Norwich bulletin., 1922-06-23

New London. Conn; June z2-CBy The A. P.)-Ensllrlned with two cen- turies of New England tradition, this port, famous the world around, for former whaling glories, tonight cast aside conservatism and donned regat- "a raiment. Annual host to the liar Ward and Yale rowing contingents and their thousands of adherents, New London decked herself in blue and crimson for tsmorrows inter-varsity crew races and enjoyed the experience.
 For several generations this vener- able city bordering the Thames with tts combination of New England at- vsosphere and English lineage has yearly emerged from its cocoon of pu- titanical dignity and donned the colors of the competing colleges with the abandonment of youth. The fact that Vale and Harvard typify the same &ew England tradition and sentiment made the transformation easy.
 Long before the twilight of sum mers longest day began to fade into Inc deeper tints of night, New Lon don was dressed for the return of her regatta guests. Blue and crimson pen uants appeared at all points of van tags in both shopping and residen- tial districts. Faded photographs of crews of thirty years ago again found places or prominence where youthful under graduates might gaze upon for tner rowing stars, now grandfathers. Other colleges may send forth crews Co battle on newer courses, but Yale, Harvard and New London blend into a regatta picture which mellowed by time and tradition, forms an aquatic classic.
 The advance guard of spectators. heralding the thousands who will to- morrow overrun town and river banks, fcded the necessary modern touch to bring the setting up to date. By mo- forcar. pleasure yacht steamer and irain they invaded New London. Auto parties with machines bearing huge hammered "H's' and "Ys" drove to cities in search of nights lodging. Dn the broad reaches of the Thames scores of yachts at anchor, swung with the current and tide. Almost gun vale 10 gunwale, palatial ocean going yachts and speedy motor launches lay side by side, their lights flickering tlke fire flies.
 Four miles up the river the oars then Of the rival universities rested in darkness and quiet for the test of rowing skill courage and endurance et hours away. The final practice was passed and the last regatta detail completed Unless weather conditions prevent the freshman and junior var sitE four mile race will be started up- stream over a two mile course at II and 11;30 respectively, daylight sav- lnE time. tomorrow forenoon. At 6:3O 0. m. the varsity four mile race will be started upstream, the two eights rowing from the railroad bridge to 5srtletts Cove.
 Late in the afternoon the rival crew -aptains and regatta officials gathered Nr the selection of racing lanes in place of the old fashioned toss of a coin the courses were marked on slips of paper and drawn from a hat Captain Appleton of Harvard picked the east lane for the four mile var F.ty race and the west lane for the freshman and junior varsity two-mile forenoon contests.
 A strong quartering. upstream wind which raised white caps in the lower bay delayed the start of the graduate and substitute races for the afternoon. Similar conditions at the same hour tomorrow would halt the varsity race and the local weather forecast mentions strong breezes as g probability Friday.
 lt was almost sundown before tho wind abated sufficiently for the pre- Lminary races to be rowed. Yale wor Inc substitute combination event al miles by l-2 lengths in Il min- gtes 51 seconds.
 Harvard led for the first half mile