CLASS OF 1911
One hundred eight members of the class were on the campus for the Fifth Reunion. In point of numbers this is by far the largest number ever present at a class reunion in Hanover. Thirty wives, three children, and several guests swelled the number and added to the Big Time. Most of us reported for duty Saturday, the 17th, and remained till Wednesday, at least. The bachelors were quartered in Fayerweather, the married people in Sanborn, and we easily filled both buildings.
After the preliminary greetings of our arrival, we adjourned to the river side on Saturday evening, where we renewed the "good old days" in the company of '06 and '13. The rain prevalent during most of Commencement dampened our outsides but not our ardor, and "a good time was had by all."
A class picnic was held on the golf links Sunday, served in sumptuous style by members of the class, showing that they had not lost the dexterity shown years ' before at Orrill's, Diddy Doyle's, etc. As the genial Dutchman remarked—it was a fine time, even if we only had sherbet, ginger ale, and similar fixin's. The credit for the spread belongs to Al Wheeler and his able assistants. After the eats were disposed of, an impromptu vaudeville was held. "Duke" Dunning performed in his own inimitable style. "Moon" Scanlon favored us with the ever-favorite "Way Down", with the gang in heavy on the chorus. Spunk gave us "Kidding" of undergraduate days, as only he can render it. Austin Keough told us that "O'Grady's Goat Done That", much to the delectation of our risibles. Interspersed among these and other individual stunts were all the old-time songs—a real class hum, proving that we are still in rare voice, despite our aging years. We broke up at the approach of the daily shower, and reached the campus pleased with ourselves for having pulled such a successful party, with no untoward events to mar its enjoyment, even if the cheese sandwiches were a bit gray with age. Sunday evening we were guests of '06 at a very entertaining stereopticon lecture on Hanover, given by our old physics assistant, Arthur B. Meservey '06.
On Monday morning we donned our glittering costumes, bursting upon the horizon as a band of Mexicans. The embryo Villas and Carranzas were numerous and our popguns murderous, but no fatalities were recorded during the day; the night told a different story.
The class meeting was held that morning in A Dartmouth, President Irwin calling us to order shortly before nine o'clock.
A short memorial service was held for those whom we have lost since graduation: Judge. David Cross, our honorary member, Freddy Martin, Johnny Noyes, Wally Dallas, Buster Walker, General Butler, and C. H. Brooks.
It was an impressive moment while we sat in silence with bowed heads, and one we will never forget, even as we won't forget the pals who have gone along. Shortly after this, we considered the report of the Aegis Board and contributed $1.50 per to help them out. Next in order came Pearson's motion to send resolutions to President-elect Hopkins, and Ken Clark offered the following, which were adopted:
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY THE CLASS OF 1911
Whereas by reason of the unfortunate and regretted resignation of our honored president, Dr. Ernest Fox Nichols, it has become the duty of the Board of Trustees to fill the vacancy in this high office, and
Whereas, a change of administration is often fraught with danger to the orderly administration of the college business, and
Whereas, we the members of the class of 1911, having at all times the highest interest of the College at heart, desire to express our confidence in the judgment of the Board of Trustees, and to record our loyalty and devotion to the College:
Therefore, be it resolved, that we, the members of the class of 1911 assembled in Hanover for our fifth reunion, tender to Ernest Martin Hopkins our sincere and hearty congratulations upon his election to the presidency of the College, and voice our belief that his administration will be marked by the same wisdom, judgment, and foresight that has attended the work of his illustrious predecessors, and finally, that we pledge to him our undying friendship and enthusiastic support as members of the great family of Dartmouth Alumni.
Monday, June 19, 1916.
A cablegram from Burbeck in London sending regrets and greetings was vociferously received. Following this, Secretary of the College Knapp told us of the work the College was doing to find positions for men, etc. The class voted to support and spread this work to the utmost.
The resignation of the class officers was accepted, and the constitution amended to read that hereafter an executive committee of five shall have charge of class affairs for five years, this committee to be made up of three men from Boston, one from New York, and one from Chicago. The committee as elected consists of Irwin from New York; Rollins from Chicago; Butts, Josh Clark, and Paul from Boston. The committee elected Dutch its president, Butts, treasurer, and Paul, secretary.
After the meeting adjourned, 128 men and wives posed for the class picture, after which we stormed the campus and Commons, and at the approach of Monday's shower went to the Gym, where some fool suggested a relay race—married vs. single men. Twenty-five suckers of each brand were found, and the benedicts and recent grooms showed their heels to their slower brethren, after which several of the contestants were forced to retire, not being able to contain themselves. A ball game was started, but the married men again showed their superiority by scoring twelve runs in the first two innings to the bachelors' none, and the game shortly broke up. Some of the more rudely inclined partook of the music and dancing offered in the Trophy Room. Owing to all this strenuous exercise, no real excitement was perpetrated in the afternoon; or may be it was because the gang was getting prepared for what was to come. At any rate, we assembled at the Inn at S.30, and in autos and barges were conveyed to the White River Tavern, where the class banquet was held. The food disappeared most rapidly, the drink similarly, and at once ensued a large time. We never realized the class contained so many Castles, Pavlowas, Carusos, and Keoughs, and the dances, songs, and stories passed out gave much entertainment and enjoyment for some time. The return to Hanover was made in a pouring rain, which did not seem to bother many of us. As we had designated Monday night as our night to act as hosts, we were greatly put to it to find a dry and accessible spot, but eventually moved into the new storehouse being built down by the Oval and stayed there till midnight, when we moved to the Oval and extended hospitality to '06.
On Tuesday we lined up for march to the Oval, led by Villa Needham and Carranza Wheeler. '13 was arrayed as sailors, but we Mexicans ambushed a couple of their sentries at the ball game, only to be captured by the rest of the United States Marines after a vigorous and bloody skirmish. Cannon were aimed and fired at our doughty leader, but Villa feared them not till one reached home and he somersaulted to death. Tuesday afternoon we were entertained by a minstrel show and vaudeville in Robinson Hall, given by '06 talent, aided by several invited top-liners. Tuesday evening we participated in the torchlight parade, at the conclusion of which we gave a little fireworks display of our own, which wound up with a 1911 set piece—altogether, some show. Wednesday was Commencement Day. The weather was excellent for the first time, and the farewells were said as we scattered to the four winds.
Special mention should be made of our long distance travelers: Odlin from Italy via Florida, from which place he brought Don Cheney; Spunk Troy from California; Dunning from Duluth, etc., etc. One real time was perpetrated, and it will only be excelled by 1911's Tenth.
