1961

Maybe it was the frenzy of the rock 'n' roll party and dinner in the Oscar Room of the fabled Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel that made Dartmouth Goes Hollywood special.

Maybe it was the recounting of our personal Dartmouth stories, encounters with the dean, and how we got where we are today, to everyone around a U-shaped, banquet-style table at the Rangoon Racquet Club in Beverly Hills on Thursday night.

Maybe it was the "Dartmouth Goes Hollywood" banners that were everywhere we turned, from the side of the bus to the walls of the dining rooms to the beach-clubfence.

Maybe it was the Saturday morning class symposium, "Change and Choice," led by the Rev. Duane "Doberman" Cox. The seminar continued the tradition of spirited discussion of personal issues that began at our 15th Reunion.

Maybe it was the pleasure of a dip in the cool Pacific Ocean after dodging an almost continuous line of Rollerbladers and bicyclers on the walk in front of the Ditty 30s Beach Club.

Maybe it was the closing dinner on the Terrace of the Mondrian Hotel on Sunset Boulevard, in the heart of West Hollywood, with the city of Los Angeles laid out below us.

Dartmouth Goes Hollywood was a memorable 1961 reunion that left us with many vivid images. It was our second national, out-of- Hanover reunion. Like the 50th birthday party in Washington, this one worked, thanks to Oscar and Nyla Arslaxiian and their committee. People came from all over, but the record was set by Roger Schulze, who made it from Germany.

Besides the packed agenda, the clockwork arrangements, and the delicious food, the committee even came up with a bag of Hollywood and Los Angeles favors, many imprinted with the Dartmouth Goes Hollywood emblem.

Some lasting images were created by events like the rock 'n' roll party at the Hollywood Roosevelt, the tram tour through Paramount Pictures, the bus ride past Hollywood High School, and the visit to the storefront art gallery in a building that also housed three informal theaters. All were a reflection of a uniquely Hollywood experience that came off largely due to Oscar's or Nyla's connections.

Some things we saw, like the Rollerbladers on the waterfront, were emblematic of the luck and vision of Rollerblade chief Bob Naegele. He watched them go by and almost joined them with the Rollerblades he had brought along, but the beach party was too much fan.

And some, like Doberman's Saturday session, bore a striking resemblance to what we typically do in Hanover.

The John Edwards confusion continued as John and Marilyn of Charlotte, N.C., and John and Cindy of Madison, Wise, were together much of the time, confounding hotels and restaurants alike. Dentist John is virtually retired, swimming almost daily, and looking as fit as he did at Dartmouth.

Mike Murphy squired Helene, his "new" bride, though practically everyone who has been at mini-reunions in recent years met Helene when she was Mike's steady date.

Bob and Kathy Wendell described life on hot and humid Saint Simons Island, Ga., while Bob works at the Staff Training Academy.

"Best reunion ever," said Jim McElhinney, "Everyone with maximum input and compatibility."

More Dartmouth Goes Hollywood next issue.

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