1926

Al Louer is at winter training headquarters in Tucson, Ariz., having briefed his veteran Alumni Fund team for the season opening April 1. This year, after the great 50th reunion effort, we go back into Green Derby competition, and our game plan is to give Dartmouth's needs adequate financial backing. Al and Ellen have enjoyed visits with Bob and Billie (Worthington) Seiler, the Mai Merrills (en route to South Africa for an extended trip), and Maggie (Mrs.Edward) McClintock. The Don Hopkinses are also scheduled visitors, about to celebrate their 50th anniversary. All these people know where to go to avoid — 30° Celsius.

In Ft. Myers, Fla., Jack Roberts, class treasurer, has shifted into low gear during Alumni Fund season, but he reminds classmates that his mailbox is open for dues every month of the year. Jack has been busy with Dartmouth luncheons — one in Sarasota where he saw George Leyser and Holt McAloney, and two others in Naples where he saw Fritz Lawson and Van VanDuyn. Jack was active in arrangements for the two February Dartmouth dinners in Naples. His comments on Florida weather were rated X.

It was pleasing to have word and thanks for class birthday cards from the following during the latter months of long-gone 1976: WallyMac Donald, Ridgefield, N.J. — "Unexpected greeting of a wonderful class." Jack Bickford. New Vernon, N.J. — "First time I understood what the diploma said." Reg Hanson, Tequesta Fla. — "As yet unframed diploma may now be framed with English version on back." (Reg and Samie are year-round Florida residents, but in 1976 the 50th reunion replaced the annual cruise.) Perk StClair, Birmingham, Mich. "Us old boys are never too old to learn — after 50 years I've finally learned the translation of my Dartmouth diploma." (Perk and Arlene are wintering in Florida and Grenada as per last advice.)

Steve Mitchell, Wellesley, Mass., appreciated his '26 birthday card, though when seeing his age in print said he didn't feel that old. We were sorry to hear that his wife Dot was quite ill and under nurse's care, and we hope things are improving.

Lou and Georgie Conant, Washington, D.C. (both geologists) took a three month round-the-world trip instigated by the quadrennial meetings of the International Geological Congress in Sydney, Australia. Lou said: "Now we have a far better understanding of some of the southern hemisphere countries — their people, customs, problems and geology." Further details are interesting items for Hub Harwood's "Smoke Signals" whenever our busy class newsletter editor can schedule them.

Another item for "Smoke Signals" is a letter penned by Ed Emerson just before he left South Reading, Vt., to thaw out in Phoenix, Ariz., on a visit to his 1922-25 Reed Hall roommate, Frank Poor. The letter was addressed to Fritz Hier '44 and commended him for his excellent editorship of "The Bulletin"; it also contained some interesting bits of history and frivolity concerning Reed Hall and the olden days for the youthful (by our standards) editor.

While typing the notes above, your scribe received a letter from Al Louer with great news for the Class, namely that 1926 was cited in three Alumni Fund awards made at the December 4 Fund Committee meeting: 1. The Roger C. Wilde 1921 Reunion Award "in recognition of the extraordinary achievement in setting a new 50th reunion record of $626,626,26." 2. The Joshua A. Davis Trophy "in recognition of the greatest dollar improvement by the class in a reunion year." 3. The Class of 1938 Reunion Record Trophy "in recognition of achieving the largest dollar total in a reunion year."

Last fall Al Louer, head class agent, and Charlie Bishop, 50th reunion giving chairman, wrote a great letter to each member of the class thanking the 405 contributors for their efforts, and in turn the members of the Class have let it be known that only with the wonderful leadership of Charlie and Al could it all have been put together.

Secretary 9 Gammons Road Waban, Mass. 02168

Treasurer, 932-A Heritage Village Southbury, Conn. 06488