1941

Yes, it's true. After writing this column for the past ten years, as class secretary for the second time around, Bob Harvey has slipped the harness, trotted off into the sunset somewhere, and left behind some kind of shoes to be filled. Well done, Bob; now enjoy your whatevers, wherever.

This changeover, among others, is a function of reunion elections, and we had one at the advanced 45th in June. (That's only a month ago for me, writing as I am in July, but more like three months for September readers.) Also unanimously voted in to serve until our 50th (wow!) in 1991 (double-wow!!): Dan Provost, president; Gus Broberg, vice president; HughKenworthy, treasurer; and Ed Larner, Alumni Council representative. The nominating committee, Dick Hill chairing, additionally put together a new executive committee for the class (see names next issue), and forthcoming presidential appointments will include head class agent, bequest chair, newsletter editor, and reunion chairs.

So much for now for leadership. Some 200 guys and gals of our vintage crop converged on Hanover for fun and games as well, and at least a moment of sobering reflection on a rainy Wednesday. In Rollins Chapel, to start the day, the Reverend George Dreyer once again conducted the traditional memorial service for classmates whose reunions are now a matter of history. Of the 683 of us who began as the class of 1941 in September 1937, plus one or more adopted members, the roll of the departed numbers 150 as of mid-June 1985, including 28 added since our 40th in 1981. Looking again at the names, listed in alphabetical order at the service, seeing faces in the process, one notices the juxtaposition of "Goss" and "Gotshall." Curiously, Alan D. Goss, who died December 23, 1937, and R. Jordan Gotshall, who died March 30, 1985, bracket the lot,chronologically. And there but for . . .

Each reunion is a joyful opportunity to share a facet of the Dartmouth experience with others who come back, men and women alike, and this year the latter included five of our 50-some class widows. Genie May Garfield, widow of Russ, made it all the way from Montana, and Shirley Coombs, who was married to Pete, took part in the class program that is becoming a feature of our reunions. Four years ago a panel from the class tackled the subject of adjusting to retirement. This time, in keeping with the "Take Off" reunion theme, a panel of six, moderated by your reporter, addressed the issue of what to do with the rest of our lives to make the good times even better.

Shirley explained the requirement of "instant expertise" that results from sudden widowhood, and her approach to the future is to "wing it." Rob Barstow advocates volunteer activities that involve per- sonal pleasure, creative outlet, and positive purpose. He devotes time to public access community television and to saving the whales. Reuning for the first time ever, Dave Chittam said he has listed 32 projects and other things he'd like to try out in the years ahead. LesDavis, running a ranch and cattle business long in the family, spoke of the importance of keeping active in "a constant search for improvement." Taking time out from surgical practice, Jack Selby ran for Congress last year. For good health he recommends running the pulse to 120 three times a week, breakfast bran to goose the colon, and two bran muffins every day to hold down cholesterol. ChetWilliams, bent on retreading rather than retirement, has the Peace Corps in mind as a possible future interest. Prizewinner in the tennis mixed doubles Lucy Winship described her work in Project Second Start. This is one of the programs attacking functional illiteracy, a limiting condition for more than 70 million over the age of 16 in the United States alone.

The 45th is a floodtide of memories: sunblessed breakfast for the class on the grounds of the Outing Club and luncheon at the Bema where one had commenced to be an alumnus so many Junes ago; the dress-up reception and class dinner in Alumni Hall of the Hopkins Center; the Glee Club, graced with female voices; films of yesteryear; and so much more. Hats off to co-chairs Ed Larner and BillHotaling and to Bruce Friedlich for presidential services rendered. This fall's minireunion will be November 1-3 at the Quechee Inn, 802/295-3133; the weekend offers both Dartmouth Night and the Yale game. And that's it for now. Just keep those cards and letters coming, folks, and you will be spared the "rambling ruminations" class secretaries are warned about by the Alumni Magazine. Until next time, Peace and Joy.

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