ABBY WINCH CHRISTENSEN Correspondence 1942

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Abby Winch Christensen
Housemother (Far House) 1924-1928;
Teacher, English Folk Dancing 1927-1949;
Teacher, Weaving
Correspondence 1942

May Day 1940. Program Cover. [mayday_1940_001] Linoleum block print by John Spelman III

TAGS: Abby Winch Christensen correspondence 1928, Ethel de Long Zande, Mrs. Abby W. Christensen, Sally Putman, Helen Journeay, sculptor, PMSS donations, education, students, Angela Melville, dance instruction, English Folk Dancing, Morris Dancing, English Country Dancing, Glyn Morris, William Hayes, Brit Wilder, May Day programs, Jasminium multiflorium, dance instruction, Beaufort SC, WWII

ABBY WINCH CHRISTENSEN Correspondence 1942

CONTENTS: (images #001-040)

christensen_abby_1942_001– March 4, Beaufort, SC. Abby Winnie to Glyn Morris
Abby wonders how the War is treating Pine Mountain and describes the activities in Beaufort, SC. generally centered on monitoring air traffic, checking the number of beds available, and practicing black-outs — but “not digging air-raid shelters … for fear of drowning in them.” She reports one German submarine taken off Savannah. Asks Glyn Morris if she should plan the normal May Day or turn it over to Ruth Schuler [Dieter] to do training. She wonders about having Berea host the festival, but has not heard from Frank Smith about Berea’s plans. She notes that Edith Cold wrote that there was an epidemic of streptococcius (sic) at PMSS, and she hopes it is not too bad and is over.

christensen_abby_1942_002 – Abby Winnie writes to Glyn Morris that Sallie Putman is ill and she must go “...see if I can pull her through.” Abby says she is “terribly sorry to fail you … my plans for April at Pine Mountain …but I hope you can have a May Day anyway.” She asks that any mail directed to her at Pine Mountain be redirected to Baltimore and gives the address.

christensen_abby_1942_003 – March 17, Beaufort, SC. Abby Winnie to Glyn Morris. Sympathizes regarding PMSS troubles. Abby describes her “rheumatism or something or other in my back,” that may be the only thing that will prevent her from coming for the dancing month. She suggests… the “seventh of April — not quite 4 weeks to May Day (on the second).” Because of the time restrictions, she suggests that she will come by “the loathsome bus” to save the School money in the wartime economy, and if no salary is available, she will come anyway. She notes the weather has put her in the “mind of April” and she is eager to see the redbud and dogwood at the School.

christensen_abby_1942_004 – March 30, 1942, Abby Winnie to Glyn Morris.
Abby apologizes for her tardy departure for PMSS just 2 days before the May Day festival but notes that it is impossible to arrive any earlier. Working with Ruth Shuler she explains the practice arrangements the night of the 7th and again on the 8th …” So no time will be wasted.” She notes that her back is better. She conveys a message from Frank Smith who asks ” if there is any traditional ballad singer a[nd] fiddler in the neighborhood whom we could bring to the festival to lend traditional authenticity, so to speak, to the program. What about ‘Singing Willie [Nolan]? Is he around and is he well enough to sing? If he were procurable, I would guarantee to find some way of defraying his expenses, for I think he would be an addition worth having.” She replies to the suggestion of a “Victory Ball” rather than dancing on the green. She suggests “...perhaps it will be a good solution of a difficult problem — how to get prepared for an interesting May Day program in three weeks instead of four. Of course, there would not be. in such a plan. for the variety of dances that we usually have for May Day and I think that is a pity. Also, I think it is to put too much emphasis on the American variety of dances that we usually have for May Day and I think that is a pity. Also, I think it is too bad to put too much emphasis on the American Country dance type at the expense of the more interesting + beautiful Playford dances. So I would be sorry to think of a Victory Ball on May Day setting a precedent. But for this year I think it might be an interactive experiment and I’d be glad to try it if you think it advisable.” Abby gives information regarding her travel to PMSS. She closes with “I’ve gone through the stage where I felt a hundred years old and completely ignorant of all dancing and now I’m beginning to be very eager to dance Newcastle and Piper’s Fancy again.” Cordially, Winnie Christensen

christensen_abby_1942_005 – Glyn Morris to Abby W. Christensen, March 23, 1942. Dodd discusses the “…possibility of making the May Day night party into a Victory ball, with lots of trimmings and with the dancing assuming pretty much a square. character, including such things as Fireman’s Dance, Lady Walpole’s Reel, and Circassian Circle. etc., etc. I personally hope that we can learn a few more of this type of dance and some quadrilles. We have experimented occasionally with the Henry Ford type of waltz-quadrille, which the students enjoy very much….” Note: Advised Mrs. Morris and Mrs. Dodd 3/23.

christensen_abby_1942_006 – Beaufort, SC. Abby Winnie to Glyn Morris. Abby thanks Glyn for his recent letter and reports on the health of Sally Putman. She says, “…Sally has coronary thrombosis and paralysis of the left side and is very ill, as you can imagine. But her blood pressure, which stood steadily at 90 for three days, is now today to 112 which means a distinct gain. At the same time, her temperature went down. So we feel greatly encouraged, even if Jouresy her case is still critical. Sally has great gallantry and an amazing recuperative power…. I’m believing in them, and I really believe that seeing [page 2] me beside her when I arrived yesterday gave her the stimulus she needed. Anyway, I am enormously thankful to have gotten here no later than I did. (I missed Miss Palmer’s first summons, sent to Pine Mt.) Of course, she is getting top-notch medical + nursing care at the Union Memorial Hospital + her hut of friends are standing by in a most comforting fashion. —Do you remember Helen Journeay [Sculptor] * (1) who came down to see us the summer we spent at Big Log? She died of cancer at the Union Memorial last January [1942]. For months before that, Sally did everything she could think of in little daily kindnesses for Helen, and now Helen’s sister Lucy and her old father are being wonderful friends to Eve + me. — making these very hard days as easy for us as they can be. I am amazed at the worth of human kindness!” [page 3] I am so sorry not to be able to carry on the dancing classes as planned for May Day. It seems terrible to have walked out on you so completely without notice, and I wish I could send a substitute, but I can’t think of anyone who could come at short notice. But doubtless, Ruth can do a good deal, and May Day can be a joyful occasion even if it is not elaborate. [New paragraph] I am glad you are thinking about us but don’t think with anxiety. We want your hopeful prayers, for I have great faith in faith. Do you remember telling me one May Day morning that wishful thinking had been known to keep off rain for 24 hours? I am forming an association [page 4] of optimists to back Sally and expect you to join. So glad to send you a little good news today. Sincerely, Winnie Christensen —– April 13th, 1942 This I believe, was Ethel Zande’s birthday.”

christensen_abby_1942_007 – Glyn Morris, Director [unsigned] to Abby W. April 16, 1942. “We were glad to have your letter of April 13th and especially relieved by its note of optimism regarding Miss Putman. You can be sure that all of us who know her are hoping and praying for her recovery and will continue to be concerned and uneasy until we hear that she is well out of danger. While we are very sorry not to have you here now, we are glad that you are able to be with her and know that this will play a large part in her recovery. ————We are trying to whip a May Day program into shape, but fear that it will be quite a second-hand affair and not very original this year. I shall keep you advised about it from time to time. Please give our love to Miss Putman and write to us soon. Cordially, yours …

christensen_abby_1942_008 – May 13, 1942. Glyn Morris to Abby Winnie. “We were glad to have your letter of May 7th. We have thought of you many times during the past few weeks, and of course, especially on May Day. We did do Princess Royal, as usual. The program was somewhat shorter than in other years and, as you could see, didn’t include anything elaborate. We did Lads a Bunchum with 31 sticks about 12” [?] in diameter, and the whacks resounded through the valley — and we gave an encore. The Victory Ball was a very pleasant occasion, which I’m sorry you missed. We had some new Ford quadrille records, which the students liked very much. The nice, easy way in which the May Day program went off is a tribute to the many previous May Days and April months during which you contributed so much to Pine Mountain. [New paragraph] I had intended writing you sooner than this, but have been very busy the past few days preparing to go into the Army. at Indiantown Gap Camp in Pennsylvania, on Sunday. I was appointed just two weeks ago to a chaplaincy, for which, as you probably know, I had applied some time ago. This gives me very little time, of course, to close up my personal affairs. Everything is going smoothly at the School, and the Board has very kindly granted me a leave of absence. [New paragraph] We shall be interested in knowing what your plans are, and hope that you will write us soon. Gladys will be at Pine Mountain for a while, but will be with me as soon as I am settled for any length of time. She joins me in sending you our very best wishes.

christensen_abby_1942_009 – [Letter postmarked 18th, 1942, N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md.
Abby Winnie to PMSS Friends. “Dear Friends, Sally is gone. Quite suddenly yesterday afternoon, on a day when we thought she seemed much better + when we were full of hope. The data said that it was a second thrombosis. There will be a funeral in the little chapel of Emanuel Church here in Baltimore. Then Eve Palmer [?] + I will go to Holden, Mass., to bury her in the little country churchyard where her parents lie + where, curiously enough, my grandmother and all her Winch brothers + sisters are buried. [New paragraph] I am glad you knew her, for she always seemed to me among the truest, the gayest [?], the most generous + the most truly Christian that ever walked the earth; + you two are able to appreciate all those rare qualities.
[New paragraph] I’ll not be coming back to Pine Mt. now and perhaps, if you will, you had better send my big suitcase + the few things I left in my room, back to Beaufort, if you don’t mind. I do hope you will have a lovely May Day. Winnie Christensen

christensen_abby_1942_010 July 2, 1942. To Abby W. Christensen at Berea College, Berea, Ky. from?
” I opened your letter to Alice [Alice Cobb, Secretary], since she was away on vacation when it arrived, and have been trying to find time to write you for days. The three boxes of books arrived, and we are delighted to have them. As we opened them, Barbara [Spelman] and I thought what fun it would be to teach English; the titles of the books sounded so stimulating. Miss Cold’s [Edith Cold] awfully pleased with them — and Mr. [Arthur] Dodd also. Thank you very much. I don’t need to tell you that we’re doubly glad to have them because they belonged to Miss Putman. [New paragraph] The Kiwanis campers are here, forty strong. Four of our own students — Jim Centers, Louise Hawn, Carl Farley, and Hattie Sturgill — are all counselors this year, and both they and the campers seem to be happy about it. Jim Centers especially seems to have grown two inches since he took over — when he meets one of us workers, he always sort of winks and grins over the heads of the young ‘uns! [New paragraph] I don’t know whether you’ve heard about the Morrises being in Missouri now? They’re at Fort Crowder, and Mr. [Glyn] Morris has his own church there and is attached to a regiment. I think he’s much happier than he was at Michigan.
[New paragraph] We’ve just added two grand new people to our staff —Mr. and Mrs. Rogers [Burton and Mary Rogers] —he is a counselor and she a housemother at Far House. They’re young and have taught in China and have been everywhere; she’s English. They’re a lot of fun and quite an addition to our staff.
[New page,] Ruth Shuler and I took seven girls out on an overnight hike this week — to our sorrow. The spot we chose was about a mile up the mountain from the entrance to the Line Fork woods, and a perfect spot in good weather — but we had hardly gotten there before it began to rain, and for five hours it came down in sheets. It was too slippery and dark to risk going back, so we had to stick it out. Such an experience! But you know how our kids are; they joked all night, and when the rain subsided to a drizzle about three in the morning, three of them managed to light a fire from three handkerchieves, a bandana, some paper plates, and wet sticks. We even managed to cook coffee and scrambled eggs. You should have seen us edge past Laurel House at breakfast time, dragging saturated blankets and cooking utensils! All of them want to go on another, though, for which I’m thankful.
[New paragraph] I’m leaving on my vacation Saturday and in sort of a flurry here, so if this letter is jumbled, I’ll blame it on that. Have a good summer. Affectionately, ? [not identified]

christensen_abby_1942_011 Abby Winnie Christensen to Alice [Cobb ?] …… I have shipped three huge boxes of books to Pine Mountain from Sally Putman’s library. Some of them were a hit-and-miss selection but others were among her most cherished texts and reference books, and I do hope they will be useful + appreciated. I believe most of them have her name on the flyleaves. Would it be alright to leave it there as a reminder that she sent them? I know she would like to have them at P.M. [Pine Mountain]

011. christensen_abby_1942_012 Unknown correspondent to Abby Winnie Christensen … [Probably Alice Cobb.] She thanks Christensen for books from Miss Putman (recently deceased), and that were put into the care of Miss [Edith Cold]. She notes a recent trip to New England to see Miss Wells and Miss Cunningham. She notes that Miss Wells told her of the recent death of Helen de Long, sister of Ethel de Long Zande whose books were shipped to Pine Mountain with the request that the books be given a “possible ‘browsing corner'” to be furnished with a chair and lamp chosen by her family and friends, and also pictures of Helen and Mrs. Zande.” Special bookplates were created for the Helen de Long books” she notes, and the rough draft was made and asking Abby Winnie Christensen if she would be willing to design the bookplates, as Abby knew Helen de Long quite well. She also notes that Mr. [Boone] Callahan is away and not able to make an appropriate bookshelf. She suggests the little nook at West Wind as the location for the memorial book collection. [Currently, the collection is in the Annex in the Archive at PMSS. She notes the pressure on Arthur Dodd as there is no Director in place. She notes that the hymnals for the Chapel will be ordered as noted in the 1942 NOTES in memory of Miss Putnam. She again asks if Abby can create plates for the hymnals. She describes the new Director, Mr. William D. Webb of Hartford, Conn. and gives his background. She notes he is a Quaker and his wife is a nurse and “… they have two children, seven and nine.” She also describes August Angel’s departure for the War in the Army Air Corps …” Tell Sue [I] will write….” “Have not located a printer yet”, she says but considering Julius Watson from Berea Press. She notes that Miss Hook is coming to PMSS that week, as Far House is to be remodeled and the workers’ quarters at Laurel House are to be painted. She says, “My summer at Laurel House turned out to be pretty scant.” [p.3] She shares her trip to Woods Hole to see ……… and adds notes on staff and Community …. that Mr. Webb’s sister is a good friend with Janet [?] who is at Earlham College; Arti and Ila Boggs “are both married” to Ernie and Howard Turner respectively; Stacie Ellen’s Nancy Boggs is married to Dorse Wilder

christensen_abby_1942_013,
Dear Mr. Webb,
November is more uncertain with me than October, and I can’t say now with certainty that I shall be free to go to Pine Mountain then. Would it be too inconvenient if we left it open for the present? I’d like to come i I find it possible, but I just don’t know at the moment what obligations I’ll have next month. I’ll write you as soon as I’m sure. But, if you have to have a definite answer now, I’m afraid it will have to be no. (over)
The students will like Frank Smith, and it should pep up the enthusiasm of the boys to see his good dancing. I hope Mrs. Smith is coming too and going to start a group in puppetry. Miss Grant + Miss Cobb, K, whom I wrote to last summer, like the idea.
I think I’ll write Frank Smith and make some suggestions for a cooperative program.
So glad to hear from Dodd that all is running smoothly and happily, I should like to be there!
Very sincerely,
Abby Winch Christensen

christensen_abby_1942_013, 013a

christensen_abby_1942_014, 014a, 014b
09-22 (?) 1942
My dear Mr. Webb,
I have meant to write before to get your views on a folk dance program for Pine Mountain. By this time, you know the set-up, — how for the last twenty years or so someone, first Dorothy Bolles + later I, have been coming for the month of April to teach folk dancing intensively in preparation for a grand May Day celebration. This has worked fairly well. However, the folk festival at Berea, which is growing in importance from its beginning (over)
……about six years ago, has introduced its own problems. Pine Mt. has sent a team each year. But as the festival comes early in April (not Spring, it will be the 8th-10th) and as I do not get there until the first, this is never enough time enough to prepare for it. It has occurred to me that it might be wise for me to put in about ten days in the fall, teaching the dances listed on the festival program for the following spring, by way of preparation. The Pine Mt. team has always been conspicuous for good dancing and I feel it is important to keep up to a standard of excellence that is now expected of it.
I think it likely that I shall make an ….

christensen_abby_1942_013c [pg. 3] … trip to Greenville, S.C some time in October, and as that is nearly half the distance between her and Pine Mt., I might consider it the first leg of the journey to Pine Mt. What would you think of such a plan? Would the school be willing to cover my expenses from and to Greenville?
Of course I don’t know what your feeling is about folk dance and its place in the P.M program. This is a shot in the dark. But if I should come this Fall, it would offer an opportunity …
page 4. …. to talk the whole matter over and make constructive plans.
Very Sincerely
Abby W. Christensen
Sept 16, 1942 [note on bottom of letter: ” Columbus, Mo ? Betty”]

christensen_abby_1942_015 September 28, 1942 Director Webb to Abby W. Christensen
Miss Abby W. Christensen
Box 229
Beaufort, South Carolina
Dear Miss Christensen:
Thank you for your recent letter in which you suggest that it may be possible for you to come to Pine Mountain in October. I have heard a great deal about all you have done to make the Pine Mountain folk dancing outstanding, and I am glad you may be able to come this fall.
As perhaps Miss Wells has written you, Mr Frank Smith wrote several weeks ago offering to come, and the second week of October has been agreed upon for his visit. It does seem too bad for you not to come on to Pine Mountain from Greenville, but on the other hand, in order not to waste talent, we should like to have you come at a different time from Mr. Smith. Would you be able to come in November? We should be delighted if you could arrange this since it would not only give an opportunity to prepare a special group for the Berea Festival but to get the School ready for the Thanksgiving “Ball”. The School will, of course, be glad to pay your expenses from and to Beaufort.
Very sincerely yours,
[Director Webb]

christensen_abby_1942_016, 016a,
[note at top of letter in red: [ Mention both plates]
Abby W. Christensen to Director Webb
Dear Mr. Webb
I believe I could come up to Pine Mt. the last week in October, arriving probably the 23rd. But I haven’t looked up train and bus schedules. The trip (except by car) is always long and hard, and this year, when the buses are running at 35 instead of 45 miles and quite indifferent about connections, I suppose it will be worse than ever. Possibly I can use the Clinchfield and Ohio for partway, but I’ll have to send you work later, after some research, when I will arrive. If I don’t (over)
find anyone to meet me at the bus station, I will understand that gas and tires prevent and I will take a taxi across the mountain from Harlan.
But, upon sober consideration, you should feel that with Mr. Smith coming in November, my visit now is unnecessary; I will be quite ready to give up the trip. I have some doubts myself about the need of two teachers this fall. But on the whole it seems to me it will be worthwhile, especially in view of the fact that I could not put in the usual month’s teaching last April. I should like to make up for that as far as possible.
Very sincerely,
Abby W, Christensen
Oct. 12 1942

6. christensen_abby_1942_017 Acting Director, Webb to Abby W. Christensen
Dear Miss Christensen:
I was glad to have your letter and to know that you, as well as Mr. Smith, will be coming to Pine Mountain. Mr. Dodd will be in Harlan on the 26th and will meet you if you will let us know the exact time of your arrival.
I understand that you are interested in crafts and shall be interested in talking with [me] about them. Mrs. Webb and I have been especially interested in crafts since attending the recent conference of the Southern Handicraft Guild at Gatlinburg.
Our Grounds Committee has been looking over the campus lately and is looking forward to suggestions from you on landscape gardening.
I like the bookplate you designed for Miss Putman’s collection. Miss Cobb has suggested that you might be able to bring the plate with you.
We are all looking forward to your arrival.
Sincerely yours,
Acting Director [Webb]

christensen_abby_1942_018 November 12, 1942. Acting Director Webb to Abby W. Christensen
Dear Miss Christensen:
I want to thank you again for all your contributions to Pine Mountain on your recent visit.
You gave our folk dancing a great lift, and it’s going to help a lot to have all the dances taught added to our repertoire. And we’re grateful too for all your work on the grounds, and for the hours you spent in the various dormitories relieving housemothers. Quite a variety of helpfulnesses — true Pine Mountain fashion!
Mrs. Webb and I enjoyed very much meeting you and we shall all look forward to your being here again in the spring.
Most sincerely,
[Acting Director Webb]
P.S. I am enclosing a check for twenty dollars, which I hope will cover your expenses to and from Pine Mountain. I wish it could be much more, and instead of being what we can afford to pay, were nearer the value of your services, but I know you understand how it is!

christensen_abby_1942_019 Secretary to Abby W. Christensen
December 17, 1942
Dear Miss Christensen:
Here are several samples of several things. Mr. Dodd would like you to choose the kind of paper you prefer for the bookplate for the hymn books.
And — what do you think about the DeLong printing? I asked them to put samples of all the type they have so you could choose. What do you think of the combination of “wedding text” as Mr. Dodd says its called, and the plain type: Also, what do you think of the little space between the picture and the printing? They say this is necessary because the wooden block extends out beyond the metal plate.
I’m so sorry I missed you — heard lots about your visit, and how much everyone here enjoyed it. I saw Gladys and Glyn Morris in New York, and spent about an hour with them. I was just passing through, and they were on their last day of the Leave. They both look splendid. Glyn says he’s feeling much better — but of course misses Pine Mountain terribly.
My love to you as always, and warm wishes for good things in this New Year.
[No signature … Probably Alice Cobb]

9. christensen_abby_1942_020 November 25, 1942. Abby W. Christensen to Acting Director, Webb.
Dear Mr. Webb,
Many thanks for the check, which did just about cover expenses. I always feel semi-criminal to accept anything for teaching dancing at Pine Mountain because I enjoy it so much. I do so many quite cheerless jobs without pay, it seems inappropriate to be paid for that is a real joy. However, the check was welcome, and I hope, earned.
Will you tell Bill Hayes that I am about to ship him by mail seven “naked jasmines” (“jasminum mediflorium” on the plan for planting at West Wind on the West side. I hope he has got the chunk [?] beds ready and …[ page 2] will be able to put them in as soon as they arrive.
A few days ago, I sent in my application to Red Cross Nat’l headquarters for assistant blub director, and I gave your name as reference, hoping that you wouldn’t mind giving them a general idea of my personal qualifications. One of the difficulties is that I am ten years over age! So if you could unostentatiously convey the idea that I am neither feeble nor decrepit, it might help. However, I haven’t much hope + they may never write you.
Best wishes for a good year. How I wish I could look in at the “Ball” [the Washington Ball] tomorrow night! Very Sincerely —
Abby W. Christensen

.christensen_abby_1942_022 December 15, 1942. To Abby W. Christensen from Acting Director Wm. D. Webb
December 15, 1942
Dear Miss Christensen:
The arrival of the cuts today from the Charleston Engraving Company caused me to look up the cosy corner in my desk file, where reposed your good letter of November 25 writing for a special letter in reply.
May we hasten to assure you that your check was well-earned, and we are the ones who feel ‘semi-criminal’ at not being able to offer more for such professional services. We only wish you could have been present at the Thanksgiving [Ball] to see how well your proteges (if Janet were typing this she would check on that spelling!!) profound, and the favorable comments of some rather well-informed visitors. Staff and students would join in thanks did they know I were writing.
Yes, the ‘Jasminium mediflorium’ arrived safely, and Bill Hayes took them in hand. Miss Hill and Mrs. Webb, and the Grounds Committee did appreciate the ‘boost’ your presence and advice gave to their program. Mrs. Webb has been talking to Mr. Wilder [Brit Wilder] about stone work. Mrs. Gratz, trustee of Lexington, in a visit to the school with Mrs. Bullock before the Board Meeting in New York, was much interested in plans for grounds, as you probably know. Our most recent efforts have been on cinder-slate mixtures for our roads.
The plates look thrilling, and I’m interested in seeing what the Print Shop can do. We understand that you will do illuminating on individual bookplates for the Putnam Hymnals after they are printed. May we add that we have been enjoying the new hymnals immensely. We are glad, too, that you have made no copyright reservations on that pine tree. ‘Thrilling’ is the word, I guess.
We have had no inquiries about ‘club directors’ from the Red Cross National Headquarters as yet. May I assure you that I should be glad to speak a good word for the person in question, and would be happy to ‘inostantatiously convey the idea’ requested.
Mr. Crutchfield wrote in a recent letter: “You will find the celebration of Christmas during the week before the holidays one of the most beautiful and thrilling experiences the school offers.” And we have found it so. Mrs. Webb joins in best wishes for the Christmas season, and we hope you can visit us again in 1943.
Sincerely,
William D. Webb

*(1) The mention of the visit of Helen Journeay to Pine Mountain is remarkable. She was well-known internationally for her art as well as her dance and her very active artistic life and international acclaim. See: DAWN – Helen Journeay (Wikipedia)