Mt. Moosilauke (1866) - An Early Dartmouth Trip
A Pedestrian Excursion to the White Mountains
by the Class of '67, during the summer of 1866
". . . At various times during our College course had we discussed the probability of making an excursion to the White Mountains. In the long summer evenings, when we strolled off to the banks of the Connecticut, and watched the ever-shifting tints upon the distant hills, - the parting touches of that indefatigable artist, a setting sun - this was the uniform topic of conversation. In our social gatherings the constantly recurring theme was presented in every shape that fancy could invent. Charming schemes sprang in perfect symmetry from individual brains like Minerva from the head of Jove. For weeks and months our leisure moments were spent in settling upon some plan that should insure the greatest amount of pleasure together with our comfort.
At last all the arrangements were completed, and on the 20th of July, 1866, fifteen members of the class of '67 assembled on the College Green to bid adieu to the dusty streets of Hanover. Two light wagons contained our effects, - personal and corporate: including a well-stocked larder, the various implements that pertain to the culinary department, and a mammoth tent, within whose snowy walls a score might easily be accommodated. As the Handel Society was well represented in the company, it was decided that a glee club should be formed for the purpose of giving concerts in the large villages, whenever we chanced to camp for the night in any of these places. . .
Shortly after leaving Orford it was noticed that one of our number was inclined to be hilarious, and as he halted by the roadside to address a gander upon the duties and responsibilities of an American citizen, exhorting his gandership to 'throw aside all party prejudices and support the pride and hope of the nation, Andrew Johnson;' (he was hissed down at this point) - it is presumed that he had indulged a little too freely in peanuts.
At Haverhill we obtained a beautiful camping ground. It was situated on a grassy knoll among the maples, overlooking the great Ox Bow Meadow, which is said to be one of the finest views on the Connecticut River. It was here that M., taking a walk with some ladies, passed through a farmer's gate and left it unfastened. When he returned the gate was locked, and as the farmer stubbornly refused to open it, our hero was forced to display his dexterity in transferring his fair cargo to the other side of the fence. M. declares that while farmers exist the millennium will always be just ahead.
In the afternoon a party of ladies from the town visited us. We threw open our parlor doors and tendered them the "felicities of the occasion." When they were about to return, our 'fat Boy' volunteered to carry an infant that seemed to oppress one of the ladies. Every thing progressed finely until they neared the brow of the hill, when our gallant boy lost his balance and came down by the run, though still holding the wonder-stricken baby aloft in one hand. Our two hundred pounds avoirdupois slowly regained their equilibrium amid deafening cheers from the encampment below. At 'Slab City' the Capt. discovered some relatives who gave him a warm welcome, differing in no essential particular from the prodigal son's return. The Capt. maintains a dignified silence whenever any thing is said about the pretty cousin who "fell on his neck and kissed him. . . ."
Note: Vanness Wyatt was one of the crew that helped build the Moosilauke Prospect House, which opened just three weeks before his death (July 4, 1860). - RWA
From "The Dartmouth Mountaineers" by J.R. Willard D'1867, Daily Dartmouth, 1867.
