1959
Spring can't be far away ... not after the winter we've had. Even in Hotlanta, we have often dipped below the freezing point — a statistic us Georgians do not like to spread around too casually!
And with spring come the birds and the bees. Did you know that 71 per cent of entering male freshmen at Dartmouth and 41 per cent of female freshmen in the Class of '81 believe that "sex is O.K. if people like each other"? How's that for a springtime statistic? 66 per cent thought marijuana should be legalized; 51 per cent favor a national health-care plan; 22 per cent consider themselves conservative; 36 per cent liberal; and 39 per cent middle of the road. Only 35 per cent of the men and 27 per cent of the women thought they'd join a fraternity or sorority. And finally, almost 90 per cent listed Dartmouth as their first choice. I thought that these data would help give you a feel for the attitudes of the young people entering Dartmouth.
But what about us old folk? Is there life after Dartmouth? (Which, by the way, is an appropriately-named seminar held at the College annually, where alumni return to Hanover to share professional experiences with undergraduates.)
Well, in the Class of'59, there's plenty of life. Take Van Pine who advises us that his 15th reunion date has become his wife! And, if that's not enough, Van was just selected for inclusion as a biographee for the 1977 edition of Who'sWho In The East. Selection is based on outstanding achievement in some reputable field of endeavor or on a particularly important or noteworthy position held. Van is currently chairman of the Sociology Department at the State University of New York at New Paltz.
Of particular note is Van's prolific writing on the subject which I personally would generalize as "the sociology of death." Wife Pat is right alongside Van as director of the Dutchess County Office for the Aging, having received education at Bates, Dartmouth, Vassar, and Columbia. So, despite the Pines's professional involvement with the aging and death, their lives are very active and rewarding. Now, Van, what'll happen after the 20th?
Another active '59 is Paul Clarkin, who is the president of American Federal Savings and Loan Association of Pueblo, Colo. About six months ago, Paul was elected president of the Savings League of Colorado. As such, he will be responsible during the ensuing 12 months to direct governmental and public relations programs for the statewide membership. As an aside, Paul is president of the Pueblo Chamber of Commerce. Nice going, Paul!
Now, how's this for a school course — "Visual Literacy"? That is a name that I think Dave Robinson thought up after he joined the teaching staff at Fitchburg State College (Mass.). After all of his successes in photography — including a major article on the October '77 edition of Camera Magazine, titled "The Reflective Vision of David Robinson" — Dave is now developing some new courses in photography for elementary and secondary schools. Sounds very exciting, Dave.
Speaking of new ventures, Wells Langbehn has joined a fellow professional in the insurance business in a new partnership in Springfield, Ill. In addition, Wells says that Jim Burke dropped in to say "hello" and share some pleasant thoughts about days on the Hanover Plain.
Now you'll have to pardon me in that I found some old correspondence, that goes back over a year, from some classmates. So, to those of you who realize this is old news, I apologize. To most of us great "unwashed" ...
Jay Herpel reflects that he is really a four- season man and that the sunny, but smoggy, crowded, Taco-Belled, far-away-from-the- skiing-action life in Orange County, Calif., doesn't compensate for a good snow! Still, his success with Amerson as manager of the Far East, and his family, make life out there very enjoyable. He sees Bill Beshore frequently, in that Bill is with the same company, located in San Francisco.
Speaking of reflecting, Bruce Andrews, after visiting Hanover, writes, "Great experience. Rekindles interest, rememberances and respect for D."
Ken Robertson also has occasion to think, "between the raindrops," out in Oregon. That's because he's a gentleman farmer, raising horses, steer, pigs, and lambs. Oh, he's also a doctor of internal medicine and gastroenterology. He says that he has been thinking seriously about returning to Hanover for our 20th. We'll be looking for you, Ken. Bring the whole family. But, please, keep the animals at home!
Jay Butterfield has another 20th coming, in addition to reunion — he has served 20 years in the Army! By now, he's retired! A '59 — retired! Incredible! He is evaluating a second career, gang. Don't panic. The way he plays duplicate bridge, he'll do just fine!
Now we can compare that to Bob Halbert, who says his golf game is "lousy." But, when you're sitting fat and happy in the Colorado banking business, surrounded by a couple of strapping teenage boys and a lovely wife, who cares how bad you are off the tee?
Of course, there's T. C. Davis who claims that Ray Johnson's tennis game is improving. You see, T. C. works in the Pentagon and Ray at the Bethesda Naval Hospital — so they have plenty of time to hit the ball around!
Gotta run now. Listen, gang, start getting the 20th into your heads. It's a little over a year away — and we're gonna make it a bang-up affair. It's sooner than you think!
By the way, if any of you are curious about the mystery person referred to several months ago who lives in Summit, N.J., so am I! I have one more clue — his name is Paul. Paul, are you out there?
3610 Rembrandt Road, N.W, Atlanta, Ga. 30327
