1933
50TH REUNION
The class of 1933 has class. It also has eclat and even cohesiveness. The last was a word used several times by classmates to describe the feelings of all of us during our tremendous 50th. We are sticking together as we have done through our 54 years, and the adhesive is stronger than ever. Statistics to prove the point: 165 came back, accompanied by 141 family members; six widows joined us to bring our total to 312. For those numbers, we won the 1894 cup for the highest percentage of living alumni attending reunion (5 1 percent), and the 1930 cup for the most alumni returning. Some of us traveled from afar to come back; here are a few names and locales: Russ and Helen Ackerman and Ed and Ginny Wiedenhamer, among others, from Florida; Stu Durkee and others from California; Fred Helmholz, Lym and Willie Wakefield, and others from Minnesota; Win and Charlotte Rowe from Washington; and Charlie Hinds from Oregon.
At the class dinner Saturday night, a symbolic check was presented to President McLaughlin as our 50th reunion contribution. It was for $660,333. This, of course, is the largest amount ever given by 1933. It is also the largest amount ever given to Dartmouth by any 50-year class. Our heartfelt thanks go to Mannie Sprague, Bob Niebling, their helpers, and all of you who gave so generously.
One more set of statistics: 49 went on to Spalding Inn in Whitefield, NH, for three days of post-reunion golf, tennis, and R&R. Rolie Stevens was "odd man in."
As to reunion itself, the weather could not have been better the whole time. We signed in around noon Friday in front of Middle Mass, our headquarters. The males received tan hats, with Dartmouth '33-50 th headbands; the females received tote bags with a Dartmouth Hall patch. A nice touch was badges with names big enough to read at 50 paces and our pictures from the '33 Aegis pasted thereon.
Tennis and golf matches, arranged by Wood Foster and Jack Manchester, were already underway. Tuck School and Med School alums had special luncheons. Our first big group activity was a 3:00 p.m. panel chaired by Ken Spang. Van Collins (education), Dick Goldthwait (the changing earth), Pete Hart (Middle East turmoil), Mannie Sprague (the superpowers), and Paul Zamecnik (medicine) discussed "What's Ahead" in each area, now that we of' 33 have so much behind. In general, there was a feeling of great optimism about the future and the big changes possible.
Following a brief question period, some of your officers went to the president's home for the formal presentation of the '33 gift of the grand piano. Judy McLaughlin said she'd been a little too busy to take piano lessons as yet.
Your secretary stole time from a very full schedule to go to the Treasure Room of Baker Library, where writings and art work of classmates were on display. I can't enumerate all, but there were several volumes of Kimball Flaccus's poetry (Alice was one of the widows who came to reunion) and a vivid oil by Gene Kaplan. Later, everyone saw Gobin Stair's one-man show at the Hopkins Center. Gobin is a professional artist. His stunning pictures were shown in well-lighted cases in the foyer. In addition, at the tent, Mel Katz had gathered together old pictures and old issues of The Dartmouth, the Pictorial, and the Jack-o-Lantern, many sent by Don Wood; these drew much attention as the beer flowed.
There was a reception and dinner in Thayer that evening. It was then that you first realized what a big thing our 50th was to so many people. We were a smiling, talkative horde, greeting old friends, all starting to have a good time together.
Most of us chose to go to the Glee Club concert that night. It might have been a shock to some, seeing women and hearing their voices in a Dartmouth Glee Club, but it works extremely well. Our old Glee Clubbers Charlie Clark, Jeff Davis, Les Huntley, Bob Niebling, Bob Norton, Harry Osborne, and Bob Sands joined them on stage for the final Dartmouth medley.
Saturday morning called for breakfast at Thayer and then the memorial service in Rollins Chapel. Father Ted Purcell S.J. led the service. Sid Stoneman and Jack Manchester read Bible passages. Ro Burbank gave a short talk. Those of us not too choked up at the thought of those 234 who had gone on ahead sang "Men of Dartmouth."
Then we all gathered in front of Webster and our class picture was took.
On to Dartmouth Hall, for the class meeting. It was gratifying that all the families chose to attend. Cohesive! Amazingly, all officers were re-elected, plus a few additions: Jeff Davis as vice-president, John Monagan as assistant secretary, Wes Beattie as Alumni Councilor, and Jack Manchster as mini-reunion chairman. Emily Hobbs (Win's widow) was added to the executive committee. She has been extremely supportive of' 33 activities over the years.
We had Saturday luncheon with Hank Smith presiding. President McLaughlin and Jus Stanley, who gave the 50-year address, spoke, accompanied by slides showing us and Dartmouth that many years ago. That evening, there was a reception at the Top of the Hop, followed by dinner in Alumni Hall, presided over by John Monagan, in Sachem Orator style. The Class of '33 Awards were presented to Jeff Davis and Fran Harrington, for their years of service to College and class. Frank Hardy, appropriately enough, was awarded a Barbary Coast record for his "All in Key for '83" logo-type. The Aires sang for us, and then Ted Allen played while we satig including "Eleazar W."
At commencement exercises Sunday morning, our families were seated in a special section. We guys marched in two-by-two, some carrying our senior canes. We all stood as Justin A. Stanley '33 received the honorary degree of doctor of laws. Susan Monagan, daughter of John and Roz, received her B.A. Earlier, Ted Purcell had received honorary membership in Phi Beta Kappa.
Most of us moved to the shores of Occom Pond for a buffet lunch. President Page Worthington bade us fond adieu. Some went on to Spalding, the rest home. Best 50th I'll ever have!
With 165 classmates at reunion, the 50-yearclass boasted the highest percentage representation (52 percent) amottg all the 14 classes thatgathered in June. Enticing so many '33s back toHanover was an appealing range of activitieslined up by reunion chairman Jeff Davis, lowerright. Highlights of the weekend, going counterclockwise, included North Country weatherat its best for picnics and other outdoor affairs,seats of honor at commencement, the chance tostroll around the campus {or to just stand andadmire the scenery), the presentation of a grandpiano for President McLaughlin's home, andof course the opportunity for each '33there to engage in conversations and reminiscences with the other 164. Final assesstnent: agrand time!
With 165 classmates at reunion, the 50-yearclass boasted the highest percentage representation (52 percent) amottg all the 14 classes thatgathered in June. Enticing so many '33s back toHanover was an appealing range of activitieslined up by reunion chairman Jeff Davis, lowerright. Highlights of the weekend, going counterclockwise, included North Country weatherat its best for picnics and other outdoor affairs,seats of honor at commencement, the chance tostroll around the campus {or to just stand andadmire the scenery), the presentation of a grandpiano for President McLaughlin's home, andof course the opportunity for each '33there to engage in conversations and reminiscences with the other 164. Final assesstnent: agrand time!
With 165 classmates at reunion, the 50-yearclass boasted the highest percentage representation (52 percent) amottg all the 14 classes thatgathered in June. Enticing so many '33s back toHanover was an appealing range of activitieslined up by reunion chairman Jeff Davis, lowerright. Highlights of the weekend, going counterclockwise, included North Country weatherat its best for picnics and other outdoor affairs,seats of honor at commencement, the chance tostroll around the campus {or to just stand andadmire the scenery), the presentation of a grandpiano for President McLaughlin's home, andof course the opportunity for each '33there to engage in conversations and reminiscences with the other 164. Final assesstnent: agrand time!
With 165 classmates at reunion, the 50-yearclass boasted the highest percentage representation (52 percent) amottg all the 14 classes thatgathered in June. Enticing so many '33s back toHanover was an appealing range of activitieslined up by reunion chairman Jeff Davis, lowerright. Highlights of the weekend, going counterclockwise, included North Country weatherat its best for picnics and other outdoor affairs,seats of honor at commencement, the chance tostroll around the campus {or to just stand andadmire the scenery), the presentation of a grandpiano for President McLaughlin's home, andof course the opportunity for each '33there to engage in conversations and reminiscences with the other 164. Final assesstnent: agrand time!
117 A Old Nassau Road Jamesburg, NJ 08831
