![\"\"](\"http:\/\/staging.pinemountainsettlement.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/ser_19_workers_misc_groups_0049-1024x804.jpg\")
CONTENTS: Glenn LaRue Correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
[NOTE: Letters from PMSS staff in the PMSS Collections are carbon copies, typewritten, unsigned, and meant for the Office files. The original signed copies were sent to the correspondents. Non-PMSS letters are typewritten unless indicated otherwise and are original. The following list of contents is in chronological order and not necessarily in the order of the image numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
[NOTE: Glenn LaRue’s signature does not clearly indicate whether his last name consists of two words (La Rue) or one (LaRue). Also, the spelling of his first and last name varies in letters referring to him. For consistency and clarity, the name “LaRue” has been selected for use on this site.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1943 Applying for a PMSS Position<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [01 through [01b] <\/strong>May 19, 1943. <\/strong>Two-page handwritten letter to Dr. Francis [Tucker]<\/a> from Glenn and Dorothy LaRue in Kalispell, MT, referring to \u201cthe offer to come and take over the work near Pine Mountain\u2026,\u201d <\/em>stating that he and his wife are open to an official invitation to work at the center. Asks for more information; mentions where his children (Gerald, Bob, Beth will be in school in September. Postscript by Dorothy LaRue, regretting that she hasn\u2019t time to write lately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [02] <\/strong>May 22, 1943. To Dr. Francis [Tucker] from LaRue, who was glad to receive Francis\u2019s May 17th letter. He states he isn\u2019t trained in woodworking but plans to study with local woodworkers. Explaining why the position appeals to him, he writes: \u201cI am not a genuine student and something that occupies my hands as well as my head is more in my line. …I get along well with young people \u2026 I could be of spiritual help to the young folk around.\u201d<\/em> Dorothy would like to \u201cbe of some help in the hospital.\u201d <\/em>He describes how his children would benefit. He states reasons why he and Dorothy \u201cwould prefer this work to the Line Fork<\/a><\/em> [Settlement] position\u2026.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [03]<\/strong> May 23, 1943. Two-page letter to William D. Webb<\/a>, Acting Director, from Dr. Francis Tucker. He and wife, Emma Tucker are friends of the LaRues and feel that the LaRues would \u201cfill the bill\u201d <\/em>in the Line Fork position. \u201cThey are about 40 to 45 years of age. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, and Mrs. LaRue is a trained nurse with considerable practical experience in China and elsewhere– her nursing course having been taken in Canada. They have recently come home from China where they were mission workers of the China Inland mission. They are both musical, and have recently completed an outstanding hymnal in the Miao language (which is quite different from the Chinese). Kept from returning to China for the present, and desiring to have their 3 children in the home, they plan to tarry in the United States for a time. They are likely to settle elsewhere if not approached in regard to the Line Fork position. I wrote quite unofficially a while ago, and will enclose the reply of Mr. LaRue. I may say that he is evangelical in his beliefs and preaching, but not as literal in regard to Scriptural matters as some of the churches of this region. Hence it seems that Mr.and Mrs. LaRue would fit into such a niche as that at Line Fork. Mrs. LaRue is expert with the typewriter, and would be efficient in keeping in touch with the constituency of ‘The Cabin.’ They have been in China about 15 years, and were highly thought of by their Mission. Mr. LaRue has had practical experience with agricultural matters in a country where terrain and soil is much like what we have here. He is also able in handling horses and other animals. Both have done much traveling among the hills of Kweichow Province, China, – on foot and horseback. Mrs. LaRue is an expert at canning and other household necessities, for they had to live almost entirely off the country.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The 3 children are Gerald, 14 years (in high school) – (rather just now prepared to enter) Robert (13 years), ready to enter 8th grade, but perhaps could pass muster to enter the first year here; and Beth is 12 years old, and ready for the 7th grade. You have wondered whether one of the LaRues would care to take on the Bear Branch school teaching job in addition to other duties. I do not know, of course, nor do I know whether the Letcher County authorities would care to make the arrangement. It would seem that this added matter might come up later and be adjusted (if at all suitable) between those concerned. It might have bearing on the date when the LaRues might expect to arrive, especially as their daughter would likely attend the Bear Branch school.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you will note from the enclosed, the LaRues have a Ford, which would likely now and then be quite useful. I enclose a photo that those considering this item of extending an invitation may see what the family looks like. We are inclined to feel that all the family would be more likely to \u2018fit in\u2019 than most families that might be secured. Yet all available material should be looked over, of course, and an invitation extended to the party or parties most suited. The address of the LaRues is \u2026 ,Kalispell, Montana. I feel sure the LaRues would put finances as the last item to be considered, and would undertake the post regardless of money if they feel God wants them there, yet likely an understanding beforehand as to what to expect would likely be wise. Please advise us if there is anything further we may do anent the matter.<\/em> [05 – misnamed file: should be 04] <\/strong>May 27, 1943. Two-page letter to Mr. and Mrs. LaRue in Kalispell, MT, from [unsigned, possibly Webb], who received copies of correspondence between LaRue and Tucker about two PMSS vacancies: \u201cThe work at our extension center in Gilley and the position of woodwork instructor and maintenance man here at the School.\u201d <\/em>Mr. [Boone] Callahan<\/a> is leaving and the position needs to be filled immediately; the writer is recommending LaRue\u2019s appointment to Evelyn Wells<\/a>, Chairman of the Personnel Committee of the PMSS board. Describes the position; suggests taking a course. [04x – wrong image number] <\/strong>May 28, 1943. [MISSING PAGE 2] Two-page letter to Wells in Wellesley, MA, from [unsigned, possibly Webb]. Encloses correspondence between Tucker and LaRue, <\/strong>\u201cwhom I am recommending as woodwork instructor. \u2026Dr. Tucker originally wrote Mr. LaRue about the Line Fork vacancy, in which he seemed interested at first, but in a later letter\u2026he expressed his doubts about wanting to go to Line Fork. Dr. Tucker in the meantime had mentioned the woodworking opening.\u201d <\/em>Because of LaRue\u2019s aptitude and Tucker\u2019s high recommendation, he is considering LaRue, who could possibly take a summer course in teaching shop work at the University of Tennessee. [MISSING PAGE 2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [14]<\/strong> June 4, 1943. Western Union telegram to Webb from Wells, stating that the Appointment Committee prefers that LaRue takes the Line Fork position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [16]<\/strong> June 5, 1943. To Mr. & Mrs. LaRue from \u201cF.F.T.\u201d (Tucker) on PMSS letterhead. Tucker is writing for Webb, who had to leave PMSS for two days. The Board Committee in charge of staff appointments suggest that LaRue and family come to PMSS as soon as possible before Callahan leaves, as LaRue will be needed for summer maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [13]<\/strong> June 6, 1943. Western Union telegram to Webb from LaRue, asking if the board has decided to accept him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [06] <\/strong>June 8, 1943. To Wells from Webb, who thanks her for her telegram about the LaRues; encloses copies of Tucker\u2019s June 5 letter and Webb\u2019s letter to the LaRues. Describes an alternate possible candidate for a woodwork man: Bill Hayes<\/a>\u2019s brother.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [17], [17a] <\/strong>June 8, 1943. Two-page letter to LaRue from Webb. Restates LaRue\u2019s 5\/30 telegram and Webb\u2019s 6\/8 telegram; asks him to come to PMSS now, \u201cno matter which direction your service here would take\u201d<\/em> and gives the reasons for and advantages of this suggestion. Describes arrangements for temporary summer quarters for the family; dining room meals; what to bring. He and Mrs. Webb plan to visit \u201cMrs. Northam, the present summer resident and old friend of the Line Fork work who lives in Michigan.\u201d <\/em>Assures LaRue that \u201cthe spirit here is as grand as the scenery itself.\u201d <\/em>He hopes to see LaRue in June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [11]<\/strong> June 8, 1943. Western Union telegram to Webb, reporting that his telegram of June 8 was undeliverable and requesting an address. [10]<\/strong> June 10, 1943. Western Union telegram to Webb: \u201cDisregard our former notice\u2026 now reports it delivered.\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [19] <\/strong>June 17, 1943. To Wells from Webb. [Notation at top of page: \u201cRevised copy sent.\u201d<\/em>] <\/em>Reports that LaRue wrote Tucker that he prefers the Shop and Maintenance position rather than Line Fork. Although PMSS has 6 candidates for Line Fork, he feels \u201cwith Mr. [James] Crutchfield<\/a> that it might be well to take a chance on LaRue in view of war conditions. He at least would not be drafted\u2026.\u201d <\/em>[Notation in left margin: \u201c[Arthur] Dodd <\/a>highly approved of the Smith(?) appointment\u2026. (?) Hall back from Brasstown.<\/em>\u201d] Signed: Wm Webb.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [20] through [20b] <\/strong>June 20, 1943. To Dr. Francis and Webb from LaRue, replying to a 6\/14 letter from Francis. He explains why he and Mrs. LaRue decided not to go to Pine Mountain, feeling that the offer and arrangements for the position were too informal and unclear. He gives his reasons why he is dubious about working at Line Fork. Therefore, the LaRues took charge of the Kiwanis Camp for the summer and he is considering pastorate work at a church afterward. He asks for a definite reply to his questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [21] <\/strong>June 22, 1943. Western Union telegram to Webb from Wells, informing him she wired LaRue as suggested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [18], [18a] <\/strong>June 23, [no year]. Handwritten two-page letter to Webb from Wells in Summit, NJ, who thinks, if a trained person is hired for the woodwork job, PMSS should keep the LaRues available for another job in the fall, possibly at the extension center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [12]<\/strong> June 25, 1943. Western Union telegram to LaRue from Webb, offering woodwork and maintenance position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [07], [07a] <\/strong>June 26, 1943.Two-page letter to LaRue from [unsigned], restating the words of a telegram offering LaRue the woodwork and maintenance position for the school year beginning in August. \u201cObviously summer school is out of the picture now in view of your commitment to the Kalispell Kiwanians.\u201d<\/em> The Board was slow to decide because it had hoped he would be interested in the \u201coutpost\u201d <\/em>position instead, due to LaRue\u2019s \u201cobvious qualities of leadership and personality.\u201d <\/em>Mentions the \u201creputation and professional standing [of PMSS] which is known to mountain workers as the \u2018aristocrat of mountain schools,\u2019 and which rated the whole of Chapter 4 in the eighteen chapters of Spear\u2019s \u2018Emerging High School Curriculum\u2019 (American Book Co., 1940). <\/em>Encloses a list of the furniture in the house; explains the salaries. Will allow $100 for travel expenses, using the July salary for a woodworking instructor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [22], [22a] <\/strong>DUPLICATES [07], [07a]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [23], [23a]<\/strong> N.D. Enclosure in [07], [07a] letter. A two-page list of \u201cFurniture Available for Farm House<\/a>.\u201d <\/em>Describes the building and the contents of each of the rooms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [08]<\/strong> Typewritten draft of the June 26 letter from Webb with handwritten edits. [25] <\/strong>June 30 1943. To Webb from LaRue, who is wiring Webb that he accepts the position; worries about his lack of qualifications for the job but will do his best; leaving the Kiwanis camp on August 8; leaving for PMSS after August 16. He is selling his car and will travel by train.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [15]<\/strong> July 1, 1943. To Webb from LaRue, who accepts the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [24] <\/strong>July 6, 1943. To LaRue from [unsigned, apparently Webb]. Welcomes the LaRues; Webb has decided to take the 3-week course at University of Tennessee; encloses literature. [Notation in margin lists the enclosures.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n [26], [26a] <\/strong>July 22, 1943. Two-page letter to Mr. and Mrs. LaRue from Webb. Contract between PMSS and the LaRues concerning employment for Mr. LaRue (Woodworking Instructor and maintenance man, August 20, 1943 – June 30, 1944 at $100 a month) and Mrs. LaRue (beginning September 1, 1943, as Relief Nurse at $25 a month; including meals at Laurel House, housing at Farm House, laundry and ironing, tuition for the three children, a month\u2019s summer vacation with pay, free Sundays and two weekends each semester. Signed, Webb, Dorothy W. LaRue, Glenn P. LaRue, and Evelyn K. Wells (Chairman of Personnel Committee).<\/p>\n\n\n\n [27] <\/strong>July 28, 1943. To Mr. and Mrs. LaRue from [unsigned], asking for their signatures on the enclosed agreements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [28] <\/strong>August 4, 1943. To Webb from LaRue, returning the signed papers; he cannot arrive in time to catch the August 19 truck and asks how to get from Harlan to the School later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [29] <\/strong>August 20, 1943. To Webb from LaRue. The LaRues are staying with relatives in Chicago en route to PMSS, arriving at Harlan on August 25.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1944<\/strong> At Pine Mountain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [30]<\/strong> March 22, 1944. To LaRue from \u201cWDW\u201d (Webb). Mentions Miss McBride; LaRue\u2019s schedule to study in July or August at University of Kentucky<\/a>; painting Far House interior, School House exterior and kitchen floor. Mr. and Mrs. Webb plan to inspect for summer repairs then send suggestions to the physical changes committee, then to Mrs. [Mary Rockwell] Hook<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [31]<\/strong> June 26, 1944. \u201cTo Whom It May Concern\u201d<\/em> from [unsigned], Acting Director, stating that Dorothy LaRue will return to the School in August 1944 to work as housemother. \u201cShe is independent of any need for financial assistance while out of the United States.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n [33]<\/strong> July 15, 1945. To \u201cMiss Margaret\u201d <\/em>from LaRue in Menomie, WI, who describes how his check and mail should be handled; how he will travel to PMSS, arriving July 31. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [32] <\/strong>July 23, 1944. To Webb from LaRue in Menomie, WI, who is ending his six weeks in Wisconsin; gives his plans for arriving in Harlan on July 30. Mentions Webb\u2019s plan to go to Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [34]<\/strong> N.D. To Miss [Dorothy] Nace<\/a>, Secretary, from LaRue in Wheaton, IL, who sends Christmas greetings; asks that she forward to him any Christmas cards sent to the LaRues. \u201cWe have been thinking of P.M. and all the activities these days and each evening we have tried to remember what was taking place.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1945 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [35] <\/strong>November 2, 1945. To Mrs. LaRue, c\/o, Mr. W. H. French, in Wingham, Ontario, Canada, from \u201cThe Pine Mountain Staff,\u201d<\/em> sending condolences for her loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [36]<\/strong> DUPLICATE OF [35]<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1947 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [37]<\/strong> April 5, 1947. A copy of an unsigned permission slip that the signee would allow \u201cBob\u201d to attend the Berea Festival on April 11 & 12 as a representative of Pine Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [40] <\/strong>N.D. A note to LaRue \u201cFrom the Director\u2019s Desk,\u201d<\/em> asking if he could install a vent in a window of the weaving room, per complaint from Miss Christensen that the room is too hot in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1948 After Pine Mountain<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [39] <\/strong>January 14, 1948. To Principal, Pine Mountain School, from James C. Schofield, Inspector of Police on letterhead for \u201cCity of Lima, Ohio, Department of Public Safety, Division of Police.<\/em>\u201d A wallet belonging to Robert Karr LaRue was turned in; describes contents and asks the location of Stony Brook school in order to return it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [38]<\/strong> January 16, 1948. To Schofield from Nace in reference to the found wallet belonging to Robert Karr LaRue. \u201cBob was a student here and is now at Stony Brook School on Long Island.\u201d<\/em> She suggests that he send the wallet to his parents in Wheaton, IL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1952<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [41], [41a]<\/strong> January 20, 1952. Two-page letter to Burton and Mary [Rogers]<\/a> from LaRue in Wheaton, IL, who thanks them for the book of Christmas carols with drawings. \u201cI find memories of Pine Mountain days have a [prominence] in the memories of all the family. Aside from a few rough spots we certainly enjoyed the time there. It was during our last year there when both Benjamin and Dodds began to try and put the curb on what I preached and taught and of course that was the reason for our leaving. As things turned out it was all for the best that we left at that time.\u201d <\/em>LaRue tells of this time as assistant superintendent at Wheaton College and why he has left. Now that the children no longer need them, Mr. and Mrs. LaRue are wondering if they should return to the foreign missionary field. Gives updates about his sons, Jerry (in basic training) and Bob (also in the armed forces). Asked if it was true that Earl Lewis from First Creek was killed in Korea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [42], [43]<\/strong> February 7, 1952. Two-page letter to LaRue from Burton Rogers, who [42] <\/strong>confirms that Earl Lewis was killed in Korea, originally reported by Martha Lewis. Brit and Ella [Wilder]<\/a> returned to their home last year after Barbara went to Berea. Brit rejoined the staff to work with Bill [Hayes] on the farm program. Gives updates about Charles Creech<\/a>, Robert Starbuck<\/a>, Jess Cornett, Harrison Cornett, Gilbert Lewis, Jess Patterson<\/a>; excavation of West Wind <\/a>hospital\u2019s basement for new rooms; [43] <\/strong>work on the farm tool shed next to the Office; logging from PMSS\u2019s woods; extension to the poultry house. <\/p>\n\n\n\n [44] <\/strong>February 24, 1952. To Rogers from LaRue, who is now working to earn a Th.B, beginning with a pastor\u2019s course at the Moody Bible Institute, then moving on to a seminary; encloses a request from Moody for information about LaRue. He and Dorothy plan to sell their house and move to the city by April 1. Gives an update about Jerry, who received his OMS in the army and will be in the Topographical Survey. He has received orders to go west overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [45] <\/strong>March 1, 1952. To LaRue from Rogers, who has completed and mailed the reference; sends greetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [46], [47]<\/strong> November 19, 1952. To \u201cFriends\u201d<\/em> from LaRue in Philadelphia, PA, [46] <\/strong>who, with his wife, has returned to full-time missionary work as a Secretary handling visas, passports, clergy certificates, arranging for deputation work, etc.; he travels to take part in deputation meetings. Gives updates about his children: Beth has a new baby. She and her husband Dave have applied to the South American Indian Mission. Both sons are still in the armed forces and have plans to marry. [47] <\/strong>On the same page as [46]. To \u201cBurton, Mary and Boys” <\/em>from LaRue. He will be at Lost Creek, KY, in January and asks to show a sound film about the China mission (\u201cFlower of Tibet\u201d<\/em>) to PMSS and in Harlan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1953<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [49] <\/strong>Address side of postcard to Rogers. [49a] <\/strong>January 7, 1953. <\/strong>Message side of postcard to Rogers from LaRue, who tells of changes to his plans; heading to South Carolina and will work north to PMSS, arriving January 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [48], [48a] <\/strong>January 9, 1953. Two-page letter to LaRue from Rogers, who is \u201cdelighted\u201d<\/em> to have LaRue come to PMSS; warns that Christopher has had the mumps and Peter and Burton may also be infected. Suggests plans for LaRue\u2019s meeting and Harlan groups to contact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1955<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n [51] <\/strong>January 31, 1955. To Rogers from Dorothy LaRue. The Mission is moving the LaRues to Birmingham in late February. Asks if he will supply a reference for her, since she is giving up her nursing career and needs it for her permanent biographical record with the Nurses\u2019 Association.<\/p>\n\n\n\n [50] <\/strong>N.D. To Dorothy LaRue in Philadelphia from Rogers, who welcomed her letter telling about their move south in February; hopes that they will stop at PMSS en route; agrees to give references. Encloses family news. (Notation at bottom of letter: \u201cCopy to Birmingham\u201d<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n [52], [52a] <\/strong>February 16, 1955. <\/strong>A copy of Rogers\u2019 responses to questions from the Pennsylvania Nurses\u2019 Association Professional Counseling and Placement Service in Philadelphia, PA, concerning Dorothy LaRue. \u201cRelief housemother & nurse, 1943-1947…strict, conservative\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sincerely
F.F. Tucker”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
[04a,<\/strong> page 2]<\/strong> Suggests LaRue takes a 6-weeks\u2019 summer course, \u201con salary from the School\u201d <\/em>at University of Tennessee<\/a> in Knoxville, which is \u201cdesigned to help teachers qualify for Industrial Arts positions<\/em>\u2026.\u201d He also suggest that Mrs. LaRue help in the Infirmary<\/a> as a relief nurse. <\/strong>Mr. LaRue\u2019s salary would be $100 a month, and Mrs. LaRue, $25 a month, plus a house to live in, one month\u2019s vacation with salary, and free tuition at PMSS for their sons. Their daughter can attend Creech school about a mile from PMSS, which his own children are attending. Provides some travel advice; encloses PMSS literature.
[05a]<\/strong> [MISSING PAGE 1] May 28, 1943. To Wells from [unsigned]. Recommends that Mrs. LaRue helps at the Infirmary an average of six hours daily to relieve Miss [Grace M.] Rood<\/a> at $25 a month. Hopes to hire Mr. LaRue for several days before Callahan\u2019s departure so that LaRue can be trained. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
[08a] <\/strong>[Actual image number is 09.] concerning the need to have faith and belief that the enemy will be defeated; problems of coal strikes, buying from the Black Market, and talking too much; the task of world peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n