1951

Had I known 46 years ago that I would be asked this month to reflect on our freshman year, I would have kept better notes. The solution has been to call a few mates. Remembering earlier rebukes about the 'clubbiness factor' of these columns, I went on a search for some '51s who have not been frequent-flyers on these pages. Results were, you might say, mixed.

From Aspen, Colo., Al Blomquist bragged of frost on the roof of his nine-unit ski lodgesin July. He and Carol have run the Chalet Lisl since 1977 and see few '51s; surprising considering their "affordable" rates. A recent exception was Charlie Breed. And Al sees Bruce Bryant when he makes the Denver run. His earliest Hanover memory was of the freshman trip, but little else was recalled.

That same trip was all we could pry out of Larry Howard, then and now of Jacksonville, Fla. Larry's just retired from Prudential Securities. With three grandchildren in town we know what he'll be doing. He frequently sees longtime friend Jack Lotz, also of Jacksonville. He didn't recall any abuse from upperclassmen back them.

Fun talking to Wes Harrington in Phoenix, Md., a recent retiree from Maryland Casualty Company where he spent about all his working years. When asked if he suffered any hazing in those first days, he said he and roommate Don Kope had a great solution. Their third roommate was Mo Monahan, whom they simply posted at the door, shirtless and with arms crossed. Upperclassmen would arrive in posses, see Mo filling the door, and move on, mumbling, "We got the wrong room." Wes has been busy with the Baltimore Dartmouth Club until recently and will be heading for Florida "when the house sells." (Want to join in the chorus?)

My call to Durwood DeGroff (known at Dartmouth as "Curly") was a factor in the "mixed result." Dur "mourned the passing" of the Dartmouth he knew: "four of the most exquisite years a young man could dream of, and now ..." A carpenter, builder and cabinet-maker, he wants nothing of the current Dartmouth. Dur said he seldom encounters a '51 in Amsterdam, N.Y., but did ask about Jack Woods (Barnardsville, N.J.). One would conclude from his remarks that he will never see these words. Alas! He's just as welcome at our get-togethers as any. We demand no loyalty oath.

We have learned of the recent deaths of Don Neall, Ogunquit, Maine, and Henry S.Robinson, Washington, D.C. Their obituaries will appear in a future issue. Also, we regret to report the passing of Lawrence R.Green some seven years ago. Neither we nor the College were ever notified.

Finally, I have just undergone a hip replacement. Unless you want to hear about my operation, get those cards and calls in.

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