1945

I first became acquainted with our New England climate when I went to Vermont Academy, where Winter Carnival was invented and copied the following year by Dartmouth. Coming from a semi-tropical climate, I was impressed with the flaming fall foliage in the hills surrounding the school; and then discouraged when all the leaves dropped off, revealing the stark skeletons of deciduous trees against the ominous darkness of the evergreens. Now, November is one of my favorite seasons - a fitting prelude to that first magic morning when the ground is silently covered with a blending together of snow.

Stan Newton writes from Leominster, Mass., "At almost 53, my politics are largely independent. I am a small, independent business man. By nature and by birth, I am independent and I like it that way. Some would characterize me as a reactionary and conservative. Call it what you will, but I deeply resent the increasing harassment and encroachment by government in our business and personal lives - all in the name of progress.

"Through the years, we have employed several hundred young people as part-time employees. My conclusion: The present crop are great, not withstanding the few headliners who make it seem otherwise. High school and college age kids who work part-time stay out of trouble and they are responsive to responsibility.

"I heard from Gene Wilkin recently and '45 owes him a debt of gratitude for all of his unselfish efforts on our behalf. Gene is in California painting his house in January rather than shovelling New England snow."

Ray Fontana who lives in Longmeadow, Mass., recalls a visit by the Dartmouth Glee Club to his town last March. "... here was an excellent opportunity to get the Springfield and vicinity 'Greens' together for a most pleasant evening. Most of us are not used to a 'mixed chorus' but found it exceptionally talented. Four of the young men stayed at our house which drew us closer to the Glee Club and its enthusiasm. A real fine group of young men and women we should all be proud to have representing our school. Even more heartening is the large number of 'Dartmouth Friends' these functions draw. I saw Dr. Ken Nicholson there. He's been doing a splendid job as Northeast enrollment chairman for the past few years. With the number of people he has to 'turn off each application period, the job seems suitable for a 'Painless Parker.' "

Ed Pirie, with an attitude of humility I would hate to believe, writes, "I have always tried to maintain a low profile, if this is possible at 240 pounds, because, if the Newsletter and AlumniMagazine are true indicators, I am the only member of the Class who is not either a president of his own firm, a doctor, a lawyer, a retired colonel, or a vice president of marketing. The only other answer, which I would hate to believe, is that us class failures don't keep the cards and letters coming in." (Your secretary hotly disputes Ed's definition of a class failure!). "In my job as chief of research and statistics for the Vermont Department of Social Welfare, I am considered either "a dedicated Public Servant' or 'feeding at the public trough,' depending on your current tax status. I don't have any regular contact with class members but my wife Doris and I do look forward to the informal class get-togethers every fall in Hanover."

As Memorial Gifts chairman I included a schedule of our 30th Reunion and a copy of the Memorial Service in my last letter to the widows and parents of departed classmates, and I was quite touched to receive two responses.

Katherine Bruce, mother of Donald W. Bruce, wrote saying that she could so easily picture all of us sharing the beauty and sentiment of the Memorial Service, and almost felt that she was there too. She went on to say, "When my husband was alive, we always returned to Hanover in time for Commencement but since he went I have lingered on here in Claremont (California), generally hoping my peaches will be ripe before I go. This year the spring was so cold and late that no fruit will be ripe, not even the apricots. I get back to Hanover for the summer three months on July 8 and will be at 19 East Wheelock St. until October. Thank you for thinking of one of the mothers who has a tender spot for the Class of '45."

Jody Davidson, widow of David Davidson, also wrote of the Memorial Service leaflet, saying, "It was deeply appreciated by me - and I wanted you to know that same Wednesday morning I was attending a service at our local Episcopal church - and at the same time as yours - and I felt very close to Dave - more so than I have for some time. Perhaps this was an expression of 'the communion of souls' - but whether or not, I know your service somehow affected me here in York" (Pa.).

Just before these class notes were mailed to Hanover I received my bill for the class dues and an enclosed gentle reminder which I shall quote in part. . . please remit to me (John Osborn), as the new class treasurer, annual 1945 class dues in the sum of $12.50. Please make your remittance payable to Dartmouth 1945 and send it to me in the enclosed return envelope." Nuf sed!

A new life direction: Bryan Battey '46,after 29 years in the Diplomatic Service"settling down to what I have spirituallybeen doing all along - playing music.

Secretary, 483 Franklin St. Reading, Mass. 01867

Treasurer, 23 Shire Oaks Drive Pittsford, N.Y. 14534