1926

FIFTY-FIFTH REUNION

From Maine to California, Florida to Minnesota, and from 16 states in between, 128 members of the 1926 family came to Hanover June 12 to set a new attendance record for a 55th reunion. Greeted at Fayerweather headquarters by "The Committee" (who extracted a modest fee), we were supplied keys for dormitory living, Dartmouth belts for the men, handwrought sterling silver bracelets for the "Jazz Age" wives, and promises for a great weekend.

To see changed Dartmouth and environs, some took afternoon tours guided by undergraduates, and the ones who cordially saw to our every need were Chris Hull '83, Nancy Challener '82, Anne Davidson '83, and Chaz Blackmore '83 (Hub and Det Harwood's grandson).

At sundown, festivities commenced at Thayer Hall with both a homecoming cocktail party and a buffet roast beef dinner. Later, President and Mrs. Kemeny held their "at home" at the Top of the Hop (light rain having intervened), which graduating class members, parents, and alumni attended in large numbers. Many of the class enjoyed the Dartmouth Glee Club concert in Spaulding Auditorium, after which we adjourned to the '26 tent — our Fayerweather gathering spot complete with piano, beer, etc.

Saturday morning, all met for breakfast at Thayer, which was followed by the class meeting at 105 Dartmouth Hall. Chair Tubber Weymouth kept the ritual short-lived, with the incumbent class officers named to continue until our next reunion, and with the election of a 14 member executive committee (complete listing in July "Smoke Signals").

Our memorial service was held at the White Church (the historic Church of Christ at Dartmouth College, which was gathered January 23, 1771, by Eleazar Wheelock). Pastor Park P. Dickerson conducted the beautiful, thoughtful service, and Dick Eberhart took part with the reading of some of his poems. After the class picture on Webster Hall steps, we were guests of the College for the alumni dinner at the Hanover Inn main dining room, and it was followed by the annual meeting of the General Association of Alumni in Spaulding Auditorium.

Next was a reception in the very attractive alumni lounge of the Blunt Alumni Center, named for our outstanding classmate Carle Blunt. Ad Winship, vice president of the College and good friend of 1926, joined our party and paid high tribute to Carle and his family for all they have done for Dartmouth. Gob DesMarais was also recognized by the College with a citation for his 20 years' service in the field of continued education since his retirement from business. Gob continues to teach economics, English, and psychology in specialized classes at York College in Rock Hill, S.C.

Class dinner at Thayer was a happy gathering with two impressive announcements: a recordbreaking $215,263 Alumni Fund effort by the class under A1 Louer's continued leadership, and a $3,058,182 contribution to the College under the Class of 1926 Funding Associates program chaired by Charlie Bishop. For this good news and for the great work of the reunion committee (Art and Inez Wilcox, chairs, and Les and Dot Talbot, financiers), and Charlie and Helen McKenna, planners of memorial service, at al.), cheerleader BillHughes, as of yore, led some resounding cheers from those we learned as freshmen. Art told us how much interest was stirred by his eight regional assistants. The Dartmouth Aires came and delighted us with songs from Carnival shows, selected by Dick Major, who, unfortunately, was unable to attend reunion.

The '26 tent was the locale from then on, with Gob DesMarais, chorister, and DonSteele, retired Nugget pianist, both in action; Laurel and Hardy movies and class movies of the twenties; a few appearances in 1922 fashions in response to Art's challenge (Helen McKenna, winner, with Det Harwood as close contender); and George Scott wearing his 15th reunion jacket both he and the jacket in excellent shape.

Commencement on Sunday was held on Baker lawn in spite of iffy weather, 1926 now qualifying for front row seats even receiving applause when following the 50-year class into position. Our luncheon location in the Bema was scratched because of dubious weather and the celebration was held at Thayer, bringing to a close a great reunion of a great class.

2he fifty-fifth reunion called forth a good showing from the class of 1926.

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