1950

The scenery was like a palette scrubbed clean. Only a touch of color - splashes of bright yellow, patches of red, hints of purple - remained. Earth colors predominated. Earthy colors, the gray silhouettes of trees, and the lush green of upland pastures. Autumn reigned, unquestioned.

Dartmouth Night was late this year. The promise of frost nipped the air as the torchlight parade formed on Lebanon Street behind the Hop. Bands, all seven of them, generated excitement and enthusiasm. Len Matless marshalled our ranks.

The parade of classes moved out, passed Memorial Field, filed by Topliff into Wheelock Street, and was engulfed by the cheering crowds lining the streets surrounding the campus. In its midst, 60-plus strong and led by Ken Edelson's son Jeff '80, strode the class of 1950, its banner proclaiming "a touch of class" clearing a swath through the crowds, and its own marching band led by Tom Ruggles and Dick McSorley setting the cadence. Don Hall returned to join GordiePinkham among the marchers.

The events of Dartmouth Night - less the parade, a recent tradition just five years old - were all time-worn and familiar. Yet the spirit of the night remained, enlivened by the rival chants of freshmen and sophomores, '82 versus '83. And the camaraderie of old and dear friends - those present, those remembered - rekindled memories long past but still fresh. This year George and Ann Jewett appeared for the first time.

The culmination, reaching upward 83 tiers, was the bonfire. Flames swirled under a brisk wind. The cold retreated and the entire Green was warm and cozy. More new faces: George and Gloria Singer with skiing daughter Meg '82.

On Saturday morning your executive committee met to work its way through a long agenda. A brief summary: six trees were planted under the tree program, for a total now of 88; alternate programs, including some participation in events at the Collis Center (the old freshman commons), were reviewed; the date for the winter mini-reunion was set for the March 1, 1980, weekend (set aside the time now, before the date gets by you); and Dave Taylor summarized the preliminary planning for our 30th reunion - in 1981, remember.

As we enter our fourth decade since graduation, the executive committee decided the time had come to honor members of the class for outstanding contributions to society. A proposal was submitted, considered, and approved for a Class of 1950 Award - its name unless or until a more innovative suggestion is forthcoming. The purpose of the award is to ". . . recognize achievements in a classmate's profession, career, civic activities, and/or service to Dartmouth."

The issue of fund-raising, particularly the Campaign for Dartmouth, dominated the rest of the meeting. Briefly, discussion centered on potential objectives such as 1) to retain the class's leadership role, 2) to create momentum at a level of giving that can be sustained after 1982, and 3) to increase participation to 60 per cent or more. An interesting, but unofficial, conjecture: a five-year goal of $3.2 million represents 2.0 per cent of the College's objective.

The weekend included some social moments. The Outing Club was crowded and jovial during the pre-game brunch. Regulars like Jack andAnn Elliott met newcomers like Bruce and GinnyParker. Our seats were en masse between the 40- and 50-yard lines! Amid the huddled masses were Bill and Mary Turino, Stretch Pendleton, and Gerry and Ginny Sarno.

The post-game banquet arranged by FrankHarrington and his committee brought together about 70 classmates for relaxation and conviviality at the Woodstock Country Club. Gordieand Jo Ann Hood lost the long distance award; Cincinnati could not compete with San Diego, which is now home for ex-naval aviator Bob O'Neil and his wife Rita. Among the guests was Ted Remsen's daughter Ellen '80, a star and potential ail-American on the field hockey team.

Gridiron gleanings (abridged): This Dartmouth team may fail to reach the .500 level yet still may have the lowest "points against" total of any Ivy team.

Tidbits here and there: Multiple reports, including one from Joe Medlicott, indicate that the fraternities are working hard to improve their image. Each step is a plus. Bill Carpenter was the point man for three generations of Big Greeners in town for the weekend. Participating in two cliches, Chuck Gardner is considering greener pastures out west, while George Harris could tell him that San Diego is only green under cultivation. Paul Van Orden was elected executive vice president; he now heads the consumer products and services sector of General Electric. Dave McLean left the steamy air of Houston for the cool mountains of Littleton, Colo. In contrast, Bill Sickel went south from Oklahoma City to Baton Rouge.

Saturday night the temperature dropped. On Sunday, snowflakes filled the air. In the New Hampshire hills during the drive home, the first snow dusting covered the peaks and slopes.

Year end, again. It is neither an end nor a beginning, just a marker of our passage. But the holiday season spreads its good tidings and joy. Best wishes to you. And prosperity.

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