Class Notes 1950

Just in case you don’t know it, we lost our dynamite class leader Bob Kirby January 14. I’m sure his wife, Brownlee, would welcome your letter praising someone who was one hell of a president!

Okay, classmates, it’s official: Our 75th (impressive) reunion is Sunday to Tuesday, September 28-30, and the College is picking up the tab. That’s right: They reserve a bunch of rooms at the Hanover Inn (you just pay for parking)—so start packing!

We got the news from Chicago from Terri Carpenter that she and Bill now have a team of 21 great-grandchildren. I count 26 in their total clan—can any of us better this record? Jilly Harned comes close with 22, not counting herself. I received a note from Joan Willet (Mrs. Wally) saying she has an interesting collection of jewelry. Our money man Doug Smith has been busy this winter building a tiny house on wheels (THOW) that he and Meredith will use “down at the lakefront” so they don’t have to trudge up to the lodge when they are laking it. Okay, so you are asking what the hell is a THOW: It’s a comfortable place at the lakefront (a fair distance from their house) where they can shower, cook, and even sleep! Doug is busy in the barn designing (and building) as we speak.

John Caldwell writes, “I don’t have much to offer. I wish I could say something about my book but it’s stalled.” (We will expect more from John in the next issue—fail me not!)

On a personal note, your scribe is now percussionist for a local glee club—35 strong, with no one under 60—The Golden Tones. The group is fairly well known in the Framingham-Natick, Massachusetts, area and has been at it for more than 35 years. We do gigs about every two weeks. When I’m not drumming with them I am performing with a small group called The Traveling Thespians, a Concord Players group of veterans who do gigs now and then.

With condolences to their families, I am listing the deaths of Arnie Oss and Bob Kirby.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Our mini went without a hitch with supper at the Hanover Inn Pine Room (arranged by Joel Leavitt) on Friday with “Rusty” Rodriguez, Stephanie “Toots” Reinenger, Doug and Meredith Smith, Bob Kirby and Brownlea McKee, Joel Leavitt, and my oldest daughter Rebecca and me. Saturday saw Bob and Brownlee, Joel, Victoria Hicks (daughter of my best lifelong pal Ort ’49) her beau Gerard, and Becky and me at a wonderful game in which the Greens prevailed over Penn (to be followed by wins over Yale with a come-from-behind 44-43). The Big Green undefeated (as I write this before Homecoming) and leading the Ivy pack—wow! The class of ’50 made a statement at the Penn game with lots of singing and banjo madness. The weekend was capped with a great supper at Jesse’s with the Smiths, Kirby and McKee, Joel, and Becky and me. On Saturday night we closed out the mini in great shape. Ray “Moe” Devoe reveled in an Air Force exceptional service award (where he served from 1977 to 2011 as a distinguished counselor).

Picked up at a recent “Thrive” series: Bill Carpenter reports his sister and son from New Zealand headed for North Carolina but Helene intervened and further travel was limited. They spent time viewing old pictures and later tripped to British Columbia. A sad call from Joel saying Tony Gilroy called to say Frank Gilroy’s wife, Ruth, had passed away. The athletic fund market value of the class of 1950 was $24,126.64 on June 30, 2023. Jill Harned reports her last grandson is applying to Dartmouth. She says he’s “smart as a whip.” John Caldwell bought a condo at The Greens in Hanover and is needing a walker (aren’t we all?) but is starting another book! Meredith Smith was honored by her town of Enfield, New Hampshire, where, as founder of Enfield Heritage Commission (10 years) and six years as selectman, she was instrumental in the fundraising and dedication of Mascoma Park.

I sadly list classmates who have passed on: Bob Farrell, Donald Hall, George Woodwell, Mal Hill, Jack Elliot, and Merritt Osborne.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Veda and Joel Leavitt got Covid at a May wedding but recovered nicely. They are a-swim in grandkids, with five between them. Joel is still up for 18 holes of golf and some tennis too. Planning is underway on the October 4-5 mini (Penn game). Jilly Harned is still visiting Squam Lake and sending me pictures. Rachel was a fountain of information regarding our Jack Newkirk, who was a drummer in his high school group, the Top Hats. (I remember Jack sitting in on my drums at a class party.) Rachel and I reminisced about their surprise Dartmouth party for Jack’s 65th (45 years in practice) when they were living on Lake Wequaquet on the Cape. They had a sailboat and a pontoon boat on the lake. Rachel sent me an email correcting my use of “et ux” for “and wife” last column. They are dedicating the Joe Medlicott Memorial Library, second floor of 1 Court Street, to “our Joe” this September. Those planning to go should relay “not good” dates to Steve Toffel at (802) 649-2934 or (949) 375-3231 (cell) or Lisa King at (603) 646-0154 or lisa.l.king@dartmouth.edu. A note from “Toots” Medlicott regarding Elizabeth Kilmarx (deceased): They are naming a small stream and Grant Brook tributary in Lyme, New Hampshire, “Elizabeth Brook.”

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Prez Bob Kirby and Brownlee are on the hunt for yet another total eclipse (April 8), starting in Mexico and ending in Rangeley Lake, Maine.

Jilly Harned is regrettably hanging up her cross-country ski boots but is still chasing hockey games with a Smith granddaughter at MIT and a grandson in a Pennsylvania tournament. She has a projected trip to Berlin to see another “grandy” working there and has another grandson “hungering” to go to Dartmouth. She sent me a great picture of Bob and Mary Kilmarx. Sugaring season in New Hampshire: Doug and Meredith Smith hung 60 buckets in their 22nd year. They were started off by Bob and Mary Kilmarx, who termed it the “sacred spring ritual.”

Joel Leavitt, at a Palm Beach, Florida, gathering was impressed by our new president. Joel—the oldest alum present—pleaded for a reinstatement of the “Great Issues” program. Joel, back on the golf course and playing tennis, says his “back is better.” Terri Carpenter says she and Bill (“Carp”) have had two winters this year (and are working on a third). She enjoys using FaceTime with Carp’s sister and family in New Zealand!

“Swede” Swenson, living alone in Glenview, Illinois, sees daughter Ann weekly. He is doing independent historical research about Chicago, has two sons and a father (class of 1923) who went to Dartmouth. Swede has quit driving, says, “Legs don’t work too well.” On a personal note: February 29 was my 24th birthday—do the math! I received a nice note from Quent Kopp ’49 regarding pal Ort Hicks ’49. Email me your news and views.

Our class regrets the loss of Tom Warner, David Taylor, Bill Pully, and Brooks Barvoets.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

It was a wet, wet weekend for our class mini October 20-21 but the men in green weathered the storm and triumphed over the Columbia rascals, 20-9. The more important news is that our mini-reunion was as scheduled, starting on Friday at Tuck when Sarah Reynolds put together a wonderful dinner for us at the Tuck School with “Prez” Bob Kirby and Brownlee hosting and Joel Leavitt and Veda DeKoff, “Jilly” Harned, Stephanie “Toots” Reininger, Rebecca Ruggles and your scribe in attendance. We had a chicken delight and a few songs (happy 94th birthday to our class “infant,” J.L.) and a uke offering by that fool Ruggles. The game was attended in the rain by me and Rebecca, Victoria Hicks (daughter of my best pal, Ort ’49) and her beau, Gerard O’Connell. Those eschewing rain-soaked attendance viewed the game from the inn. This was followed by a dinner at Jesse’s with the Kirbys, Leavitts, and Ruggleses attending. (The College had its usual humongous bonfire on the Green.) We were not able to be joined by Doug and Meredith Smith (who were planning their usual wonderful dinner and evening at their Enfield, New Hampshire, home) because Meredith had physical restraints of a serious nature that prevented it. And, of course, we felt very keenly the absence of our wonderful Joe Medlicott, who passed away just weeks before. Got a call from John Schalles, who, as I recall, was a golf nut. He shared the same retirement center (Swan Creek Retirement) as Glenn Fitkin and was a good pal of Fred “Smiley” Remsen. A newsy note from Terri tells of Bill “Carp” Carpenter enjoying the raised garden beds he and his niece put in nine years ago. They both are enjoying a 17-year-old border collie with a litany of ailments. I am looking for news from those of you who are reading this. Fail me not!

I unfortunately report the following deceased since last issue: Glenn Fitkin and Joe Medlicott.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Just a jog: Our mini is October 20-21 (Columbia game). Joel (and Veda) Leavitt are back at Cape Cod, Massachusetts, until October. “Mo” Devoe participated in yet another Women of Dartmouth seminar and stated, “It is a terrific program.” “Toots” and Joe Meddlicott are moving into Kendal in Hanover so will not host planned festivities for our mini this year. My mention of a visit (and lunch) with Karen and Dave Taylor at Maplewood (Weston, Massachusetts) omitted that we were joined by Marge Nichols that day. Prez Bob Kirby and Brownlee attended a recent Dartmouth Club of Princeton event and were impressed with conversations they had with members of the class of 2025 (75 years later than us ’50s!). The Carpenters’ (new) pooch Casey (17 years old) replaced Lincoln and gets everyone out and about walking him. Doug and Meredith Smith attended a lecture at the Dickey Center. Prez and Brownlee attended a May 7 program featuring Mark Brzezinski ’87 (our ambassador to Poland) with an analysis of the Russian/Ukraine crisis (a program supported by the Dickey Center—and thus the class). Your scribe had a nice visit with Andy Oliver, who has been living at the Ithaca, New York, Kendal with wife Mary for the past 27 years. He’d welcome a call from any one at (315) 399-6763.

Jilly Harned is still enriching her bucket list with trips to Turkey and Alaska. We meet for the mini Friday October 20 at 100 Tuck and our contact is Liz Nunez at (603) 646-9113. We send condolences to families of class members deceased since last issue: William R. Sapers, William Balderson, Cmdr. Frederick “Fritz” K. Rubins, Aaron B. Stevens, M.D., and C. Curtis Dunnavan.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

First and foremost, prez Robert Kirby reminds us that we have a mini-reunion coming up in October. It is Homecoming Weekend, I believe, which consists of the bonfire on Friday night, October 20, with a dinner at Tuck-Thayer at 5:30. There will also be some fearless football vs. the Columbia Lions on Saturday, October 21, with what’s getting to be a traditional feast at “Toot” and Joe Medlicott’s camp in Lyme, New Hampshire.

Mo DeVoe, who is becoming one of my most loyal and frequent contributors to this column, reports that the Dartmouth Coach is still running from 42nd Street in the Big Apple, as she was there having lunch and saw it! Mo also reports that the “Women at Dartmouth” series she has been attending is a real winner. Close pal “Skip” Knudgen reports that his pal, Brad Richardson, a fabulous track man in his day, is using a walker now. I can remember back in our salad days (freshman year!) Don Hall, Dick McSorley, Terry Guider, and I were running track. All of us were milers and all three had better times than I did. Knowing they would all improve and I would get no letter, I opted out of organized sports and did the musical route (Glee Club, Green Collegians) instead. Your scribe has been spending most of February in sunny L.A. with a pal of my daughter, Rebecca, and that is the way to go to escape the blooming snow. (I do need more news from you; fail me not.)

I had a friendly phone call from Andy Oliver, who lives at 936 Savage Farm Drive, Ithaca, NY 14850-6504. He would be happy to hear from any classmate at (315) 399-6763. I plan to go calling when next I visit my daughter in nearby Aurora.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Wonderful double-header of a mini thanks to Stephanie “Toots” Reininger and Joe Meddlicott September 30 to October 1, when we (Doug and Meredith Smith, Joel Leavitt and Veda DeCoff, “Rusty” Rodriquez, Bob Kirby and Brownlee McKee, and moi) enjoyed two classic feeds chez Toots (with an assist by Jessica). Joe and Toots give us news of the Piermont, New Hampshire, house for sale and their activity in the Osher class with three classics: The Awakening by Kate Chopin, A Lost Lady by Willa Cather, and House of Mirth by Edith Wharton. Joe reminds us that our major reunion is far away and the minis are really a chance to close ranks with each other and that those living nearby should come and enjoy. Lee “Sak” Sarokin tells of another of his plays—his 13th (dealing with transgender sports competition)—all started with great encouragement by Frank Gilroy. Note: Sak remembers the gig when he and Frank played with the Bop-Tet in Paris! Bill “Carp” Carpenter chimed in with his preference for day games in light of the fact the game for our mini was a night game!

Next year our mini is October 20 to 22—Homecoming. We get to march (and lead?) the parade. A note from Dave Steinberg bemoaning the loss of Dave Hitchcock last month and the fact that they two were members of the Far Eastern group in Washington, D.C., on policy issues. Doug Smith writes of fraternity mate Mal Hill (and wife of 61 years Adrianne he met 61 years ago singing choir), who led the Kappa Sigs in the fraternity hums. They are now living in Buckhead (Atlanta). Joel Leavitt writes of sciatica (no golf or 10s now) but exults in the fact that all three of his grandkids are now married, one a master chef who catered his own wedding, cooked with James Beard in N.Y.C., and ran the No. 1 restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyoming!

Sadly, I regret the passing of the following class members Robert D. “Killy” Kilmarx, Elliot R. Loeb, David J. Hitchcock Jr., Richard H. Peterson, and Harry Van Benschoten.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

I had a nice visit on my way to our “Mouse House” in Kennebunkport (Cape Porpoise), Maine, with classmate Nob Hovde, who is doing comfortably well at Wentworth Senior Living (after being emergency flown there from his abode in Naples, Florida). I played a few Lehrer ditties for him. Nob can be reached at 346 Pleasant St., Portsmouth, NH 03801; (508) 246-0947; cell (613) 558-8111. Got a hilarious email from “Da Prez” Bob Kirby called “Bull Fight Symphony.” (Have Bob send it to you—it is well worth the effort.)

I got a nice note from Bill “Carp” Carpenter with some College “old books, records, and remembrances” of his Dartmouth dad and uncle. He won’t be coming to our fall mini but awaits our 75th. Don’t we all, indeed!

Bob questioned dropping the Indian name of the football team, which came up at a board of trustees meeting at which our Bob “Killy” Kilmarx was instrumental thereof and later mirrored by many changes across the United States. Joe Medlicott gives me a jingle now and again with news (some good, some sad) about classmates he is in touch with. A little bit of parental pride here: My middle daughter, Molly, is instrumental in performing with and promoting several “porch feasts” around the Boston area. She accompanies and sings with two others in a neat trio that also has appeared in Aurora, New York, Kennebunkport, and MIT.

Our condolences go out to families of John C. Oakley and Edward W. Noyes.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369 5879; smileytmr229@gmail.com

Prez Kirby tells me that he and Brownlee have had their fourth virus shot: good idea! There was an interesting article in the January/February issue about John Caldwell’s son, Tim ’78, who was a four-time Olympic contender. I got a comeuppance of late when I realized Warren Daniell ’48 (with whom I briefly ran track) resides in Newbury Court near here in Concord, Massachusetts. He’s on my to-do list for a future “jaw.” My doings include a splendid trip with my eldest, Rebecca, to sunny and warm L.A. for seven days in February. Lee “Sak” Sarokin writes, “Our chorus has revived itself” and Sak is the designated drummer—drums brought out of storage “after a two-year sleep.” After my plea for newsy notes, Jilly Harned writes: “This is turning out to be my year of traveling, accomplishing two of my bucket-list trips to Greece and Alaska. Please pray that another virus doesn’t rear its ugly head.” Godspeed, Jilly. Our peripatetic former longtime newsletter scribe, jaunty Joe Medlicott, is at it again! He will be teaching his memoir course for Osher at Dartmouth beginning in early April. He has taught this course for three decades and is still going strong. The 50-year book that Joe produced and edited (along with Jack Kent) is my bible to this day. Nob Hovde writes: “Long story, quick version: I went down for the count and was resuscitated by EMTs; then emergency room, regular hospital, rehab in Naples, Florida; then a private jet with two pilots at 4,000 feet for three hours to an assisted-living place in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s an upscale place—the kids won’t tell me how much it costs—and my daughter-in-law decorated it with photos from my Naples bedroom and upscale furniture. Nice! Call anytime on my cell, (508) 246-0947.” I got some good news from my email plea of late. Any of you reading this (and you all do), please keep the news coming. Two classmates have left us: Robert “Bob” J. Misery and Peter Brown Nottage.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

If you are reading this (and were not in Hanover October 8-10) you missed one terrific mini. It started at Jesse’s restaurant on Friday night with Bill “Carp” Carpenter, “Prez” Kirby and Brownlee McKey, Doug and Meredith Smith, Joe Medlicott and Stephanie Reinenger, “Jilly” Harned, Joanie Mcilwain, Joel Leavitt and Veda DeKoff, Rebecca Ruggles, Victoria Hicks (daughter of Ort ’49), and your scribe. The dinner was followed by a very spirited parade led (we were right up front!) by the touch of class (clad in the Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat fedoras): Joel, Bob K. and Brownlee, Carp, Rebecca and Vicky, and some weirdo strumming and plucking a banjo, singing Dartmouth songs unending all the way through town. It was a hoot and a half! Saturday was statement time at the splendid game (the team’s fourth win, 24-17, in overtime) with periodic cymbal clashes and Dartmouth songs with banjo unending. Yes, indeed, we made yet another statement. Attendees were Carp, Kirby and McKey, Joel, Jilly, Joanie, Becky, Vicky, and me. Saturday night was the traditional banquet, this time at the Norwich (Vermont) Inn with the usual cast: Joe, Stephanie, Joel, Veda, Carp, Doug and Meredith, Joanie and Jilly, “Rusty” Rodriguez Harlow, my Rebecca, Bob Kirby and Brownlee McKee, and guest Ann Hartman. Could this be topped? Yes indeed, with Doug and Meredith doing Sunday up par excellence with a killer brunch at their attractive lodge in Enfield, New Hampshire. Joe and Stephanie, Joel and Veda, Bob K. and Brownlee, Bill Carpenter, Rebecca and I (very happy houseguests for the weekend) were all well-fed; truly a delightful way to end a delightful weekend. Our next mini will be September 30 to October 2, the Penn game. Our 75th is sometime in October 2025.

We have lost yet another classmate, Frederick W. Haubrich.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

The bad news first: Our vaunted 70th has passed us by two times (thanks to the damn Covid) and so the College is offering a 75th. Our prez is strongly suggesting we make it to Hanover for a well-attended mini October 8-10; make your reservations now (no masks required)!

Joel Leavitt has been very active in the email area with some great pictures and a recent treatise on his view of this mixed-up world we live in (well worth reading and digesting).

John Caldwell writes a fascinating note about the U.S. women’s cross-country ski team. It dates back to 1966, when he and Bob Tucker were at the Nordic World Championships in Oslo. It is quite long, and I stand ready to send it along to those with interest. John “Swede” Swenson writes, citing his knowledge of the original Chicago (B4 1700) and that he has been able to figure out why every other historian has been wrong and can show where the original “Windy City” was. If it was easy, somebody would have done it long ago, but the job was left to a Dartmouth ’50! He reports his “garlic crop is looking pretty good.” His motto: “Don’t take yes for an answer.” Jilly Harned is busy with a redo and updating of Stone Ridge and planning for Jack’s memorial service. Tom Warner (who needs a magnifying glass for our notes!) has a very colorful writeup in Joe Medlicott’s yearbook (a must read). Tom, a good man indeed! I treasure to this day a wonderful CD from the wife of Ray King put together by his two sons called Big Ray Sings. Now a personal note: I did the “ticker-clicker” (pacemaker installation) routine three months ago. If they can only do such a miracle with my Dumbo ears, I’ll be ready for 10 more!

Gone but not forgotten are G. William “Bill” Streng, John David Vogel, and Alan “Al” Parsons.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

Some news of passing import: Our prez, Bob Kirby, has scheduled a mini for Homecoming Weekend, October 8-9 (Yale game). Let’s hope the Covid craziness will permit same.

I got a great picture of Bob “Killy” Kilmarx recently from himself, now posted on the wall near my desk. I’ve been getting some comic emails from Kirby. It appears that Bob and Brownlee are (or were?) planning a 10-day Baltic cruise trip to take in Copenhagen, Poland, Lithuania, Finland, and “three days in St. Petersburg” for August and were planning a “ski thing” in the Colorado area for end of March (must mean 2022!). Another good communicator, Terri Carpenter, notes a foot of snow and minus-30 temps for what seems days unending. I also received a sad note regarding the passing of Lincoln, their rescue pooch of 14 years (to which your scribe can relate: I lost my beloved Ruffy, a shih tzu of 17 years who slept with me every night, in December).

“Jocular” Joel Leavitt, our class baby, writes complaining of my esoteric culpability and comments on what seems great health with tennis three times a week and golf “to boot.” He hopes to make Cape Cod, Massachusetts, this summer and remarks that he and Veda (DeKof) are facetiming great-grandparents at last! Joel is doing his memoir (in same remarking that he beat me in tennis way back when—no way, Jose!). Joel and Veda have gotten their first shots (seems to be a conversational comment for many of us). Another proficient contributor is Lee “Sak” Sarokin, very much with it out in California. Besides sending me great video clips of Blazing Banjos, he is embarking (“knee deep”) on a second career, having written nine plays and keeping current with things judicial with articles in The San Diego Union-Tribune tackling such issues as immigration, free speech, etc. His initial fame was when he freed former middleweight boxer, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, from 19 years of prison in 1985 for a triple murder he did not commit. The man is a 90-year-old dynamo!

And now the sad usual litany of comrades in arms who have passed: Richard J. Best, M.D., Donald J. Meeneen, and Navy Cmdr. (retired) Frederick K. Rubins.

I can be reached via the contact info below; preferably by email.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

’Tis a sad time to be penning Class Notes. As I write I think that this weekend was to be our vaunted 70th reunion, which of course has been postponed to next year. I think that all of us are now in our 90s and because we had so many veterans many of us are well into same! What does this do to attendance? Item No. 1 for this edition is an apology for penning a political song in the previous issue—not appropriate in the least—mea culpa! Item No. 2 a nice call from Al Harquail, who is disappointed by the 70th scuttle. He and Viv treated yours truly to a nice visit in their summer home in Osterville, Massachusetts, a while back. They are back in their winter digs in “Applesauce,” Maryland. Item No. 3 is a sad note from Hawaii noting the passing of “Cal” Sia, a hugely successful and noted pediatric surgeon in that state and one heck of a classmate on campus. A housekeeping note of sorts having to do with my hearing, especially on the phone: If there are those who plan to contact me by phone, give it a go, but my hearing is not all that swift. I actually do better by the email route. If you do phone, it’s better by far to use a landline. (I don’t do well with cell phone calls.) I hunger for news from any and all of you. Be ye not shy.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

Dear classmates, this is my version of a Gershwin number of the 1930s that the Injunaires did called “Bidin’ My Time.” (Those of you who are voting Republican, go back to bed!)

Joe Biden’s my kind

’Cause that’s the kinda guy I am

While other folks are Trumpin’

I keep stumpin’ for Biden’s my kind.

This year, this year

Election’s bound to happen

This year, this year

I’ll just keep on rappin’.

For Biden’s my guy

(Don’t ask me why)

There’s no regrettin’

On Joe I’m bettin’

Biden’s my kind.

Call me up and I’ll sing it for you (along with my uke)!

—Tom Ruggles, 8-5 Concord Greene, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

This is your class secretary writing with an especially heavy heart at the loss of a giant of the “touch of class”: Jack Harned, past class president, lifelong genial host (with Jilly by his side), team manager during his college years, and all-around champion.

This is an especially tough month for us all, with 17 missing classmates (see my list at column’s end).

On a more upbeat note I submit the 2020 travel schedule of our trip tsar, prez Bob Kirby, and Brownlee McKee: March 13-29, skiing Colorado; July 7-24, Baltic cruise; October 30-November 1, the big 70th reunion (all expenses paid by the College); and December 7-17, Chile and Argentina for the solar eclipse! Speaking of the meet and greet in October-November, I have a nice note from Sandy McCulloch to Joe Medlicott alerting us to the fact that Sandy and Dotty (celebrating their 70th in June, followed by his 94th birthday in July) are planning on our 70th on the Hanover Plain. The man drives 12 miles to work every day at his office in Providence, Rhode Island, where he “jousts with the teachers’ union reluctant to change.”

John Weber and Shirley (his bride of 71 years) are planning on the big one, as is your class loudmouth and daughter Rebecca.

A nice note from our next-door class secretary, Pete Henderson ’51, about his very good pal Hugh Brower with sad but touching notes from Hugh’s wife, Jane, and one of his children.

Once again I am happy to forward to any classmates any materials (such as obits) on any deceased classmates here listed ( as well as those mentioned in the past): Clarence A. Beutel; Phillip H. Chase, Ph.D.; John T. Degraff Jr.; John F. Fallon; John A. Foster; George B. Harris III (one personal note: I still play the Paramount banjo I got from my good dear pal); Charles W. Lake; William D. Miliken; S. Donald Miner; Louis A. Narva; George R. Nugent; Capt. T.R. O’Neil (Navy retired); Harold C. Peters; Walter F. Schuette Jr.; Alan H. Teele (parent of a ’73, ’74, and ’78); Hugh Brower; and Jack Harned.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene #5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

It was a perfect Homecoming Weekend October 11-13. We had Joe Medlicott and Stephanie Reininger, Margie Nichols, Jacques Harlow and new bride Rusty, David Taylor (and Karen), Joel Leavitt and Veda Decoff, Doug Smith and Meredith, president Bob Kirby and Brownlee McKee (fresh from their Alaska trip), and yours truly and eldest daughter Rebecca at a gastronomic feed at Ariana’s Restaurant in Lyme, New Hampshire, on Friday night. This was preceded by a delightful meet ’n’ greet at Stephanie’s in Lyme, where we were with Jack Harned, Jilly, and their daughter. Unfortunately, Joel and Veda had a horrendous five-hour trip through Boston traffic from their Cape Cod hideaway to Lyme and were able to join us only at the restaurant.

With no formal business meeting this year on Saturday and no visible pre-game parking lot hoorah, we repaired to the game with dandy 45-yard seats with Jacques, Joel and Veda, Bob and Brownlee, Jack and Jilly and daughter, myself and my daughter, plus Victoria Hicks (daughter of Ort ’49), at the Dartmouth vs. Yale washout suitably attired with Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hats and singing the football song unending! Jacques providing suitable cymbal crashes from time to time.

That evening had another gastronomic delight, this time from Meredith and Doug at their Livingstone Lodge in Enfield, New Hampshire—plus a well-earned award for the prez and an evening of pleasurable conversation. Then the weekend was history. (Joanie McIlwain was in town with her son, David ’85, but we didn’t get to see them.)

Al Harquail and Viv, fresh from a Scandinavian voyage, invited your scribe and Ruffy to their summer digs in Osterville on Cape Cod, where we rode out the Dorian aftermath. Nob Hovde is still enjoying Florida, with a swim every morning, three books a week, a morning snooze, lunch with pals, and an afternoon nap! Sounds like the life of Hovde to me! I received a note from Gerry Breyton, now retired in Osprey, Florida, after a career in military aircraft testing. He and Monique plan to join us for our 70, which we believe to be in September next.

Advice from a polar bear: Live large; be thick-skinned; sniff out opportunities; learn some good icebreakers; be fearless; keep it cool!

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene #5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

Joel Leavitt and Veda are on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with a return to Florida planned for November. Joel, playing tennis and golf three times a week (not on the same days, thank you), is also writing his memoirs and signed off as “the youngest of them all!” Al and Viv Harquail sold their ski lodge but sailed around Cape of Good Hope! They’re planning a summer as usual in Osterville on the Cape.

I had a lovely chat with Jimmy Myers’ beloved “Limey” widow, Laura, who told of their good friendship with the Lee Sarokins through the years. Jimmy was a Delt (like your secretary) and a fine tennis player and tenor, to boot! Ken Clark sent me a glowing tribute of his best lifelong pal, Clift Whiteman. They were in each other’s weddings, and Clift went into banking while Ken was a legal beagle. In our salad days, Ken certainly lent a touch of class to The Injunaires and he writes with a flair to this day. Jilly Harned reports that Jack is making good progress recovering from a summertime fall. I’m in touch with Bob Miller’s lovely lady, Evie, who resides in Buffalo, New York, and whose daughter, “Perky,” is in admissions at the academy here in Concord, Massachusetts. Evie was a pal of mine from Milton Academy days.

Our prez, Bob Kirby, is looking for a good turnout during Homecoming, October 11-13. And I need more news, friends!

I have obits and information on many of the following fallen classmates: David Davis, Gardner “Gard” Blodgett, Gene McCabe, Jim Moore, and Dick Williamson. If you want information on them, please contact me.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene #5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

Members of “the touch of class” ’50, I come to you this issue with not much news, and urge all of you to contact me with any news you have that I can relay to the rest of us!

Of more interesting note: Jack and Jilly Harned are over the top elated about the news that one of their many grandchildren, Jackson Battey from California, will be in this fall’s freshman class—this is the third generation for the Harneds. The skinny is that he was lured by three gorgeous, blonde cousins.

With California in mind we welcome news from “here come da judge” Lee Sarokin, who is not content with being a class percussionist and performing at the La Jolla Village. Lee is also a budding playwright, having written nine plays in eight years that have been staged at nearby North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, California, as part of its New Works series.

News of a more personal nature: My third daughter, professor D. Fairchild Ruggles, who heads the University of Illinois College of Fine Arts, was honored with a chair in landscape architecture last fall.

I receive notice of deceased classmates (see below) from time to time and I have access to some obits and information on same, which I would be happy to share with you if you write me. However, what I really want is some news of your doings or hearsay items about classmate friends!

I have to report that John Edwin Wulp of Rockport, Maine, died on November 27, 2018. We send condolences to his family.

Keep in mind that for our mini October 11-13 our president has lined up some good eatin’ sessions and, of course, this is Homecoming Weekend. Have ukulele, will travel!

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene, Unit 5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

I will be attempting to be your worthy scribe now that good pals Nev Chamberlain and Alex Hoffman have left us, but I have to warn you that I don’t do much online. But write to me if you would like details on obituaries and I will do my best to mail them to you.

New news first. The class had a mini on the Harvard Homecoming Weekend and it started with a bus ride Friday afternoon and dinner at Ravine Lodge at Moosilauke with Brownlea and Bob Kirby, Stephanie and Joe Medlicott, Karen and Dave Taylor, Meredith and Doug Smith, Jacques Harlow and new bride “Rusty” Rodrigues, Marge (Mrs. “Fizz”) Nichols, Jilly and Jack Harned (and a child or two) and your scribe and Victoria Hicks (daughter of roomie and best pal Ort Hicks ’49).

Saturday followed with the usual morning class meeting, the game, and a dinner in Norwich, Vermont, with Sunday homeward bound.

We had hoped that Katherine and George Woodwell and Terri and Bill Carpenter would be joining us, but George took a pass and “Carp” was facing a serious operation that week so Terri sent regrets.

Our recently deceased classmates include Robert Curtis Mckee, Edward Julien Zebrowski, M.D., Edward Andrew Wilde Jr., Leonard Nelson Radlo, Robert Eldon Graham, John Leon Dutton, Leonard Morton Stein, Thomas Myer Green III, and Clifton H. Whiteman III.

Contact me at the address below.

—Tom “Smiley” Ruggles, 8 Concord Greene, Unit 5, Concord, MA 01742; (978) 369-5879; smileytmr@aol.com

This is a difficult column to write. In March 2017 I was still skiing. Then the valves in my aorta failed almost totally, leaving me with no strength and complete loss of equilibrium. I am now in hospice care in Hudson, New York, living in a nice small apartment my son, Peter, and his lovely wife, Linda, built for me on the north end of their barn. My daughter, Susan, and husband Dennis live nearby, as do two of my three grandchildren, which is a great blessing. I take life a day at a time, and will continue as class secretary as long as I can.

I heard from Margie Nichols that Rose Mary Lindenthal died in her sleep on November 17, 2017. There was a memorial service in December at St. Joseph’s Church in Needham, Massachusetts.

Randy Gilmore passed away on October 20, 2017. His wife, Joanne, can be reached at 1551 Ben Sawyer Blvd., Unit 18, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464; (843) 364-1945.

Kenneth Harvey passed away on January 30, 2014. His wife, Dorothy, predeceased him.

I have had calls from Jack and Jilly Harned and Joe Medlicott, all of whom are doing well. I am glad to report that my children have been invited to mount a joint exhibit of their art (quilted tapestries, sculpture and paintings) in the Wilson Museum at the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester Center, Vermont. It will open on July 28 with a reception from 4 to 6 p.m. and close on August 26. Said the unbiased father, “This exhibit will knock your socks off!” I hope to be there for the opening reception, and it would be great to see any of you who might be in the neighborhood at that time.

—Alex Hoffman, 96 Stickles Road, Hudson, NY 12534; twinksalex2@gmail.com

Nineteen of us greatly enjoyed our 2017 mini-reunion over the weekend of October 6-8, drizzly weather notwithstanding. Dramatis personae included Jack Harned and Jilly, Jaques Harlow and Rusty, Bob Kirby and Brownlee, Joel Leavitt and Vida, Joe Medlicott and Stephanie, Doug Smith and Merideth, Dave Taylor and Karren, Tom Ruggles, Joan McIlwain, Marge Nichols, Molly Scheu and Alex Hoffman.

Smiley Ruggles and his banjo led our singers on a flatbed truck in the Friday night parade before the bonfire on the Green. At the class meeting Saturday morning treasurer Harlow reported that, after making our yearly $2,500 contributions to the Dickey, Collis and athletic foundations, we’ll have a balance of about $22,000. Though down a bit in 2016, our class still ranks first or second in lifetime giving to the College. In the absence of challengers, you’re stuck with incumbent class officers.

On Saturday afternoon the football team fell behind 17-0 before beating Yale 28-27 in the closing seconds. That evening we had our own room for a convivial dinner at the Norwich Inn. After the meal we shared reflections on events and actions in our long lives that have meant the most to us, and both the pleasures and problems of this late stage of our lives. Our next mini-reunion will be on the weekend of October 26-28, Homecoming 2018, with football vs. Harvard. Put it on your calendars.

Kayla McFarland has informed me of the passing of her grandfather, J. Leo Appel, on September 5, 2017. The College has informed me of the passing of Parton Crane Keese on August 25, 2017.

We live now in a parlous and unprecedented time that has drawn attention to a seldom-considered aspect of the Constitution. The 25th Amendment empowers a majority of the president’s cabinet to remove him from office if they judge him to be unfit to fulfill its duties. When one of the White House staff mentioned the 25th Amendment to him recently, the president said, “What’s that?” He seems equally unaware of the First Amendment, having said it is disgusting that the press can say anything they want and that this must be looked into. Does this frighten you?

—Alex Hoffman, 49 Maple St., Apt. 113, Manchester Center, VT 05255; (802) 362-2486; twinksalex@comcast.net

John “Swede” Swenson sent a note from Chicago. His wife, Helen, passed on last year after 62 years of marriage. His father, Mervin Swenson ’23, was inducted into the Wearers of the Green last fall and his son, Bill ’79, was in Hanover to accept the award. Swede is researching and writing a history of Chicago and the Midwest before 1800.

Ken Rothchild checked in from Minneapolis. His granddaughter graduated from Blake School (where Curt Dunnavan and I were ’44s). She now manages a resort in Costa Rica and with her husband started a grade school in a community that had none. Ken and Nina plan to go there when war breaks out with Mexico, thanks to our willfully ignorant president. Ken notes that fellow Minnesotans Arnie Bockstruck, Fred Gamble, Tom Warner, Phil Brown and Arnie Oss are still among us. (I used to date Arnie’s sister, Mary Alice.)

I had a nice note from the long-silent David Steinberg, distinguished professor emeritus at Georgetown University and a fellow philosophy major at Dartmouth. He spent his junior year in China on a scholarship, in the middle of Mao’s revolution. His career was in teaching and in work for the Asia Foundation and the USAID, and he remains active in various academic endeavors concerning the Asian world.

Dr. Cal Sia sent an Aloha from Hawaii (a place our attorney general, who lied during his Senate confirmation, recently referred to as “some island in the Pacific”). Cal was recently honored for his long-outstanding service in pediatric medicine. His son, Michael ’81, is chief of pediatrics at the Kapiolani Women’s and Children’s Medical Center. Cal and his wife, Katherine, celebrated their 65th anniversary last year. He wrote, “Age and health issues are catching up with us, but we live each day to its fullest.”

As a former Republican, I close with a quote from David Leonhardt: “You don’t get to call yourself the party of Lincoln and stay silent when voting rights are abridged, hate crimes are met with silence and dark-skinned citizens are cast as un-American. I never expected to live through a time when bigotry would again be ascendant.”

—Alex Hoffman, 49 Maple St., Apt. 113, Manchester Center, VT 05255; (802) 362-2486; twinksalex@comcast.net

I recently spoke with John Caldwell, who was featured in the January/February issue of the new UpCountry magazine. The article describes him as “the founding father of Nordic skiing in America.” After Dartmouth John skied on the U.S. Nordic team in the 1952 Olympic Games and coached the U.S. team through four Olympics, 1960-1972. His son, Tim ’76, was a four-time Olympian. His son, Sverre ’77, coached the 1988 U.S. Olympic team and Sverre’s daughter, Sophie, was an Olympian at the Sochi games. I think that having Olympic skiers in three successive generations of the same family is unique. (There may be something to this thing about the granite of New Hampshire turning up in muscles.)

I heard from Joel Leavitt that Frank Harrington passed away on February 4 in Vero Beach, Florida. Joel had taken Frank to lunch every Friday for the past few years during his long illness. Frank was truly a loyal son of Dartmouth.

Jilly and Jack Harned and I will go to Vero in late March to visit Joel and then Joan McIlwain. Jack and I will resume our putting competition from last year, and Joel and I will comprise a new doubles team on the tennis court. If Roger Federer can thrive in his old age, why not us?

Doug Smith reported that Don Hannigan had passed away on Christmas Day 2016. You can read a lovely obituary of a good life that will make you smile at firtionadams.com/notices/Donald-Hannigan.

I have been notified by the College of the passing of classmates Sherman M. Clough Jr., November 12, 2016; George F. Johnson, October 4, 2016; Reynolds W. Smith Jr., November 18, 2016; and James P. Lyons, August 31, 2016.

As a long-retired publisher living under a president who is a purveyor of “alternative facts” who says that “journalists are among the most dishonest people on earth” and who identifies an independent press as “the enemy,” I (along with my three grandchildren and millions of women all over the world) am very nervous. How about you?

—Alex Hoffman, 49 Maple St., Apt. 113, Manchester Center, VT 05255; (802) 362-2486; twinksalex@comcast.net

No sooner had I told you about Tommy Ruggles’ 22nd leap year birthday than I am forced to tell you about the loss of Tommy’s beloved wife, Janot. Having been sick for several years, she had very recently been forced to move into a round-the-clock medical facility. Death from pneumonia quickly followed on May 24.

Joan McIlwain thoughtfully called to tell me that at the funeral she was joined by Doug and Meredith Smith, Jack and Jill Harned, Fizz’s widow, Marge Nichols, Jacques Harlow and Rusty Rodriguez, and Bob Kirby and wife Brownlee.

Voices blended in the singing of “Eidelweiss” in heartfelt memory of Janot—a musical expression of Tom’s broken heart.

Joanne Sardella, Joe’s daughter, informs me that her father is about to undergo knee replacement surgery, a courageous undertaking at this time of life.

I enjoyed a long talk with Frank Harrington, during which we exchanged ideas on getting older. We agreed that it is good to be alive—but there are bumps in the road along the way.

Clift Whiteman, who lives in Naples, Florida, is planning to rent a car and driver for a trip across Florida to lunch with Randi and me. I hope it happens.

Whereas the cover of the July/August issue of this magazine might more appropriately have pictured Dartmouth Hall or even the Hopkins Center, the actual image of an informally attired Rembert Browne ’09 came as a shock—at least to me. But then—the world has changed. The progress of our currently unfolding presidential campaign is an example of how much. The cover is explained on pages 38-43.

The College informs me that we have lost several more classmates. Tom Ringe died on April 9, Skip Fauver died on April 16, Stan Brodsky died in February, John Coffman died on April 18, Ken MacDonald Jr. died on June 4 and Dan Olsen Jr. died on May 27.

—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @gmail.com

In June of 1950, when I was 23, the thought that 65 years later I might be reuning with some of the same men who were receiving diplomas from John Dickey would never have occurred. Should it have done so, I probably would have regarded it as unlikely or impossible. However, as we know, it did happen—last September. Unhappily, Randi and I were unable to attend, but we were there in spirit and have enjoyed president Bob Kirby’s excellent report and picture of the attendees.

Bob, Tommy Ruggles, Joel Leavitt, Sandy McCoullich, Jack Harned, Joe Medlicott, Bill Carpenter and Jacques Harlow are all to be loved and respected for their dedication to the class of 1950. (Please complain if I’ve forgotten anyone.)

Since October the high point of our class experience has been a wonderful luncheon with Joan McIlwain and her son, Bill, Joel Leavitt and Vida and, sadly, the vivid memory of recently departed Bob McIlwain. We missed Frank Harrington, who couldn’t make it.

I have spoken with Frank, whose health, pretty much like mine, is not the greatest but whose spirit, like mine, remains high.

Clift Whiteman, living in Naples, Florida, is slowly recovering from the loss of his love, Joan. He hopes, one day, to travel east for a visit with us and others.

Unfortunately, the Dockside Grille, our favorite watering place, has closed forever. But we will manage to hoist one for “the College on the Hill” when Clift does arrive.

My very best to all of you and a nostalgic salute to those who have left us.

—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@gmail.com

Investigative reporting and in-depth interviews were preempted by my recent hospital stay. Diagnoses of pneumonia and urinary tract infection and a general feeling of blah have resulted in a very short column this issue. I apologize.

Bob Kirby and Tommy Ruggles orchestrated an outstanding 65th reunion for the class of ’50 on September 25 through 27 in Hanover. Unfortunately, Randi and I were unable to attend but reports I have received speak in glowing terms. Tommy observes that his music “even got some of us out on the dance floor”—although I don’t have actual attendance numbers, maybe in the next column.

Frank Harrington, faithful caller that he is, now lives alone in the infirmary section of Devonshire in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, and I am sure would be glad to hear from friends at (561) 227-3269.

Nob Hovde, whose sense of humor moves smartly on, clarified our relationship by announcing recently, “In case you’ve lost your moorings, I went to college with you.”

Joan Mauk is enjoying her new managed care home in Cincinnati.

The 65th reunion proved to be a bittersweet experience for Bob McIlwain, who, sick as he was, insisted on attending. Bob passed away two weeks later after a valiant several-year struggle with cancer. Newc Eldredge, who had planned to attend, was sadly taken from us before reunion began.

—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2892; ranevero03 @gmail.com

Do you remember 1955—the year of our fifth reunion? I do. Back on the Hanover Plain for the first time since graduation. Familiar-but-as-yet-unknown faces, new wives, old friends, still learning to fly in the outside world. Most of us not knowing where or how to get to wherever we were going. Then the 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 55th, 60th and this year—the 65th. Wow!

Those of us who remain now know where we’ve been and how we got to where we are. And those who are lucky enough will meet at the Hanover Inn on the Hanover Plain on September 25 to celebrate 65 years in the outside world, which we know far better than we did in 1955.

Bob Kirby and the ever-active, effervescent Tommy Ruggles have put together a carefully planned program for us. There is a paltry $50 head tax plus free rooms at the Hanover Inn and a banquet, both on the College, and a football game. Tommy has put together a seminar at which Sandy McCulloch, Joe Medlicott, Joel Leavitt and, we hope, Bob Kilmarx will speak on topics of interest. Currently 40 men and 20 women have signed up. Most activities will be in the vicinity of the inn and provisions for assistance in getting around for those who need it will be available. Tommy and his band will host a tea dance Saturday afternoon and there will be a rendition of Dartmouth songs. It promises to be a grand 65th reunion. Tommy and Janot, by the way, have recently moved into Concord (Massachusetts) Green, a condominium project originally built by Frank Harrington.

Ben Shaver’s widow, Joy, writes with the happy news that their granddaughter, Megan Noelle Knight Madara, has graduated from Penn’s veterinary school with a Phi Zeta award (the veterinary equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa). Megan’s father is John Knight ’74. Joy notes that Megan, like Ben, is a redhead.

Randi and I enjoyed brunch on the sunlit deck of the Dockside Grille with Bob and Joan McIlwain just before the McIlwains headed north for the summer. Onlookers might have speculated as to whether it would be Bob or me who would have come in last in the 40-yard dash. I think it would have been me.

—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@gmail.com

My apologies for growing old on December 28 and the teeny column it caused.


An unwelcomed phone message from an always welcome Jilly Harned informed me that Bobbie Birney’s darling, Jim, had moved to hospice. Special good wishes from me and on behalf of the class to our preacher and beloved friend.


Randi and I enjoyed a lively and tumultuous lunch with Joan Mauk, son David Mauk and Bob and Joan McIlwain. Tumultuous because we were kicked out of the first restaurant by a very disagreeable hostess—all but one of us in our 80s.


An always enjoyable call from Frank Harrington noted that he is relatively well, although pretty much confined to quarters, and Rosemary has had a visit from her granddaughter.


Alex Hoffman writes a news-filled letter. He is fine but Twinks has suffered a series of disabling strokes. With “wonderful spirit and determination” she has made very good progress toward recovery. Her spirit is “an inspiration” to Alex. With outside help, they continue to live in their apartment. Alex expresses dismay at the “costly and still-growing academic and administrative bureaucracy at the College. He notes that the administration “allowed radical students calling themselves ‘real talkers’ to occupy Parkhurst, then canceled classes in order to consider demands such as having the College pay for sex-change operations.” How the world has changed.


He has recently spoken with Joe Medlicott and Clift Whiteman and reports that Dave and Karen Taylor have moved to a new apartment in Lebanon, New Hampshire.


Speaking of Joe Medlicott, he writes that David Davis, whose name does not appear in the Aegis but does in the 50-year book, has received the National Humanities Medal from President Obama. Joe also sent me a clipping that announces that John Wulp, who lives on an island in Maine, at the age of 86 is still active in the theater, the off-Broadway theater, that is.


Joyce Miller reports that, sadly, her husband, William Mason “Bing” Miller, died in December of a heart attack. Other deaths include those of Frank Dickinson and Sherman “Sherm” Hoyt in January, Ismar “Izzy” Stahl in December and William “Bill” Schneider in February. The class extends condolences to the families of these men.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962: (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@gmail.com


In my memory Ray DeVoe is the only sitting president of the class to have died while in office. Ray left this world unexpectedly on September 27 after a brief illness. The class extends condolences to Maureen and the family. Ray is succeeded by Bob Kirby.


My report, in the last column, that Ray had not returned my call happened because I did not know that he was hospitalized.


Jim Myers, who still plays tennis and whose students know him as Mickey Mouse, is a major force in a program known as Opportunity Inc. This highly worthwhile organization offers a program to very young children, many of whom come from broken or dysfunctional homes, teaching them the value of love, honesty, friendship, self-worth and the like. Jim’s belief is that it is easier to build a child than it is to repair an adult. I am reminded of Bob Mauk’s creation, Winners Walk Tall.


Which reminds me that Joan Mauk will be in Vero Beach, Florida, after Christmas. Frank Harrington reports on September 7 that Rosemary is now well and that her daughter and husband are living nearby. Wally Willett’s widow, Joan, formerly known to many as Pam, is alive and well and enjoys reading about Wally’s classmates. Joan McIlwain suffered through a robbery at their New Jersey house last summer. No arrests, no break in—could be a landscape worker. Bob continues with health problems but is okay. A great conversation with long-lost Bill Embree reminds me of his great play-by-play descriptions and forecasts of future events broadcast privately from what were then fully occupied stands. Mrs. Embree, who introduced Randi to the class at the Woodstock Inn, is fine. Nob Hovde says that he has three friends he has known for 77 years. I only have one, but I skype with him from New Hampshire regularly. Thanks to everyone who wrote or called—including Gerry Sarno and Clift Whiteman.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893, ranevero03@gmail.com


In May Randi and I enjoyed dinner on the patio overlooking the canal and moored yachts with Joan Mauk—great company and a delightful setting.


Bob McIlwain arranged for an excellent luncheon halfway between Vero Beach and Palm Beach, Florida, for a group that included the McIlwains, Frank Harrington, Joel Leavitt and Veda and Randi and me. Thoroughly enjoyed by all.


Tommy Ruggles reports that Joanne Harris (George’s wife) sent him an article about the extraordinary friendship between Lee “Sak” Sakorin and well-known boxer “Hurricane” Carter. Black, schooled in New Jersey’s mean streets and professional boxing, a furious mauler in the ring and, after his release (following nearly 20 undeserved years in prison and a reversal of his conviction by Judge Sarokin), a figure who embodied near beatific acceptance of the brutal hand dealt to him. Years later the dying Carter said to Sak, “I wanted yours to be the last voice I hear because you gave me my life back.”


I called Ken Clark, who is in great shape, to report the sad news that Charlie Abbe, my freshman-year roommate and later his, had died. 


I learned from the alumni magazine that 38 from the class of ’40 remain. This prompted a call to the alumni records office, where I learned that there were 305 of us ’50s remaining above ground as of June 27. I also note that the class of ’35 still writes a column—do the numbers.


A note from Varney Truscott bears the unhappy news that Lud passed away on January 22 from complications from a stroke.


Also, Peggy Smith writes that Girard “Jerry” Smith died after a prolonged illness on February 20. The class and I extend condolences to both of these ladies.


Adding to the gloom, the College reports the deaths of G. Renfrew “Rennie” Brighton on October 23, 2010; Emil Hudak on March 30; Harold A. Polson on November 16, 2010; Edward Slade Sawyer on May 9, 2013; and Owen “Rock” Smyth on December 23, 2010.


Please, send me some good news if you can.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@gmail.com


John Caldwell reports that he and three other fellows (including Paul Stone ’60) have been playing bridge every Wednesday evening for more than 25 years. They have finished three days of concentrated bridge playing in the Northern New Hampshire Contract Bridge Championships. John suggests that classmates might well take advantage of the attractions offered by the College Grant, whose 25,000 acres border Maine to the east and Canada to the north.
Lee “Sak” Sarokin’s voluminous note will be shared during this and subsequent columns. Lee retired from the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1996 and moved, very happily, to Rancho Santa Fe, California, where he reports a warm day high of 73 and a cold spell low of 72 degrees and that, “ Somebody actually reported seeing a cloud one day.” Sounds like a smooth life, Sak.
Bob Thomson reports winning sailboat races in J-22s on the Delaware River with his son, daughter and grandson in 2005 and 2006 and winding up champions. 
A casual conversation during a Hanover football game brought Joe Medlicott together with Lansing Reed, my best friend in sixth grade in 1937 and a member of the Dartmouth class of 1947.
Skip Fauver’s wife, “E.,” reports that they will not be coming south this winter. We’re sorry about that, E. and Skip.
Since this august magazine committed what I believe was an unpardonable sin in 2010, ceasing the publication of obituaries in print and only online, I have been remiss in failing to report the deaths of classmates. Here is a list. (Numbers in parentheses are pages in our 50 yearbook in which personal biographies, if available, appear). In 2010 Robert “Bob” Krom, December 4 (172). In 2012 William “Bill” Sullivan, November 4 (313); Strueby Lloyd Drum Jr., November 10. In 2013 Thomas E. Richmond, January 1; Warren “Bud” Nagle, January 20 (236); Bruce A. Rogal, February 8 (272); James “Cav” Cavanaugh II, March 23; Carl N. Reed Jr., March 24 (266); James “Jim” Pressey, April 29 (260); Earl “Put” Putnam, May 2; Edward “Ed” Sawyer, May 9 (284); Pieter “Piet” von Herrmann, July 1 (339); George C. Carpenter III, August 2 (55); William “Bill” Ziegler, August 4 (368); Eric “Rick” Miller, August 29 (219).
—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@gmail.com



The alumni relations office informs me that the Kiewit Computing Center, built during the Kemeny years, was demolished to make way for the Haldeman Center, which houses our Dickey Center for International Understanding. On April 17, 2009, a dedication of the McCulloch Conference Room, a gift from Sandy and Dottie McCulloch, took place. Sandy is chairman of the Dickey Center’s board of visitors.


I briefly mentioned “Red” Austin’s book in the last column. I had not then read it. Now I have! Retrieving Times is a spellbinding account of the experiences of a young boy growing up in rural Vermont during the 1930s and 1940s, of the regular country people populating his world. He has captured the tight-lipped, understated yet hilarious humor of those folks to perfection. I highly recommend Retrieving Times by Granville Austin, published by White River Press.


The Gordie Hoods and Frank Harrington and Rosemary spent five great days as the guests of the Bill Pulleys at their mountain getaway in Cashiers, North Carolina, in October. Torrential rain dampened the football but not the spirits of those who attended the Penn weekend mini on October 2-4. They were Ray and Maureen Devoe, Bob Kilmarx and daughter Elizabeth, Jacques Harlow, Bob and Joan McIlwain, Gordon and JoAnn Hood, Jack and Jill Harned, Dave and Karen Taylor, “Fizz” and Marge Nichols, Joe Medlicott, Doug and Meredith Smith, Jim and Bette Moore, “Newc” and Sally Eldredge, Sue Matless, Joel Leavitt and Gail Hano, Bill and Terri Carpenter, Jim Lyons and Tom and Janot Ruggles. Jim and Bobbie Birney had planned to attend, but doctor’s advice was, “Don’t go.” I’m sorry about that, Jim. It was a highly successful precursor to our 60th, and possibly last official, reunion, which is scheduled for June 14-16. This will be a bittersweet occasion and Prexy Ruggles urges everyone who can to be there.


Dave Taylor has been spending time becoming a jack-of-all-trades in Lebanon, New Hampshire, while helping to assemble a house for Habitat for Humanity.


President Kim was seen standing in the rain on the sidelines throughout the victory over Columbia. Bless him.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com 


June 14-16—our 60th reunion—be there! Class-mates, wives or significant others with artistic talents are urged to contact Ray DeVoe or Ted Bamberger regarding a hoped for “showing” during the reunion.

On November 9, 2009, the Class of 1950 Senior Foreign Affairs Fellowship sponsored an address by leading Nicaraguan writer Sergio Ramirez Mercado at the Dickey Center. Listed by the College as guests of honor were Joe Medlicott, Jack and Jilly Harned, Dave Taylor, Doug and Meredith Smith, Jacques Harlow and Newc and Sally Eldredge.

Having lost his beloved Fran after years of her illness, Paul Canada has, at age 83, embarked on a double odyssey. In memory of Fran he will travel round most of the world by plane, freight/cruise ship and train all while writing the story of his life to be titled My Pilgrimage: An American Love Story. Paul plans to dictate the text then send the tapes to a “young ninth-grader,” presumably a grandchild, who will type the contents into a computer.

Joel Leavitt may be the youngest member of the class but Gerry Sarno laid claim to being the oldest first-time grandparent as he and Ginny celebrated Aedon’s third birthday. Gerry recently fielded a call from old pal, Pete Nottage.

Bob Thomson, who has raced across the Gulf Stream from Newport to Bermuda no fewer that 15 times, plans in May to sail from Bermuda to England via the Azores on a 45-foot sloop owned by son Cary. Judging by Dolph Cramer’s Model T trek and Bob’s maritime aspirations it appears that there is plenty of energy left in the class of ’50.

Sadly, I report that Dick McSorely died on November 6, 2009. He was recovering from several afflictions when, unexpectedly, the lights went out.

DAM editor Sean Plottner reports that, due to budget cuts, the magazine will no longer publish obituaries. By the time you read this, a DAM Web site will be up, where obituaries will be posted and which will allow the word count to grow from 150 words to 250. Classmates will have the opportunity to add personal recollections of departed friends. Mr. Plottner writes, “We’ll be inviting you to take an initial look at the site in a few weeks.”

—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962: (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com

Since our 60th reunion will be history when you read this (it being written in April as required by DAM) I cannot comment on what I am sure was a wonderful affair. Randi and I were unable to attend because of my worsening case of spinal stenosis. However, I must shower Jack and Jilly Harned with many, many thanks. Knowing that I can sleep only in a reclining chair, they cast about and found someone who, for a very modest fee, would have delivered one to the room of my choice. That would have solved part of the problem. Unfortunately, stenosis is a many-tentacled beast.


By the way, Randi and I have discovered an interesting and, I think, new way to approach this beast. We have bought a tricycle built for two. Two sets of pedals, side-by-side seats. It provides exercise, companionship and bemused stares from observers.


An unusually cold winter in Vero Beach was enlivened by ’50s, some of whom were Joe and Eva Sardella, Bob and Joan McIlwain, Joan Mauk, Gordon and JoAnn Hood, Alex and Twinks Hoffman, Jack and Jilly Harned, Dick and Mary Frey, Skip and E. Fauver, Jim and Bobbie Birney.


I had the pleasure and embarrassment of sitting next to and conversing with Jim one evening. Pleasure because he is an extremely engaging fellow. Embarrassment for two reasons: I, at last, apologized to him for not showing up at his wedding, to which I was invited to be an usher more than 60 years ago. I also told him how glad I was to meet Bobbie, about whom I had heard such complimentary things—at which he told me that I had, indeed, met her several years ago at my house! So much for growing old gracefully.


Apparently I was not the only one to be impressed by Dr. Kim’s rain-drenched vigil on the sidelines during last fall’s Columbia game. Jack Morton wrote from Javea, Spain, “Nev, Wonderful closing paragraph in your 1950 notes, Jan/Feb DAM. Certainly Dartmouth’s great good fortune to have Dr. Kim at the helm!” Thanks, Jack. I agree.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962: (772) 569 2893; ranevero03@aol.com


When my dear friend Gordie Hood asked me to become the author of this bimonthly column, I little thought that it would become my sad duty to write his obituary. What began as a joyful summer during our 60th reunion in June was soon overshadowed by his death on June 20. I am so very glad that he was able to attend reunion and to receive the Class of 1950 Award.


During a call from Frank Harrington, another class award recipient, we spoke nostalgically about his departed roommate Gordon. Frank, like yours truly, does not travel anymore but enjoys a quiet life in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, with Rosemary.


Newly minted president Jim Birney writes that he and Bobbie plan to spend time with JoAnn Hood in Vero Beach, Florida, this winter. We look forward to visits with them and JoAnn.


Dave Grinnell writes that, although he has not attended our class minis, he looks back fondly at our undergraduate days. Five years ago he and Barbara moved from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Stamford, Connecticut, where, after 57 years together, they live close to family members.


Tom Green, having read my allusion to spinal stenosis in the column, thoughtfully writes to share his experience with surgical relief from the beast, which now permits him to “walk quite well.” Tom wryly observes, “I’m afraid we’re all getting pretty old and our remaining parts aren’t working as well as they used to.” A masterful bit of quiet understatement.


Paul Canada, who completed a three-month round the world trip in March, is writing a compendium chronicling his life. He hopes to eventually have it published on the Internet. Paul plans to cruise from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, via Panama in December. From there he may cross Florida to Naples. I asked Paul if he knew Nob Hovde, who lives in Naples. “Knew him? Are you kidding? I was riding up Park Avenue in Manhattan years ago. The cab approached a bicyclist—the bicyclist was Nob!” I observe: Not too many successful photographer’s reps commuted by bicycle in Manhattan. Nob did.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


Aside from my continued joy at spending a 39th Christmas with my wife, Randi, the high point of the Yule season in 2013 was my receipt, in the mail, of a beautiful 63-page book with a glossy cover displaying a wonderful picture of our former president, Jim Birney, and his wife, Bobbie. It is titled An Old Folks Garden of Verses: A Celebration of Life, Love and Longevity. In addition to several bits of explanation and acknowledgements written in prose, the book contains more than 50 poems, written by Jim. They are touching and completely relevant to life, loving and longevity. It is magnificent. I don’t know whether or not Jim will sell copies but if he will, buy one.


Nob Hovde usually gives a blowout Christmas party. It must have been great because he did not give one this year and people were angry with him for not doing so. Nob is “feeling great” and is looking forward to welcoming Clift and Joan Whiteman to Naples, Florida. Bob and Joan McIlwain, Joan Mauk and Randi and I enjoyed a farewell dinner with Clift and Joan in late December prior to their departure. They have lived in Vero Beach, Florida, for several years and have moved to Naples. We shall miss them.


E. Fauver sadly reports that Skip is now wheelchair bound and cannot travel long distances.


Bob Kilmarx warns all who use computers to be aware of scam artists who prey on the unsuspecting. A plea for (financial) help from a stranded friend whose credentials have been stolen by the perpetrator is currently common.


More about “Sak” Sarokin and Dave Steinberg in the next column.


Recent deaths are Ted Bamberger on October 27, 2013; Walt Fisher on October 30, 2013; Dick Healy on October 14, 2013; George Partlow on September 30, 2013; Charlie Peskin on July 21, 2013; Ken Sutherland on September 28, 2013; and Woody Smith on October 25, 2013. Rest in peace, gentlemen.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @gmail.com


Charlie Abbe, my high school friend and freshman roommate, returned, as usual, to Concord, New Hampshire, from his Englewood, Florida, winter watering hole in April. Charlie is the fortunate owner of an island retreat on a remote lake in the State of Maine. This year “ice out” occurred on May 1 and he was there, rod and reel in hand, ready for the first trout of the season. The island and its cottage have been part of Charlie’s life since his boyhood.


Alex Hoffman and I seem to have at least two things in common: We are both members of the Dartmouth class of 1950 and we both yearn for news from classmates. Alex writes the ’51 column for the Tuck School alumni magazine, and during a recent very pleasant phone conversation he lamented the paucity of class news. Those of you who have written, e-mailed or called me know who you are. Thanks! Let’s hear from the rest of you. Alex and Twinks have recently moved from East Dorset, Vermont, to Manchester, Vermont.


I make it a practice not to call my classmate’s wives. But when two or three days passed with no response from Jack Harned after I had left word for him to call me, I called Jilly on her cell phone. I was concerned that Jack might be ill. Not so. I had reached her on what may have been the first tee of a golf course. Jilly whispered, “Nev, we have to whisper. Someone is about to tee off.” Following that event Jack got on the phone and told me that they are temporarily living with their daughter in Niantic, Connecticut, while waiting to get occupancy of their new Connecticut apartment. Their own tee time had arrived—end of conversation.


Joe Medlicott, who, being somewhere in his 80s, sounds about 30 on the phone. He has recently returned from a 12-day sojourn in England, where he enjoyed great weather and visited the hometowns of Thomas Hardy and other important writers. I neglected to ask if he had caught Stonehenge.


We see Clift and Joan Whiteman quite often since they are now year-round residents of Vero Beach. Florida. Clift and I share notes on the frustrations of dealing with Comcast, the world’s most thoughtless company. I’m sorry—that’s all, folks.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


In the last column I briefly mentioned that I had received a call from Frank Dickinson. What I did not spell out was the broad spectrum of Frank’s current activities. In addition to conducting his international business interests, he lives in and maintains homes in Ossipee, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport and Winter Harbor, Maine. He has recently restored a 1928 Chevrolet “woodie” and a 28-foot, gaff-rigged cutter. A very busy fellow indeed. For those of us who do not have a computer or who are not on Nob Hovde’s buddy list, be informed that Nob, one of the most articulate and active correspondents in our class, has had to undergo surgery to remove a malignant tumor from his bladder. The surgery was due to occur in early July. Let us hope that it was successful. My deadline for submitting this column was June 28. Bob Funkhouser continues be super active. Having won the Los Angeles Country Club’s Senior Golf Championship in 2008 with a net score of 60, he encored by winning the 2011 tournament with net 61. Not bad for an 85-year-old duffer. Tommy Ruggles, who modestly and inaccurately signs his e-mails “A Has Been,” took his band The Ancient Mariners to Hanover in June to play for the class of ’51 at its 60th banquet. Tom reports that he and the band have “gigs aplenty” and that he continues to bash the tennis ball weekly. Good going, Tom. Joe Medlicott observes that binge drinking at America’s colleges, including Dartmouth, is a major concern. He writes that recently a junior boy and girl fell 44 feet from the roof of the Alpha Delta house and survived. The fact that they were both naked would tend to legitimize the concern about alcohol. Dave Luce has written and sent to me a monograph titled Fragments Personal and Philosophical. It is basically the story of his life.


Those who attended our 60th received a copy. Those who did not can reach Dave at 2914 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211 or (414) 332-7957


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


I am dashing off this column on August 28 just as Hurricane Irene is about to crash into lower Manhattan. My first hurricane happened in 1938. We first learned of its existence when the wind nearly blew us away. The damage was severe. Irene was announced when she was a tropical disturbance 2,000 miles away—as yet without a name. Coastal North Carolina was predicted to be pretty nearly obliterated. The TV folks have forecast something close to Judgment Day. Yet the damage was relatively minimal.


Vero Beach, Florida, was spared Irene’s wrath. But Clift Whiteman, not knowing this, was concerned for the health of the Vero Beach house, which Randi and I hope he and Joan will soon rent. Clift, by the way, reports having had a great telephone conversation with Alex and Jinks Hoffman, who are both well.


Joe Medlicott feels twinges of guilt at not having produced a newsletter for a while. Is there one among us who thinks Joe is irresponsible? If there is, he should stand and be thrashed.


Jim Birney has endured three weeks in the hospital and does not feel that he can continue to discharge his duties as class president. Jim has more than paid his dues. His words have given us inspiration and strength for six decades.


Bob McIlwain courageously battles ill health with good humor and true grit—attributes that most if not all of us need these days.


A lively phone talk with Gerry and Ginny Sarno found them in high spirits and looking forward to a Florida visit next winter.


I was sorry to learn that Gerry’s brother Joe is wheelchair-bound.


Dave Luce has produced a thought-provoking piece titled “Thoughts on Religion and Science and Nothing at All.” He will send a copy to anyone interested. He can be reached at (414) 332-7957.


I am sorry to report the passing of the following classmates since my last column: Dave Beeman, John Bunton, Stuart Kay, John Morrissey, Samuel Rogers, Ben Shaver, Cliff Spotholtz, Bob Tredwell and Richard Pierce Udall. May they rest in peace.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @aol.com


I hope you have read Cul Modisette’s bio in our 50th yearbook as I suggested in the last column. As promised, here’s more about Cul. Although he did not play it at Dartmouth, he has become the pied piper of lacrosse in Connecticut. The list of his lacrosse accomplishments is way too long to recite here but it culminates with his induction into the Connecticut Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 2011 “as a truly great contributor to the game.” More about Cul in future columns.


After a couple of frustrating efforts, Clift and Joan Whiteman have moved into their new year around residence in Vero Beach, Florida. I learned from Joan on February 28 that they were about to golf cart down to the beach for a swim—one of the perks they’ve earned by leaving Long Island. 


I lifted the receiver, said “Hello” and was asked “Is this Nev Chamberlain?” The query was made by Fred Gamble. My mind’s eye instantly pictured Fred’s brilliant red hair (now, like mine, quite white), although I had never formally met him and had not seen him for decades. Fred and his charming wife, Carol, visited Vero from Wayzata, Minnesota, for a couple of weeks, during which we enjoyed time here with them three times.


One of those times was shared with Bob and Joan McIlwain, the Whitemans, Dick and Mary Frey, Skip and E. Fauver and Bob Mauk’s widow, Joan. 


Jack and Jill Harned celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary after Christmas by taking 20 or so of their children, grandchildren and in-laws to Virgin Gorda, the British Virgin Islands, for a grand vacation on the water.


President Jim Birney reports that Tom Ruggles has been elected to the Alumni Council as the result of Jim’s submission of Tom’s name to a panel of class presidents whose classes have survived their 55th reunions. Congratulations, Tommy!


My next column will feature news from Dave Steinberg and the names of at least 16 of us who have passed from the scene. I will submit obituaries online in accordance with the edict of this publication. If you dislike this edict, speak out!


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


Pete Nottage writes from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, that he and Lois are living in the house that they built in 1958. How many of us can say that? In that period, they have watched everything grow up around them—including their kids. Pete ruefully observes that Honolulu is growing too fast for their liking and that the island’s newly acquired railroad train is unwanted and will accomplish nothing. Pete hopes that any classmates visiting Hawaii will contact him.


Bob Kilmarx and Babs do in fact plan to visit Hawaii but only by Internet, on which they have discovered one can travel without incurring the expense, medical concerns and tedium of physical travel. On the subject of philately, Bob observes that in 1918 the post office introduced the “Inverted Jenny” acceleration of the very first mail airplane. The plane was unintentionally pictured upside down on the first sold sheet of 100 stamps. One of those stamps recently sold for $977,500!


A recent telephone conversation with Bob McIlwain disclosed the fact that he has joined me as the owner of a balance-assisting walker to help in navigating from place to place.


The Dickey Center has gratefully thanked Sandy and Dotty McCulloch for their gift of $1 million in support of the center’s Institute of Arctic Studies. Sandy stated, in part, “Our gift is in recognition of the value of the Dickey Center in fostering international understanding around the issue of climate change and its affect on people, the environment and security.”


Dave Grinnell, a fellow Theta Delt and faithful correspondent, and wife Barbara continue to live at Edgehill—an hour from Manhattan, where, Dave says, they enjoy a “motherlode of stimuli provided by our location” and where there is available “every level of assistance should our status quo change.”


During an October phone conversation with Frank Harrington he expressed frustration with the football team’s achievements—or rather lack of same. On the subject of football: Throughout the Ivy League, the stands stand nearly empty. Any ideas as to why?


I regret to announce the death of Raymond Sherwood Marchant on September 26.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 N. Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03 @aol.com


Ivy League football on television in Florida? It’s a rarity! But it happened on November 13. Members of the Vero Beach, Florida, Dartmouth and Brown clubs were invited to view their schools tussle with the pigskin in a private room in a well-known local restaurant. It seemed like a capital idea and, indeed, would have been but for the failure of the host to provide the promised room. We were lumped together with the general public. The television was snowy and inaudible. The venue was crowded and noisy. A highly successful solution to the fiasco was provided by Joe and Eva Sardella to whose attractive oceanfront apartment we retreated. Joe provided an excellent lunch, a bottle of scotch (which the Sardellas do not drink) and some nostalgic photographs of the Big Green football team of the late 1940s.


Earlier, in October, we enjoyed dinner with Bob Mauk’s widow, Joan and the next day with Clift and Joan Whiteman. During a second Whiteman house-hunting trip the weather took an unfortunate trip to the arctic, leaving Joan wondering if “sunny Florida” really is. An excellent dinner including Bob and Joan McIlwain, the Chamberlains and the Whitemans helped to soothe the pain.


Nob Hovde, always active, teaches “challenged” youths to sail in Naples, Florida. Nob has, without really meaning to do so, acquired a quarter interest in a Caribbean island. While trying to flee snowed-in Vermont following a family-oriented Christmas trip, Nob yearns for “sunny Florida.”


Gordon and JoAnn Hood’s son Hub called nearly six months following Gordie’s death to report that his mother had passed away. So ended my close friendship of 63 years. Alas.


That sad event was followed by calls from Frank Harrington and Jim Birney, who, with Bobbie, had been planning a visit with JoAnn this winter.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


As promised in my last column, more about Cul Modisette: After 20 years as an advertising and public relations executive Cul changed course and opened an outdoor sports business devoted to self-propelled ecology sports requiring no machines or gadgets. He guided people into the wilderness in the United States and Canada. While doing so he came to admire the Athabascan, an Alaskan Indian nation. Cul is also the author of a book titled Honored Enemy. It deals, among other things, with Quanah Parker, leader of the Comanche, Kiowa and Cheyenne Indian tribes. Currently Cul operates a tree farm in Connecticut on which he nurtures red oak, white oak, black birch and northern white pine.


Dave Steinberg, at 83, is still teaching Asian studies full time at Georgetown University. His latest book co-authored with a professor at China’s Xiamen University is titled Modern China Burma/Myanmar Relations: Dilemmas of Mutual Dependence. Dave, who has spent many years in the Far East, taught summer school at Yonsei University in Korea in 2011. He does not feel ready for retirement.


Frank Gilroy has written a new book titled Private. By snail mail I received a postcard portraying a smiling and very handsome Frank in his Army uniform and announcing the book as a Kindle single.


Classmates and ladies we’ve seen during the winter include the McIlwains, Fauvers, Whitemans, Harneds, Freys, Cramers, Joel Leavitt and Vida and Joan Mauk.


Bill Sullivan writes with the sad news that Liz, his wife of 57 years, died suddenly of a septic infection. Heartfelt condolences, Bill.


I am sorry to have to report the deaths of the following classmates: Dave Beeman on March 14, 2011; Bruce Borden on October 17, 2011; Jay Buck on January 11; John Bunton on June 9, 2011; Phil Charron on November 16, 2010; Nelse Graves on January 7; Charles Hart on February 25; Stewart Kay on July 11, 2011; Raymond King Jr. on October 24, 2010; Archie MacAllaster on September 24, 2011; Andy McClary on April 23, 2011; Frank Moulton on October 27, 2010; Ralph Muehlig on March 14; Sam Rogers on October 10, 2010; Albert Rust on January 19, 2011; Ben Shaver on August 11, 2011; Cliff Spotholz on December 16, 2010; Bob Tredwell on June 18, 2011; Dick Udall on August 13, 2011.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com


A postcard from Jim Birney informs me that he and Bobbie have moved to the assisted living section of their development. Time marches inexorably on, Jim.


An e-mail from Brita Reed, whom I do not know, announces that her father and mother, Joe and Eva Sardella, are enjoying a Mediterranean cruise. I Skype every few Fridays with my pal of 75 years, Lansing Reed ’48. It turns out that Brita’s last name is the result of the fact that she was once married to Lansing’s son, John. Brita reads the ’50 column and her sister Joanne takes excellent care of our investments at Raymond James.


The phone rang. I answered. On the other end were a young and vital sounding Gerry and Ginny Sarno. For several years they have thought they might get to Vero Beach, Florida, during the winter but it hasn’t happened. However, during upcoming February they have definite plans to visit Naples (Florida) and have promised to drive across the state to see us, the McIlwains, the Whitemans, the Fauvers and possibly others. We look forward to that.


Nob Hovde reports the good news that he is currently free of the cancer that he has been fighting. Nob talks quite frequently by phone with Whit Williams and attends the church also attended by Harry and Mary Lou Van Benschoten.


Jack and Jill Harned have led a busy life this year; a 50th wedding anniversary family stay in Virgin Gorda was a high point. Then there were two trips to California during the second of which Jack joined a group of his peers in a vineyard harvesting grapes! Jack picked 300 pounds. They saw Rick and Sue Miller while out West. April found them in Israel for 10 days, when they saw numerous settlements on the West Bank. As we spoke they were preparing for Homecoming weekend (Harvard). Tommy Ruggles was ordering a flatbed truck that, on the way to the game, would transport the Harneds, Joel Leavitt and friend, the McIlwains and Bob Kilmarx and Babs. I didn’t learn who would drive but Tommy will be playing his banjo past the Hanover Inn. Not bad for a bunch of 80-year-olds.

Bob relates that Casque & Gauntlet was celebrating the 125th year of its founding. Kilmarx, Harned and McIlwain were roommates at C&G during our senior year and they savored the pleasure of being together on that occasion. Bob has five great-grandchildren, and his grandson Sumner is a freshman at Dartmouth and making his mark as a member of the soccer club.


In the last column I mistakenly reported that Bob had repurchased his old Nonesuch sailboat. I erred. It was a C&C Redwing 30. Sorry about that.


—Nev Chamberlain, 1835 North Garden Grove Circle, Vero Beach, FL 32962; (772) 569-2893; ranevero03@aol.com