1938

With the picture of Pete Rose still in my mind from last night, it is a little hard to take a jump back in time and zero in on the fall of 1935 - especially since you won't be reading this until late November. Mighty sophomores were we: strutting before the class of 1939; freed from Commons; caught up in the fraternity rush and considerably more serious about our studies. Since you are reading this in November, it was talk of the Yale game that had become a key discussion topic.

The publication "100 Years of Dartmouth Football" (John Scotford was responsible for its design) says it best: "Two of the most memorable games and the two occasions when the existence of the so-called Yale Jinx came under the heaviest questioning occured in the 19305, when New England football was coming of age.

"In 1931, a courageous Dartmouth team fought back from a 33-10 disadvantage to tie the game, 33-33. Four years later, during Earl Blaik's second year as the Green's coach (November 2; 1935), Dartmouth finally won its first game at New Haven.

"That victory was an important occasion in the life of the College, a rite of passage that was noted with high cheer. The students placed a Yale Jinx gravestone on the Hanover Green, and Blaik reminded President Ernest Martin Hopkins of his promise to make a bonfire of the old Crosby Hall after a victory at Yale. 'I've decided not to, Earl,' said President Hopkins, the only man in New Hampshire who dared say no to Earl Blaik. 'Beating Yale has already given the alumni one shock. I doubt that they're ready for another!' Once down, the Jinx was not revived, at least in the decade of the 1930s,"

The victory may have been noted "with high cheer," but I remember vividly being in the middle of a jammed Nugget lobby, a miniscule part of a solid mass that was determined to rush the doors. I also remember that it was the first time I was eye-to-eye with tear gas!

Leftovers: we continue with CharlieHathaway. "Tuck Today had no 1939 column; it has one now! However, it comes out only twice a year. Further, there are only 60 grads and maybe 40 non-grads. It is a pleasure to write about Tuck School and my fellow classmates at dear old Tuck." And more: "This old colonel is damned happy that Dartmouth has an ROTC program. The whole Sarasota Alumni Club is similarly happy, and we have so advised President McLaughlin!"

Speaking of hospitals: Rod Washburn and Dick Holt, recovering from surgery at Hartford Hospital last February, were reported enjoying frequent wheelchair visits, sharing stories about their golf and World War II days.

Since I now get "put to bed" rather early, I have turned to the radio and WTIC-Hartford for the ball game. However, WBAL-Baltimore has a habit of barging in every so often. We almost sat up in bed (oh, that we could) when the "Ron Smith Talk Show" burst in, talking to someone about investments. The. remarks to the caller were concluded with, "Call Julie Westheimer if you want good advice," and the ball game came back.

Travelers: Bob Reeve seen in Europe and Chic Mock reported in Africa. Anyone knowing the details please pass along. Charlie Keyes visited in California and Colorado with his daughters. But we have no word of Speck Holmes. Pres andJean Downer of West End, N.C., spent two weeks in Buffalo "helping" their daughter and husband and new granddaughter arrange the furniture. Pres's golfing is now quite limited, but he is doing wonders with the fish pond in his back yard.

Eleven were present at Oscar's in Rocky Hill, Conn., for luncheon with WhiteyMays in September. I managed to make the trip now that I have a male aide. Dave Camerer '37 hosts the luncheons, shifts wheelchairs, and keeps it going.

Thank you to Al Wolff, now retired, but continuing to live in Milford, Conn., for his message.

Trivia: Do you remember where you got your hair cut back in glorious 1935? Answer next month,. along with a trip from Lake Champlain to Cape May and a warm description of events in southern Arizona.

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