Part 3 (1/2)

In a short time, however, I received a very encouraging reply expressing a friendly interest in me and advising me to come to St. Johnsbury in season to take an entrance examination and stating that a willing boy could most always find work.

The letter was not dictated nor was it typewritten. It was written in long hand and by the princ.i.p.al himself. The spelling, grammar, and punctuation were, I felt sure, absolutely perfect; but the handwriting, to my great joy, was no handsomer than mine. This and the kindly tone of the letter helped me to a quick and firm determination to pack all of my worldly possessions, including some cookies, loaves of bread, etc., into a rough wooden box and start for St. Johnsbury in season for the opening of the fall term.

Within an hour after my arrival I found myself in the home of the princ.i.p.al sitting quite near him, hearing him say in a quiet, sincere voice, that he was glad I came; that he had found work for me; that he wanted me to know that he was interested in all boys who came to the Academy with a desire to work and to learn. I went from him to the family where I was to live and work, inspired with confidence in him and respect for him.

Master editor, these things happened nearly twenty years before your birth, and in all these years the only change in my feelings toward this princ.i.p.al of St. Johnsbury Academy that I am conscious of, is an increased and unbounded faith in him as a Christian gentleman, love and respect for him as a true friend, grat.i.tude and admiration for him as a teacher and wise counsellor who has ministered generously to the physical and spiritual needs of many besides myself.

You know, of course, that I refer to Prof. C. E. Putney who was princ.i.p.al of St. Johnsbury Academy in the days when it ranked with Andover and Exeter and for a number of years has been teaching Latin and Greek in the Burlington, Vermont, High School. February 26, will be his seventy-fifth birthday. This is why that day has a particular meaning and interest for me and many others.

ROLAND E. STEVENS.

Hartford, Vermont, February 22, 1915.

On Mr. Putney's seventy-fifth birthday the teachers of Edmunds High School presented him with a beautiful loving cup. This note accompanied the cup:

To our honored Friend and Co-worker, Mr. Charles E. Putney.

The teachers of the High School, with the superintendent and his wife, wish to send you hearty congratulations on your birthday and the many years of usefulness that lie in its wake. They wish to emphasize their appreciation of what it means to the whole school to have in their midst a loyal old soldier, a kindly and genial friend, and a real gentleman of ”the old school.”

They hope this loving cup will be to you a substantial evidence of their appreciation in the past, as also of their good wishes for the future.

TRIBUTES UPON OTHER BIRTHDAYS

At Seventy

With a step elastic, Vigorous of mind, Strenuous of purpose, Casting doubts behind,-- Vigilant for duty, Strong to banish fears,-- What a wealth of tribute To your seventy years.

Backward glance disclosing Many a service field, To whose faithful tilling Bounteous harvests yield,-- Priceless treasures, wrested From the soil of truth, Treasures from rich sowing In the lives of youth;

Treasures from the valley, Where the shadows lay Till your voice of comfort Whispered them away; Treasures from the hillside, Whose ascent seemed drear Till your note of courage Fell upon the ear.

Treasures from the garden, Where the Graces bloom, Lavishly exuding Breaths of rich perfume; Treasures from the vineyard, To whose soil were given Streams of gracious influence Born of Hope and Heaven;

Treasures from the hilltop, Where the Eternal Love Fell in showers of blessing From the fount above; Treasures gleaned from sorrow, When to longing eyes Came a glimpse of mansions Reared in Paradise.

Ten and threescore cycles Are complete today; Loving benedictions Speed you on your way.

Age has no forebodings,-- Clouds and shadows fly From the glow and radiance Of your western sky.

Peaceful, glad and trustful Is your forward glance,-- Faith begetting vision As the years advance.