Monday Noon
Dear Mary:-
Your letter came as a delightful surprise this morning, for I know that I didn't deserve it. My last few days at Rutherford was [sic] rather busy for I was trying to get things into leaveable condition, also finishing a baby kimona [sic], and the last day looking after the two Emilys after their return from the hospital therefore letters were neglected.
Since coming up here last Wednesday I have loafed disgracefully, and enjoyed the experience immensely. Indeed, I'd love to loaf on for another whole month, instead of returning in a little over two weeks to the strenuous life of a school-marm. Just now I find it hard to make myself believe that I really am a teacher of the young, for I don't have one pedagogical instinct that I can find.
I am glad that Hazel Galloway is to assist in the English dep't, for I like her, but I don't know how much of a teacher she will prove to be. The two new teachers in the Eng. department are altogether inexperienced in that line of work, and I'm wondering just how they will turn out. It did me good to hear you speak so well of Miss Hoffmeier, for we need courteous ladies in the High School far more than we need brainy women.
I am much disappointed that there is no Principal, for there is a crying need for some strong man to manage the boys, especially in their athletics. I must say that I cannot scrape up much enthusiasm for school which is to begin so soon, for I do shrink from the responsibilities that will fall upon the old teachers in the High School as long as there is no Principal.
Just now up here we are amusing ourselves by sewing and reading aloud. "V. V's. Eyes" is the book we are reading aloud, and on the side we have "Old Chester Tales", "Huckleberry Finn", and "Hoosier Schoolmaster". I have finished "Old Chester Tales" and enjoyed it so much. It is one of the books I had on my list of outside reading for my classes for next year, and think that it can stay there very well. Last year I did not put in my outside reading course, but I hope to do so this year. My great problem will be the supplying of books, but if I manage to work out my Library plans the reading ought to be easy.
On Saturday Ned comes up in the machine, and we will be delighted to see him - the machine also. It is very likely that Jay and the two Emilys will come up for the last ten days of our stay, so you can imagine that we are looking forward to a very good time.
Please remember me to all your family, and to yourself you may give my love.
As Ever
Katherine.