1949
Buenos dios, Mon! Such was the linguistics problem faced by your scribe recently on a round of coconut palm testing. It started in Mexico City and terminated (unfortunately) in Kingston, Jamaica. This was my first taste of Tequila in three years. Although the greatly cosmopolitan sprawl of Mexico City had changed considerably, the charm of one of the most fascinating cities in the world was untarnished - except for one monumental problem. Those of you who are experiencing tearful eyes in Los Angeles, take heart! Mexico City has the problem in spades due, in all probability, to its altitude coupled with a ring of high mountains. Nevertheless, buy Viscine and visit an area of enchantment: from archeological delights to exquisite modern architecture: from Mexican fondas with hot peppers, refritos, and enchilladas to sky-high restaurants serving the best of French or German cuisine; from the quiet of Chapultepec Park to the horn-honking Reforma; from abject poverty to overwhelming opulence; but, always with a joie de vivre among the people who know that life becomes consistently better, year after year, and that Mexico is a great country! But, despite your itinerary do not fail to spend a few reflecting hours in the Museo Anthropologica — a fantastic, inspiring, humbling assortment of relics and recreations of the evolution of man and, especially, of the great cultures of the Aztecs, Toltecs, Mayans, Zapotecs, etc. which, unfortunately, were despoiled by the advent of the Spanish and French, and. more recently, the Gringos. Fear not! The Mexicans will retain their place in history!
The most recent experience in Jamaica dramatized the difference between an emerging, underdeveloped nation with little structure and a highly nationalistic, structured Mexico. Despite the appearance of relaxation apparent on the tourist-oriented North Shore (Montego Bay and Ochos Rios), a beehive would be pure solitude compared to the activity in its nation's capitol. Young Jamaicans are on the move to make their country the major factor in the Caribbean economy which is now emerging as another common market. To see what is happening today outside of the U.S.A. makes one believe that our grasp on the tiger's tail is relaxing. Going south, anyone?
No recent word from Gunther Perdue, more's the pity! I predict he will, at last, make his presence most apparent at our 25th Reunion, which, Bud Hughes will remind you, is only one year away. Get off your butts and volunteer for action. And where are those sensitive photos you planned to send to Herb Gramstorff for the Reunion Yearbook?
Prexy Brud Becker has, in the past, been a failure politically. Either age has diminished his opposition's perseverance or Brud has gained charisma - regardless, after years of travail he has now been elected a member of the School Committee for Westboro, Mass., as of March 5. Now Brud can foist his theories about the effects of X-rated movies on kindergartners on the un- suspecting populace of central Massachusetts!
Last year we had news of classmate AllenBrooks in connection with his erudite treatment of mid-west architecture. Quite recently Allen received a most distinguished award presented by the Society of Architectural Historians on January 27, 1973. This Alice Davis Hitchcock Book Award was presented to Allen for the most distinguished work of scholarship in the history of architecture published in the years 1971 and 1972. Bro Brooks, who received his reward for the book, previously reported, "The Prairie School," has been Professor of Fine Arts at the University of Toronto, Canada, since 1958. In addition to this, Allen has, in the past, served as a visiting professor at Dartmouth College and held the Mellon chair at Vassar. It is obvious that Allen Brooks knows no interference in his quest for intellectual advancement.
By the time this column reaches print we shall be well into the 1973 Dartmouth College Alumni Fund. Frankly, I am amazed to learn that many of you have forgotten the great personal advantage that was supplied to you by the Hanover experience. To participate in its equal many young students today would sacrifice much - but Dartmouth cannot support its major contribution to society today without a modicum of help. Think deep in your skull: would you be what you are today without that experience? You were subsidized then - why not subsidize our current youth? Man was not made by beer alone!
Ere I depart from this historic treatise, you should be advised that before summer doldrums encapture you several matters must be considered. First, our Fall Weekend in Hanover will be held October 12-14 this year. As in the past, we have a limited number of rooms available on advance reservations. If interested, write to me for commitment as soon as you can. And, more importantly, we shall select another recipient of the 1949 Gold Pick-Ax Award this autumn. Nominations for any classmate who would qualify, in your opinion, should be sent to JohnSweetland, 4521 Sedum Lane, Edina, Minn. 55435. John and his Minneapolis-St. Paul contingent will make a remarkable selection this year, for sure! Please send John your nominations. Keep in mind that worldly gains a not the test - rather, what has this classmate done to promote the well-being of the world and its civilization; what has he done to make life better; what has he done to engender understanding; where is his heart? There are many - do not be bashful!
You've guessed it! News is scarce. That's your problem. My letters are plentiful - yOUr responses leave a lot to be desired. Don't despair - my tenure is brief. Any volunteers?
Secretary, P.O. Box 731 Rye, N.Y. 10580
Class Agent, Proctor & Gamble Co. Box 599 Cincinnati, Ohio 45201
