Huguenot Seminary, Wellington, C. P.
South Africa,
February 16, 1933.
My dear Annie Bliss Lackie,
Heartiest congratulations to Mr and Mrs. Lackie. Your letter ofa few weeks back did bring me a great surprise. It was all like a great romance with a very happy ending and I am glad for you and Mr. Lackie.
I have felt for a long time that you ought not to carry on that school longer for it has been a very great strain, as you seemed to carry not only the children but often their parents and home troubles as well.
The picture you have given me of your husband and your little home, the summer dining and tea room with the tea wagon, the delicious thanksgiving dinner for seven or more people, the joy and homeliness of it all, is very sweet.
I hope that you and Mr. Lackie may have many happy years together which will fully compensate for the long years of struggle and loneliness, although you have each done your part in the world's work and nobly as the work has come to you.
As I write I can hear the hum of aeroplanes for they are having an aeroplane circus down on the golf course this afternoon, trying to make flying popular.
We are in our third week of school and the weather has been hot some of the time. The lovely Christmas card which you sent me was a reminder of an old fashioned snowstorm and happy Christmas.
Just here the supper bell rang. We teachers usually have some little extra dish, egg or fresh tomato, tonight the girls had sweet potatoes baked in their jackets, and for a sweet "moskonfyt" a syrup made from grape juice to eat with bread and butter. We have more girls this year than last when our numbers went down quite a little. We have only two music teachers as not so many take music as formerly. At one time our staff of music teachers numbered eight.
Have I written you that Dr. Stoneman has retired as President and sails for home next week. It has been very, very hard to pull up stakes after thirty five years and she has felt it very much, but the Council and Staff have shown her every consideration possible. At first she did not want a frewell function for she said "they were trying to send her away", so the Staff gave her quietly at an afternoon tea, a gold wristlet watch and necklet. She has stayed on all through the summer, with frequent trips to Town and the sea. yesterday she was quite interested in a garden party which was given her by the College Council and the Town Council, and all Wellington was invited. She had finished her packing and went to Town to spend the last few days with a friend, they brought her out by motor and she was the guest of honour of the afternoon. Our grounds lend themselves very beautifully to an outdoor function, the Chairman of the College Council presided, there were illuminated addresses, one from College and one from Town Council, a purse of 16 [pounds] from old students, with many letters of appreciation and speeches telling of all she has done for the Town and for the young life of South Africa, her scientific mind and friendly youthful spirit, etc. until she declared she could never forget all their kindness. She had done so much for her adopted land and they hoped she would, after a visit home, come back to live among us. The College has offered her a home for life, if she cares to come back and claim it. She may find the cold winters trying. This was a final leave taking for her, for in the midst of the departing guests, she left also. One of the teachers is taking her last trunk to Town this week for her, so there was no formal goodbye for anybody. She never said a word of goodbye to me and I do not think I shall go to the steamer to see her off, it would be too tiring, but I will send a note.
I think the College in very competent hands, Miss Stafford, Chairman of Senate, and Miss Sargent, Warden of the Hotel. Have I written you this before?
One of the wealthy Past students, gave some time ago, money for Dr. Stoneman's portrait, she also paid for Dr. Bliss' and some others. It was a question whether Dr. Stoneman would have her portrait painted and, as she seldone [sic] takes a good picture, I had hoped she would not, but the life sized painting arrived and was on exhibition yesterday, but there will have to be some changes made before one could recognise it as her picture.
This year is the sixitieth [sic] anniversary of the opening of the Seminary and some of the past students want to do something, but I do not know what. We do not feel we can have a big function as times are too difficult.
Our dear, good pastor, Rev. Carlyle, has had to resign on account of failing health. We are getting up a purse for him and a picture of our mountains in the sunset glow, for Mrs. Carlyle.
I am not sure whether I sent to Frank D. Bliss a Christmas card this year, or not. I think he sent me one, if you are writing him, please tell him I received it and thank hi for it.
Goodnight and all good wishes and kind remembrances to Mr. Lackie, and love to yourself.
Yours sincerely,
Martha F. Baldwin.