1929

55TH REUNION

It was the best of reunions. Nostalgic, yes, but more a gathering of mature friends whose interest in today's Dartmouth is stronger than ever. Sixty-seven classmates and 60 widows and wives checked in at the tent on Tuck Mall. There were luncheons for Medical School, Thayer, and Tuck alums, and some took a bus tour of the area. Dick Black and Bob Monahan came in from an earlier dedication of a room in memory of Hal Leich at Moosilauke Lodge.

It was Trunkie Brittan's final triumph, carried on valiantly by Ruth and most competently picked up by Charlie Dudley. In Charlie's words, "The reception at Collis broke the ice, and old faces began to look like young ones." The joyful expressions as we hailed each other told us our reunion was even better than we'd hoped.

After an informal dinner at Thayer our great student helpers ferried us to a reception with President and Mrs. McLaughlin in their lovely garden, then to a Glee Club concert where some of our old Glee Clubbers enjoyed a chance to join in. The happy visiting went on at the class tent, but we seem to be going to bed earlier.

From Tuesday's breakfast at Thayer we moved to Spaulding for a meeting of the General Association of Alumni. Dave McLaughlin spoke eloquently on the state of the College and answered questions on ROTC, the Indian symbol, fraternities, and the Gay Students Association. He didn't hide their complexity but showed us they are being carefully and fairly handled.

Next Gus Wiedenmayer presided over our class meeting at 105 Dartmouth. I read the report of Duke Barto's nominating committee, explaining that choices are affected by our ability to attend mini-reunions and class meetings. Bing Carter read Jack Hubbard's final treasurer's report. Jack Gunther reported on the John Sloan Dickey Endowment, and Dick Black urged a final push on our 55th-reunion giving. Frank Foster spoke enthusiastically about today's Dartmouth from the view of a loyal Hanover resident.

Lunch was a bountiful cookout on Alumni Terrace at Hopkins Center. The weather was hot, and some of us moved inside. The evening started with cocktails and lively conversation at Thayer and moved on to an excellent dinner, with a program cut back because of the heat.

Gus Wiedenmayer presented Ruth Brittan with a silver plate inscribed: "Dartmouth '29 Salutes T. Truxtun Brittan Jr. for his Devoted Service to the Class." He presented a plate similarly inscribed to retiring president Duke Barto, and another was sent to Jack Hubbard, whose health kept him away. Sue sent their thanks and said, "Jack couldn't have been more surprised or pleased."

Gus also auctioned a 1929 Dartmouth banner given by Paul Goddard and as high bidder gave it to be hung in the Hal Leich room at Moosilauke. Jack Gunther presented Dave McLaughlin with a list of the associates of the John Dickey Endowment and showed that their credits, added to our 55th-reunion gift, totaled more than $1,000,000. Dave responded with praise and thanks to the class, and we moved outside to a cooler evening.

At the class tent George Barr '45 appeared with the Upper Valley Barbershop Singers, who delighted us for an hour. Then our own gang took over, led by Chuck Weil's inspiring piano. Some of it was great. Some I did my self. It was fun. I went to congratulate Charlie Dudley on his job, and he said, quietly, "Rip, I love these people."

After Wednesday breakfast at a newly-airconditioned wing of Thayer, we moved to the Webster Hall steps for class pictures. Next came the memorial service for the 340 of our classmates who have died. Our bishop emeritus, Archie Crowley, led us in a touching and inspiring service.

It was good to have a happy farewell party and lunch outdoors at the Outing Club. I've never heard so much praise for any class affair. Our love for each other and our loyalty to Dartmouth grow as our numbers diminish.

More details will come in our newsletters and future columns. How about some highlights from you lucky ones who helped celebrate our great 55th? Archie, in his benediction, read my verse for the month: Hearts cannot speak, nor words be found to tell The love we seek to show, so fare thee well!

The faces of two of the 67 reuning members of the class of 1929 express the pleasure of meeting with classmates and friends at their 55th reunion.

Hal Ripley, left, 1929's class secretary, and his classmates had no trouble breaking the conversational ice; escaping the soaring June temperatures proved a bit more difficult as air-conditioning became a hot commodity.

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