Letters from HJC, 1904-1906

These are letters to his family, beginning with his first days in Chicago to take up his new teaching position at University Latin School, giving specifics about classes and his own work for them, describing the appearance of his boarding house rooms and the various people who live in them; also attending Meeting, Bible class, daily life, playing tennis and football, Friends and friends. In September of 1905, his letters describe his teaching duties at Westtown, as well as his spare time. The letters show his diligence as a teacher, as well as his thoughtfulness as a family member and commitment as a Quaker. Highlights include: To family. Chicago, IL, 1904 10/2. [description of day and courses he teaches, and further description of the house in which he is living, as well as playing tennis with Guy] To family. Chicago, IL, 1904 11/27. [trip to St. Louis and sights taken in] To family. Chicago, IL, 1905 2/5. [although a student has criticized his teaching, HJC believes he can learn from it] To family. Chicago IL, 1905 3/12. [believes he could handle a job at Westtown, with a load lighter than the one he currently has, but wonders whether he could “overmaster its narrowing influence”; refers to death of John W. Rowntree] with this letter is one from William Wichersham offering HJC a job teaching Latin, possibly French, at Westtown while another teacher is on leave, and a follow-up letter explaining further his duties; HJC did accept the job