1913

One death must be added to the tragic five that occurred between June 7 and 28. Ralph M. Fischer crossed the great divide on July 18. His obituary will appear soon among those of other classes.

The appeal for news has been answered by seven (33 per cent) of those now living. Also, three out of the 36 widows who are now living in solitude answered the call. That is not enough.

As usual, our president was one of the first to answer the call. Two cards told us that he was pleased with the response to the fund drive. Also, he said that he hoped to be in Hanover for Dartmouth Night, and thereby hangs a tale. As a still-practicing doctor (at 88), his script is not always legible, and thus it was with his card. It was laid aside and forgotten until a neighbor with two eyes came by and read the request that the secretary contact the powers that be to establish 1913's position in the pageant. That was startling news. "It's tonight." "Something must be done!"

Your scribe called Fred Page, who lives in Hanover, and he took over.

But that was not the only bit of news. John Remsen, our memorial fund editor, sent out an appeal, which read in substance, "Dartmouth is ever in need of funds to maintain its excellent progress in the arts and sciences." He reports that the gifts and promises are all that can be expected.

A letter from Steve Perry informs us that early in the winter he had a bout with walking pneumonia, and that righteous living and plenty of fresh air brought about a full recovery; and Elmer Tucker, one of our two living Phi Beta Kappas, has fully recovered from his broken hip. He can now drive his car, except downtown, when his son-in-law takes over. A word from Bill Gumbart says he is in good health, and that he can still remember when his uncle thrilled a small boy by appearing in an army uniform as he set out to do or die on the slopes of the hills in Cuba. Your scribe had the same experience, only it was his teacher who sported a lieutenant's uniform.

As was mentioned earlier, the widows could have done better, and we hope that the next issue of the MAGAZINE will carry more news of the distaff side. Our most reliable contributer, Reza Shepard, went to Europe in September to attend the passion play that is held among the snow-capped Alps every ten years. It gave her an opportunity to revisit Switzerland and Italy.

Ruth (Gay) King sent word that she and her husband were forced to forego their customary trip around the world. Illness interfered. However, there was some relief for the enforced boredom: a two-week cruise among the Caribbean Islands.

And a new kid has moved into the block, Elizabeth Haley, and her letter contained an idea - a 70th reunion in 1883. Since so few of us are left, she felt that each one must help. Also she promised to help out "in any way I can." That is the Dartmouth spirit at its best.

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