1938
FORTY-FIFTH REUNION
"Class, charm, charisma" is the way Lucretia Harrison '82, head worker at the class tent, described the Amazing Class of '38 after four days of exposure to 231 persons: 119 classmates, 104 wives, four widows, and four guests. Bill Norcross and his wife traveled from Hawaii only to be grounded in Concord, N.H., when his wife broke her leg.
Arriving Monday, June 14, in front of Streeter, we were warmly greeted by Bob Reeve and Johnny Johnson, issued papers, white jackets and hats, and referred to the complaint desk for size changes. Bob, Johnny, and Gene Waggaman did a supurb job, assisted by Jim Chandler, Bob Foley, Jack Graham, Asher Lans, Phil Leach, Bud Lynch, Hank McDuff, Sandy Mills, John Tower, Carl von Pechmann, and Ed White. Off to find our lodgings.
Back for the class reception and more examination of name tags. It was my first five-year reunion and called for many close looks, but Bob had made sure all names were in very large print. Next, to the alumni dinner with '36, '37, and '42 in the new Thompson Arena. Wow! Another first. We walked in on ground level and froze when we looked at the sight below a sea of tables, candles, and white linen. A grand dinner, a great mixture of classes. We were charmed by Ginny Mercer, who drove us to the President's home for a garden reception, and charmed by President Dave, too.
Once more to Hopkins for an exciting and fun concert by the Dartmouth Glee Club. Back to the tent. Many drifted off early, but others were lured to the '36 tent by the music and dancing, which some of our members complained plained kept them awake. Are we getting older?
Tuesday, June 15, was a full day. Our memorial service was held at Rollins Chapel at 9:00 a.m. The officiant, the Reverend Roy B. Chamberlain. His simple and moving service gave us time to reflect on the 155 classmates who have died. The singing of "Dartmouth Undying" was truly moving.
Again to Hopkins for the president's talk. Right to the point and no holds barred. He gave special recognition to the following men of '38 for their years of service as officers of the College: Dave Bradley, Bill Mosenthal, John Rand, John Scotford, Gil Tanis, and Ted Thorne.
Our class meeting was in Dartmouth Hall, conducted by Clark Barrett. Dick Holt and Gil Tanis assured us that our goal of $258,038 would be reached. (On July 14 it was reported that 359 classmates and widows had contributed 1276,079 for a new 45th reunion giving record. Congratulations!) Officers elected: president. Bob Reeve (to succeed Clark in June 1983); vice president, Bob Hallock; secretary, Gus Hennessey; treasurer, Bob Ross. The executive committee consists of: Henry Beck, Bob Foley, Dick Holt, Phil Leach, Hank McDuff, Tom McGrath, Wright Mallory, Bob Manegold, Frank Mills, Hal Pabst, Bob Reeve, John Scotford, Gil Tanis, and Carl von Pechmann, plus the officers above. Appointments: head agent, Dick Holt; newsletter editor, Dan Marshall; bequest chair, Bob Manegold; class representative to the Alumni Council, Bob Reno; and widows committee chair, Ginny Mercer. Particular tribute was paid to Jim Briggs, retiring secretary, and Gus Southworth, retiring treasurer, for their many years of dedicated service. Meeting adjourned.
There was a quick move to Storrs Pond for a joint class picnic. Music, food, and beverage during one of the sunny periods. We did not have a class picture taken.
Next a reception at Collis Center, where you blew butter-laden straws at the ceiling when it was Commons, and then across the street to our class dinner at Thayer. Informal remarks by President Dave, and a resounding speech by Bob Reeve. Back to Collis and entertainment of music and a trivia, quiz from the "Smith Street Society Band." Dick Francis seemed to take most of the prizes. A conga line led by Jack Graham and/or Ed White started, at which point the band disappeared. Back to the tent.
Wednesday, June 16, another first: the Art Koeppel Film Festival. Art put three reels together, taking us from matriculation to graduation, including a great sequence on Carnival. Many saw themselves, and in positions not exactly posed. But oh, the long black line at graduation, even unto Bema. Art caught us all, but you had to look fast to catch yourself.
John Merrill and Dave Bradley participated in a panel, "The Arms Race And You." Dave said it all in his No Plate To Hide, published in 1948. The afternoon activities and polo game at Quechee Club were rained out, but no Amazing '38 spirits were dampened as we gathered there for dinner, which was highlighted by the "Second Big Giveaway Raffle," conducted by master giveawayer Ed White.
And, finally, breakfast at the tent on Thursday, June 17. Goodbyes were not easy, but the bond of '38 was strengthened.
Reminder: mini-reunion, October I—2 (Colgate game) at Lake Morey Inn.
On July 24 I learned from Fran Reilly of the sudden death of his wife Beverly. Both Fran and Bev were at reunion. Our deepest sympathy to Fran and their children, Martha and John.
Four (mostly) beautiful days in June foundmembers of the class of 1937 spending a gooddeal of time in al fresco settings.
94-17 Wakelee Road Waterbury, Conn. 06705
