1969

For those of you stuporous enough to have ventured to Cambridge for the game this year, only to discover that the Johns were having their lids slammed in Hanover, don't worry! You're going to read about the entire weekend right here in this column without getting soaked by Mothers Nature and Dartmouth.

The festivities kicked off early Friday evening, in celebration of Dartmouth Night, with a parade of the classes. Although my inability to make a U-turn in Harvard Square precluded my being there, a reliable source informed me that '69 was well represented, although the two of them had difficulty holding the class placard aloft. As usual, speeches preceded the bonfire, an imposing structure that burned exceedingly hot and imploded within a record-breaking 15 minutes. A tribute to its builders, I hear.

Making the grand tour Friday night, Tupper Kinder, Tom Parks, and myself ran into Giff Foley, whose demeanor was implausibly still that of a reserved alum even as the hands of the clock reached for a dozen. Giff is into the musical instrument business on an international scale, so to speak. Steve Cline, a computerscience editor for Prentice-Hall, was espousing the need for a digital tap system until reminded that the old three-finger method had been on the market for some time. (I'm beginning to believe that any '69 who doesn't have a medical or law degree has a degree of association with Prentice-Hall.) We also ran into a bunch of cronies whose names probably appear in the adjoining columns, and there's a good chance as well that we crossed paths with some other '69s early Saturday morning. However, I was off-duty at the time and neither of my traveling companions could see to take notes despite being well lit.

The class meeting took place later that morning as advertised. A respectable turnout. In addition to we three late-night revelers, a quorum was formed with the arrival of the following: Dave Prentice, Norm Jacobs, Bob Shellard, Bill Stableford, Marty Davis, and Dick Glovsky. A secret ballot ensued, and by an amazing coincidence all nine of these individuals were elected to the executive committee. Some very worthwhile discussions focused on the class project, Alumni Fund, and various other matters, particularly our pressing need for a church key so as to make the Mary's Bloody. Dave will be addressing the classproject issue at length in his next newsletter so keep an eye out for his epistle.

Dick had some good ideas regarding the '81 Alumni Fund drive, particularly along organizational lines, wherein lies the key to a successful campaign. Please give us a couple minutes of your time when called upon to participate. It distresses me to think that contemporaries of ours in other classes could possibly be more appreciative of their humble beginnings. Let's embarrass 'em! Incidentally, Marty is in between occupations up in Waterbury, Vt. Having put in some time as a carpetner, he's thinking seriously about getting into some type of career counseling. Dick has decided to forsake his job as a U.S. attorney in Boston in favor of private practice by his lonesome. That way he can win one case a year and afford to spend the balance working on the Alumni Fund.

The outcome of the game itself insured a winning season regardless of what may transpire the rest of the way. Although we missed the first half because of a rain delay, the final 30 minutes saw the Big Green defense effectively thwart the Crimson attack. A post-game victory celebration in conjunction with the class of '70 was on tap in Leverone immediately following the final whistle. A crowd of about 50 peole assembled to do battle with three kegs, but the bungholes prevailed despite our best efforts. Obviously, the weather dampened many spirits.

Mike Stratton was in town and will be leaving shortly on a jaunt to New Zealand. Although I never bumped into him, DekeOlmsted, corrections superintendent extraordinaire indicated some time ago that he intended to make the trek east from Oregon provided he could leave his affairs under lock and key. And speaking of bad apples, Bob Lievens is nurturing their distant cousins, presumably of the sweet Mcintosh variety, at his orchards in Londonderry, N.H. On a final note, Dave Wakelin is back lawyering in Portland, Maine. Some time ago he suffered a mid-life crisis and opted for the big time by joining forces with a New York law firm. Apparently the Big Apple proved to be worminfested, but at least Dave had the courage to satisfy his curiosity.

In case you regret having missed this season's big event, make plans now to travel to Cambridge for the instant replay next fall. See you at the Cage. Bring a pencil and paper so you can take notes.

1 Meadow Lane Hanover, N.H. 03755