Name/Title
06 - 9.14.23 Teaching Life and Longing – Haleyville LetterEntry/Object ID
RE-LE-COLLHE-0054Description
A personal letter describing the writer’s daily teaching routine, social life, and emotional longing, including playful anecdotes, reflections on work, and continued attachment to the recipient.Subject
Personal correspondence; teaching life; social activities; emotional intimacy; daily routineSubject Place
State/Province
Alabama, ArkansasCountry
United StatesContinent
North AmericaTranscription
Transcription
Haleyville, Ala.
Wed. evening
Dearest Jess,
Instead of going to church tonight I stayed at home and played Rook. See how I am “sliding back”? The game was quite interesting — since Mr. Foster and I won. My room mate had a date and one of the twins had to grade papers, so the other twin played with Mrs. Foster and found that they were no Rook players at all, at all.
I was tired tonight as I taught at the North West High School today. It is a Methodist High School. Have I told you about teaching there? It is out from town and it seems a long distance as I have a hill to climb. But I had much rather go there two days than be doing nothing. The other days I teach at Haleyville High. So you see, I am busy.
And you say that my letter came just when you wanted it most. I am glad. Think I am getting in an extra one tonight, am I not? But I have been waiting to see you — honest. This is a poor substitute for talking to you but I guess it is the best I can do.
I’m glad you go to see Clara Marie when you are in Hartford. But she had better be careful about letting you read my letters. What did I say that was so awful? I want to know because I can’t think of a thing I have done. Have you seen Mother since she came home? Is Charles working now?
Have you realized that you never tell me a thing about yourself — I mean pertaining to your work. You know I am “slightly interested”! Do they keep you real busy or do you have time to loaf a lot?
Always
“Dooley”
(Added later)
(Thurs. afternoon)
This morning I had one hour of leisure so I went to church. Prepare yourself for a shock — the singer asked to come to see me this afternoon!!! Imagine it? Am I not nice to tell you about it???Language
EnglishEthnography
Notes
The letter captures a balance between independence and social expectation. The writer is professionally active, socially engaged, and emotionally expressive, yet still operating within the boundaries of small-town scrutiny, religious norms, and gendered expectations of behavior and courtship.General Notes
Note Type
Historical NoteNote
This letter offers a vivid look into the daily rhythms and emotional tone of a young Southern schoolteacher in 1923.
Dual Teaching Roles:
The writer splits her time between Haleyville High School and a more distant Methodist high school, illustrating how teachers in rural areas often worked across multiple institutions.
Transportation & Geography:
Her reference to walking and “a hill to climb” underscores the physical demands of rural teaching before widespread automobile use among young women.
Leisure & Social Life:
The card game Rook was widely popular in early 20th-century America, particularly in small-town and church-centered communities.
Religion vs. Recreation:
Her playful remark about “sliding back” by skipping church reflects the strong cultural expectation of church attendance, even as young adults balanced social activities.
Gender & Courtship Dynamics:
The added note about a male singer asking to visit her is especially revealing—
→ It shows acceptable forms of courtship initiation
→ And her teasing tone suggests she is both aware of and managing attention from multiple suitors
Emotional Transparency:
The line “I have been waiting to see you — honest” highlights the growing emotional intimacy between writer and recipient, reinforcing that this is not casual correspondence.
Privacy & Reputation:
Her concern about others reading her letters reflects the importance of reputation and discretion, particularly for unmarried women.Create Date
March 27, 2026
