1956

Reunion means many things to many people—in this case about 280 folks for our 45th. Some observations: Kickoff at Leo McKenna's farm on Sunday night, 75 turned up for a festive cookout. The Phi Delts had preceded reunion with one of their own arranged by Harry Nutting, which served as an introduction for some members and a launching pad for the larger event. Paul Withington came from Madison, Wisconsin, for the first time since the 25th. Joining the Navy from college, he worked in Op-29 for Samuel Eliot Morrison! Mike Zissu, hanging with Denny Minely, planed in from Florida relating how sorry he is that son Mike is leaving the Navy—but proud of him anyway. Darrell Clowes reminisced with me on our days together in grammar school in Whitman, Massachusetts. Four fine Dartmouth students helped us with logistics and did all the work to make reunion better. The Alumni Glee Club, 65 voices singing all the songs the way we remembered them, including Clem Malin, Bert Whittemore, John Allen, Ken Bridge, Bill Beard and Roger Schumacher emoting with gusto and pride. Ken Geary made it at the last minute—also his first since the 25th. Jack Crowley all the way from Seattle; Cy Field from Newport, Oregon; Stu Klapper from Puerto Rico—some came a long way. Larry Morse made it for one night, expressing regret for all the things he didn't do and all the people he didn't meet while an undergraduate (just like we all do). Al Levinson beaming with pride on the accomplishments of his daughter Julie '84 and expounding on Dean Al Dickerson's setting him straight after his mediocre freshman year. Poet laureate Joel Ash holding forth in an afternoon reading in the tent for an appreciative audience. Eric Jensen showing up unexpectedly for the class picture and the Bema picnic (he did the same thing at the 40th). Boodge Erwin trying on the green jacket and Libby approving the quality. Wonderful cuisine at the Storrs Pond picnic—all the food was terrific, thanks to the Inn, the Dartmouth Dining Association and Ken Bridge. The first reunion ever for Porter Kier, Phil Coyle and Dave Losby, each promising to make the 50th and all the rest for sure. Pete Rosazza participating but regretfully having to leave before the memorial service due to a prior commitment. Stew Wood performed the service with the assistance of Don Davidoff—moving, dignified, appropriate, with wonderful music and song—not a dry eye in the house as 125 fallen classmates were remembered. Delicious Harpoon beer flowing from the tap while Ort Hicks and his group serenaded us from the corner of the tent. A witty, informed, astute panel of Robert K. Faulkner, Bob Grossman, John Van DeKamp and Jon Strong and ably chaired by Russ Brace as a packed 13 Carpenter actually wanted it to continue for another hour. President McKenna held his last class meeting, passed the tomahawk to Glen French, and sat down to thunderous applause for a job well done. Ruth Becker bravely spreading Bob's ashes on the Connecticut River. Ruth Katz and Karen Merrels joining in and enjoying the fellowship of the class. Two of the Syracuse Three made it: Bud Roth and Sid Devorsetz looking exactly the same as 45 years ago, but missing Bill Burke. Dave Stackpole, Tom Rosenwald and Flint Ranney working hard on a video to be seen on Tuesday and producing a classic that captured the mood of the class and the time. An impromptu joke session to fill time in 105 Dartmouth that brought down the house. So many people, so little space—I urge you to send your impressions and remembrances to Flint to put in the WHWor to Stew Wood, who now assumes this job. He will bring his warmth and earnestness to this space and it will blossom. The class of 1956 is a great class because of the people in it, and that was never more evident than at our 45th reunion. Keep in touch with each other and Flint and Stew, and we'll see you in Hanover!

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