1950

Picture the campus. Spring had come and shirt sleeves prevailed. Late February and no snow, no ice. No ice except for a puddle where the carnival statue had stood on a barren Green a week earlier.

Rains threatened for the entire trip north. Then, after months of drought, the deluge. For- tunately, the heaviest showers fell at night. On the Connecticut huge blocks of ice choked and dammed the rivers, flooding the lowlands.

Late February and no duckboards, even in the rain. The trick: all-weather walks. But a misstep led to the old familiar, treacherous schlurpy goo. The mud season is still a reality in the North Country.

The winter mini-reunion continues to grow as an event under the aegis of Len Matless. At one time or another more than 25 classmates, their wives, and progeny participated in the functions lined up for our enjoyment. The far roamers were Jim and Biz Birney, who flew in from Minneapolis to join the festivities. American Express advertises "get-away weekends." None could surpass the refreshing environment of Hanover. Even in the rain in mid-winter the place charms. A weekend is too short; a week would not suffice.

Completing and approving reunion plans drawn up by Dave Taylor constituted the prin- cipal business of the executive committee meeting. The three days are designed for con- viviality from morn 'til dawn. And the price of $120 per adult head is a bargain. The schedule even allots time for reflection to revisit a Great Issue, the reality of China in its new role today. A reading list will enhance our perspectives.

The 30th Reunion for the Class of 1950

Discussing our participation in Dartmouth's "living endowment" is a vital part of every meeting. This year three drives converge the Alumni Fund, reunion giving, and the capital gifts campaign. Yet really there is only one purpose, and your gift to one drive is automatically ascribed to the others.

The class of 1950 stands tall in its generosity to the College. At the moment we rank fifth among all classes in total giving to the Campaign for Dartmouth. Still, we have set a tough standard for our 30th reunion gift $500,000. The critical issue is participation, particularly to recapture 100 or more classmates who, for one reason or myriad, have failed to heed the challenge in recent years. Joel Leavitt and Eric Miller, who spend hours agonizing about ways to convince each of us to give as best we can, have noted that our 30th " ... is a time to reflect upon the value of those four years we spent at the College and to refresh our ties to the inspirational moments of our youth."

The last important item of business was Alex Hoffman's report on the Class of 1950 Award, which will be presented at various times to one or more classmates who have significantly contributed to society in any field. For the award Alex's committee has commissioned a young New Hampshire artist, Robert Day, to produce an original work evocative of Hanover or Dartmouth. The first award will be presented at the class banquet during reunion.

At least one voice has been raised contesting whether the Iranian hostage settlement sacrificed the constitutional rights of Americans. Iran owed money to a U.S. firm. Iranian funds had been frozen in a Trenton bank. When the Treasury Department planned to return the funds to Iran, U.S. District Court Judge Lee Sarokin protested. Consequently, the U.S. firm was paid. Reflecting that the hostage agreement raises serious legal questions, Lee stated, "The concept that decisions of the courts on substantial constitutional issues should be influenced by means of international diplomacy is frightening." In the next round Lee will support Eastern cities versus the Census Bureau.

There is a Giraffe Society. At least there was one - the brain child of Bob Shnayerson - to honor gutsy Americans. "The central defect of American life today," Bob observed when announcing the society's first members, "is a pervasive reluctance to take risks for the common good." Bob may deserve membership himself, except that the society may now be defunct, for his stand against his former employer, Quest (see last month's column).

"Stranger in the Land" (ALUMNI MAGAZINE, Jan/Feb 1981) reveals a bond between the classes of 1887 and 1950. Were you perceptive?

Tidbits here and there: Phil W. Brown's note was short, to the point, "Yep! I'll be there in '81!" Talk about lifestyles: Walt Lindenthal, the new president and chief operating officer of the distribution division of Contemporary Book, Inc., commutes from home in New Jersey to his office in Chicago. Wes and Betty Carr plan not to miss the 30th. The skipper gets the credit, but Fritz Jewett was an important cog behind the scenes in Enterprise's victory in the America's Cup races last fall. Firm plans about reunion are still due from Curt Kimball. London is the jumping off point for Jim Harm's extensive trips to the Persian Guif and various points in Africa for Chevron; in June it's Hanover and reunion. Newc Eldredge reports that Chuck Carpenter is now vice president in charge of sales for Nicro/Fico, a marine hardware company. From Israel Dave Hitchcock returns to a post in Tokyo - after the 30th.

Only yesterday the cycle began. The season was autumn, and June was an eon away. The months tick off - how quickly when the calendar paces the metronome. And now our moment of remembrance and renewal is only weeks away. Though time tolls on relentlessly, there is still time to set your plans to come; there is still a place for you.

The buds freshen and burgeon as the gentle rains nurture, as the climbing sun warms. Cardinals sing in the oak again. It is time to rejoice as spring advances. Enjoy yourself.

a touch of class

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