1955

Were it not for the Valley News this column would be shorter than Mohammed Ali's best outings. Saturday of graduation, a frontpage column extolled the last traffic foray for Ben Thompson after 50 years. The Navy boys will remember Ben as the storekeeper at Crosby, subsequently becoming a Hanover policeman and chief at Lebanon. I joined him at graduation and watched many alumni seek his photo and give him a thanks so well deserved.

Sundays edition spoke of the class of '53 and its great contribution to Dartmouth's Alumni Fund both throughout the years and its magnificent contribution for its 50th, amounting to a staggering figure somewhere near $12.5 million. As I slowly exited from the graduation ceremony listening to the last of the 1100 names, Larry Pilchman and wife Kathleen crossed my path. We agreed that, barring a tremendous inflation, any subsequent class stood very little chance to match its effort. Little do we know. The 25 th reunion class ('78) came in at $14.5 million. It was, however, a most pleasant time to see some old friends amongst the '35s.

The saga of the Antares is not over. Jim Wiggin s boat resurfaced in the Billings Gazette titled Sick at Sea. Accompanied by a large photograph and a description of a tall scholarly man with a quiet manner, our own Peter Teal, despite a motion sickness patch, managed to feel ill, not only at sea, but upon its removal suffered what is called "shore sickness." Our condolences to Peter and accolades for trying to help a fellow '55 get his boat to its home.

Jewel Jims wife, referred to the voyage as a Voyage of the Aging. With no sea sickness to distract her, she found the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, the starry nights and great companionship a trip to remember. Our best to you, Jewel, and may that trip support you in the coming days.

On a usual rainy, cool day in the Northeast this spring, the Dartmouth football annual outing was held. Doug Melville, despite frequent showers, managed to do well at the Woodstock Country Club course. I joined him and wife Diana at the evening festivities. A name tag with Dell Isola caught my eye, and Bob, a son of John '55 and grandson of John, our coach, was the man with the tag.

Betty Brady informs me that 60 people have signed up and delivered for the Portland minireunion. We hope either pre-or post-reunion safaris will acquaint our classmates with this portion of the Northwest.

A tragic note is the death of Bob De Bruyn. Living in Seattle, Washington, he had hoped to be with us in Portland. Our condolences to his family.

217 Perry Road, Woodstock, VT05091, (802) 457-1228; hasbrch@valley.net