1958
In a lovely old courtroom with a ceiling two stories high, sits a large model of an automobile transmission. For more than 90 trial days, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas P.Jackson has listened to witnesses for the government and "a major automobile manufacturer" describe the merits and demerits of this device. The government wants millions of cars fitted with this device recalled, and Uncle Auto doesn't. When Judge Jackson repairs to his chambers, which are flanked by those of legendary judges Gerhard Gesell and John Sirica, he cannot pursue his thoughts on the car case at length because he is handling a huge load of civil and criminal cases at the same time. Over dinner, he confided that sentencing the convicted was his most perplexing responsibility. Conflicting and mutually exclusive considerations demand attention as well as humanitarian concerns. Tom and his wife have taken up residence in Annapolis, Md., which he describes as a wonderful tonic after the rigors of the Washington judiciary. Tom has one daughter at the University of Maryland and one who is a freshman at Dartmouth. After a recent visit to Hanover, he says that he "is higher on Dartmouth than ever."
Owen Johnson has a bucolic spread out in Potomac, Md., with fruit and flowering trees, grass for the horses, and a tranquil atmosphere. I really missed visiting there on this trip to Washington but did have a chance for a telephone conversation. Owen is with Akin, Gump, Strauss, known for partner Robert S. Strauss, former ambassador and Democratic National Chairman. Owen's son is enjoying Harvard. Their daughter attends private school in Virginia. It sounds as though Owen works as hard as ever.
During World War 11, the Allies invaded Europe. In 1984 it was the John Armstrong army. They established a beachhead on the continent manned by John, wife Marcia, two sons, three daughters, two sons-in-law, one grandchild, and one son's girlfriend. The Armstrongs were visiting daughter Mary, Dartmouth '86, who spent the term studying in Leon, France. As the balance of trade sank, the Armstrong forces marched across France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Luxembourg, and Belgium. John says all survived, and the dollar is still strong in Europe. The 95-year-old Armstrong Brothers Tool Company still commands John's working attention. He and Marcia sold their Colorado condominium last year and are thinking of something in New England next year. Brokers need not inquire. John and Marcia live in Glencoe, III.
After an absence of 25 years or so from this column, Dr. Mike Cohen receives two mentions. First, friend Marty Griffith (see next item) said that he has kept in touch with Mike over the years. Second, Mike's wife (I assume thank you, JNC) writes that he was just appointed chairman of the neurological department of the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Medicine. Mike has also recently coauthored a book entitled Brain Tumors in Children Principles of Diagnosis andTreatment. The Cohen family is growing up. Their youngest daughter is a college freshman, middle daughter is Dartmouth '85, and the oldest is a second-year law student. This frees JNC to work both at a travel agency and a jewelry store. Congratulations, Mike, and thanks again for that ride to Buffalo in 1956.
Marty Griffith is in the commercial real estate business. He and wife Marilyn live in Peninsula, Ohio, which is near Cleveland. The Griffiths have a daughter and a son, both in high school. Marty mentioned vacationing in delightful St. Croix in the American Virgin Islands, where Mike Goelet owns the Chart House Hotel in Christensted. Mike, send me a brochure if you still own it. We love the place. Marty is with J.J. Herman and Association, Cleveland.
A very able college professor of English submitted this item. "Pete Goodwin and I teach at Temple University, Philadelphia. Pete in geology he is chairman myself in English. Several years back we teamtaught an honors course in which he taught the students the basics of geology while we read and discussed texts by important American nature writers like John Muir, J.H. Audubon, and John Bartram, at al. We are both married to working wives, both drive old cars, drink a lot of (we hope) decent wine, escape in the summer Pete to his inn in Vinalhaven, myself to our farm in Lancaster. We don't go to spectator sports or dress for success (when I mention old cars, I don't mean vintage cars but rather what they call in Lancaster County 'junkers')." Thank you, Professor Dick Beards. That was terrific.
After writing about legions of promotions in corporate America and among lawyers and doctors, it is really wonderful to read Dick Beards' report or to tell you that antique dealer Steve Don is "gluing, restoring, and selling antiques in my shop at the American Hotel in Freehold, N.J." Steve reports that Dr. Chris Brown was in New York recently for a medical convention, giving them an opportunity to visit. Chris restores antique homes in the St. Paul, Minn., area. Both Steve and Chris were buying antiques in Hanover back in 1954 when most of us were trying to get a ride to Smith. Chris still owns antiques that he purchased while in Hanover. Great Notes, Steve. How about a seminar on antiques at the next reunion? I'll bet it would be mobbed.
Our Class Secretaries Association had an outstanding president in Mark Harty '73. The following news briefs were shamelessly stolen from his February 1985 newsletter: the continuing "facilities audit" of fraternities has established standards for bringing the facilities up to minimum standards, which are being implemented. It is expected that two to four houses will choose College owner- ship, which means they lease back" to the corporation from the College. Others are obtaining loans and alumni contributions.
Joel Portugal is commended on his work in the Alumni Fund as chairman. Somehow Joel squeezed 100 percent participation out of the Alumni Councilors in 1984. This is a loyal group, but 100 percent is still the best anyone can ever do.
Since 1951 our small college has received $130 million in bequests, and trusts, almost all going into the endowment. We now have 151 Dartmouth Clubs established around the world. There were 4,200 applicants to the medical school last year for a class of 84. Dartmouth's medical school will spend approximately $18,000 per year per student on this little group.
At the undergraduate level, 8,750 people applied, up about ten percent from last year; 1,030 students matriculated, about 60 percent male and 40 percent female, as has been true in the last few years. Eight million dollars in financial aid was provided for Dartmouth students in 1984-85. Summer visits to the admissions office are way up. Applications are again expected to rise in the coming year.
The class of 1958 also leads the way in support for the College. Be prompt and generous in giving to the 1985 Alumni Fund campaign.
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