1944

Can't call it "Merles Mini," which sounds more like a fashion statement than a reunion. But, didn't we all know Merle Hagen was a good organizer? And a tireless promoter? Sure we did. Way back in 2003 he initiated planning for the first annual Dartmouth Alumni Florida Elderhostel. This super mini-reunion was held last March in St. Petersburg. And we've gathered enthusiastic reports from classmates and wives who attended the Elderhostel at Eckerd College.

"One of the highlights of the program was the course on Robert Frost given by Dartmouth's own Michael O'Connell, class of 1965," said BobHarris' wife, Bea. "He was just great. The accommodations were excellent, and we found it a wonderful experience, enjoyed every minute." JohnHandwerg's wife, Connie, spoke of enjoying so much the retrospective of the Big Bands era. Took her back to the time she got Frank Sinatras autograph when he was singing in New York with Tommy Dorsey. Someone told her the autograph would be worth $1,000 today. (Do you know where you put it, Connie?)

brought along a friend, Julie Carroll, from North Carolina. She has two sons who graduated from the College.

Others attending the four-day event were Barbara and Dick Allenby, Helen and Bob Gifford, Alice and Mac Morse, Marjorie and Bill Hirons. Our class theology professor from Oxford, Ohio, David Scotford, came with another professor, Eleanore Vail. Dave, who's been to 20 Elderhostels around the world, said, "This was definitely one of the best." Two 44 couples drove over from Texas: the Morses from Dallas and Carol and Jim Towsen from the Houston area.

We salute and bid farewell to classmates who have gone to their reward since lastyear s reunion: Paul Cray, Paul Jones, Art Kiendl, Dick Mac Donald, Don Oakes, Bill Turpin and Dudley Wilson.

Stay well! Stay active!

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