1940
Dear Class: Let's hear it for 1990 ... a year that seemed impossibly distant when we graduated and was still a light year or two away at the 25th! We are planning to see all of you on the Hanover Plain come June.
Mother Nature played hard ball most of last year—hurricanes and floods and earthquakes. Mac Cross wrote to say that he and Marilyn survived Hugo but not without damage: "We evacuated on September 21 to our daughter's house in Columbia. Happily, the house was still there when we returned and despite considerable damage to appliances, docks, and landscape, we consider ourselves lucky. Apart from that, we are healthy and enjoying life. Nice trip to France last June, then in August to Portland, Ore., and Denver to visit family. Looking forward to the 50th! Best regards, Mac."
Ed Schechter sent in a great snapshot (which I have sent on to Bob Austin as pictures don't get published in the column.) It shows Ed, Chet Garrison, and HughMullen. Chet had flown in from Oregon for an 82nd Airborne reunion. Ed adds: "Chet and I had not seen each other since graduation! His visit was an intriguing preview of what lies ahead for most of us at the 50th in June."
Hear! Hear!
Gard Ashley's letter came in next. After winter weeks in France, Gard resumed teaching until April when he retired and was honored by 120 friends, faculty, former students, and the president (not George) at a special banquet. Gard was in Vermont and Hanover last summer. His current project is translating a science fiction novel into French, which leaves time for tennis and violin. Quel homme! He'll be with us in June.
I am sorry to report the death of HodgeJones. He passed away last October, shortly after Janet's note appeared in the Indian Drum. An obituary will appear in a subsequent issue.
From the Daily Dartmouth of May, 1939: "John Willetts '40, winner of last year's Oratory Contest, will preside over the competition for the Barge Medal tonight."
And from the same, May 22, 1940: Phi Gams Edge Theta Delt, 4-3 ... Catcher Harry Howard '40 reached first base on an error...John Townsend '40 cleared the bases with a long double to left." A quick note from reunion co-chair Brownie tells us that as of November he had 200 sign-ups classmates, wives, widows, and guests. Come on in!
P.O. Box 336, Old Lyme, CT 06371
