My dear Classmates:

The great difference between the Then and the Now is that you used to sing 'There is no class up to us.' Now you live it. So many chords -not only those of sympathy - have been touched by these letters that I must begin my very simple record with hearty thanks, specially for a glimpse of the pictures.

My generalized impression of the reunion of 1928 (I was there only for the last part) was that, among many other things, the years have taught us better how to seek and to value, the true worth of each personality in this delightfully varied group.

As I can not recall having written for 'Round Robin' more than twice before, perhaps I can sum up a very simple account by saying that after teaching in three boarding schools until 1923, I decided to carry out a girlish idea I remember once expressing to Fran Hopkins, that after gaining some experience, I should like to give the fruit of it to some poorer school with few advantages. However, before entering fully into the work of a mission school, I gave two restful years to specialized study in Philadelphia. As my graduate work had been done chiefly at summer schools, I delighted in this change.

As for travel, I have not gone farther than the Pacific Coast, but I still have hopes.

It is only in the far West I have seen glories that rival this part of North Carolina. This school plant, including an accredited high school, is between-on-under various mountain peaks - a building so modern that critics say we are too comfortable for missionary teachers! The real comfort for me is the fact that on the opposite side of our private bath is the room of a dear friend, so that our three rooms seem a little reflection of home, all the more so because she, too, is from Maryland. With someone to tease, 'scold', comfort or cheer you, the home state does not seem so far away. I was glad that Carrie Fehr spoke of falling in love with NC.

I heartily agree with Frances Doherty's views on peace. As president of our missionary society (Woman's Auxiliary) I love to note how splendidly these mountain women respond to this ideal. Around us there are some homes made by former church workers who so loved these mountains that they could not return to their original homes, thus we have our own little social circle. Like the heroines in the old English novels, society consists of a dining, once in a long while, with the family of the Rector, or the 'Squire'.

As librarian, superintendent of the Sunday School, and a few other duties outside the class room, even time to read 'Round Robin' had to be snatched. I am very sorry to have delayed his flight one week. I had just been in the throes of a state-wide essay contest.

How prosaic compared to the great experiences I have been reading about!

Feeling very proud of my classmates, and with the loving hope that our youthful idealism, in changing form, and by those that are coming after, may 'grow forever and forever'.

I am
Faithfully yours,
Letitia Everett Ricaud