1951

Bill Flanagan called from Scottsdale, Ariz., looking for the Mexico phone number of Cesar Estrada, a number we don't have. He was planning a month's vacation south of the border and thought he'd engage some local expertise. Bill has retired from a private law practice specializing in business consulting in New York. Our conversation went back three or four decades because he once lived in my Madison, Conn. One result of our chat is that he's going to seriously consider the 45th, now hard upon us June 10-13.

Rob Jackson retired from Coldwell Banker after 42 years with the real estate firm in San Diego and La Jolla. Bob had given to the community by leading several charitable foundations, been president of his Brokers' Association, and president of Kiwanis.

To conclude our Reunion nostalgia we peek at the 35th, highlighted by the reformed Glee Club with Bill Fraser, Sam Chu,Bob Langworthy, PeteMartin, John Hatfield,Mort Briggs, and Whitey Hand; the dedication of the fund for perpetual maintenance of the Baker bells, given in memory of Donal Morse by his wife, Carol; Sam Chu's talk on the "Hyphenated American"; John Gambling presiding over the Bema banquet; Paul Wenger wearing his freshman beanie; two Dick Ellises and two Dave Halls.

Cut to June 1991, the 40th. We noted that "one more earful of '51s would have given us the College record for 40ths." Remember the "Where Do We Go From Here?" seminar with its thoughtful and entertaining challenges from FrankSmallwood, Peter Martin, Hav Smith, EdLandau and Dave Hilton? Wherever it was, some of us have already got there, some have gone and returned, and too many have gone ahead and stayed. We were all touched by Rabbi Bill Leffler, the Rev. Dick Bucey, and Dave Hilton's tributes of our mates who had gone on ahead. Jeff O'Connell worked over PeterBogardus from the after-dinner podium. There were some "age" jokes that night. Now we are living those jokes.

There is yet time to arrange to join this year's group, Monday-Thursday, June 10-13. John Clayton and Dick Price expect 225 of us. They have laid on a superb schedule of events that include sports, culture, first-class dining, learning, and the bonding that can only come in the Hanover setting.

When you have a moment, let Joe Welch know that you appreciate the time he has given to the class as a gifted president, Bob Hustek for his selfless service, Al Brout for a smooth job as bursar, and Al Mori for the Alumni Fund leadership, Henry Nachman for the mini-reunions, and Dave Batchelder for those terrific '51 Fables. We have had truly classy leadership!

Bill Boynton passed the quill to me at the 40th and my first line of published ink was a pun: "...So starts my six-year sentence." Now, with these notes, I say so long. It's been great fun to have this unique opportunity to be friends with so many of you that I never really knew in those days but wish I had. Thanks!

48 Webster Point Road, Madison CT 06443; (203) 245-7191;

VOX CLAMA 1951 1996 45 REUNICN KEEP THE '51 SPIRIT ALIVE