepard, is now vice president and secretary. treasurer of "the fastest growing warehouse in New England." William A. Goodman '39 is also a vice president of the Bethel, Conn., George A. Shepard & Sons, Co., which the Bridgeport Post featured last year as the business passed its centennial.

Selections from the long article tell of Shep's grandfather, George A., at the ripe old age of 22, starting a business for the cutting and sale of hat leathers. (Bethel-Danbury being a short walk or a quick gallop.) Shep's father entered the business in 1880 and in 1893 a new factory with 18,000 square feet went up on a recently purchased ten-acre plot. When after Harvard Business School, classmate Shep joined the business in 1924, it was occupying 80,000 square feet of production space.

For thirty years since 1927 the company tanned leather for coats, handbags, belts, etc. Then catastrophe occurred in October 1957 when due to an inadequate supply of "soft" water, the tannery had to close its doors. But being a family of workers rather than weepers, the Shepards converted the 80,000 square feet of tannery space to a public merchandise warehouse and in April 1958 started a new business at the old stand. Since then five new buildings or additions have made available 230,000 square feet of warehouse space. With a 31-car railroad siding, 28 truck docks, and modern handling equipment, the warehouse provides overnight delivery to points throughout New England, New York, and the middle seaboard states. "No job is too small and none (we hope) is too large." Excellent going, Shep, and we all hope to see you and Margaret in June. Meanwhile, how about a bit of cement floor space for any Twoters tramping back to Reunion, June 12, 13, 14?

Almost seemed the Class might escape sorrowful reports this month, then came the sad news that Matt Cassin has left us.

Time for '22's spring get-together, April 14-15, at the Hanover Inn is almost here. The April issue of the Twoter, which you will receive in ample time before the gettogether, will give complete details of this always happy occasion.

1922 Class ReunionHanover, June 12-14, 1967

Secretary, 11 Brockway Rd. Hanover, N. H. 03755

Class Agent, Norway Hill Rd., Hancock, N. H. 03449