1949
Dave "The Spook" Vanderhoof telephoned the other night to discuss the Big Green offense and its stellar defense and I got an inkling that perhaps many of you were with us in spirit if not in skin at our fall 1949 get-together. Perhaps I am mistaken as to motive, for that particular phone call cost me an irrational bet with a confirmed Cleveland Browns fan.
It may be that I'm biased about the splendours of Hanover in mid-October; I must believe that this fall crowned the apex of our informal gatherings. The weather was idyllic—shirtsleeves during the day and crisp, snappy temperature of an obsidian evening. As a prognosticator I proved exemplary, for Dartmouth did in fact "Peel the Orange." '49 had good seats and witnessed all the action. Princeton defense— excellent; Princeton offense—sluggish!
Friday night of Homecoming Weekend encompassed a convivial crowd at the Faculty Lounge sucking on Michelob (on tap) while viewing perhaps the final, final spectacular for a football weekend. Michelob means that Gansett is passe; final, final means that even the pure air of New Hampshire is faced with potential ecological problems. The finale was a bonfire measuring two and one-half stories in height and built of railroad ties shipped in from Portland, Me. Even practical reasons dictate against a continuance of tradition. Most discontinued railroads have been raided for old ties to the extent that an ertswhile bonfire carries a price tag of $1600. We are looking for suggestions for a substitute tradition.
Fire-watchers from insurance fire under-writers included Vail and Barbara Haak and Ken (Luke) and Marty Soule, both of Travelers Insurance fame. Fire-proof clothing manufacturers Tom Swartz and Bob Pridham tested their wares. Ritchieand Elizabeth Hunt and Jim and BarbaraHuntington were strong front runners in containing fire loss-ratios lest their clients be further surcharged in ensuing years. This was a first for Ritchie Hunt, Luke Soule and Bob Pridham and that augers well for the future.
On Saturday A.M. we disposed of the class annual business while overlooking the campus from the Faculty Lounge. From such a vantage point it is difficult to discern the difference from the college we knew and what it is today, save the absence of a barbering profession. Herman (Skip) Muller and Al Wagner arrived in time to confuse the meeting with endless debate. Bob Hill and James (Spike) Smith listened with overindulgence. And where was Al Winslow! Unfortunately, at the last minute a visit from his pro-creators from California interfered with the best-laid plans. Ten to one he'll be with us next year!
As most of you know by now the bellwether of the fall weekend is the awarding of the class Pick-Ax Award for notable achievement by one of our classmates. This year we were not lacking an eligible candidate, and, not only did he appear to accept the most well deserved award but he used the occasion to petition the Executive Committee to adopt a resolution that would permit alumni participation on the Board of Trustees. You've guessed it—this year's award went to Charles J. Urstadt, presently the Commissioner of Housing for the State of New York. Vail Haak, your Newsletter Editor, will give you full details in the next issue of the class Newletter! Suffice it to say that Jay has been an outspoken advocate of change in many areas. His high decibel delivery enables Charlie to keep his telephone bill at low levels!
And, so, let's put the Fall Weekend away until another year when we expect some of your new faces to appear. Motel reservations are secure two years in advance so plan ahead.
Between the commencement and termination of the soul-searching that went into this article I had occasion to enjoy the annual trek to the Yale Bowl to observe an improved Green team dominate the Eli. Johnny Adler was in evidence as was EdFeaster who made the long trek south from Simsbury, Conn. Jerry Norris gave a nod from the upper bleachers. With our tail-gate group was Bill Griffiths who is now living in Great Neck, Long Island, during week nights and spending days with ITT Levitt in its massive real estate operation. Bill is unsurprisingly still singing with glee groups with great glee. But Gunther Perdue never appeared!
Secretary, R.D. 1 New Canaan, Conn. 06840
Treasurer, Box 52, Irvine, Pa. 06392
