Sometimes, in moments like these (when there’s a lot of chatter about the year and decade ahead), it’s helpful to consider the past. Thanks to some special archival work, we’re able to look back to 1947 and see how both Dartmouth and Hanover prepared for the 1947-1948 academic year.

This 16-minute film – which can be seen on YouTube and on the Dartmouth Community Relations website -- captures the start of that new year.

It’s a fascinating glimpse into the past. You will find plenty of images and scenes that continue to exist today – such as the Hanover Inn, the Dartmouth Green, and Main Street in Hanover.

It’s also fascinating to see how much Dartmouth has changed. This film shows some of them – including the beanie hats worn by students, the servitude required of freshmen in their first weeks in Hanover, and more. Careful observers of Dartmouth buildings and architecture should note the scale model of what was then called the “Ernest Martin Hopkins War Memorial Center” – it’s a far different than what was actually built! (go to about 9:40 in film to see this section).

So welcome New Year 2010. Imagine what people will observe about Hanover, Dartmouth, and the Upper Valley 63 years from now!