1955
TWENTY-FIFTH REUNION
I headed for Hanover to enjoy the 25th somewhat relieved that my days as class newsletter editor were over. I returned home as class secretary, so you're captive to my ramblings for a few more years.
To set the reunion scene, picture four of the most glorious, warm, and sunny days ever in Hanover. With all the work chairman Bob Fanger and his committees put in during the past year they deserved the best weather, which insured a truly memorable get-together 728 of us! Farmer's Almanac editor Jud Hale had predicted precipitation. He was right, but it was under, not over, the green-striped tents.
Needless to say, the tents were the center of our social schedule, and other than Joe Kagle's introducing himself as Dick Hastings, most played it straight and were readily identified. It wasn't long before it seemed like Green Key Weekend a bit more respectable, of course.
Most of us arrived on Thursday and quickly settled into the choice Tuck Mall area. Ginnyand Ken Harvey, Sue and Bruce Alexander, and Pat and Jack Cogswell saw to it that everyone was properly registered and in receipt of reunion goodies, '55 T-shirts, frisbees, hats, and handbags. This was a family reunion, and it was great fun meeting the wives and children, who all participated and enjoyed it as much as we. The College provided a busy program for the kids, who met one another easily and had a great time.
The first night was on the College with dinner at Thayer Hall, now with carpets and chandeliers! A far cry from the linoleum and tin trays we were accustomed to, and we never rebelled against anything except Tanzi's closing hours, as I recall.
After listening to the Dartmouth Glee Club at Hopkins Center, the walk across campus back to the tent stirred up fond memories of our undergraduate days. Baker's bells, as they chime the hour, can take you back 25 years awfully fast.
On the sports scene we '55s proved we have lost only a step or two. The first test was Dick Mount's mini-marathon, led by Ralph Miller, who cruised around the 5.5 kilometer course like a greyhound. Norm Fine's wife Joan led the women, but the overall winner was teenaged Bill Hughson. Dick Drake hosted the golfers, and innkeeper Doug Melville bested that group.
Mike Fletcher reported informal crew activities took place on the river, the details of which will appear in the newsletter. Chet Gale ran a super tennis tournament attracting over 40 couples. When the two-day event was over, Dick Mount and Gerry Bernstein were crowned winners.
On the serious side there were a couple of truly meaningful seminars. The first, "Great Issues for 1955," was ably moderated by LeonMartel. Panelists were Nick Kotz, author; AlMurray, banker; Jud Hale, editor; Harry Ambrose, food processor; Bernie Carpenter, physician; and President John Kemeny. Each spoke of his profession, how it had changed since 1955, and how it might change in the next 25 years. A nostalgic audio-video show included tapes of our '55 Great Issues speakers John Dickey '29, Barbara Tuchman, Norman Thomas, Thurgood Marshall, Robert Frost '96, and John Kemeny, who was then a fledgling professor. The program was taped for playback at our 50th.
The second seminar, "Women of Dartmouth Wives and Daughters of '55," was put together by Iris Fanger and moderated by Betty-Jo Nelsen. Additional panelists included: Jane Alexander '81, Peg Dinan, Nancy Goss, Mary Lynn Kotz, Margie Ambrose, and Margot Zimmerman. This frank exchange was tremendously successful, with lively discussion resulting in the wives's feeling more than ever a part of our class.
Joe Mathewson, assisted by Jere Daniell, presented, "1955 Looks at Itself," a study of the data we provided for the reunion book " '55 Out!" Regretably, Jim Perkins was unable to attend and share with Joe the class's recognition of a job extremely well done.
The two class picnics went smoothly. Beer at Storrs Pond is always a favorite, and with the background music of the State Street Ramblers this one was no exception. At the Bema on Saturday noon, emcee John Dell Isola performed to his usual high standard. Professor Fred Berthold spoke representing the College, sports awards were presented, and John tied it all together with humor and concluded with some moving concerns the College has today.
Other recollections: '55s leading the alumni parade to Thompson Arena accompanied by an unbelievable marching band in exotic Arabic dress. John French and the Fangers being properly chauffered in a classic 1939 La Salle convertible. An appropriate memorial service for our departed classmates led by Roy Nyren and Joe Herring in Rollins Chapel. Joe Ragle's art exhibit. The Kemenys' open house. The computer course for the kids. Green and white frisbees everywhere. Late nights at the tent wishing there were more time to speak to more friends. Gerry Samuelson.
Thompson Arena was ours Saturday evening for the class banquet, presided over by John French, who shared the head table with John and Jean Kemeny, Bill Delana, and Mike and Phyllis Gorton. Entertainment included music by the Dartmouth Aires and Woodswind assisted by vocalist Pete Sarty. Neil Levenson, New York music producer turned performer, breezed through Chopin's Polonaise to the total enjoyment of the class. The speaking program included remarks by Kemeny, who compared the Class of '55 with that of '80, and Mike, who promised to turn over $555,555 "shortly."
The traditional Sunday brunch at the tent was enjoyable but sad in the realization that our class's most significant reunion was behind us. But there is no reason why our 30th can't be just as meaningful. Under the direction of our newly-elected president, Harry Ambrose, we'll be advising you of the many opportunities to get together in the meantime. The most important one is our mini-reunion October 17-19 in Hanover for the Harvard game celebrating 100 years of Dartmouth football.
There were skeptics, there were eager beavers, and therewere loose geese. Takes all kinds to make a good 25th.
89 Cedar Cove Lane Swansea, Mass. 02777
