Denison House
93 Tyler St.
Boston, Mass.Dear Lucy.-
Did you think I had forgotten my promise to write and let you know of my work and my life here? I have been on the point of writing so many times, but there was always so much to tell, I never found an opportunity when I felt I had "time enough." My life has been very busy and very delightful. My strength seems to be holding out wonderfully well, too. Denison House, itself, has the most home-like atmosphere of any place I was ever in, with the exception of the "real article" of course. The residents are all such cultured women, and perfectly charming to know.
Since I came, I have assisted in both evening and afternoon classes, and have taken entire charge of a small club of little Syrian boys. They had been in charge through the winter, of one of the residents who left before I came. I found them very bright, interesting, little fellows, and grew quite fond of them. The club work closed May 1st for the most part. But there was one or two classes which still meet. A dancing class had a lesson last week, also a Shakespeare club has not yet broken up for the summer. I think there was one or two others. But most of the evenings last week were given up to parties, and closing nights for the classes. Now that the warm weather is coming on, there will be picnics and excursions with the children out into the country, or sails in the harbor. I am to take some children on an excursion the last Sat. in this month, and I wonder which is anticipating it most, the children or myself?
I must tell you of the great good fortune which has come to me since I came to Boston. Two weeks ago, I was elected to a splendid position in one of the city schools as special teacher of "basketry." I am training for the work now, and am to take the position at the opening of the school year Oct. 1st. I like the work very much indeed, and everything connected with it. We have a fine new building and a splendid superintendent. The core of teachers, of which there are twelve, is all right, too. I have a nice large light room of my own, with all the modern conveniences and furnishings. I have learned already to make the small baskets, sometimes used for work baskets, and am going to make a waste basket next. My greatest ambition is a shirt waist hamper. The girls in my dept. have made some beauty ones.
The Industrial School where I teach is
aton St. Botolph Street, Back Bay. If you are in Boston come and see me and I should be delighted to show you around the building.As I have already written two letters before starting this one and am very tired, I shall have to cut this short for this time. I find I am making so many mistakes & fear my writing is hardly legible. But I'm sure you will show the proper spirit, and be thankful for small favors.
I am eager to hear all about your work & experiences since I saw you last. Please don't wait as long as I did before replying. If you do, I fear I shall be home. School closes June 22nd. Give my love to Mrs. Cambridge not forgetting Miss Dorothy. Kind regards to Mr. C & my other New Salem friends. And remember me to Miss Bliss & Miss Traver, too. I'd just love to see you all, and have a good cosy evening in your room with a story. We did have some fine times, didn't we?
Now do write soon, won't you, and be sure to tell me all the news. I forgot to send love to Abbie. With a generous amount for your own blessed self, I am,
Lovingly yours,
Helen Alden Pratt.May 13, 1906.