1926's 45th
This is the saga of 1926's early 45th Reunion held jointly with 1924 and 1925 on June 15, 16, 17, when a total of 176 including 85 wives and widows of classmates met on the Hanover Plain to renew old friendships and to know Dartmouth of today.
It is seldom that an outgoing Head Beagle of a Reunion Committee has to report on the event in which he had a minor walk-on part. The reason for this is simple according to former Class Secretary SnipeEsquerre, who after an enlightened and unparalleled literate tenure of office, stated that his one report on a reunion (our 40th) was par for the course. His successor was drafted; joins his classmates in thanking Snipe for his fine efforts and states it is a hard act to follow.
Monday morning registration took place at 106 Middle Mass., where the men donned their Dartmouth 1926 neckties and name badges with their pictures taken from the 1926 Aegis. The girls received silver trays engraved "19 D 26" which now completes their sets (tray, creamer and sugar) provided they have been faithful attendees at the 35th, 40th and 45th reunions. It is understood that possibly absentees can fill in any or all pieces by addressing their wants to your scribe.
Cocktails at the Top of the Hop outdoor deck with perfect weather prevailing and with the happy occasion of meeting one and all preceded the alumni dinner held in Lever-one Fieldhouse for all the reuning classes. After dinner practically everyone gathered in Spaulding Auditorium to hear President John G. Kemeny bring us up-to-date on Dartmouth College as it enters its third century in a world of turmoil and change. It would be a conservative observation to note that the College has an outstanding, understanding leader in Dr. Kemeny. Informal visiting in the President's garden where John and Jean Kemeny were most gracious in their welcome to reuners; an outstanding Bicentennial Concert by the Dartmouth Glee Club in Spaulding Auditorium; and the usual gathering in the 1926 Tent wound up the first action-packed day.
Tuesday dawned bright, clear and warm to enjoy the many activities scheduled and unscheduled. To name three: Item 1. The 1926 Hobby and Memorabilia Show, appropriately displayed in the Swede Oberlander Lounge in Alumni Gymnasium gave the dual opportunity of seeing the wonderful tribute to Swede given by his classmates, teammates and friends, and of viewing the unusual talented work of 1926 men and their wives in the fields of painting, coin and rock collections, and hand work of many descriptions. Hap Johnston organized, arranged and spearheaded the enterprise and deserves, with Pat, the sincere thanks of the class for all that was done. Item 2. RitchieSmith gave us, in Fairbanks Hall, a most interesting insight in darkest Africa with living-color slides and vivid descriptions by Betty and him concerning their spring 1970 safari. Item 3. John Manser startled the entire 1926 golfing world with his once-in-a-lifetime fabulous score of 80 on the Hanover Country Club course thus attaining his finest hour plus $3.00 cash in his long planned match with golf-greats Joe Batchelder and Jim Sullivan, to say nothing of Tommy Keane, golf pro of our day. The ensuing celebration may still be in progress.
On the more educational side, "Dartmouth Today" panel discussion drew many interested listeners and participants probing the problems in the many phases of the college life and activities. Following this, 1926 gathered at the Dartmouth Outing Club on the shore of Occom Pond for cocktails and a delicious luncheon featuring lobster salad which seems particularly to delight the mid-Americans.
The Hanover Inn dining room was the locus for our class dinner, and class chairman, Tubber (New England pronunciation is "Tubba") Weymouth, with his usual thoughtful leadership keyed the occasion as an informal class family gathering. RitchieSmith did a superb job in hosting the dinner keeping things moving along with a light touch - aided with a few well-chosen words by our favorite advisor and honorary classmate, Professor Royal Case Nemiah. The highlight of the dinner was Dr. Kemeny's visit with us when Chuck Webster and Howard Rice combined to describe our important Class Memorial Book project and to present to President Kemeny the first Sampler of the 1926 collection. Incidentally, copies of the Sampler will be or may already have been sent to all 1926 classmates.
Hal Marshall, as chairman, presented the report of the nominating committee and the class elected: Tubber Weymouth, chairman: Don Norstrand, secretary; Jack Roberts, treasurer; Hub Harwood, newsletter editor; Al Louer, class agent; Chuck Webster, chairman, Cla'ss Memorial Book Fund; CharlieBishop, bequest chairman. Tony Gleasor was elected to the executive committee, whose other re-elected members are: Charlie Abbott, Dick Burlingame, Tom Herlihy, John Manser, Walt Rankin, Ritchie Smith, and Norrie Williamson.
The "1926 Tent Extravaganza" was the appearance of the Injunaires who put on a wonderful late evening concert to a full house. The traditional "Free Beer in the Tent" then brought out our local talent and the sturdy piano and the tent canvas successfully withstood many choruses reminiscent of the '20s.
Another fine day dawned Wednesday and after our leisurely breakfast in Thayer Hall, which, as on Tuesday, we shared with 1924, we met in Rollins Chapel together with the other 45th reunion classes of 1925 and 1924 for the Memorial Service conducted by Wee McClintock. 1924 furnished a string ensemble and Wee spoke to us "Be not Anxious" - a meaningful message to us all as we paused to remember those in the class who now meet with us only in spirit.
A picnic lunch in the Bema in the grove of pines unchanged since 1926, marked the point when we began to say "See you at the 50th." But before an au revoir - a sincere thank-you to each member of the Reunion Committee who did all the things that needed to be done —in particular to Russ Clark, who as reunion treasurer together with Betty, did so much for us all to make both the 40th and 45th such good times.
The first copy of a "Sampler from the Class of 1926 Memorial Collection of Illustrated Books Published in New England 1769-1869" was presented to PresidentKemeny by Howard C. Rice Jr. '26 (l), who compiled the volume, and Charles D.Webster '26 (r), chairman of the Class Memorial Book Committee.
CLASS SECRETARY
