The Bicentennial Year Officially Opens with Ceremony and Fanfare

THE ceremony formally opening the Bicentennial Year of Dartmouth College on Saturday, June 14, was a happy and successful occasion. It was made gracious and memorable in the College's history by the participation of the 9th Earl of Dartmouth, who spoke for his family, unveiled a plaque with the help of his wife, the Countess of Dartmouth, and symbolized his visit and the 200 th year of the College with the gift of an heirloom silver cup that has been a possession of his family since 1848.

At the conclusion of the Saturday afternoon program, presided over by Charles J. Zimmerman '23, chairman of the Bicentennial Executive Committee, the Bicentennial Flag was raised on the campus, and the 200th year was declared officially opened. That night the anniversary was celebrated in more boisterous and colorful fashion with a Bicentennial Fanfare that opened with a torchlight parade around campus and ended with fireworks and the tethered ascension of a huge, spotlighted balloon.

Lord and Lady Dartmouth were guests of honor at the opening ceremonies and they were the center of interest and warm welcome all during their three-day stay in Hanover, from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon. They had flown to the United States from London on Sunday, June 8, and had spent a few days in New York and one day in Boston before driving to the College with their escort, Librarian Edward C. Lathem '51, an Oxford degree-holder and a frequent visitor to England. On their arrival in Hanover, Lord and Lady Dartmouth were welcomed at the Hanover Inn portico by President and Mrs. Dickey, Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman, and Provost and Mrs. Leonard M. Rieser. They were guests at a dinner party given by President and Mrs-Dickey that first evening, and the next day they made a tour of Vermont in the company of Ralph N. Hill '39, spending most time at the Shelburne Museum near Burlington.

On Saturday, June 14, Lord and Lady Dartmouth were honored guests at the Bicentennial Convocation Luncheon in Alumni Hall, where the coat of arms of the Earl of Dartmouth is a colorful decoration on the western wall. The luncheon was attended by members of the reunion classes of 1899, 1904, 1909, 1914, and 1919, as well as by Trustees, alumni leaders, and College officers.

The chief event in which Lord Dartmouth participated took place that afternoon at 4 on the so-called Bicentennial Plaza between Hopkins Center and the Hanover Inn. About 100 faculty members in academic gowns occupied a special section near a low-level speaker's platform facing east, and a large crowd filled the whole area in front of Hopkins Center. Mr. Zimmerman, as chairman, opened the proceedings with remarks about the College's coming third century but said that the spirit of the occasion was more related to Dartmouth's long history. One of the happiest parts of that history, he said, was taking the name of Dartmouth, and "as we officially open the Bicentennial Year we are made aware in the most delightful way of that aspect of our history and early beginnings 200 years ago by the presence here of Lord and Lady Dartmouth." He then called on representatives of the Trustees, faculty, students, and alumni to extend greetings to the College's guests from England. These speakers were Lloyd D. Brace '25, chairman of the Board of Trustees; Leonard M. Rieser '44, Dean of the Faculty; Norman A. Jacobs '69, president of the graduating class; and Howl and H. Sargeant '32, president of the Dartmouth Alumni Council.

President Dickey then presented to Lord Dartmouth a gold casting of the Dartmouth Bicentennial Medal, which had been authorized by the U. S. Congress and struck by the U. S. Mint. In responding, Lord Dartmouth said:

I would first like to thank Mr. Brace, Dean Rieser, Mr. Jacobs, and Mr. Sargeant for their generous words of greeting to my wife and myself.

I also want to thank President Dickey very much for his kind remarks and for presenting me with the Gold Medal. We were delighted to entertain President Dickey and his charming wife to luncheon in 1965 on one of his rare visits to London. I showed him a portrait of the Second Earl by Gainsborough and among other por- traits of the Washington family one of Elizabeth Washington, daughter of Sir William Washington. She married my ancestor, Colonel William Legge, and this is why the device of the Washingtons is a quartering of the coat of arms of my family and appears on the Medal. The device is the Red Stars and Bars on a White ground. I am proud that it has the same form as the Flag of the United States.

We are very happy to be here at the inauguration of the Bicentennial celebrations. I have always heard that Dartmouth is famous for its fine buildings and for the beauty of the surrounding countryside. Both of these have far exceeded our expectations. We are enjoying our visit particularly because of the warm and friendly welcome which we have received on all sides.

I am very touched that after 200 years Dartmouth College should wish to maintain the connection with my family. This began when my ancestor, the 2nd Earl, acted as sponsor and the new College took its name from him. The connection has always been greatly cherished on our part. In 1904 ray grandfather came here to lay the cornerstone of the new Dartmouth Hall. When I was a little boy I remember him telling me of his visit and of the wonderful reception which was given to him. "It was," he said, "a reunion between Dartmouth and Dartmouth."

My aunt, Lady Dorothy Meynell, who is now 85, came with him on that occasion 65 years ago. She is very fit and well and still has a vivid recollection of the College. A short time ago I had tea with her and told her of our proposed visit. She showed me her diary and fascinating photographs in her album taken here in 1904. She has written a special message which I would like to read to you: This is the message:

"I am so delighted to hear that you and Raine are going to Dartmouth College for the inauguration of the Bi-Centenary of the granting of the Charter in 1769.

"My visit there in 1904 is still fresh in my memory and I shall never forget the wonderful welcome we received when I went there with my Father and Mother. I still have some of the lovely maple leaves in their autumn colouring which I brought back, and still ringing in my ears is Wah Hoo Wah, Wah Hoo Wah, Da diddy Dartmouth, Wah Hoo Wah.

"A few years ago it was a pleasure to meet again Mr. P. H. Chase and his wife of City Line Avenue, Philadelphia, who was a student at the time of our visit, and more recently I enjoyed meeting Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Lathem, the Librarian, who presented me with a beautiful copy of The College onthe Hill which I greatly value.

"I cannot wish you both more delight and enjoyment of your visit than we had so many years ago, and I hope you will convey my heartiest congratulations and good wishes to all at Dartmouth."

There are probably not many people still alive who were on the Campus at that time, although it is obvious that the class of 1904, 1905 is still very active.

I do want to thank the College most sincerely for this special casting in gold of the Dartmouth Bicentennial Medal. It is a wonderful and historic present and a very great honour for me to receive it. It will always be treasured by me and my family. I know that this special Medal has been authorised by Act of Congress, approved by the then President of the United States, and struck at the United States Mint. I much admire the design which is another triumph for Mr. Rudolph Ruzicka.

The Medal bears two mottoes. One is "VOX CLAMANTIS IN DESERTO," which clearly illustrates the main purpose of Eleazar Wheelock and the other founders of Dartmouth. This intention over the years has been broadened to meet the requirements of modern life but remains as vital today as it was then.

The other is my family motto "GAUDET TENTAMINE VIRTUS," which I translate as "Virtue rejoices in travail." This could very well also have been adopted by the other Dartmouth especially in its earlier years. But in spite of many problems both legal and financial and much travail, Dartmouth flourishes today and rejoices on its two hundredth birthday. Long may it continue to rejoice.

This great College is acknowledged all the world over as an important seat of learning. It is perhaps even more important that in addition the moral principles and integrity, the high ideals and ambitions of its Founders should remain alive here at Dartmouth, now and for another 200 years. I am sure they will.

At the conclusion of his talk, Lord Dartmouth said that he and Lady Dartmouth would like to present to Dartmouth College on its 200th anniversary a gift from his family, and he uncovered a tall and very handsome silver cup that had been made for the 4th Earl 120 years ago. President Dickey, in accepting it, promptly named it the Lord and Lady Dartmouth Bicentennial Cup and promised that it would take its place with the Wentworth Bowl as a treasured possession of the College. The cup and its cover (shown on the cover of this issue) were made in London by Robert Garrard in 1848 and have been part of the family silver ever since. The inscription on the cup reads: "To Dartmouth College from the 9th Earl of Dartmouth in the Bicentenary Year, June 1969."

At this point in the ceremonies, Lady Dartmouth joined Lord Dartmouth and together they unveiled the bronze plaque that will mark their visit and the inauguration of the 200 th anniversary. Designed by Rudolph Ruzicka, the designerof the Bicentennial Medal, it reads:

In 1769 King George III of his "special grace Certain knowledge and mere motion" chartered Dartmouth College "for the Education & Instruction of Youth of the Indian Tribes in this Land in Reading, Writing & All Parts of Learning which shall appear necessary and expedient for Civilizing and Christianizing Children of Pagans as well as in all Liberal Arts and Sciences; and also of English Youth and Any Others."

The College founded by the Reverend Eleazar Wheelock with the support of Governor John Wentworth bears the name of one of its earliest benefactors, the Second Earl of Dartmouth.

In 1969 the Ninth Earl of Dartmouth unveiled this plaque to inaugurate the Two-hundredth Anniversary of the College. The Bicentennial Medallions above show the "Old Pine," long a Symbol of the College, and the Arms and Mottoes of the Second Earl of Dartmouth and of the College.

President Dickey read the wording of the plaque, and Mr. Zimmerman then stepped forward and said: "I now declare Dartmouth's Bicentennial Year officially open and ask that the Bicentennial Flag be raised on the green to symbolize this event. The flag is a gift to the College from Robert W. Castle of the Class of 1940 in memory of his father, Harold A. Castle of the Class of 1914. The flagpole is a gift of the Class of 1929 and will fly the College Flag after the end of the Bicentennial Year."

The afternoon was quite warm, but before the Fanfare that night the sky had clouded over and comfortable weather prevailed for the thousands who assembled around the green for the "celebration" part of the Bicentennial's opening day. Immediately after the Glee Club concert, aerial bombs and the ringing of bells heralded the start of the Fanfare. A torchlight parade with three high school bands marched up Main Street, around the campus, and ended in front of Hopkins Center where Governor Walter R. Peterson '47 read a proclamation making that day Dartmouth Day in New Hampshire. Music by the Class of 1879 Trumpeters and songs by the Glee Club on the Hopkins Center balcony were followed by a fireworks display, and then the event that had attracted a huge circle of spectators in the middle of the campus took place. A giant hot-air balloon was inflated, and with its owner, Ralph W. Burgard '49, in the basket, it floated above the green while spotlights played on it.

On Commencement morning, the theme of Dartmouth history was carried forward by the speakers and by the character of the list of honorary degree recipients, which included Lord and Lady Dartmouth. After the exercises, President and Mrs. Dickey were hosts at a large luncheon for the honorary degree recipients, Trustees, and other guests. Lady Dartmouth spoke movingly in bidding farewell to the College. These were her remarks:

We were deeply touched to be invited to the College birthday party, and for so long we have looked forward to this exciting visit. The hours have rushed by, but it has been thrilling and unforgettable, and we have been overwhelmed by your kindness.

For years I have read the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. From thousands of miles away I have cheered on the baseball team to first place in the Ivy League - I have given a Wah Hoo Wah for old boys become bankers or diplomats, attorney generals or corporation presidents, and at election times I have loyally chanted: "Who Else But Nelse."

I had anxiously hoped to qualify for the exclusive Dartmouth College Club, but perhaps I was one of those beyond the pale? A Bore or a Stuffed Shirt? How can we know about ourselves? I was cheered up, however, by the exclusion of Bar-room Orators and Athletes Who Never Got Over It, since I am a teetotaller and hopeless at games. After this visit I truly feel like a Dartmouth Woman, although they are not, as yet, allowed in. However, to console myself, when back in England, I will drink your health, in water, out of a Dartmouth roly-poly glass. My small daughter will cuddle a Dartmouth toy, and my old Council agendas will disappear into the Dartmouth wastepaper basket.

Yesterday we toured the campus. We saw the Hopkins Center and the Nervi Field-house, the Hitchcock Clinic and the Thayer School of Engineering. Those exciting buildings and all they represent are a far cry from the days when Wheelock and his sons slept in a "hutt" on homemade beds of hemlock boughs, or when four students from Connecticut walked 180 miles to Hanover pulling off their stockings and shoes to ford the Chicopee River.

Courage and faith and a belief in God created Dartmouth two hundred years ago. But the past is only important if it lives in the future. Eleazar Wheelock lives in Dartmouth today because he was not only a man of his own time. His social conscience, his wish to educate Indians and white people together, his practical sense, his courage and determination to overcome the impossible make him also a reformer of the 1970's.

We all live in an age when many people find life both cruel and confusing. Cruel because of the violence which flares in cities and universities and stabs at the fragile fabric of our civilisation; cruel because of the wars which kill young men who are fighting so that others can live in peace. Confusing because those who question our moral standards and our rule of law offer instead only personal degradation and national anarchy. Too often in every country, people crumble before the Devil's advocate because they themselves have lost their faith. They are afraid of seeming old fashioned, and they confuse weakness with liberalism.

Men of Dartmouth have a faith and a belief in themselves which can take them to the top of their chosen profession. Men of Dartmouth, nursed in an academic cradle which nurtures a spirit of both greatness and humility, have the strength to stand against the forces of evil which threaten us today. They can, and they do, and when I read of their many illustrious positions in the life of America, the future of the free world seems more secure.

You who are here today, faculty, alumni, and guests, believe in Dartmouth as a way of life. Thank you for all you have done. Thank you for all you are doing to teach and inspire young men in whose hands may lie not only the destiny of the people of the United States, but the fate of countless millions in many different countries who also believe in the sanctity of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The flag raised June 14 will fly on campus throughout the Bicentennial Year.

Lord and Lady Dartmouth unveil the Bicentennial Plaque which will have a permanent location near the Hopkins Center.

President and Mrs. Dickey welcome Lord and Lady Dartmouth to the College.

Lord Dartmouth speaking at the ceremony opening the Bicentennial Year.

Lord Dartmouth chatting with membersof the audience at the end of the ceremony.

The Dartmouth Bicentennial Fanfare on Saturday evening opened in lively fashionwith a parade of bands and torchlight marchers up Main Street and around campus.

To climax the evening a giant hot-airballoon was inflated and then floatedover the campus in a flood of lights.

Saturday night's Fanfare attracted a huge crowd that was pulled primarily to the center of campus by the balloon.

Following the Bicentennial ConvocationLuncheon a short ceremony was held atthe grave of Eleazar Wheelock in theOld Dartmouth Cemetery and a new headstone was dedicated. Prof. Francis L.Childs 'O6 (r), shown with PresidentDickey, was the principal speaker.