1938
The great sportswriter Red Smith used to say, "Writing a column is easy. All you do... is sit down to a typewriter, open a vein, and bleed." A warm note from Bob Reeve ('38 president-elect) urged me to have second thoughts about being class secretary: "You will enjoy it!"
When I submitted the class notes for October, I was heading home from Minnesota. Spent a wonderful night with Fran Reilly at his home in Barrington, Ill. He cooks a mean steak and serves a complete, if rapid, breakfast. Fran is currently chairing the Harvard Law Society of Illinois.
Congratulations to Bill Bronk, winner of the 1982 American Book Award for Poetry. Bill received the award for his tenth volume of poetry, Life Supports: New and Collected Poems, published by North Point Press. American Book Awards are to the literary world what Oscars are to the movies. One critic, writing in The Nation, said of him, "He is, at this moment, our most significant poet." Bill recently retired from operating Bronk Coal and Lumber Company of Hudson Falls, N.Y.
Ernie Hartung received an honorary doctor of administrative science degree during the 87th annual commencement exercises of the University of Idaho last spring. Ernie has a history of more than 17 years of service to U.I., first as president from 1965 to 1967 and then as executive director of the U.I. Foundation until his retirement in 1982. He played a significant role in bringing U.I. from its position as an insulated university to being a major regional university in both activity and spirit, with a worldwide reputation for academics and research.
Apologies to Chuck Ervin of Sun City, Ariz. Chuck sent the ALUMNI MAGAZINE a snapshot of a modest group of Dartmouths who got together last spring on the Royal Viking Star's trans-canal cruise that limped into Port Everglades on two and a half engines a day late. He identified Ralph Van Orsdel, "looking as though he had just picked up the check," and himself looking, "as though someone had awakened me before I quite finished my nap."
The letter was passed on to me with the information that the picture could not be printed in the MAGAZINE because it was in color. Sorry it has turned out to be such a long, drawn-out cruise, Chuck.
Lou Fortuna represented Dartmouth at the inauguration of Betty L. Siegel as president of Kennesaw College in Georgia on April 30. Lou is now living in Roswell, Ga.
Bert MacMannis '37 sent along a picture that was on the front page of the Paris Herald-Tribune of July 17, saying, "If it isn't Roy Duckworth, I will be amazed. This should go into the 1938 archives." The picture: George Shultz (Roy Duckworth?) with President Reagan at his side. I have sent it along to Dan Marshall, who may be able to pick it up in the "Pace-Setter."
Class Treasurer Bob Ross, now retired and living the rural life in Maine, sent a heartwarming appeal offering the Amazing '38ers an opportunity to join one of the world's most exclusive clubs. The dues: $15, which work many wonders. Where else can you get a magazine equal to the ALUMNI MAGAZINE (including your class notes) for so little money? Don't be bashful when you send in your dues. Be sure and jot down some news about yourself on the back of the notice.
Twenty-two couples and four bachelors are recorded as having turned out for the class fall mini-reunion, which operated from Lake Morey Inn the weekend of October 2. Thursday: golf, followed by a class dinner. Friday: a fabulous reception hosted by Ginny and Phil Leach at their Lake Morey home, followed by dinner and dancing back at the inn. It was amazing how many members of'38 took several turns about the floor. A special tribute was paid to Clark Barrett for his quiet yet persistent leadership as class president. Saturday: a rousing pre-game tail-gate session hosted by Alec Jones at the home of Gil Tanis, who was out of town (Europe). Dick Francis was appointed, unanimously, to chair the 1983 fall mini-reunion. Incidentally, it was the Colgate weekend! The weather was beautiful and the foliage just beginning to turn.
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