20th Century

Haleyville, Alabama Oct. 18, 1923 Dearest Jess, I am writing during the noon hour — at school. This is Miss McDuffie’s week “on duty” (at noon hr), but I am playing while she goes home for lunch. You see we live so close that we can easily work it that way and both of us can have a warm lunch — only I don’t have to be “on duty” at all. Ain’t I glad I’m a music teacher? Our “Mrs and Mr Jolly Jacks” was quite a success and we gave it both Fri and Sat nights — made $394. The money goes on our new opera chairs that we have in the auditorium. That kept us so busy all last week that we went to town only once but we have made up for lost time this week. Every night this week I will be going to school. You remember the class Miss Barlow taught in the Sunday School manual? Well I took the first division (of the book) then and now I have an opportunity to study the second division. I think I shall study the third part at home, let this teacher give me an exam and get my diploma. Wouldn’t that be nice? It’s more fun to go to school here than it was to Miss Barlow. We have a 30 min. lesson period — then serve refreshments, play a few games and then go back for another 30 min. lesson. Then too, we have a much larger class than she had. Don’t you wish you were here? By the way have you joined the church since you moved to Ft. Smith? Of course you will because you would enjoy going there. I’m bad about Dee and J. C. Are either of them broken hearted? Maybe they will try to patch it up and as all love stories end — “get married and live happily ever afterward.” Do you ever see our friend Mary Hamilton when you go to Hartford? Wish you would remind Maude that she promised to write to me when she got to Ft. Smith and started with her music. If she is too busy then you may tell me the names of her study books and pieces (if she has any yet). I am interested that’s all. I’d give anything if I had my Hartford bunch here to teach. My pupils are sweet as can be but they just haven’t the “stuff” that my class last year had. I’d like to know right now what every one of them are studying. No indeed I have not quit Arkansas “for keeps” even tho I do not plan to go home — it is a long time before Christmas and I may be homesick by that time. If I am not then I am not going home. Cause how can I afford to do that when I want to go to California next summer, go to school next winter and a dozen different things!?!?! Thursday — Have just had a letter from Clara Marie saying that if I don’t come home Christmas that she is coming to see me. Won’t that be nice. She told me about James Friday being hurt too — Isn’t that terrible. I could just weep. The Methodists are having a calendar party tonight. Miss McDuffie and I are on the program for a duet. Guess I’ll have to miss school one night. Had a letter from our friend John Bailey today. You had better watch out or he will beat your time yet??? Always, “Dooley”

The writer emerges as ambitious, socially connected, and intellectually curious. She balances professional responsibilities with personal aspirations, maintaining strong emotional ties while actively imagining a broader future beyond her immediate environment. Her tone blends humor, curiosity, and determination, offering a portrait of a young woman navigating independence in a rapidly modernizing society.

Historical Note

This letter provides a strong window into education, ambition, and mobility among young women in the 1920s South. Women in Professional Roles: The writer is a music teacher, reflecting: → One of the socially acceptable professional paths for women → A blend of artistic and educational roles School Fundraising & Community Investment: The performance raising $394 for opera chairs shows: → Community-driven school improvement → Importance of performance arts in education Religious & Educational Overlap: Sunday school study and certification suggests: → Churches as educational institutions → Structured religious learning with formal progression Social Networks & Mobility: Frequent references to: → Friends in multiple towns (Haleyville, Fort Smith, Hartford) → Movement between communities → Maintaining long-distance relationships via letters Ambition & Forward Thinking: Particularly notable: → Plans for California travel → Continued schooling → Financial awareness (“how can I afford…”) This reflects a modern, forward-looking mindset uncommon in earlier generations. Leisure & Community Life: Activities include: → Church events (“calendar party”) → Musical performances → Social speculation about relationships