1922
Checkout girls in Cambridge supermarkets traditionally contend that Harvard boys cannot count and M.I.T. lads cannot read. And now, bleary-eyed from checking 1922 class records, one Dartmouth stripling is allergic to checkout girls everywhere.
Before our 60th reunion — naturally you remember the dates well, June 11-13 — your scribe deemed it appropriate to make a final check of our class roster. Well, reconciliation of four differing records confirms that 1922 has 500 names on its list for attendance of anywhere from a few weeks to four years or more at the College. And further eyestrain reveals that most likely 267 members of the class received degrees. "Most likely," because maybe as many as 40 of the 267 graduates received degrees in years after 1922, most in 1923, but some later, and one even in 1934. Likewise, at our commencement, June 17, 1922, a dozen or more members of previous classes received degrees. And men who entered with one class but graduated with another sometimes switched their adherence from one to the other. These complications produce an acute "needle in the haystack" syndrome, and considering the present salary, your scribe decided to forego further research while he was still fairly compos mentis. So, kindly accept 500 as the class total and 267 as the number of graduates — at least until you hire someone who can read and count.
The important fact, however, is that as of March 31, 1982, the 1922 family consists of 15 1 living alumni (90 grads, 59 non, and two adoptions) and 92 widows. And many of the class are coming back to reunion in the hope of seeing you.
It's difficult to imagine anyone in the '22 family suffering from shyness, but if there is and he or she is coming to reunion, a few hints may be helpful. As women instinctively know, the way to impress men is to tell them as little as possible, but to ask question after question. Nor are men barred from playing the same game. So, here are a few exemplary questions guaranteed to leave lasting impressions long after reunion, to:
John Kemeny, "What was the highest award you ever received?" Some years ago he said it was his adoption by the class of 1922, but Jean has since been adopted by the class of 1953. Hope this is never a generation gap.
Sterry Waterman, "As a federal judge did you hear any cases outside St. Johnsbury?" He presided mostly in New York City where he completely confounded newspaper reporters by answering the telephone himself.
Ike Miller, "Have you ever flown much?" General Ike was a world-wide commuter in the Air Force; now Jane has him grounded in Peoria.
Jim Hamilton, "Do you think U.S. hospitals equal those of Bangladesh?" Internationally acknowledged as a founder of the profession of hospital adminisistration.
Carroll Dwight, "As Nan enjoys Dartmouth reunions, do you really enjoy Wellesley reunions?" Ask only if you can get Carroll alone.
Walt Sands, "Did you ever hear of a pure, completely unadulterated flour?" The president emeritus of King Arthur Flour will love you for this.
Bill Bullen, "Do you think Dartmouth's excellence has increased since 1922?" But Bill will not tell you of his life-long dedication to that cause.
Haskell Cohn, (1) "Do you know any com- petent lawyers in Boston?" and (2) "Confidentially, what is your opinion of Wellesley College?" (1) He's president emeritus of the Boston Bar Association, and (2) Harriet is a long-term Wellesley trustee.
Jack Dodd, "Is telephone service in New York as good as it was when you rang the bells?" That was when he was Manhattan, Bronx, Westchester vice president of New York Telephone Company.
Warren Daniell, "Is Jeanne really a better golfer than you?" Handle carefully; Hanoverians say it's true.
Rex Malmquist, "What city in the U.S. ranks first in education?" Norwalk, Conn., where he was principal of the high school for 26 years.
Ray Atwood, "Do you and Doris really enjoy rock music?" They've been Boston Symphony buffs for years beyond memory.
Killy Kilmarx, (1) "What decor would you suggest for my Quonset hut?" and (2) "Is Smith or Wellesley your favorite women's college?" (1) He's president of New York's most prestigious interior decorating firm, and (2) Helen is president of her class at Yassar.
Spenny Smith, "Is it true Marj married you because your name is Smith?" Marj, like all Smiths, is affirmatively inclined toward Sophia Smith.
But please don't ask Spenny, "In this, our 60th reunion year and the last year of the Campaign for Dartmouth, does it make any difference if I give less or don't give at all to the 1982 Alumni Fund?" We want to keep both Spenny, and Dartmouth, Undying.
June 11-13 — if this be a last hurrah, let's make it loud and clear for Dartmouth.
11 Brockway Road Hanover, N.H. 03755
