1945

Last month's theme was, "Hey, guys, let's get in touch with old buddies we haven't heard from lately." I hope you're already into it. Another approach is to go regional, and I'm pleased to report that Gene Wilkin (Lakewood, Wash.) has agreed to contact the more remote and less-heard-from classmates in Washington, Oregon, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming. Other regional volunteers welcome; mail/phone lists available. Gene has beaten some tough health problems and has just returned from a world-wide convention of his favorite Pre-Cancel Stamp Society in Portland, Ore.

A special world came to Portland for Gene. Other classmates continue to travel the world pursuing their special interests. The latest reports give the distance award to Dick and Barbara Hinman and the frequency record to Dave and MarnieKirkpatrick.

The Hinmans flew to Johannesburg, thence went animal-watching in bush camps in Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Dick enthusiastically portrays the bush experience, managed by competent and friendly Africans. It includes excursions by small planes, vans, and boats, spotting lions, elephants, and giraffes. For the Hinmans it meant sleeping in a fragile hut with elephants right outside the door. Dick's advice: Go soon, because tourist pressures on the animal habitats are increasing rapidly. More info from Dick at (603) 526-2415.

The Kirkpatricks made a '95 post-reunion trip to Scandinavia, of which a highlight was their visit to the home of Edvard Grieg outside Bergen, Norway. "As we walked along the beech-lined path to his house, we heard the opening strains of the 'Peer Gynt Suite' played on two recorders by two young women." Ruth and I too have enjoyed that lovely scene.

This spring, Marnie and Dave were in Paris for the Louvre, the new Bastille Opera, and out to Giverny for Monet's house and garden. Dave writes lyrically about the drive to Provence; the flowers, the vineyards, and the Roman ruins. This summer they were in Britain—the Scottish highlands and islands, the English lake district, and the Welsh coal-mining region where they enjoyed the famous choral singing. Dave recalled A.J. Cronin in the "How Green Was My Valley" country. Dr. Dave is one literate medic; you could be reading him in The N.Y. Times travel section. Or for more info, try him at (814) 336-5703.

Back nearby, Al and Ellen Gluek hosted a delightful picnic for us Upper Valley '45s at their farm in Orford. It was a glorious day and the 360-degree view (including Moosilauke) was spectacular. Thanks to the setting and to their efforts and their family's, it was a memorable gathering for all of us.

Had a welcome call from JohnGooding, recently relocated from Greensboro, N.C., back near his Hanover origins, now P.O. Box 726, New Castle, NH 03854. Many of you will recall that John's father managed buildings and grounds for the College. John has "a fond boyhood memory of Dan Hagerman '35 courting Ibba in the Gooding home, where she stayed on weekends from Skidmore. Don, my New London neighbor, recalls those weekends pretty fondly too. John is looking forward to teaming up with BruceKenworthy for the fall mini. It's Dartmouth Night. You all come out and help carry the banner!

Thought for the month: "I tell you folks', all politics is applesauce."

Will Rogers

Don Sisson, P.O. Box 1317, New London, NH 03257

The Dick Hinmans slept in a fragile Ivut witli elephants outside while visiting hush camps in Botswana and Zimbabwe. Don Sisson '45