1955

On the morning of June 12, the last day of our 50th reunion, I gazed at the ValleyNews front page to see our astute chairman John French pictured alongside a coed from the class of '05. Was it titled the old and the new? Not exactly; but it did compare the challenges each graduating class faces nationally and internationally. Quotes and a picture of Dick Fairley were also included. Tom Brokaw, the commencement speaker, reiterated these challenges in his address. On the podium sat Gordie Russell, who received an honorary degree for his contributions both in time and money, helping the needy, educationally and in health care.

Thursday a few of the hardy, including Ted Ely, Pete Packard, Will Stratton, Joe Mathewson, John Dinan, Kilt Andrew, Steve Wilson, Jud Hale, Shep Jackson, Harlan Jessup, Jim McKendry, Alan Uris and yours truly managed the trails and bunks of Mt. Moosilauke. Exhibitions of classmates' art, photography, crafts and publications were found at three sites on the campus. Among those participating were our bagpipe player Dick Barr, Ken Lundstrom, Ron Murphy, Franke Neumann, Nelson Nicholson, Pete Packard, Tom Schoonmaker, Al Schartz and Dave Walton. Selection was co-chaired by Bob Fanger and Bernie Siskind and ably assisted by Pete Henderson, Dick Blodgett and several spouses. Class memorabilia was selected by Jere Daniell and included albums from "Sonny" Peters and Ace Hall's family.

The "Liberal Arts" moderated by jere Daniell and paneled by John Braestrup, Bob Edwards, Peter Fishbein, Alan Murray, Roy Nyren, Roger Sherman and Milo White was held at 105 Dartmouth but was briefly interrupted by a deluge of rainfall cascading down the back steps.

The evening cocktail hour and dinner were held at Leverone, recently remodeled. John French and Larry Pilchman outdid themselves with a delicious lobster dinner that was the forerunner of many fine meals. Buddy Teevens '79 spoke on his philosophy of coaching and the autumn prospects. A few ex-footballers including Randy Hayes, Doug Melville, Bernie Fulton and Bob Bagdasarian commented they were glad they trained under "Tuss."

Returning to 105 Dartmouth, scene of yesterdays flood, the class meeting unanimously chose the following slate of officers: president, Jack Doyle; vice president, Dick Blodgett; secretary, Bob Perkins; treasurer, Ralph Sautter; newsletter editor, Joe Mathewson; and class agent, Woody Goss. It concluded with a gift and accolade to our outgoing President Woody.

The memorial service remembered the 141 deceased men who matriculated. Services were conducted by the Reverends Jim Cavenaugh, Joe Herring and Roy Nyren. The names of Tom Fleming, Bruce Justice and Ned Hydt were added to the program list.

At the luncheon on Baker lawn our head agent Bob Perkins and 50th giving leaders John Ballard and Harry Lewis presented a grand check with a total of nearly $12. million for the year's Alumni Fund and 50th reunion.

The afternoon continued with golf and tennis under the tutelage of Doug Melville and Dick Mount, respectively. For the less inclined to activity, a panel on terrorism moderated by Leon Martel and including speakers Nick Kotz, Bll Lenderking and Bob Perkins was held.

Humor was the emphasis for the Saturday dinner and only Jud Hale with exquisite timing and New England breeding could push our laugh buttons as well. Off to dance and early to rise with a nostalgic feeling that so many friends, I shall never see again.

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