1940
Rarely does one have the opportunity to sandwich his editorial duties between such earthshaking news as the prospect of the imminent release of America's hostages by Iran, the developing electoral landslide by Governor Reagan this very evening, and the aerial bombardment laid on the Chicago Bears by the Cleveland Browns last evening. That I got the pencil as far as the sharpener under the circumstances is sheer amazement, and to paper even more unbelievable.
Before proceeding further, I wish to correct an error made the month before last, when it was reported that Cliff Falkenau had undergone corrective surgery on a hip. It is to the real "hippie," Bill Halsey, that I direct my apology, with chagrin. Bill wrote in late September that he was then "'bounding around" on a cane while the healing progressed. Bill was associated with a major architectural firm until mid-summer, when the project with which he was involved, a hotel and casino in Atlantic City, was terminated. Undaunted, Bill then worked with the casino's principals as a consultant, helping to generate the financing, in which effort they were successful. (Campaign for Dartmouth, note!)
Since hanging out his shingle 32 years ago in York, Pa., Howie Marshall has built his Howard E. Marshall Advertising Company into a success. On the way he assisted George Leader in becoming governor of The Keystone State. The political bug then bit closer to home and now Howie has an alternate identity, that of "the mayor's husband," with wife, Betty, occupying the elective post. Says Howie: "The fact that Betty has made me far better known to more people than I ever made myself is a strange fact but not without rewards. My dominant feeling is pride." Your modesty is showing, Howie, and the pride is justifiable. The best thing going for the Marshalls, it would appear, is a great spirit of cooperation.
Being a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area, I became a lover of mom's homemade pancakes with honest-to-goodness maple syrup from adjoining Geauga County. This fall when in Hanover, I turned traitor, buying a gallon of the precious commodity from Cliff Holmes. I won't go so far as to downgrade the Ohio product, but if pancakes are a treat for you, then make them outstanding with Cliffs sweet stuff. If interested, now's the time to get in line for the first run of the season by writing him at Kings Inn Farm, Langdon, N.H. 03602.
Since late summer, I have saved a letter from Stet Whitcher detailing the Alumni College activities, and explaining why he builds this offering into his annual plans. It is worth presenting in its entirety. Stet writes: "I have just returned from 12-plus days in Hanover attending Alumni College and can proudly report: 1940 leads again!
"With the closing of the 17th Dartmouth Alumni College, 1940 was the best represented of all classes, which ranged from 1915 to 1972. Seen around the lecture halls, seminar rooms, Thayer Hall, at coffee breaks, etc., were Al andMary Bert Gutman, Rudy and Barbara Horky,Doug and Amy Hunter, Lois Moody, and Howie and Beverly Zagor; Bob and CrosbieMacMillen were there for the first two days but had to sneak off because of other commitments, and Gardiner Ashley and his sister Eleanor came over from Middlebury for the last week. At the moment I seem to have the dubious distinction of having attended more of these sessions (some 14 out of the 17 held) than anyone else, which could mean that I am a glutton for punishment and don't know when to quit. But in reality, I love the setting, the season, the people and the mental stimulation that Alumni College provides; to me it is a true change of pace and a vacation.
"This year the general theme was "Hail Holy Land the Idea of America," and we were kept so busy that it was impossible to take in everything being offered. On the program were six movies (including Birth of a Nation), two plays, a concert, a gallery tour and a number of afternoon lectures in addition to the regular curriculum. For one lecture on the Vollard Suite (a series of 100 Picasso etchings now owned by Dartmouth) the doors had to be locked to keep people out. In case this seems too cerebral, there is always tennis, golf, canoeing, hiking, etc., in whatever time is left. It really is a good deal, and I genuinely urge all of you who can to schedule Alumni College for next year. It will start August 9, so mark it on your calendars.
"I visited with Ike Weed for a short time in his wood-working shop on the lower level of the Hopkins Center amidst the racket created by various planers, saws, sanders, shapers, and lathes. He will be retiring from the staff of the College in 1981 and also will have a showing of some of his creations next May.
"Just before leaving Hanover I ran into Bob Graham, who is trying with some difficulty to convince the big-city media that there are some good things to be written about that College on the hill. Bob is looking fit and is ready once again to lead a band of incoming freshmen through the mountains in another couple of weeks.
"On my way back to Boston, I dropped in for a brief visit with Joe and Esteri Harpham in Raymond, N.H. After retiring from active service with Eastern Air Lines, Joe keeps busy being involved with the Civil Air Patrol, finishing up a stint with the town planning board, cutting wood, and otherwise maintaining his acres. He has never really lost his love for the great outdoors, and I envy him."
The Alumni College experience is not unique to Stet. Virtually all who have attended speak out with similar enthusiasm for the refreshing stimulation they experience. Circle that August 9 date on your new 1981 calendar now as a reminder to become a participant yourself.
The "Indian Drum" issued in early November recorded the events and attendees at the William and Mary game weekend in Williamsburg. What a great turnout of '40s. One week later several stalwarts returned to Hanover for Dartmouth Night, the Harvard game, and the festivities marking 100 years of Dartmouth football. In the torchlight parade, brandishing the class banner, was HughDryfoos, who was joined in the march by PhilDostal, 800 Hayden, and the MacMillens. Also on the scene for the game were Ken Arwe, ChetBrett, Joe Burnett, and Sid Harrington.
Right now, before mid-winter doldrums set in, is a perfect time to make reservations at the Sheraton Inn in West Leb for our 1981 minireunion September 18-19. Dartmouth plays Princeton, and the forecast is for funshine all the way.
Not all news is shiny and bright. Regretably, we lost two members of the class recently, JohnEnglish, who succumbed to a heart attack at his home in Bethesda, Md., on August 22, and William J. Hotaling, who lost his battle with cancer September 19. To their families we extend the sympathies of the class.
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