I received an e-mail from Abner Oakes, who was cleaning out some old Dartmouth books of his grandfather (class of 1883) and his father (class of 1926) when he found four poetry books edited by Longfellow in 1879. Abner requested my assistance (as class poet laureate) in determining the value of these books. In an exchange of e-mails I learned some interesting things that I decided to share with the class. Abner’s grandfather scored the first Dartmouth TD against Amherst circa 1881, and a letter he wrote describing this is in the Football Room at the College. A great-great uncle (class of 1853) was killed in the Civil War and other Dartmouth relatives include a son (class of 1981). While in Hanover Abner was captain of the hockey team and later coached the team to an Ivy League championship. He is a Bruins hockey fan and, like myself, has followed their outstanding playoff run with delight despite a disappointing conclusion.


I now interrupt to bring you the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of Peter C. Lauterbach, who recently passed away. We bow our heads in silent tribute.


Since moving to New Hampshire I closely follow the Dartmouth hockey team and attend many games each season with my wife. This year, as in times past, we have been joined by Phil Hinkle and his wife, Sandra. Sandy was my wife’s roommate at Pike House, where the X-ray techs were housed long ago. I now close with a poetic limerick titled “Green on White” created for this column.


Dartmouth hockey is well worth the price,


To see the Big Green fly on ice;


Teams leaner and meaner,


At Thompson Arena,


The action and score often nice.


—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; joel@poeticlimericks.com