1917

SIXTIETH REUNION

Since summaries of our reunion activities have been sent to me by Duke Howe, our former plucky secretary, and by Helen Brooks, our efficient helper with the women of the Class, it seems wise to use them in preparing these notes. A part of Helen's report: "In spite of rain, lumpy beds, and community bathrooms, we had a great time, with plenty of visiting, nostalgic picture shows, both movies and stills, and excellent food and drink. We thought the memorial service dedicated and inspiring, the Glee Club different and intriguing (didn't they all look young!), and it was a joy to meet old friends who have shared many reunions and to get to know a few who had not been back in many years. At our class dinner Helen and Slats Baxter responded to calls for their particular type of music, but without Vic Smith and Sandy Lynch the quartet just could not get off the ground. All in all the reunion was simply great and could only have happened because there is no other class like 1917."

Now let us see what Duke's version was, in part: "The Mighty Sixtieth Reunion of the Class of 1917 closed with a flourish, and our only regret is that more members were not present to enjoy those close relationships as well as the contact with college activities which are always available when one has the time and health to be present. About 50 persons, including wives, widows, daughters, sons, and one grandchild, made it a success. At the restrained but moving memorial service conducted by Reverend Fred Berthold Jr. '45, the names of 60 of our classmates who have passed away within the last five years were read by our chairman Bob Scott. The class meeting has brought about a change in class organization (as proposed by Ralph Sanborn) by which the number of men on the executive committee is reduced from 13 to five, with members elected to that committee assuming all offices. Even though we are declining in numbers, the Dartmouth spirit still remains strong within the Class of 1917, and we look forward to reunions as the seasons roll around and we have opportunities to return to the plains of Hanover."

The reunion ended with a box lunch in the faculty lounge after commencement. At that time a Scottish toast was read by Bob Scott, who received it from a Scottish friend after a round of golf:

May the best you've ever seen Be the worst you'll ever see, May the mouse ne'er leave your pantry Wi' a tear-drop in his EEE, May your lum keep brightly reekin'* Till you're auld enough to dee, May ye aye be just as happy As I wish you moo to be.

A word about Len Reade. Perhaps Len did not realize when he said he did not wish to be a member of the executive committee he was depriving himself of continuing as class agent, since that task must be taken by a member of that committee. Len was a very careful, considerate, and well-organized agent, sending notes of thanks to individuals and contributing generously of his money and time. And this over a long period. The new class agent is PhilipWoodwell, who will consult with Len and strive mightily to reach a high level of efficiency.

The Class wishes to extend thanks to Dukeand Dot Howe for their exceptional interest and care in performing the secretarial and financial duties for the Class for many years in spite of serious health problems and family responsibilities. Also a grateful note to all the classmates, widows, relatives, and friends who gave so generously to the Alumni Fund. Many memorial gifts attest to the loyalty to the College which must have been instilled in others by the men of 1917.

As may be expected, the good news is often tempered by the bad. Just very recently two deaths have been reported: Allerton Hickmott on June 15, and Norman McCulloch on July 27. Our sympathy to the families. Obituaries will appear in the ALUMNI MAGAZINE.

The flesh may be weak (and even that's not clear), but the spirit is clearly willing, able,and rejoicing as 1902 celebrates its 75th reunion in Hanover in June with 100 per centattendance: Hermon W. Farwell (left) and Arthur Chivers. (Hermon, a loyal correspondentfor the ALUMNI MAGAZINE lo these many years, is laying down thesecretaryship of 1902 this month. We bid him a cordial farewell, with thanks. Ed.)

Village Apts. #12 Hanover. N.H. 03755

*May your lamp keep brightly shining.