1926
Somewhere it has been written that in Hanover the sun seldom sets on some sort of gathering of 1926. An amazing 281 '26 people were in town for the finest 50th, and 34 remained in Hanover for the post-50-year reunion. This program included three very interesting panel meetings, to say nothing of ample time just to enjoy fellowship with classmates and friends in thirteen other classes more than 50 years out of Dartmouth.
Then August 20-22, following the tradition of 39 years, a group of 16 men, wives, and widows were in Hanover for the annual informal summer reunion: Charlie and Edith Bishop, Barbara Hayward, Lil Jost, Johnny Manser, Russ and Louise Newcomb, Don and Libby Norstrand, Stew and Mary Lou Orr, Les and Dot Talbot, Myrtle Tomlinson, Norrie and Marmie Williamson. Ken Andler was in town on a medical visit but could not stay over, which made 17, then add Ed and Peggy Emerson, who hosted the Saturday picnic in Vermont for a grand total of 19.
The first order of business was the annual meeting of the memorial book committee. Besides the chairman, Les Talbot, CharlieBishop, Russ and Louise Newcomb and Ed Lathem '51, Dean of the Library, were present. Maybe Ed Hanlon, class historian, can advise later whether this was the tenth consecutive annual meeting. Ed Lathem reported that the '26 Room has acquired a kind of lustre - people are requesting the use of it in preference to other facilities - which certainly is pleasing news. Books have been acquired and money con- tributed in the very short time since the 50th, and our chairman urges renewed efforts to find illustrated books published in New England between 1769 and 1869, the first century of Dartmouth's history.
Johnny Manser had the evening planned with cocktails preceding dinner in the Inn dining room. Saturday was a beautiful day for the 19th consecutive annual class picnic given by Ed andPeggy Emerson at their South Reading, Vt., farm, Hyla Brook - a delightful event in every respect, as usual. The group had dinner at Norwich Inn to wind up a most successful minimid-summer '26 reunion.
Readers of this column in December and January will learn that the sun continued to shine on even more '26 people in Hanover during the football season, and here we are in 1977 all ready to start over again.
Our finest 50th is now history, but besides breaking all kinds of records and having a great time doing it, we show a profit, according to Stew Orr, reunion treasurer, of $1,000, which fits neatly in the 1926 bank account for more worthwhile purposes. Praise be to Stew, our fiscal expert, to Russ Clark, our able reunion chairman, and to his budget-conscious committee, who treated the class royally and, like the College administration, made dollars go great distances with quality results.
Having laid down his conductor's baton after virtuoso choral service in the reunion tent, Gob DesMarais is already back in harness teaching communications and human relations at the local technical college in Rocky Hill, S.C. Marion also is teaching again. What stamina!
Dick Husband was not observed jogging around the campus at reunion, but not because he would be averse to the idea. Recent word from Tallahassee, Fla., had him riding his bike eight miles to take a friend fishing, which entailed arising at 4:45 a.m., driving 100 miles, fishing for five hours (they caught 26 fish), and driving home. Dick has written a most interesting summary of his two-month teaching assignment aboard U.S.S. Saratoga in the Mediterranean. He taught college-level business and industrial psychology to qualified enlisted men. "Smoke Signals" has exclusive publication rights when editor Hub Harwood and Det return from a cruise on the Kungsholm.
Sharing his "bag of stuff' provided each reunion attendee by the committee, Larry Kennison made Uppie Upham fully informed about the finest 50th. Uppie has made a remarkable comeback from his stroke, but he felt it unwise to attempt the long trip to Hanover. He and Frances are enjoying their Florida home in Lakeland.
Having made the big effort to attend the 50th, Ward Benton discovered it is not that hard to travel from Minneapolis to Hanover and is now beginning to think of such things as a football weekend, August reunion, etc. Any other Mid-American '26 takers?
In a letter addressed to "the Great 1926 Family" A! Louer, head class agent, and CharlieBishop, 50th reunion giving chairman, gave a detailed report of the Class's all-time college record gift of $626,626.26. Due recognition was given to each of the 405 contributors to the joint undertaking that broke all sorts of records. In turn, the members of the Class appreciate the wonderful leadership of Charlie and Al, without whose dedicated work such results could not have been achieved.
In mid-Florida Hap and Pat Johnston wrote that they are enjoying Leesburg and report seeing Lou Ingram at University Club of Winter Park affairs as well as at the Dartmouth Glee Club concert at Rollins College.
Bob and Francine Riotte were not at Reunion because of Bob's health not permitting the long trip from Naples, Fla. However, the minireunions of '26 in Florida make up in part missing the Hanover event.
On year-around Cape Cod Charlie Collins of West Dennis, Mass., has as neighboring golf companions two 1924 men — Roly Barker and Dana Bent. We hadn't known and were sorry to learn that Charlie lost his wife Lovisa last year, and he has the sympathy of the Class.
George and Gladys Tully enjoyed a March visit in Worcester, Mass. from Bob and PenseCleary who were heading north for skiing. George had recently received the class birthday greeting, which, since a retired doctor is well versed in Latin, needed no translation.
A March visit to Hawaii for Dick and KayMann resulted when both of them recovering from the flu in wintry New England's Kingston, Mass., more or less picked up their beds and walked or flew to find warmth and sunshine. Dick, who for quite some time has been bothered with a nerve problem in his foot, has found a way to live with this condition without being in continual pain, and at this writing is scheduled for attendance at the 50th with accommodations at Quechee (Vt.) Inn located near his old family homestead. The nickname "Quechee" applied to Dick in the twenties brings back memories!
Secretary, 9 Gammons Road Waban, Mass. 02168
Treasurer, 932-A Heritage Village Southbury, Conn. 06488
