1952

My old line to the fund-raisers of the world, that I had to find other ways than fund-raising to contribute my efforts, has backfired. Shortly prior to reunion in June, president-elect Charlie Blakemore put the arm on me to try writing for about six years our 40th will be in 1992. So I have succeeded Marcel Durot, your able class secretary since 1981.

Our 35th reunion was based at the head of Tuck Drive with the '50 and '51 tents nearby. Slightly under 100 classmates returned with an assortment of wives, offspring, etc., to make the total group about 180. It was a unique affair in that reunion chairman, Bob Binswanger, orchestrated it almost totally by remote control unexpected problems at Boston Latin Academy detained headmaster Bins. He and Penny did look in on us briefly for the class dinner on Tuesday evening. Despite our leader's absence, the affair went like clockwork, thanks to Bins' big committee and the take-charge performance of George Hibben. Upon arrival Monday, the student crew, including John and Nancy Barto's daughter, Susan '87, checked us in. A quick round of pops under the tent, to the tune of some D] music, and it was time for the long stroll to Thompson Arena for some grub, greetings from the president, and Glee Club serenading. A '50, '51, and '52 glee club group was joined by a few contemporary members to put on quite a performance. Our own Ron Rose had a part in the directing. Never having traipsed through the president's garden on an invited basis before, John and Judy Grocott joined Edythe and me for a reception in the McLaughlins' yard after the dinner. Others veered off to Hopkins Center for more glee club stuff before the customary tent festivities. After our tent folded, many '52s were seen at the '51 tent, where a great jazz group played into the night.

A panel of five faculty and administration people chaired by Jack Boyle took our class through the hot issues at Dartmouth on Tuesday morning. It was very informative and, just in case the panel neglected some facts, we fired questions at each participant. A1 Reich flew in for the cookout at the Bema and stayed until early evening. Tuesday afternoon was free for tours (the new Hood Museum was a popular take). Tennis togs were in vogue, and the golf course somehow survived an assault by Boyle, Jack Foster,Tank Creamer, and John Grocott. I used some of this time to make a quick visit to Paul Sanderson, who was at the Hitchcock Hospital fighting Whipple's disease, a rare ailment that causes infection. The diagnosis had just been made, and things were looking up. Other classmates, including our own Dr. Harry Goldsmith, visited Sandy during the reunion. His wife Gail managed to join us for the dinner Tuesday evening. Peter Zischke presided at the dinner. Among those acknowledged were Ed and Peg Finerty longest distance (Hong Kong); Weyand Kay Lundquist youngest child (son about 2); Jack and Sally Foster most grandchildren; Ed Clark youngest looking; and there were probably more. Dick Bressler, in town for some Trustee business, joined us for dinner.

Fortunately, the '50 and '51 band was located just across the street from our tent, because our DJ was a no-show Tuesday night banished from the campus for smoking something stronger than Marlboro Lights behind Russell Sage the previous night. It was a perfect setting for chat. Some of the things I recall: at least two '52 retirees were there Jim Toffey, ex-First Boston, still makes his home base in Connecticut but spends time in Maine; and Fred Barstow, ex-Polaroid and recently relocated from Massachusetts to Bath, Maine. Ray and Lois Alexanian spent Tuesday afternoon at the College pool. Steve Cowperth waite returned from Colorado for his first reunion since graduation. A1 Fiertz's international travel has tapered off, but he still does the New York-Switzerland-Vermont triangle. It was really George Hibben's son, Ted, pictured on the front page of the Boston Globe windsurfing across the Charles River in his Harvard Business School graduation garb. George says he made the voyage without a splash. Judy Breed did her customary great job decorating our tent, and she and Bill hosted a potluck dinner on Wednesday.

At a brief class meeting on Wednesday morning, Pete Zischke turned over the presidency to Charlie Blakemore. Other officers elected or trapped were: Lou Zehner, treasurer; Dick McDonough, vice president (with Caroline designated as mini-reunion chairman); Angus Russell, bequest chairman; Bill Breed, head agent; Bill Montgomery, newsletter editor; and Jay Anderson, secretary.

Sandy Saunders then chaired a panel of students, including '52 offspring Susan Barto, Vic Trautwein Jr., and Karen Zischke on Wednesday morning, followed by a well-attended memorial service for our 55 departed classmates.

It is my sad duty to report an addition to that list. Despite all the encouragement from his visitors during reunion, PaulSanderson succumbed to Whipple's disease on June 21. His funeral service was in Hanover followed by a visit with Gail at their Stonecrest Farm home in Wilder. Many '52s and members of surrounding classes were there. An obituary will appear in a later edition of the magazine.

An endowment fund is being established in Sandy's name, for the support of foreign students, and contributions may be sent to David T. Eckels, Blunt Alumni Center, Hanover, NH 03755.

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