Today History Undressed would like to welcome guest author Callie Hatton, who has written up a special interview with her hero and heroine from
A Wife by Christmas!
August 11, 1906: The Guthrie Sentinel, New
Community News, Page Two
The Guthrie Sentinel is proud to introduce our readers to
Mr. Max Colbert, the new Principal of the Logan County High School.
Reporter: The former principal, Mr. David Robinson, had been
in that position for quite some time. Do you anticipate making changes now that
you’ve taken on the job?
Mr. Colbert: I have gone through files Mr. Robinson left
behind, and spoken to several teachers. It does appear some changes are needed,
particularly with the staff.
Reporter: Will you be letting some teachers go? Is that the changes you anticipate?
Mr. Colbert: Not at all. I’m re-thinking our list of
acceptable teacher activities. Several pursuits do not reflect well on the
teaching community. It is important that we represent ourselves with dignity
and decorum.
Reporter: Are there any activities in particular you would
like to see abandoned by your teachers?
Mr. Colbert: One of our teachers is actively involved in
Women’s Rights’ movements, which is totally inappropriate for a teacher of
young minds. There are other things as well, which we’ll deal with one at a
time.
Reporter: Do you anticipate any problems with the changes
you plan?
Mr. Colbert: Not at all. I’m sure all the teachers will be
happy to have a strong leader guiding them, and encouraging them to put forth
their best efforts both in and outside of the classroom.
Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well in your
endeavor. Thank you for joining us
today.
Mr. Colbert: Thank
you. I look forward to a productive
year.
August 11, 1906: The Guthrie Sentinel, Spotlight
on Our Citizens, Page Three:
Today we interview Miss Ellie Henderson, History teacher at
Logan County High School, and spokeswoman for Guthrie branch of The Women’s
Rights Movement.
Reporter: Miss Henderson, how does your activities with the
Movement fit with your job as teacher?
Miss Henderson: Quite well, actually. Our Principal, Mr.
Robinson, is very supportive of our activities. He encourages us to think for
ourselves and embrace whatever causes we see fit.
Reporter: Are you aware that Mr. Robinson has retired from
his position at the high school?
Miss Henderson:
I
heard rumors to that effect at the end of last term, but I don’t think it will
make any difference to our Movement.
Reporter: Suppose your new principal is not supportive of
your activities?
Miss Henderson:
I
don’t see that as a problem, sir. I’m sure our new principal will be just as
accommodating as Mr. Robinson has always been. Men are much more enlightened in
the new century.
Reporter: If any of
our readers wish to join your organization, where can they find you?
Miss Henderson: We meet every Tuesday at the Library at
eight o’clock. We welcome all those interested.
Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well with the
Movement, and your teaching career. Thank you for joining us today.
Miss Henderson: Thank
you. I look forward to another year of instructing young people and opening
their minds to the benefits of equal rights.
~~~~~~~~~~
Max Colbert and Ellie Henderson are about to start the
school year. By December, sparks are flying. Will they resolve their
differences? Or has the school become a battle ground between two stubborn
combatants?
A Wife By Christmas, available now from Soul Mate Publishing
will answer those questions.
www.soulmatepublishing.com
Visit my website:
www.calliehutton.com
for more information on the book, which is a sequel to
A Run For Love, also
from Soul Mate Publishing and available now.
Excerpt:
Guthrie, OK
November, 1906
Max Colbert
glared at the woman perched on the edge of the chair across from him.
History teacher Ellie Henderson had been a
thorn in his side the size of the Oklahoma sky ever since he’d been appointed
principal of Logan County High School three months ago.
She sat there, humming.
Humming! His gut twisted and he clenched
his jaw.
Drat the woman for being so
unconcerned while he fumed.
It was
important to get his emotions under control, needed his years of experience to
kick in.
He took a deep breath and
leaned forward.
“Miss Henderson, your unapproved activities
have gone too far. I am going to have to fire you.”
Ellie’s
right eyebrow rose, meeting him glare for glare. “No. You can’t.”
“Yes I can,
and I am.” Blood rushed to his face.
She stood
and placed both palms on his desk, and leaned in. “I will tell my Uncle Jesse.”
Max pushed
his chair back and got to his feet. He moved close enough to see the light
dusting of freckles across her nose. “It won’t make any difference.”
“It will if
you plan to be Territorial Superintendent of Schools.” They were now almost
nose-to-nose.
Beads of
sweat broke out on his forehead. “I will get that job on my own merit.”
“Not without Senator Jesse Cochran’s endorsement.” Her hazel eyes narrowed.
His jaw tightened, his mouth
working as if to say something. Then like a rag doll, he collapsed into his
seat and leaned back, eyes closed. “Miss Henderson, you are a pebble in my
shoe.”
“And you,
Mr. Colbert, are a horse’s behind.”
He opened
one eye. She again sat primly on the edge of her seat, adjusting her
skirts. The two red dots on her cheeks
the only indication of her anger.
“You may leave now,” he said
through gritted teeth.
Ellie bowed
her head slightly. “As you wish.” She stood, smoothed back the hair always
loose from her bun. With head held high,
she sailed from the room, closing the door softly. Her skirt stuck in the door.
She re-opened it, yanked the skirt and banged the door shut.
Max winced at the sound, his left
eye twitched.
I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Ellie and Max. I
would love to hear from you. One commenter will receive a free download of A
Wife By Christmas.
Callie Hutton