1947
These notes are being written after the Harvard game and before the Yale game and obviously what is conjecture at this moment will be a matter of record as you read. We were tempted to delay forwarding these notes to Hanover until after the Yale weekend hoping that our spirits would be buoyed and also knowing that we see so many '47s at New Haven that we would have more news. However, the deadlines must be met!
A class executive meeting was held at the new Howard Johnson's Motel in White River Junction on Saturday, October 19. The first comment to be made is that anybody who is planning to visit Hanover [especially with children] and cannot or does not wish to stay at the Inn make their arrangements at Howard Johnson's in White River. In addition to being a beautiful new motel, it has a heated indoor pool, sauna and lounge area. By the second quarter of the Brown game, Dartmouth was well ahead, the rain was pouring down and several of us adjourned to the pool where accompanied by the local radio report and liquid refreshment we absorbed Dartmouth football in unaccustomed luxury. Incidentally, the only store in the area that had bathing suits for sale was the Surprise Department Store in White River Junction.
Present at the meeting and for the weekend were Class President Ed Senghas along with Eleanor and children Robert and Dorothy. Class Treasurer Dick Hollerith made it without Joan who is home with their young daughter. In addition Townes and Roz Harris, Bill and Joan Wood, George and EuniceCrossen, Class Newsletter Editor, DougBurch and Elton, Lansing and Kate Reed,George and Carolyn Bingham, Jeff and Valerie Mills, Frank and Penny Wuerfel, Frankand Ursula Weber, Ted Meier and his wife.
Dick Hollerith submitted the financial report showing a healthy condition. He reported that $1000.00 had been sent to Hanover during the past year towards the Class Memorial Book Fund. It was resolved that an additional $1000.00 would be sent in the forthcoming year and it is hoped that within another two years our Class Book Fund will be self-funding.
The financial report stimulated discussion and a report from Lansing Reed on possible areas of class giving as requested by the executive committee at a previous meeting. There are many shapes and directions to which class giving can be directed in forms of specific areas such as the DCAC, Hopkins Center, fellowships, scholarships, etc. It was felt by the committee that a definite decision on the shape and form of this giving would be premature at the time. It is traditional and the responsibility of each class to make a substantial gift to the College upon the occasion of their 25th anniversary and it was decided to keep our Class Book Fund program going as mentioned above and to welcome ideas from classmates for our 25-year gift.
A thank-you was voted to Dick Menin, head Class Agent, and all of the assistant class agents for the efforts in the 1968 alumni fund program. Dick himself was not present as he had gone into the hospital recently for some "non-emergency" type surgery. This need was undoubtedly caused by his efforts for the alumni fund drive. What price Dartmouth?
It was decided to make a strong effort for an informal reunion at the Yale game in 1969. The idea would be to send out definite information regarding a cocktail party-dinner, arrangements for children's dinner, etc., with the DCAC tickets next fall. The location is so central and the event an annual one in New Haven that its chances of success seem excellent. We believe it would be welcome by many classmates who only have a chance to chat briefly at the game.
From the above comments it would seem as if the executive committee did not do very much in Hanover. However, it did take several hours and we did have some fun and we assure you that your class president is working much harder year 'round. Remember, anyone is welcome at future meetings if you feel the situation needs remedying.
Lansing Reed had arranged to have the DOC House opened exclusively for a class cocktail party and dinner. This lovely warm atmosphere was most appropriate for the cold and rainy evening. We all had a leisurely chance to visit, chat and a delightful evening of good fellowship and fine food was enjoyed by all.
Out of the above conversations came a few items worth commenting on. FrankWeber is leaving for Houston, Texas, early in November. He has been handed a challenging promotion and opportunity by Shell and after many years in Ridgefield, Conn., he is heading South. His vital and active contribution to class affairs and attendance at class events will be missed. But we know - that somehow or other Frank will make his contribution from "deep in the heart of Texas." George Bingham's young bride Carolyn was a delightful asset to the weekend and made all of us feel younger. George had a very satisfied look on his face all weekend long. Frank Wuerfel made the long trip from Bernardsville, N. J., and looked his usual trim and handsome self. Frank has one son at school in Laramie, Wyo., at the University there and another at the University of Wisconsin. He is the vice president of sales of the R. J. Reynolds Fruit Company in New York. Ted Meier, another member of the executive committee, was a welcome guest at the meeting. Ted lives in Ridgefield, Conn., with his family and it was most pleasant to see him at a class affair.
In the regular mail bag was a card from Lloyd M. Van Lunen, a full captain and commanding officer of Submarine Division 41 based in Charleston, S. C., and responsible for six submarines and one rescue ship. Lloyd and his family are restoring and maintaining an old farmhouse on 14 acres near Annapolis, Md. As he is away a great deal, his project is in the hands of his wife and younger son with weekend assists from Lloyd. We are sure that any '47s who wish to help would be welcome. He also reports that he saw Eric Swenson in Japan.
It was noticed that two 1947 classmates are serving as executive committee members in their respective areas for the Dartmouth Third Century Fund National Alumni Committee: Bob Snedaker in Columbus, Ohio, and Fred Frassinelli in Bridgeport, Conn. Your reporter is also involved in this area of activity in Westchester.
This will be the last publication before the holiday season of the New Year. We certainly wish everyone a joyous holiday and know that we all join in wishing each other a year of peace for the world, diminishing of the tensions and strife at home and progress in solving the realistic problems that we as a nation and individuals face. Best wishes for a healthy and happy New Year.
Walter R. Peterson Jr. '47, Republican,was elected Governor of New Hampshirein last month's balloting, handily defeating Democrat E. R. Bussiere. Peterson,who was Speaker of the New HampshireHouse for two terms, will become an exofficio Trustee of Dartmouth College.
Secretary, 23 Whippoorwill Rd. Chappaqua, N. Y. 10514
Treasurer, 142 Inwood Ave. Upper Montclair, N. J. 07043
