1932's 35th
I can but touch on highlights of our reunion; Mark Short will provide you with a more complete report. The underlying theme of the whole affair became the wide range of opinions, reactions on and to the right to dissent, set forth formally and informally, in dark rain and in bright sunlight, in the solemn Chapel and in crowded rooms, in the usual tents with unusual psychedelic cacophonous music, over beer or cocktails. . . .
According to Bob Buckley's count, we had 194 persons there, ninety men, 81 wives, 23 offspring and Rhoda Clark, John's widow. John Keller remarked that we had a good representative group, although he wasn't sure of the factors of representation that should be used.
Bo Wentwortii conducted the class meeting with his usual aplomb and finesse. BobFendrich reported that 322 had paid dues, a record number. Al Boncutter stated that we had contributed about $32,500 to the Alumni Fund and that we might hit $38,000 at the close-out, relatively the best participation the Class has had. Art Allen, as chairman of the nominating committee, presented the following slate: Howdy Pierpont, president; Bob Ackerberg, class agent; JackPyles, treasurer; Mark Short, newsletter editor; and Art Allen, bequest chairman. The secretary will be named later.
The symposium, "Dartmouth: Today and Tomorrow," was enthusiastically received with considerable participation from the audience. (Who better could ask the first question but Whip Walser?) We were proud of Chuck Adkins' presentation as keynote speaker.
The massive dinners were handled with the usual experienced expertise of the Establishment. But for the gourmets the high spot was the marvelous steak dinner picnic served at the farm of Bill Dewey '33.
The last and most impressive scheduled event was the memorial service in Rollins Chapel in honor of our 89 departed classmates, 31 of whom have passed on since our last reunion in 1963. George Blaesi conducted the devotional service with a depth of feeling and choice of words that were unusual for one not a clergyman. Deborah Allen (Art's wife) played the organ, including the rendition of a beautiful hymn which she composed based on the theme of "Dartmouth Undying."
If you will allow me prosaic license, I would describe one subject of conversation: The relevance of two Parkinsonian syndromes — the law versus the disease. (Dr.Joe Roberts said there was no connection.) But some spoke quietly of the stress and tension of attaining "success" (what's your definition?) and the cost of pill-taking, playing less golf, admittedly slowing down under the threat of cardiac problems. Despite ostensible hale-heartedness, the awareness of accelerating age was a bit evident and I would be remiss in not reporting it.
Nostalgic bits of conversation: The BUIMorton to Bill McCall football pass combination (both were there); the disposal of an empty can that had held a gallon of alcohol (remember Prohibition?); the "Loudmouth" issued once a year; what happened to Joe Pilver? the planned wearing of shorts (pants, that is) on one day that made headlines (compare with today's dissent); the old White Church conflagration (some still have old hand-made nails as souvenirs), and innumerable other "do you remember the time that?"
Recent moves back toward the Hanover Plain include Art and Darby Allen who met with architects who will build them a house; Rog Hofheims, Ben and DorothyBurch who are refurbishing a farm near Wilder. In this category should be counted Don MacPhail who has retired to North Conway.
Gordon Lane, who has charge of the construction of Ike's Pike in Vermont, gave some of us a progress report on the highways that are making it easier for us to visit Hanover.
Running impressions: Milt Alpert discussing New York and national politics; Joe Byrani and his recent bride (the latest marriage); Joe Fanelli accepting kudos modestly as the Great Defender from fellow lawyers; Ben and Sally Drew in their development of a Vermont apple orchard — beyond their Massachusetts efforts — and their plan to work overseas as their children have done; Ping Ferry in his quiet restraint while saying that he wished to live it out in the Santa Barbara think-tank that forwards new ideas; Ev Hokanson with his suggestion that we develop regional '32 groups for meetings and action; Charlie Odegaard and his modest description of a college president's problems these days; Herb and Evelyn Pike who had enough stamina to play golf on the third morning; Bus and BunnySails (now Herb and Hazel) who brought in the good memories of years past (I swear he has a tape recorder in that hearing aid!); Carl Ward who came the furthest — from Berkeley, Calif. — and was not to complete his touring until August.. . .
The wives: I believe I should acknowledge the contribution to reunions made by the wives. To repeat, there were 81, with 90 men. Their participation was complete, their awareness of today was good.
Thus endeth my last report. Be fun and have good. I'll see you at some football games and at the 40th reunion.
Bird watchers at the '32 picnic were BobFendrich, Ping Ferry, and Milt Alpert.
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
