Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 04: ADMINISTRATION
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Angela Melville Correspondence
1920-1971

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TAGS: Angela Melville correspondence 1920-1971, Katherine Pettit, Elizabeth Hench, Burton Rogers

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ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1971

CONTENTS: 1920-1928

1920-1928 Angela Melville Correspondence to Katherine Pettit, 1920
[6 handwritten pages]; Correspondence from Katherine Pettit to Angela Melville, 1928 [19 handwritten pages]

[Melville to Pettit 1920] report of finances; fundraising plans; Welfare League; plans to visit Line Fork; pledge from Mr. Walter Belbruaf[?] ; attended Dr. Farrow[?]’s lecture on social hygiene; films by American Society of Hygiene Association; fundraising updates and plans ;

[Pettit to Melville 1928] Angela Melville Day; appreciation for Melville’s letters and her return; conversation with Miss Hood[?] about Pettit’s interference; critique of Miss Christensen; hiring a worker for Boys House; questionnaires; salaries ;

1930 Elizabeth Hench to Angela Melville, 1930 [3 handwritten pages]

noted that Melville was leaving PMSS; appreciation for Melville’s work; travel plans ;

1967 Correspondence from Burton Rogers to Angela Melville, 1967 [4 typewritten pages] 

[January 1967] acknowledged Melville’s donation; reviewed past year ;

[March 1967] sent Melville’s poem, “Mountain Creeks,” to the editor of Mountain Life and Work ; sent two of Melville’s poems to Mary Hook ; Melville’s background story of lean-to poem ; location of lean-to ; adding Melville’s poems and lean-to story to Pine Mountain Room collection of archives ; arrival of spring ;

1971 Correspondence from Burton Rogers to Angela Melville, 1971 [1 handwritten page]

[1971] appreciation of Melville’s letter and poems ; Nativity Play in progress ;

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GALLERY: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928

1920-1928 Correspondence from Angela Melville to Katherine Pettit, 1920 [6 handwritten pages]; Correspondence from Katherine Pettit to Angela Melville, 1928 [19 handwritten pages]

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TRANSCRIPTION: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928 

Correspondence between Katherine Pettit & Angela Melville, 1920 & 1928 [Handwritten]

[image 1920_001]

(1920) Saturday

Dear Miss Pettit: I’ve quit work today at noon, & am closing up the business of the week at Neighborhood House, before going off to the Meldrums[?] for the week end. I’m rather ashamed to finish the afternoon – Saturday being my lucky day! –but I’m just stopping!

Total from Louisville to date, including $550.00 in pledges, is $3010.00. I’m so glad that it is nearly all in cash. There is now in the bank $5194.25 and in pledges, altogether $1825.00.

[image 1920_002] That is, just over $7000.00 in all. It seems slow to me, but everyone says it’s really good, for now.

The first three days of next week I shall try to concentrate on the women, while the Welfare League is having its drive for a very large sum.

I can only reiterate that I’ve never known there were such wonderful men as there are in this city. I have the greatest possible hope for the state with such men for leaders.

[image 1920_003] Please tell Miss Butler that I hope I can stay in a shack over on Line Fork when I come in at the end of the month! Perhaps the building will be begun!

Mr. Walter Belbruaf[?] just called me up to tell me he was sending me $100.00. He is Mrs. Morris Belbruaf’s son, & a saint (really, I mean[?]) from all I hear of him. He looks it, too.

I spent last night with the Brandeis[?]! Do you know their lovely home?

This morning I spent 1 1/2 hours…

[image 1920_004] …listening to Dr. Farrow[?], of Hill House, lecture on social hygiene at the State Bd. of Health & seeing the wonderful films which the Amer. Soc. Hygiene Assn. is using in their educational work regarding syphilis & gonorrhea, also in imparting sex knowledge.

I showed Dr. Farrow, who lunched here, our photographs. She says she wants to visit us & I’ve told her that I know you & Mrs. Zande will welcome her at any time. She says she knows you. She is a brilliant…

[image 1920_005] …& fascinating speaker – in dead earnest – & womanly.

No news from the B. of Trade! I fear they are too busy to bother with me. I’ll have to go on with my individual canvassing. I’m afraid I’ve got most of the large sums we’ll get from Louisville, & that my $6,000.00 total is high! I’m getting lots of “noes” now, & life is assuming a more normal aspect, from the point of view of money raising.

I may go from here to Winchester…

[image 1920_006]...& Lexington, & try Paris & Versailles, instead of to the small towns in the west. I want to meet my sister as she comes out, & as I have to go back to Lex. & Winchester anyway, I hope you won’t mind if I do it this way. Mr. Jonett[?] sent me the pass till July 31st. Both he & Colonel Stone were very nice when I called on them.

Love to you all – & please somebody write soon! Do send letters to Es – I’m [?] her [?]. Angela

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[image 1928_001] May 28 [1928]

My dear Miss Melville – Thanks for your last two letters. House cleaning all day long with outside children one of [?] Angela Melville Day, does not leave me with much of a [head ? to? ?] letters. [? when?] I go to sleep before six and don’t even wake up when they fetch my supper and mail. However, it will soon be over.

[image 1928_002] The other [?] I heard a little voice “Ha Miss Pettit, I [?] to scrub fer [?] today” – “who are you” I said. “Angela Melville Day,” was the reply.

I’ll have her trained for you by the time you come. I wish you could know how much pleasure and satisfaction I am getting out of the fact that you are coming and that right soon. Your letter was indeed a comfort and help.

[image 1928_003] As Miss Hood[?] was leaving I told her how surprised I had been to learn that I had interfered with the academics dept. of the School since the meeting of the board, that as it was quite unintentional on my part that I hoped she would tell me what I had done. She said that in these ways I had. 1 – I had asked her opinion of the…

[image 1928_004]…meetings of the [rural?] school teachers round about here, that had been held in the autumn[?]. I said I thought the [programs?] were as good and I was disappointed that [? on?] girls (who taught [?]) did not come. For the life of ..meetings of the [rural?] school teachers round about here, that had been held in the autumn[?]. I said I thought the [programs?] were as good and I was disappointed that [? on?] girls (who taught [?]) did not come. For the life of me I can’t see how that was interfering. I simply was interested and asked her opinion. Then 2– I had spoken…

[image 1928_005]… to Mrs. Warner[?] about the letters that were coming to the children [strikethrough and replaced with “girls[?]”] at Big Log, [?] school children outside. That I had told Mrs. Warner that our children were not allowed to write and receive letters from outside people where she (Miss Hood) had been here for six years and did not think so. I explained to Miss Hood that she could go to the office and see long letters that…

[image 1928_006]…we have written ever since we started this school explaining to people, why it was [not? best?]. That we said before we came from Hindman there would be no individual scholarships – no writing of letters to outsiders. Then I told her that not a year had passed that I had not spoken to teachers about it showing them this foolish letters that had come to the children. Then I tried to have her explain to me just how it was interfering when I…

[image 1928_007] …spoke to Mrs. Warner about the indiscreet letters that had come to one of our girls the night before. I asked if I had spoken to her instead of Mrs. Warner if it would have been interfering. She replied by saying that I should ask the office what interfering is.

Then III – She said that the very day of the board meeting that…

[image 1928_008] … I told her that we were going to have a [primary?] school next year. I think she misunderstood me there. I have no recollection of saying that, but I do [?] her that I spoke to her about the [?] teacher that was coming (as [?]) to teach the little Wilder children at Big Log.

Then I said please tell me frankly if this was all really interfering, for I…

[image 1928_009] …certainly did not mean to. She replied that she was in a hurry. I did say to her that I had wondered if what I had said to her about the agricultural classes was what she had in mind when she [?] that. She said no. When I first came back and she was talking to me about tree planting day I had said how sorry I was that there had been no…

[image 1928_010] …agric. classes [since? ?], telling how often the parents had spoken to us of what they were learning from the children etc. She said “They have always stayed at Xmas”. Of course I knew they had gone [thro’ all the years?] but she felt so sure that she knew about. I asked Mr. Browning and told her that he said this was the first year that they had only been taught half a year. I am wondering if it was…

[image 1928_011] ...interfering to express disappointment over the lack of agric. classes when she came to [me?] to talk about forestry. Well, don’t you bother now to write anything about it. Best when you come. You will tell me frankly if it was and if I was in the [?] tell you I was lucky if our children are not taught agric., forestry and…

[image 1928_012] …things that pertain to [?] “business of living.”

About Miss Christensen. I have had nothing but pleasant relations with her. As far as I know, she did her job so well that I asked her if she would not go on with it next year. I have been told all along that her girls did not like her. That they did not like to go [?learn country dancing from?] her. I suppose that it is because she is…

[image 1928_013] …so stiff & formal. Since she decided that she was not coming back others have said to me that they thought it was a good thing. I did not discuss any reasons with them. Did not reply, because I did not want to know. Indeed I have no objections to your having her as a teacher nor any one you choose. Mrs. Parks told me that she had given two years in biology this…

[image 1928_014] …year that it was [planned?] that way so there should be no biology classes next year. She just happened to mention this to me, when I was expressing regret over her leaving.

We need two housemothers for Far House and Boys House. I had thought that one might be Mrs. Kenzel[?] if you did not want her for principal.

[image 1928_015] Last year we paid $115 a month for the Boys House job, $70.00 a month – for Miss [Bessie V.] Gaunt and Mrs. Mosher said that $45.00 a month of her time next [???] there. (Mrs. Mosher got $60.00 a month.) Mrs. Mosher told me that she thought one capable strong woman should take care of that job. I wondered if we should consider keeping…

[image 1928_016] …the difference that Mrs. Kenzel[?]would require to be sure of having a grand person there this year. Celia Holton said that she would be willing to [?] the extra money for Mrs. Kenzel if you wanted to try her for principal. As you do not want her, perhaps she would if she [came?] for Boys H. I asked you in a former letter if you thought…

[image 1928_017] …We should [be? ?]. Did you get that letter. Tell me what you think. This will be a critical year at Boys H. and I am so anxious I have the right person. No indeed I do not want to consider your Mrs. Shaw any further when you say that she “is not the person for Pine Mt.” Mrs. Kenzel comes from Ill. I have written for the credentials of Miss Lelands’ [man?].

I enclose two letters, one from E. Canterbury &…

[image 1928_018] …one from Miss Conner. I have never forgotten that I found [you? in the ? ?]. So when I saw the ad in the Atlantic[?] I sent [to? ? an inquiry?] & here is the letter. I have written agencies & sent questionnaires. I am turning[?] it all over to you, however, & will send you that questionnaire as soon as it comes. If you consider it [?] – while looking her up for your office here, you can write her in Boston to see you when she comes to A.Y. However, the $1800 [scares?]

[image 019, 1928] …You ask about salaries. You know in our questionnaire we ask how much they [must?] have and are governed by their reply.

Tell me if you think we can dare[?] consider having Mrs. Kenzel for Boys H. She will consider[?] it but [any? ???].

I wish I could send you some wild honeysuckle [? ? ? ?]. Faithfully, Katherine Pettit

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GALLERY: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928 

Correspondence from Elizabeth Hench to Angela Melville, 1930 [3 handwritten pages]

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TRANSCRIPTION: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928

Correspondence from Elizabeth Hench to Angela Melville, 1930 [3 handwritten pages]

[image 1930_04001]

214 Rugby Road University, Virginia Monday, May 19

My dear Miss Melville: A glance at the calendar a few days ago revealed the fact that your days at Pine Mountain are numbered. I do not wish you to leave without my having the choice to say that all of us – the Board of Trustees, the Advisory Board, the staff, the present pupils, the old pupils, and the people of the neighborhood – owe you a…

[image 1930_04002]...tremendous debt of gratitude for holding fast and being a steading[?] hand. I could go on enumerating your fine qualities but you have twice warned me that frequently your eyes are not the first to look at a letter. Thank you many times.

As my own plans are still chaotic for the summer, I cannot now make a suggestion for a visit. Where can you be reached in New York? And…

[image 1930_04003]…are you going abroad as you planned? I hope you will have a wonderful summer and a wonderful job when you are ready for it.

I came in to Charlottesville as a midway place between South and North. I expect to leave here toward the last of the month to see Washington. My Laurel address always reaches me.

Did your splendid spring letter bring in the hoped-for returns?

Yours with love and congratulations, Elizabeth Hench

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GALLERY: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928

1967 Correspondence from Burton Rogers to Angela Melville, 1967 [4 typewritten pages] & 1971 [1 handwritten page]

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TRANSCRIPTION: ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928

Correspondence from Burton Rogers to Angela Melville, 1967 & 1971 [Typewritten, page 1 of 2, image 1967_001]

January 25, 1967 Miss Angela Melville Marshalls Pen Box 58 Mandeville Jamaica, West Indies

Dear Miss Melville: When I wrote to you briefly the other day I was totally oblivious of the fact that I had a receipt to send you in October in response to your very thoughtful and welcome donation to Pine Mountain.

I had expected to write to you shortly and then came the time for preparing and mailing our last general report. Apparently, I attached your receipt and new address to the envelope addressed to you, but put all of this aside until I could write a more proper letter.

Correspondence became more and more difficult and was completely interrupted by special Christmas programs and projects and then by staff vacations, leaving me quite alone in the supervision of the office and the campus during most of the holiday period. Then our di[cta]phone broke down, and there have also been health problems slowing down our office performance.

And so it is just now that I discover how completely remiss I have been in not acknowledging your very welcome gift more than three months ago. I hope that you will understand and that you will also forgive my failure to respond, as I had every intention of doing.

It means so much more to us than you can realize that you are continuing to keep our needs in mind and to share with us, for in this way you give us not only the immediate tangible help that is needed but a special kind of encouragement through your continuing faith in Pine Mountain’s purposes and opportunities.

At this late date I still want to enclose our last report, which is hardly yet out of date. Let me also say that it is a pleasure to be thanking you for your gift in advance of this appeal rather than afterward.

As our printed report indicates, we have had an unusually full year and our attention has been broadened and extended in many directions, which makes it hard to feel that one is accomplishing all that ought to be done in each given situation. It is challenging and encouraging to feel that others appreciate and welcome our contributions in time and service and counsel, just as we remain grateful for your part in making all our efforts possible.

[image 1967_002, page 2 of 2]

Miss Angela Melville January 25, 1967 Page 2 

With my very full appreciation I send also our warm greetings and best wishes for all that is good in this New Year. Cordially Yours [signed] Burton Rogers

Director mc Enclosure [notation:] Ack. Mar. 4

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[Typewritten, page 1 of 2, image 1967_03_001]

March 31, 1967, Miss Angela Melville Marshalls Pen Box 58 Mandeville Jamaica, West Indies

Dear Miss Melville: I do not want to let March end without an acknowledgment from me of your very kind letter dated the 4th of this month. I was very pleased indeed to hear from you again.

However, let me emphasize that there is no need for acknowledgment of my earlier letter of January 25th. Not only did I not expect any but I recall that there were two different letters from you that I did not get acknowledged for some time.

“Mountain Creeks” was sent to the editor of Mountain Life and Work, and I hope that it may appear sometime. They plan their issues rather far ahead. The present editor is retiring as of tomorrow and I shall watch closely to see if I need to call this to his successor’s attention, when I learn who that is.

I have taken the liberty of copying your new poem and sending this as well as “Mountain Creeks” to Mary Hook. I talked with her on the telephone three nights ago before she and Inghram left Sarasota and was much gratified to note that they both sound very cheery, as usual.

Your account of the background of the lean-to poem is delightful; now we shall have to do some research as to the exact location of what you call the “little lean-to”. There is the big picnic area for Big Log lean-to some three or four hundred feet on up the creek from Big Log House, now overshadowed by tall trees and deep shade. You mention the cot being placed out by the little lean-to on the peninsula opposite Big Log House. Actually now the creek makes quite a straight run in front of Big Log House down to the big bend. I am therefore wondering if your adventure was in the days before the creek was straightened. I am glad you included the account of the thick rope circle Mr. Zande laid down for you. We still have our rattlesnakes and copperheads, although the rattlesnakes stay mostly on the mountain and are rarely seen on the campus. (I understand that in the early years the Latin word campus was avoided in favor of the Anglo-Saxon word grounds. However, we find it difficult to substitute it at all times.)

[Page 2 of 2, image 1967_03_002]

Miss Angela Melville Marshalls Pen Box 58 Mandeville, Jamaica, West Indies March 31, 1967, Page 2.

I am going to make a copy of your account of your lean-to adventure for Mrs. Rogers to add to the special Pine Mountain Room collection of archives in our library, which is now housed in the entire floor of Boys House; and of course, she is having a copy of the delightful lean-to poem. She already has a copy of “Mountain Creeks”. The spirit of the poem is still quite applicable to Isaac’s Creek, as more people nowadays seem to call it, although we still frequently call it Isaac’s Run.

It is very gratifying to be in close touch with you and to have these very special contributions from you for our historic collection.

I am sorry about my failure to enclose the report I had mentioned in my letter of January 25th. It may be that you have received it this time through our regular mailing through surface route. However, to be sure, I want to enclose another copy of which we have plenty. You might like an extra one anyway.

Spring is coming here with a rush. The “service” burst into bloom Tuesday morning very suddenly and much earlier than is normal. I hope we do not have a severe setback later on for the redbud trees are trying to come out much earlier than they should and they do not tolerate very much frost. Since you now live in a land which probably knows only spring and summer the year round, you will have to rely on memory to realize how glad we are to send the end of a very long and snowy winter – at least we hope it is the end, though “service winter” and “dogwood winter” are still to come.

This brings my renewed warm greetings and best wishes and even fuller appreciations. Most cordially, [signed] Burton Rogers Director

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[Handwritten, page 1 of 1, image 1971_12_001]

Dear Mrs. Melville I have held your copy of our report till I could add a few lines. Your letter in September was most warmly welcome, full of important information we needed, and Evelyn’s fascinating letter which went to our archives. Your poem on Aunt Sal is beautiful, moving, and true in spirit.

The Nativity Play is tomorrow afternoon and again at night. I’m battling an engulfing cold, as I must be fit to play the organ for the Play. It took two dress rehearsals yesterday afternoon as the whole school could not get into the Chapel! The 325 youngsters are still here!

May you find deep joy in Christmas 1971, and always

Respectfully yours, Burton Rogers

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See Also: 

ANGELA MELVILLE Interim Director – Biography

ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part l
ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part lll
ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part IV
ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part V
ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part VI
ANGELA MELVILLE ALBUM II – Part VII  

ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1920-1928
ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1925-1929
ANGELA MELVILLE Correspondence 1930-1933

ANGELA MELVILLE – “WOODBOO, 1957” [Booklet]

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