Class Notes 1956

A classmate who describes me as his “wordsmith therapist” and wishes to remain anonymous, an unnecessary plea given the name he adopts in the description of his relationship to me, has provided the following story. All errors in use of words that may identify one who did not score well in word choice at Dartmouth are his.

“My longtime affection for the American West and curiosity about Dartmouth students who came ‘back east’ from the Rocky Mountain states and beyond to the Pacific Coast, often prompt my ongoing selection of books to read. A recent choice is Gretchen McCarthy’s new book, titled Norman Maclean: A Life of Letters and Rivers. Maclean’s book A River Runs Through It has sold nearly 2 million copies in several languages. Many moviegoers have enjoyed Robert Redford’s film adaptation of his book. Maclean declined acceptance by Yale and Harvard to come to Dartmouth from Montana in the class of 1924 because Dartmouth was ‘outdoorsy.’ He and Ted ‘Dr. Seuss’ Geisel were the twosome that jointly produced the Jack-O-Lantern. Maclean recalled Geisel as ‘the craziest guy I ever met.’ That makes me wonder: Who were the craziest guys in the class of 1956?”

Secretary’s note: I will accept answers to the question posed for inclusion in the next edition.

Word of the day: lucubrate—to study, especially by night; produce scholarly written material. In Hanover the night before the essay was due in English 2.03, we lucubrated in hopes the resulting product would impress Professor Booth.

H.L. Mencken wrote, “It is the natural tendency of the ignorant to believe what is not true.” Today, more than ever.

With sadness I report the passing of Richard Walter Hallagan, Roger L. Emerson, Ph.D.,and Thomas M. Nichols, M.D.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 6 Glenbrook Way #159, Medway, MA 02053; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

“My husband, Gene White,and Iclimbed mountains from 1955 until his death in 2008,” writes Betsey White, Smith ’60. “We raised three children and we both had significant careers in international development, beginning with the Peace Corps in Pakistan in 1962. I have just published my memoir, Balancing Act: Mountains, Family, Career. The book chronicles our adventures and our work, which took us to 50 countries. It is available from Amazon in several formats.”

Don Collins writes, “I am in Oregon and looking out at snow. Brings back great memories of Hanover.”

The following complaint arrived from Bob Mackay: “Why does the College choose to play football against colleges we never heard of, such as Merrimack College and Central Connecticut State? It’s not working; we won against both with only a total of three points! Maybe next year we will schedule Hanover High to save travel costs.” I suggest that there are several readers who would rather hear from Bob about the doner kebab, which lures hungry Berliners to sandwich shops. It consists of spice-rubbed beef cooked on a vertical split, thinly sliced, and piled into pita bread with crunchy salad, often slathered with garlic-laced yogurt sauce. Any food described as being “slathered” is mouth-watering for me, although I might better label it as a most welcome diuretic.

A very interesting commentary was received from John L. Seymour, M.D, and it will be featured in the next Class Notes.

Words of the day: Those of you who attempt to solve “Connections” in each day’s New York Times will I hope recognize the following group of words as sandwich slang for certain comestibles: submarine, grinder, hoagie, hero, wedge, spukie, and poor boy. I live somewhat near Boston and refuse to be responsible for spukie, even though it is apparently based on the Italian word for a long roll, spuccadella, in that city.

Finally, as H.L. Mencken once put it: “The worst government is often the most moral. One composed of cynics is often very tolerant and humane. But when the fanatics are on top, there is no limit to oppression.”

With sadness I report the passing of John E. Cotton, Charles R. Ellicott III,and Kevin G. Ryan, M.D.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 6 Glenbrook Way #159, Medway, MA 02053; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

Rick Worrell included among musings about the most recent Commencement the following: “Our grandson Max Martin was a member of the ski team at Dartmouth and was recognized as an all-Ivy League athlete. He must have gotten all the talents from his other grandfather.”

Jack Crowley, former occupant of this chair, has provided the following request for contributions to the “Men of Granite,” a burgeoning endowment fund exceeding $2 million to support the coaching, travel, equipment, etc., of those who play rugby. He writes, “The class of 1956 has had a major impact on Dartmouth rugby. Mary Ellen and George Brophy, influenced by Doug Stevenson, donated the field. Corey Ford, author and rugger emeritus, funded the field house with encouragement from Stevenson, Art Zich, John Koering, and other ’56ers, some of whom actually played the game, such as Woody Gray, Tom Burris, Tony Bruscino, George Brophy, Jack Crowley, Mac Barker, Tommy Knott, Ed Ross, Al Maca, Rick Webb, Linc Spaulding, Tom Bechler, et al. Let’s continue the 70-year-old tradition by making a tax-efficient gift to Dartmouth rugby in anticipation of our 70th reunion.”

More than welcome contributor Kirby Fowler emails “I wanted to let you know of a very unusual gift from my children. At the Red Sox vs. Oakland Athletics game at Fenway Park on July 9 I threw out the first pitch just before the game started and met the former star Red Sox pitcher Jim Lonborg, Cy Young winner in 1967, before 30,000 fans.”

Word of the day is echt. I chose this word not only because it means authentic and typical, but also because I like the sound of it as it flows over my partial and strikes the listener’s ear with a note of distaste suggesting aversion. Apparently, failure to provide copy for the next column is typical of the members of our class and therefore all of you are echt.

With sadness, I report the passing of Kevin Gude Ryan, M.D., William “Bill” K. Beard Jr., Judge Bertrand L. Poritsky, and John Roger Compton.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 6 Glen Brook Way, #159 Medway, MA 02053; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

With reference to the picture of the crew in the recent class newsletter, Ruth (Becker) McRobbie writes “I can identify one person in the lightweight crew—the second from the right is my late husband, Bob Becker. He loved crew and, along with his parents, I went to several races to support and cheer him on. One of his lifelong dreams was to own a one-man scull; unfortunately, that dream was never realized. He kept and treasured his crew shirt. When he died in 2001 Clem Malin and I scattered his ashes in the Connecticut River during the 45th reunion. Nobody rowed that reunion. I will never forget this wonderful tribute to him. Thanks for the memories.”

Kirby Fowler reports, “I have been retired since March 1995, some 29 years ago. During that time I spent a number of years as president of the Dartmouth Club of Princeton, also as an alumni ambassador for admission interviews and doing what I can as a class agent to encourage donations to the Alumni Fund.” He is proud to report that “his daughter, Kelly Hunter, and her husband, Andre Hunter, son Kirby Jr., grandsons Max and Cameron Hunter, Cameron’s fiancée, Olivia Holmes, and granddaughter Casey Hunter are all Dartmouth students.”

Word of the Day: Pococurante means an indifferent or unconcerned person. This is an appropriate description for most members of our class who are yet to provide grist for this mill. When writing for publication in this column, please be guided by the following quotation from William Faulkner describing the writings of Ernest Hemingway: “He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary.”

With sadness, I report the passing of Herman K. Friedman and Robert “Bob” K. Barry.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 6 Glenbrook Way #159, Medway, MA 02053; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

Harry Nutting has sent along the following poem, which considers the spirit of proper tipping.

There is a new practice with customers, a

few,

Who leave tips much larger than

traditionally due.

They’re anonymously given,

And the giver has quickly driven

Away with a good feeling anew.

I received a letter in a format that is ideal for classmate’s use in sending material for this column: career, family, and hobbies or activities. The source of this letter was John B. Gwynn. He writes: “After graduation I spent two years in the Army, mostly in Germany. I then spent 32 years as a U.S. foreign service officer in Colombia, Ecuador, Pakistan, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, plus three assignments in Washington, D.C. My wife and I were married in 1958. We have two daughters and four grandchildren. My principal activity since retirement has been music. I have sung with five choirs and still sing with my church choir. Also, for the past 27 years I have played my guitar and sung gospel music and ‘Golden Oldies’ from the 1950s with a local band at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and senior citizen clubs in five counties. Our Country Troubadours band has also made three CDs, which we give to the folks in our senior citizens audience.”

Words of the day include “stravaig,” which means to wander around aimlessly. I offer this word for your use when the wife or kids ask you where you have been, and you are hesitant to tell the truth. Another is “heterodox: not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs.” This sums up some political oratory abroad these days.

To provide material for this column, engage artificial intelligence to write 150 words describing your memory of the years at Dartmouth and send it to me. You may learn things you never knew.

With sadness, I report the passing of John “Jack” R. Hubbard Jr.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 29 C Claudette Drive, Milford, MA 01757; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

Charlie Morrissey reports that while he is “hobbling on gimpy legs,” the smile on his face is steadfast. He lives in Montpelier, Vermont. His daughter, Susan, who attended Oberlin College, is professor of Russian history at the University of California at Irvine and chair of Irvine’s department of history. His granddaughter, Elizabeth, has been elected to Phi Beta Kappa at Columbia University. He claims membership in the “Proud Grampas of America Society.”

Finally, as a stalwart member of the Anti-Technology Society of America, he has no email.

I met Charlie Morrissey in Texas many years ago and then once more in the Hanover Inn in the early 2000s, when he spoke to a group of people involved in estate planning. He was the same Charlie I remember from our days at Dartmouth.

An unsolicited offering from Porter Kier states that he has moved to Austin, Texas, where his brother and family live. “I remain in good health and enjoy playing in-person and internet bridge. While I was still physically active, I sailed competitively in regattas from Canada to Bermuda and chartered/skippered sailboats up to 63 feet in length throughout the Caribbean. I also sang barbershop music and was head of the Southern Mix barbershop chorus; some skiing along the way.”

Word of the day: “Pseudobulbar affect (PBA): A condition that is characterized by episodes of sudden uncontrollable and inappropriate laughing or crying.” Today’s American political scene infects some of us with a dose of PBA.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) users: With a private equity firm having purchased Simon & Schuster, prospects for my novel, Death by CPAP, appearing in print have been reduced to about 7 percent. Considering this event, my agent has been exploring the possibility of launching a “’56 Go Fund the Secretary” to make this engrossing novel available to the masses. Consider reducing your Christmas gift purchases.

With sadness, I report the passing of Foster Aborn, Charles “Brad” Leonard, Stew Wood, Arthur Bailey, and Edward Scovener.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 29 C Claudette Drive, Milford, MA 01757; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

My request for material in this column met with some success. Dick Hlavac wrote from New Zealand that after military service he “trained as a librarian and, eventually, became the university librarian at the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand. I retired in 2001 and have held a number of jobs at that university and in Christchurch.” He and his wife, Jackie, 62 years married, have four children, 10 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. “We visited the United States in 2000 and went back to Hanover, which brought back so many memories of the College.” He “always looks forward to reading about what all my old Dartmouth friends have been doing.”

Bob Mackay reports from Berlin, where he has lived since just after graduation: “I spent 15 days in Cuba in February, traveling by minibus from Santiago de Cuba in the South up to Havana. An amazingly beautiful country, lovely people, great music, little crime so few police—all immensely proud of their country. Sad that their stupid Marxist planned economy coupled with our equally useless embargo sanctions keep them in needless poverty. What threat is Cuba to us? I recommend a Cuba visit for everybody. Fly via Mexico or Canada.”

I have only one additional offering in the can to be published in the next edition. Please repair to your computers and send me news of events in your lives.

Word of the day: middlebrow—a person who is capable of or enjoys only a moderate degree of intellectual effort.

CPAP users: I alert you to the allegation that CPAP machines are now being used by insurers, doctors, and manufacturers to spy on patients. Others benefit from your assisted sleep. More next time on the risks of using a CPAP machine, unless I am flooded with news from all of you.

With sadness, I report the passing of Neil M. Barker, Cleto DiGiovanni Jr., M.D., William Droegemueller, Ernest M. Grunebaum,and John R. Weber.

—Chuck Woodhouse, 29 C Claudette Drive, Milford, MA 01757; (508) 202-2447; kirk8202@gmail.com

Stew Wood pens this issue’s column.

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, 70 years ago we walked onto the sacred ground of the Abenaki people, the Hanover Plain. I hope you came back at the end of last October to renew old friendships, cheer for our football team, and share in planning what’s next for our class. Tom “Rosie” Rosenwald, our president, saw to the horse and wagon Friday night and Jack Tamagni gave us reason to be confident of our finances. Rick Worrell reported on our scholarship program that continues to support undergraduates selected by the College. Stew Wood pressed us to stay faithful to the Alumni Fund and anticipate a class gift to Dartmouth when we gather for our 70th.

Our classmate George Records reports shooting birds in Driggs, Idaho, and then transitioning to shooting birdies at Pebble Beach, California! I always admired his cigar style! And John Miles, Jack Crowley’s White Plains (New York) High classmate and freshman roommate in the repurposed dorm for former female Hanover Inn employees, Brewster Hall, poeticizes his version of “The Ballad of Hook Shop Kate.” Those of you who read The New Yorker or Chaucer should not be horrified! It was rewritten 60 years ago by John—after reading it “somewhere, a long, long time ago!” He’ll share his ballad if you email him at greenfield19@msn.com.

In closing, Jack “The Other Jack” Crowley writes: Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, this is my last. I am withdrawing from writing Class Notes for DAM. Simply put—we have a difference in style. I’ve enjoyed writing the column the last two years—and will see you in ‘The Woods’! The Lone Pine will never die!”

(Jack, his style, wit, and love of our class and The Woods will be missed!)

—Stew Wood, 57 Cummings Road Apt. 157, Kendal at Hanover, Hanover, NH 03755-1331; stewwood@aol.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, as we approach year end, it comes to mind how we handle the adversity that stalks us! A Seattle classmate, who has saved my life twice, grows dahlias. He occasionally falls, can’t get up, calls the fire department. They come and get him on his feet and back to work! I spoke with Sue and Brad Leonard in Missoula, Montana. Brad took second in the 50- and 100-meter sprints at the Montana Special Olympics this spring and qualified for the nationals. He has endured high water and floods and is forever young! July 3 I slithered out of a central Washington lake, crawling like a reptile out of my float tube. Four nice rainbows, seven hours kicking around, and my legs were shot! Couldn’t stand up. Didn’t our ancestors slide out from the ooze? Jack Tamagni sent a recent article about Tom Marvel’s son, Jonathon ’82, and his new architectural creation—a splendid, 36-floor co-op in Brooklyn Heights, New York. Apple close to the tree! Pren Carnell checked in from the Albany, New York, area—family and volunteer work provide succor. Finally, our class poet laureate Gerry Finkle closes out the Year of the Poem with his awesome and prophetic “America the Beautiful.”

Sand castles on the beach await the tide,

The inexorable tide that does not wait,

And dreams vanish in the light of day,

And disappear into timeless time.

Pax Romana stretched across the world,

Now its ruins lie buried with its fame.

And now my beloved country slips away,

Soon to become lost in history’s space.

America the beautiful, where are you now?

Where are the alabaster cities,

Where the clear and spacious skies,

And brotherhood from sea to sea?

Was it a dream that could not be fulfilled,

An idea to make a more perfect union

That was forged, and then again, re-forged?

We are in peril of loss that’s lost forever.

And the oceans are rising.

So rest well, Joel Ash, the Lone Pine will never die! See you in “The Woods!”

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824; crowleyjack58@gmail.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, as I am struggling with “Ode to the White River Junction Super 8” at Bob Mackay’s request, Arlene and Egil Stigum have stepped into the breach with their awesome paean to the moon: “The Moon is about the unspoken laws/the promises we made and forgot on the conscious level/surface and create a contrast to present actions/life templates, formats/ Remembering what we forgot/Our child knows all the time/Promises are with the child. Let the windswept/the valleys roar/the mountains seep/the ignats lore/The wolves of green vest wore no more/from the sandy sides to the crusty floor/all that was is no more/Seaman high at desert’s shore/ where castles stand at waiting’s door/Move no further or soon the pass/the long last moment of yesters past.”

The Sagamores want all to be aware of a classic Homecoming October 28-30—Harvard game, dinners, beverages, and horse-drawn tour of the Green! See you in “The Woods”! And the 70th reunion is right around the corner; Hanover Inn room guaranteed for all. More info comes on these events! And of particular interest is the Dartmouth class of 1956 website (google it) with Jim Wright’s speech to the class, class directory, memorials and obituaries, photos, and more! Closing is a part of Joel Ash’s poignant “Dartmouth Night,” written 24 years ago: “Homecoming Weekend we attend/when alumni descend to unbend/sea of green attire/to see the bonfire/when friendship and spirit transcend./The freshmen that circle the fire/enthused with the flames licking higher/those bright recollections/of sparks and reflections/such beauty will always inspire./The friendships that warm the fall air/the parties, the fun, the fanfare/sweet memories of/renewal and love,/Dartmouth Night the alumni can share.” Joel carried this column for 10 years, and now, “So long, for in the Dartmouth fellowship there is no parting,” said John Sloan Dickey. The Old Pine will never “die” (diversity, inclusion, equity—in proper sequential order!), so don’t be deeply hurt and offended, as the woke say—just show up!

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824; crowleyjack58@gmail.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, we focus on 2022, the Year of the Poem in remembrance of Joel Ash, who so creatively herded the cats for the 10 previous years as class secretary. I have kicked off this spectacular new year’s theme with my own modest contribution in the January issue of the alumni magazine. How about all you people dig deep into your sensitivities and send me poetry you have written—no longer than 100 words! And not “The Man from Nantucket,” as Doug Keare would have professed. For example, written on a wall in the Burlington, Vermont, airport: “This world is such a little place, just the red in the sky before the sun rises/So let us keep fast hold of hands, that when birds begin/None of us be missing” (Emily Dickinson 1830-86). I spoke with Max Weymouth, “Booge” Erwin, and Linc Spaulding about Toby Julian’s death last summer. Linc remembers Toby from high school! And we all revered his dad, “Doggy,” on the freshman football field. I trust all have received the marvelous weathervane earrings and wall hangings—we now know which way the wind is blowing! My good friend Suzanne graciously gave me her earring pendant, which I slipped in Buddy Teeven’s pocket at Homecoming. At his birthday celebration after the Yale game victory, he bestowed it on his wife Kirsten, amidst an admiring throng! So let’s keep “fast hold of hands” as the years unfold, stay in touch, and love our beautiful existence. In conclusion, “the Indian will never die” is a mystical statement in honor of history and tradition that I will not abandon. If I’ve offended or hurt any woke folk, I apologize! The Old Pine will never die—see you in “The Woods!” PS: Since being expelled from Hotmail, my new email address is crowleyjack58@gmail.com. (The “58” is not a typo but was assigned by Gmail and is actually the year Beth and I were married!)

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824; crowleyjack58@gmail.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, as the year closes I want to thank Tony Carleton, Bob MacKay, Bill Behrens, Cliff Phelan, John Miles, Roger Emerson, Egil Stigum, Ben Taylor, Bill Loyer, Eric Jensen, Ted Weymouth, “Booge” Erwin, Brad Leonard, Lee Gamill, Woody Gray, Tom Gidley, Dick McClintock, Brew Blackall, Glen French, et. al., for checking in! All are pursuing life, liberty, and happiness in the greatest country ever created. And thanks to Linc Spaulding, Chuck Woodhouse, and guest Tom Conger ’61 for actually putting their sentiments on paper! Linc on the brand, Chuck on the Indian, and T.C. on the Band of Boobs, of which I am a proud member! Chuck writes: “I object to the concluding sentence in the class of 1956 Class Notes in Dartmouth Alumni Magazine, ‘The Indian will never die,’ for a number of reasons. First, the use of the name is improper. The correct title of this group of Americans is ‘Native Americans.’ In fact, they are historically the most native of any Americans occupying what became the United States when our forefathers arrived on this continent. Second, by including this sentence, you signal your support and even encouragement for the use of the Native American symbol connected with Dartmouth. The return of the Native American as a symbol or brand, if you insist, is long past the use-by date. It is time for you to recognize this and delete the phrase from the 1956 note.” “Cowanga” will speak on the Band of Boobs next year! In conclusion, Al Friedman has won the summarize-your-life-in-six-words contest: “Friends and family enrich my life.” And so, warm holidays, thanks, and prayers. See you in “The Woods.”

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824; jackcrowley@hotmail.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, our long-standing class president Tom “Harpoon” Harper, U.S. Navy captain (retired), died in March. We are diminished. Harpoon’s last words to the class were written March 8: “Hi, Jack. While moving to our cottage in a retirement community we had some young men helping us. One of them asked my wife, Sandra, if she wanted ‘this old thing.’ She quickly said, ‘Of course, that is a Dartmouth treasure.’ This old thing was the Indian-head cane on which we carved our initials senior year while sitting on the rail around the quad. This tradition is long gone—as is the fence. However, I wonder what new ones take their place? Also, in trying to figure whose initials each one is, I wonder if I carved T.J.H. or ‘The Poon’? Let’s all get our canes and see who we remember.” Auwe (Alas). Another legendary class president, Linc Spaulding, who reigned between Doug Keare and Len Clark, says, “Leadership begins with the purpose of the organization. I like to think of Dartmouth’s purpose as the graduation of folks who have the capacity and the desire to think outside the box to affect a positive solution. See a problem, fix a problem, and move on. Call it the Dartmouth brand, where ducking is a four-letter word. Lead, follow, or get out of the way—it’s pretty simple.” A pleasure for me to remember and reflect on our class leadership, both past and present! Now, guys, you have heard the Sagamores speak! A challenge for you: Please define your life in six words or less! For example, mine would be, “I am a most grateful survivor.” We can review results in September at the 65th reunion. And the most insightful will get a special gift at our 75th! So, in closing, the trident is now a gig (two-pronged fish spear—the only way Jack Billhardt can land fish)! Rosie and Scarsdale Jack will carry on in the finest traditions of service to Dartmouth! See you in “The Woods”—the Indian will never die.

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824; jackcrowley@hotmail.com

Ladies and gentlemen of 1956, the late Joel Ash in a recent column referred to the phrase, “lest the old traditions fail.” Jack Billhardt recalls speaking of a classmate, possibly Dr. Eric Jensen, who might have said, “Dartmouth today is not the college I knew in the 1950s.” Jack opined that nothing is the same 65 years later! So, what’s up? I submit that recollections of classmates and events are the stuff and substance of tradition! The road trips, the seven fires, the chipping for a keg, the first crisp breath and squeak of snow underfoot while heading for an 8 o’clock class, the sound of Baker bells (are they next to go?), the uniqueness of the Upper Valley to us city kids—these are the traditions that stay in our hearts, in our minds, and in our souls forever! And, Linc Spaulding adds, “Would you agree that we are living in a brand-dominated age? Whether it’s sports, commerce, or education—brands dominate! Which begs the current question: What is Dartmouth’s brand? Do we have a symbol for it? Should we? Big Green is a slogan, but does it cut it as a brand? When I think of brand I think of form and substance, like a Nike swoosh, and something that can be easily recognized from row ZZ. In the ‘old days’ (1920s-80s), the Dartmouth brand was an undergraduate body of doers. This was enthusiastically explained to me by a Wellesley graduate friend of my parents, who, upon learning that I was headed to Dartmouth, exclaimed how marvelous that was because ‘everyone knows that if you want to get something done, find a Dartmouth grad. Dartmouth grads are doers!’ In those days, the admission protocols pretty much guaranteed an action-oriented student body. Our isolated northern New England location put a premium on self-reliance and well-honed decision-making skills, all so essential to ‘thriving in the howling wilderness,’ as Michael Wigglesworth put it in 1662!” Part two of the brand in the next column!

See you in the woods. The Indian will never die.

—J.W. Crowley, 15612 SE 42nd Place, Bellevue, WA 98006; (425) 746-1824); jackcrowley@hotmail.com

I recently received a surprise package at the post office and opened it to find a book of poetry titled Mindful Musings—a 109-page booklet with a very artistic cover authored by classmate Jerry Finkel. Drawing from the afterword section at the back of the book, I now use Jerry’s own words to describe his work: “My poetry is an attempt to communicate with you if you are willing to engage it with some degree of seriousness. If it causes a smile or even laughter, so much the better. If it causes sadness or reflection, it tells you something about yourself. If it causes confusion or consternation, you must re-read it again, but best some other day. If it is boring, skip it. It is my sincere wish that engaging these poems has been worthwhile and given you pleasure and food for thought.”

I also had an extensive exchange of emails with Ted Weymouth concerning the status of the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble and this morphed into extensive historical notes dealing with “Great Issues.” I had been under the impression that the Barbary Coast band was defunct on the Dartmouth campus. I could not have been more wrong. Ted informs me that, “Today the ensemble explores the full spectrum of jazz and creative music by great artists such as Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and Charles Mingus.”

Now a bit of sad news. I received notice from the College of the passing of classmate Robert R. Slater. Today we follow the Barbary Coast jazz band as it plays a mournful tune and marches up Main Street. The ensemble then marches three times around the Green as we, the living, all bow our heads in silent tribute.

I close with the first stanza of my poem titled “Dreaming of Dartmouth Again.”

Oh Dartmouth, fond place of my dreams,

Here snow and green pine gently streams;

Where reality ends,

Mad illusion then blends,

Recollections retrace college themes.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

I received a very lovely card from Libby and “Boodge” Erwin filled with news about their life in Hudson, Ohio, during the current pandemic and also including news about Dartmouth classmates. If more members of the class sent me half as much news, my job of class secretary would be a lot easier. Please send cards and letters filled with information—even one interesting item would be much appreciated.

Now for news about the Erwins: Libby writes, “We are tired of our long, cold, snowy days and staying at home because of the virus. We recently had our semi-yearly appointment with our GP and had to wear masks and rubber gloves. Several other appointments were simply canceled. I go shopping for two weeks at a time because I like to pick out my own fruits and meats etc. so pickup arrangements are not for us. We both feel that our governor, Mike DeWine, is a gem and we listen to him Monday through Friday to get all the latest updates.”

Now for the sad news. I received notices from the College of the passing of three classmates and word from the Erwins of the passing of one other: The College notices include William J. Hamilton, Myron H. Luria,M.D., and Philip P. Patrick.Inaddition, the Erwins sent me an obituary clipping from the Cleveland Plain Dealer indicating that Preston V. Pumphrey passed away after an eight-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Preston was the vice president of our class freshman year. These four classmates follow the Barbary Coast jazz band as it plays a mournful tune and marches up Main Street. They then march three times around the Green as we, the living, all bow our heads in silent tribute.

I close with the 12th stanza of my poem titled “A Remembrance of Things Past.”

Reunion’s a time to see friends,

Hoping the day never ends;

Nostalgia and fun,

Laughs one by one,

And a true Dartmouth spirit transcends.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

In view of the fact that I have little or no inputs from the class and I will shortly be going in for an operation to remove a tumor in my right thigh, I have decided to fill my column space with the history of my poetic limericks. Back in college days I became enamored with what I now call standard limericks and would often recite naughty or downright crude verses at fraternity parties. After college I would occasionally write short, standard limericks for special occasions such as a friend’s birthday. In 1995 a request went out to write something for our 40th reunion booklet and I responded with a 13-stanza standard limerick titled “A Remembrance of Things Past,” providing a sort of history of my life since graduation. Later, thinking about this poem, I decided that I would try to write something more poetic to reflect my feeling about Dartmouth. Thus was born my first poetic limerick, titled “Thoughts Evergreen,” six stanzas long with a first line setting the theme: “Dartmouth my love’s evergreen.” A copy of this poem, accompanied by a picture of Baker Tower provided by my son, Kevin ’85, is hanging in the entrance foyer to my home. To date I have written 628 poetic limericks, including more than 40 Dartmouth poems.

The archivist at Baker Library informed me that this is an unofficial record.

Sad to say, there are more death notices for the class than ever before. I received notices of the passing of eight classmates as follows: Richard Abrams, William W. Davies, Daniel A Hansche, Carl Hirsch, Capt. S. Peter Huhn (U.S. Navy, retired), the Rev. John H, “Harry” Petter, Richard H. Thorp,M.D., and Marcus W. Smith. These eight classmates follow the Barbary Coast jazz band as it plays a mournful tune and marches up Main Street led by Samson Occom dressed in buckskins. As they march three times around the Green, we, the living, all bow our heads in silent tribute.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

I recently received an extensive email from David Hallagan ’85 reporting on the many interesting activities of his father, David Hallagan: “This summer my father, 85 years young, traveled to Helsinki to compete in a world championship sailboat regatta. He qualified for this championship by placing among the top competitors in last year’s North American Championship, held in San Diego. The boat he races is a Lightning, 19 feet in length and with a crew of three. He has been racing this type of boat since the 1960s. In the world championships this year father, son, and another crew member competed against 50 other boats from 13 countries. Our boat placed 21st overall. My dad did this while fighting a recent onset of mild Parkinson’s disease. This did not stop him from traveling to explore Iceland after the regatta.”

I received notices from the College of the passing of two classmates, Stephen E. Katz and Richard S. Taylor. In addition, I got a note from John Nordling letting me know that Paul Gingold also recently passed. All three of these classmates follow the Barbary Coast jazz band as it marches up Main Street and we all bow our heads in silent tribute.

I also received from the College a copy of a lengthy and very interesting article by Breck Viets printed in the Naval History magazine. It begins, “A naval ROTC midshipman on a summer cruise to Havana meets his literary idol. It was a beautiful Cuban summer day in July 1955 and a Dartmouth fraternity brother (a native of Havana) arranged for us to drive to Ernest Hemingway’s estate. We ended up drinking glasses of champagne with one of the world’s greatest writers. What an exciting and memorable experience.”

I close with the last stanza of a poem titled “DAM” (Dartmouth Alumni Magazine).

Campus stories and old anecdotes,

The president’s views, recent quotes;

Local ads and obits,

Humor of Dartmouth wits,

And, of course, many DAM fine Class Notes.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

In response to the request for news of the current status of Steve Katz, I received calls from Crile Doscher and Steve himself. Crile, calling from Florida, reported that Steve was currently living in L.A. and, although wheelchair-bound, is in reasonably good health. Steve confirmed all that and reported that after retiring as a colonel after 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, he lives with a caretaker following his wife’s passing.

Many of you are aware of the passing of Harold Gordon from my poem of the month titled “Farewell to Hal,” which I subsequently read at a memorial gathering in New York City on April 4. Other classmates attending besides me and Marsha included Alan Friedman and Diane, Tom Rosenwald and Abbie, Jack Tamagni and Judy, and Elliott Weinstein and Alice. In response to receiving my poem, several folks replied with a large number of nice emails—and one was of particular interest. Kirby Fowler wrote, “While Pat and I were in Florence, Italy, many years ago, we visited the Duomo cathedral. While standing in front of the altar, another couple stood next to us. We looked at each other with surprise. Hal and Joan Gordon greeted Pat and I as we stood there. I have many fond remembrances of Hal and Joan’s hospitality at their brunches as part of the class New York City mini-reunions.

I now sadly report that three other classmates have passed on. As the Barbary Coast jazz band marches up Main Street they are followed on this occasion by William M. Balliette Jr., Stephen J. Bissell, Donald Morton Lehrer, Arthur L. Lomker, Joseph Henry Nook, Thomas Riker, and Morton Atwell Shea. We, the living, bow our heads in silent tribute.

I close with a newly created poetic limerick titled “So Many Are Missed.”

Many classmates and wives have now passed,

At this stage of life much too fast;

Sweet Linda departed,

To leave us sad hearted,

All missed but we can’t be downcast.

The Linda in this poem is Linda Sokol, Don Sokol’s wife, who passed in January.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

Unfortunately, some of my closest Dartmouth friends are dealing with major medical issues, either their own or those of a loved one. Given our advanced age, that is not surprising. I won’t mention any names or illnesses since that is a very personal matter, but I do want to extend my deepest sympathy and best wishes for a medical turn for the better to all members of the class dealing with such issues.

I received notification from the College of the passing of James Alexander Cochrane Jr., Richard B. Foster Jr., Herbert David Kleber, M.D.,and Frederick Sherwood Lowry. I also saw a New York Times obituary for Charles Maryan. In addition, Arv Hickerson sent me an email inquiring as to the current status of Steve Katz. Apparently, Arv has tried to contact Steve and has been unable. He is deeply concerned. If anyone knows whether Steve is still with us or not, please let Arv or me know. One last item to clear up. In a recent column I listed Clifford Geddes Chapman Jr. as deceased and that was an error. It should have read Clifford Geddes Allen Jr. My apologies to family and friends. Now, as the Barbary Coast jazz band plays a mournful tune and the procession marches up Main Street, we, the living, all bow our heads in silent tribute.

Many classmates also seem to be deeply concerned about the stock market due to the negative performance in the later part of 2018 and some forecasts for 2019. I spend considerable time analyzing market cycles and, in my humble opinion, the coming year does not look negative. As is often the case, beware of September and October. However, March and December look particularly good. Probably another rollercoaster ahead.

I close with the sixth stanza of my poetic limerick titled “Financial Rollercoaster.”

Profit thrills from your head to your toes,

Woes forgotten as prices all rose;

Track to financial health,

Rollercoaster of wealth,

You are back in the black at the close.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

I received an email from Theodore “Max” Weymouth recommending the viewing of a Dartmouth recruiting film titled Dartmouth Visited (1956), which can be seen by googling that title. The film is 38 minutes long, and many faces from long ago flash by—Max spotted Glen French and Dick Zock, and I spotted Bill Loyer and Hank Bloom. I recommend that you see it for yourself, and who knows who you may see.

I have much sad news at this time. Mort Galena called to say that Bob Taub had passed away. I roomed with Bob at Tau Epsilon Phi during senior year. I also got a call from Bill Loyer letting me know that George Yeager had passed. I vividly recall attending a class cocktail party at the lovely Yeager apartment in New York City. I have not yet received official notice from the college of George’s passing, but expect it shortly. Official notices have been received for seven others.

The sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signal the passing of Douglas Winston Bleiler, Theron Taggart Chapman Jr., John DiNoto, Clifford Geddes Allen Jr., Stuart Klapper, James Quan, D.D.S.,andRobert Jay Taub, M.D. All will be sorely missed, and remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute.

On a lighter note, I saw Bill Hamilton and his wife, Janet, while they were celebrating their 61st anniversary at Ariana’s restaurant in the Lyme Inn, north of Hanover. Marsha and I were celebrating our 60th, and we highly recommend it.

I close with the fifth stanza of my 1997 poem titled “Classmates Forever.”

Connections renewed every year,

Reunions when friends reappear;

Tailgating at games,

Recalling the names,

Homecoming a time that’s so dear.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

I recently got a phone call from Jack Crowley wanting to know what I could tell him about Joe Asch ’79, who often writes about Dartmouth. Lots of people mistake me for this guy and demand to know why I write such negative stuff. I want to set the record straight: I am not Joe Asch, I am not related to Joe Asch, I do not follow his blog, and I am not a source of information about him. On a more positive note, Jack inquired whether I would be at Homecoming. Marsha and I plan to attend and look forward to seeing lots of classmates, including Jack.

In another phone conversation, with Tom Bechler, he said that he planned to attend Homecoming and hoped to see me. We spent some time talking about Kreskin, the mentalist. Tom attended grade school with Kreskin, and I have a signed picture of him on the wall in my magic room. Several years ago Kreskin performed in Claremont, New Hampshire, and I got to meet him as well as enjoy his show.

Now the sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signal the passing of five classmates: Paul Atwill Handverger, Emerson Bradford Houck, Burnham Ford Martin, Ira Rains Schattman Jr.,and Paul Douglas Withington. All remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute. Note that Buddy Schattman was our longtime scholarship fund chairman. He will be missed.

I see that J. William Sher was listed in the alumni magazine as passing on April 30, 2017. He too should be fondly remembered. Finally, I received a note from Cal Hinkle informing the class of the passing of his wife, Betsy.

I close with the sixth stanza of my 2014 poem about Homecoming.

Yes, Homecoming is good for the soul,

With renewal of spirit the goal;

Reminders of youth,

For the long in the tooth,

A whole weekend my words thus extol.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

Bill Loyer recently reported on a luncheon attended by a number of 1956 classmates held in the Denver area on a monthly basis—every month except December. In addition to Bill, four other classmates attended the November 13 luncheon. This included Bill Droegemueller, Bob Montgomery, Noel Sankey and Martin “Lucky” Shore. Ken Fortin, who often attends, missed the November affair. All are in relatively good health for our age group and several continue to work at their profession. Noel Sankey still practices medicine and Lucky Shore still practices law. Bob Montgomery is a retired attorney, and Bill Droegemueller is a retired M.D. and medical professor.

The sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street remind us that not everyone in the class is as active as the Denver group. Sadly, I have to report on the passing of two classmates, John Kramer and Merritt Clarke. All remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute as the procession marches around the Green.

Several months ago I had a call from Harry Nutting in which he mentioned that he has been writing limericks—standard limericks, not poetic limericks as I do. He suggested that I encourage other classmates writing limericks to send them to me for publication. Good idea, and Harry should follow through and send in one of his own.

I got a nice email from Tony Carleton saying that, “My wife and I were quite energetic in taking our recent cruise along the Rhine.” Tony now lives in Wake Robin, Vermont, and the scenery is quite different from Germany—lovely but unchanging. Tony, sitting in a deck chair and drinking a nice libation, is not that tired.

Now, in honor of all those who still travel the world, the following is the fourth stanza of a six-stanza Dartmouth poem titled “Stimulation of Minds.”

World travel with scholarship bent,

Understanding new things the intent;

Perusing strange sights,

Great artistic delights,

Much enjoyment with time so well spent.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

On July 12 Marsha and I attended a celebration of Mass in honor of Leo McKenna at Aquinas House in Hanover. The class of 1956 was well represented with other attendees, including Tom and Abbey Rosenwald, Tom and Sandra Harper, Linc Spaulding, Buddy and Rona Schattman, Doug and Ginger Keare and Stew Wood. Other Dartmouth notables included past president James Wright and class scholar Kesang Tashi ’70. Another notable in attendance included Bruce McLaughry, grandson of Tuss McLaughry, who was the Dartmouth football coach when we arrived in Hanover back in 1952. Following the hour-long Mass everyone was invited to a lovely luncheon served in the downstairs common room. At the conclusion of lunch a number of McKenna family members, including wife Christine, spoke lovingly about Leo. Friends who also spoke in honor of Leo included Rosenwald and Harper. The entire program was a fitting tribute to an important class member.

Now, the sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signal further sadness with a report from the College of the passing of Frank Peck Strong Jr. and an email from Bill Sherman ’81 informing me that his father, Bill Sherman, passed while he and wife Gayle were vacationing in Ireland. All remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute as the procession, including these classmates, marches around the Green.

On August 17 Marsha and I met with Phil and Sandra Hinkle at the Marina Restaurant in Burlington, Vermont. Food, drinks and an excellent discussion of current events as well as old times ensued. This get-together has become an annual event for the two couples and it is always most enjoyable.

Now, in honor of Dartmouth Alumni Magazine and this column, I close with the final stanza of a six-stanza poem titled “DAM,” written in 1999.

Campus stories and old anecdotes,

Current views and a few recent quotes;

Local ads and obits,

Humor of Dartmouth wits,

And of course many DAM fine Class Notes.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

The last time I made a visit to Montreal was back in 1957, when Marsha and I made the three- to four-hour journey from Hanover. We were dating at the time and, after taking in the early flick at the Nugget Theater and the late movie in White River Junction, Vermont, we headed for Montreal on a spur-of-the-moment lark. We knocked on the door of Dick Margolese and family at 3 a.m. and were welcomed with Canadian hospitality. So, Montreal has a very special place in our hearts and seemed like a perfect place to celebrate our 59th wedding anniversary on June 22. Harold and Joan Gordon came to visit before and after the four of us made the journey north. Crossing the border into Canada was a breeze inasmuch as we were the only car in sight. Coming back was another story, with more than an hour’s delay, but that was the only negative on a trip well worth taking. The absolute highlight was our anniversary dinner at Bonaparte restaurant, which had been highly recommended by a friend who hails from Montreal. The closing poetic limerick below honors our truly marvelous dining experience.

Now, the sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signal a much sadder section of this report. It is somewhat unclear as to how many classmates are marching behind the band on this occasion. Two are clearly there: Burnett C. Buckborough and Donald Bernard Davidoff, Esq., have passed on and all remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute as the procession marches around the Green. There are also unconfirmed reports of the passing of Harvey Litt and Charlie Honig. If anyone can shed light on this, please contact me so I can pay proper respects.

Adapted from “Le Restaurant”:

For an evening of food styled from France,

Eat here when you get half a chance;

Montreal for a visit,

Cuisine that’s exquisite,

“Merveilleux” in the local parlance.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

The class of 1956 is the first class of Dartmouth to be headed by a presidential triumvirate. Before this, Tom Rosenwald and Tom Harper were co-presidents for five great years. At the 60th reunion meeting, the “Poon” (Harper) and the “Rose” (Rosenwald) tried to get out of the job but no one would volunteer to take their place. A deal was struck with Jack Billhardt,who had been class vice president for the previous administration—thus the three-headed presidency was born, with a jack of hearts added to the class logo. All three are practiced delegators, with Rosie as spokesman, Jack as organizer and Poon producing the newsletter.

I now hear sounds of the Barbary Coast Jazz band marching up Main Street. Two newly fallen classmates, William Frank Benson,M.D.,and Robert John Gilmore, march just behind the band as we bow our heads in silent tribute.

I recently attended a Bartlett Tower Society dinner and spent many pleasant moments chatting with Bert Whittemore and his longtime companion, Holly Van Leuven. Bert reported on Sam and Joan Hull, who have a busy year planned—in addition to hiking around the Maine coast from their home in Arundel, they will also trek Spain on the Camino Del Santiago and tour the Cotswolds in the United Kingdom. Bert also reported that Alan and Peggy Booth traveled from their Ohio home to attend the annual Gardner Cup rowing event in Hanover during early November. Whittemore and Rosenwald also attended.

I received a lovely email from Don Dillon, who says that he forwarded my “December” poem of the month to his seven kids, 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Since this column will be published in February—circa Winter Carnival—I honor the snow sculptures of old with a stanza from a poetic limerick written in 2001 titled “Snow Goddess.”

White statue created from snow,

Bright snow permeated with glow;

My heart oddly warmed

By the snow lady formed,

Contemplation of night mistletoe.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

Here it is months after our 60th reunion and the memories still swirl and echo in my mind. For my wife and me, the reunion began on the Saturday before with a visit from Bill Loyer. Bill was soon joined with the arrival of Harold and Joan Gordon on Sunday and we all were delighted to welcome Alan and Diane Friedman, Mike and Marge Grunebaum, Don and Linda Sokol and Elliott and Alice Weinstein. Before, during and after dinner we all enjoyed the Dartmouth camaraderie and friendship kicking off the beginning of reunion.

During the three days in Hanover there were so many pleasant moments of meeting and greeting old friends—so many that it is impossible to call out all by name. To mention just a few: I spent lots of time with Phil and Sandra Hinkle, Bill Behrens, Don Dillon, Crile Doscher, Hugh Erwin, Bob Faulkner, Herb Kleber, Al Peyser and Martin “Lucky” Shore.

I interrupt these reminiscences to listen to sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In” as they proceed up Main Street and around the Green. Only one newly fallen classmate, Michael J. Zissu, marches just behind the band on this occasion. We all bow our heads in silent tribute to honor “Black Mike.”

The two days of post-reunion activity in Stowe, Vermont, were every bit as enjoyable as the main reunion. For me the magic show was an important highlight and I particularly remember chatting with John Higgs and his wife, Helen, who particularly seemed to enjoy my illusions. Another highlight was the lobster dinner cruise, where I spent lots of quality time with Egil Stigum and his wife, Arlene. Space limitations dictate that I now bring these remembrances to an end.

I close with a newly created poetic limerick titled “Echoes of Reunion.”

Sweet echoes that last, they abound,

Remembrance in vision and sound;

While meeting, while greeting

The laughter while eating,

The friendships renewed and new found

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

I received a nice long letter from Bill Loyer back in December with lots of interesting information worth sharing. Bill wrote, “It has been two years since my dear wife, Carol, departed and I am still making adjustments. I miss her so but keep busy with many new activities. This includes monthly Dartmouth class luncheons in Denver, interviewing for Dartmouth, my investment club, taking the family to see the Ringling Brothers Circus and learning how to play bridge after all these years. I also was inducted into the Sons of the American Revolution at a ceremony and luncheon at the Wyoming governor’s mansion. Also, the Masonic Lodge recognized me with a ceremony marking 50 years as a Mason.” Bill updated me with an email in April reporting the results of his interviewing for Dartmouth. He interviewed seven applicants and the two who were early decision, as well as exceptional students, were accepted. The others, although also being exceptional students, did not make it. Bill points out that, “The bar is awfully high for acceptance these days, especially if the applicant does not declare early acceptance.”

Hark! I hear the Barbary Coast Jazz band playing “When the Saints Go Marching In” as they proceed up Main Street and around the Green. Four of our newly departed classmates march directly behind the band, and we bow our heads in solemn tribute to James Douglas Craig II, Carl Frederick Hilker Jr., Arnold B. Levin and Charles C. Ray.

On a happier note, the time is fast approaching when many of us who remain will meet upon the Hanover Plain once again to renew old friendships and make some new ones.

From “The Essence of Friendship”—one of my earliest poetic limericks, written back in 1996:

All my friends have a very fine brain,

So conversing is seldom inane;

Not boring, not ever,

They’re funny or clever,

A treat when they’re slightly insane

I look forward to conversing with old friends and new at the upcoming 60th reunion.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

On November 6, 2015, my wife and I attended an awards ceremony by the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine honoring Alan J. Friedman, among others. Alan, who graduated from the Dartmouth Medical School in 1957, was honored for outstanding service—the only one of the eight honorees so honored. Each of the honorees gave interesting presentations and the awards ceremony was followed by a reception with multi-course hors d’oeuvres. The class extends hearty congratulations to Alan for a lifetime of service to Dartmouth and the Medical School!

I heard recently from Abner Oakes, who sent along some poetry and passes to the Friends of Hockey reception room—thank you for both! I publicly invite you to join me in attending a Dartmouth hockey team game. I would love to see you in person.

This time the Barbary Coast Jazz band plays in honor of five classmates as they march behind the band up Main Street and around the Green. All of us who remain bow our heads in silent tribute to Steve Barnett, Jim Groebe, Hugh Manchester, Thomas Stahl Marvel and Henry Harrison Taylor Jr. The class extends heartfelt condolences to widows, family and friends.

I recently received a short email from John Chapman expressing his appreciation for this column and his love of my limericks about Dartmouth. Nice to hear from you, Chaps, and thank you for the kind words.

This issue of Dartmouth Alumni Magazine features reasons to love Dartmouth and I want to try to fit in with that theme—but how do I do justice to the many reasons for love of alma mater. I simply conclude with a poem deeply expressing that love.

The following is from “The Green Heart,” the sixth stanza of a poetic limerick written in 1999.

All join in when the Dartmouth songs start,

As alumni we each play our part;

School ties are maintained,

Loyal feelings ingrained,

In each chest you will find a green heart.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

June 13, 2016, is an important date for the class. This is the beginning date for our 60th reunion (Monday, June 13, and continuing through Thursday morning, June 16). There will probably be an extension but the venue, etc., have yet to be finalized. Dave Stackpole is the reunion chairman and any questions should be directed to him by phone (802-793-3613) or email (stack74@hotmail.com). One item of interest: There will be a contest for which every attendee is encouraged to bring as many past reunion favors as can be located—details and prize to be determined. This will not be a factor in your decision on attending—the key factors being the chance to see many old friends, to make some great new friends, to see Hanover and the College, to have a rousing good time and to reenergize old memories.

I interrupt to announce the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of the passing of Clement Biddle Malin and Edward Harold Delaney Jr. As George Orwell said, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” Therefore, as a past president of the class, Clem rates a special salute from Samson Occom as he leads the procession up Main Street and around the Green. All surviving classmates bow their heads in solemn tribute.

Next year is also a mini-mini-reunion of sorts for me and my wife, Al and Diane Friedman, Hal and Joan Gordon and Elliott and Alice Weinstein. Back in October 1999 these four couples took a cruise to Greece and the Greek Isles. In October 2016 we will all cruise once again through Burgundy and Provence.

In honor of the class reunion upcoming, from “Thoughts Evergreen,” my very first poetic limerick:

Dartmouth, my love’s evergreen,

And my memories remain just as keen;

Though the years are now flying,

Thoughts of Dartmouth undying,

At the start, at the end and between.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net

We live in a big country. With coast-to-coast separation it is common to lose contact with friends far away. Bob Taub was one of my closest friends at Dartmouth—fraternity brother, roommate, usher at my wedding. Why then did we lose contact after he moved to California? No good reason. The standard excuses: local involvements, busy lives, inertia. Reunions often save the day but in this case Bob never made it back to Hanover. So it is with great joy that I report renewed contact with Bob. One benefit of being class secretary is the motivation to make contact. Bob and his wife, Tama, now live in Venice, California, where he retired several years ago after a career as a hematologist. Now he only attends medical conferences. His activities are focused on his children and grandchildren living nearby. He enjoys sailing and crew racing. Bob says he will try to make it to the 60th reunion. 


I interrupt to announce the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of one newly fallen classmate. We all honor the passing of Alan Nicholas Dekker. We bow our heads in silent tribute.


I encourage everyone to make contact. We all love to hear from old friends and classmates. Phillip Coyle has done so. Phil just had his book, titled The Challenges of Nuclear Non-Proliferation, published by Rowman and Littlefield.


I close with the last stanza of a 1996 poetic limerick, “The Essence of Friendship.”


Our old friends we really do treasure,


Stupendous folks by any measure;


In groups large or small,


At a home or a ball,


All our friends give us hours of pleasure.


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


Until recently Dick and Sally Kurts owned a place in my home community of Eastman and Dick was a member of the Dartmouth at Eastman Social Group. They have moved on, now living full time at Harbour Ridge in Florida, where they reside amidst more than 50 Dartmouth families. Dick indicates that they intend to rent in New England or Colorado during August and September. Let’s hope that they may make it back to the 60th reunion!


Saw Bert Wittermore at several local area activities. First a Country Squires luncheon here in Eastman and, more recently, at a meeting of the Bartlett Society in Hanover. With open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a talk by President Hanlon, plus a lady friend (Holly VanLeuven), it was clear that Bert was enjoying the evening. He also says that he loves living in Pembroke, New Hampshire, where “the green flame burns ever brightly,” with numerous Dartmouth friends in the area. 


Usually I interrupt at this point to announce entrance of the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of one or more fallen classmates. Not so on this occasion. No sad event to report. This time the Dartmouth College Marching Band plays in recognition of all living members of the class.


My desire to get in contact with Mort Galina resulted in an email from his wife, Brenda, and a subsequent telephone conversation. Mort and Brenda are both well and enjoying life in the Atlanta area. 


I close with the sixth stanza of a poetic limerick written in 1997, “Classmates Forever.”


“The ties that we never shall sever,


Old friends from our youth a strong tether;


New friends and the wives,


That have entered our lives,


Every one of us classmates forever.”


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


I was recently informed that the Alumni Memorial Book Fund memorialized 14 classmates with books placed into Baker Library. This includes Robert M. Beatty, Greek and Roman Mosaics; William P. Doherty Jr., Shakespeare’s Musical Imagery; Hjalmar P. Kolar, Connecting the Nineteenth-Century World: The Telegraph and Globalization; William C. Lary Jr., Sound Intentions: The Workings of Rhyme in Nineteenth-Century Poetry; William K. Tell Jr., The Act of Musical Composition: Studies in the Creative Process; Arthur M. Zich Jr., Iron Age Hillforts in Britain and Beyond; Leonard J. Clark Jr., Play, Learning, and Children’s Development: Everyday Life in Families; H. Flint Ranney, The Mosaics of Roman Crete Art, Archaeology and Social Change; William K. Howenstein, Nobility and Kingship in Medieval England; Stanford Klapper, Leadership and Elizabethan Culture; Nils H. Larson Jr., High Culture and Experience in Ancient Egypt; Walter D. Pugh, Vincent Van Gogh: The Years in France; William H. Skiff, Reforming Ideas in Britain: Politics and Language; Wilton S. Sogg, Print and Public Politics in the English Revolution.


I now interrupt to bring you the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of our classmate, Charles Dittman Landauer, who joins the funeral procession up Main Street and around the Green. All surviving classmates bow their heads in solemn tribute and remembrance.


I close with the sixth stanza of a poetic limerick written in October 1996, “Death Close By.”


“How can one come to terms with these things?


The stings that a death always brings;


Wounds sharper and deeper,


Cut by the grim reaper,


Inside where our love ever clings.”


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


April 3 a ’56 group met in Washington, D.C., for a class 80th birthday celebration. Al Friedman reports: “After a private buffet dinner Tom Rosenwald recounted comic comments on turning 80, and I moderated a discussion on longevity and quality of life. The next day highlighted a morning bus tour to Mount Vernon and afternoon visiting war memorials in D.C. Saturday John (Mickey) Bloomfield, docent at the Library of Congress, surprised us with a private tour of the Thomas Jefferson building. That evening we boarded a private riverboat for a dinner-dance, including magnificent sunset and spectacular fireworks. Dinner was capped off with a tasty 80th birthday cake. Attendees included Tom and Barbara Bechler, Ted and Nancy Bremble, John and Barbara Bloomfield, Don Dillon and Mary Thormeyer, Sid and Suzanne Devorsetz, Todd Driscoll and Anne Simpson, Warren and Judy Fellingham, Alan and Diane Friedman, Tom and Sandy Harper, Woody and Marion Gray, Bob Grossman, Karen Merrels, Tom and Abbey Rosenwald, Buddy and Rhona Schattman, Bob and Lyn Slater, Russell and Nancy Smith, Frank and Sarah Terhune, Bert Whittemore, and John and Jackie Yassin.”


The Barbary Coast Jazz Band now plays in honor of Dennis Minely, who passed away in March. The funeral procession rounds the Green as all surviving classmates bow their heads.


Bruce Sloane ’57, class secretary, calls attention to a blurb in his column about skiers Tony Carlton and Dick Perkins ’57 with access to a short video. I close with the sixth stanza of a poetic limerick titled “Skiing Free”:


“As I carve a wide turn past a tree,


Not a thought in my head but to ski;


Ultimate in distraction,


Such deep satisfaction,


The joy of a day skiing free.”


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


With less notice to classmates than he had hoped, Roger Schumacher and Sherri organized yet another great trip, this one on the Seine: Paris to Normandy. The two-week trip began on June 26 on a ship with 160 other travelers. Judy and John Allen were just across the hall. That’s no surprise. Roger and John have known each other since grade school and have shared in each others’ weddings and important life events. After passengers boarded in Paris the ship visited the Cannes Peace Memorial and then Normandy. From there it was up the Seine to visit the Monet Gardens, Versailles, and a host of other attractions. A highlight was a visit with Paul Berry at his home just outside of Paris.


While I was learning of the trip to France, Roger recounted a nifty trip made earlier to Morocco. It was a trip like few others, with camels, tents and the kind of hospitality one reads about but rarely experiences. Their guide was fantastic, a Sunni Berber, who introduced them to locals who then opened their homes as an expression of hospitality. Along the way they were guests at an Islamic marriage ceremony, after which Sherri and Roger reenacted their vows, this time in the Islamic tradition. It required costumes and advisors for both bride and groom. John Allen served Roger, and Karen Merrels was Sherri’s. For the required dowry Roger offered a gold necklace and a camel. That was judged insufficient and had to be augmented with a Land Rover and a vacation house in Fez, Morocco. Pictures won’t do that group of memories justice.


Those of you who follow the work of our Association of Alumni will be aware that Doug Keare was elected second vice president in our most recent election, garnering 10,656 of the 12,668 votes cast. That’s surely an expression of trust!


In June our ’09 scholar, Ryan H. Yuk, had the five handsome wooden chairs I mentioned in the last issue of DAM on display in the Baker Library. I got over to see them but missed Ryan, who is now in New York with Barclay’s Capital. Hillary Mimnaugh, our ’11 scholar, enjoyed her Sophomore Summer in Hanover with a full load of classes and her continuing work as president of the Dartmouth Classical Ballet Theater. In this year’s national mock trial competition she was awarded the Intercollegiate Outstanding Attorney Award. I hope she can be with us at our Homecoming dinner. I’ll introduce the class of ’13 scholar when he or she is identified sometime in the late fall by the financial aid office. 


Sad news: Tom Gidley alerted me of Pete Shipman’s death on May 3 in Naples, Florida. I learned from the College of the death from liver cancer of Irving Kendall Clark, seven years ago in late 2002. Look for obituaries later in this issue. Barbara Beckwith, Ted’s wife, died May 3 at Lake East Hospital in Painesville, Ohio; Ted died two years ago in November.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr., P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


Classmates who fondly remember Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy’s classes will be pleased to learn of the recent publication of Beyond Belief by Clinton C. Gardner ’44, a new friend and resident of Norwich, Vermont. It’s an examination of this popular professor’s work as an expression of Christianity’s new paradigm. In this week’s mail our classmate Norman Fiering encouraged me to invite these same classmates to join the Eugen Rosenstock-Huessy Society of North America. Learn more via norman_fiering@brown.edu. 


Sophomore summer Family Weekend in late July brought Tex Fridlund, Sonja and Jon Strong and me to Collis Hall for the unveiling of a beautiful quilt that dramatically underscores the connections between members of the Dartmouth family. Clem Malin, who asked us to represent the class, reports, “The story of the quilt for Dartmouth began tragically in July 2007 in Cheshire, Connecticut. In a brutal robbery-murder the wife and the two daughters of William Pettit ’78 died in their home. Although seriously injured, Bill survived. The older daughter, Hayley, was to have entered Dartmouth in the class of 2011 in September of 2007. Moved by the tragic circumstances, the College enrolled Hayley in the class.


“At the same time, Forrest Rice from the State of Washington was enrolled as a member of the class of 2011, encouraged and supported by Sam Fry, a career diplomat and educator living in Olympia, Washington. Forrest’s mother, Ellen, already impressed by Dartmouth and the dedication to service of its students, was particularly moved by the death of Hayley and her service contribution in high school. Ellen determined to honor and celebrate the ‘heart of service’ that Hayley and Dartmouth students offer and represent.”


Jack Crowley, who labored to make Ellen Rice’s quilt available to the College, described the 6-by-8-foot rendition of Dartmouth Hall against a blue starry background as “absolutely stunning!” It will remind the Dartmouth community of the ultimate purpose of education, that of service to others.


Sadly, Sam Fry did not live long enough to see the finished quilt, as he died in the fall of 2008. He and his wife, Louise, encouraged Ellen Rice to the end. The class of ’56 honors Sam, “an extraordinary guy” and his contributions to the quilt project with our support of bringing it to the College. With the consent of Mrs. Rice, the College has given the quilt to Hayley’s father, a sign of its embrace of a dedicated Dartmouth family. 


Cliff Allen sent me the wonderful news that on July 18 he was married to Anita Dignam at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Hilton Head, South Carolina. Congratulations and best wishes can be sent to anitaandcliff@aol.com.


Buddy Schattman is at work locating all of our previous Class of ’56 Scholars in an effort to build upon the connections begun while they were undergraduates. 


—R. Stewart Wood Jr., P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


Let me begin with an apology to Libby and “Boodge” Erwin for neglecting to list them among those of us who gathered in Hanover for Homecoming. Thank you to Jack Billhardt for alerting me. 
Roger Schumacher and Doug Keare are now in Turkey with 11 others, among them are John Allen and Jewelle; Buddy Schattman and Lenore; Rona and Ginger. We’ll see more about that trip in the next newsletter. Incidentally, Buddy has had some success tracking down our early class of ’56 scholarship recipients, asking them to give us an update on their life after Dartmouth. We’ve had 25, dating back to 1965. Typically we’re capable of providing scholarship aid to two students at a time.


The Sun Valley, Idaho, mini-reunion is coming up October 9-11 and looks great. Les Reid, Jack Billhardt and Jack Crowley have designed a relaxed weekend at this world-class resort with “lots of outdoor activities, numerous scenic drives and a multitude of excellent galleries and restaurants.” For most of us it’s a once in a lifetime chance to share in the Trailing of the Sheep Festival while we’re there. There will be no bus tours, just time to do what you want to do with “planned cocktail and dinner get-togethers and spontaneous small group activities.” Close at hand are the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Utah and Wyoming so there’s good reason to give yourself time on either side of that weekend for exploring the beautiful Northwest. Salt Lake and Boise are the large airports serving Sun Valley so go online and plan a great trip with the chance to be with good friends.


Lots of us find our way back to the region of the Green and White Mountains, among them Charlie Morrissey, who comes up to East Hardwick, Vermont, every summer. He sent me a clipping from the Burlington, Vermont, Free Press about the home our deceased classmate Skip Dickerson and his wife shared in Jericho Center, Vermont. Their Greek Revival-style brick home with a gable front is identified on the town’s earliest map. Mary Jane and Skip purchased it back in 1968 while he was a professor of English at the University of Vermont. Neither she nor Skip had ever lived in a new home, and when they “drove in the driveway” they knew it was meant for them. “It was in deplorable condition, not structurally but aesthetically. Every surface had to be cleaned, but we knew we could deal with dirt.” This past fall Mary Jane opened the house as one of a nine-home, self-guided tour, its original maple flooring gleaming brightly and its brick outside freshly painted. It was also a chance to hear the owners’ tales of the joys and rigors of living in historic homes. Some of you may have similar stories to tell.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr., P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


“Tiny” Strong alerted several of us of the efforts of those wounded veterans former President Jim Wright personally located, recruited and welcomed to Dartmouth to start, or continue, their college education. Last fall a number of them, other undergraduates and graduate students formed Project Right Choice, a 501(c3) charity, that has two objectives: each year to raise funds for a selected charitable cause and to foster and encourage students to become leaders in this sort of activity. This year’s project is to raise $150,000 to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, which builds residential facilities near Veterans Administration hospitals to enable the families of wounded veterans to stay, without cost, while their loved ones are receiving medical care. A kickoff banquet was held at the Westin Copley Place, Boston, on July 31. Our class has welcomed these young men at our mini-reunions in Hanover and offered help and advice. You can count on being provided the opportunity to share in their efforts. 


Toby Julian wrote to describe the historical novel he has written and published of the American Civil War called Forever Wave, The Shaping of America. It’s “about one-half an accurate account of the Civil War and all of the major campaigns and battles, and about one-half a fictional account of a family living in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that becomes drawn into the war.” Classmates can get autographed copies by contacting Toby at ftj13@windstream.net. 


Rona and Buddy Schattman, Judy and John Allen, Ginger and Doug Keare, Sherrie and Roger Schumacher and a few close friends and family traveled together to Turkey for two weeks in late May and early June, visiting Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and sailing for four days on the Mediterranean. This was but one of a number of very interesting and economical trips Roger has designed for classmates. If there’s some place you’d love to visit with friends of old give him a call. I had a great phone call from Tom Bechler describing a trip he and Barbara made to Australia and New Zealand. The description of those spectacularly beautiful countries whets my appetite for travel. Anyone else? Of course, one such trip is back to Hanover for our 55th, June 11-13, 2011. Put that in your calendar before all else!


Bill Barrett played co-pilot again for his wife, Jane, but this time for the “big ride.” The Concord (Massachusetts) Journal described her cross-country bicycle tour from Florida’s Atlantic Ocean to San Diego’s sandy beach, close to 3,000 miles away. Bill managed the van, and Jane logged an average of 50 miles a day for two months, carrying on her bike a water bottle, a cell phone, a two-way radio, some sour balls, Trident chewing gum and sometimes her wallet. If she invites you on a ride at reunion be prepared! Last year she made the trip from Concord to Florida in 24 days, a mere 1,600 miles. Her family calls her “a machine,” and who would quarrel with that?


Word has come from the College of the death of Richard F. Lang on April 2.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr., P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


Bill Frazier, born May 3, 1934, is the second random selectee for a birthday shout-out. He writes, “As I approach 80 I am reminded of the special role that Dartmouth played in my life. That intense exposure to the liberal arts provided me with the intellectual inputs that have shaped nearly every facet of my life. I approached life’s challenges with a surprising degree of confidence, drawing in nearly every instance on the incredible inventory of knowledge that my Dartmouth experience provided. Friendships with a talented group of ’56 classmates made it all come alive.” 


I now bring you the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of G. Leonard Neely Jr., who passed away in November 2013. Samson Occom leads the funeral procession up Main Street and around the Green as all surviving classmates bow their heads.


Bill Sherman, born April 3, 1934, is the third birthday selectee. He writes, “It is hard to believe that so many of us are in the 80 age group. I always wondered if we would make it to the 21st century. I am now undergoing chemo and radiation treatments for a throat lump, but the doctors assured me that I can lick this thing. I look forward to the upcoming golf season and, with luck and good medical care, plan to be at Homecoming this fall.”


Happy birthday to the two Bills and all others turning 80. Since this column will appear in April, I close with the first stanza of a poetic limerick titled “The Aspects of April.”


“Fourth month of the year to revere,


Sheer delight in mild days that are here;


April showers so kind,


Happy thoughts on our mind,


Easter bunnies will soon reappear.”


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


In mid-August Marsha and I traveled to N.Y.C. to attend a 50th wedding anniversary party for Al Friedman and his wife, Diane. The affair was hosted by the Friedman children, Lisa and Neil ’88. The venue was the Three West Club at 51st Street in Manhattan and a great time was had by all. Among the attendees were Tom Kuhns (Al’s longtime partner in ophthalmology practice); Elliott Weinstein and his wife, Alice; and Maury Tannenbaum ’57 and his wife, Gloria. 


I now interrupt to bring you the Barbary Coast Jazz Band playing in honor of William H. Skiff and Walter D. Pugh (affectionately known as “Wally”), both of whom passed away recently. Samson Occom dressed in green buckskins leads the funeral procession and band up Main Street and then three times around the Green. All surviving classmates bow their heads in silent and heartfelt tribute.


Several classmates we hoped to see at the Friedman do were unable to attend. Harold Gordon and his wife, Joan, had unbreakable reservations in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where they often go in August to visit the annual market featuring Native American art. They graciously let us use their second home in Redding, Connecticut, as a place to stay. Also unable to make it were Mike and Marge Grunebaum—she had a serious fall, which kept her housebound, and we hope she is recovered by the time this column goes to press.


Following is the first stanza of a four-stanza poetic limerick titled “A Moving Experience,” created specifically for the Friedman party and read by yours truly.


“Fifty years in a marriage is moving,


With loving experience proving;


Two hearts locked together,


With family a tether,


And friends of long standing approving.”


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


Through the years, whenever discussions of lawyers ensued and lawyer jokes flew, I often commented that some of my best friends are lawyers and Loyers. First, the Loyers. Bill Loyer was among my early friends at Dartmouth and, when Thanksgiving approached, he did not go home since he lived in San Antonio, Texas. Instead he came with me to New York and we had a terrific time in the big city. After graduation, living so far apart, we lost touch as we pursued careers, married, etc. Bill’s wife, Carol, lived in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and he had moved there to join her family in the photography business. Then, 30 years or so ago, we reconnected with annual exchange of cards for Christmas and birthdays, phone calls, visits, etc. On a trip to the West Bill and his wife hooked up with Marsha and me for a tour of the Badlands and Deadwood. During our past 55th reunion Bill and Carol stayed with us in Grantham, New Hampshire. As I said earlier, some of our best friends are Loyers.


I interrupt to bring you good and bad news. The good news: There are no 1956 deaths to report this time. The bad news: I have been misspelling Samson Occom’s name as Samuel. Sharp-eyed Buddy Shattman pointed this out and I thank him for it.


Now, back to the lawyers. Harold Gordon and his wife, Joan, are among our best friends and they are both lawyers. Harold graduated from Yale Law School but his law career was short since he took over his father’s furniture company and grew it into Gordon International. Joan graduated from Harvard Law and had a long and distinguished career in the legal department of the United Nations. I close with a stanza from a poem titled “The Essence of Friendship.”


“Our old friends we really do treasure,


Stupendous folks by any measure;


In groups large and small,


At a house or a ball,


All our friends give us hours of pleasure.”


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


This column features remembrances of many pleasant interludes involving Donald Z. Sokol. Coming to Dartmouth from New Britain, Connecticut, Don pledged Gamma Delt but was an integral part of my closest social group centered at Tau Epsilon Psi. On every big weekend someone would invariably utter the words, “Out the back window to the Gamma Doodle house,” and we would all head over to Don’s house for continuing revels. After Dartmouth came the U.S. Army and I was stationed at the Frankfort Arsenal in Philadelphia. Donnie, now married to the lovely Linda, was stationed at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. Marsha and I spent many enjoyable evenings with Don and Linda playing a board game called Portfolio, eating out and laughing our way through military service. These times cemented a lifelong relationship that still endures. Sometime during the 1970s Marsha and I visited the Sokols in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, where Don was an ear, nose and throat doctor for a large part of the surrounding countryside. We had the opportunity to see Don’s huge collection of aeronautical memorabilia and toured around in his 1936 Ford Convertible. Lots of laughs and good times.


I interrupt to honor three classmates who have passed on. The Dixieland Jazz Band this time is the Granite State Stompers that I recently heard performing at Eastman. Here comes the band now, marching up Main Street led by Samson Occom. Behind the band this time are Yong Suk Chae, William C. Lary Jr. and Arthur Zich. We bow our heads in silent tribute to these newly fallen classmates.


Now, back to Sokol remembrances. In 1984 Don sold his medical practice, his home in Pottstown and his aeronautical collection when he joined the U.S. Air Force. We subsequently visited with the Sokols in Wiesbaden, Germany, the Cotswold area of the United Kingdom, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. No more space.


“This poem an expression of love,


For friends that are true cuts above;


Two rare shining gems,


Two crème de la crèmes,


A couple that fits hand to glove.”


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


This column reports on two items—the class mini-reunion in N.Y.C. (January 25-27) and the passing of H. Flint Ranney, our beloved newsletter editor for 37 years. Flint was honored at a memorial following the class meeting at the Yale Club. Attendees included Tom and Barbara Bechler, Roger Benson, Jack and Pat Billhardt, Sid and Suzanne Devorsetz, Don Dillon and Mary Thornmeyer, Bob and Pam Faulkner, Alan and Diane Friedman, Harold and Joan Gordon, Woody and Marion Gray, Tom and Sandy Harper, John Higgs, Karen Merrels, Wally Pugh, Dutch and Barbara Rosenberger, Tom and Abbey Rosenwald, Buddy and Rona Schattman, Roger and Sherry Schumacher, Jack Talmagni and Susan Orlando, Dick and Georgia Whitney, Stew Wood and George Yeager. Other events included Friday night cocktails at the Yale Club followed by dinner, a visit to the Brooklyn Museum on Saturday with a private tour and luncheon arranged by Jack Talmagni, a delightful cocktail party at George Yeager’s beautiful apartment, a Saturday night dinner at Shun Lee West, and a delicious Sunday brunch hosted by Harold and Joan Gordon amidst their art.


We now further honor Flint with the Barbary Coast Jazz Band marching up Main Street, led by Samson Occom. As it turns out, Flint is the only newly deceased classmate behind the band on this occasion. We all bow our heads in silent tribute to this esteemed ’56.


I close with a stanza from a poem titled “Eulogy in Granite,” written after the fall of the Old Man of the Mountain. It fits Flint.


“In my mind I can still see his face,


On the mountain remains not a trace;


By nature designed,


His place still enshrined,


Granite features that time can’t erase.”


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


Thanks to the quick response to the news of Christchurch, New Zealand’s earthquake, Flint Ranney and Buddy Schattman were able to get word from Jackie and Dick Hlavac, down under, that they had come through the second of those crises intact. Sadly, their younger son and family lost their home and the other son and his partner have had to deal with the loss of power and potable water. Jackie described the whole central business district’s decimation. It certainly put a face on the TV coverage we had been watching.


News has come of the death of more classmates, and you can find obituaries as well as post comments about these friends on the DAM website. Bill King died in early February as a result of a bout with pneumonia following a heart attack shortly before Christmas. Frank Strong worked with Bill’s wife, Elizabeth, to craft a tribute to him. The College also alerted us that Harvey Hambleton died early in February. He and his wife, Sabra, had been living in Saint Augustine, Florida, in retirement. Art Zich’s reflections on Eric Valentine, whose death was previously reported, can also be found on the magazine website. Karen Merrell deserves a round of applause for her attention to the widows of our classmates, writing them personal notes as soon as she is made aware of the deaths. 


I hope you now and again turn to our class of ’56 website that Flint so ably manages. There you can read Bob Slater’s most recent Alumni Council report. He and Lynn return to Hanover for these meetings, and his coverage of the meetings along with his responses to what he’s experiencing are good and important reading. Bob has asked each of us to e-mail him with any of our concerns or observations at rslater3@wi.rr.com. 


A note to Peter Rosazza on a recent birthday garnered the report of a dinner he had shared recently with Betty and Stu Klapper down in Puerto Rico. That’s a great way to deal with the winter Connecticut experienced!For those of you who’ve not yet written those Alumni Fund checks, Don Davidoff is challenging the class of ’56 to reach the 75 percent level of participation in our 55th reunion year. Let the College know that we treasure the experience that has bonded us for so many years, and that we want others to experience something of the same thing.


Retirement opens all sorts of possibilities. Harry Nutting spends his Sunday mornings doing volunteer housekeeping at a no-kill animal shelter named the Animal Rescue and Protection Society in Chester, Vermont. He acknowledges that he’s drawn more to cats than dogs but believes these shelters all across our country deserve our volunteer and financial support. 


This issue goes to press before there’s a report available from this year’s Baci in Sarasota, Florida, but Clif Phalen, Ted Bremble and Gordi Lenci have given their best to continue this great yearly celebration of friendship and loyalty that flourished under Tony Bruscion’s leadership.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr., P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


In contemplating this column I was quite dissatisfied with the coverage that I am able to provide to honor those classmates who pass on. Since we are now limited to 350 words, obituaries are not possible and this is left to the class newsletter, which does a fine job. However, I still wanted to do more than a simple listing and let my imagination roam. Here’s what I came up with. Without contacting them, I arranged for the Barbary Coast Jazz Band to play a New Orleans-style funeral march to honor the list of 1956s that pass on. I also contacted the spirit of Samuel Occom and he agreed to lead the band up Main Street, Hanover, on these solemn occasions. Hark! I hear the band now—here it comes playing a brand-new tune created for this ceremony, “The 1956 Rag.” The band is followed by newly passed-on ’56s Cyrus W. Field and Michael Nussbaum. Then come the spirits of all those who have passed on during the year 2011, followed by all who have passed, period. All of us remaining stand to the side with heads bowed as the procession wends its way toward the Green and around three times. We all murmur the words to my newly created poetic limerick titled “1956 Requiem” as shown below. With my few remaining words I would like to pass on a story about Mike Nussbaum. Mike was caught in bed with a young lady about one week prior to graduation and he was tossed out of the College—he did not graduate with the class. I have many times wondered whether this ruined his life. I was happy to learn recently that it did not. He went on to become a successful lawyer with a long and distinguished career. 


“We honor all those who passed on,


They remain in our thoughts though


they’re gone;


A part of our heart,


They can never depart,


Sweet remembrance of days halcyon.”


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

Our 60th reunion is a ways off, but this is a very good time to think about participation, and I want you to consider two joys in doing so. First, an opportunity to make a new connection with one or more classmates that you never knew. I give you one example drawn from my own experience at our 55th reunion. I had never before met Don Spitzli, who lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia. During reunion we connected for the first time and spent lots of time exchanging stories dating back to Dartmouth days. Don was still practicing law and we talked about this and his passions for hunting, travel and flying. Don is now in my e-mail address book, and I look forward to chatting with him again at our 60th.


It is time for the Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble to play in honor of Len Clark. He passed away in March and will be sorely missed. 


Now for the second reunion joy—connecting with friends from college days that are seldom seen due to geographic separation. Again I give one example. The only time I see John Yassin is during reunions and on four or five occasions I spent quality time with John and his son Ron Barrett. During the 50th reunion John shared an amusing story. In rushing Pi Lambda, he borrowed clothes from a dorm friend in order to make the proper impression. However, after joining Pi Lam he spent most of his time at Tau Epsilon Phi (TEP). I call him the TEP in Pi Lam clothing.


“Special times when our class will convene,


At reunion—return to the Green;


Old friendships renewed,


Dartmouth spirit imbued,


Love surpassing all years in between.”


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


Our 55th is history, but at this writing it has yet to happen; so on to other things not so time sensitive. Living so close to the College provides lots of opportunities for engagement with students, faculty and administration. During a recent webcast President Kim announced the record 22,000 applications received from students wanting to be a part of the class of ’15. The 9.7-percent acceptance rate was our most demanding yet, a sure sign of how favorably Dartmouth is perceived by both high school students and their parents. More than one half of those accepted were either valedictorians or salutatorians. Clearly, the competition is stiff! Then four seniors shared their experiences and their hopes for what lies ahead. One was waiting hopefully for the NFL draft and a chance to continue to play before entering medical school. Another is anticipating her career in the not-for-profit world of social enterprise. One will continue his education in digital design sparked by a yearlong engagement with the Big Green Bus that runs on vegetable oil. The fourth is hoping for a career in professional sports, and before the webcast was finished discovered an alumnus had arranged an interview for her with the Mets. Wow! Four of the best and brightest had been picked for this event, but they clearly love Dartmouth and cherish the gift these four years have been for them.


Don’t miss the chance to listen to Harry Sheehy talk about Dartmouth athletics and the hopes for his tenure as athletic director (AD). His presentation to the Dartmouth Club of the Upper Valley was nothing short of sensational. A graduate of Williams, Harry spent 17 years as their basketball coach and another 10 as their AD, during which time that college was regularly at the top of the game in every sport in their division. The hunger to repeat that in Hanover was clearly evident.” Excellence is never accidental.” It comes from acting intentionally to make things better while creating a culture of high expectations, he said. “Dartmouth athletics is no longer a whining zone!” Both club sports and their intercollegiate partners are remarkable teaching opportunities. Most faculty get three hours a week with their students while coaches get more like 20 hours a week. It’s an unbeatable teaching opportunity. 


Harry Nutting’s efforts to get each of us behind the animal shelter where he volunteers each week was dramatically successful, obtaining $1,000 for its continuing work. He is very grateful for each of you who participated.


Word of the death of three classmates has come from the College. They are Harvey Jay Hambleton,who died February 1; Bill King, who died February 5;and Dean Hofe, who died February 11. Obituaries can be found online at the DAM website. Karen Merrels has responded to each of their widows, expressing our concern for each of them.


Make your plans for Homecoming and the Columbia game, October 22.


—R. Stewart Wood Jr.,P.O. Box 968, Quechee, VT 05059-0968; (802) 295-8912; stewwood@aol.com


There have been lots of class interactions since I wrote my last column. Let’s begin with the Dartmouth/Colgate game, where I shared the joy of victory with Norm “Tex” Fridlund, who lives in Hanover. I often run into Norm and always enjoy chatting with him and talking Dartmouth. Soon after that, I participated in the Class Officers Weekend seminars and festivities, where I spent quite a bit of time with Bob Faulkner, the one from Rhode Island who is our esteemed class treasurer. We were both pleased to see our class recognized for efforts on behalf of veterans enrolled at Dartmouth and our class scholars. On a sadder note, I received word of a number of classmates who passed on, including Arnold Howard Kroll, Lloyd Sherman Woods, Lawrence W. Morse, Henry Richard Jaenicke and Mark Mitchell. Turning once again to happier matters, my wife, Marsha, and I had a wonderful Homecoming Weekend with Harold and Joan Gordon joining us as house guests and many conversations with classmates and wives, including Jack Tamagni, Doug Keare, Flint Ranney, Harry Nutting, Bert Whittemore, Bob Danziger and wife Sara, Leo and Christine McKenna, Stew and Kristin Wood, Tom Rosenwald, Tom and Sandra Harper, Linc Spaulding, Glen French, Buddy and Rona Schattman, Bob and Pamela Faulkner and Dave Stackpole. There were a number of guests at the class dinner, including veterans and scholars as well as two others who deserve particular mention: Kesang Tashi ’70, who will serve as interface to our foreign scholars, and Sonja Strong, who was honored along with her husband, Jon Strong, who recently passed on. During the dinner I recited two poetic limericks, “New Hampshire” (four stanzas) and “Dartmouth Country” (four stanzas). The closing poem for this column is the fourth stanza of “Dartmouth Country.”


“Special space, a true home till the end,


When I roam it remains like a friend;


In my mind I retrace,


What the years can’t erase,


Special place where the green heart


transcends.”


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