1936
As the deadline for the April issue comes ever so close and I find my news basket completely devoid of succinct little snacks of class info (of course, my wife asks how I know even that there is a basket under all that mess!), suddenly I find myself involuntarily incarcerated in a local "St. Elsewhere" because the probable side effects of a current bout with the flu changed the squiggles on my normal EKG from an occasional "gleek" to a potentially ominous "glunk."
The cot to which I am chained is a factory reject, a yogi's bed of nails with all sorts of buttons to change the distress or discomfort. I feel like Gulliver at the hands of the Lilliputians, being wired into all sorts of TV without sound or change unless I try to scratch some illusive itch. The bearded medicos who hover around, their heads all nodding in annoying unison, and the pretty little things that flit in and out for temperature checks, blood pressure readings, blood samples at al. tend to reassure that I am better off here than there wherever there may be.
But panic still prevails. What's a nice guy like me doing in a place like this? Who is going to meet my deadline? So I just must lie here and ponder deeply. What a galaxy of anticipation and
excitement awaits the class of 1936 in less than 50 days! You all surely have received and consumed Al Gibney's February 1 clarion call to action. Although routine, mundane news of individual members of the class may not have surfaced for the moment, just think of what the collective efforts of more than 100 classmates are bringing to fruition the greatest reward for "Survival With Class."
You must make your arrival in Hanover early on June 6. Paul Lynch will see to it that you may instantly become reacquainted with the old Hanover and impressed with the new. (Incidentally, Paul has a new pair of gloves all broken in so he can differentiate the black keys from the white-but the way we can sing, who needs the piano!)
Clay Mellor's assemblage for the class seminar at 2:30 on Friday is a must for all come in your traveling clothes, your shorts, whatever, for the opening gathering which will set off the reunion cannon to be heard across the hills of Hanover and Vermont and into the hearts and ears of at least 436 affiliates of '36. Few will forget the remarks and
ceremonies attendant to Jim Stephens's takeover as class president in 1976. Those who weren't present may now pick up a revived replay at Friday night's class dinner before heading out for President Mc-Laughlin's reception and the Glee Club concert.
Come to breakfast Saturday a.m. at Thayer few if any will be able to compare it to the fare we knew at Freshmen Commons in 1933. In any event, you won't have to rush downtown for a fast cup of coffee and a Danish supplement to tide you over for the memorial service (Jim Lancaster officiating and Ted Dearborn at the organ), and the class picture which follows at 10:15.
We then need all of you for the class meeting at 10:45. There is more to this than just a secretary's drab report and a fast, perfunctory recitation of figures from the treasurer. Reunion class meetings are always historical.
Instead of sweating in skivvies over abominable Blue Books as we did 50 years ago, we will gather at noon Saturday in the west wing of the Alumni Gym for the College luncheon, featuring President Dave McLaughlin and class member Eddie Chamberlain.
Of special interest: immediately following the lunch we all must assemble at the Courtyard Cafe in Hopkins Center where Paul Guibord will dedicate an exciting tribute to the man who was our boss at Hanover 50 years ago.
Saturday afternoon should allow you some time to probe around the pleasures and treasures of Hanover and look at some of the new campus buildings that have made their way into the area since 1936. Stop by the Treasure Room at Baker and look over Tom Parker's collection, "Much Art, Great and Small," created over the years by '36 affiliates.
The class banquet Saturday evening chaired by R. Jackson Smith, eloquent unto itself, will feature as a piece de resistance a unique presentation by Decima andBob Button, which can only be suitably appreciated, described, and appraised upon its completion. Come for this, even if you have no place to spend the night except in your car or on the bench at Occom Pond.
Pondering still goes on, and panic has somewhat subsided since I am running out of space. But I must include one serious note. On Sunday '36 will participate prominently in the Commencement exercises, and for most it will be a memorable association with the past. A few of us, however, for one reason or another could not participate in the 1936 ceremonies. June 8, 1986, for us will be a special occasion. If any classmate is staying away from this year's reunion solely because he couldn't be present 50 years ago, give me a call personally, and we'll see that there's a place for you in this Sunday procession.
The countdown continues God's in His Heaven and all's well with the world at 12 Godfrey Road and Hanover, N.H. We're all looking forward to seeing you in June.
12 Godfrey Road Mashpee, MA 02649
