Life in the Boarding Department - 1929

by Betty Witherspoon '37

If all of the boarding schools in the world had a contest to see which had the greatest percent of matrons in the last twelve or fourteen years, I can vouchsafe that the American Community School would come out with flying colors. I believe that most of them reigned during my years there. The students in the boarding department had a reputation that will be hard to live down. The poor unsuspecting matrons that innocently agreed to superintend us were soon made aware of this, and as soon as it could possibly be arranged, another trusting young person would be given their place.

The first year I put in my appearance at the school, Mrs. Avery was bravely carrying on in the job with the efficient assistance of her husband, a doctor connected with the University. Everyone loved Mrs. Avery, so she was a great success and Dr. Avery was very proficient in dealing with the boys. But Mrs. Avery did not stay very long. She and her husband were to go to America, so the sad night at last came when she was to leave. The younger ones were in bed when she came around to kiss us good-by. I must say that although both Irene and I did cry a little, we weren't alone in our grief because some of the boys had turned weaklings and shed a few tears also.

Next came the dearest little German lady who was a marvel at telling German fairy tales. Of course a person like that can win over children very easily, and every night we younger ones gathered in our dormitory and bundled up in beds and blankets listening to our bed-time stories.

But she, alas, had to go back to Germany, so the next year we had another lady and her husband who had a little boy. We all simply adored the little red-cheeked, black-haired fellow who sat in his high-chair in the mornings as we came down to breakfast.

With the cares of a baby on her hands, of course this young mother could not be expected to also take care of other people's children. So, near the end of the second year, Miss Stokes came to take her hand at the situation. She also was a German -- and a wonder. A.C.S. had at last gotten it's true need. What would we do without Miss Stokes? The only reason she remained was because they could find no one else to take her place. The world has been warned! And so the passing of the actors on this dramatic stage goes on and as each finished her job she goes on to take up other duties.

I believe that every child should have the opportunity for at least one year at a boarding school. Not purely for the academic part -- that can be had at an ordinary school -- but because of other things. It teaches a child to be independent and to be thrifty. If a boy in his first week at school should spend all his money by Monday upon sweets, he will remember the next time and portion it out better. When a girl comes home from boarding school with all her dresses in need of replacement and repair, the poor mother may despair. But she will also rejoice to know that her daughter is making friendships of which many will be ever-lasting. And that she is having fun along with her work -- fun like that of a large family of children. The only child especially benefits from the experience.

Although there were many things that were a bit hard for me, thinking back on those boarding school days I know they were the happiest I have had yet. Being naturally a shy and sensitive child, some of the words uttered to me beat me to the quick. I could stand bodily harm far better than a mean or teasing word. And the children did tease me. Oh, I don't blame them -- if I were one of them, perhaps I would tease a shy "green" little child too. Up to that time I had lead a comparatively sheltered life, mostly under the care of kind servants. Boarding school was my first step into the real world.

Life in the Boarding Department - 1929

by Betty Witherspoon '37

If all of the boarding schools in the world had a contest to see which had the greatest percent of matrons in the last twelve or fourteen years, I can vouchsafe that the American Community School would come out with flying colors. I believe that most of them reigned during my years there. The students in the boarding department had a reputation that will be hard to live down. The poor unsuspecting matrons that innocently agreed to superintend us were soon made aware of this, and as soon as it could possibly be arranged, another trusting young person would be given their place.

The first year I put in my appearance at the school, Mrs. Avery was bravely carrying on in the job with the efficient assistance of her husband, a doctor connected with the University. Everyone loved Mrs. Avery, so she was a great success and Dr. Avery was very proficient in dealing with the boys. But Mrs. Avery did not stay very long. She and her husband were to go to America, so the sad night at last came when she was to leave. The younger ones were in bed when she came around to kiss us good-by. I must say that although both Irene and I did cry a little, we weren't alone in our grief because some of the boys had turned weaklings and shed a few tears also.

Next came the dearest little German lady who was a marvel at telling German fairy tales. Of course a person like that can win over children very easily, and every night we younger ones gathered in our dormitory and bundled up in beds and blankets listening to our bed-time stories.

But she, alas, had to go back to Germany, so the next year we had another lady and her husband who had a little boy. We all simply adored the little red-cheeked, black-haired fellow who sat in his high-chair in the mornings as we came down to breakfast.

With the cares of a baby on her hands, of course this young mother could not be expected to also take care of other people's children. So, near the end of the second year, Miss Stokes came to take her hand at the situation. She also was a German -- and a wonder. A.C.S. had at last gotten it's true need. What would we do without Miss Stokes? The only reason she remained was because they could find no one else to take her place. The world has been warned! And so the passing of the actors on this dramatic stage goes on and as each finished her job she goes on to take up other duties.

I believe that every child should have the opportunity for at least one year at a boarding school. Not purely for the academic part -- that can be had at an ordinary school -- but because of other things. It teaches a child to be independent and to be thrifty. If a boy in his first week at school should spend all his money by Monday upon sweets, he will remember the next time and portion it out better. When a girl comes home from boarding school with all her dresses in need of replacement and repair, the poor mother may despair. But she will also rejoice to know that her daughter is making friendships of which many will be ever-lasting. And that she is having fun along with her work -- fun like that of a large family of children. The only child especially benefits from the experience.

Although there were many things that were a bit hard for me, thinking back on those boarding school days I know they were the happiest I have had yet. Being naturally a shy and sensitive child, some of the words uttered to me beat me to the quick. I could stand bodily harm far better than a mean or teasing word. And the children did tease me. Oh, I don't blame them -- if I were one of them, perhaps I would tease a shy "green" little child too. Up to that time I had lead a comparatively sheltered life, mostly under the care of kind servants. Boarding school was my first step into the real world.

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