1947

You'll note that I am listed above now as (acting) class secretary. It is a job I fell into since it needs to be done, and also since this column is necessary in support of our coming reunion, which event is really my primary chore. I have tried to impart visions of Hanover and New Hampshire in previous columns, feeling that enticement to a "place" is part of what brings classmates back to Dartmouth. I find I am enjoying this bit of writing, my first-ever attempt at columns like this.

I hope I may be excused if I dwell entirely on our coming reunion with '48 and '49 on June 13—16, 1983. The reason for this is that for our class exciting things seem to be happening.

Our last reunion mailing went out over Thanksgiving. I did that mailing myself, because I had special words for various classmates. A computer-automated run just can't cough out individual notes, so I wrote a personal note on each of 620 letters, and stuffed and licked all the envelopes.

My reason for recounting this is as background for the responses I am about to share.

Prior to the mailing we had about 59 classmates definitely planning to attend, 50 who hoped it would be possible, and 50 who responded no. I have received a flood of cards, including many repeats, but essentially now we have about 60 yes, 60 maybe, and 100 no. In terms of five years ago at our 30th we have slightly more planning to come, but double the number who've said they're not coming. I think this is great progress considering our class entering and graduating patterns. We've heard from about 50 classmates who have never written or responded to a mailing. Not too bad! And most are jotting notes on the card as to why they can't come, or that they'll come next time. I glean two ideas from all this: People write if written to on a personal basis, and a lot of people care and appreciate the material, more so than we may imagine.

We who do the writing can take heart. You who do the reading take note: We appreciate your responding to us. I know this goes for Townes Harris and Ginny Mather, our newsletter writers. Do it now.

Now to share some news:

O. B. Butler can't attend has a Procter and Gamble board of directors meeting at the same time.

Dan Carroll sent regrets; he will be in Europe for a board of directors meeting.

Cyrus Helm is unable to come, but said it sounds like a great reunion. (Sounds like he'll make our next one.)

Nip Hoernel and Connie are in education, and reunion is at an impossible time for a midweek event.

Bob Morison has a labor union contract expiring then, and negotiations will take all his time.

John Rogers will be overseas with the U.S. Navy until June 30, but he does hope to attend the 40th.

Roe Black said that a grandchild expected in Arizona has first call - but he wishes he could attend.

Bob Bohn appreciated the note he can't come but it sounds like next time will be better.

Bob Kirsch says that June for a caterer (he and Abbie are in this together) is the Christmas season.

Bud Nossiter sent regrets; his work at the United Nations for The New York Times won't permit this timing.

Don Arel wants us all to have fun, but he can't be there.

Skip Dickinson would like to but can't but appreciated the note.

Art Diemer said it sounds great, but is impossible this year.

Len Grimes will be in Yucatan in March and at a Kiwanis International convention in Austria in July. (We'd like to hear more of this when you have time, Len.)

Vic Brum can't come because of illness in the family.

David M. Russell wrote in halting, sloping letters, his own hand, that he has multiple sclerosis and is in a wheelchair. He'd like to attend but cannot ask his wife to push him around.

Classmates, maybe the last two on this list could receive a note from those who know them. Illness, in particular multiple sclerosis, demands something from a person and a family; very few realize the courage needed to face these things.

Vince Prendeville, Mort Morrison, and Ev Nordstrom all have something in common besides a class. Vince has a daughter to give in marriage the weekend before reunion, Mort has a daughter getting married June 11, and Ev writes that his son will also be married in New Hampshire the 11th, and that Everett and Mary will celebrate their 35th at our 35th. Vince, Mort, and Ev are all planning to try to come.

Kent Tice writes that he will be on assignment in Saudi Arabia in June, but will be back at Eastman in New Hampshire in July.

Ending on a sad note: This writer was notified recently of the death of our classmate John Hawks. I attended the services celebrating his life. John was my first roommate in Crosby in 1943; he left early, for Navy service, and saw action in the China waters. We've been in touch over the years. He married Sally six years ago (first for each). John has been a writer, actor, and active church participant, and had engaged in politics in Massachusetts, as did Sally. He did not enjoy good health, and had heart attacks in 1974 and 1978. He adopted Bill (age 23) as his son this past year, and died December 14 of a heart attack suffered the previous evening. Good rest, John.

Keep the cards coming - even the "no's" are appreciated.

1947's 35th June 13-16, 1983

63 Maple Avenue Keene, N.H. 03431