Letter written to Ben Knight on October 18, 1918 by a red headed schoolteacher friend.
[She died an Old Maid. Mama kept these letters because they followed him to so many addresses, all on the envelopes. They reached him after he was back home and married.]
Dear Ben,
I have just finished my first week teaching at Willow Point. I am most as isolated as if I were in France. Have not heard from home since I have been here.
I came down the eleventh. To begin with, engine broke down before we left Mineral Wells, so we were two hours leaving. Incidentally missing connection in Fort Worth, stayed in Fort Worth until 5:05. Got to Vinyard , nearest station after dark. Was transferred by way of buggy, leaving my trunk at the station} About six miles into the country. Had supper about nine, so sick could hardly sit up.
Spent the whole day Saturday walking over the village, looking for a boarding place. Not a person would board me or even rent me a room for light house keeping. I got so angry I cried. There was a lady away visiting, whom every one was sure would be home soon, and that she would keep me. Well as she did not come, I taught Monday without a place to stay. About sundown Monday evening, an old 70 year old man and his wife consented to keep me one month.
From the fifth to the ninth grade, one girl in the ninth grade, but I had her go back to the eighth, as she didn't know very much anyway. I've not one second to call my own, alternate two classes. Have or rather had, a boy 18 years old who tried to make things unpleasant for me. You know all the younger boys followed every thing he did. But I think he is sick of his ways for he stopped school yesterday.
Guess I'll keep good, there are three churches, one store and that’s all.
Two Sunday schools one morning and one evening. Church three times each month, once at each church. Went to church Sat. night and Sunday to morning services. But the man preached until 2:30 so I'll not go there again soon.
Trustees come over Thursday, wanted to close school on account of the influenza. No one here has it, but a lady from Oklahoma was buried here, who died of it. And some people are afraid to die. I told them, if I went home I certainly would not come back. And I think I will keep my word. After signing up here I had two better offers, so I won't have to come back. They have decided to continue on for a while longer.
Ben, have you not gotten a letter from home yet? James, (his brother Jim) said they have written as often as I. I have gotten two letters only from you. Ben will you please send me a picture of yourself. I have tried every way to get one from some of the girls here as they profess to care so much for you that they hang on to your likeness. Ben, there is only one good looking man here and he is going to training camp soon. So I am expecting a rather dull time. You know how other girls in a community view the teacher.
Oh, I say Shawn, that’s my assistant, is a rather dull person. Or rather I think so. He has a family one child, and teaching on a second grade certificate. Doesn't know enough to teach children, Has a sore throat and eye now. His frail little wifie says, "He is always sick when teaching." I for one wish he had another occupation,
I will not say any thing about the people- average country people. Good, but for what.
Have some rather clever pupils. A girl of 15 in the eighth and a boy 17 in the seventh, are adorable. I have had the usual "lady teacher trial week." Am proud to say, "They found I was worse than I looked." Most of my pupils are stronger than I.
You know I am inclined to believe that you are wrong about this, "being heaven compared to war." I have "fighting and hell" combined. I am sick of my job. I think now that I shall never teach again.
Brian was very sick with the influenza, Dick had it also and Jack had it the next day. Now you be sure and escape it and hurry and come home. I will not embarrass you by my inquisitiveness.
Rest assured you are not forgotten. Goodby and answer soon
With love and best wishes. Mabel Griffin