In 1913, just a few years after Norwich University’s alumni newspaper, the Record, began publication, a few short paragraphs appeared about an “Alumni Meeting” in Cincinnati (Vol. 4, No, 42). This excerpt, which was discovered through recent efforts to index Norwich’s newspapers, highlights the beginning of writing style that has repeatedly changed and evolved over more than 100 years of the Record.
The brief report, ostensibly a humorous anecdote by Edward Denslow Upham, NU class of 1874, read as follows:
The following report is suggestive: of the old time enthusiasm of the president of the association named; of the unanimity of the same association; of its great co-operative power; and, finally, of the proverbial ability of the emigrant Vermont family to obtain and hold office. Service is the way to honor and the measure of its intrinsic work. all honor to “Den” of ’74” whose name and exploits hovered about the N.U. halls for years after he had gone forth to prepare the officers of this association for the arduous duties which are theirs — Hurrah for the whole “Den” family!
The annual meeting and banquet of the Cincinnati Alumni association of Norwich University was held at “Whites” on February 25th and the entire membership was present:
The president, E. D. Upham ’74, presided and acted as toastmaster. “Our Alma Mater,” was responded to in a feeling manner by Upham of the class of ’74. “Old days at Jackman Hall” brought Edward D. Upham, class of 1874 to his feet, and historical incidents were reviewed that the then faculty probably never heard of, and which the present student body would probably better not hear of. “University Sweethearts” was tenderly treated by E. Denslow Upham of ’74, who possibly spoke from experience, although his venerable appearance at present did not suggest it. “Athletics” was handled by Edward Denslow Upham of ’74, who although evidently not in active service as an athlete, is about as enthusiastic over the National game as when he played short stop on the ‘varsity nine.
The meeting closed with the election of officers, which resulted as follows: President, E. D. Upham ’74; vice president, Edward D. Upham ’74; secretary, E. Denslow Upham ’74; treasurer, Edward Denslow Upham ’74.
When Edward Denslow Upham graduated Norwich in 1874, his name was recorded in the minutes of the Board of Trustees as one of only three graduates given the degree of B.S. He also served as editor of the Reveille, Norwich’s then only paper. Other references to his post-Norwich life appear in past issues of both the Record and the Reveille, although nowhere else does he appear to be having quite so much fun with his audience.
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