1955

Nothing seems mediocre any more. The world events reach crescendos we have not experienced before. The TV ads speak only of superlatives and even our weather reports tell of the most snowfall in any March, the fourth driest summer, the warmest November in recorded history—the common place seems to be rapidly disappearing.

This years wassail celebration in Wood- stock, Vermont, brought Dick Blodgett to sing in the Messiah chorus and Ward Rowley to view the magnificent horse parade, complete with antique coaches and period costumes. Ward, a post horse-owner, educated yours truly in the finer points of the equines from Shetlands to Percherons.

Another eminent historian of our class, Dick Hogarty, recently retired from the McCormack Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, has published a political biography titled Leon Abbett's New Jersey. Being a former New Jerseyan, Dick chose as his subject a governor of that state in the late 19th century who fought entrenched interests and was an early reformer.

Most times I see Lynn Brock he is just returning or going to some strange place not on my Top 10 list of places to visit. A recent Rotary newsletter explained his visits as part of an effort by Rotarians to aid in worldwide health and in particular immunization of children. This past year I have heard about several classmates such as John Porvaznik and Ed Willi giving their time and effort in helping others. Since September 11 there has been an even greater national outpouring of charitable works and I am sure, classmates, that many of you in some large or small way have contributed your share.

Jim Wechsler will not be forgotten. It is over a year nowand his community of Lebanon, New Hampshire, still finds ways to help fund his scholarships and commemorate his name. A recent dedication of a scoreboard at Lebanon High and the Lebanon-Hanover basketball game at Leede Arena on January 2 are examples of this community effort. It also stresses a striving by Dartmouth to increase the local usage of its facilities. Unfortunately, the demand by the student body for athletic facilities far outstrips their availability except when the underclassmen are not on campus. The long-awaited upgrading of Leverone Field House to the tune of $5 million is coming to an end and should provide better accommodations for a multitude of sports.

Another accolade for Harry Lewis, almost a monthly event these days. His contribution to the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District of several Colorado counties was honored by a Community Service Award. On a negative note, Harry's wonderful wife, Tanya, passed away suddenly last October. Our belated but heartfelt condolences, Harry.

A letter to Ralph Sautter from Ryutaro Shindo expresses his family's grief over the September devastation. On November 9 Ryutaro's wife's brother was appointed the ambassador to the United States. I do hope Ryutaro, that this prompts you and your wife to make that long-thought-of return to Hanover a reality.

217 Perry Road, Woodstock, VT05091; (802) 457-1228; richard.j,hastings.ss@alum.dartmouth.org