1924

This will be a very brief column, chiefly because local events seem to this Secretary more important than the usual reporting of individual activities. I'm writing on May 7, and have just heard President Kemeny talking on the radio. I choose one sentence to quote from many, because it needs to be said to balance the heartsick feelings we also hear. After his comments on the many positive actions being taken by faculty, student, and community groups, he ended with: "I'm proud to be at Dartmouth" - or words to that effect.

I want to make another quote, this one by one of your other class officers attending the Class Officers' weekend last week. At the officers' stag luncheon Saturday, President Kemeny gave the alumni officers a direct account of what has been happening here at Dartmouth - including the controversial "coeducation" issue. At the end of his talk he was given a long-and-loud ovation, regardless of some differences still held. Your officer is only one who has said he is "thoroughly sold on Kemeny." (I have to add that there is less enthusiastic backing for others, mostly before we started this new regime.) One reason for these two paragraphs is because a prominent member of an older class asked me to give my personal appraisal of the then-new president... and assured me he would burn my reply and not tell anyone what I told him. I hope he reads this and knows my answer. One final comment to end all quotes: says one classmate: "We shall see." But as of tonight, I hope my classmates will feel we have behaved well so far. It will, of course, be a long road ahead.

Perhaps some of you wonder how all this will affect our reunion in June. I have no crystal ball but I get letters, mostly responding to the birthday cards, saying: "See you in June." Latest such was Don and VirginiaWilbur, writing from Liechtenstein ... where rain and clouds hid the lovely limestone mountains Margaret and I enjoyed so much back in 1962. Our plans for reunion are proceeding well; I'm digging into my "mem" book for some items for Hank Hartshorn's exhibits: I urge you to do so and enjoy the fun of dusting off some old memories.

The Chitticks are busy people, especially with son John an elected selectman in Fitchburg, Mass., and working at it one and a half days a week with this involvement being part of his major study in Government; he graduates in June. Their older son, Woody is doing very well with Little, Brown (a return) as assistant to the general manager of their college book department.... The Stan Curtises stayed at the inn near Seward and Doris Bowers, at Hilton Head Island, S. C.... Red Newell reports President Kemeny "was splendid and the response seemed all one could wish for ... no qualms anywhere" over his selection ... this comes from the San Francisco alumni meeting, with Red being the only '24 there to his regret. . . and also "sorry to miss the show" (reunion).

I gave the new birthday card picture, by Stu Eldredge again, to the printer today and we'll have samples for you to see at reunion. Also, as promised, unused copies of the present one showing Baker Library for any who may wish to have one without my golden words inside. See you in June, and be there with the Alumni Fund meanwhile. Now's surely the time to be counted.

Secretary, 2 Brewster Rd. Hanover, N. H. 03755

Class Agent, Box 58 Warwick, N. Y. 10990