1950
It was a week late. At every turn we heard, "The foliage was magnificent - last week." (Only the time element had changed in the old refrain.) Yet only the brightest yellows had fallen, leaving light grey branches to highlight russets, oranges, and deep reds. The vista of the hills along the Connecticut valley was splendid.
You can guess the turn in the weather. Autumn has been bright, sunny, and dry, except for the weekend in the North Country. Then it poured. Not simple showers, but drenching rains. However, on Friday night the torchlight parade circled the campus, damp but undaunted behind a galaxy of bands and amid the frenzy of a huge crowd. The glee clubs sang; greetings from 'round the girdled earth rang out; and the cheerleaders raised rousing invocations to Eli-minate the Yalies. The final touch: a roaring pyre 82 tiers high. Excitement fills the autumn air on Dartmouth night.
The fall mini-reunion had begun. King Kenny flew in from Los Angeles to win the laurels for the longest trip, just nosing out San Franciscan Dave Taylor, lately the perennial winner. The Chicago contingent included the Embrees, Bill and Mary, and the Vails, Jim and Peggy. Cincinnati let Gordie Hood out .of its clutches for a few days. Motoring north from the still green lands of Wilmington, N.C., were Pieter andMary von Herrmann.
The executive committee gathered early at the Outing Club under the guidance of President Jack Harned. (Incidentally, these meetings are open to all classmates. So join us.) Treasurer Ed Tuck insisted that the Class is still solvent, despite increasing publishing costs for the ALUMNI MAGAZINE. (Some help: Join the 415 regular dues payers by responding to Ed's invitation for support.) Joel Leavitt reported another non-reunion year record with total gifts of $79,522 for the fund. Despite the records, Joel noted a slipping pace and erosion in donors; younger classes are showing 1950 their heels with greater participation and more dollars. His final plea: gifts from the persistently reluctant - and more volunteer agents. The line forms on . . . .
We were fortunate to hear a first-hand report from the chairman of the Campaign for Dartmouth, Sandy McCulloeh, who "feels good about the progress of the campaign," and predicts that "we'll make the $160-million goal." Garnering over $45 million in the first year of a five-year drive helps. Sandy noted again that, "All gifts count, and everyone contributing to the Alumni Fund contributes to the Campaign."
The 1950 trees now number 82 (a total derived after much high-powered arithmetic). Newc Eldredge located the seven trees added this year; they included sugar maples, red oaks, and an American elm. Additional funds were appropriated to continue the program that adds "a touch of beauty to the campus."
Tentative plans were set for a second minireunion during the winter with a hockey game as the main attraction. Frank Harrington is attending to details. And Frank and Newc will set the scene for next fall's gathering on October 6 (mark the date - the height of the foliage season - no excuses next year) for the Holy Cross game with a promise of warm weather.
The pre-game pack-your-own lunch gathered at the Outing Club with a subdued hubbub as the rains kept us huddled indoors. The fire was welcome. Harry (Pete) Hall arid Bill and MaryTurino returned after being absent last year. Among the new faces: Charlie Abbe and Dickand Barbara Peterson, who had a chance to meet their Portland neighbor, old-faithful EdGulick. The storm grounded Ben Shaver so Gordie Pinkham missed his old sidekick. Those with undergraduate progeny in tow included Jack and Ann Elliott, Ken and Jill Edelson, and Dave and Lee Pittenger.
Post-game the clan gathered at the Woodstock Country Club, 76-strong, for cocktails and dinner. At least ten others joined us after dinner. More new faces: Bob Hunt and Phil Hoadley. Parton Reese, who sat in the stands instead of the press box for a change (the New York Times was on strike), introduced his new wife Karen. John and Harriet DeGraff stopped in for an interlude before continuing home to Albany. And we were graced again with the continuing charm of Paul and FranZeller.
Gridiron gleanings: Rains marred the first half that ended 3-3. The rains stopped at the half and the stands filled to cheer as the Big Green scored and then held on to win 10-3. The stunting defense was devastating, joining the elements to confound a vaunted Blue rushing game with minus 29 yards. The offense, while not yet exciting, is innovative. And a new star is in the offing: sophomore running back Jeff Dufresne.
Tibbits here and there: glimpsed in the stands behind his winning smile - Tor Arneberg. The goal for next fall's mini: 85 classmates plus. The Dayton Hudson Corporation of Minneapolis elected Don Hall of Hallmark Cards a director. The Ivy championship will be decided in Providence with the winner of the Brown-Green game taking all. Producer/writer/director Frank Gilroy's new film: Once in Paris.
Seeing you in the North Country is the next best thing to a packed mail sack.
As the evening falls early, as the new snow swirls about, as another year ends too soon seasons greetings.
510 Hillcrest Rd. Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
