GLYN MORRIS Correspondence Administrative 1934

Pine Mountain Settlement School
Series 07: DIRECTORS
Glyn Morris, PMSS Director
Correspondence Administrative 1934

GLYN MORRIS 1934 Correspondence

Alice Cobb seated on log. [cobb_alice_003.jpg]

GLYN MORRIS Administrative Correspondence 1934


TAGS: Glyn Morris, correspondence 1934, administrative correspondence, Katherine Pettit,  Alice Cobb, Morris dogs, Tom’s River NJ, Victrolas, Darwin D. Martin, Barbara Faulkner, August Angel, movies, Emily Hill, postcards, Doris Ulmann, John Jacob Niles, books, trucks, Dr. Frank Newman, Mrs. F.L. Gates, donation, Quicksand Fair, D.A.R., Dr. Weekes and family, the Road, applicants for PMSS positions, writing PMSS history, vandalism, publicity movie, Beta Sigma Omicron, Frank C. Foster


In 1934 Glyn Morris took an extended leave from the Pine Mountain Settlement School campus leaving Alice Cobb, his secretary, in charge. The following correspondence between Morris, Cobb, and others reveals the day-to-day activity and concerns of the campus in 1934 as handled from afar.

CONTENTS: Glyn Morris Correspondence Administrative 1934

[Note: The following describes contents of original typewritten letters, often with PMSS letterhead, unless stated otherwise. The following list of contents is in chronological order and not necessarily in the order of the image numbers.]

February 1934

002-002a February 16, 1934. [002] To Katherine Pettit t, Lexington, KY, from Glyn Morris, PMSS Director. Responding to her letter, he writes about a doctor and three trained nurses, bed airing and making, Dr. [Frank W.] Newman’s program to promote sanitation and cleanliness, decorating graves of Mr. and Mrs. Chad Lewis. He objects to ballad singing at the Quicksand Fair, because “I do not feel that it is good policy for our students to leave the school for purposes of that sort….I have stopped all of our outside athletic games, because…it means a great deal to have our students leaving the campus for a day or two days.” He assures her that “we are making a very definite attempt to preserve the ballads of the mountains….” [At the bottom of this page begins Pettit’s handwritten reply.] [002a] Pettit continues, suggesting taking just one person to sing at the Fair; planting ivy on the Lewis graves at Putney; more about airing beds; removing “family worship” from [?] house rules, “as it is misleading.”

May 1934

004 May 14, 1934. To Morris from Alice Cobb, PMSS. Mentions sending the dog “Megan” and this letter by train. Adds a handwritten notation about planting Miss Pettit’s ivy. Asks if she should send the Infirmary reports. Vocational guidance booklets have arrived from the US Department of Education. Mr. [Oscar] Kneller asks if the boys can ride Maude [horse]; Joanita Quiett is leaving temporarily; another girl will be needed in the laundry; Margaret Wilder will help, pending Miss Cold’s instructions. Miss Frank is leaving; Mr. [August] Angel has returned. In a postscript, she asks if the Callahans’ house is “considered on the campus.” Glynn Napier wants to visit.

005 [No date] Sunday Morning. To Cobb from Morris, who doesn’t “like the idea…of these girls going home. They certainly do not appreciate their opportunities nor do they realize their obligations.” He also does not want Glynn to visit Mrs. Callahan, nor the boys riding Maude. He asks that Mr. Callahan write to Mr. [Darwin D.] Martin about paint; and Mrs. [Barbara] Faulkner to send Martin a list of workers and payroll as of April 30, 1934. In a postscript, he asks Cobb to send Miss Pettit her copy of Machine Age in the Hills and a copy of Christian Science Monitor [or ask the Monitor to send several copies for the community.]

006 May 16, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, informing him that “Megan has just left….” Mr. Angel went as far as Berea to tend to the dog. “Please let me know if she gets there all safe. I’ve enjoyed taking care of her.”

007 Address side of typewritten postcard to Alice Cobb with timestamp of “Tom’s River, NJ, May 18, 1934.” 007a Message side of postcard. To Cobb from “G.M.” [Glyn Morris], reporting that Megan arrived safely. Lists four movies [?] he watched. Asks Cobb to send PMSS literature, catalog and Pine Cone to Mr. Charles Black in NYC, his classmate and a prospective PMSS worker.

008 May 19, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who encloses a copy of the movie review; mentions Mr. [Sam] Winfrey who “ran off the movies.” Tells about using the large Victrola at Zande House for a dancing party and the condition of the little phonographs and radio. Reports on the comings and goings of Alta, Polly Lewis, Maggie, Chloe. Asks about Megan. In a postscript Cobb, she tells of closing Zande House and moving into Laurel House with Emily Hill, where there is an “unlimited supply of hot water.” Cobb and Miss Hill “have preserved a nice attitude of armed neutrality.”

009 May 22, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who writes that “Barby [Faulkner] and I have spent it several times over already, so if you need suggestions….” Handwritten figures at bottom of page: April letter $7640.95, and figures for 1933 ($5,156.55) and 1932 ($4,120).

010 May 22, 1934. To Morris from Cobb. Mentions that Mrs. [Doris] Ulmann and Mr. [John Jacob] Niles are arriving early and will be boarded either in the Infirmary or Zande House. She describes Mrs. Ulmann, according to Mr. Dodd through Mr. Angel. “I hope you won’t mind having your home used in this case as a guest house…. Mr. Dodd advises that we do everything we possibly can along this line, since she is famous and her photographs will do a lot to advertise the school–also she always leaves a gift of some sort with every school she visits. Mr. Niles is interested in mountain folk songs and dances, and probably running sets…..” [Handwritten notation in right margin, about Dr. Weekes [?] arriving June 6, and staying 3 days.] Cobb tells of a strike by the girls who want to take walks off campus and how she handled it; how Barby and she are dealing with a reduced number of girls to help in Laurel House; has Dochie Sexton to do the garden work. “Dochie won’t stay at the school — she’s at Big Laurel with Becky May and Ova….”

011-011a May 23, 1934. Two-page letter to Morris from [unsigned, likely Cobb], [011] who asks if she can rearrange the books in Far House, Laurel House, and Big Log, so that they better match the interest of the girls who board there; and if Mr. Angel who binds books, can repair them, and also print new house book plates. She also feels that the books of dance records need to be repaired and rearranged. “I think we have some priceless records–original Caruso, Melba, etc.” In a postscript she reports that [Sam] Winfield returned; a boy has poisoned Jess [Cornett] ’s dog. [011a] May 26. Expresses concerns about Glynn [Napier], Mrs. Callahan, and Mrs. [Lexine] Baird. She gives her reasons why it isn’t necessary to hire Polly Parrett, who applied to replace Cobb during Cobb’s vacation. Cobb’s vacation with her sister will include going to Oberammergau for the Passion Play, “(which I understand is to be a la Hitler this year, and the players are parading in Nazi uniforms!).” She is working on PMSS history.

012-012a May 24, [no year]. Two-page letter to Cobb from Morris, who was somewhat alarmed about the girls’ strike and the Napier-Callahan relationship that Cobb reported in her May 22nd letter. He feels it proves that “too much familiarity between workers and students does for no good.” He instructs Cobb to “get all the girls you need, provided they owe us money.” Miss Parrett is willing to come for two months. ”…[D]on’t hedge one bit in running the affairs of the school. You know pretty well what I would do were I there–now, go and do likewise.” In a handwritten note at the end of the letter, he requests that Cobb send him catalogs, Pine Cone, and 1923 November Notes; and get Mr. Angel to send a trunk to Lewis Jones, Albright College, Reading, PA.

013 May 25, 1934. To Cobb from Morris, who has written to [Charles N.] Manning and Mrs. [F.L.] Gates about the latter’s gift. He has asked Martin to “OK our use of this money for current expenses.” Cobb and Mrs. Faulkner can use any leftover money as they choose.

014 May 25, 1934. To Morris from “Barby” [Faulkner]. She names the students who have turned in overtime hours and asks if he knows of others. She expects her mother to visit soon.

015 May 29, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, enclosing a copy of the letter she sent to the Trustees. She is sending Morris the items he requested. In a postscript, she tells of putting Mrs. Gates on the mailing list.

016 May 31, 1934. Carbon copy of a typewritten letter to “Jim” from [unsigned — handwritten notation at top of page: “Faulkner”], thanking him for his May 24th letter about the new truck and advising him not to buy a much used truck. As for the dump-truck, it could be used instead of Inter-mountain to haul supplies from Laden or Putney. Perhaps Mr. Mansell could find a better deal in Cincinnati. “We want as much as possible this year to have a truck which will not always be needing repairs.”

017 May 31, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who asks for Morris’s input concerning the “D.A.R. business,” and she will in turn write to Mrs. Pouch. She also suggests he write to the Colonial Coverlet Guild. Cobb then describes her plans for visits by Mrs. Ulmann and Mr. Niles. Mentions that “Mr. Angel had his operation.”

June 1934

018-018a June 1, 1934. Two-page letter to Morris from Cobb, [018] who expresses her impatience with Miss Pettit. She encloses Pettit’s letter and Cobb’s reply. Suggests he write to Mr. Dawson, who may give $1000 to the School. Cobb wrote to the editor of the puppet magazine, describing the puppet assembly. [018a] June 2. “Mrs. Weekes and the children are here.” She completed the graph of the April Letter of last year and this year. Cobb praises the farm and Oscar’s work, although she worries about his working too hard. Asks if Vinney Neff can “stay with Ida and work by the day. Mr. Nolan says that they have commenced on the road.”

019-019a June 1, 1934. Two-page letter to Cobb from Morris, [019] responding to her May 23-26 letter. He agrees with her plan for the books and records. Mentions Miss Parrett; suggests writing the Friend’s Service Committee about a volunteer worker; hopes to have a trained worker for Little School and a married couple for Boy’s House (or Mrs. [Barbara] Bartlett). He tells her to organize the applicants’ papers and that she and Mrs. Faulkner will be teaching the business courses. Morris asks that Mr. Faulkner and Mr. Angel investigate the dog’s poisoning. [Handwritten notation in margin: “Don’t let Mr. Angel bind books. OK during down[?] time. He is to work with the children. This is important.” [019a] Morris adds a response to Mrs. Faulkner’s letter that she wrote to Gladys [Morris] about the girls’ overtime hours. He and Gladys will return June 30. He adds a note to Miss Cobb about bedding to be used by Dr. Weekes.

020 June 4, 1934. To Cobb from Morris, who is returning the DAR sheet with his corrections; and a response to the Coverlet Guild. Mrs. Bartlett will be moved from Farm House to Boy’s House; now there is a need for a prospect for Farm House; suggests asking Elizabeth Marsh if she has someone who may be interested. He explains a need for volunteer workers in order to raise salaries for regular workers. Mrs. [Alice Carter] Shera will take Laurel House “and do anything she can with Art in her spare time.” Asks for a report from Mr. Callahan; asks about Mr. Winfrey.

021 June 5, [no year]. To Cobb from “G.M.” (Morris), who asks her to send literature to Miss Smith and letters to her references. “Write Miss Bird about her, and get her references from Miss Marsh. Send an application to Mr. Evans. Send literature to Miss Ruth Johnstin, London, Ohio, who is a “friend of Mrs. Holton and important member of Wellesley College faculty.” 

022 [Truncated duplicate of 023.]

023-023a June 6, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who wrote to American Friends Committee about a Farm House housemother; received one applicant so far: Myrtle O’Shane but she wants a salary. Visitors include Mr. Stein, Morris’s Union classmate; Miss Lovett and her mother. Mrs. Gordon Ross wants to study at PMSS while the Weekes family is still there. Mrs. Ulmann left, whom Cobb describes. Mentions Dr. Weekes’ book, Ulysses, that she tried to read.

024 June 6, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who tells of her efforts to write a PMSS history; asks if she can write to Miss Melville about “the way of classifying students from 1929-1931…[the system] doesn’t seem to have been graded at all.” June 8. Encloses a letter to Mr. Dawson, including a reference to his wanting a plate to memorialize Col. McKemy. Mentions Mr. Callahan and Sam Winfrey. Asked about hiring for Little School and about the Medical Settlement. “They are actually at work on the road….”

025 [No Date] Draft of a letter to the Board of Trustees with handwritten edits for Cobb to complete and send to Trustees; announcing that Mrs. F.L. Gates of Wilmette, Illinois, has given $5,000 to the School. He asks the trustees how the money should be spent: either in the endowment fund or for current expenses. He would like to use the money for (1) repairing PMSS buildings, and (2) a new building for the industrial department. Gates’ letter seems to indicate the gift should be for current expenses.

026 June 11, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, reporting vandalism (broken windows of several houses). She describes how she dealt with finding the culprits, including William Creech. Mentions that some of the boys have been drinking “canned heat.” She also had to deal with a strike by the boys. Howard Burdine arrived; “Oscar is taking things more easily I think.” Handwritten notation in margin: “Don’t be alarmed — I think it’s better all this has come out. Makes the general attitude much better.” Postscript: Cobb heard from Miss Heinemann and is sending the movie and talk with corrections.

027 June 13, 1934. To Cobb from “G.M.” [Morris], who encloses statements about H.C. Evans, who will be coming to PMSS for an interview. Tells about his friend, Jim Stein; mentions Mrs. Ross’s upcoming visit. Miss Melville will be glad to discuss her plan with Cobb. He praises and encourages Cobb about the work she is doing.

028 June 14, 1934. To Morris from Cobb. To Morris from Cobb, who reports that the movie has been sent to Miss Ruth Heinemann, Milwaukee, WI. Suggests he writes to Heinemann if he wants a reel sent to Beta Sigma Omicron Conference. Also, he should write to Miss Michaelis about arrangements. Cobb is sending the exhibit but hopes she doesn’t have to attend. She is sending recent Beta Sigma Omicron correspondence. “They usually contribute from four to six hundred dollars a year and have been contributors since 1913.” She encloses application material for Miss Leola Smith and Mr. Evans. She expects Mr. [Phillip] Roettinger on Saturday.

029 June 15, 1934. Two-sided letter to Morris from Cobb. Mentions sending the Riverside letter; Oma Creech is probably substituting for Dr. Newman; the Roettingers are visiting. The first half of the PMSS history is done. “E.M. Nolan told me the road story complete from 1928 to date. — We buried the hatchet for the time being.” She is sure that “William Creech was the one who broke the windows….”
029a [Reverse side of 029] Describes “a little disagreement over the horses [Queen and Sunny Jim]” between her and Alec.

030-030a June 18 1934. Two-page letter to Cobb from Morris, who tells her she must go to the Beta Sigma Omicron convention at Hot Springs, AR, for an afternoon. He instructs her on how to proceed and details what she should talk about; start with an amusing anecdote; describe the mountain area and the people (mostly Anglo Saxon); individualism of the people; good and bad points about their way of life; talk about PMSS and its mission; medical work. “Remember — the unusual, the picturesque is what goes over.” Asks Cobb to send literature to Rev. Allyn Robison, Puritan Church, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

031 June 19, 1934. To Morris from Cobb, who describes Mr. Roettinger’s visit. “He thinks we are entitled to a thousand dollar legacy from a Cincinnati man, Mr. Perrin P. Hunter deceased.” She assures Morris that Alec “is the nicest boy here….” Mentions changing the supper hour due to the hot weather. She has completed the April Letter Report for 1934 — Total receipts to date $8,048.82. Handwritten notation at bottom of page: “Received a brand new set of world history books — Mr. Edgar Dawson, one of the editors! It’s a beautiful set of books.”

032 June 19, [no year]. To Cobb from “G.M.” [Morris], who encouraged Cobb in her dealings with Alec. “Alec is to be considered as a student, and you can tell him I said so again if you wish….I certainly made it clear to the Newmans…that I felt it best for him to be under the same rules as the students.”

033a [No date or salutation]. Handwritten note: “Just received wire from Miss Henenmann saying come June 28 — oh dear Lord — I’ll do the best I can — will have films with places.” [No signature, apparently Cobb].

July – November 1934

034 July 30, 1934. Carbon copy of a letter to World-Telegram, NYC, from [unsigned], Secretary, renewing Morris’s subscription to the newspaper.
August 7, 1934. Carbon copy of letter to Central Drug Company, Harlan, KY, from Morris, asking them to re-send his check to the bank, which mistakenly rejected it the first time.

035 October 11, 1934. To Evelyn K. Wells, Summit, NJ, from Frank C. Foster, Dean, Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN, expressing appreciation for the Fosters’ visit to PMSS and Morris’s development of the educational program. “He has matured very definitely and is working out a policy that should mean much to the development of the valley.” Handwritten notation at bottom of page: “These are the people we almost got for P.M. & who recommended [?] Morris to us. …[?]. E.K.W. [Also signed G.A.M. 11/6/34]

003-003a November 1, [no year]. Two-page handwritten letter on Hotel Roosevelt stationery to “Peter” from “Jane,” describing an itinerary from Hotel Roosevelt, Washington, DC, to New York, then sailing on the S.S. Antonia from Montreal. “Looking back I liked best the days with you all in the mountains.” Mentions writing from Mexico in October.

GALLERY: Glyn Morris Correspondence 1934


See Also:
GLYN MORRIS Director– Biography (with list of correspondence by year.)
GLYN MORRIS Guide to Correspondence Administrative
GLYN MORRIS Guide to Talks, Unpublished Writing,
GLYN MORRIS Guide to Publications