Dallas Webb Dort ’30

Dallas Dort died Mar. 9, 2004, in Sarasota, Fla. He was 96.

Dal came to us from Flint [Mich.] Senior HS, where he was on the football and baseball teams, a student council member, and senior class president. At Princeton he was manager of the University Band, and a member of Clio Hall and Key and Seal Club.

After graduation he earned a law degree from the U. of Michigan and entered government service in the administration of Pres. Roosevelt and Vice Pres. Harry Truman. Dal often recounted playing poker with Pres. Roosevelt. He left government service and moved to Sarasota 53 years ago, where he practiced law and operated a 3,000-acre cattle ranch called the Double D. He founded New College in Sarasota and was active in its affairs, often visiting campus to chat with students.

New College Pres. Gordon Michalson said of Dal: "He was an independent thinker. He wasn't one of those party-line guys. He didn't just go along with the crowd. That's why he liked New College, for its emphasis on intellectual independence."

Dal established Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in memory of his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth Buck Dort. He is survived by daughters Dorothy D. Levy and Deborah D. Clement; a brother, David T. Dort; eight grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. The class extends its sympathy.

The Class of 1930