1935
By the latest count, at least 250 classmates and wives will be back for our 40th Reunion, June 9-10-11-12. That should easily top the showing made by 1934 last year, and we're shooting to exceed 300 and beat the all-time record for 40-year classes set by 1930. Certainly, this is one gathering you won't want to miss. So, if your plans are still tentative, now is the time to firm them up!
Harry Ferries and his committee have gone all out to make the event affordable and unforgettable. Despite inflation, the price comes in under that charged by 1934 a year ago. Only $72 per person, $144 per couple and $60 for kids under 18. This includes the cost of two cocktail parties, three dinners, a barbecue lunch, two breakfasts, a super farewell brunch and all the class activities. The College also is holding dormitory charges to pre-inflation levels, $7 Per person per night. Where else can you find these economy prices? .
The program is outstanding. All the usual festivities, plus our special seminar on "The Economy: Recession, the World and Retirement." We're expecting an overflow crowd for this, and have moved it to Spaulding Auditorium, the largest facility in Hopkins' Center. We'll be joined for this by the Classes of 1944 1945, and 1946, who are celebrating their 20th, 'Reunion and will be on campus with us.
Dero Saunders has recruited a top-flight group of speakers. The discussions will be moderated by Fred Taylor, the managing editor of The Wall Street Journal. Panalists will include our own Ralph Lazarus, chairman of Federated Department Stores and a member of the President's Economic Council for the past three administrations; John Hennessey, Dean of Tuck School; and Clark MacGregor '44, former congressman from Minnesota and former chairman of the Republican National Committee. While Dero is protesting, he also is being commandeered to complete the panel and his credentials as executive editor of Forbes Magazine make him a welcome addition.
A word to wives, widows, and non-graduates, who may be holding back. Some of our staunchest members are non-graduates, and anyone who has any connection whatsoever with the Class is urged to join us. Wives and widows will find many especially appealing activities on the program being organized by Ruby Field, Ralph's widow, so there will be little chance for them to get bored, while the rest of us are reminiscing.
I had occasion to fly east in early February to visit family (son Warren '73 and daughter-in-law Carla are now well along in their Ph.D. programs at MIT), and Junched with John Wallace, Gard Cushman, Dick Muzzy, and Doug Ley. They reported that Harry Reynolds is seriously ill. In a subsequent telephone conversation with Harry himself I learned that he is now home from the hospital and hopeful he can make it to Reunion.
Also, in Boston, two 35ers find themselves on opposite sides of a courtroom battle. Jack Donahue writes: "My opponent is Charlie Nayor, and no matter what he may say about the case after it is over, don't believe it." May justice triumph, whether or not the better man wins!
I am always impressed by the coincidences that touch our lives. Dick Hurd writes the latest. Hurdo and Evalina are living in Alicante, Spain. One Sunday the janitor knocked at their apartment door, investigating a plumbing leak. This led to Dick's meeting the owner of the apartment directly below them, one Erv Johnson '34. As Hurdo observes, "I think the coincidence of two Dartmouth men, meeting in a foreign country and owning apartments one above the other, is hard to beat." Agreed.
A couple of years back, Will Ogg reported to our Christmas luncheon in Chicago that after a year of searching, there was no "perfect spot" to retire. Apparently, he has had a change of heart. A note from George Cogswell '34 reveals that Will and Fran have bought a condominium unit in their building at Juno Beach, Fla.
Also taking up residence in Florida this winter is Oliver Knode, who has joined the growing cadre of '35ers in Sarasota. Art Allyn, Ken Hart, and Ralph Specht also have homes there, while Rey Moulton writes that he and Laura will be spending the month of March at their condominium there. Rey, incidentally, now boasts eight grandchildren, the youngest just born to son Reynolds Jr. '60.
The many friends of Janet Nevin, Bill's widow, will be saddened to learn that she was stricken suddenly at her home in Westfield, N.J.,and died February 14. Janet was a frequent visitor to fall reunions, and had been busy with charity work since Bill's death.
Chuck Dineen writes that son Billy '71, star hammer thrower on the Big Green teams as an undergraduate, is in training for the 1976 Olympics. In 1972, he failed to make the U.S. team but did participate for Puerto Rico, on the strength of Olga's having been born there. This time, he hopes to wear the red, white, and blue. Chuck, Olga, and daughter Mary Ellen took a winter trip to Lima, Peru, via Guatemala, Caracas, and Maracaido, Venezuela.
Alex Schnee writes that he is still with the State Department, but for the past ten years has been assigned to congressional relations. Daughter Susan is married to a young diplomat assigned to the embassy in Bonn, and older daughter Alix Sandra is with the American Wild Life Federation.
If any retirees find time heavy on their hands, Bob Morris has some sound advice. "Get involved in government at the local level. If you don't, someone less qualified will." Bob himself has been serving as treasurer of the DuPage County Board (in Chicago's western suburbs), and in his first year brought about a 10% budget cut simply by applying sound business procedures - things like data processing, central purchasing, coordinated personnel and hiring practices for the 47 departments supervised by the board. Bob reports that the politicians don't like what he is doing, but he is getting great personal satisfaction out of untangling some messy bureaucratic practices.
Well, that's it for this month. Don't forget "Life Begins at 40." If you haven't done so already, make your reservations now.
Sec. 840 Westcliff Lane Deerfield, Ill. 60015
Class Agent, 2350 Delamere Dr., Cleveland Heights, O. 41106
