Tribute written by Mr. Roland E. Stevens for the _Hartford Gazette_,
a paper printed by Mr. Stevens' small boy.
Editor of the _Hartford Gazette_:
Every day in every year, I suppose, has a special meaning and interest
for some one or more of the great human family. The day of the present
week that has a particular interest and meaning for me (and without
doubt for many others whom I know) is Friday the twenty-six. Why?
Because nearly thirty years ago when I was an awkward, spindling boy,
thirsty and hungry for an education, without means and not in very good
health, I wrote a letter to the principal of St. Johnsbury Academy,
telling him of my ambition to enter the Academy as a student and asking
him if he thought I could find work by means of which I could earn
enough to pay my way at the Academy. When I was writing the letter I was
half discouraged and rather feared and expected that I wouldn't receive
an answer, because I knew the letter was not very well written or
expressed, and I was almost sure that so great a man as I supposed the
principal of St. Johnsbury Academy to be, wouldn't pay much attention
to such a letter.
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 principal 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
principal 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
principal 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, gratitude 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
principal 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.