Before my grandfather became a doctor, he was a teacher. He taught both elementary and high school levels. In high school, he was licensed to teach Math, Science, Biology, Physics, Geography and General Science. He also was credentialed to be a high school principal. Both these credentials were issued for “life” by the state of Indiana. He taught for several years in his native Clay County. During his years in Kentland, my grandfather served on the school board. Coincidentally, both my maternal grandparents were also credentialed teachers. I guess education is another profession that runs in the family. My grandmother’s comments about the search for a grade school principal would have been an area of interest for my grandfather as would the new ruling about breaking contracts.

Letter transcription:

Kentland Ind
Aug 18-1942

Dear Daddy,

This has been a rather quiet, peaceful day around here. Bobby + Jimmy got so they fussed and fought when together that it was decided to keep them apart for a while. Mrs. James keeps Jimmy in pretty well but she came over here this morning and when Bobby saw Jimmy they had to play and in a few minutes a good fight was on, but it was nearly noon and that takes them both in and Bobby always takes a nap so we

(page 2)won’t see him in the afternoon until later on.

John has gone to take his music lesson. In two more weeks he will have to be going on Sat. Just nine more days until school begins. Al was still trying to find a grade school principal Sat. There is a new ruling about breaking contracts, and Sat was the last day a contract could be broken to sign another. I haven’t heard whether he found anyone. It will be in the papers this week if he did.

Had a letter from Ethel W. today. She is getting along fine since her operation. Says she has

(page 3) gained nine pounds but can’t tell where because she is still flat in all areas. Had Mark’s tonsils taken out and said he got along first rate. Had no trouble afterwards spitting up blood.

Bob + Clarice came out last night to get your address, but when I told him said that was what he had but wanted to make sure. I had gone upstairs to listen to the radio and get ready for bed. John was listening to a musical program-so they didn’t stay-said they couldn’t, just wanted to be sure about the address because Bob wanted to write to you.

(page 4)Arleen is supposed to go see Dr. C again this week (if she doesn’t go to the hospital) so I think I’ll either go with her or have her make an appointment for me. I hate to make a trip down every two weeks but he said he wanted to see me in two weeks so maybe I had better go.

Dorothy’s mother is visiting her this week. They are supposed to come out this afternoon and get some flowers, but it is only 2:30 so they probably won’t come for a while.

Love Mother