1938

IN 500 WORDS OR LESS our allotted word count for the column '38's 55th was a barn burner. Some 150 classmates, wives, progeny and significant others, using Tuck School's Buchanan Hall as base camp, fanned out into arenas of activity and hidey holes of relaxation doing just-right amounts of both. Reunion Chair Dick Francis, aided and abetted by Jean, served up, among other things, a steak roast at the Bema, a picnic luncheon at the Old Pine/Bardett Tower, a class dinner (upbeat) with great music (downbeat), and, finally, a farewell luncheon featuring a steak good enough to make one throw rocks at chicken, fish, and other good-for-you viands.

Something happens in those 55 years out of college. Old friendships grow even more mellow, new bonds are made, and the shared appreciation of what the Dartmouth experience was becomes even more solidified. Perhaps the latter was most clearly demonstrated by the moving Memorial Service...

DARTMOUTH UNDYING. With the Reverend Tel Mook presiding, the service emerged not only as a memorial to our departed classmates, but also as a catalyst for all of the emotions of a body of people to whom Dartmouth is, in its way, an eternal shrine. At the appropriate time Bob Reeve read out the names of the 52 classmates who have left us since our 50th Reunion five years ago. This honor-roll reading was followed by what was meant to be a group chorus of "Dartmouth Undying." But the time, the place, and the significance of the words of this beautiful anthem muted the volume of the assembly to almost a whispered hum. It's safe to say that no eyes were entirely free of moisture. A beautiful tribute to the men who have passed on, to those who survive them, and to the timeless majesty of the College and its meaning to us all, individually and collectively.

RECOGNITION SIGNALS. In a special, but informal, ceremony, Henry McDuff acknowledged the significant contributions so many classmates have made to ensure 1938's status as "The Amazing Class of," and presented a framed certificate of appreciation to 19 of them. "In Memoriam" awards were posthumously given to Baron von Pechmann, Tom McGrath, Dawk Dawkins, Bob Hallock, and Paul Urion. "In Absentia" certificates were provided for Bob Manegold, Dan Marshall, and Clark Barrett. "Among Those Present" certificates were awarded to Jim Chandler, Dick Francis, Phyllis (Mrs. Karl) Hill, Dick Holt, Marty King, Phil Leach, Bob Reeve, Bob Reno, Scotty Scotford, and Gene Waggaman.

OFFICERS OF THE DAY. Once again Bob Reeve was elected to guide us over the next five years. He'll be ably aided by Vice President Henry McDuff, Secretary Dick Francis, Treasurer Jim Chandler, Head Agent Gil Tanis, Bequest Chairs Bob Manegold and Phyllis Hill (also the widows contact), Remembrance Chairman John Scotford, and Newsletter Editor Dan Marshall.

SWAN SONG. With this issue the quivering quill of your former secretary dips into the ink well of new Secretary Dick Francis. You're all aware of Dick's abilities, boundless enthusiasm, and total commitment to the College and the class. So look for some lively and informative Class Notes in the future. That's all, folks. See you at the 60th.

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