1938

1938

The Classes

Happy fall to my dearest friends! I don’t get many surprises at the end of my working day when I arrive home— yes, I’m still working!—but what a wonderful surprise I received from someone who holds a very special place in my heart: my dear Al Wolff. Even before I opened his letter I could feel the tears welling up just remembering all the wonderful times we shared in Hanover, those times and memories were enjoyed with all of you as well because the class is more than one, it is all.

“Dear Jean—you got me! When you mentioned my name in the recent issue of the DAM my head swelled as if I were ‘the class of1938 insider.’ That’s exactly what you did for so many of us. You and Dick brought so many of us together by your genuine love for so many in the class of 1938 and all the activities that you and Dick sponsored. There were mini-reunions, class reunions, executive meetings, and so many contacts with so many classmates. You may have been 20 years or so younger than Dick, but for many of us, you were our class mother, giving out handshakes, hugs and kisses. Both of you worked so hard and helped us play so well that a get-together (and there were many of them) brought us together with a very special feeling of joy and love for the amazing class of1938, their wives, their families and their whatevers. I know that we all believed your motto that we were the greatest class that ever attended Dartmouth.” Al’s parting comment was: “What memories you have given us.”

I thank Al for his very kind words to me. Believe me when I say I didn’t do much, and continue to do very little, except try to keep the legacy of the class of’38 and Richard Francis forefront in the history of Dartmouth. I’m so very proud of my dear Richard and all the work he did—it was through his memories, love for Dartmouth and the class of 1938 that this class will never be forgotten! And, yes, with all the prejudice I have in my heart, and for as long as that heart beats, the class of 1938 was, and always will be, the greatest class that ever attended Dartmouth.

Stay well and always remember that I could never put into words what you gave to me! —Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road 0139, Wilbraham, MA 01095