1922's 45th
The image of '22 at its 45th reflected off some acute observers. For instance, the venerable Vermonter filling in as a campus cop confided, "Well, I've seen bigger reunions and heard louder ones, but you folks seem to know each other better than most and you're more like a family gathering." And so it was for all Twoters who thoroughly enjoyed being together again. Our next newsletter will list all reuners and future class notes will cover many highlights omitted here.
But to get the genuine image of Reunion we sought a wifely viewpoint. Here it is and bless her for it - our 45th as seen and heard by Nan Dwight, Wellesley '26, a Dartmouth wife for 40 years, a Dartmouth mother, and a grandmother of aspiring Dartmouth lads and Wellesley lassies.
Well, Reunion's over for another five years and it was one of the best. I think Bishop Charles Gilson '21 who conducted the Memorial Service, Wednesday morning, summed up our feelings when he said that this should not be an occasion of mourning for deceased classmates, but rather one of thanksgiving that we had been privileged to know them and, moreover, that so many of us were able to return to renew friendships and join once more in the Dartmouth fellowship.
Ike Miller, to whom we are all so grateful, has been working for well over a year to make the 45th a success and lucky we are to have a friend in court - or rather in Thetford. Our activities were carefully spaced so that there was time to get from one event to another and even spare time to catch up with those we'd known from earlier reunions as well as to make friends with those who'd been back infrequently.
Most people came back on Monday — the only really hot day we had - and sat around in the tent in front of Russell Sage greeting classmates and wives as they checked in. The girls were delighted with their gaily printed bags which will be practical for carrying knitting, shoes, and even, as was soon discovered, a bottle for BYOL parties. The men were given coaster sets with the Dartmouth seal on them and on their name badges were not only their college nicknames but also each man's picture cut from the class Aegis. It was interesting to the wives who perhaps had not known them in college to see how much or how little they had changed.
Monday evening all the reuning classes gathered for a buffet dinner at the Leverone Field House. After dinner we went to the reception in Pres. and Mrs. Dickey's garden. The flowers were lovely; the mosquitoes vicious. Some of us went on to the Players' production that evening; some went the next night. There were also Andy Marshall's movies of our former reunions and the class film taken senior year - such a lot of hair and all parted in the middle.
Next morning we had breakfast in our class tent and then went to Hopkins Center to learn a little about present-day Dartmouth. After introductions by Frank Horan, Dean Seymour and Dean Tribus of the Thayer School spoke and, following a coffee break, Prof. Rieser '44 and Prof. Smallwood '51 told about future plans for Dartmouth. A panel of Trustees answered questions. We were glad to learn how our college was handling some of the complicated problems presented by some students all over the country and we came away with the feeling that the patience and wisdom of those in authority will be capable of coping with any situation that may arise.
We adjourned for lunch at Thayer and then went to Silsby to rehearse for the hum and have the class meeting. That evening we had cocktails and dinner at the Inn. Dean Seymour was the speaker. He was able to give us a more detailed explanation of the Wallace incident and other recent demonstrations and I think we all agreed whole-heartedly with Dick Stetson, who chaired the meeting, when he said that we are lucky to have a man like Thad Seymour to direct our sons and grandsons at Dartmouth.
After dinner the Class gathered in front of Webster for the hum led by Jim Hamilton and then back to the tent where we danced to tunes popular in the Roaring Twenties.
Wednesday, the last day of Reunion, we breakfasted in the tent, had our class picture taken in front of old Dartmouth and attended the Memorial Service in Rollins Chapel. Then lunch in Alumni Hall and Reunion was officially over and regretfully we left Hanover.
I've been asked to write this report of the 45th from the wives' point of view. There really is no separate opinion about Reunion. We were pleased to be invited, as always, and especially to be included in all the activities. In fact, I detected a feeling of togetherness among our couples which I can only account for by the adjustment of retirement. "I married him for better or worse, but not for lunch," but most of the wives seem to be glad to have more time to do things together including reunions. No longer must our far-distant classmates take three days of reunion plus travel time out of their vacations. This is perhaps why we had 171 people back including some too long absent. We all had a good time, so don't miss the next one.
Thank you again, Nan. And '22 now looks forward eagerly to 1972.
REUNION REPORTER
