Class Note 1938
Issue
July-August 2021
In the beginning—whether it’s the first day of kindergarten or the first day of college—there is most definitely a bit of anxiety and enthusiasm in the air. “The action begins with a week of orientation starting on the 15th of September 1934, when the dorms are opened—the class matriculates with 708 freshmen. President Hopkins distributes certificates of registration and Doc Bowler scans us medically, eyeing those who are unable to swim 60 feet. Today’s students would think the College officials of 1934 were hysterical when they put together the freshman rules: Freshman hats worn at all times outdoors; no crossing of the Green; only Nugget side-seats available to freshmen; must attend all rallies; stand and cheer almost constantly at football games.”
In September 1935: “Webster Avenue comes to life as the fraternities begin rushing ’38s. College officially opens, and President Hopkins, whose words often echo across the country, says the United States has been afraid to grow up since 1918.” In November 1936: “Fred Hollingworth and Bob McLeod will prove tough meat for Lions to chew on.…We win 20-13.…Carl Sandburg speaks at Dartmouth Hall.” In September 1937: “Five new buildings in the area—Thayer Dining Hall, the Lang Building just south of the Inn, two fraternity houses, and a new railroad station in White River. The Nugget features Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt in Lost Horizon, and halfback Fred Hollingworth is temporarily shifted to quarterback.” In June 1938: “As Hanover’s population doubles for a day, 505 ’38s smash clay pipes on the stump of the Old Pine and receive their degrees. Memorable addresses by Sachem Orator George Dana, Art Soule’s address to the College, and John Cutler’s address to the Old Pine…and so on to happy reunions.”
Lots of things happened between 1934 and 1938 and how quickly those years passed. To relive the accomplishments and contributions of the amazing class of ’38 through these years and beyond would fill the entire alumni magazine—as would those of the classes who came after.
“The College will continue to stand on the hill with the lone pine above her, and her loyal sons (and daughters) will continue to love her. Members of our amazing class will remember the splendor and fullness of her days, her soft September sunsets, the sharp and misty mornings, the clanging bells, the crunch of feet on snow, and her sparkling noons with classmates crowding into Commons. Regardless of when you left (or will leave) Dartmouth, these things never change. They are a part of us. A part we took with us that June of 1938.” On that note, it is with a sad and heavy heart that I say this is my last column and the paragraph above says it all from my heart. I have so many memories of people and events, watching my Richard Francis walking across the Green when we visited Hanover. I carry all of his love for his experience in my heart—it has and always will be a tremendous honor for me to be associated with the amazing class of ’38. I feel as though I was with them from the beginning—some 87 years ago. Keep up the good fight and never forget that you too were a part of this amazing experience.
—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095; jmfcarmel@charter.net
In September 1935: “Webster Avenue comes to life as the fraternities begin rushing ’38s. College officially opens, and President Hopkins, whose words often echo across the country, says the United States has been afraid to grow up since 1918.” In November 1936: “Fred Hollingworth and Bob McLeod will prove tough meat for Lions to chew on.…We win 20-13.…Carl Sandburg speaks at Dartmouth Hall.” In September 1937: “Five new buildings in the area—Thayer Dining Hall, the Lang Building just south of the Inn, two fraternity houses, and a new railroad station in White River. The Nugget features Ronald Colman and Jane Wyatt in Lost Horizon, and halfback Fred Hollingworth is temporarily shifted to quarterback.” In June 1938: “As Hanover’s population doubles for a day, 505 ’38s smash clay pipes on the stump of the Old Pine and receive their degrees. Memorable addresses by Sachem Orator George Dana, Art Soule’s address to the College, and John Cutler’s address to the Old Pine…and so on to happy reunions.”
Lots of things happened between 1934 and 1938 and how quickly those years passed. To relive the accomplishments and contributions of the amazing class of ’38 through these years and beyond would fill the entire alumni magazine—as would those of the classes who came after.
“The College will continue to stand on the hill with the lone pine above her, and her loyal sons (and daughters) will continue to love her. Members of our amazing class will remember the splendor and fullness of her days, her soft September sunsets, the sharp and misty mornings, the clanging bells, the crunch of feet on snow, and her sparkling noons with classmates crowding into Commons. Regardless of when you left (or will leave) Dartmouth, these things never change. They are a part of us. A part we took with us that June of 1938.” On that note, it is with a sad and heavy heart that I say this is my last column and the paragraph above says it all from my heart. I have so many memories of people and events, watching my Richard Francis walking across the Green when we visited Hanover. I carry all of his love for his experience in my heart—it has and always will be a tremendous honor for me to be associated with the amazing class of ’38. I feel as though I was with them from the beginning—some 87 years ago. Keep up the good fight and never forget that you too were a part of this amazing experience.
—Jean M. Francis, 2205 Boston Road O-139, Wilbraham, MA 01095; jmfcarmel@charter.net