Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1934-03-02 letter to Dear BoysEntry/Object ID
1990.1.200Context
920 E. University Ave.
Gainesville, Fla. March 2, 1934
Dear Boys:
This is a beautiful sunshiny morning with thermometer about 65. I am sitting at the South window of the kitchen looking out upon the U. Ave. which is a boulevard lined with palms, live oak, rubber and other varieties of trees and shrubs. In the yard are palms, several pecan trees, some fig trees and other trees and shrubs. Richard has gone to the U. for his three classes and mama is ironing. Before me in the window is a box of tomato plants each plant looking up as to say "watch me grow." Richard seems to be enjoying his school work and get an A on his paper in Eng. Exposition. He thinks his teachers are fine and is greatly pleased with his music work with Prof Marsh. He seems pretty well but is losing some weight. The Dr. says he will look into his case further. Judging from the little contact I have had with the U. I think faculty and student bodies are friendly among themselves and show a fine attitude toward strangers who come in. I have free access to the library and now have four books out. They have a splendid library building equipped with large and commodious reading rooms which are open practically all the time. They have a fine array of magazines and well selected books. I have read several volumes and am trying to make the time count for something. My garden about 50 x 60 is coming nicely. Corn, potatoes, beans, spinach, radishes, lettuce, onions and turnips are up.
We like the people and the churches. We attend S.S. at Pres. Church and they have drafted me to teach classes four sundays. [sic] It seems a little strange to hear them say Lawd for Lord etc. but they are friendly and fill the auditorium both morning and evening. Pastors of the Pres. and Christian Churches have called on us. They want Richard in their choirs orchestra etc but we think he should not take on any extra work at present. There are many colored people here but they seem to know their place. There are separate waiting rooms at R.R. stations and separate toilets everywhere. Of course the schools including the University are separate. We do not hear of much meanness going on in the town and people scarcely think of locking their doors.
We do not know yet what our plans will be. The U. closes about June 1 and then they have a Summer term which closes Aug. 3rd. We do not have the Summer schedule yet but if they have suitable work for Richard we may stay for the Summer. Do not say anything to others about it yet. If something opens in church work for me doubtless I shall take it. I do not know what attitude the Church or Conference is taking in the matter. They may feel that since I am out I may as well stay out. If I thought that is the case then I would prefer staying in Fla. and secure some kind of a home. Time will straighten all this out I think. Less said the better. Mama has not consulted a Dr since we came to Fla. and so far has gotten through the winter far better than usual. It seems to make no difference in my case as to climate but I do like this winter weather.
Mama is learning the touch system on the type-writer and it will be a great help to her in writing. I found a copy of New Testament and Psalms with Great Primer type and am sending it to uncle Jordan. Mr Lay, Arthur's fatherin-law [sic], died recently and was buried in New York. We feel the need of a permanent home and long for the time to come when we can get our old traps together and be ready to welcome you home again. However this has been a profitable winter to us in many ways. It will give us quite a different outlook upon life in many ways. Stick to your tasks whatever they may be and make the most of your opportunities as the days go by. We shall let you know as soon as anything definite develops. James I am sending Sandburg's Lincoln to you. I think both you and Paul should read it and then put it with my books there. If he has not read it Paul will find in it a wonderful back-ground of American ideals and life which may be a great help in his work. Take good care of your health and above all else be true to the highest ideals in moral spiritual verities. I am more concerned about that than you financial successes. May choice blessings rest upon you.
Affectionately,
J.H.Harris
