1938

Fifty years ago, when you were encouraged by the appearance of a touch of green on the campus, the Social Security legislation went into effect. At that time there were only two million Americans over the age of 65. Today more than 13 percent of the population 30 million people are senior citizens. An editorial in The Christian Science Monitor, titled "The Graying of America," pointed out that "the more that an elderly person has to do, the better. George Burns, in a recent interview for the International Medical Centers, put it this way: 'Don't retire. And get out of bed every morning. Find something to do . . . you have to do something.' "

Looking backward at the Amazing Class of '38, Ev Wood writes, "September, 50 years ago, was indeed a 'heady experience' for all of us plus some moments close to tears; Dean Laycock speaking on the 'spirit which is Dartmouth' in the Outing Club House, followed by the Glee Club singing the 'Twilight Song,' the 'Hanover Winter Song,' and 'Dartmouth Undying' . . . the class of '38 entered 707 strong (how could a pilot forget that number) and graduated 505 strong. Most of the casualties were victims of the Depression."

While Dave Berliner sails the Atlantic coast in good shape and Pete Talbot conquers the Pacific coast, word has it that Bob Ross, who has just returned from Hilton Head, will once again try his luck on Lake Keoka, Maine. Last summer it was reported that Bob was successful in turning his boat over!

The class of 1984 of Newark Academy dedicated its yearbook to Jim Blake, "a man we hold in great esteem not only for his accomplishments but for the love and knowledge he has shared with us." The dedication went on to say, "For those who have been fortunate enough to have had the opportunity of becoming friends with Mr. James H. Blake, there is an appreciation of his wonderful sense of humor and his love and caring for others. For those who have not had this opportunity, there is a void. He is as quick with his jokes as he is with his mastery of math and the ability to impart his infinite knowledge. His genuine concern extends to all in matters unrelated to math as well." Jim joined the Newark Academy teaching staff in 1948. He became department chairman in 1960 and remained in that position for more than 15 years. Jim always taught the upper level maths calculus and pre-calculus.

Paul Urion was kind enough to send us two tapes: one of the Dartmouth Glee Club, when it was all male, and one of the Dartmouth band when they had that fellow who could play the bells. Says Paul, "I also note with interest in the newspapers that we are having an Orozco Festival. If we are going to be consistent, we should cover the Orozco murals as well as the Hovey Indian murals, especially where the Orozco murals are one hell of a lot more anti-capitalistic than the poor little semi-naked Indian maidens ever thought of being in the Hovey Grill of Thayer Dining Hall."

Carl and Ellie von Pechmann are now located in Hanover, having moved from West Hartford. The address: Berrill Farms, Lebanon, NH 03766. (Gil Tanis reports that the condo is near Etna.) Carl is not well and is in the nursing home on the Lyme Road.

Carl Boothroyd, who retired in 1980 after 30 years of teaching and research in plant pathology at Cornell University, was remarried in 1982 to a lovely lady from Turkey. Carl reports that he is still swimming, skiing, playing tennis, and serving as a consultant for a corn seed company in New York.

David Vander Veer Rugen reports from St. Petersburg, Fla., that living alone has few advantages. Says he visits siblings along the northeast coast to escape the heat of Florida. Meets men of other classes everywhere, but has not been lucky, so far, to find any from "38.

Memory jogger: our 50th reunion is coming up fast. Make a note of the dates: June 9-12, 1988.

Pete Talbot '38 is pictured aboard his 52-foot, ocean-going Catamaran, the Arkanora, which he builthimself over a period of 21 years. He started building it in a field near his home in Mountain View,Calif., and now docks it near his home in Port Townsend, Wash.

94-17 Wakelee Road Waterbury, CT 06705