ESTHER WELLER BURKHARD Correspondence

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Esther Weller Burkhard
Little School Teacher 1936, Counselor 1937-1940
Correspondence 1936-2007

Esther Weller (Burkhard). [burkh_035.jpg]

TAGS: Esther Weller Burkhard Correspondence, Fred J. Burkhard, education, counseling, Glyn Morris, early childhood education, teachers, co-operative students, Antioch College, letters of recommendation, references, application blanks

ESTHER WELLER BURKHARD Correspondence, 1936-2007

Teacher, Little School 1936
Counselor 1937-1940

TRANSCRIPTION

[NOTE: Images of correspondence from the PMSS Office are of unsigned carbon copies of typewritten letters. The original typed letters were signed and sent to the addressee. Non-PMSS letters are either handwritten as indicated or are typewritten originals.]

[NOTE: Transcriptions are in chronological order by the date on the correspondence. The text has been slightly edited.]

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[handwritten notation: (1936)]

[typewritten] Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain School
Harlan County, Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris,

Miss Willett suggested that I apply for the position that Miss Georgia Thomas has been holding for the past two years. I understand that it involves teaching children in grades from one to four and tutoring those in the grades from five to eight. Even though this position is not open for me, I would like a catalogue and information concerning your school program. It will help me in planning activities and in anticipating interests.

I have been interested in settlement work. During my first two years in college I volunteered my services on Saturday and during the summer at the social settlement house in St. Joseph, Missouri by telling stories, by teaching crafts, and by supervising the playground. The children were from six to sixteen.

Last year for six months I was student teacher at a social placement bureau, the Children’s Village in Detroit. Mrs. Perkins, the principal of the school, is writing to you concerning my work there. Since it was a small school, I worked with children from six to sixteen, supervising playground, teaching crafts, and teaching all of the subjects in the primary grades.

With three months of student teaching in the first and the fifth grades in the public school of St. Joseph, Mo., with two months of student teaching in the seventh grade of a Junior High School in Springfield, Ohio, with five months of being assistant supervisor in cottages for children from four to nine at the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home in Xenia, Ohio, and with five months this year of being student assistant to the Group teacher of the six and seven year old children at the experimental progressive school, Hessian Hills School at Croton-on-Hudson, N.Yc., I feel prepared to take charge of the work offered in the vacancy, especially in the elementary division of your school. …

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… I grew immeasurably this year from my experience at Hessian Hills School and as a result I am going there as a regularly paid assistant during the summer session, June 28 to August 28.

I can mention several things that I can do which are assets at certain times: type well, play the piano, and drive a car with a New York State License. During my schooling I have participated actively in the physical education program, served on numerous committees, and at Antioch have been the upperclass representative on the Women’s Government Committee and have been an underclass advisor for two years.

I am most interested at present in developing or recognizing happy energetic work habits, initiative, perseverance, completion of tasks, independent effort, and social attitudes. I think I can do this best not by providing or building certain specified good habits but by understanding actively and appreciatively each child. Heretofore I have thought only, as one with a public school background, of the importance of learning the fundamental subjects.

Both Miss Willett and Mrs. Perkins are writing to you. I think that any of my employers would be glad to recommend me. Would you care to hear from the others?

I am twenty-three and always in the best of health.

Enclosed find my picture.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller

Antioch College
Yellow Springs, Ohio
May 30, 1936

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[letterhead] ANTIOCH COLLEGE
YELLOW SPRINGS
OHIO
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

June 2, 1936.

Mr. Glyn Morris, Director,
Pine Mountain Settlement School, Inc.,
Pine Mountain,
Harlan County, Kentucky.

Dear Mr. Morris:

I am enclosing the credentials for Esther Weller, one of our senior girls who is applying for Georgia Thomas’s position at Pine Mountain. You will notice that Miss Weller has had a varied experience on her co-operative work. All of these positions, at the Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home, and the Children’s Village, and Hessian Hills, have been with children. She has worked with children from kindergarten age through sixth and seventh grades. Her training at St. Joseph Junior College, which was largely in education, dealt with junior high school work. She has, therefore, had a good variety of background and training for such a position as you have to offer at Pine Mountain.

One of Miss Weller’s chief assets is a perfectly delightful disposition that enables her to adapt to almost any kind of person, or any sort of situation. I can recommend her very highly for a position such as yours. I feel that she would prove an adequate successor to Miss Thomas, and that you would be very much pleased with her work.

Although I have not heard recently, I assume that Everett Wilson is returning to you next year. Every once in a while I hear comments from some one or other about the excellent work he is doing. Just recently it was Mr. Bookwalter of the Berryhill Nursery who mentioned the Pine Mountain boy that he was employing there. I gather from all I hear…

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Mr. Glyn Morris – 2 – 6/2/36

…that the innovations you have made at Pine Mountain recently are going very well. Continued success to you.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Grace K. Willett
Grace K. Willett,
Associate Director.

GKW:HC

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ANTIOCH COLLEGE STUDENT’S PERSONNEL RECORD

Esther Weller
Home address, …, St. Joseph, Missouri.

Education
St. Joseph Junior College, St. Joseph, Missouri.
Attended for two years, 1931-33.

Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Enrolled in her third year on the cooperative plan; a candidate for degree in June 1936.

Experience
Ohio Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphans’ Home, Xenia, Ohio. 1933-34.
4 periods; assistant to supervisor of cottage.

Children’s Village, Redford, Michigan. 1934-35.
3 periods; teacher of handwork, director of recreation, general assistant.

Hessian Hills School, Croton-on-Hudson, New York. 1935-36.
4 periods; assistant, grades 1 and 2; out-door projects, indoor activities.

Typical Employer Comments:
“Very capable and willing worker. Natural aptitude for work with children. Holds herself to a high quality of work. Her performance was excellent in every way.”

“We hope nothing will prevent Miss Weller’s return to us.”

“Her enthusiasm and eagerness to learn are invaluable. She is indefatigable in her efforts and shows unusual ability as a teacher.”

Vocational Aims
Education

Personal
Born – 12-7-12
Height – 5’5″
weight – 115 lbs.

3-25-36
af

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[letterhead] The Methodist Children’s Home Society
CHILDREN’S VILLAGE — REDFORD STATION
DETROIT, MICHIGAN

OFFICERS
BOARD OF CONTROL…

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE…

June 17, 1936

Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Harlan County
Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris:

Miss Esther Weller has asked me to write you concerning her work at the Children’s Village, Redford Station, Detroit, last year, where she was a co-operative student from Antioch.

Miss Weller took charge of the recreation work for three groups of children. She also taught hand work and tutored children in small groups. The School is for the children in the Village who have had trouble in the public schools and who need special attention and help. The discipline is always difficult. Miss Weller did very well, was conscientious and responsible. she would pull herself out of any trouble she encountered and would analyze it later to see how it could be avoided or improved upon the next time.

Miss Weller has an attractive personality, and I am sure she will succeed in any position she feels she is fitted for. I feel that she is unusually equipped with intellect and charm.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Margaret L. Perkins
(Mrs. Ray C.)
MLP/non

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[letterhead] PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, INC.
PINE MOUNTAIN, HARLAN COUNTY
KENTUCKY
Director GLYN A. MORRIS

June 22 1936

Mrs. Endell Everdell,
Antioch College, Yellow Springs, O.

My dear Mrs. Everdell:

Miss Ester Weller tells me that you will give me information about her ability to fill the position of teacher at Pine Mountain. I am enclosing a little literature about the school, which may be of help to you in giving us your answer, if you do not know about our work. Will you please give me as full and transparent answers as possible on the points listed below and return this sheet, in the stamped envelope enclosed for the purpose, for our confidential use?

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Glyn Morris
Glyn A. Morris
DIRECTOR

[A form follows, dated June 29, 1936, with a list of characteristics and Mrs. Everdell’s handwritten answers. Signed by Mrs. Endell D. Everdell, Head of Education Department.]

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[letterhead] PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, INC.
PINE MOUNTAIN, HARLAN COUNTY
KENTUCKY
Director GLYN A. MORRIS

June 22 1936

Mrs. Raymond Perkins,
Children’s Village, Detroit, Mich.

My dear Mrs. Perkins:
Miss Ester Weller tells me that you will give me information about her ability to fill the position of teacher at Pine Mountain. I am enclosing a little literature about the school, which may be of help to you in giving us your answer, if you do not know about our work. Will you please give me as full and transparent answers as possible on the points listed below and return this sheet, in the stamped envelope enclosed for the purpose, for our confidential use?

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Glyn Morris
Glyn A. Morris
DIRECTOR

[A form follows, dated July 10, 1936, listing characteristics and Mrs. Perkins’ handwritten answers. Signed by Margaret L. Perkins.]

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[letterhead] PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, INC.
PINE MOUNTAIN, HARLAN COUNTY
KENTUCKY
Director GLYN A. MORRIS

June 22 1936

Miss Grace K. Willett,
Antioch College, Yellow Springs, O.

My dear Miss Willett;
Miss Ester Weller tells me that you will give me information about her ability to fill the position of teacher at Pine Mountain. I am enclosing a little literature about the school, which may be of help to you in giving us your answer, if you do not know about our work. Will you please give me as full and transparent answers as possible on the points listed below and return this sheet, in the stamped envelope enclosed for the purpose, for our confidential use?

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Glyn Morris
Glyn A. Morris
DIRECTOR

[A form follows, dated June 24 1936, listing characteristics and Mrs. Willett’s handwritten answers. Signed by Grace K. Willett.]

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[letterhead] PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, INC.
PINE MOUNTAIN, HARLAN COUNTY
KENTUCKY
Director GLYN A. MORRIS

June 22, 1936

Mrs. Alice Rothschild,
Hessian Hills School
Croton on Hudson, New York.

My dear Mrs. Rothschild:
Miss Ester Weller tells me that you will give me information about her ability to fill the position of teacher at Pine Mountain. I am enclosing a little literature about the school, which may be of help to you in giving us your answer, if you do not know about our work. Will you please give me as full and transparent answers as possible on the points listed below and return this sheet, in the stamped envelope enclosed for the purpose, for our confidential use?

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Glyn Morris
Glyn A. Morris
DIRECTOR

[A form follows, dated June 24 1936, listing characteristics and Mrs. Rothschild’s handwritten answers. Signed by Alice Edgerton Rothschild.]

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[Handwritten continuation of Alice Rothschild’s recommendation of Esther Weller.]

[weller_e_008.jpg] – A PMSS application form with Esther Weller’s handwritten answers.

[letterhead] PINE MOUNTAIN SETTLEMENT SCHOOL, INC.
PINE MOUNTAIN, HARLAN COUNTY
KENTUCKY

President of Board of Trustees
DARWIN D. MARTIN
800 WEST FERRY STREET
BUFFALO, N.Y

Director
GLYN A. MORRIS

Name: Esther E. Weller
Date: June 16, 1936
Summer Address: Hessian Hills School, Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
Home Address: … Francis, St. Joseph, Mo.

1. Age: 23
2. Health: Good.
3. Education: (over)
4. What line of work at Pine Mountain interests you? Teaching in the Little School.
5. What has been your training and experience for this work? (over)
6. What are your other interests? Reading to broaden my intellectual interests; Playing piano for recreation and enjoyment; Constructing an outdoor map of U.S. as a part of a plan for developing map thinking in the primary grades.
7. Do you apply for a volunteer or a salaried position? A salaried position.
If salaried, what is the smallest sum you could accept? $35 a month with maintenance.

8. Are you dependent upon
a. Regular hours of work: no.
b. The kind of food to which you have been used: no.
c. A room to yourself: Yes, however I have enjoyed rooming with various students for 3 years.
d. Telegraph connection with family or friends: no.
e. Companionship in your free hours: no.

9. Do you enjoy the country? Yes, I prefer living in the country to living in the city.
10. Have you ever lived in the country? Yes, during adolescence I lived there for a few weeks each summer.
11. Do know anything about housework? Do you enjoy it? I enjoy housework. I have shared in this at home and at the Ohio Soldiers and Sailors Orphans Home.
12. How did you become interested in work at Pine Mountain?
Through Miss Willett, Associate Personnel Officer at Antioch College.
13. Give names and addresses of three people other than your pastor who can tell us of your work and character.
….
*There are no salaried positions for summer workers.
Please enclose a recent photograph.

[weller_e_008a.jpg] – A continuation of Weller’s handwritten answers to the questions #3 and #5 on the PMSS application form, listing completed courses and training and experience.

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June 5, 1936

Miss Esther Weller,
Antioch College,
Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Dear Miss Weller:

I have received your letter of May 30th, and a letter from Miss Willett, dated June 2nd, regarding the opening in our Little School.

At the present time I am waiting to hear from our county School Superintendent, as to whether or not the county intends to make its usual financial contribution towards the salary of the Little School teacher. I expect to hear from him shortly, and will then know definitely whether or not we can engage a salaried worker for this position this year. In the event that the county makes any changes, it will be necessary for us to secure a volunteer worker. In this event we pay transportation to and from the school, and a small monthly payment of ten dollars. This is our usual arrangement with volunteer workers. If the county plans to continue the present arrangement, however, the position will be open at a salary of thirty-five dollars a month, with room, board and laundry.

No doubt Miss Willett has told you a good deal about the work as it has been narrated by Miss Thomas to her. The Little School is primarily for a few of the local children who live too far away from the county school to make it convenient for them to attend…..Then too, the Little School takes care of a few of the children from our boarding school who cannot carry the work in the upper departments. It is highly individualized work and requires a good deal of resourcefulness and initiative.

Under separate cover I am sending you some literature about Pine Mountain which may be of interest to you, and I am also enclosing an application blank which I would like to have you fill out, if on the basis of what I have written you, you are still interested in coming to Pine Mountain. I should like to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely yours,

Glyn Morris
DIRECTOR

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Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Pine Mountain, Harlan County
Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris,

I thank you for your letter of June 5th and for the literature. Upon reading them my enthusiasm mounted to such a height that I almost volunteered my services, but I can enjoy being one of the guides in the schooling of those children more easily if the remuneration is $35 a month plus maintenance.

I will be glad to hear from you at any time. My summer address is:

Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller
Antioch College
Yellow Springs, Ohio
June 16, 1936

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June 22 1936

Miss Esther Weller,
Yellow Springs,
Ohio.

Dear Miss Weller:

I have your letter of June 16th, and your application blank, for which I thank you. I am sending today for your references, suggested on the blank, and hope to let you know definitely about the position in a few days.

Sincerely yours,

Glyn Morris
DIRECTOR

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[header] THANKSGIVING GREETING by Western Union

July 1, 1936

TO Miss Grace K. Willett, Associate Director
Antioch College
Yellow Springs, Ohio

After apparent acceptance June sixteenth Esther Weller just replies doubtful of accepting position definitely offered her July second. No [indecipherable] to engage another. Will you wire Miss Weller. Her address is: Hessian Hills School, Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
Signed – Glyn A. Morris, Director
Pine Mountain [indecipherable]

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July 2 1936

Miss Esther Weller,
Antioch College,
Yellow Springs, Ohio.

Dear Miss Weller:

I have been unable to reply sooner to your letter of June 16th, for which I thank you. I have received two of the references which you suggested, and I am very happy now to offer you the position of teacher of our Little School, at a salary of $35.00 a month, plus maintenance. This includes also two weeks vacation at Christmas time with pay.

I presume you will understand that while your position is that of teacher of the Little School, you are officially part of our staff, and will be called upon from time to time to help in the general school program.

Our school begins on the 30th of August, but we shall probably want you here a few days before that time.

Miss Willett has probably told you a good deal about Pine Mountain. As you know, we have had rather intimate relations with Antioch College for many years. At the present time we have two Antioch men on our staff. I think you will like it here at Pine Mountain as you share with us in our attempt to work out a practical program for the young people of the mountains. I am glad that it is possible for you to come to Pine Mountain, and shall be looking forward to seeing you.

In the meantime, if you possibly can, will you secure a copy of John C. Campbell’s The Southern Highlander and his Homeland, published by the Russell Sage Foundation, and available there if not in your local library. This is the best work on the mountains, although a little out of date. I am sending you under separate cover a summary of the type of things we are trying to do at Pine Mountain. Since I have very few copies of the study, will you please send this back after reading it? Also I am sending a copy of Mr. [Arthur] Dodd‘s educational report for the past two years.

You perhaps know of our custom of wearing cotton and woolen clothing — very simple clothing of all kinds, as this is more appropriate to our rural situation. High heels and silk stockings…

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-2-
…as well are out of place.

If there are other things which you wish to know, do not hesitate to write me. And you will probably hear from me again before the opening of school.

Sincerely yours,
[unsigned]

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Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Harlan County, Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris,

I was surely pleased to receive your offer of the position of teacher of the Little School. My first response was to accept. Following this I was beset with several alternatives, one of which would offer more professional advantages; another would complete the phase of my education which I have begun; and another would give me additional training as an apprentice in progressive school.

I meant to answer your letter immediately and ask for a few weeks in which to consider the offer. inadvertently I have just taken three weeks, yet I haven’t made a decision. At the moment it seems to me that much depends upon the choice that I make, partly because it is my first big one and partly because I realize a number of my academic limitations which I wish to overcome.

I had no idea that I would ever be in this position to reject a job. I am poised at a crossroad not knowing which path will be the best for me.

Your letter indicates that acceptance is the only answer, and I am almost at the point of accepting. However I will give you a definite answer by Sunday.

I am heartily in sympathy with the educational plan at Pine Mountain School and would like to participate in carrying it through. I am returning the summary under separate cover. I thank you for favorably considering me.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
July 27, 1936

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July 31 1931.

Miss Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Dear Miss Weller:

I have just received your letter of July 27 and am quite disturbed that at this late hour there is any possibility of your not accepting the position as teacher of our Little School.

As I wrote you on the 30th of August it will be practically impossible for us to engage another teacher in the short time that remains. I am therefore anxiously waiting to hear from you, especially since my interpretation of your letter of June 16 led me to think you would take the position if it were offered you.

Very sincerely yours,

Director

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Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Harlan County, Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris,

I have decided to accept the position of teacher of the Little School for the coming winter. Now I feel free to organize possible plans of study for the children.

I have several questions to ask. First, concerning the group with which I will work; how many children are there, what are their ages, and what are their grade classifications? Second, what are the group projects that have been worked out heretofore and which of these would be advisable to repeat this year? Third, I would like to know, if possible, the previous experiences of these children within this school, so that I will not duplicate any of them at the expense of needed ones. Fourth, would you please give me some idea of the daily schedule? Fifth, do you follow any particular State Course of Study to indicate the minimum required work for each grade?

[handwritten notation in left margin next to above paragraph: “Mr. Dodd – Please write to Miss Weller.”]

I would appreciate any further suggestions concerning the educational program in the Little School. I already am grateful to you for Miss Thomas’ outline which is included within Mr. Dodd’s Report. Incidentally did she arrange, as she indicated in this report that she might do, for the purchase of material on the history and geography of the local area?

Now as to your anxiety which you express in the Special Delivery letter that I received this morning, it is justifiable from your standpoint of knowing that your school would find it hard to get a teacher at this late date, but from my point of view it is not entirely justifiable. In the first place I wasn’t sure that I would be a successful candidate. I had no way of knowing this, therefore I had my application in two other schools. In the second place unforseen things do occur which render a decision like this a bit difficult. One can’t say that the merits of one job are better than another, because each has its own peculiar ones and each offers growth in its own peculiar way. One must choose this now and choose that later….

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I admit that I made two mistakes. I led you to believe that I would take the position if it were offered to me when I only meant to say that I would do so if other things concerned remained the same, and that I didn’t feel obligated to accept yours, but that I could choose between two offers if the chance presented itself. The other mistake is inexcusable. I should have answered immediately upon receipt of your offer, asking you why you assumed that I was accepting and telling you that I needed a little time to think it over due to unpredictable conditions. I have learned from these. It is unfortunate that they should have occurred, but I do not feel that I am entirely to blame for your anxiety.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller

P.S. It does seem that I should already know the answer to my first question. I know that last year the grades ranged from the first through the fifth grades, but I thought that you possibly might know the number and the ages of this winter’s group.

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
August 3, 1936

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August 7 1936.

Miss Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Dear Miss Weller:

Old students will be returning on Saturday, August 28, and we should like to have you here sometime on Thursday, August 27. Please let us know as soon as possible at what time we may expect you on that day.

With kind regards.
Cordially yours,

Director

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August 10 1936.

Miss Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, New York

Dear Miss Weller:

I was glad to have your recent letter in which you inform me that you accept the position of teacher of our Little School for this year.

I have handed your letter to Mr. Dodd, who will write you regarding questions you raise about the work for next year.

You have probably received by this time my letter telling you of the date which school opens. we shall be looking forward to seeing you then. with kind regards, I remain

Sincerely yours,

Director
Dictated by Mr. Morris but signed in his absence from the office.

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[header of prescription form] H.S. Forgrave, M.D. Res. Phone 9815, Office: Tootle Building, 520 Francis Street Phone 6-1221, Paul Forgrave, M.D. Res. Phone 9173]

FOR Pine Mountain School.
DATE 12-21-37

[handwritten] I have today examined Esther Weller….[describes results of the physical examination.]

[signed] Paul Forgrave

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[letterhead] ANTIOCH COLLEGE
YELLOW SPRINGS, OHIO
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT

August 10, 1936.

Mr. Glyn Morris,
Pine Mountain Settlement School,
Pine Mountain,
Harlan County, Kentucky.

Dear Mr. Morris:

I was away from the campus when your telegram came, but my secretary got in touch with Miss Weller at once. Last Friday I had a letter from her saying she had written you accepting the position.

I am not sure that I understand all the facts well enough to attempt an explanation except that I know Miss Weller’s delay and uncertainty were caused by a complication of circumstances including the offer of another position and the possibility of still another, the last of which was the one which offered the most advantages. That kind of decision is, I think, difficult for all of us and particularly so for young people who are just learning the difficulties of making decisive choices.

Personally, I am glad Miss Weller has decided upon Pine Mountain, and I have told her so. I believe it is a good place to develop her talents at her present stage of achievement. I believe, too, that she has a good deal to contribute to your situation and that you will like her. She is the sort of person who needs a bit of friendly encouragement occasionally as her abilities are greater than she realizes. I have always found her cooperative and loyal.

I am realizing that I am not in as close touch with your situation as formerly. Is Mr. Wilson continuing with you? My heartiest good wishes for a successful year.

Sincerely yours
[signed] Grace K. Willett (S)
Grace K. Willett,
Associate Director.

gkw/ms
Dictated by Miss Willett but signed in her absence.

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Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.
August 17, 1936

Mr. Glyn A. Morris
Pine Mountain Settlement School
Harlan County, Kentucky

Dear Mr. Morris,

I have delayed in answering your note of August 7th and of Miss Ayers’ card of August 12th in regard to the time of my arrival simply because I was finding out what the faculty here thought about an early departure from the school.

You will recall that in my first letter to you, in which I indicated my interest in the vacancy, I told you the closing dates of the camp at Hessian Hills School, so that you could compare this to the date of the opening of Pine Mountain Settlement School. I realize that in this time you could have forgotten that the camp closes the night of August 28. And I regret to say that I cannot arrive before Saturday afternoon of August 29th.

There is just one more thing about this, what is the nearest railway station to Pine Mountain and is it on the Louisville-Nashville line?

I was pleased to hear from Mr. Dodd and to receive Miss Thomas’ program.

Looking forward to my winter’s stay, I am

Sincerely yours,
[signed] Esther Weller

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August 20 1936.

Miss Esther Weller
Hessian Hills School
Croton-on-Hudson
New York

Dear Miss Weller:

I have your letter of August 17 in Mr. Morris’s absence from the school. We are sorry that it will not be possible for you to come to Pine Mountain on Thursday, August 27, but know that under the circumstances you cannot make it. The nearest and best railway station is Harlan, Kentucky, via the L & N line. Please let us know at exactly what time you will arrive there and we shall have someone meet you and bring you to the school.

With good wishes,
Yours sincerely,
[unsigned]

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[header] WESTERN UNION

KV54 21 2 EXTRA=RICHMOND KY JAN 2 300P
STATION AGENT=
L AND N HARLAN KENTUCKY=

GIVE THIS TO MISS WEARING ARRIVING FIVE FIVE PM QUOTE HAD WRECK ARRIVING TRAIN 823 AM SUNDAY=
ESTER (sic) WELLER GLADYS HILL.
331P.
——–

[header] WESTERN UNION

[handwritten] Putney Ky [indecipherable] 13
F[indecipherable] 904 [indecipherable] 27 Albany Ny

Glyn Morris
Putney Ky
Expect to arrive at Harlan via Louisville and Nashville at five pm Sat
Esther Weller

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July 10, 1937

Miss Weller

All letters to new students probably ought to be mailed to them by the 25th of July at the very latest.
Director

[weller_e_025.jpg] [handwritten]

June 29, 1938

Dear Mr. Dodd,
I plan to be at Pine Mountain Saturday night, if all goes well. The camp counselor, Betty Owen, will be with me. Please see that my room is open, for it may be late. Thank you.
Esther

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September 7

MEMORANDUM OF CONVERSATION
WITH MRS. BURKHARD
September 6, 1939

In discussing the function of the Counselor with Mrs. Burkhard we both agreed that the more nearly the Counselor’s work approached that of an advisor the better, and that any administrative tasks made her less free to act as a counselor. Therefore, she has been relieved of tasks previously taken care of by her, such as: work placement of boys, housing of new students, summer work placement, and NYA. The placement and housing will be taken care of by Mrs. Morris and the NYA by Mr. Dodd. However, in all of these matters the counselor will function where ever it seems that information possessed by her about any student would be helpful in work placement, housing, or NYA.

Copy to —
Mrs. Morris
Mr. Dodd
Mr. Wilson

[weller_e_028.jpg] [handwritten]

[header] THE OFFICE

Thursday [n.d.]

Mr. Morris,
I can come in when you say to see you about typing or substitution.
Esther

[weller_e_029.jpg] [Photograph of Esther Weller, c. 1936.]

[pmss_weller_e_031.jpg] [Handwritten letter to “Esther” from August Angel, November 9, 1995.]

Dear Esther:
Thank you for your kind invitation to visit and for the generous unsolicited contribution to the Alumni fund.

This past week, Paul Hayes, director of PMSS, Jack Martin, president of the Alumni Association, my son Mike and I drove to Stone Mill Log House Inc. in Knoxville. Mike was born in the Infirmary at the School and has expertise in log house building.

Far House [I] on the campus has been razed. A log house to replace it is considered. The replacement will serve the dual purpose, a director’s residence and “Workers'” meeting place. Construction is scheduled to start next spring.

Old Log at the entrance of the school will become a crafts sales center and tourist attraction to relieve pressure on Laurel House.

A large community center has also been authorized by the board — all details pending completion of the new Far House.

There is a lot of favorable news about the campus; too bad it does not reach the public. …
With best wishes, Sincerely,
August

[weller_e_030.jpg] [Christmas letter of 2007 with news from Esther Burkhard about home life and family, including her brothers, sister, children and grandchildren.]

[IMG-20210305-113905.jpg] [Newspaper clipping, undated, unidentified source.] “Miss Esther Weller and Fred Burkhard Will Wed Tomorrow.”