1917's 55th

Some 62 members of 1917, including wives, met in Hanover for the 55th reunion. A class business meeting was called by the secretary for 3 P.M. in the Drake room. Luman B. Howe acted as chairman, and the secretary pro-tem was Dick Holbrook. The meeting was well attended by members who heard and accepted reports of the class officers. We are justifiably proud of our Sentry-man, Sherm Smith, who has just received the citation from the College as "News Editor of the Year." Karl Thielscher, chairman of the nominating committee, presented names for membership on the Executive Committee which shall serve for the ensuing five years. Those selected, in addition to the present officers, were: Raymond Baxter, Robert Boynton, George Clark, Edgar Earle, Alson Edgerton, Robert Scott, Waltman Walters and Vincent K. Smith. Subsequently, Bob Boynton was elected chairman. The Executive Committee will make a study of the present by-laws and see if certain changes should be effected for better implementation of our duties.

Following this Friday afternoon meeting, we enjoyed a cocktail hour at the home of Pete and Joy Caveny. Joy is the daughter of our late classmate, Archie Gile, and it was pleasant, as always, to have Mary join the gathering.

Dinner was held at Thayer Hall where we joined members of the other reunion classes. The "Baxter Follies" came later at the class tent. While the weather was cool, the singing was warm and effective. The Baxters gave us their usual duets and Helen entertained us with some of her frivolous numbers. Ed Earle, who has not been with us for some time, again played, along with Slats, some of the old melodies, including the ever-popular "China Town." It was interesting to find that Earle had a tape recorder, which showed up some of our failures at harmony, as a group, as well as the special achievements of the artists among us.

On Saturday, we all attended the luncheon for the returning Alumni, listened to the 50th year address and also to a fine message from President Kemeny.

That afternoon, Sherm Smith, assisted by Rev. Fred Berthold Jr. '45, led the service at Rollins Chapel in memory of our classmates who have passed away during the period from 1967-1972. They are 56 in number, the most recent being our beloved president and chairman, Mott D. Brown. As Sherm writes so truly of him, "He loved people and people returned his love."

'17's class dinner was held in Thayer Hall where we had individual service. The fine meal was served under the auspices of Bob Boynto'n and the staff of Thayer Dining Hall, after which we were entertained by the Dartmouth Aires.

By Sunday noon, classmates were beginning to disband and the Fun Fifty-Fifth was passing into history. And in the spirit of commencement activities throughout the college world, let the Class of 1917 bestow upon Karl Leavitt Thielscher the title of Ombudsman, in grateful appreciation of his efforts in arranging such a great reunion.

The 1917 family was in Hanover 62 strong for their 55th, June 9 through 11.

CLASS SECRETARY