1958

Remembrances from 35 years ago this September. It didn't last very long on the columns of Webster Hall, but Bob Meyerson had a banner proclaiming his candidacy for class president. Campus police did not take very kindly to his venture in politics and the banner was taken down before our 8 o'clock classes were over. Russ Leslie, however, got his campaign machine together and lead us through the first year.

Joe Kabat recollects the freshman trip to the Presidential Range and the Mt. Moosilauke Lodge. He writes, "President John Sloan Dickey spoke to the gathered freshmen about love of place." Joe went on to say that the president then delivered what were surely his most remembered words about the college, "Your business here is learning. We're with you all the way.

While learning occupied most of our time, Joe Jacquet remembers a few extra-curricular activities, like scaling the bell tower of Rollins Chapel to ring the bell after each football victory.

John Graf recalls his first sight of the cam- pus that September of 1954. "I couldn't believe how beautiful the campus was." Skip Louis's earliest memories of the year are from orientation week. Some professional type walked up to the lectern and said without preamble, "I don't know anything but I have learned how to find everything." By the computer age in which we now live, that guy must have been something of a crystal-ball gazer.

My own memories of that eventful September include my first view of 208 Ripley Hall. Having just flown across the country from San Francisco, I caught a ride to Hanover from Montclair, N.J., with Chap Jacobus and his parents. After an all-day drive (no interstates in those days), we pulled into Hanover around 6 p.m. Suitcase in one hand and key in the other, I made my way to 208. Opened the door, and what did I see? Two empty rooms occupied by just two single beds! Nothing else! I remember thinking to myself, "I really have come into the wilderness."

Confession from your class secretary. LarryBird reminded me that he gave me some information about his life last fall when we were at our mini-reunion. Larry, I lost my notes, so I hope you are going to be there October 29-30 this year for our mini-reunion. I promise that I shall not lose them again.

Drop me a note classmates. This column needs some fresh blood.

12 Perkely Lane, Riverside, CT 06878