1940's 30th
The Tremendous Thirtieth, ballyhooed for months by Bob Graham, turned out to be just that - tremendous in all regards except size. About 60 classmates, led by Diz and Brownie, reunion co-chairmen, and ScottyRogers, class president, gathered under the tent for the fun and fellowship. They came from near and far: Jack Schleicher and BobStorrs from Hanover; Phil Dostal from California, Don Schott from Florida and Bob Austin from the Virgin Islands. And they came in large groups and stag: TedEllsworth brought his whole family consisting of wife Barb, four daughters and one son; while Creight and Jean Holden,Don and Ruby Rainie, Howie and KateTallmadge, and Tom and Ginny Todd could only scare up three offspring each to represent groups of slightly smaller proportions. The presence of these families and all the other junior members of the class was a marvelous addition to the reunion - they nicely let us believe the generation gap is not as insurmountable as some believe and they make great partners on the dance floor.
By cocktail time Monday, most of the group had assembled and had donned the good looking straw hats for the men and the gay silk scarves for the females. Jack Mc-Donald won accolades for his choice of reunion gear, while Bob Castle sent as his proxy a desk flag for everyone who incredulously asked, "Your what Reunion?" The class had a block of tables together at the Leverone Field House for a good roast beef dinner Monday night where Bob Armstrong and Paul Dickerman were seen comparing notes on North Carolina where they both live. Several parents had been in the same location the day before watching their sonS graduate and just stayed on for the reunion fun. Among these were Chet Berry, JoeBurnett, Art French, and Howie Tallmadge. Visiting in President Dickey's garden and the outstanding Glee Club show occupied the early evening hours before Bill Bumsted,Johnny Burnap, and Frank Whaland got the singing underway at the tent. It wasn't long before Danny Toan and Elmer Browne got out their instruments and Don Rainie assumed his familiar place at the piano and then we did sound good!
Golf and tennis occupied some early risers after breakfast at Thayer Hall. LewChipman, Bob Williams, and Bill Squier were the participating sports of the class and only looked slightly haggard when they returned to the fold. Tuesday was one of those rare June days which provided a lovely setting for the cook-out we had at Storrs Pond. Nobody got thrown in this year, which only proves how sedate we are getting, but Art Ostrander and Jack Moody went in of their own free will.
Tuesday evening's cocktails and dinner were handsomely catered at the DOC House on Occom Pond and again we were blessed with a lovely setting and delicious food. While there, we also had a chance to welcome Gard Ashley and Cliff Holmes - two late arrivals to the group. Afterwards, BobDibble proved to be a durable and youthful dancer, and whenever the orchestra played a beat reminiscent of our college era, BobGensel, Beezie Smallwood, and Sid Harrington proved they knew their way around the dance floor too.
The last day, Wednesday, was highlighted by the warm and gracious Memorial Service at the White Church over which Larry Durgin presided. At Dartmouth's graduation, three days earlier, Larry had been honored with a Doctor of Divinity degree, so this was the first chance he had to wear the handsome hood given him at that occasion. The Class, assembled together at this service, was able to pay respects to Larry and his well-merited honor as the first member of the class to receive an honorary Dartmouth degree. It was very significant and moving to read and remember the 86 names of our deceased classmates. The last official function was brunch at the tent and the draining of the last keg of beer. Most of the group were on their way home by 1:00 p.m. but Bud Condit, Dick Funkhouser,Jordan Van Cleve, Bud Hewitt, DannySullivan, Ray Unangst, Maurice Williamson, among others, lingered for a few more minutes of fellowship and laughs before scattering afield until five years hence and the 35 th.
Somewhere along the line, there was a class meeting at which a bare quorum was present to elect the following slate of officers to serve you until the next reunion: President: Bob MacMillen; Secretary: HughDryfoos; Newsletter Editor: Jack McDonald; Head Agent: Art Ostrander; Treasurer: Don Rainie; Bequest Chairman: GordieWentworth.
Suggestions for class projects or volunteers for help are earnestly solicited and gratefully received! So, the 30th is history — our history, at least — but it was fun and meaningful in a very special way. We demonstrated again that ours is a solid, dependable class, maybe not with the obvious flair that some classes claim but with a regard for each other and the College that is hard to beat. Just ask Ken Elliot, DickEverett, Hal Sommer, Charlie Power, AndyHolbleib, Bud Swenson, or Stet Whitcher why they enjoyed this year's reunion and why they look forward to the next one!
Have a good summer and so long.
Assistant Secretary Dave Orr '57 (c)awards both attendance cups to MerleHagen (l), program chairman, and JohnMorse, reunion chairman for 1944.
RETIRING CLASS SECRETARY
