1924
Regardless of what may transpire between now and June 30, and no matter where the illustrious Class of 1924 may eventually wind up in the 1950 Alumni Fund Drive, the big news of the moment is that Chick Austin and his enthusiastic group of Assistant Agents has gotten the Class off to a whirlwind start. Notoriously slow starters, the flood of early responses from our Class has caused a lifting of eyebrows amongst the denizens of Crosby Hall, the lair of the Alumni Fund big-wigs. All we need to do now is keep up the good work, and we'll really knock their hats off.
This is not to say that we are way out front, leading the parade, but we did fulfill the assigned quota for April, and, in view of past experience, that's something to get up and holler about. There is lots of work to be done, to maintain the early pace, and to complete the race with a driving finish. We have made a fast start, and Chick and his stalwarts have every reason to be proud of their first month's effort. Now it is up to us to support them in a measure commensurate with their labors. We all expect to have a share in this annual demonstration of our loyalty to Dartmouth, but do your part today. And, when you are writing your check, think about what your contribution means to yourself, to your Class and to your College. Let's be realistic about it. If we are to come within shouting distance of our quota this year, we need somewhat over $25 a head from everyone. That's a pretty stiff average gift, to be sure, but by no means beyond our possibilities.
Please bear in mind that your first buck is the most important. It means you're with us, and that's the greatest thing of all. Beyond that, it's every man according to his conscience and his means. If we, as individuals, face the issue squarely, there can be no doubt of the outcome. We just can't fail! Get that check off today!
One of the most rewarding by-products of this Alumni Fund Drive, is the opportunity to reestablish contacts with the boys all over the country. Following precedent established by Jim White, your Secretary has been writing to the lads who are living outside the limits of the continental United States, and we have had some very interesting letters in return. Dick Moyse has been living in London so long that he almost writes with an H'English h'accent. Nonetheless, Dick maintains a keen interest in the Class and its activities. He writes in part,
"As regards my further news, it is a little difficult to condense 25 years into a few lines. In 1930 I started a Company called Claude-General Neon Lights Ltd, on behalf of certain industrial groups, in particular The General Electric Company Ltd. (not to be confused with the American G.E.). I remain Managing Director of this Company, but also have certain other interests in the G.E.C. group; for example, I am also a Director of a Company making lamp black, in which the G.E.C. are partners with your Columbia Carbon Company. Every good wish to you and all."
Let it never be said that Dick is not farsighted. Making neon lights and lamp black, he is prepared to hit the jack pot, come bright lights or black out. Any itinerant Classmates who may make London a port of call this summer will find Dick at Furze Wood House, Long Bottom Lane, Beaconsfield, Bucks, England.
John H. (Dan) Daniell, long-time resident of Mexico, sent in a fine letter with his check to the Alumni Fund, and reported that all was well with the Daniell family in the land of Senoritas and hot tamales, or vice versa. Dan apparently is a most reticent individual, and passes lightly over his way of life with the brief reference that "there's nothing of importance to report on the Daniell family. Five days work—Saturday golf—Sunday Church once or twice a year to the beach, either Acapulco or the Gulf, and there you have it." He goes on to say that "I had a letter from Ed Jones in California, saying he may stop here on his way to Florida. We'll probably have to wear a badge or something so that we can recognize each other! The local Dartmouth contingent is a small one, John Pike '27, Dick Plummer '25 and Gusenhoven '35, and that's all I know of, or see." As Mexico is becoming increasingly popular as a vacation spot, it is entirely possible that the local Dartmouth group may be temporarily increased from time to time. Dan promises to keep his Welcome badge all shined up to greet any wayfarers, and may be located (if your Spanish is any better than ours) at Moya de Contreras 160, Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico, D.F.
Just to complete our world tour, and make it official, there's a communication in from Red Newell in far-off Hongkong. It is axiomatic that there couldn't be an Alumni Fund Drive without Red Newell, any more than there could be a spring without robins, or a Brooklyn without "Dem Bums." Sure enough, come April 1, and Red checked in with a double handful of yen, just to start us off right. Our friend writes,
"This part of the world is no doubt very much in the news at home, and rightly so. We are all naturally burned to a frazzle over the trouble in getting the people out of Shanghai. No doubt it evening with Andy and bountiful refreshments in their home. Carroll and Nan Dwight,Carter and Allie Hoyt, Len and MargaretMorrissey were there, as was your correspondent. The Little Woman was away at the time.
When you read these notes there will be a short time remaining in the current Alumni Fund campaign. Get your contribution in ahead of the dead line. Be as generous as you can.
I have an announcement to make and I make it with a great deal of pleasure and satisaction. Walter Sands has accepted appointment as chairman for our next reunion. I personally am grateful to Walt for his willing- ness to take the assignment for I know of no more competent shoulders on which to place the responsibility. And I am not unmindful of the important part Doris will play in the scheme of things. I have assured Walt of plenty of help from other members of the class when he is ready to parcel out the jobs. Remember, the reunion is slated for June, 1951. Plan to be there.
A pleasant summer to you! May you shoot a low score, catch a large fish, sail in fast time or grow a large crop.
Secretary, 328 Orchard PL, Ridgewood, N. J. Treasurer, 1312 Greenleaf Blvd., Elkhart, Ind. Class Agent, 12 Ellis Farm Lane, Melrose, Mass.
