1956

Derry H. Evans reports, "I believe the last reunion I attended was the fifth. I was then living and working in London. I had the temerity to include my late mother-in-law [from a first marriage], a wonderfully trusting, brave and quite delightfully soft-spoken Scot. I wonder if any other classmate has been imaginatively thoughtful or brave enough to include their mother-in-law in such an event?

"For the first time in years, 'retired' and facing the age-old question what next to do, Roger Schumacher kindly took my telephone call and bravely took us Down Under by warmly wel coming us to the group that traveled to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji earlier this year.

"When Rosie extracted a promise that we go back to Hanover for the 45 th it was a slam-dunk, and we thoroughly enjoyed again seeing those with whom we had traveled, meeting old and making new friends, after all the years, in this truly inclusive class gathering.

"So many events, skillfully balanced, planned and organized, contributed to the occasion. The memorial service, in remembrance of those who died, including my roommate Ted Price, was especially moving to me. As a bonus, Jolene and I enjoyed special time with John and Helen Higgs before reunion and after with John and Judy Allen as guests in their lovely home in Jamestown, Rhode Island.

"Remembering that life is but a journey, and mine perhaps embracing some elements found in the return of the prodigal son, I humbly offer a bit of background: Having entered the College at 17,1 remained one year. As a member of the NROTC I passed the naval exam, but found no room at the College. For a summer job I sailed as a deckhand on the ore boats on the Great Lakes. With two friends, one at Harvard and the other at Penn, and after a night of heavy drinking, we enlisted in the USMC reserves and were called up two weeks later.

"Having served as a communicator in japan and Korea, I taught communications at USMC San Diego before leaving active service. As Pres ident Wright aptly put it at reunion, I learned a great deal about life and myself while in the Corps; in my case, not what I wanted to do but rather what I did not want to do.

"Wise beyond our years, and now enjoying the chaos brought about through our extended family of six children and 16 grandchildren, Jolene and I have one bit of advice for those prodigal sons returning for the 50th: just do it! But seriously consider what others have already learned: those dorms and iron beds you remember may not be what you thought they once were; think carefully about booking a room at the Hanover or Norwich inns. See you at the 50th!"

Internet chatter has suggested some great 50th ideas, among them the printing of the best of that chatter. Em Houck got something started recalling his mentors while at Dartmouth. How about you? Send them along.

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