On YouTube, though hard to find, there is a bit of nostalgia you may have overlooked. Filmed 10 years before we arrived, “Dartmouth Visited (1956)” will take you back in time. You’ll see two young football coaches, Bob Blackman and Earl Hamilton, in their first year at the College. John Sloan Dickey, in his 10th presidential year, gives a short talk reminiscent of ones he shared with us 10 years later. John Kemeny has just recently arrived. It’s a scratchy amateur film, but these are images of Dartmouth that most of us remember from 1965. It seems odd today to view a Dartmouth promo film where there are only crewcuts and flat-tops, no female students, and no people of color. The Dartmouth of old has indeed evolved.

In other news, a handful of grayheads zoomed for the monthly social hour, spinning tales of world travel, violent storms, hurricanes, earthquakes, perils of aging, and how the fully vaccinated Tim Means contracted Covid from a tussive guy on the adjacent treadmill at the gym. Greg Lau updated us on the damaged historic bridges washed out in the summer flood. Arthur Fergenson and Shirley just returned from a voyage to the Marquesas Islands and Tahiti, so we debated the value of trip insurance and stocking up on Paxlovid. Top doctors Richard Saunders and Peter Elias offered sage medical advice for travelers, with John Beck chiming in. Dona Heller, who has cruised to Alaska, compared notes with other adventurous types, while John Leavitt joined in the discussion of the firestorm in Hawaii and the imminent anniversary of 9/11.

Allen Denison was, as always, lauded for his exceptional dedication as editor of our class newsletter, and he wants news from more of you. Dona also updated us on ComingHome, our creative alternative to traditional Homecoming. Regarding special projects, Phil Bush reports that our support of crisis services on campus is gaining steam. There in the book corner, Lynn Lobban announces her literary triumph: One of the Boys: Surviving Dartmouth, Family, and the Wilderness of Men is a sometimes devastating and often humorous look at how family abuse and male culture frequently converge to harm women. Lynn writes: “Well, it has taken decades, but my book is out and available. Sale of a paperback will afford me a pack of gum, and a download will buy a reasonable latte. More than anyone may want to know about my past…and the way Dartmouth has appeared throughout my life. I’m hoping I won’t need witness protection. I just hope it helps even one or two people.” As our 55th reunion approaches, attend our social hours, casual conversations, interest groups, and other events.

Dartmouth has given us more than most of us hoped for or deserved, including a fellowship in which there is no parting. Oh—and please send news!

—John “Tex” Talmadge, 3519 Brookline Lane, Farmers Branch, TX 75234; (214) 673-9250; johntalmadgemd@gmail.com