1917

This will not reach the eyes of 1917 classmates until September but with the memories of our 70th reunion still glowing I write this in mid-June. Mary McCulloch and I met at the Inn, not knowing what to expect. Unlike previous reunions there was no envelope with badges, schedules, tickets or a welcoming committee to answer questions. Some telephone calls made early in the week showed that several people had had to change their plans—the Sanborns, the Steigers, Walt Walters, Phil Woodwell and Ruby Mclntyre. We were to share Room 112 with the class of 1912 and when we went for our first reception and dinner on Friday we found six ladies, five of whom were 1912 widows. That made eight of us so you can imagine how delighted we were to welcome Karl "Barney" Thielscher, who had come from Palm Beach to Boston and was driven to the reunion by his son, David, class of '54. This turned out to be the 1917 70th reunion until Saturday night when we were joined by Vic Smith Jr. '45; his sister, Virginia Bradley; Marian Malcolm, daughter of Howard Shaffer; her husband and daughter Lisa Snyder '87, and another daughter, husband and friend.

Our hostess was Ann Marie Weldon '88 who added immeasurably to the warm hospitality extended by the College. She chauffeured us to Glee Club and lunch on Saturday at the new Berry Sports Center.

Mary brought her wonderful album of bygone reunions. The pictures were living proof of the permanent bonds forged by our meetings through the years. Marian Malcolm had found a group picture of what must have been 1917's fifth reunion (the one wearing chef's caps) and enlisted our help in putting names to 26-year-old-faces. Surprisingly we were able to match up about two-thirds. Barney was remarkable recovering from a hip operation only a month ago. Joy Gile Caveney provided a nostalgic Happy Hour on Saturday.

To all who were a part of the class of 1917, to all who have gone before and to those unable to share this 70th reunion experience, may I say that one of the proudest moments of my life came on Sunday, June 14, as I walked beside Barney's (KarlThielscher) wheelchair when he led the alumni procession at Dartmouth's 217 th commencement. The applause that marked that was for all of you.

When Mary McCulloch participated in the 70threunion of the class of 1917, she took time outto be with her son, Norman "Sandy" McCullochJr. '50, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

RD 1, Box 84 Woodstock, VT 05091