1956

Our 50th reunion is right around the corner. By now you've read and reread our 50 th reunion book, heard we've set a school record for the number of returning classmates and, we hope, sent Tom Harper (www.harpoon@netparth.net) a narrative of your own Dartmouth experience for the 1956 time capsule to be opened by the class of '06 at its 50th. But if for some reason you're not counted among that number, get on the stick and let Dick Whitney, at (919) 370-9435, know you're coming! It starts officially Friday evening with dinner, encompasses all sorts of things to which you can say "yes" or "no," shifts gears following commencement exercises when we head for Stowe that afternoon, includes a dinner cruise on the 15 6-foot Spirit of Ethan Allen Monday and then our closing banquet Tuesday. Youwon'twant to miss Jim Lehrer's talk with us Sunday afternoon or watching Tom Rosenwald and Bob Slater officiate at the donation of a new crew shell Friday noon.

The class of'06 has invited those of us coming to Hanover in February for Winter Carnival and the Alumni Association meeting for cocktails with them and their parents Friday evening at the Hop. This is a class of extraordinary men and women, so come on up, get engaged in the association and meet more of these '06ers.

Paul Handverger made his way to Turkey this past December and reports "standing on the site of Troy, that ancient city in northwest Turkey made famous in Homers epic, The Illhad." What a moment, to stand on the ruins of that great city and its nine other historic partners and recognize the cost of centuries of deforestation which have filled in that area and moved the Aegean Sea some two miles further south. Perversely, the reality of global warming and rising oceans may make of this site a seaside city once again.

Joe Elliotts widow, Odessa, alerted me to Jim Breeden's recent major heart surgery and the good news that he's "recovering apace." As one of a number of our classmates who've made a real difference both in the world and here at Dartmouth, it will be great to see him back for our 5 Oth.

John Chapman rehearsed on our class listserv a story Duke Hust told him about getting through the language requirement some 50 years ago. His Italian professor, Dr. Pianca, had a son, Nino, who needed coaching to pass his swimming requirement every bit as much as Duke needed help with his foreign language requirement. A deal was struck and both made it. Professor Pianca is reported to have said, "You know, Duke, you don't have to speak a foreign language or swim 50 yards to be a success in this world."

Larry Morse, on the same Internet resource, was pleased to announce that an essay of his, "Fall in New England," will be appearing in a new book by Art Kofif '57, Invent Your Retirement:Resources for the Good Life. Way to go, Larry! The College alerted me of William K. Ehrenf eld's death last October. Look for the obituary in this issue of the DAM.

P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT05059; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.corn

REUNION June 9-11 2006