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???

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.

Historical Note

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.