1945

Class Secretary CharlesRowan has invited me to share my concerns about the relationship of '45 with the widows of its deceased classmates. Your class has 95 widows, 32 of whom are active, dues-paying members.

I recently wrote to each of them, urging them to return for both the October Homecoming and the 50th Reunion in June '95. To date, I have received only nine replies: one affirmative and eight negative. All made similar comments about not feeling included in their deceased husband's class, or mentioned that classmates have not made an effort to keep in touch.

They have received, however, repeated requests for financial support.

But the widows voiced appreciation for past letters of condolence from the class, old friends, and roommates. Certainly, neglect by the class, the College, and old friends has not been intentional.

I have been reflecting on ways to strengthen the bonds of Dartmouth's extended family beyond the annual greeting card. In order to want to return, a widow must feel she is part of that family. She must feel welcomed in "seeking ache of memory here" (Robert Frost).

I have two simple suggestions about how the class and College can reach out to widows. Ask Blunt Alumni Center to enter the names and addresses of the widows onto the appropriate club membership lists. Arrange to have a couple from the club personally contact each widow and escort her to a club function. It would take only a small effort to keep alive the participation of the widows; the results could be so positive.

Lead the way '45! Welcome the widows into the Dartmouth family.

Widow's Representative, 6 Sargent St., Hanover, NH 03755