Green Flashback, 1946

The prewar atmosphere at Dartmouth was pleasant, stimulating, and beyond imitation. Life in Hanover revolved around the College and its students who sought and found here a modern education and an eternal happiness. Their primary objective was higher education. They came to Dartmouth determined to study and to study hard, to prepare for a fuller life, and to profit from the privilege of four years in a college of liberal arts.

Moreover, Dartmouth's location as a natural wonderland affords that outdoor recreation which is so much a part of the complete college life here. Each June found another graduating class assembled at the Bema. And the following autumn, Dartmouth was renewed by other American youth ready to supplant those who had parted after breaking their pipes of peace at the [? traditionally famous ?] old pine.

Athletics too figured largely in the lives of the men: football, basketball, baseball, hockey, skiing, golf, tennis, and all other sports. Important also were the many non-athletic activities which afforded the Dartmouth man his social life and entertainment. Each winter brought the nationally renowned winter carnival, commanding country-wide participation and providing an example followed by countless other institutions.

It is little wonder then that years ago Franklin McDuffy wrote the lines, "Dartmouth, there is no music for our singing, no words to bear the burden of our praise." And that Richard Hovey wrote songs immortal to Dartmouth men.

(2:37)

SPEAKER 2: Pearl Harbor screamed through radio speakers. The world was shocked and stunned. The country was plunged into a maelstrom of turbulent confusion and readjustment. Dartmouth too immediately went about the process of readjustment and in short time became a virtual training ship for sailors, marines, and naval officers. Suddenly, the tiny village of Hanover was almost devoid of civilians. And in their stead were hundreds of servicemen.

The Navy named Dartmouth for the location of its largest unit in the Navy college training program. 2000 trainees of college caliber followed an exacting program of studies, often taking the equivalent of six or seven courses rather than the usual five each term. Under the accelerated program, classes went right through the year, summer and winter. And the Dartmouth faculty earned their award of merit too with the heavy teaching load they carried for the Navy.

Physical training was an important part of the Navy program. And every graduating officer left Hanover in prime physical condition. They built their bodies to be strong, and agile, and enduring. They toiled over the famous obstacle course which wound its strenuous way up and down Velvet Rocks. Every moment of the day and night counted for these prospective Navy and Marine officers because they were preparing for the grim leadership of men in battle far from quiet Hanover Plain.

(3:53) "...and then one joyous day-"

Victory in Europe, four long tedious years.

SPEAKER 3: Such was the atmosphere enveloping peacetime Dartmouth.

SPEAKER 2: Then suddenly the country was thrust into chaos. The horrifying news [INAUDIBLE] away into time. And at last, the world saw peace in Europe. Like the rest of the world, Dartmouth rejoiced. And also, like millions of others throughout all lands, Dartmouth prayed and gave thanks.

Then less than four months later, came the headlines, victory in the Far East.

[BELLS RINGING]

SPEAKER 2: Complete and final victory for the allied forces. Worldwide peace reigned once again, the peace for which the world had labored so desperately, the peace for which nearly 300 sons of Dartmouth had given their lives. The news hit Hanover with an exciting impact.

Throughout the college, as in the rest of the world, excitement prevailed as the burden of a terrible war was lessened in the hearts of those who were fighting it. Rallies, parades, and mass meetings were held in joyful celebration. And President Hopkins addressed the students and townspeople at the president's house in a stirring VJ day speech.

President Ernest Martin Hopkins earned the undying respect and affection of all Dartmouth men during his 29 years of distinguished leadership of the college. At the war's end, he retired to the position of President Emeritus. He could look back over decades of tremendous growth and strengthening of the institution which he loved and served for a lifetime.

And he could look forward to less strenuous days in the north country, where the granite of New Hampshire will keep a record of his fame. A new auditorium and social building, to be called the Hopkins Center, will be built by the men and friends of Dartmouth in tribute to their great president.

Following President Emeritus Hopkins in the Wheelock succession is John Sloan Dickey of the class of 1929, whose administration began November 1, 1945. He came to Dartmouth from the State Department in Washington where he held positions of high responsibility in the leadership of this country in international relations. He brings to Dartmouth a strong and experienced awareness of the urgent importance of emphasizing the great issues of the world in the education of college students. And he brings to Dartmouth broad abilities for guiding its destinies in the future.

(6:21) "Postwar construction"

With nearly 400 of its returning veterans married, Dartmouth was faced with a serious housing problem. There was a great deal of work to be done and only a very short time in which to accomplish it. The College and building authorities were working feverishly in order to complete the job in time. Completed plans called for the construction of two new communities. And work was begun immediately.

Sachem Village, one of the communities, is on Lebanon Street and contains 48 pre-fabricated units, each housing two families. And in mid-summer, 1946, families were able to move in, thus creating a new phase of college life.

On the other end of campus behind the Thayer School of Engineering, Wigwam Circle sprang up. The land suddenly became alive as workmen hurried to erect quarters for student veterans, their wives, and children. Here at Wigwam Circle, there are 200 units in all, including several two-story buildings built after the pattern of military guest houses. Both communities are strategically located and serve their purpose well.

Late in 1945, construction was begun on the Cummings Memorial Addition to Thayer School. Included in the plans were special wings for electrical and mechanical engineering as well as new laboratories equipped with the latest engineering apparatus.

New life was injected into many college activities which had been dormant during the later war years. The Dartmouth, oldest college newspaper in America, resumed publication after suspension for nearly three years. Under editor Jerry Tallmer and his staff, the Daily Dartmouth reappeared with all its peacetime color.

Other journalistically inclined returnees devoted themselves to the republication of the Jack-O and the Pictorial. Their popularity spread quickly. And the periodicals soon found their way to the housekeeping families and became standard domestic items.

One of the more unique postwar innovations was the establishment of the Dartmouth Airways. Organized, owned, and operated by Dartmouth graduates, this new airline runs regularly scheduled flights to major cities of the East. Dartmouth Airways, though still in its childhood, has made an excellent beginning and is now a feature of Dartmouth life, providing rapid transportation from the excellent new airport in nearby West Lebanon. Thus Dartmouth is brought even closer to the metropolitan centers of the United States.

The Thayer School of Engineering acquired a surplus Naval aircraft, which attracted a large number of sightseers. Among visitors were many ex-pilots to whom the exhibit brought back countless wartime memories. In order to preserve their knack with the stick, some of these ex-pilots hired planes and made flights over Hanover where they displayed their talents in a remarkable, if risky, fashion.

Visiting aircraft in the Hanover vicinity have become a common sight. These lofty and speedy visitors are usually young Dartmouth fliers who take an afternoon off to fly a few hundred miles to circle Baker Library Tower, zoom the campus, and dip their wings in a salute to their college.

SPEAKER 3: One of the notable men to return to Dartmouth is Lieutenant Colonel John C. Mire of the class of 1941. He was a top ace with 37 and 1/2 German planes. John will complete his education and then return to his rank in the Army Air Force.

(10:10) "Navy's last review"

SPEAKER 2: In March of 1946, the Navy ended its ninth and final term at Dartmouth and four months later, graduated the last of its trainees. Here is the last Navy review held at Dartmouth. It is viewed by President Dickey and captain Damon E. Cummings who announced his retirement at the conclusion of the program.

Captain Cummings came to Hanover in October of 1943 to command the largest V12 training unit in the country. Under his guidance and through the joint administration of the Navy and college, a harmonious and effective regime marked the war years at Dartmouth. Operating on a civilian inactive duty basis, the Navy continues now at Dartmouth with a unit of NROTC, the Naval Officers Reserve Training Corp.

(10:56) "Commencement exercises"

Dartmouth's 177th year ended with a graduation ceremony which included seniors from every class from 1940 through 1948. For the first time since 1942 the exercises were held with all the old traditional ritual and color.

Leonard D. White, class of 1914, and Paul G. Hoffman received honorary degrees at the commencement exercises. Others were Basil O'Connor, chairman of the American Red Cross, Leslie T. Biffle, Secretary of the Senate, Harold E. Stassen, former governor of Minnesota, Lester B. Granger, of the National Urban League, Thomas N. [? Streeter ?], lawyer and world-famous bibliographer, and Warren R. Austin, delegate to the United Nations Security Council.

For the first time in many years, Hanover was again able to serve as host to the classes wishing to hold reunions in the old prewar style. Beginning late in June, 1946, five successive weekends were devoted to reunions. And during this time, 40 classes made the pilgrimage to Hanover. Each weekend saw between 12 and 1,500 alumni and their families returning to the campus.

The major events of each reunion weekend included a reception given by President and Mrs. Dickey followed by an alumni dance. Scheduled too were weekly meetings of the General Alumni Association. Also among the highlights featured in the reunions were performances by the Dartmouth Players of their perennially popular melodrama Love Rides the Rails.

Individual class programs were molded around these major events and included banquets at Thayer Hall and the Hanover Inn and barbecues staged by the outing club. Golf, tennis, picnics, softball, singing in tent headquarters, and many other activities added to the gaiety of the festivities.

Despite shortages of food, manpower, and living accommodations, the alumni and their families renewed friendships in peace time style and pronounced the project a tremendous success. They say that once a Dartmouth man, always a Dartmouth man. And proof of this is given by the lifelong devotion of our alumni to their college.

(13:12) "The Dartmouth College Grant"

SPEAKER 1: The Dartmouth College grant, given by the state more than 100 years ago, is located in the Northeastern part of New Hampshire near the Canadian and Maine borders. This forest of 27,000 acres includes the Swift and Dead Diamond Rivers, several mountains, and valuable timber and wildlife resources.

Dartmouth is fortunate this year to have a complete survey of one of its finest assets made by the Charles Lathrop Pack Forestry Foundation of Washington. A group of college officers joined President Pack of the foundation on inspection trips during the several months when the survey was being made. The outing club's Ross McKenney carried his talents and cooking equipment into Dartmouth's wilderness to provide excellent chow for the inspection groups. Among the officials present was Sydney Haywood, secretary of the college.

Skilled rangers from the National Forest Service conducted field studies to determine the present condition and estimated future growth of the vast timber area. The Pack Foundation will recommend to Dartmouth's board of trustees a permanent plan of management of the forest to ensure maximum productivity of both soft wood and hard wood in the future and to protect the area against ravages of fire or insects and to establish controls for recreational use of the college ground by Dartmouth men whose hobbies are hunting, fishing, and outdoor life.

Other attending college officials were Mr. MacLean of the board of trustees with Mrs. MacLean, Mr. Edgerton, college treasurer, and President Dickey.

Late September found Dartmouth students returning to Hanover in greater numbers than ever before. An overcapacity enrollment of nearly [INAUDIBLE] thousand students constituted an all-civilian body for the first time since the war time alliance between the college and the Navy. Hanover bulges at every seam with hundreds of students beyond the normal prewar enrollment of 2,400 to be given instruction, food, housing, and other services. Even so, thousands of applicants could not be granted admission.

(15:27) "Frosh at Moosilauke"

Another time mellowed tradition was revived when the annual September freshman trip to Mount Moosilauke was again [INAUDIBLE] by the Dartmouth outing club. 40 members of the newest class of 1950 accompanied by 15 cabin and trail members as leaders went by truck to the ravine camp at the foot of Moosilauke, Dartmouth's mountain. From that point, they climbed the stately peek through the steep Beaverbrook trail and the newly cut Gorgebrook trial.

The outing club's weekend at its Moosilauke cabins gives early indoctrination to a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

Without doubt, one of the most stimulating features of each fall term is the football season. Probably no one other element causes such prolonged excitement. Regardless of whether the games are played in Hanover or away from home, excitement runs high among the townspeople, students, and all of us connected in any way with the college.

When Hanover itself is the scene of a game, guests of students flock to Dartmouth for a weekend of fun and relaxation. Football weekends are colorful. And the campus takes on an atmosphere of high-pitched emotional tension. Monster rallies are held before each game. And Dartmouth's tireless cheerleaders provide a colorful spectacle for the thousands who attend the rallies. Torchlight parades, snake dancers, and bonfires are also integrated as a part of the traditional pre-football rally.

Dartmouth's first football game of 1946 was played with Holy Cross. And Dartmouth emerged the victor by a score of three to nothing.

(17:17)

SPEAKER 4: Here we are at Dartmouth's second football game of the 1946 season. And here comes the orange and blue team onto the field. It Is said they come to Hanover for a breather. But the green and white have a different idea. Syracuse kicks off. Larry Bartnick receives the ball on his own 12 yard, running it back to the 38 yard line.

The ball is centered. Bartnick takes the ball again through left tackle on a dive tackle play. Quarterback Sullivan shuffles his lateral out to Pulliam who runs wide around left end and is tackled. On the fourth down, Mo Monahan kicks the ball out of bounds on the Syracuse 15 yard line. Now it's Syracuse ball. Slovenski takes the centered ball and fakes out to the man in motion to left end. He hits off the Dartmouth left tackle when tackle laterals out to the man in motion.

Slovenski takes the ball again, hits off his own right tackle, fumbles the ball. Syracuse recovers, punts from behind its own goal line from 40 yards. Quarterback Sullivan of Dartmouth receiving. He evades the Syracuse tackler, charges down the field for eight yards to put him on the Syracuse 32. Now it's time for action. And the fans want to see some. So the cheerleaders oblige in leading them in the go, go, go cheer.

Dartmouth passes. But the pass is blocked by a wide-awake Syracuse player on the 20 yard line. Quarterback Pensavalle rifles a flat pass to left end, which is received by Bob Poet who is tackled by [? Shifner ?] of Syracuse.

Second down, Bartnick carries the ball through center. On the third down, Connie Pesnavalle after evading a Syracuse tackler, throws a 17-yard pass to Larry Bartnick who receives it on the 13 yard line where he is knocked out of bounds. Pensavalle takes the ball again to the left tackle to be brought down on the 4-yard line.

Dartmouth tries to buck through left guard. But it is unsuccessful. Next another play to the left, this time through tackle, no good. Again, Pensavalle taking the ball, this time around right end to gain only one yard.

On the next play the ball is lateral to Frank O'Brien who dives through right tackle for a TD. George Pulliam with Sayers holding, kicks for the extra point. And the kick is good. Dartmouth chalks up its second consecutive win, 20 to 14.

SPEAKER 3: And so with the weary war years and their chaotic problems having passed on, Dartmouth has slowly but steadily reconverted to a normal peacetime life. Once more it is the home of thousands who would seek out knowledge and the thousands who would see Dartmouth play its inevitable and all-important role in the future welfare of a growing nation.