1917

SIXTY-FIFTH REUNION

Is it possible that 69 years ago this coming September, most of the class of 1917 arrived by train in Lewiston Station and crossed the old covered wooden Ledyard Bridge to the tune of rattling overhead wires and with the floor waving in a sea-sickening manner? Then, that with all our baggage, we climbed that awful hill known as East Wheelock Street up to the campus? It did happen, and this past June we met for our 65th reunion!

There were 18 classmates, widows, and guests who came by car or plane to take part in the affair. Those present were Helen Brooks, Phil Evans, his son Phil Jr. and daughter Josephine, Dick and Altha Holbrook, Ruby Maclntyre and guest Phillis White, Mary McCulloch, Len and Laurene Reade, Ralph and Ethel Sanborn, Lucile Towler and her granddaughter Jill, Alden Vaughan, Waltman Walters, and Phil Woodwell. Our student helper Adam Stanford was all that "anyone could ask for quiet but efficient and always ready to give assistance in transportation and other kindnesses even without being asked. He also sang in the Glee Club concerts both Friday and Saturday nights.

Our Friday roast beef dinner and breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday mornings were buffet style at Thayer Dining Hall. All meals were plentiful in choice and quantity, and we owe our thanks to all for the help involved.

Saturday was the busy day. The memorial service was held in the Inn room assigned to our class and was most carefully carried out by the Reverend James Foster, associate chaplain of the College. A young woman furnished the music at the piano. Shortly after this we held a class meeting which was rather brief and left your present class officer holding all his positions for the next five years. We shall all be about 90 years old by 1987, but the class of 1912 managed a 70th reunion, so why not strive for it ourselves.

Our class picture was taken on the Hanover Inn steps with the old coach as a backdrop. Probably this was appropriate, since such a vehicle was in use in our early days. Dexter Pierce of Hanover takes very good pictures, for which we thank him.

The alumni luncheon for our class was held in the Inn dining room, where we had a fine meal in very pleasant surroundings. Our evening class dinner was served in our headquarters room at the Inn, with two tables for nine each in order to give a more family atmosphere. We all enjoyed the stuffed chicken breasts with all the fixings. The best part was the lively conversation which we were able to carry out. All the diners were so congenial that it seemed as if we were in college again.

President and Mrs. McLaughlin were able to receive the host of reunion celebrants on a beautiful night. As we walked around the lovely gardens and lush green grass, we found a welcome relief from the lined-up cars and teeming traffic in the town. About 9:30 p.m. most of us went to hear the Dartmouth Glee Club sing a varied program which appealed to everyone. The weather changed from a nice Saturday to a cool and foggy Sunday morning. The clouds were so theatening that it was decided that commencement exercises should be held in Thompson Arena. That meant that no alumni procession was possible, since those in line would have to go down the long flight of concrete steps to the floor of the arena. The commencement speeches were short and pithy, but the procession of graduate students and 912 seniors walking up to receive their diplomas was very long. The singing of "Men of Dartmouth" ended the ceremonies. It was a thrilling sight to look upon the arena packed with people and even with a great many standing behind the railing at the top of the rows of seats. Adam deftly steered Helen, Mary, and me to the car and drove us back to the Inn. Walt had to leave early to catch a plane.

Thanks here should be tendered to David Orr '57, associate secretary of the College, who has charge of all the reunions. He takes care of so many details such as tents, pianos, speakers, ministers, and transportation. He is always at the right place at the right time, with his cordial and unruffled manner, ready to help.

It was a hale and hearty crew of seven 'llers (and friends) that posed in front of the old stagecoach on the Hanover Inn steps at their 65th.

Village Apartments #12 Hanover, N.H. 03755