1945

After all the adverse national publicity which Dartmouth has received in the past two months, it is hard to start this column on an upbeat note except to realize that up has to be the only place to go. The reason for the publicity was explained in David McLaughlin's letter to the alumni on January 26. A friend whose son is a freshman told me of the traumatic effect on the students, including bitter disagreements between close friends and roommates. Fortunately the all-campus meeting on January 24 followed by constructive discussions in smaller groups eased the tension and perhaps will prevent repetition.

With a shortage of news this month (most of my material has already appeared in George Barr's newsletter), it would be easy to use this column to editorialize on everything that has gone on in Hanover. However, I am sure that all alumni join with me in hoping that diverse interests will resolve their differences and that never again will there be charges of racism on the Dartmouth campus.

The class MVC (Most Valuable Correspondent), Frank Aldrich, has shared with me a Christmas message from JohnHoldridge and his wife, Martha. After leaving Dartmouth John graduated from West Point and has had a long and distinguished career in the diplomatic corps. His last assignment, as ambassador to Indonesia, ended on January 3, and John has now joined the retired members of the class. They are living in Bethesda, Md. Both the Holdridges have ambitious plans, he to write, teach, and/or consult. Martha has some "fantastic" (her word) ideas for tax code revision as well as for regenerative agriculture. Both are much needed. After their long absence from class activities we invite the Holdridges to join us at mini-reunions. The first of these will be in Annapolis, Md., for the Navy football game in early October.

John Osborn shares with George and me the notes that you add to dues bills. As George has noted, several classmates have sent dues for the first time in years. If you have not been a regular, please join us and tell John about yourself. Dr. Raphael Eban, who lives in England, paid his dues with a 15-pound cheque, which meant $21.60 for the class instead of $15. And John Reeves and Ruth entertained Knox Armstrong and Eleanor, Craig Cain and Joan, and Jim Kehoe and Dottie at their Lake Geneva, Wis., home. This was a reunion of couples who lived at 11 Lebanon Street in Hanover in 1945. ArthurPounds and Jean, who attended the 40th reunion en route from two years in Europe, are finally back in their own home in Orinda, Calif. Another note gleaned from Osborn's news: Ginny Ewell (widow of Win) sends words of appreciation for attendance at reunion and encouragement to other widows to become part of class activities.

There may be hope for all of us. While winding up this column, I watched a 56-year-old golfer with a fused knee, who just became a father for the eighth time, win a PGA Senior Tournament. Think young!

That covers the news for now. When you read this, your tax returns will be filed, and spring for the northern part of the country will be well under way. Before you get outside for the summer, take time to drop a line about your activities and other classmates whom you see or hear about. We are all interested. There are a number of people working to bring 1945 together for the next reunion, and we need your help.

46/40TH

Box 111 Westford, MA 01886