1958's 10th
Anticipation is usually better than the actual event, but 1958's 10th reunion exceeded all expectations as those 195 men and almost as many wives will attest. That number outdid even the 25-year class and gave us the attendance cup. '58's came from near and far. Among those who came the farthest were Tony Gittes from Ecuador, Bill Bahrenburg from Honolulu, and DickRoth from Germany. It was a swinging time for all, but really it was much more than that, thanks to an outstanding job of programming by the reunion committee under the direction of Dick Frisch. There was the expected renewal of old friendships over endless kegs in the tent, or on the golf course and tennis courts. There was the added pleasure of making many new friends, classmates we never knew as undergraduates, but whom we met and found that perhaps we missed a little in not knowing them back then.
Driving up to Massachusetts Hall Friday afternoon, it was as if we had never left Hanover, except perhaps for all the wives around. The welcoming committee of early arrivals included Herb Swarzman working hard getting us to dig deeper for the Alumni Fund. Herb has taken a tough, often distasteful job and turned it into an outstanding success. The final results are not in at this writing, but '58 leads the Green Derby and is approaching the amazing amount of $20,000. A special thanks to all who made this possible.
The class outfits set the tone for the festivities, skimmers and green and white drinking jackets for the men. Perhaps fear of fire, rain, or exposure prevented more girls from wearing their matching paper mini-skirts.
Hanover athletic fields were active with '58's all weekend. Dave Hoffman and Jeff Picket must have driven up in their tennis clothes. They were on the courts five minutes after arrival. Others seen there were Don Shagrin, Joel Portugal, John and LibbyParker, Tryg and Ceej Myhren, Jeff andSally Strayer, Frank and Vicki Sands, BobEleveld, Dave Weber, John Otis, and GrafBerger.
After cocktails at the tent Friday evening, an excellent dinner was served at the field house. Clay Freeman and Dick Pugh appropriated two sets of bagpipes and gave a melodious concert for interested bystanders. The Injunaires sang at the tent and with the help of some undergraduate swingers we picked up a few new dances to the music of the Trade Winds. Many took advantage of President and Mrs. Dickey's gracious invitation to visit their lovely home and gardens.
Saturday morning's two panel discussions gave the reunion even more meaning. Perhaps the weather co-operated, for without that rain many of us might have been playing golf or tennis and missed them completely. It would be folly to attempt to discuss the panels in depth here, but the weight of their impact was evident in the questions asked and in the subsequent discussions at lunch, dinner and even over cocktails in the comfortable, new cocktail lounge at the Hanover Inn. Words of praise for both panels came from all classes. The first panel, "National Ferment and Undergraduate Response," was moderated by Charles F. Dey '52, Dean of the Tucker Foundation. Three outstanding undergraduates spoke on two subjects. The first was a defense of the recent valedictory address urging the class of '68 to resist the draft. The second was that of student involvement in the problems of racial inequity. One could only be impressed with the depth of interest and dedication these undergraduates. The second panel. "National Ferment and Alumni Response in Areas of Government, Business and Religion," included Harry Dodds, CarlMcCaU, Fred Pitzner, and Jim Crawford, all vitally interested and active in the problems of our cities and country. It is enough to say here that they emphasized the problems facing our country today. We were all moved by the program, hopefully even to positive action. It will be interesting to hear in future columns what some of you are doing in these areas.
Back to the lighter side. . . . The food all weekend was the best I've ever seen in Hanover. Saturday night's steak dinner in an amazingly attractive candle-lit Thayer Hall dispelled all memories of metal trays and mystery meat of former days. The accomodations were good too, although those college beds are a little narrow.
"Despite the bad weather there was considerable activity down at Storrs pond. Some brave souls in interesting bathing suits managed to brave the icy waters.
Saturday night's banquet was the highlight of a great reunion. Thad Seymour, who must be considered a naturalized Dartmouth man, kept us entertained with stories of his experiences with the undergraduates. It was, as always, a pleasure hearing from President Dickey. Dick Stoddart announced the new executive committee: Mel Alperin, Joe Black, Dave Bradley, Harry Dodds, Dick Frisch, lerry Green, John Parker, Herb Swarzman, Walt Vail, Bill Van Law and Larry Weltin. The executive committee elected the following class officers to serve until our next reunion: Dick Frisch, president; Bill Van Law, treasurer; Walt Yusen, secretary; Bob Eleveld, class agent: DonMcCree, reunion chairman; and Walt Vail, newsletter editor. We owe a debt of gratitude to the retiring officers for their dedication: Dick Stoddart, president, who was presented with an engraved gavel commemorating his long tireless service to the class; Gary Finerty, treasurer; Bill Van Law, secretary; Steve Quickel, newsletter editor; DickFrisch, reunion chairman; and Herb Swarzman, class agent.
There were many weary people at brunch Sunday at Dartmouth's answer to the Top of the Sixes, Top of the Mark, and Top of the Hub. The most difficult part was saying good bye and breaking away to leave for home. It was an outstanding reunion for an outstanding class. We look forward to our next one when more of our progeny will be in evidence and, hopefully, to some regional reunions in the interim. Until you hear from us in October, Jane and I wish you all the very best for a wonderful summer. Get out that pen and let us know what you're doing.
Reunion chairman Dick Frisch holds 1930Cup, won by 1958 with 195 men back.
CLASS SECRETARY
