1949

My first column, so be kind at my attempts to emulate the esteemed Bob Nutt and please, please send me much information to fill this monthly event. Speaking of Bob, he could not pat himself on the back, but many kudos are owed for his five years as secretary and his outstanding job on the Reunion book (copies are available from Jay Rosenfeld 603-763- 4952). Just completed a great 50th Reunion, with wonderful weather, a turnout of close to 300 classmates, and activities galore. We have a new set of officers: president BurtProom, vice president Ray Truncellito, treasurer George Hartmann, and yours truly as secretary. The 1999 Gold Pick Axe Award went to retiring president John Stearns. The "Bull Moose" truly deserved it for such an outstanding career at Dartmouth, the military, business, and post-business work for the College and the class. The new Pick Axe chair is Paul Woodberry, PO Box 67, Hanover, NH 03755, so get your recommendations for the next award NOW. Saturday started with a touching memorial service officiated by the Rev. Jan Becker '49W for the 154 classmates who have left us. Check the list in the Reunion book and remember old friends so much admired. Mike Gish's beautiful painting of Dartmouth Hall was "won" by Ann and George Hartmann. You can get a print, courtesy of Mike, by contacting John Stearns at 5 Dorrance Place, Hanover, and sending him 75 smackers. All the income from the bidding on the painting and the sale of the prints goes to the '49 contributions to the College. Classmates were still responding to Paul Bjorklund's entreaties, so we will have an exact count of reunion giving in another column, but it will be over $1.2 million, thanks to the great work of Paul, Trance, and their agents.

We also gave the class of 1999 $1,999 to be invested and then contributed at their 50th Reunion. Quick, you Tuck School guys, what's the probable number? JohnKent Cooley had a book signing in the Dartmouth Bookstore for his new book, Unholy Wars: Afghanistan, America, andInternational Terrorism. Fascinating reading and I recommend you get a copy (Pluto Press). We were treated to truly inspiring speeches by President Wright, Mike McGean, and Thad Seymour. No sleepers in their audiences, though a good number were observed nodding off later at the class tent.

Johnny Adler reported a couple of noshows for his tennis tournament, but BBCrawford had no problem attracting about ten foursomes to the lovely Hanover Country Club under clear blue skies. Ort Hicks did his usual splendid job leading the singing by the University Chorus of the Upper Valley. And many thanks, as always, to Punchy Thomas and BudHughes for all their work to organize the Reunion. I tell you, if you missed this one, you missed plenty and you had better get prepared to make the 55th!

PO Box 1194, Grantham, NH 03753;