1936

"Miniver Cheevy, child of fate/Sighed and said he was born too late."

In an epic, over-the' budget TITHE in February editor Frank K. Kappler discusses in classic detail his thoughts on the current "What the Hell" syndrome which has sometimes subtly and sometimes vigorously prevailed in the thinking of the class of 1936 (and others). I plan to make a few copies for distribution to some of my doubting-Thomas friends in other classes. To the class of 1936, if you have left this epic unceremoniously on your pile of routine, unsolicited mail, dig it out and read, reread, and absorb.

In effect, Frank reviews the plusses that encouraged him to apply to Dartmouth in the first place. Then he systematically lists the changes that have been introduced to the campus over the years, with an evaluation of many of the misconceptions that even we had when we entered in 1932.

In trying to equate the current negatives with the current positives and they don't always receive equal attention in the national media he concludes that one-half of the reasons for the College's high standing nationwide is the student body; the other half, the faculty. There have been unhappy choices in both but unfortunately the publicity falls only on the distasteful exception. (At our 50th I asked an undergraduate about me disturbing behavior of the apparent senior who distrupted the concert and at Commencement brazenly tore up his diploma. The reply, "We don't like it but we tolerate him.'

Without going into Frank's summary of the Review, Wall Street Journal, and other controversial publications, I recommend he Kappler formula: "D = M² x Y, whereby doubts and dark suspicions (D) vary directly with the square of the number of miles from Hanover (M) times the number of years (Y) since the doubter explored for himself the physical, social, and intellectual geography of the College." If you haven't been back to Hanover in a less-than-hectic reunion time, please come back, smell the roses, admire the green grass and fall in love once again with a "lander and gentler" Dartmouth. Perhaps the verse should read: "Miniver Cheevy, child of gloom/Smiled and said he was born too soon."

The post-Carnival scene in Hanover was brightened February 14 when RaphaelHiflyer made a guest appearance with the Franciscan String Quartet at Hopkins Center. Raphael is a co-founder of the Julliard String Quartet and has been a violin soloist with many of the world's major orchestras.

To continue the good life on the Hanover Plain, the '36 class officers and executive committee will gather on April 28. Bill Macurda and Paul Guibord are setting up a good program for those not directly involved in C.O.W. Class headquarters will be at the Airport Inn in Lebanon and all are urged to join us at the D.O.C. Clubhouse for dinner on Saturday, April 29.

31 Godfrey Road, Mashpee, ASA 02649