1950
The start was not auspicious. It rained. As we drove toward Hanover over the back-country hill roads of northern Vermont, we could hardly see. It poured.
There was little time left as we donned foulweather gear before dashing to the assembly point. The intrepid were few in the ranks of '50 Newc and Sally Eldredge, Bill and Betsy Broadbent, and Gene Carver. No one else braved, the lashing elements for the long march of the Dartmouth Night torchlight parade. A few, with Dave Taylor and Len Matless as r'ngleaders, gathered under the "Touch of Class" banner for a quick dash across campus to the chapel corner. In common, we were drenched.
Confusion reigned. Dartmouth row was washed in light, still a beacon. But the rally had been relegated to Webster. We crowded in. The balcony had a few seats left beside the band. When the class of 'B5 announced itself, we learned again the meaning of "let the rafters ring."
The ceremony on Dartmouth Night seems changeless. The words are the same, inter- changing only Cornell for Yale or Harvard. Yet the significance remains. And the words are always new and meaningful for freshman hearing them for the first time and for the old grad hearing their continuity within the flux of change. A new president, Dave McLaughlin, evoked images of Kemeny and Dickey and Hopkins, remembered tradition, and challenged the future. Webster offered boisterous enthusiasm and intimate warmth.
Then the bonfire, completed that afternoon by hordes of 'Bss despite wind and rain. The flames caught and soared, dancing in the wind, lighting the faces of thousands who had awaited this culminating rite. The bonfire dispelled the cold wrath of the October storm, rekindled the warmth and hope of the College on the Hill. The spirit of Dartmouth prevailed.
The time had come to change wet clothes and to stem the chill. We missed the gathering in Hanover but arrived in Woodstock in time to join Harry (Pete) Hall, Gordie and JoanneHood, and Bob Kirby for a nightcap. Or two. Or more.
Morning dawned glistening. The day was cloudless, windless. Droplets on the trees refracted light. On the high hills new snow gleamed. The day was perfect for brunch at the Outing Club. The shores of Occom Pond en- ticed; there was time for a leisurely walk to enjoy the lingering foliage, the scarlet oaks, before busing to the game.
As usual the weekend's climax was the minireunion banquet at the Woodstock Country Club. Old friends George and Ann Jewett arrived early. After missing the last several years, John and Ginny Dwyer rejoined us. Ed Gulick carefully explained his move from one sideline to the other during the game: It was warmer in the sun. Gene and Patty Carver won the prize for coming the longest distance from Palos Verdes. Jim and Serene Farmer returned to grace after missing reunion; besides, they added luster and talent to the singing. JackHarned, recovered from the illness that kayoed him last June, substituted as host in lieu of JoeMedlicott, who had other duties in his new post at Deerfield Academy. The crowd of 60 seemed thin only in comparison to last year's record turnout of 100.
Gridiron gleanings: After the heartbreak of William and Mary, Harvard and Cornell were soundly whipped. Yale turned out to be too strong. Columbia filled the air with passes, but the threat' was worse than reality. At q-back, Polsinello gets better. Teevens proves his mettle as a receiver and improves his position in the record books. Maher, one of many talented sophomores, sets the stage for the passing game with explosive running. The offense has become exciting again. The record stands at .500, but the chances of a winning season are good.
Tidbits here and there: At the Yale game on a delightful fall day were Curt Cross and LeeSarokin. At Columbia, Eric Miller and DickEchikson braved the flurries and raw, bitter chill. Howie Richmond now reports from Auburn, Calif. The news from Dick Cutler has been sparse, but there is evidence he is now among the Blue Hills in Milton. Alan Mitchell has migrated north to Connecticut. The picture was the news as Bill Frenzel pored over notes at a recent conference on the budget in the House. A poor excuse, but Tom and Anne O'Connell missed reunion because of an engagement in Alaska more later.
Notes on the executive committee meeting have been excised and will be reported next month.
The winter mini-reunion is set for the Hanover Inn on February 26-28, 1982. Two hockey games against Princeton and Cornell are the prime attraction; the crowds at Thompson rival those we remember at Baker. Skiing is set at Eastman's. The weather is guaranteed not to be bitter. Cold, perhaps; but not bitter.
He had sent his reservations. We looked for him but missed him at reunion. The reason just became clear, for Bernard J. (Nink) Hoy Jr. succumbed to a massive heart attack in early May. Now we miss him more.
The year ends. Night falls early. Snow dusts the campus and the land. Lights twinkle the season's cheer. Wassail. May your holiday .be bright. Wassail.
510 Hillcrest Road Ridgewood, N.J. 07450
