Class Note 1950
Issue
Mar - Apr 2017
You have a new class secretary who is already behind in his duties. My faithful predecessor Nev Chamberlain and his wife, Randi, are now both coping with serious health problems, so at our October mini-reunion I was importuned to assume his task (having just retired as secretary of Tuck ’51). Since idleness is not helpful to a near 91-year-old declining brain, I’ll give it my best shot.
The mini-reunion weekend included the Dartmouth-Penn football game, an event that bore scant resemblance to the exuberant fall gatherings of our past. It was played on a cold, damp Friday night before a sparse, shivering crowd. The stands nearest the field house, which used to be filled with a cheering freshman class, were virtually empty. The only singing of Dartmouth football songs was done by our small ’50 delegation, led by the ebullient Tom “Smiley” Ruggles and his ever-resonant banjo.
Football aside, 15 of us had a very enjoyable time together, something for which to be grateful at this stage of the game. On hand were president Bob Kirby and Brownlee, Joel Levitt and Vita, Jack and Jilly Harned, Joan McIlwain, Tom Ruggles, Jacques Harlow, Doug and Meredith Smith, David and Karen Taylor, Joe Medlicott and Alex Hoffman.
We had a good class meeting. We are sound financially and continue to support the Dickey Center, athletic sponsors and Collis interns. The class of 1950 maples, now fully grown, continue to grace the south end of the Green. Reduced dues income simply reflects the loss of 58 classmates during the last 18 months. There are now about 250 of us still on the upper side of the sod.
These are not easy times for those of our vintage. Just among those present, within the past year Joan McIlwain has lost Bob, Tom Ruggles has lost Janot and I have lost Twinks. Many fill the difficult role of caring for an ailing spouse or companion. We now number about 250.
We enjoyed two good dinners together, one at the Inn, the other at Murphy’s Restaurant on Main Street, and a lovely Sunday brunch at the home of Doug and Meredith Smith in nearby Enfield. We will next gather on Homecoming Weekend in October.
Please let me hear from you. I wish you well, and will try to keep ’50 Class Notes in print regularly. Wear the green and hold memories of our inspiring days in Hanover, when John Dickey began his outstanding leadership and Dean Neidlinger kept order in the ranks with an even hand.
—Alex Hoffman, 49 Maple St., Apt.113, Manchester Center, VT 05255: (802) 362-2486; twinksalex@comcast.net
The mini-reunion weekend included the Dartmouth-Penn football game, an event that bore scant resemblance to the exuberant fall gatherings of our past. It was played on a cold, damp Friday night before a sparse, shivering crowd. The stands nearest the field house, which used to be filled with a cheering freshman class, were virtually empty. The only singing of Dartmouth football songs was done by our small ’50 delegation, led by the ebullient Tom “Smiley” Ruggles and his ever-resonant banjo.
Football aside, 15 of us had a very enjoyable time together, something for which to be grateful at this stage of the game. On hand were president Bob Kirby and Brownlee, Joel Levitt and Vita, Jack and Jilly Harned, Joan McIlwain, Tom Ruggles, Jacques Harlow, Doug and Meredith Smith, David and Karen Taylor, Joe Medlicott and Alex Hoffman.
We had a good class meeting. We are sound financially and continue to support the Dickey Center, athletic sponsors and Collis interns. The class of 1950 maples, now fully grown, continue to grace the south end of the Green. Reduced dues income simply reflects the loss of 58 classmates during the last 18 months. There are now about 250 of us still on the upper side of the sod.
These are not easy times for those of our vintage. Just among those present, within the past year Joan McIlwain has lost Bob, Tom Ruggles has lost Janot and I have lost Twinks. Many fill the difficult role of caring for an ailing spouse or companion. We now number about 250.
We enjoyed two good dinners together, one at the Inn, the other at Murphy’s Restaurant on Main Street, and a lovely Sunday brunch at the home of Doug and Meredith Smith in nearby Enfield. We will next gather on Homecoming Weekend in October.
Please let me hear from you. I wish you well, and will try to keep ’50 Class Notes in print regularly. Wear the green and hold memories of our inspiring days in Hanover, when John Dickey began his outstanding leadership and Dean Neidlinger kept order in the ranks with an even hand.
—Alex Hoffman, 49 Maple St., Apt.113, Manchester Center, VT 05255: (802) 362-2486; twinksalex@comcast.net