1948

35TH REUNION

Fifty-one '48s plus wives, friends, and a.few offspring celebrated the class's 35th reunion on June 13-16. Though the unusual heat was sometimes annoying beyond expectations, a good time was had by all. That this was true was due to the time-consuming work done before and during reunion by chairman WarrenDaniell, co-chairman Ray Richard, treasurer Gil Shattuck (who couldn't be on hand at the last minute); by the members of their committee, including outgoing class president LloydKrumm, newly-elected president Earl Chambers, Tad Comstock, Barney Hoisington,Foxy Parker, and John Van Raalte; and by the many area reps.

It was the largest '4B turnout at our seven reunions to date, with the exception of the 25 th ten years ago. The two classmates who came the farthest this year were the Bob Herricks from San Diego and the Fritz McTarnahans from Tucson. Also from way west of the Mississippi were Bob Jeavons and Coke from Denver. New York contributed 15, while New Jersey sent seven. The South was represented by the Eddie Gingriches from Atlanta, the DickBredenbergs from St. Pete, and the MouseTaylors from Clearwater.

Class headquarters were at Russell Sage, north of Tuck Mall, and our tent was just outside the building. Thanks to Ray Richard, there always was plenty of beer and other cold drinks available at our tent, day or night. We also had a piano, though it was seldom used, as our Duchin, Bob Pilsbury, somehow failed to be with us and was sorely missed.

Warren and Ray were on hand at the tent at 10:00 a.m. Monday as members of the class and families began to arrive. Everyone was given a '48 windproof jacket, though it was too hot to wear them. Many a long-lost friend was seen again at this point and many a lively conversation was held; the friendly atmosphere was enlivened when President McLaughlin in shirt sleeves stopped by and shook many hands before walking on to his office.

There were plenty of events, some of an intellectual nature, but there was also time to wander around the campus (it looked good, not really changed from our day), pass time with old buddies, play golf or tennis, or simply linger at the tent. The social activity in the tent continued throughout the three-plus days and into the wee hours. (Bob Herrick and Don Drescher reportedly closed the place after 3:00 a.m. the first night.)

A late afternoon reception the first day was held in the '48 Garden outside the refurbished Crosby, now Blunt Alumni Center.

Early one morning, long before most '48s were even out of bed, the traditional 2.6-mile alumni run was held from Tuck Mall, around town, and back. Though the '48 entry list was small, Warren Daniell and John Van Raalte shook off the straining competition to bring home first and second places.

Following the presentation of the Alumni Award to Walt Peterson '47, former governor of New Hampshire, President McLaughlin delivered an informal, highly interesting resume of matters at the College. A humorous note was injected during the question period when he was asked about the contrasting policy, taking into account the similarity of the subject matter, in treating the locked Hovey Grill murals and the unlocked OOECO murals in Baker. McLaughlin confirmed the sensitivity of the subject matter and in good humor replied that President Hopkins, based on his own difficult experiences with the subject, had warned all his successors in the Eleazar line never to have anything to do with murals at Dartmouth!

One noon saw a huge, joint outdoor picnic with '47 and '49 on Chase Field. The event provided a fine opportunity for the three classes to mix as we had while undergrads so long ago. Many an old, sometimes forgotten, friendship was renewed.

The formal '4B class dinner in the Inn was a disaster, as the air conditioning was inoperative, only four windows could be opened, and not a breath of air moved. The steam bath atmosphere of the place completely destroyed the attention for our two speakers professors Bob Huke andjere Daniell '55, who compared life and things in Hanover 35 years ago with now. Everyone was glad to get out, even thinking it fortunate that President McLaughlin had not been able to be on hand as scheduled.

The joint 1948-1949 big band dance in the '49 tent was a magnificent success. Someone in '49 had found a swing/jazz congregation that put us all back in the forties with such favorites as "Tuxedo Junction" and "In the Mood."

The '48 outdoor luncheon barbecue on the lawn behind the DOC House on Occom Pond was a pleasant occasion. The weather was bright and our own Wid Washburn, a Hanover boy, added to the occasion when he gave an informal little talk and led a discussion on the Indian symbol question. Wid had just received an honorary doctor of humanities degree from Assumption College in which his "foremost name in the study of the American Indian" was cited. He provided a balanced, interesting look at the subject, and one of his conclusions was that the Indians at Dartmouth may themselves eventually initiate the return of the symbol, realizing that, on the campus as nationally, maintenance of the Indian identity is one of their strengths. (The reader may imagine the amazement of Warren Daniell, Jere Poole, and the writer that evening when we met on campus, by chance, a young Dartmouth man wearing a sweatshirt bearing an old-time Indian symbol. To our surprised questions the student answered that he is a full-blooded Indian, half Sioux, half Iroquois, and that he will be a junior this fall. He said he and some of his friends are working to restore the symbol. He even told us where the sweatshirt can be purchased. Is Wid prophetic?)

For those of us who made it, the bus trip to the Ravine Camp at Moosilauke and back was the high point of the reunion. The DOC gang there gave us a great spaghetti dinner, Mother Nature put on a decent show in presenting her mountains, and the comfortable conviviality of the group provided a fitting climax to the days that renewed our.love for dear old Dartmouth.

A few flashes: Howie Westney's remark at a symposium on ethics that the cold weather in Hanover makes the naked Indians in the Hovey Grill a medical rather than an ethical problem. The discussions between Jere Poole, DickGreene, Hank Mueller, Mouse Taylor, JimWoods, and several others of life that first summer and winter of 1944-45 in Wheeler Hall. Literally, ice hockey on the third floor. Interfloor water fights. A man named Wormwood. Jim Garrison and his lighter. All this as Uncle Sam wants YOU! Joe Hickman's story of white-water adventure in Pennsylvania. The singing led by Bob Tracy and Coke Jeavons in the bus coming back from Moosilauke. The applause for outgoing president Lloyd Krumm and for this year's achievements by Ken Young in the Alumni Fund drive. The failure of Les Thornton to have an accident. The quiet on the moonlit campus during a late night stroll.

All of us who were there wished more '48s could have been on hand to relish the good time and no little nostalgia that accompanied our 35th reunion.

Ray Richard, left, who chaired 1948's 35th, and Remington "Sonny" Drury, fight, ivho is '4Bclass secretary, seem to be bestowing approval on the proceedings of their class's reunion in June. Andthat seemed, also, to be the general feeling among the 104 classmates and guests who enjoyed thegathering.

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