1932
Was ever a Dartmouth class reunion reported in less than glowing terms? How else recall highlights of our "Nifty FiftyFifth"? Let's hear it for meticulous planning (Whip and Addie Walser), super arrangements on campus (Dick Olmsted), and organized "greeters," (Francis and Sunny Savage, Grey and Ethel Freeman, Ade and Terry Nitschelm, to name a ,few). Perhaps the enthusiasm of returning '32s themselves was the chief component. Howdy Pierpont's story epitomizes it for us. He tells of Jay Whitehair rushing to greet his old pal Howdy. Jay must have felt the usual hearty handshake inadequate. Leaning over from great eminence, he implanted a kiss on Howdy's bald spot. Howdy's reaction was immediate: "Gosh, I'm being kissed by a guy who does needlepoint."
You see, he was recalling the display of '32 talent organized by Whit Daniels. In Tuck Mall Lounge converted into a museum, Howdy had marveled at Jay's needlepoint and oil painting. Also on display: oils by Bob Reinhardt, acrylics by HelenPower, two Amy Corbett watercolors, Dorothy Daniel's paintings, and three oils by Whit himself, one a self-portrait! Jim andRuth Ballou offered artistry of another sort: colorful tole painting (Ruth) and Jim's dainty miniature chairs fashioned from— this'll get you—old tin cans. Helene Harper contributed three-dimensional, framed museum pieces made of—guess what—paper. Nothing about them looked like paper, but I had to believe Helen's explanation of the process. Whence all this talent, these varied interests?
For further evidence you had only to step over to Baker and see an impressive display of '32 publications, arranged by Mike Cardozo.
Another highlight: "associate classmates" a.k.a. widows. Unfortunately I know too few wives. It's not easy to get acquainted with widows. Hank Kingdon asked if I had seen Marion Bucher; he particularly wanted to greet the wife of his old friend. "I'll help you find her," I offered, wanting to say hello to Marion and also to Alberta Gerould myself. Just try tracking them at a cocktail party for 150 people! Sidling up to a beautiful woman and trying to read her name tag is just a little—well, obvious. I gave up. Marion and Alberta, did you enjoy reunion? Warren Hallamore introduced me to Jane Allen. He and DickAllen were roommates in Topliff. Jane had come with Ruth Potter, widow of my friend in publishing, Lee Potter. Rhoda Clark, I am told, was happy about the birth of her eighth grandchild on June 4. Would that more associates could help us celebrate reunions.
A somber note: Don McPhail left us the day before reunion started. To Pat and family goes our heartfelt sympathy. Which reminds me of the memorial service for departed classmates. Debbie Allen, organist, played two of her own compositions, musical meditations on Dartmouth songs. George Blaesi gave a dignified address of remembrance. Somehow I found it heartening to hear that of the 586 freshmen matriculating in 1928, 332 are still alive.
"Stormy" Mayo '65, articulate son of Charlie Mayo, gave a spell-binding illustrated account of his life work: tracking, identifying, even naming whales. We gave Stormy a rising ovation. Another class son, Eric Walser '68, put up with us both in Hanover and later at Spaulding Inn. Thanks, Eric, for making us all feel youthful.
Art Allen, who sees all, knows all, and tells some of what happens on campus, gave an upbeat report. That old ex-university-president and amiable researcher Charlie Odegaard gave us the origin, short life, and demise of my two betes noires in college, Evolution and Citizenship. Remember those freshman courses? Nostalgia for the good old days ran rampant as he named professors and reviewed course content. Jeez, do I remember those D's.) Charlie, is a copy of your speech on file in Baker archives?
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