1947

We have heard a lot about the Dartmouth Spirit. It's hard to define, but often can be felt or sensed as we come upon various situation. I think I have a fine example of the spirit or the fellowship that is waiting to come out whenever the chance arises.

I attended a technical convention in Anaheim, Calif., last October and in browsing over a map showing tours and sightseeing, I noticed Beverly Hills. This is the place well known as the residence of Joe Eisaman—the same Joe who regularly contributes news or notices of classmates coming and going. He's like a Dartmouth pulse of the West Coast, bringing people in touchand his notes fly all over the country, even overseas as his Dartmouth classmates travel about. So, I phoned Joe and after my convention rented a car and made the short trip through some colorful picturesque cities to end up at Beverly Hills. Joe's directions to his home were something like, "Go up Sunset Boulevard, past the Beverly Hills Hotel, take the next right and just past Mary Pickford's house will be a fork—ours is across the street from Fred Astaire's—we're in the former Raquel Welch house." How could I miss?

And there was Joe. Both of us agreed we were among the only ones who "hadn't changed a bit," would still be instantly recognizable, even though 42-43 years had elapsed—46 since freshman year in Hanover. It seems we took up from there instantly, and were soon being shown through the Polo Room at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The only person we both knew there seemed to be Zsa Zsa Gabor, having a small lunch. Joe had our class freshman book and our 25th Reunion book and we discussed many of the names and pictures. Then we went over some of Joe's extensive files of correspondence on various other contacts he's very organized and had quite a number of not-quite-forgotten incidents to recall and smile over. Joe and his wife, Karen, have an interesting and close neighborhood, excellent schools, and some of the world's best shopping downtown. Daughter Kari just started USC, and Liv is a sophomore at Beverly Hills High. Both look as though they could begin in pictures tomorrow.

It seems to me that this Dartmouth Spirit we talk about is broader than time, as we both went on feeling we'd had a fine visit and next we'd be heading for history class with Lou Stillwell. See you soon.

63 Maple Avenue, Keene, NH 03431