Ithaca, New York
Sunday afternoon, May 1938
Dear Folks,
I haven't much to say, but it is such a beautiful day that it's hard to study, so I shall begin a letter anyway. I am using Aunt Dorothy's fountain pen as it is nicer to write with than my own.
Did the seeds ever come up? I rather doubt it, but then miracles do happen occasionally. Has the grass on the lawn grown very high yet? And did the order with my shorts come? If it did, I could use them sometime in the near future.
Tonight is the only night in the whole week that I don't work at the Coop, so I really look forward to Sunday night. I was playing ball a while this afternoon, but I nearly popped a cop on the head when he happened to walk by, so I didn't trust my arm anymore after that.
Well I'll see if I can study a little now. Have you heard from Martha lately?
Wednesday night - After receiving your most interesting letter, I think it's high time I finished this. I was out in the orchards all afternoon helping lay out and plant two year old seedlings. Every year's class in Pomology plants an orchard.
Last night I went to a Coop membership meeting and then up to hear the Cornell Symphony Orchestra, which only plays once or twice a year. They had the concert in Bailey Auditorium, and as it was free, they had about 3,000 attending.
Tell Martha not to work too hard in the garden if she comes up. I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Deusards wasn't feeling well. Please remember me to her when you write again.
Well I'm pretty sleepy and have to get up early in the morning, so will say goodnight for now.
Lovingly, Hall
Gilbert Hall Flint was born August 14, 1918 and raised on Flint Hill Farm in Amenia, New York. His formal education began in a one-room schoolhouse in Smithfield. He graduated from Amenia High School in 1936 and from the Cornell University College of Agriculture in 1940. He taught high school agriculture from 1940 to 1944, served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, taught high school agriculture from 1946 to 1963, and finished his career as a school principal from 1963 to 1975.
Gilbert Hall Flint passed away on December 16, 2009. The letters are published in his memory. To view the letters in chronological order, please click a timeline label from the side bar menu, scroll to the bottom, and read up.
Gilbert Hall Flint passed away on December 16, 2009. The letters are published in his memory. To view the letters in chronological order, please click a timeline label from the side bar menu, scroll to the bottom, and read up.
Showing posts with label Cornell 1938. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cornell 1938. Show all posts
Post #31: Swimming in April
Ithaca, New York
Friday night, Late April 1938
Dear Folks,
I spent five hours, nearly six, working at the Coop today, so I don't feel too much like studying. Since I don't have to study, I will get caught up on some of my letters. I got back three prelims this week with over an 80 average. 75 is my lowest average in any subject this term so I feel pretty good, as the end of this coming week will be midterm.
The weather has been very tricky lately. Tuesday and Wednesday the temperature was around 85 most of the time and today down to 25. About 50 kids were swimming in Beebe Lake Wednesday afternoon when I came home from my lab. I stopped in at the Old Armory for a half hour to swim myself, for the second time since I've been here.
I don't know just how I am coming home yet, but I will probably arrive Saturday. I may come home with the Robinson girl from Stamfordville again, and if I do, I will get to Keller's Friday night I guess, but I am not sure yet.
Monday I took a sample of milk from the Coop up to the lab to test it for fat, as I had suspected for some time that one of the companies that we had been getting it from was putting something over on us. I found that it tested 3.25 percent, so we have stopped buying milk from that firm. I will check up on it every week from now on.
I received a 95% on my Holstein cattle judging last week; the average of the class of about 200 was 65. I fell down on some of my Guernsey judging this week, as they seemed to be much harder. Our placing is only a third of the mark and our reasons are two thirds.
I go to church nearly every Sunday and have heard quite a diversified group of sermons.
I went to the Cornell Invitational Inter-scholastic track meet Saturday between some of the largest high schools in New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. One of the schools from Troy, which I ran against in cross country, came out third. It was more sensational than the tri-meet between Cornell, Colgate, and Syracuse, as the best college records didn't come up to the best high school ones in many of the events.
I guess this is all I have for now, so will see you in a week.
Love, Hall
Friday night, Late April 1938
Dear Folks,
I spent five hours, nearly six, working at the Coop today, so I don't feel too much like studying. Since I don't have to study, I will get caught up on some of my letters. I got back three prelims this week with over an 80 average. 75 is my lowest average in any subject this term so I feel pretty good, as the end of this coming week will be midterm.
The weather has been very tricky lately. Tuesday and Wednesday the temperature was around 85 most of the time and today down to 25. About 50 kids were swimming in Beebe Lake Wednesday afternoon when I came home from my lab. I stopped in at the Old Armory for a half hour to swim myself, for the second time since I've been here.
I don't know just how I am coming home yet, but I will probably arrive Saturday. I may come home with the Robinson girl from Stamfordville again, and if I do, I will get to Keller's Friday night I guess, but I am not sure yet.
Monday I took a sample of milk from the Coop up to the lab to test it for fat, as I had suspected for some time that one of the companies that we had been getting it from was putting something over on us. I found that it tested 3.25 percent, so we have stopped buying milk from that firm. I will check up on it every week from now on.
I received a 95% on my Holstein cattle judging last week; the average of the class of about 200 was 65. I fell down on some of my Guernsey judging this week, as they seemed to be much harder. Our placing is only a third of the mark and our reasons are two thirds.
I go to church nearly every Sunday and have heard quite a diversified group of sermons.
I went to the Cornell Invitational Inter-scholastic track meet Saturday between some of the largest high schools in New York State, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. One of the schools from Troy, which I ran against in cross country, came out third. It was more sensational than the tri-meet between Cornell, Colgate, and Syracuse, as the best college records didn't come up to the best high school ones in many of the events.
I guess this is all I have for now, so will see you in a week.
Love, Hall
Post #30: How is Teddy?
Ithaca, NY
Thursday afternoon, late March, 1938
Dear Folks,
I got Popa’s letter but didn’t write last weekend as I had just sent a letter. Thank you for the extra money. I really will need it.
Yes, April 4 is OK for my dentist appointment because I decided I would rather wait until some other time to go to Washington. I have plenty of studying to do this term, so I don’t go out hardly at all because I need my weekends to get caught up on my work.
I went to the Yale-Cornell basketball game Saturday night with Ralph as it didn’t cost me anything. It was very good and we won 60-36.
How is Andy now? Getting well fast I hope. Do you hear from Martha much? It is only 3 more weeks until spring vacation; the time seems to really fly.
It has been a beautiful day here and seems to be getting spring like, although some days are quite cold. It seems pretty cold when we go out to the orchard to prune apple trees anyway!
I have a flock of prelims beginning next week – 2 on the same day – so I guess I will spend another weekend grinding.
How is Teddy these days and the chickens and horses and cows and cats and everyone else? I am looking forward to coming home next month as it is quite a stretch since the beginning of the year.
Papa’s birthday comes somewhere along about this time I think, but I’ve forgotten just when. Anyway I hope he has a very happy birthday and many more of them!
Editor’s note: Gilbert Augustus Flint was born March 27, 1883 and died September 27, 1979. Teddy was the family dog.
In my Dairy Industry lab, I learned how to test milk, cream, and skim milk for butterfat. All of my tests have come out exactly right so far. We have to run duplicates on each sample we test, and they have to be correct to within .1 of 1%. It is very interesting and relatively simple except that it takes considerable equipment.
We had our election of board of directors last night at the coop. Each candidate had to have someone give a speech about him the night before sharing his qualifications for the position. I spoke for Ralph Resmiels. It was very important that we get the correct people on the board because we are running a $25,000 a year business. Things haven’t been going too good lately, as the membership has decreased.
I didn’t run as one of the candidates because I am already labor representative and it would take too much of my time to do full justice as a regular board member with my other work too. It seemed last term that every night I had a lot of studying to do there would be a board meeting. Ralph is more or less taking my place.
Lovingly, Hall
Thursday afternoon, late March, 1938
Dear Folks,
I got Popa’s letter but didn’t write last weekend as I had just sent a letter. Thank you for the extra money. I really will need it.
Yes, April 4 is OK for my dentist appointment because I decided I would rather wait until some other time to go to Washington. I have plenty of studying to do this term, so I don’t go out hardly at all because I need my weekends to get caught up on my work.
I went to the Yale-Cornell basketball game Saturday night with Ralph as it didn’t cost me anything. It was very good and we won 60-36.
How is Andy now? Getting well fast I hope. Do you hear from Martha much? It is only 3 more weeks until spring vacation; the time seems to really fly.
It has been a beautiful day here and seems to be getting spring like, although some days are quite cold. It seems pretty cold when we go out to the orchard to prune apple trees anyway!
I have a flock of prelims beginning next week – 2 on the same day – so I guess I will spend another weekend grinding.
How is Teddy these days and the chickens and horses and cows and cats and everyone else? I am looking forward to coming home next month as it is quite a stretch since the beginning of the year.
Papa’s birthday comes somewhere along about this time I think, but I’ve forgotten just when. Anyway I hope he has a very happy birthday and many more of them!
Editor’s note: Gilbert Augustus Flint was born March 27, 1883 and died September 27, 1979. Teddy was the family dog.
In my Dairy Industry lab, I learned how to test milk, cream, and skim milk for butterfat. All of my tests have come out exactly right so far. We have to run duplicates on each sample we test, and they have to be correct to within .1 of 1%. It is very interesting and relatively simple except that it takes considerable equipment.
We had our election of board of directors last night at the coop. Each candidate had to have someone give a speech about him the night before sharing his qualifications for the position. I spoke for Ralph Resmiels. It was very important that we get the correct people on the board because we are running a $25,000 a year business. Things haven’t been going too good lately, as the membership has decreased.
I didn’t run as one of the candidates because I am already labor representative and it would take too much of my time to do full justice as a regular board member with my other work too. It seemed last term that every night I had a lot of studying to do there would be a board meeting. Ralph is more or less taking my place.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #29: A complicated situation
Ithaca, New York
March 19, 1938
Dear Folks,
I was very pleasantly surprised to receive two letters from home in such a short while. I went downtown and bought myself a pair of pajamas, on Aunt Dorothy’s advice last Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely day and I like to get out in the sun when I can, as it is overcast so much here. I don’t think I’ll bother getting a laundry case this year as I can get my shirts laundered for a dime a piece and I can do the other washing myself. I will bring part of my accumulation home in a couple of weeks.
I am glad Pop had the chance to see “Emile Zola.” I saw it last fall and was deeply impressed also. I had a nice letter from Catherine and Andy yesterday. I just got two prelims off my shoulders this morning and stayed up most of the night studying for them. I only have a couple more before I go home. I also got back several hundreds on quizzes during the week.
Monday evening I went up to the 4-H meeting and heard Professor Goodman speak on his trip to the resettlement project in Alaska and also saw several slides on it which he had taken. He is one of the heads of the Agriculture Engineering Department here and was appointed through President Roosevelt to go up and make a report on the agriculture situation last summer.
We are hiring a new cook-buyer for our Coop as the combination which we have had has proven unsatisfactory to our business. The cook is the landlord also and so the situation was rather complicated. However, many members have dropped out of late because of the meals mainly and we are losing money, so we had to do something about it. We interviewed several prospects and this afternoon decided on one at a meeting of the Board of Directors.
This afternoon’s laboratory in Agronomy was very interesting. We tested several samples of soil which had been treated under various conditions of liming, superphosphate, sulfur, etc and determined the amounts needed by different types of plants in different soils. Most of it is based on organic and inorganic chemistry, but it is very interesting and practical nevertheless.
I have a chance to get my New York State milk tester’s license when I get through with my Dairy course if I want to by taking a comparatively simple examination and for the sum of 2 dollars, but I don’t know as if would do me much good. I guess I could get it later or anytime that I wanted to.
It seems that Emmadine Farms is the headquarters of the Guernsey cattle breed in the U.S. Professor Savage told us about its history and that they got their foundation stock here at Cornell to begin with.
This is about all I can think of and I am getting rather sleepy.
Lovingly, Hall
March 19, 1938
Dear Folks,
I was very pleasantly surprised to receive two letters from home in such a short while. I went downtown and bought myself a pair of pajamas, on Aunt Dorothy’s advice last Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely day and I like to get out in the sun when I can, as it is overcast so much here. I don’t think I’ll bother getting a laundry case this year as I can get my shirts laundered for a dime a piece and I can do the other washing myself. I will bring part of my accumulation home in a couple of weeks.
I am glad Pop had the chance to see “Emile Zola.” I saw it last fall and was deeply impressed also. I had a nice letter from Catherine and Andy yesterday. I just got two prelims off my shoulders this morning and stayed up most of the night studying for them. I only have a couple more before I go home. I also got back several hundreds on quizzes during the week.
Monday evening I went up to the 4-H meeting and heard Professor Goodman speak on his trip to the resettlement project in Alaska and also saw several slides on it which he had taken. He is one of the heads of the Agriculture Engineering Department here and was appointed through President Roosevelt to go up and make a report on the agriculture situation last summer.
We are hiring a new cook-buyer for our Coop as the combination which we have had has proven unsatisfactory to our business. The cook is the landlord also and so the situation was rather complicated. However, many members have dropped out of late because of the meals mainly and we are losing money, so we had to do something about it. We interviewed several prospects and this afternoon decided on one at a meeting of the Board of Directors.
This afternoon’s laboratory in Agronomy was very interesting. We tested several samples of soil which had been treated under various conditions of liming, superphosphate, sulfur, etc and determined the amounts needed by different types of plants in different soils. Most of it is based on organic and inorganic chemistry, but it is very interesting and practical nevertheless.
I have a chance to get my New York State milk tester’s license when I get through with my Dairy course if I want to by taking a comparatively simple examination and for the sum of 2 dollars, but I don’t know as if would do me much good. I guess I could get it later or anytime that I wanted to.
It seems that Emmadine Farms is the headquarters of the Guernsey cattle breed in the U.S. Professor Savage told us about its history and that they got their foundation stock here at Cornell to begin with.
This is about all I can think of and I am getting rather sleepy.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #28: Pomology
Ithaca, New York
March 17, 1938
Dear Folks,
I received Papa’s nice letter the early part of the week. My vacation is from April 2nd and school is resumed on the 11th. There wouldn’t be any possibility of having the wedding a week sooner would there? It would be very hard and rather expensive for me to come home a week after I came back on account of my work too. Don’t change it if you really want it on the 17th, but I was just presenting my situation.
I hope you didn’t get snowed in on Monday. We sure had some blizzard here but most of the snow has melted now, although it is very cold and damp today. Last night when I came home from work it was warm and rainy. This morning it was zero with a very cold wind, so you can see the way the weather changes here.
I was up before 5:00 this morning to study for a Pomology quiz that we didn’t get, but I have the work done anyway. Yesterday our lab section had to walk to the University orchards about 2 miles out (over a hundred acres) to prune young apple trees ranging from 1 to 15 years old. We also will learn all types of grafting and apply it. Nevertheless it is pretty cold pruning this time of the year and pretty hard to keep warm. Later on we are going to plant an orchard.
How is Andy coming along? How long does he have to stay at the Hospital?
Thank you for the check. I guess I will be able to scrape together enough to pay my fees with that, as I am getting a dollar for working overtime at a fraternity and am selling my meal at the Coop tonight. I have been invited over to Alpha Gamma Rho (the agriculture frat) to supper tonight in the hopes that I may join sometime, but I rather doubt it. However I’ll get a good meal so I might as well go over.
I can’t seem to think of much more just now. I may be able to go home Easter with Wesly Smith but don’t know for sure. I probably won’t bring anyone because it is hard to get rides. However it is 4 weeks off yet.
Lovingly, Hall
Editor's note: The wedding mentioned is his father's second marriage. The Flint family bible indicates that Gilbert A. Flint and Catherine Wilkinson Bockee were married April 17, 1938 (Easter Sunday) at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, New York.
March 17, 1938
Dear Folks,
I received Papa’s nice letter the early part of the week. My vacation is from April 2nd and school is resumed on the 11th. There wouldn’t be any possibility of having the wedding a week sooner would there? It would be very hard and rather expensive for me to come home a week after I came back on account of my work too. Don’t change it if you really want it on the 17th, but I was just presenting my situation.
I hope you didn’t get snowed in on Monday. We sure had some blizzard here but most of the snow has melted now, although it is very cold and damp today. Last night when I came home from work it was warm and rainy. This morning it was zero with a very cold wind, so you can see the way the weather changes here.
I was up before 5:00 this morning to study for a Pomology quiz that we didn’t get, but I have the work done anyway. Yesterday our lab section had to walk to the University orchards about 2 miles out (over a hundred acres) to prune young apple trees ranging from 1 to 15 years old. We also will learn all types of grafting and apply it. Nevertheless it is pretty cold pruning this time of the year and pretty hard to keep warm. Later on we are going to plant an orchard.
How is Andy coming along? How long does he have to stay at the Hospital?
Thank you for the check. I guess I will be able to scrape together enough to pay my fees with that, as I am getting a dollar for working overtime at a fraternity and am selling my meal at the Coop tonight. I have been invited over to Alpha Gamma Rho (the agriculture frat) to supper tonight in the hopes that I may join sometime, but I rather doubt it. However I’ll get a good meal so I might as well go over.
I can’t seem to think of much more just now. I may be able to go home Easter with Wesly Smith but don’t know for sure. I probably won’t bring anyone because it is hard to get rides. However it is 4 weeks off yet.
Lovingly, Hall
Editor's note: The wedding mentioned is his father's second marriage. The Flint family bible indicates that Gilbert A. Flint and Catherine Wilkinson Bockee were married April 17, 1938 (Easter Sunday) at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Poughkeepsie, New York.
Post #27: Patching pajamas
Ithaca, New York
Monday afternoon, March 1938
Dear Folks,
Well exams are over and I feel a lot better. I made out pretty well in all of them, I guess or hope, but haven’t received my marks yet.
I started working for my meals along with Irving Saturday night at a house near Sigma Chi where I worked before. It overlooks Cayuga Lake and the inlet on the west, and is right along side of Ithaca Falls on the south across from the Ithaca gun factory. The water is quite high now and the falls present a splendid view and really look like a miniature Niagara.
I didn’t go to church Sunday as I had to go to work at 11:30, but will go every Sunday this term to make up for the past term as I really miss it. I listened to part of a sermon over the radio Sunday morning and sowed on my pajamas for three hours, and for an hour before I went to bed, as I had gone through both knees and the seat in both pairs of pajamas.
I cut up one pair and patched the others up so that I wouldn’t have quite so much of a ventilation system through them. Also sowed up the lining in my brown jacket which had come apart in several places and my bed slippers which Aunt Julia sowed up once, but which had gotten in pretty bad condition. Am working on my raincoat now and have my bathrobe to do.
This morning after I came back from breakfast I went up and had my schedule changed and got an appointment for an x-ray for which Martha sent me 2 dollars, but which I promptly sent back along with a seven page letter to make up for not writing to her before.
My books will scarcely cost me anything next term as I will be able to borrow practically all of them, or else go shares with a couple others on this floor who are taking some of the same subjects.
The weather is very warm for this time of the year but is continually overcast. I can’t remember when I saw the sun last around here. It rains about half of the time so you can see why I have to sow on my raincoat.
I am taking Pomology and Animal Husbandry instead of Ag Engineering and Vegetable Crops, which I was signed up for, as I didn’t want six labs because that won’t leave many later on and I wouldn’t have enough time to study. I am starting my Pomology this week so as to get a general idea of the course. Will appreciate a letter anytime.
Lovingly, Hall
Monday afternoon, March 1938
Dear Folks,
Well exams are over and I feel a lot better. I made out pretty well in all of them, I guess or hope, but haven’t received my marks yet.
I started working for my meals along with Irving Saturday night at a house near Sigma Chi where I worked before. It overlooks Cayuga Lake and the inlet on the west, and is right along side of Ithaca Falls on the south across from the Ithaca gun factory. The water is quite high now and the falls present a splendid view and really look like a miniature Niagara.
I didn’t go to church Sunday as I had to go to work at 11:30, but will go every Sunday this term to make up for the past term as I really miss it. I listened to part of a sermon over the radio Sunday morning and sowed on my pajamas for three hours, and for an hour before I went to bed, as I had gone through both knees and the seat in both pairs of pajamas.
I cut up one pair and patched the others up so that I wouldn’t have quite so much of a ventilation system through them. Also sowed up the lining in my brown jacket which had come apart in several places and my bed slippers which Aunt Julia sowed up once, but which had gotten in pretty bad condition. Am working on my raincoat now and have my bathrobe to do.
This morning after I came back from breakfast I went up and had my schedule changed and got an appointment for an x-ray for which Martha sent me 2 dollars, but which I promptly sent back along with a seven page letter to make up for not writing to her before.
My books will scarcely cost me anything next term as I will be able to borrow practically all of them, or else go shares with a couple others on this floor who are taking some of the same subjects.
The weather is very warm for this time of the year but is continually overcast. I can’t remember when I saw the sun last around here. It rains about half of the time so you can see why I have to sow on my raincoat.
I am taking Pomology and Animal Husbandry instead of Ag Engineering and Vegetable Crops, which I was signed up for, as I didn’t want six labs because that won’t leave many later on and I wouldn’t have enough time to study. I am starting my Pomology this week so as to get a general idea of the course. Will appreciate a letter anytime.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #26: Pruning trees
Ithaca, New York
Saturday morning, February 26, 1938
Dear Folks,
I received Aunt Dorothy’s nice letter Thursday and am very sorry to hear the bad news. It seems as if Andy is getting much more than his share of tough breaks doesn’t it? I hope he is coming along nicely now. I sent him a note and a card under his new name as I supposed that was the one he was entered under.
My fees have to be paid by the 7th of March. They come to $33.50 in all so maybe I had better have about $35 as soon as it is convenient. I am enclosing a few pictures that I had taken about three weeks ago. They aren’t very good for the most part but I thought I would send them anyway.
It has snowed here some lately but there isn’t more than 3 or 4 inches. The weather is quite nice in general. How is the new truck in the snow? Irving and I are buying our Agronomy books together, but that is the only one that I have to buy so I am able to borrow all the rest and am saving about $25.
I didn’t go to school yesterday (the first day I’ve missed in the last year or this year up to now) as I ate something Thursday night which didn’t agree with me and didn’t eat anything all day except for an orange and a little super. I ran quite a fever but am ok today, I guess, and will be able to start working again this noon. I didn’t miss too much school work as Tuesday and Thursday are my hardest days when I have classes from 8 to 5 except for an hour at noon when I work.
I received a nice letter from Martha, and also a card from John Serafin yesterday. He just got back from 4 weeks of vacation from the Hospital and is starting work again. I wrote him a letter about two weeks ago. I hope Papa doesn’t have to work too hard now that Andy isn’t there.
The weather hasn’t been so cold that you needed as much wood as usual has it? And besides it’s just three weeks until spring. It would probably be better if I didn’t go to Washington at Easter, seeing as things have turned out the way they have. Maybe I could go the beginning of the summer for a few days when I would have more time instead. Besides I should have my semi-annual dentist appointment. I wonder if you could get me an appointment for the 4th of April if possible. I hope Catherine is feeling better now and got over the cold.
In our Pomology lab last week we were loaded on trucks and taken out to an abandoned apple orchard where we learned how to prune mature apple trees. We also learned how to prune young ones and plant trees, not only apple but others and it is very useful. In my Animal Husbandry course which is just dairy cattle, we judge them all term at all ages, and all breeds. I expect to know a lot more about them when I get through. I guess I better get started studying now.
Lovingly, Hall
Saturday morning, February 26, 1938
Dear Folks,
I received Aunt Dorothy’s nice letter Thursday and am very sorry to hear the bad news. It seems as if Andy is getting much more than his share of tough breaks doesn’t it? I hope he is coming along nicely now. I sent him a note and a card under his new name as I supposed that was the one he was entered under.
My fees have to be paid by the 7th of March. They come to $33.50 in all so maybe I had better have about $35 as soon as it is convenient. I am enclosing a few pictures that I had taken about three weeks ago. They aren’t very good for the most part but I thought I would send them anyway.
It has snowed here some lately but there isn’t more than 3 or 4 inches. The weather is quite nice in general. How is the new truck in the snow? Irving and I are buying our Agronomy books together, but that is the only one that I have to buy so I am able to borrow all the rest and am saving about $25.
I didn’t go to school yesterday (the first day I’ve missed in the last year or this year up to now) as I ate something Thursday night which didn’t agree with me and didn’t eat anything all day except for an orange and a little super. I ran quite a fever but am ok today, I guess, and will be able to start working again this noon. I didn’t miss too much school work as Tuesday and Thursday are my hardest days when I have classes from 8 to 5 except for an hour at noon when I work.
I received a nice letter from Martha, and also a card from John Serafin yesterday. He just got back from 4 weeks of vacation from the Hospital and is starting work again. I wrote him a letter about two weeks ago. I hope Papa doesn’t have to work too hard now that Andy isn’t there.
The weather hasn’t been so cold that you needed as much wood as usual has it? And besides it’s just three weeks until spring. It would probably be better if I didn’t go to Washington at Easter, seeing as things have turned out the way they have. Maybe I could go the beginning of the summer for a few days when I would have more time instead. Besides I should have my semi-annual dentist appointment. I wonder if you could get me an appointment for the 4th of April if possible. I hope Catherine is feeling better now and got over the cold.
In our Pomology lab last week we were loaded on trucks and taken out to an abandoned apple orchard where we learned how to prune mature apple trees. We also learned how to prune young ones and plant trees, not only apple but others and it is very useful. In my Animal Husbandry course which is just dairy cattle, we judge them all term at all ages, and all breeds. I expect to know a lot more about them when I get through. I guess I better get started studying now.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #25: Farm and Home Week
Ithaca, New York
Saturday afternoon, February 19, 1938
Dear Folks,
I appreciated Papa’s letter very much which I received Wednesday. Farm and Home Week ended this noon and they registered over 15,000 altogether, an increase of 4,000 over last year and an all-time record. The people had quite a time finding a place to sleep around the city.
I managed to get around and see a lot of the exhibits when I wasn’t ushering or helping register, and they certainly were very fine. I hope that in the future some of you will be able to come out and see them and take in some of the lectures on topics which interest you – hundreds of which are given each day.
They had a very big crowd for Mrs. Roosevelt – about five thousand – and the auditorium seats 2500 so we had quite a job keeping the people from forcing their way in. She gave a very good speech and so did Governor Lehman yesterday, some of which you may have heard. On Wednesday, Mr. Tabor gave a very good speech which was also broadcast.
This afternoon I did a Pomology report and tonight all the members who worked on the Farm and Home Week committee have been invited over to Alpha Gamma Rho, which is the agricultural fraternity, to a dance, so I guess I will go.
Do you suppose it will be alright if I go down to Washington over Easter vacation for a couple of days? Both Margaret and her mother have invited me to come down and I would like to go very much if I could.
Tomorrow morning we are having a very good minister from Boston speaking at Sage and I am going up to hear him. I work at 12:00 so I have to rush right down to the coop from there but I don’t have to work Sunday night, which is the only night in the week that I don’t.
I got some bulletins on potato storage and the waxing of vegetables yesterday from a professor and will bring them home when I come. They say that only a light coating of manure should be applied to the piece where one is going to plant potatoes, as too much nitrogen is not good for them. Also the land should be fairly well drained. I think perhaps the place where we had them last year is a little too wet and it would be better to rotate them again. It helps immensely in reducing the number of potato bugs.
I have to go up to work now, but will be looking forward to a letter.
Lovingly, Hall
Saturday afternoon, February 19, 1938
Dear Folks,
I appreciated Papa’s letter very much which I received Wednesday. Farm and Home Week ended this noon and they registered over 15,000 altogether, an increase of 4,000 over last year and an all-time record. The people had quite a time finding a place to sleep around the city.
I managed to get around and see a lot of the exhibits when I wasn’t ushering or helping register, and they certainly were very fine. I hope that in the future some of you will be able to come out and see them and take in some of the lectures on topics which interest you – hundreds of which are given each day.
They had a very big crowd for Mrs. Roosevelt – about five thousand – and the auditorium seats 2500 so we had quite a job keeping the people from forcing their way in. She gave a very good speech and so did Governor Lehman yesterday, some of which you may have heard. On Wednesday, Mr. Tabor gave a very good speech which was also broadcast.
This afternoon I did a Pomology report and tonight all the members who worked on the Farm and Home Week committee have been invited over to Alpha Gamma Rho, which is the agricultural fraternity, to a dance, so I guess I will go.
Do you suppose it will be alright if I go down to Washington over Easter vacation for a couple of days? Both Margaret and her mother have invited me to come down and I would like to go very much if I could.
Tomorrow morning we are having a very good minister from Boston speaking at Sage and I am going up to hear him. I work at 12:00 so I have to rush right down to the coop from there but I don’t have to work Sunday night, which is the only night in the week that I don’t.
I got some bulletins on potato storage and the waxing of vegetables yesterday from a professor and will bring them home when I come. They say that only a light coating of manure should be applied to the piece where one is going to plant potatoes, as too much nitrogen is not good for them. Also the land should be fairly well drained. I think perhaps the place where we had them last year is a little too wet and it would be better to rotate them again. It helps immensely in reducing the number of potato bugs.
I have to go up to work now, but will be looking forward to a letter.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #24: Ushering for Eleanor Roosevelt
Ithaca, New York
Tuesday afternoon, February 15, 1938
Dear Folks,
I didn’t write Sunday as there wasn’t much to say and I was rather busy that day. I went to church in the morning and had to attend two committee meetings in the afternoon. I only have a couple classes each day but when I am not doing that I am either ushering or helping register or working at the Coop. Rather contrary to my wishes I have been appointed head of both the noon and night shifts. It keeps me busy especially these first few days when the people are new at their work.
If I find that I have too much on my hands I will resign from the head of the night shift. Yesterday I ushered for Dean Ladd at the Agriculture College and Miss Flora Rose who is head of the Home Ec. College when they spoke at 2 p.m. I also ushered for the Future Farmers of America during their Amateur Hour, which was two hours at night – both programs were broadcast.
Today I ushered for George F. Warren who is head of the Ag Economics Department here, and I will again tonight when the University Orchestra gives a concert in Bailey Hall. Governor Lehman and Mrs. Roosevelt are speaking the next couple of days and I will usher for them too. Over 4,000 registered for Farm and Home Week yesterday. They only had 11,000 for the whole week yesterday.
I saw the Penn-Cornell basketball game Saturday as it didn’t cost me anything to go with Ralph. It was very good although we lost by a few points, but we are second in the league. Today I got the rest of my marks and made out a little better than I expected. This is all I have time for now.
Lovingly, Hall
Editor’s notes:
Click the links below to view photos and background information about Eleanor Roosevelt’s visits to Cornell during Farm and Home Week.
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/homeEc/cases/eleanorroosevelt.html
http://he-photos.library.cornell.edu/image.php?record=1165
http://he-photos.library.cornell.edu/image.php?record=1169
Click the link below to read Eleanor Roosevelt’s “My Day” column for February 19, 1938.
http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1938&_f=md054881
Tuesday afternoon, February 15, 1938
Dear Folks,
I didn’t write Sunday as there wasn’t much to say and I was rather busy that day. I went to church in the morning and had to attend two committee meetings in the afternoon. I only have a couple classes each day but when I am not doing that I am either ushering or helping register or working at the Coop. Rather contrary to my wishes I have been appointed head of both the noon and night shifts. It keeps me busy especially these first few days when the people are new at their work.
If I find that I have too much on my hands I will resign from the head of the night shift. Yesterday I ushered for Dean Ladd at the Agriculture College and Miss Flora Rose who is head of the Home Ec. College when they spoke at 2 p.m. I also ushered for the Future Farmers of America during their Amateur Hour, which was two hours at night – both programs were broadcast.
Today I ushered for George F. Warren who is head of the Ag Economics Department here, and I will again tonight when the University Orchestra gives a concert in Bailey Hall. Governor Lehman and Mrs. Roosevelt are speaking the next couple of days and I will usher for them too. Over 4,000 registered for Farm and Home Week yesterday. They only had 11,000 for the whole week yesterday.
I saw the Penn-Cornell basketball game Saturday as it didn’t cost me anything to go with Ralph. It was very good although we lost by a few points, but we are second in the league. Today I got the rest of my marks and made out a little better than I expected. This is all I have time for now.
Lovingly, Hall
Editor’s notes:
Click the links below to view photos and background information about Eleanor Roosevelt’s visits to Cornell during Farm and Home Week.
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu/homeEc/cases/eleanorroosevelt.html
http://he-photos.library.cornell.edu/image.php?record=1165
http://he-photos.library.cornell.edu/image.php?record=1169
Click the link below to read Eleanor Roosevelt’s “My Day” column for February 19, 1938.
http://www.gwu.edu/~erpapers/myday/displaydoc.cfm?_y=1938&_f=md054881
Post #23: Five finals
Ithaca, New York
Saturday afternoon, February 5, 1938
Dear Folks,
I have been looking for a letter lately as I was anxious to hear how Andy was and how things were going. All the snow has disappeared here during the week and we had a lot of rain.
One week from today I will be through with my finals and will have quite a load off of my mind. I have five, but they are spread out over most of the week so it gives me a chance to study for them.
I just got 98% on an Animal Physiology prelim which will raise my marks some in that course. I have been asked to help during Farm and Home Week from two sources. The 4-H Club has appointed me as one of the ushers for the visitors the dav Governor Lehman and Mrs. Roosevelt speak. The chairman of the registering committee has asked me to serve on the registering committee to help preregister the visitors who come here during Farm and Home Week. There are 10 agriculture students who are appointed each year to do this.
If you want me to come home for a few days the week after next by myself, or possibly with Ralph, maybe we could hitchhike home. If you don’t think it is necessary please let me know so that I will know what plans to make. Of course weather conditions are uncertain.
I had a very interesting discussion with one of the sociology instructors who did survey work in Dutchess County all around our section last summer. He was making a study of organizations such as Dairyman’s League and Sheffield and the feelings that the farmers had toward these organizations.
The president of our Coop sent a letter to Governor Lehman asking him to eat at our club when he comes to Ithaca for Farm and Home Week. He wrote us a very nice letter thanking us for the invitation but saying that he had so many official obligations that he wouldn’t have time to during the short time he plans to be here. We have his letter posted on our bulletin board. It has a gold seal signifying the executive department on top of it.
A week ago I was on the reception committee for Professor Gibson, who is head of the placement bureau in the Ag School, when he ate at the Coop. We are closing tomorrow night for two weeks so I will buy my meals.
Lovingly, Hall
Saturday afternoon, February 5, 1938
Dear Folks,
I have been looking for a letter lately as I was anxious to hear how Andy was and how things were going. All the snow has disappeared here during the week and we had a lot of rain.
One week from today I will be through with my finals and will have quite a load off of my mind. I have five, but they are spread out over most of the week so it gives me a chance to study for them.
I just got 98% on an Animal Physiology prelim which will raise my marks some in that course. I have been asked to help during Farm and Home Week from two sources. The 4-H Club has appointed me as one of the ushers for the visitors the dav Governor Lehman and Mrs. Roosevelt speak. The chairman of the registering committee has asked me to serve on the registering committee to help preregister the visitors who come here during Farm and Home Week. There are 10 agriculture students who are appointed each year to do this.
If you want me to come home for a few days the week after next by myself, or possibly with Ralph, maybe we could hitchhike home. If you don’t think it is necessary please let me know so that I will know what plans to make. Of course weather conditions are uncertain.
I had a very interesting discussion with one of the sociology instructors who did survey work in Dutchess County all around our section last summer. He was making a study of organizations such as Dairyman’s League and Sheffield and the feelings that the farmers had toward these organizations.
The president of our Coop sent a letter to Governor Lehman asking him to eat at our club when he comes to Ithaca for Farm and Home Week. He wrote us a very nice letter thanking us for the invitation but saying that he had so many official obligations that he wouldn’t have time to during the short time he plans to be here. We have his letter posted on our bulletin board. It has a gold seal signifying the executive department on top of it.
A week ago I was on the reception committee for Professor Gibson, who is head of the placement bureau in the Ag School, when he ate at the Coop. We are closing tomorrow night for two weeks so I will buy my meals.
Lovingly, Hall
Post #22: Candy and toothbrushes
Ithaca, New York
Saturday morning, January 1938
Dear Folks,
I just have time to write a letter before I go up to work. I have just returned from taking a prelim in Economics which I stayed up most of the night studying for.
You know the gifts that were given out the night of the wedding? Well I stuck mine in my suit pocket then without opening it, and I just discovered it a couple of days ago. It was a bottle of Pond’s cold cream, so I am letting Irving use it.
Editor’s note: The wedding refers to Catherine Matilda Flint and Andrew Burton Leigh, who married on December 31, 1937.
The only time I’ve been out since I came back was Monday night when I went up to the 4-H meeting to hear Professor Agustensen talk on his trip to Europe. He is a professor in the Agronomy Department and gave some very interesting data on agricultural methods employed on the British Isles and in France. His lecture was also accompanied by slides. Last night there was a 4-H party but I didn’t go on account of my prelim.
Your letter was very interesting and I enjoyed Martha’s too. I suppose I should take a lesson from her marks but I don’t seem to be doing it yet. I’ll bring a couple toothbrushes back the next time I come home if you don’t need them before. Thank you very much for the package and candy. I have been feeling much better lately and have regained my appetite. Although my nose is still rather sensitive, I have had no more bad nose bleeds.
I probably won’t work at the coop for two weeks during exams and just following, as I have a chance to get off since they are only running part time. It will give me a chance to hit my finals better. My marks as a whole are picking up although they have a long way to go yet.
Remember me to Catherine and Andy and the rest. It has been snowing quite a bit lately but there isn’t much on the ground, although it is quite cold.
Last Saturday afternoon I played basketball on the coop team and was high scorer, but felt very stiff the next day as it was the first time I had played this year. I also watched the wrestling bouts between our freshmen and some other college.
Cornell won their first league game in basketball from Princeton but lost to Dartmouth Monday night. We are playing Columbia here tonight.
Well, I have to go now so will be expecting a letter soon.
Lovingly, Hall
Saturday morning, January 1938
Dear Folks,
I just have time to write a letter before I go up to work. I have just returned from taking a prelim in Economics which I stayed up most of the night studying for.
You know the gifts that were given out the night of the wedding? Well I stuck mine in my suit pocket then without opening it, and I just discovered it a couple of days ago. It was a bottle of Pond’s cold cream, so I am letting Irving use it.
Editor’s note: The wedding refers to Catherine Matilda Flint and Andrew Burton Leigh, who married on December 31, 1937.
The only time I’ve been out since I came back was Monday night when I went up to the 4-H meeting to hear Professor Agustensen talk on his trip to Europe. He is a professor in the Agronomy Department and gave some very interesting data on agricultural methods employed on the British Isles and in France. His lecture was also accompanied by slides. Last night there was a 4-H party but I didn’t go on account of my prelim.
Your letter was very interesting and I enjoyed Martha’s too. I suppose I should take a lesson from her marks but I don’t seem to be doing it yet. I’ll bring a couple toothbrushes back the next time I come home if you don’t need them before. Thank you very much for the package and candy. I have been feeling much better lately and have regained my appetite. Although my nose is still rather sensitive, I have had no more bad nose bleeds.
I probably won’t work at the coop for two weeks during exams and just following, as I have a chance to get off since they are only running part time. It will give me a chance to hit my finals better. My marks as a whole are picking up although they have a long way to go yet.
Remember me to Catherine and Andy and the rest. It has been snowing quite a bit lately but there isn’t much on the ground, although it is quite cold.
Last Saturday afternoon I played basketball on the coop team and was high scorer, but felt very stiff the next day as it was the first time I had played this year. I also watched the wrestling bouts between our freshmen and some other college.
Cornell won their first league game in basketball from Princeton but lost to Dartmouth Monday night. We are playing Columbia here tonight.
Well, I have to go now so will be expecting a letter soon.
Lovingly, Hall
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