1931

By the time you read this, you'll be more concerned with Valentines than Christmas cards, but many thanks for all the Yuletide Greetings. One of the high spots of the Christmas season for me was talking to a group of our Scarsdale young men who are now Men of Dartmouth. Maybe I'm in the habit of listening only to those things that I like to hear, but I get the impression that there's a lot more enthusiasm for the school now than there seemed to be three or four years ago. These things go in cycles, of course, but no small part of the new mood stems from the enthusiasm for the new Director of Athletics, the old Redhead.

A note from the College Secretary's office says: "I thought you would be interested to know that William H. Marsh (Atlanta) of the class of '31 recently attended the highly successful southern regional conference in Atlanta and that Bennett W. Carrington (Dallas) and Joseph S. Linz (Dallas) of the class of '31 recently attended the equally successful southwestern regional conference in Dallas. These men have given very generously of their time and money to make Dartmouth even a stronger national college."

Like most of you, I was pretty well nailed down during the month of December so there's been very little chance to get around and pick up choice tidbits to pass along in these notes. Therefore, the one letter I have received since the last column is going to be given the fullest and most space-consuming treatment. Walt Gehring writes: "We visited Hanover and spent a very enjoyable two weeks trying to recapture the memories of my college days. Of course we took in the Colgate game and, while waiting for the game to start, had an interesting experience. We heard some fellow in back of us telling all about the '31 reunion. He kept throwing names like 'DougMorris did this' (Ed. note: I've got witnesses who'll swear that I had no part in whatever it was that was done) or 'Beany Thorn did that' (Ed. note: Well, that's different. I'll personally testify that he was the scoundrel who did it). However, he couldn't seem to remember who the minister was in our class, so I turned around to tell him it was McElroy - and there was Johnny Johnson looking the same as ever. While we were exchanging the usual exclamations, a big guy squeezed by me. It was JohnCamph. He still looks like he could step a fast set of tennis. John's biggest gripe was the low quality of the cheering and the abandonment of some of the better cheers we used to yell. (Ed. note: have you noticed that those stadium steps are a lot steeper, too; and the seats are harder, and the students are so much younger!)

"The Colgate game turned out to be a house party weekend and I must admit I was disappointed in the present-day house-party glamor girl. Must be I am getting old (Ed. note: oh-h-h no-o-o, Walt - not that!), but do you remember the aura of mystery and the essence of femininity that surrounded the girls of our era? The present day girls are about as exciting as an old hat (Ed. note: the opinions expressed by the writer do not necessarily represent the policies or principles of this column). Of course, when a girl dresses like a man, acts like a man, even curses like a man, there is not much room left for illusion. (Ed. note: if my wife turns out to be my nephew, I'm going to raise the devil, believe me). Of course, you and I know now that there never really was any mystery (Ed. note: you speak for yourself, ol' boy. ... I seem to recall some pretty mysterious things), but it sure was fun at the time to think that our house-party dates were from an enchanted land! (Ed. note: are you sure we were in college together?)

"I exchange pleasantries with Bill Steck and Spence Cram from time to time when I meet them on the streets of Cleveland. ... The enclosed note from Blythe has some news for you." And the news is: "Walter and I had several reasons for revisiting Hanover this fall, but the big reason was to soak up as much Dartmouth atmosphere as we could for our first heir, who is scheduled to arrive sometime in May."

Charlie McAllister sends you New Years greetings and hopes that you will reciprocate via a check for the Memorial Fund. His slogan for this year is: "Off the floor in '54.”

Just remember, you're better than Benny ... you're always '31. See you next month.

Secretary, Lambert & Feasley, Inc. 60 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N. Y.

Treasurer, 1512 Spruce St., Philadelphia 2, Pa.