1934

One might get the impression — if one were looking over the careworn shoulder of the writer (S.H.S. 34) as he assembles this column - that practical evvabody else in the Class has forgotten how to write. Let him (the writer) explain to one: the grand total of incoming news items in the past four (4) weeks comes to two - about which, naturally enough, more anon.

From this, however, one might, contrariwise, draw an encouraging conclusion. And although this goes against my nature - cursing the darkness is much more fun than lighting a candie, I think - draw it I will. It's this, based on a recent candlelight session with Jake Jacobson,Bill Scherman, et al. the fellas at the last class luncheon in New York: the reason nobody's writing the secretary these days is threefold: (1) nobody likes him; (2) some 150 members of the Class are just plain exhausted from writing Harry, Gilmore and Bill Wilson to sign up for our Fabulous Fortieth Reunion (in Hanover, N.H., June 10-13, 1974); and dozens and dozens of others are similarly frazzled from writing checks for their gifts to the Alumni Fund. Once the individuals referred to in (2) and (3) have recovered - it was explained to me - they will start writing again. As for the individuals referred to in (1), maybe if I make nice to them at Reunion. . .

Meantime, according to the Dynamic Gilmore/Wilson Duo, plans are finalizing for a truly great Reunion. It's hoped that the 150 stalwarts who have signed up so far will be joined by scores more at this once-in-a-lifetime get-together. It's also hoped that those who can't make it will indicate their desire to be represented in spirit by participating in 1934's Fortieth Anniversary Class Gift to the College.

Which brings to mind a conversation I was privileged to have (I realize now) with Ernest Martin Hopkins when - although a junior or a senior at the time - I was being sophomorically critical about certain college policies. Mr. Hopkins heard me out, then voiced the opinion that there were purposes - goals, ideals - for which Dartmouth stood that merited the loyalty of all members of the college community regardless of their legitimate disagreements with transient and even long-term policy.

That still strikes me now, some 40 years later, as a sound opinion. Some men there are in the Class who have withdrawn their support of Dartmouth - and a few who have always withheld it - because of honest disagreement with policies emanating from Parkhurst Hall. OK, but this is roll-call time - time, perhaps, to regroup forces, to experience once again the pleasures we knew and the warmth and strength we gained in our first four years of membership in the Class of 1934. We had a working unity then and, in its fashion, it worked pretty good. I submit that it would benefit each one of us to join in reforging that unity, and that now is the time to do it.

Speaking of roll-calls, the news from Offut Air Force Base, out there in Omaha, is that Major General J. Clarence Davies Jr. participated March 8 in his last review as a member of the USAF Reserve. The review, attended by a glittering array of brass and our own Bill Ramsay, marked Clare's mandatory retirement at 62 and was highlighted by presentation to him of America's Number Two military honor, the Distinguished Service Medal.

The second of my two-item treasure trove of news comes from Herb Heston, reporting - as indicated in our last column - that he's continuing his efforts on behalf of Deerfield Academy as its associate director of development. Herb "retired" to the Deerfield post after long service as development director for Smith College. Of interest to all friends of higher education (let alone to health-agency fund raisers like me) is the fact that under Herb's aegis, Smith graduates registered a higher percentage of financial support for their college in the period 1960-70 than did the graduates of all the Ivy League colleges combined. Meaning, never underestimate the power of Smith women - when solicited by a Dartmouth man.

Exhaust yourselves, fellas, writing (1) reservations for Reunion and (2) checks for the Class Gift. Then get a good night's sleep and write (3) a paragraph or two for reprint here. As was said once by Joe Pilver: you get out of it what you put into it - give or take a shot.

1934's Major General J. Clarence Davies,USAF Reserve, received the DistinguishedService A ward at March retirementceremonies. He ended 32 years of service,most recently as mobilization assistant toSAC chief, General John Meyer '41.

Secretary, 340 East 51st St. (14-A) New York, N.Y. 10022

Class Agent, 369 Graydon Terrace Ridgewood, N.J. 07450