1955

Despite a continuing inclemency in the weather, I am sure approximately 102 of our classmates and wives enjoyed a busy weekend in Boston. Arriving early Friday (Flag Day), the tennis players started the activity. Dick Mount provided the elegant Longwood Club with its 42 courts for the tennis lovers with a choice of grass, clay and an indoor court built in 1907 with a linoleum surface. Ace Hall, Carol Rogers, yours truly and Jill tried all three. Buck Kutner, John Ballard, Mike Gorton and Peter Gulick braved the elements and stayed on the clay courts.

Meanwhile Iris Fanger and Woody Goss were leading tours of Harvard and the State House respectively, all culminating in an evening of Boston history by Dr. Jere Daniell II and reminiscing by all concerned.

Bob Fanger replaced Williamsburg's Harry Ambrose as the expeditor of group movement and Betty Brady replaced Margie Ambrose in the more subtle vagaries of keeping us on time. Their excellent planning was assisted by our President Woody Goss and Nancy, Ralph Sautter, Bruce Alexander and Mary jane, and Brooks Parker

and Gale, the official class photographer.

After dodging raindrops and puddles in a morning architectural tour, the group settled in for lunch at the Museum of Fine Art. Tours of this fine institution and the nearby Gardner Museum filled the afternoon—the latter is a real jewel that should not be missed. Jere ensconced in the portrait room of the MFA surrounded by Copley, Stuart and other period painters and gave an impromptu talk on the artists, their subjects and how the Revolution affected both.

Saturday evenings cocktail hour gave this author time to converse with Dean Allard, Bill Bassett, Bob Comer, Bill Hudson, Paul Merriken and Jed Isaacs among many. The dinner was highlighted by a presentation to Dr. John Porvaznik and Eunice for their long-time work among the Indians in the Southwest as well as a clinic in Honduras. Seated at our table were Fred Crocker and Donna, Jim Wiggins and Jewel, and Mike Gorton and Karen, all once again enamored by jere and "19th-century Boston."

Last year at Williamsburg an unofficial poll nominated Dave Conlan as the youngest looking '55. This year, with a few gray hairs showing, Dave was replaced by Colin Hunt, hands down.

After a Boston-by-foot tour, the group departed for Rowe's wharf, through the locks into the Charles to see M.I.T. and Harvard from the water. Calmed by Captain John Dinan and assured that this river was much safer than the one named after Bill Hudson, we enjoyed the comments of Bob Fanger, though he often referred to "on our left was such and such" considering not that half of us were traveling backwards.

Upon our return, a gathering of the faithful was held to discuss our 50 th reunion. Nominated and accepted were John Ballard and Harry Lewis as co-chairman for giving. Bob Perkins spoke of our present alumni campaign, doing well in numbers, and the mighty struggle to achieve a successful bonanza for 2005. As of this July 1 all gifts to Dartmouth, to whatever school, will count toward our reunion goal.

That evening, at cocktails, a conversation with Cyril Muromcew, our country's longtime negotiator of disarmament with Russia, revealed his discontent of the present young "whippersnappers" who sit at negotiating tables. Dick Hogarty is no longer teaching but is working on a second historical book. At table, Dan Nixon and Tamara, part-time residents of Hanover, Lou Turner and Lee, now of Falmouth. Others included Joe Mathewson, Carl Weisenfeld, Jack Doyle, Larry Hager, Dick Hopkins and Peter Robinson.

It was a great weekend ending Monday at the Kennedy Library after an early a.m. fire threat drove the Parker Hotel guests to the lobby. Now we know what people really look like! Next year it's Portland, Oregon, sometime in September, compliments of Jan Braestrup and unidentified helpers—so plan to be there.

217 Perry Road, Woodstock, VT05091; (802) 457-1228; richard.j.hastings.55@alum.dartmouth.org