Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Charles S. Macfarland, February 3, 1908

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Dublin Core

Title

Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Charles S. Macfarland, February 3, 1908

Subject

Letter from Alfred E. Stearns to Charles S. Macfarland, February 3, 1908

Description

Typed letter sent from Alfred E. Stearns to Rev. Charles S. Macfarland about John J. Ungvary. Explains Ungvary has done well in his subjects. States Ungvary objected to initial accommodations, asking for something better due to health reasons. Noticed a tendency to spend a little more money than other working boys. Hopes Ungvary doesn't develop a lack of appreciation. Explains Ungvary quit the dining hall job after a few days and if he was laid off, it was because he was less efficient.

Transcription

Rev. Charles S. Macfarland,
37 Bayview Avenue,
South Norwalk, Conn.

My dear Mr.Macfarland,

I do not quite know how to account for the reports which Mr.Ungvary has sent you of his situation. The boy is in some ways peculiar. So far as reports have reached me, he has always been faithful and earnest in his work and has done well in his various subjects. Along that line he seems well worth helping. In some either ways, however, he has been harder to understand.

Some of our poorest boys here are accustomed to put up with pretty rugged accommodations. Ungvary from the start objected to such surroundings on the ground that his health required something better. This may be perfectly true and I don’t want to be unfair to him. At the same time on several occasions I have thought I noticed a little tendency to spend a little more money and secure something a little better than a good many of our working boys required. Doubtless the boy’s health and temperament may make this necessary.

Please don’t misunderstand me for, barring the traits referred to, the boy seems in every way most worthy. But I would regret deeply to have him develop a lack of appreciation of what is being done for him and a willingness to accept freely all charities offered without doing his part to make ends meet. Early in the term I secured him an excellent opportunity to earn a most desirable room. He threw up the job within a few days on the ground that the ladies in charge of the house were too fussy and exacting. I know they were particularly but I know that every year boys have rejoiced to get the particular opportunity afforded in this house and that the moment Ungvary gave up the position, another good fellow stepped immediately and enthusiastically into the breach. This is one of the things that has made me a little nervous about the boy. In a word, it does not seem to me that he has yet done his best to help himself. If he has been laid off at the dining hall, it is because he was less efficient than the others. I hope, however, that this lay off may be only temporary.

Assuring you of my deep appreciation of your many kindnesses to this boy and trusting that what I have written may aid you in passing judgement on his case, believe me,

Very sincerely yours,

Alfred E. Stearns.

Creator

Dr. Alfred E. Stearns

Publisher

Phillips Academy

Date

February 3, 1908

Rights

All Rights Reserved By Phillips Academy

Language

English

Type

Correspondence

Collection

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