1950
The leaves had not fallen. Vermont and New Hampshire were a blaze of color. The weekend, the Harvard weekend, was glorious. But first, there was another weekend, the one in the Tidewater of Virginia between the York and James Rivers. Williamsburg has a special charm, and the next visit warrants a week's vacation rather than a quick Saturday fling. Town and gown abut. The stadium, unique in having no seating except for the press between the 40-yard lines, is a jewel in its own park.
The only drawback was the heat. Newc andSally Eldredge had left frosts in New Hampshire for 80-degree temperatures. GeorgeJohnson lives in Williamsburg, so he understands the lingering warmth of a more southerly climate. Two others from the North, Pierce Udall and Andy Wilde, were a welcome sight. Finally, Bob and Carolyn Wilkinson had come down from Washington, D.C., to see the game.
The struggle against William and Mary started with a bang and ended in a whimper. Two culprits: the offensive line, which can hardly move moss, and right defensive tackle, which wilted and was overrun. Double coverage of Shula opened up Teevens for the early offensive punch.
On the following Friday - Dartmouth Night - the New England weather was pleasant though nippy. And electricity filled the air as the torchlight parade - complemented by seven bands this year - wound around the campus before spilling from Dartmouth Hall to the edge of the bonfire, 84 tiers high. In the forefront carrying 1950's banner were Ted Prime, Chuck Gardner, and Bill Embree. Under the elms we met Bill Broadbent. The cheers echoing through the evening promised Harvard ill for the morrow. As the bonfire's flames mounted, 1984 proclaimed its presence with numerals etched high against the starry night.
The next event, subtly underplayed without a trace of pomp, was the dedication of 1950's gift of a grand piano to the Collis Center. DickEchikson, chairman of the finder's committee, was the toastmaster. Bob Kilmarx, the trustee most responsible for the center's development, commented about the place of this new common ground as an essential aspect of student life. The chairman of the center's governing board, Doug Tengdin '82, thanked our class for its thoughtfulness and generosity. Then TomRuggles rendered a brief medley of College songs to initiate the piano's purpose. Georgeand Ann Jewett were among the participants.
Saturday was a whirl of impressions. After the executive committee meeting (see next month for a report), the Outing Club warmed to a roaring fire, flowing spirits, a babble of talk, and general good cheer. Ben Johnson had returned after a decade's absence. As usual. Jack Elliott was there, but Bill Cross was missing. Bruce Parker held forth in one corner. FizzNichols in another. Dave Beeman and StretchPendleton towered over everyone. The Davisons, Charles and Lessie, were a delight to see after their sojourn in Chicago. Ben and JoyShaver avoided weather by flying in a day earlier to be on schedule. Game time came too soon.
The game. The Harvard game. Excitement mounted. Forty-yard-line seats in the west stands - Balch Hill still resplendent. Joe Sardella behind us, Dick McSorley leading the cheers beside us, Wade Abbott and Joel Leavitt in front among a pack of cheering 'sos. Several heavy showers were only a nuisance, not a pall. On the field a familiar pattern. First the bang: Shula, covered one-on-one, snared passes at incredible angles all over the field; the score mounted. Then the whimper: Harvard found the range and counterattacked. But there was no heat, thus no wilting. The defense stiffened; the Big Green prevailed.
The clangor of the chapel bells still rang in our ears as we gathered for the evening at the Woodstock Country Club. Cocktails lingered as the gathering swelled. Gordie and JoanneHood (Cincinnati) gave up the honors for traveling the greatest distance to Wes and Betty Carr (Memphis), who had returned for the first time in 30 years. Tony and Dot Keseris were welcome newcomers, Dan Featherstone a delightful surprise. Herb Carey looked as trim as he did in his playing days. Pat Brewster and Dick Putney sat at the same table. Mac Grant played with the Ruggles combo for singing and dancing. And Jim Stevens appeared after years of hibernating in Illinois. As Jack Harned announced, the final count and outstanding new record was 99 plus Bob Mcllwain.
Gridiron gleanings: The problems (supra,passim) exceed the promise. The outstanding plays pale in a milieu of weakness. Cautious optimism fades to faint hope.
Four glorious days. Four shots of splendid color: the Connecticut River valley; the Hanover plain; the high road, route 100, along the backbone of the green mountains; and the Champlain valley.
Tidbits here and there: The next rendezvous in Flanover is mid-winter mini-reunion III on 20-22 February 1981. Call Len Matless at the Hillwinds Shop for details. Then the Big Event: our 30th reunion, a touch of class, on 15-18 June 1981 under the aegis of Dave Taylor. Commit yourself now to the remembrance of things past under a spring moon in the North Country.
510 Hillcrest Road Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
