1947

Reunion, 45th year! From A1 Bildner to Burt Zuckernik, '47s came from near (Hank Brezinski, Bill McCaffrey, Dick Leary) and from afar (Fran O'Brien, Bob Huffman, Bear Davis). They came early: the Chases, Dick Holleriths, Frank Webers, Bill Hallagers, and John Trethaway all came on Sunday to help set up. Several DOC and Cabin and Trail-ers started out at Moosilauke Ravine Lodge, joined by Bill and Jean Hallager.

Monday was devoted to arrival through Dick Hollerith's greeters. There were campus tours, a visit to the new medical center, and much socializing. The College and President Freedman hosted the evening. Tuesday was for golf, tennis, socializing, lunch at the BEMA, and dinner on Occom Pond at the DOC House.

Our evening auction carried some very valuable craft pieces, comic relief, and real value and fun as carried on by Joe Hayes for the umpteenth time. A highlight was a Nantucket Lightship friendship basket constructed by Elton and Doug Burch of Nantucket. Actually, Elton did the basket, and Doug provided the 1947 bright penny glued to the inside for good luck. A beautiful work. Joe and AbbyKirsch offered their restaurant and personal services for four, and this was the hit of the evening. So much so that Bob offered a second identical meal for four, this one won by Norm and Helen Fink. Alan and SallyEpstein won the first.

Wednesday we attended a memorial service for our late friends and were most pleased that Verah Johnson, Cotton's widow, could join us and also spend the entire reunion with us.

The class meeting saw Alan Epstein end his long service to the class (class officer and president). He was succeeded by HughChapin. Hugh will lead us to our 50th in 1997, and his first order was to call for a dedithe next six years. This will be a major leadership position and will require help from us all.

Also elected were Bob Huffman, VP; EdGrady, newsletter editor; Ham Chase, class secretary; and, in a surprise even to him, ZekeLanzillo as treasurer.

At a Hanover Inn banquet, we were treated to an innovation: instead of a featured speaker, we were joined by six members of the DCAC coaching staff all big winners and by Professor Emeritus Robin Robinson, former math department chairman and professor to many of us.

Allen Bildner, with quiet good humor and some cajoling, presided over the recognition of classmates a) having the most marriages-Bear Davis (3); b) having made the longest trip to reunion Obie and Anna O'Brien; c) having the most children, grandchildren and greats Obie and Anna (14, 23, 2 2/3). Former Governor Walter Peterson welcomed us back to New Hampshire and proclaimed that the Dartmouth Spirit was one of the intangibles guiding him in his career.

Later we joined '45 and '46 for dancing to the oldies of the forties and fifties, played by a 17-piece band. It was an exciting time for all to see their old friends of the other classes.

A super three days. It was especially pleasing to have Beep O'Shea, the O'Briens, Aliceand Dick Leary joining us, and Dr. CharlieSchofield stopping by our tent. The others will be named in an upcoming newsletter. Frank Weber sold and donated some 200 dozen boxes of golf balls from among those he fished, cleaned, and processed over two years.

Next Cornell and Dartmouth night, October 25-26. Call and make your reservations at the Norwich Inn, 802/649-1143. See you soon.

63 Maple Ave., Keene, NH 03431