1951

Picture two guys in their late 70s vacationing on the Hawaiian island of Kauai last February. Over a communal barbecue grill at the Kiahuana Plantation resort they discover both are Dartmouth graduates and indeed, both are in the class of 1951. Never knowing each other in four years in Hanover, Bob Closser and Jim Danaher catch up on each others adventures since 1951. Bob is still living up to his credentials as the ultimate fitness buff and is enjoying his second career as a travel agent. Jim and Kathy are spending more time there in their condo now that he has retired from lawyering.

An e-mail from Pete Crowe reported that Ace Mueller, wintering in Tucson, Arizona, as is his custom, put together a '51 luncheon for retired surgeons. The other was Bob Wilbee, who retired to Tucson a few years ago. Their mutual medical opinion described "all to be in fair condition and enjoying life."

It's not too early for classmates to build their travel plans around our fall mini, which this year comes early, September 28-29. Watch for '51 Fables in August for the signup sheet.

In the February 1957 issue of DAM I gleaned this notice by scribe Dave Leslie: "The engagement of Esther Simon and Donald Herdeg was recently announced by the prospective brides parents of Wilmington, Delaware. The wedding is planned for May 18 in Wilmington. Don is in the employ of GE in Schenectady as a sales specialist in electronic tube marketing." Wanting to know what their 50th anniversary plans were, Don tells me he is springing for the cost of a family gathering in the Great Smokey Mountains. He had further news that his granddaughter Alison Herdeg will be in Hanover next fall with the class of 2011.

That same issue plugged the fifth reunion committees efforts to get a big turnout. Herb Knight was the chairman and his "all-star" cast included Shorty Allison, Jim Balderston, Al Brout and Merle Thorpe, who are still with us.

Go online for news of our class, including a more lengthy Mace Weare obituary: www.dartmouth.org/classes.51.

239 Village Gate, Orind, CA 94563 peirce.mckee@rbcciain.com