1942's 25th
June 15-18, 1967, marked the memorable return of the Class of 1942 to the Hanover Plain. From any point of view - logistics, economics, tactics, strategy, execution, elocution - this has to be the greatest.
The invasion was underway in earnest by Thursday afternoon with registration at Russell Sage under the guidance of our capable retiring treasurer, Guy Swenson. The Class was domiciled in Gile, Streeter, Lord, Russell Sage, Butterfleld, Hitchcock, Chase, and North Mass dormitories. It should be mentioned that housing facilities were excellent - comfortable and clean with torrents of hot water - and some peace and quiet between 3 and 8 a.m. (but not always). Charlie Brown's uniforms of shirt and straw hat were distinctive and practical. Replicas of the Eleazar Wheelock ice statue make grand mementos. The lighter sets given by BobSherman will be cherished reminders of reunion.
The registrants quickly posed and smiled for family portraits on their way to the tents near Hitchcock to get into the mood for things to come. A few of the more athletically inclined (a vast minority, incidentally) headed for links and court to take advantage of a break in the skies and work up an appetite prior to the first official functions of the extended weekend. These, quite pleasantly, happened to be a reception at the tent and a buffet dinner of delicious roast beef with all necessary embellishments at Thayer Hall. Thursday evening concluded with several choices - two entertaining short comic operas performed by the Dartmouth Players: "Thomas and Sally" and "Cox and Box," which were repeated Friday and Saturday evenings. At the same time the Dartmouth Five performed for those gathered at the tent. At eleven, '42 class movies were shown which brought back many a fond memory as well as an occasional wave of nostalgia as Stub Pearson or Jake Nunnemacher and others whom we knew and admired, but are no longer in our company, appeared upon the screen. Al Britton made certain that no one departed thirsty from the tent.
It was soon apparent that a goodly crowd had gathered as Dartmouth men and their families descended on the scene, literally from 'round the girdled earth. Jim and NanIngersoll with four children from Australia, Ford and Lacy Coffman and three youngsters from Hawaii, Rodg and Jeek Rodgers and Phil and Kennie Moon with kids from Detroit, John and Marion Stewart from California, and Charlie and Louise Hunt and their son from lowa - to mention just a few. By far the most enjoyable part of the whole affair was the renewing of old acquaintances and the opportunity to start new ones. For this purpose the tent served admirably, as did the spacious picnic area at Storrs Pond.
The Friday morning panel discussion "The American City: Triumph or Disaster?" provided much stimulating food for thought. Four very well qualified experts discussed four aspects of the problem: Bud Dutton on the role of the federal government in urban rehabilitation and planning; Ed McLaughlin on the part city and state governments should be qualified to play; Jerry Tallmer on the importance of the performing arts to the well being of the American city, and Dave Sargent on an experiment in desegregated elementary education. It is encouraging to learn that people of so much talent as these are at work on the problems involved. The general theme, however, is that everyone's effort and understanding will be required before the many associated problems are solved. The heated discussion that followed - with an obvious divergence of opinion — gave evidence of the break that exists among what might be called "thinking men." Harry Bond directed the discussion..
The associated schools' luncheon programs were held at noon at Tuck, Thayer, and the Medical Schools.
The culinary highlight of the reunion was the clambake at the class picnic on Friday afternoon at Storrs Pond. Wally Farr handled this to perfection - even to scheduling a fair cloudburst late in the afternoon to insure starting the following event at the appropriate hour. Milt Williams had a vast supply of prizes to distribute - including false eyelashes for the Lipp. The cocktail party at the tent was held under clearing skies and was attended by some of our former teachers - most of them now retired.
The alumni reception and dinner in the field house provided opportunity for a leisurely and social evening, followed by more of the same at the tent with Niven's Ice House Five + 2 going at it with gusto. There were more sitters than dancers at the tent, with Buck Buckalew by far the most proficient and energetic choreographer. The alumni dance at the Hopkins Center and class movies at the tent completed Friday evening.
Saturday brought another fine turnout for a hearty breakfast at the tent. Ed Millikin certainly got us off to a great start each day. Eddie Chamberlin '36, Dean of Admissions, held a session on his favorite subject, open to all classes. A panel discussion, "Dartmouth Today," sponsored by the classes of '46, '47, '48, and '57, was presented featuring Mike McGean '49, Secretary of the College, Dean Thaddeus Seymour, Dean of Thayer School, Myron Tribus, and Don Krieder, Associate Professor of Mathematics.
At the class meeting Bob Kirk presided in the manner of Bob Hope and Jack Benny combined. The net results were (1) many laughs and (2) a new administration for the next five years. The new chairman is DickLippman, who has so ably served the Class in just about every capacity possible. BillParmer is the newly elected secretary (write to him often). Dick Burns will serve as treasurer. Milt Williams has the difficult task of succeeding Lippman as newsletter editor. Class Agent is John Nauss. Certainly this capable group will be able to lead the Class to new and higher levels of accomplishment - the only additional things required are your cooperation and continued support. While no public acknowledgement was made, the entire Class certainly is indebted to Bob Kirk, Dick Lippman, GuySwenson, Krete Kreter, Bob Strasenburgh, and the executive committee for the outstanding leadership they have furnished during the last six years.
Saturday closed delightfully with a cocktail party at the Top of the Hop, the class banquet in Alumni Hall and the formal dance, also in Alumni Hall. Bob Searles arranged a very pleasant evening. President John Dickey was the speaker and as is his practice spoke forcefully, wisely, and optimistically. He mentioned the 1942 25-year book as a standard of excellence never before achieved, as well as the remarkable cohesion in the '42 fellowship. In his opinion, '42 qualifies as "one of the greater Dartmouth classes." Once again, as master of ceremonies, Bob Kirk was tremendous. At the dinner the total Class giving was announced at $1,280,000 - almost double the previous record. Two awards were received by the Class for attendance at reunion: The highest percent of alumni returning (45% — the all-time record is 48%) won the Class of 1894 Cup. The Class of 1930 Cup was won with 227 returning alumni. Bob Kirk, representing the Class, donated the Class of 1942 Cup, to be awarded each year to the class with the largest total attendance. We had 790 this year — 88 more than the previous record set in 1963 by the Class of 1938. President Dickey read a resolution passed by the Alumni Council - a resolution, unprecedented in Dartmouth history, which expressed the gratitude of the College and its alumni to the Class of 1942 for the record of giving they have achieved.
Special awards were made to Krete Kreter, Head Class Agent, Ad Winship for his work in behalf of the Class, and Dick Lippman for his work on the 25-year book and as newsletter editor.
Sunday morning, again, brought the threat of rain. Memorial services were conducted in Rollins Chapel in honor of the 63 deceased members of our Class. The Reverends Bill Perry, Jim Curtis, and Ford Coff. man collaborated in a fitting tribute to these dead, and a challenge to us who live to make this world a place worthy of their sacrifice. Allan Dingwall played the organ.
During the weekend activities, Dex Richards, and the many men who served with him on the reunion committee, were in the center of things giving necessary directions so that the program went off like a Gemini countdown. The sincere thanks of all who met at Hanover for this most enjoyable reunion are extended to them. Ad Winship's program for the younger set kept them (the children) delighted and entertained. '42 sons and daughters set standards for appearance and deportment that will endure for decades.
Among those who couldn't bear to leave Hanover on Sunday — when most of the exodus occurred - were Dick Deverian, the Roy Carruthers, Jack Corwiths, Jim Skinners, Bob Schoonmakers, and George McClintocks.
Our 25th Reunion is now but a memory - but what a memory! It will linger pleasantly in the minds of those who planned it and those who enjoyed it. Godspeed to each of you.
Reunion schedule for '42 teen-agers included basic computer instruction.
After presenting the College a silver trophy for the reuning class with the greatestnumber of people, President Bob Kirk '42 (r) accepts it back on behalf of the 25threunioners from Secretary J. Michael McGean '49.
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
