1940

A thing of beauty is a joy forever; Its loveliness increases: It never will Pass into nothingness. "John Keats's words provide a measure of comfort today. What Hugh's life brought to ours can never be taken away.

"I only knew Hugh for the last six years of his life, but I felt a closeness to him that one experiences with life-long friends. Hugh was a loyal and proud alumnus of Dartmouth College, class of 1940. He served his college in many capacities as a volunteer and was president of his class from 1977 until his death."

These remarks were delivered at services in memory of Hugh Dryfoos at the Harmonie Club in New York City four days after his death on September 18 by Mike Choukas Jr. '51, a good friend and campus-based associate of Hugh's in his specialized work for Dartmouth. Mike added: "I know that it is difficult to associate sadness with Hugh. He was always such an up-beat person to be around." He recalled Hugh's vitality and enthusiasm, so much a part of his make-up.

Until he drew his last breath, and in spite of the great discomfort experienced in his struggle against cancer, Hugh was an inspiring example of courage and determination. These same attributes were applied in the leadership and the responsibilities assumed by him for his class.

Mike Choukas was joined on the podium by Arthur Sulzberger, a family friend, and Jim Loeb, a life-long friend dating back to early childhood. The tributes were beautiful and were shared by Joyce and Elmer Browne, Hugh's Russell Sage roommate, Al Eiseman,Bud Hewitt, and Crosbie and Bob MacMillen. To his family - Joan and sons Mark (Dartmouth M.A.L.S. '81) and Jeffrey we extend thanks from his class for that portion of his life we shared and offer sincere expression of sympathies for their great loss. Hugh's family has requested that any memorial gifts be made to Dartmouth College.

A pall was cast over the meeting of the class executive committee on September 17 by the knowledge that Hugh was in failing health. Though just how bad was his condition was was not known, Bob MacMillen made known a request by Hugh to be relieved of the office of president, to which he had been elected. The 22 class members gathered for the meeting, by unanimous action, had a resolution struck in appreciation to Hugh, this to be hand-delivered to him at the beginning of the week following. Accomplishment of this was not to be; however, a formalized document is being prepared and will be presented to Joan as a remember ance from all of us. Elmer Browne ageed to be the replacement for Hugh during the remainder of his term, which expires at the time of our 45th reunion in June of 1985.

Other business accomplished at the meeting included the selection of the 45th reunion chairman, Jack McDonald. Stet Whitcher's treasurer's report was read and accepted. Of interest to each of us is the fact that the tower of Baker Library is now lit each evening of the year instead of on a few selected evenings as in the past. This is made possible by contributions from the 1940 class treasury. Studies are under way to determine how this may be accomplished in perpetuity.

It was a great gathering of the clan for the mini-reunion. The festivities were off to a roaring start Friday evening with cocktails and a sumptuous repast at the Inn with 51 persons on hand. Included were Ray Hotaling's brother Bill '41 and his wife Jean, recent arrivals to Hanover living; Bill Reardon's sister Betty Woodman and her husband Bill; and Gina (de Sieyes) with her husband Bill Risley '39. Oscar Acer was on hand, seemingly well recovered from quintuple by-pass surgery last May. Recently retired Howie Tallmadge with wife Kate, Fred and Peggy Eaton, Bertand Peg Blake, Eben and Mevie Cockley,Dave Davenport with wife Carol, Scotty andLoomie Rogers, and Dink and Dolly Weiner made for a broader, and most welcome, class representation than is usual. Bill Duncan was marking time in anticipation of his departure for a tour of the country in his newly acquired Scout with a mobile home in tow, this to be accomplished over the ensuing nine months. Jack McDonald was accompanying Acer on his business beat and was contemplating a September 30 retirement from the publishing business. Bill and Nancy Bumsted, irregular regulars, were on hand with a new home address at 530 Indian Harbor Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32963. And how great to find Ruby Rainie in our midst again. The rest, too numerous to mention within our alloted space, wouldn't miss a mini-reunion without a very good cause. Their names have appeared here with great regularity in the past and form the rock-bound nucleus of 1940 mini-reunions. Omission of their names this time around will have to be excused due to space limitations.

Events have altered the contents of this column materially. Certain people have provided great input, some of it most timely. My apologies for having to place these stories on the back burner for just one more month. I direct them to Tom George, Karl Bruch, and Page Smith. Please bear with me.

Some of the '39ers on hand for the awarding of the 1983 "Classmate of the Year" award at this fall's mini-reunion included, in the picture on theleft, from left to right, Armando Chardiet, Fred Eaton, Clem Burnap, Bob and Shirley Howe, Ted Wolfe, Dusty and Happy Rohde, and Dot and Harry Conkle. Pictured above right are Endicott Smith, left, who chaired the awards committee and made this year's presentation, and DickJackson, right, the recipient of the honor.

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