HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD PMSS Application 1928

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 02: GOVERNANCE – Advisory Board
Series 09: BIOGRAPHY – Staff
Harriet Crutchfield, PMSS Teacher, 1928-1930
& Advisory Board Member
Harriet Crutchfield PMSS Application 1928

09b 20. “Harriet [Crutchfield] and [?] on top of Pine Mountain.” [motter_margaret_blk_alb_single_009b.jpg]

TAGS: Harriet Crutchfield PMSS Application 1928, Pine Mountain Settlement School, Pine Mountain KY, Zita L. Thornbury, Mary Angela Melville, Katherine (“Kitty”) S. Russel, Vassar College, Katherine Pettit, Evelyn K. Wells, Wilson Lewis

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD PMSS Application 1928

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD PMSS APPLICATION 1928 provides summaries, images, and transcriptions of Harriet Crutchfield’s correspondence during the year before her employment at Pine Mountain Settlement School. The letters are between Harriet and PMSS staff and between staff and her references, covering her application to PMSS for a teaching position. She was accepted and taught fifth grade from 1928 to 1930.

For Harriet’s correspondence during and after her employment at Pine Mountain, see the list of links at the bottom of this page.

Question marks in the transcription indicate indecipherable words. The text has been slightly edited for clarity. The list of contents and the transcriptions are in chronological order and may not necessarily match the order of the image numbers.

CONTENTS: Harriet Crutchfield PMSS Application 1928 (001-010)

June 11, 1928. Zita L. Thornbury, Poughkeepsie, NY, by Postal Telegraph to Mary A.(Angela) Melville. Recommends Harriet Crutchfield & Katherine Russell (sic) for P.M. [001]

June 18, 1928. Mary Angela Melville to Zita L. Thornbury, Appointment Bureau, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY. Request letters from Kitty S. Russel and Harriet Crutchfield; interested in having them for unpaid positions. [003]

June 19, 1928. Zita L. Thornbury, Vocational Bureau at Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY, to Mary A. Melville. Provides references for Harriet Crutchfield & “Kitty” Russel for P.M; describes their academic records. [002]

June 20, 1928. [unsigned] MAM (Mary A. Melville) to Miss Thornbury. Thanks for her help; still needs a secretary and bookkeeper; mentions Miss Farnham. [004]

July 8, 1928. Western Union telegram from Harriet Crutchfield, Sewickley, PA, to Angela Melville, NYC. Kitty Russel and I are considering proposition and will decide within a week.
July 16, 1928. Western Union telegram from Harriet Crutchfield, Sewickly, PA, to Angela Melville, NYC. Has decided to accept offer to teach fifth grade; willing to meet with Melville in NY. [005]

n.d. Angela (Melville) to Miss [Katherine] Pettit. “Extract from letter from Miss Thornbury of Vassar regarding the two Vassar girls “(Harriet Crutchfield and Kitty Russel)”. Melville indicates to Pettit her enthusiasm for hiring them. [006]

July 20, 1928. [unsigned half-page]. EKW (Evelyn K. Wells) to Miss Crutchfield, Sewickley, PA. Sends travel information and welcomes Crutchfield. [007]

August 7, 1928. [Bottom of page is truncated.] ? to Harriet Crutchfield, Sewickley, PA. Thanks her for letter from Montreal, where Crutchfield is vacationing; provides information about teaching High School Latin; Miss Rhone will help; books and subjects for fifth grade; Sunday School; appropriate clothing and items to bring; notify Wilson Lewis about arrival. [008]

August 21, 1928. Handwritten by Harriet Crutchfield, Sewickley, PA, to Miss Melville. Asks additional questions about what to bring, including her muskrat fur coat, and arrival plans. [009-009a]

August 24, 1928. [unsigned half-page]. AM (Angela Melville) to Harriet Crutchfield, Sewickley, PA. Tweed coat is more acceptable than fur; linens are provided; appropriate wear on Laden Trail; contact Wilson Lewis, Nolansburg, KY, concerning arrival. [010]

GALLERY: Harriet Crutchfield PMSS Application 1928

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [001] [crutchfield_h__001.jpg]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [002]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [003]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [004]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [005]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [006]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [007]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [008]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [009]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [009a]

: Harriet Crutchfield Correspondence. [010]

TRANSCRIPTIONS: Harriet Crutchfield PMSS Application 1928

crutchfield_h__001.jpg [Telegram.]

[Header] POSTAL TELEGRAPH — COMMERCIAL CABLES

VC Poughkeepsie NY June 11 1928

Miss Mary A [Angela] Melville

Cooperative Bureau for Womens Teachers 113 West 57 St New York NY

Katherine Russel Harriet Crutchfield remarkable for Pine Mountain. Salary unimportant. Much interested in people. Socially-minded, able, interesting, charming, attractive, level-headed, well-bred. Could contribute much to teaching. Hope you can take both. Can you see them preferable (sic) Saturday or Monday or if necessary Wednesday thirteenth. Wire reply.

Zita L Thornbury.

crutchfield_h__003.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten letter.]

June 18, 1928

Miss Zita L. Thornbury,
Appointment Bureau,
Vassar College,
Poughkeepsie, NY

Dear Miss Thornbury:

Could you have the letters of Miss Kitty S. Russel and Miss Harriet Crutchfield sent to me? They are charming girls and I would love to have them at Pine Mountain, if we can put them up. I have unfortunately no paid position left to offer them, but they are considering coming anyway if we have room for them.

I am so grateful to you for your interest in us!

Wishing you a wonderful summer,
Always sincerely,

Mary Angela Melville.

crutchfield_h__002.jpg [typewritten]

[header] VASSAR COLLEGE,
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

Vocational Bureau

June 19, 1928

Dear Miss Melville:

Kitty Russel and Harriet Crutchfield are exceptional girls. They have high ideals unflavored by sentimentalism. They are joyous, well-bred girls. They are wealthy, I believe, but actually it is hard to discover here who are wealthy because we are so democratic. I do know that they can afford to do volunteer work and that Kitty, certainly, is tired of social things, travel, and committee work. The same may be true of Harriet. I had a long talk with Kitty this month and I like her spirit so much. They are not just out for excitement as some rich and idle girls seem to be. You must have gathered that in your interview. I wish I had the usual papers for them but at the moment I have not. I can give you a good deal from their records, however, and perhaps that will do. I shall also try to get a verbal reference from Dean C. Mildred Thompson and Miss Palmer, the head warden. You may count upon me also for a general and personal reference. I should hesitate to recommend the wrong types for your work knowing that your problems are sufficient without the addition of staff members who would be uncongenial or irresponsible. I also recall your remarks about the young men of the mountains and that level-headed girls must be engaged.

Harriet had a high academic record. She was class treasurer in her freshman year. She was president of her class the second year. In the last year she had one of the major honors and responsibilities. She was president of Christian Association. The social heads of her halls, college women, all spoke very highly of her. She was house president at least once. In character and personality she ranks at the top. At one time she planned to be a missionary. Her home is in Sewickley, Pa. Her church is Presbyterian. Her major subjects in college were Bible, English, Greek and music.

Kitty had a good academic record which improved decidedly in the last year. Her major subjects were Bible, English and history. Her background and training are very exceptional. In her Freshman year she was vice-president of her residence hall. Miss Russel has had foreign residence and travel. You can see for yourself what charming manners and personal traits are hers. She would make a fine team worker and I foresee success for your school and for them if you can take them on. [Handwritten notation: “Her wardens also report very favorably for her, and her character — and personality — are A1.”]

Miss Palmer just came in and agreed to all I have said. I am really ready to vouch for Dean Thompson but I shall delay this letter to wait to hear from her. If it is important we can obtain further statements and the girls themselves can give you the names of any non-Vassar or Vassar people who can speak for them. You may need proper papers to present to your committee.

I am sorry for the condition of this letter. My secretary is away and I am poor at typewriting.

Yours cordially and gratefully,

[Signed] Zita L. Thornbury

crutchfield_h__004.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten letter.]

June 20, 1928

Dear Miss Thornbury:

It is good of you to write in detail about Miss Russel and Miss Crutchfield. I do not need any further endorsement, and only asked for it as a matter of form. The girls’ personalities speak for themselves.

I shall remember with real gratitude all you have done to help me. I still need a secretary and bookkeeper — the hardest positions to fill. It will be great to have your interest in helping us to get new workers, and to give really fine material a chance to try themselves out at Pine Mountain. I shall continue to count on you!

Soon I hope you can forget all cares and start on that wonderful trip. Miss Farnham and I have just enjoyed the circular you sent. It is splendid to think of you in all those fascinating parts of the world. Great happiness go with you!

Very sincerely,

[Unsigned office copy.]

MAM [Mary Angela Melville]

crutchfield_h__005.jpg [Two telegrams.]

[Header] WESTERN UNION

[Date stamp] 1928 July 8

GE34 29 NL=TDG Sewickley Penn 8

Miss Angela Melville=

… East 55 St., New York, NY=

Kitty Russel and I are considering your proposition very carefully and will let you know our decision within a week. If you need to know sooner please answer collect.=

Harriet Crutchfield.

—–

[Header] WESTERN UNION

[Date stamp] 1928 July 16

GB60 45 NL=TDG Sewickley Penn 15

Miss Angela Melville=

… East 55 St. New York NY=

Have decided to accept your offer to teach fifth grade STOP will you please let me know what arrangements I should make STOP my sisters wedding comes July twenty sixth STOP could have a day with you in New York thereafter if it would be helpful=
Harriet Crutchfield.

crutchfield_h__006.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten document.]

Extract from letter from Miss Thornbury of Vassar regarding the two Vassar girls.

…at one time she planned to be a missionary.

Harriet had a high academic record. She was class treasurer in her freshman year. President of her class the second year. In the last year she had one of the major honors and responsibilities. She was president of Christian Association. The social heads of her hall all spoke very highly of her. She was house president at least once. In character and personality she ranks at the top. Her home is Sewickley, Pa. Her church is Presbyterian. Her major subjects at college, Bible, English, Greek, Music.

Kitty had a good academic record which improved decidedly in the last year. Major subjects, Bible, English and history. Background and training are very exceptional. In her Freshman year she was vice-president of her residence hall. She has had foreign residence and travel. You can see for yourself what charming manners and personal traits are hers. She would make a fine team worker and I foresee success for your school and for them if you can take them on. Her wardens (Miss Russel) also report very favorably for her, and her character and personality are A.i. (sic)

——-

Miss [Katherine] Pettit: Do you wonder I want ‘em? I have seen them and they are every bit as desirable as they sound.

Angela.

crutchfield_h__007.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten letter.]

July 20, 1928

My dear Miss Crutchfield:

Miss Melville has asked me to send you the enclosed information about how to get to Pine Mountain. I know you are going to have a wonderful year here, and from what we hear of you, I am sure Pine Mountain is going to enjoy you. I am sorry I shall be gone when you arrive. I want to welcome you to the Pine Mountain family just the same, though.

Very sincerely yours,

[Unsigned office copy.]

EKW [Evelyn K. Wells]

Miss Harriet Crutchfield

Sewickley, Pa.

crutchfield_h__008.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten letter.]

Miss Harriet Crutchfield
Sewickley, Pa.

August 7, 1928.

My dear Miss Crutchfield:

Thank you very much for your letter from Montreal. I hope you are having a delightful vacation there. Please think, when you see the interesting things around you in that part of the country, of how much our children will enjoy hearing about them.

You are a brick to be willing to take the High School Latin, There will only be the third year beginners work. It is hardly likely that we will have any fourth year students this year. From last year’s schedule there seem to have been just three hours of Latin a week in the afternoons. I cannot guarantee that the schedule will be the same, but it will approximate it. The day that you have Latin with the High School group, Miss Rhone will take over the 5th grade classes for the period, so that you will not have any additional teaching. Thank you so much for taking this on for me.

Last year the teacher took the following subjects in the 5th grade: Arithmetic, history, geography and spelling. The books that were used were as follows: Arithmetic, Hamilton Intermediate, Thorndike, Book 2: history, Eggelston “First Book in American History” and “Builders of Our Country” book 1: geography, “Human Geography,” book 1, with map study, and “Essentials of Geography,” book 1. This will give you some idea of the work that lies ahead. I hope that this will be helpful. Please do not let this spoil your vacation as we shall probably work you quite hard.

I am hoping that you will want to take a Sunday School class on Sunday mornings. The work is very simple and we teach no dogma at Pine Mountain.

It is very beautiful here now, but also very warm. I am sure you are going to be happy here and love it, and we are looking forward to your coming.

Regarding clothing, no silks are allowed in any form. Yes we wear regular riding habits. Please do not bring a trunk as we have no store room for them, but send in your things by parcel post insured. You can send a great deal in half a dozen packages, and it is really the most satisfactory way. Regarding books, pillows, pictures and a tea service, I suggest that you only bring a few books as they are heavy. Three or four pictures would be all right, but we haven’t much wall space. Pillows you may certainly bring. Next year there will be a restroom for the workers on their days off, and there will be tea service in it, but if you want one in your room, I suggest that you bring a few cups, etc. Practically all the houses have some china which you can use if you want to make tea in your room. As to clothing, cotton and cotton crepe is what we wear in summer, both inside and out, and in winter, woolen dresses and sweaters are essential. Please bring warm underwear and stockings, and all the outside equipment necessary, such as a raincoat etc. The little folder enclosed may help you and I also enclose one of the picture folders for which you ask. We have five pianos and are delighted to have another musical worker. Please bring your music. Be sure and notify Mr. Wilson Lewis at least a week in advance of the day you will arrive and from what direction.

I too [truncated text]…

crutchfield_h__009.jpg [Handwritten letter.]

[Header] BEAVER ROAD
SEWICKLEY, PA.

August 21, 1928.

Dear Miss Melville,

I found your letter waiting for me when I arrived at home from my trip to Canada, and found many helpful suggestions in it. I hate to pester you with more questions, but I forgot to ask about several things that I really need to know before I leave home.

Can I count on using a muskrat coat for winter? It is not a dressy coat at all, but I have wondered if fur would be…

crutchfield_h__009a.jpg

…appropriate, as I am trying to have all my clothes in keeping with your standards. Also, do I supply my own bedding, towels, wash clothes, etc.?

When I arrive at Laden, Saturday morning, September first, should I plan to change to riding clothes there, should I change on the train, or can I ride the horse or mule in my travelling clothes?

I hate to bother you about such details, so if you can hand this letter over to some secretary to answer, I would appreciate it.

Looking forward to seeing you soon, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Harriet Crutchfield

crutchfield_h__010.jpg [Carbon copy of typewritten letter.]

August 24, 1928.

My dear Miss Crutchfield:

A fur coat is hardly in place here, although one that is not dressy would not be impossible. I am told that one of the workers had one once and she wore it sometimes during the winter. Heavy tweed coats are much better, however. No, you do not supply your own bedding, except the puff. We never have enough puffs and if you have one to bring I think you will be glad to have it. You might also bring a pillow if you wish, but your towels, sheets, blanks, etc., are furnished. If you have a pair of dark bloomers, you might put these on under your skirt when you dress that morning on the train and simply take off your skirt when you get to Laden for the trip across the mountain. If you are wearing regular riding clothes, it would be perfectly all right to put these on on the train. There is no place to change at Laden. I assume you have written Wilson Lewis, Nolansburg, Ky., to meet you on the morning of September 1st.

Looking forward to seeing you, I am,

Sincerely yours,

[Unsigned office copy. Initials indicate Angela Melville.]

Miss Harriet Crutchfield
Beaver Road
Sewickley, Pa.

AM:C

See Also:

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD Staff for her full biography.

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD Correspondence After PMSS 1931-1956

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD Journal Guide 1928 for summaries of her 1928 correspondence.

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD Journal Guide 1929 for summaries of her 1929 correspondence.

HARRIET CRUTCHFIELD PMSS Application 1928

For IMAGES of her correspondence while at PMSS, see: