1939

The class executive committee held its annual spring meeting at the Pan Am Building, New York City, with Prexy Bert MacMannis presiding. In attendance were Messrs. Boldt,Coulson, Darby, Goding, Hird, Howe, Jackson,Kaiser, Miller, Noland, Tishman, and Tomkins. As one might imagine, much of the business had to do with our reunion and ancillary matters such as reunion giving. Treasurer Cornie Miller, for instance, gave us the assuring information that we had the goal of $40,000 in the kitty for our 40th year gift to the College, along with enough to underwrite Obie Boldt's 40-year-book, which should be in your hands by this reading. And there is reputed to be enough left in the kitty to underwrite the next class organization (to be elected at reunion) to carry on its duties. As reported earlier, the 40 grand has been earmarked to swell the class scholarship program started modestly some few years ago. Bob Kaiser reported on class bequests, stating that in number of trusts 1939 is ahead of all contemporary classes with the exception of 1937, which has done a fantastic job in this area. One new trust, for $69,272, was received since July 1, 1978, and $21,809 in additions to four existing trusts, making a total of $353,535 in nine trusts. Also, we learned from other sources that Bob's record as bequest officer for Dartmouth is far and away ahead of other colleges in number of trusts. We would have guessed it, but it was good to hear it from official sources. Kaiser, wearing a second hat, reported that the fall reunion will once again be held at Bonnie Oaks, over the Princeton game weekend September 21-22. Price will be $70 per couple per night. And slipping on a third hat, nominating chair Kaiser, reporting for committee members Hird and Dusty Rohde, recommended that the same slate of officers be renominated for the next five years, with an executive committee of approximately the same make-up. Nominations can be made by the Class, of course, at the annual meeting to be held Wednesday night, June 13. Incidently, it is at this banquet that President Kemeny will be our guest and the recipient of our $40,000 gift. Much of the discussion at the meeting was devoted to reports by college officers JOe Stevenson and Alan Dingwall, who had joined us from Hanover to aid in our deliberations. To report the progress of these comments would fee fruitless at this late date for we should have proceeded beyond our April figures at this reading. Suffice it to say that we appeared to be close to projections, and it was considered important to make sure that all classmates were aware of our special reunion effort, in which we are seeking a multiple of five over our normal annual giving.

It has been a long time since we have heard from Bill Lee, but Bert MacMannis reports that he has spent many years as the corporate medical director of General Foods until being asked to slow down after suffering a heart problem. Bill now conducts a private practice as a surgeon in Glen Falls, N.Y.

From George Hanna we received a clip from the Manchester Union Leader indicating that Bill Green was identified as one of the four attorneys in New Hampshire considered to be among the most influential persons in the state. Pointing out that lawyers become acquainted with virtually every aspect of a community — advising politicians, foundations, banks and business, as well as serving on various boards — the paper cites that Bill has been instrumental in furthering the cause of the United Way and the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, among other activities. Said the article, "Not that the other lawyers aren't bright or efficient, but the word 'brilliant' was used frequently when describing Green." Incidently, George Hanna points out that of the seven leaders mentioned, all are Dartmouth graduates, which is a sample of the Green influence in its home state.

"Like father, like son." Joe Batchelder's son B.J., president of the Batchelder Company, has just been re-elected to chair the Transit Advertising Association.

Dave Reid was honored by the Weston (Mass.) Rotary Club and the Waltham Hospital for his 31 years of service to the community before moving out to California in April. A memorial unit in the hospital has been provided in honor of Dave, and it was noted by a selectman that "in 30 years, he gained the love and respect of his fellow citizens as a skillful and compassionate physician."

The highlight of the Darien-New Canaan Smith College Club spring meeting was provided by a duo-piano performance which featured Bob Howe's wife Louise, whose talent has long been recognized by '39ers who have made the mini-reunion at Bonnie Oaks.

Have a good summer.

777 West St. Pittsfield, Mass. 01201