1927

FIFTY-FIFTH REUNION

We did it again or rather you did the same as at our 50th, by having the largest number in Dartmouth's history ever to return to a 55th reunion. The 67 classmates, 54 wives, nine widows, and 14 assorted relatives added up to 144. Kudos go to chief planners Steve Tracy and Frank Strong, as well as to Jay Willing, Tom Gillespie, Chuck Brewster, and Gordon Smith.

It was a glorious three days with plenty of action, ample time for visiting with old friends, and an eventful time for 1927 in several special respects. Aside from breaking the attendance record, the class was honored when the College's Alumni Award was presented to Larry Scammon. Also, we gained a representative on the Alumni Council with the election of Chuck Baker.

Here's how things looked at 11:00 a.m. on Friday as we drove up to Middle Fayer. On our left was the large reunion tent; over the dorm door were the large numerals '27; and beside the front steps was a table at which were seated two undergrads who welcomed us and directed us to the registration office inside. There was Steve Tracy in full charge, Jay Willing checking off names and collecting money, and alongside him Brad Fuller busily passing out name tags, favors, and envelopes containing tickets, programs, and instructions. For the men, the favor was a Dartmouth belt complete with money pouch, and for the women, a tote bag. Each of these items was green and embossed with our attractive reunion logo, designed by Gordon Smith and reproduced at the bottom of the next column.

The first official function was a luncheon for the Tuck majors. Crowds were now beginning to gather and many joined in a bus tour of the campus and surrounding countryside for a view of the many new buildings. At 5:00 p.m. we all strolled across the campus for the first formal class gathering a welcoming cocktail party at Thayer- Hall.' After thoroughly enjoying the open bar amid much greeting and chatting, we were treated to a fine roast beef dinner. Afterwards we sauntered over to Webster Avenue for a reception at the president's house. Later, one of Steve Tracy's standby limos taxied us to Hopkins Center for a superb concert by the combined men's and women's glee club. This full day ended with beer and drinks of your choice in the tent for those who still had energy to spare.

Saturday was another busy day. It began with a sumptuous cafeteria breakfast in Thayer Hall and continued with a touching memorial service in Rollins Chapel conducted by the Reverend Charles Brewster, with Allice Wormser at the organ. Next was the class picture on the steps of Webster Hall, following which we all strolled across campus, unchanged in five and a half decades, to Hopkins Center for the business meeting.

The meeting, chaired by president Ken to attend for reasons of health, the treasurer's report was summarized by your secretary. Following lowing the report, Tom Gillespie reminded us that Gus has faithfully served as the class treasurer for 59 years, since September 1923, the longest term ever served by a class treasurer in Dartmouth's history. Tom then read a framed citation to be mailed to Gus in appreciation. This announcement was greeted by a prolonged and rising vote of acclamation.

The next order of business was Ken Murray's presentation of a citation to Dudley Bonsai in recognition of his many years of distinguished service as a judge on the federal bench. Then Tom Gillespie presented the book The Collegeon the Hill by Ralph Nading Hill to Ken Murray in recognition of his ten years as class president. Both of these presentations were followed by rising votes of approval and most of those present later autographed Ken's book.

Reporting for the fall reunion committee, Frank Strong reminded us that the date for the upcoming reunion was October 15, for the Harvard game. And after a brief discussion it was voted to hold the 1983 reunion on October 8, the date of the William and Mary game. Head Class Agent Bob Williamson reported for the Alumni Fund by stating that 1927 had already exceeded its dollar objective but was considerably behind in participation. He urged those who had not already given to get their pledges in the mail without further delay.

The report of Rog Bury for the nominating committee was prefaced by the note that neither Gus Cummings, because of his own health, nor Ken Murray, because of the health of his wife Ruth, felt able to continue in office for another term. The following slate was unanimously approved: President Paul Hannah, Vice President Robert Long, Secretary Erwin Paddock, Treasurer James Willing, Newsletter Editor Thomas Gillespie, Head Agent Robert Williamson, Bequest Chairman Paul O'Connell, Dick's House Chairman Lawrence Scammon, Fall Reunion Co-chairmen Frank Strong and Thomas Gillespie, and Alumni Councilor Charles Baker. The new executive committee consists of: Doane Arnold, Dudley Bonsai, Charles Bartlett, Norman Page, Stephen Tracy, Thomas Gillespie, Donald McCall, Roger Bury, Dow Mills, Howard Mullin, Bruce McKennan, and Kenneth Murray.

For lunch on Saturday, the class took over the Hanover Inn dining room and then moved to Hopkins Center for the combined meeting of all reuning alumni, where we were privileged to hear from President David McLaughlin.

The main event of the weekend just has to have been the Saturday night banquet, also at Thayer Hall, where Chuck Baker was in fine form as emcee. The highlight was the presentation, by Michael McGean '49, secretary of the alumni, to Larry Scammon of the Alumni Award for distinguished service to the College. Eddie Chamberlain '36, former director of admissions, was the main speaker and provided a light and interesting touch with his anecdotes of many past and present Hanover personages. Entertainment was provided by the Dartmouth Aires, a group of eight undergraduate singers. Paul O'Connell reported for his bequest committee that gifts to date to the 1927 Funding Associates totaled $2,373,000. Appreciation was also expressed to Dot and Larry Leavitt '25, both present, for their continued support of Dick's House.

Showers were threatening on Sunday morning so the ceremonies of the 212th graduation were moved indoors to Thompson Arena. After the ceremony, many classmates had to leave for home, but a respectable number did remain for final adieus, a last lunch at Thayer, and to pull down the curtain on another great reunion.

See you in 1987 at the 60th!

Greetings (above) and grins (below) appeared tobe the order of the day as a record-breakingcrowd of 144 gathered for 1927's 55th.

Murray, was routine except for the following: On behalf of Gus Cummings, who was unable

11 Rolling Lane Way land, Mass. 01778

"BRIDGE THE] GAP!" 1927 1982 Return To Our 55th.. Next June 11—13