Where
to start? Perhaps with a brief listing of some whose presence was scarce
in previous years. SAM BAKER was voted Rookie of the Year by many.
His participation, leadership, and zeal were positively contagious. CHARLEY
FRANCIS was probably runner-up; what a delight to glance up and see
that radiant grin as he entered the registration tent virtually
unannounced. Not sure how many reunions GREGG MILLETT has attended,
but he ensured that all three ‘61 pole vaulters were in evidence
(himself, Dr. Francis, and the irrepressible DICK NOEL). TOM
THEODORE was a tremendous addition, and lent an Iberian flavor to the
rampant good humor. BRETT McENTAGART showed up from Dublin, vying
for most miles traveled—until class officials realized that his single
hop across the Atlantic paled in comparison to someone’s 8 planes/4 days
in transit from/to the mid-Pacific... Hadn’t seen CARTTER FRIERSON
for about 40 years or so, and we immediately exchanged salutes, harking
back to our old days leading the ROTC drill team... STEVE ROEDER
was a beaming ray of sunlight, and looked like he’d spent about 30 of
the past 40 years in a cryogenic chamber... Same for BOB “Gland”
MARRIOTT, whose presence finally filled out the ‘61 US Steel
connection (himself, Rocket Moore, Skip Johnson, and, me Tom
Conger). And on and on...
Believe it’s safe to say that, by now, we’ve got reunions down
pat. The agenda was enlightening, logistics practical, cuisine creditable,
camaraderie abundant, music inspiring (how many of you found yourself
humming “Dartmouth Undying” for at least a week afterwards...?), and
the only minor glitch we noted was when the bar ran out of scotch—but
that was promptly remedied next day (and most dedicated tipplers that
night simply switched to Otter Creek on tap). Because of the Picture1000
Word trade-off, we’ll try to keep text to a minimum, and fill this issue
with as many photos as the budget will allow. And for this, thanks are due
to Big JOHN HENRY and his trusty camera—plus his new job as Head
Agent, which should keep you inspired to keep the revenue flowing. A
few highlights:
ROG McART hosted a seminar on “Second Careers,” and his four
panelists kept all of us fascinated, if not exactly inspired to emulate
their specific endeavors. BOB NAEGELE is an inspiration in
and of himself, and his decision to head up the return of NHL hockey to
Minnesota was well-founded and well-received. Not many of us will be
facing that same opportunity between now and the 45th in ‘06...
Likewise, STEVE BOSWORTH, as dean of the Fletcher School of
International Relations at Tufts, is in essentially a one-of-a-kind
position. JACK RENO heads up the Board at the Boston Museum of
Science, which would be unique, save for the horde of 45 potential
successors on the Board, plus an Overseer group of—what?—120 people?
It’s obvious that Jack brings his own special success, from heading up
Dynatech in the commercial sphere, to the non-profit world. Sam Baker’s
experiences in closing down his orthopedic surgery practice in favor of
“real life” came closer to home for many in attendance—especially
those in the medical profession who have seen their careers erode into
acting as functionaries/paper pushers for the profiteers of today’s
HMOs.
Rollins Chapel provided the venue for a Memorial Service conducted by
Revs. GEORGE BLAND and DUANE COX. To call the interlude
sobering would be understatement, and as PETE BLEYLER read the
ever-growing list of passed ‘61s, he inserted the name of JOHN G.
EDWARDS, who slipped away suddenly a few days before we arrived—too
late to make the printing. Fretful eyes glanced from side to side, as
realization of life’s brevity began to sink in. Many silent vows were
made to not be on “The List” come next reunion...
Father Dobes moderated the latest in a series of “Passages
Revisited” discussions, leading off with some thought on Frost’s
“The Road Not Taken.” These sessions are revealing, rewarding, and
provocative. During the break we traded thoughts with honorary ‘61 JAY
EMERY ‘60, who observed that ‘61s seem to open up more frankly—GLENN
GEMELLI a good example—than the ‘60s; we ascribed this to the
‘60s’ advanced years, and headed back in for the conclusion.
The class banquet was staged at the new McLane Lodge at the
Dartmouth Skiway, and cocktailers were serenaded by the select chorus
[fka, in days of common sense, The Injunaires...]. Dinner was followed by
awards, a vacation homes auction, and the Tanzi Plate raffle, at which
time the “1961 Jazzmen Reunited” began to wail, completely captivating
the crowd—man what vibes! A guest appearance by Bobbie Sue
Emerson, JACK HOUSER’s main squeeze and certified stone fox, kept
the crowd enrapt. We could have gone on all night, but the drive back from
Lyme brought the music to a halt, and a final chance to boogie down in the
tent sent many happy/weary sexagenarians to their trundle beds aglow.
A few observations: The campus seems to change—or grow—with each
visit. But we believe everyone will admit that, among others, the Hood
Museum and the ahem Robert Frost statue are welcome additions. The
town has changed more than grown, and, in spite of a certain diatribe on
change in Reflections at Forty, we can cite certain actual improvements:
there’s a Chinese restaurant now—a good one; we recall Hanover without
even pizza in our undergrad days. Sure, Hal’s has gone—and probably
ice-a-fudge with it, but Murphy’s is a great replacement for the Indian
Bowl. Dartmouth Nat’l Bank is now a Thai restaurant [even better than
Chinese, if possible... ed.]. Where Tanzi’s once stood is a small open
space [possibly a shrine...?]; guess everyone has been wise enough to know
that nothing could ever replace Tanzi’s... And Fletcher’s emporium of
fine pre-owned furniture and, um, pharmaceutical supplies has housed
bistros of varying names and ownerships over recent years. Nels Armstrong
‘71 did a fine job rounding up a student forum to give the geezerly set
an inside view of current campus life. In regard to the SLI, there seemed
to be consensus among the kids that the Administration has implemented
strictures on fraternities which are, if not draconian, virtually
impossible to comply with. On the other hand, JON SPERLING took his
daughter, Alex [Middlebury ‘01], over to show her the Gamma Doodley
house, and pronounced the physical plant “toxic.” Whatever. Le plus ca
change... As promised, please see the photos. And, from all 269 who were
there, to all who were not: “Ya shudda went!”
New President Pete Bleyler's looking for additional members on the
executive committee. The only requirements are that you’re a member of
the class in good standing (i.e., paid your class dues) and have an email
address. As a member of the ExComm, you will probably get information
about the class earlier than the rest, stay in touch with other members of
the committee, and participate in decision affecting the class. You can
also volunteer for any task forces or committees that are formed.
Pete Bleyler, flushed with success over the St. Moritz Ski Venture,
has set up a sequel to Lech, Austria, for 2002. In brief, Swissair departs
January 25 for Zurich, thence a bus to the Hotel Lech for 7 nights. Ski
areas nearby include Lech, St. Anton, and Zurs. Return to the US on Feb.
2, or fly on to Barcelona for 3 nights at the Rivoli Ramblas hotel,
returning stateside Feb 5. Basic cost is $1,320 per person, double
occupancy, incl airfare (from Boston), hotel (incl. dinners &
breakfasts), and R/T bus fare. The optional trip to Barcelona is
$310/person, incl. R/T airfare, 3 nights hotel (incl. breakfast), and
ground transport. The offer is open to 44 people, and cut-off date October
20. See the enclosed flyer for specifics. These are prime arrangements,
great fares, and who could pass up $310 for 3 days in Barcelona, a place
we’ve always wanted to visit—isn’t that where the wind comes
sweeping down the plain...?
OSCAR ARSLANIAN is the first one to acknowledge that the campaign
for Immediate Past President was a bitch. But he eventually prevailed, and
advises the following agenda for next year’s Legacy-supported
Engagements:
October 2&3, 2001 Trisha Brown Dance Company, with the Dave Douglas
Ensemble, “El Trilogy.”
October 9, 2001 Diana Reeves, Celebrating Sarah Vaughan.
April 20, 2002 Itzhak Perlman, violin, with Rohan De Silva on piano.
Phone, On-line, and window orders accepted beginning August 22: box
office (603)646-2422, or <www.hop.dartmouth.edu>
Our first evening’s reception was hosted by Hop Director Lewis Crickard
in appreciation for The Legacy, and DAVID BIRNEY, though on show
tour, made a side trip to Hanover to make some brief, but poignant,
remarks. This is something we can well be proud of, fellas, and we invite
your own participation forthwith.
Speaking of class gifts, Bleyler reports that the Valley News featured a
photo of the Rober Frost statue on the front page of a recent issue,
captioned “Whose Woods These Are...” and stating, “Frozen in time
and bronze, poet Robert Frost sits in a glade on the Dartmouth College
campus. The statue was made by American sculptor George Lundeen.” Though
no credit was given to the class, this product of ‘61 generosity &
foresight—no to mention a mountain of work on the part of MIKE MURPHY—is
obviously becoming a part of Dartmouth life.
FRANK GINN Casaginn@aol.com
likewise aflutter with victory (a fine reunion yearbook), would like to
acknowledge contributors whose support came in post-publication. Because
funds are still coming in, we will print those names in the next issue of
WWW; so send a confirmation of your appreciation—made out to:
The Class of 1961
to Frank at 1000 Vernon Avenue, Winnetka IL 60093.
Further, if you have relented, having seen the eloquence of your
classmates, and would like to submit your own Reflection, please watch
your e-mail (probably about mid-August) for an announcement of the
opportunity to do so. Frank is presently researching the most viable means
of publication, so get your thoughts in order and on paper. If you do not
have e-mail [welcome to the 19th century, Bubba...], you may utilize the
original format and mail it in. Enlighten your buddies, and do not tarry.
As Sam Baker so aptly observed, “We don’t know how many heartbeats we
have left in these ol’ bods, so we better use them to their maximum
fulfillment—and friends are one of the best ways!”
That’s gonna do it for now. Must save space for the rotogravure; just
got more great photos from BOB WENDELL and JACK HOUSER.
But we will include one last thought: the undersigned has been honored to
carry the WWW banner since 1990 for a group of superior chaps. If I have
played down my appreciation of your kind words, it is purely out of
humility, as I have scant capacity to verbalize my pleasure at being able
to serve. I was touched deeply to receive that handsome silver key ring,
and thank everyone in the class from the core of my soul. They
don’t make ‘em any better than you guys.
Best Regards,
Tom Conger.
____________________________________________________
Photos to be posted very soon: As they say... The pics are in the
mail!
1. Reception crew. (L to
R): Vic Rich, Bob Wendell, Tom Mealey.
2. Merry Pranksters. (L to
R): Naegele, Eicke, Steinhauser, Armstrong, Schoening, Jessup, Rosier,
Noel, Levy, Ricker, Fields, Rich’s schnozz, Jenkin.
3. Alexis Boss lunch. (L to
R): Tom Theodore, Mealey, Naegs, Ellis Bulb, Charley Francis, Bob Gerrity,
Kathleen Wendell.
4. You Sweet Thang! Bobbie
Sue stands in with the 1961 Jazzmen Reunited. Sam Swansen ‘59 on
trombone, Jim Watson on sax, Steve Dale on keyboard.
5. (L to R): Jon Sperling,
Cartter Frierson, Duck Eicke, Enforcer Puhi, Larry Gleeson.
6. (L to R): Don O’Neill,
Charlie Chapman, Tom Hickey, Skip Johnson.
7. (L to R): Darby &
Bill Burton, Ken deHaven.
8. Moosilauke Madness.
Foreground (L to R): Hank Eberhardt, Frank Stephens, Tom & Karla
Goodridge, Laurie Eberhardt.
9. (L to R): Buffons and Goodridges. Background: Al Orschel, Maynard
Wheeler.
10. (L to R): Dr, Rogers,
Cara Beth “Louise” Rogers, George Harold Deniston, Jr.
Background, facing camera: Dick Noel, Gleeson.
11. (L to R): Dr. Charley
Francis, Nyla & Oscar Arslanian.
12. (L to R): DiSavinos,
Stephanie Levy (Larry’s daughter...).
13. Prew-dads & Joani
Gettin’ Down!
14. John & Sheila
Hagaman.
15. Jim & Pat
McElhinney.
16. Roger & Sandy
McArt.
17. Rugby Vice-Captains,
friends for life. TC & Denny Goodman ‘60.
18. Reflections at Forty
editor Frank Ginn.
19. M-mm, good! Harry
& Dee Altick.
20. Gazzes Get the Bad
News... Charlotte & Mike Gazzaniga.
21. Snot Shoots Scribe.
Pete Synnott, Rici.
22. Head Agent & Prez.
(L to R): John Henry, Bob Frost, Pete Bleyler.
23. Tanzi Lives! Al &
Nora Orschel. Background: Bud Schoening.
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