57 years later

This letter was stuck between the pages of the memory book from Jess and Mable's 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration.  It must have come as quite a surprise to them.

to Jess and Mable Butler

from Almee Sires Johnston, Mable's former school teacher

 February 2, 1972

Mable with younger siblings - circa 1916-17

"Dear Mable and Jesse,

"Do you remember Almee Sires who was the teacher in the Intermediate Room at the Haswell School in 1915-16?  Well, I am she, and we read in the Pueblo paper of your 50th anniversary on Feb. 5th so wanted to send congratulations and good wishes for many more happy anniversaries.  

"A good many years have passed since that year at Haswell, when you, Lemmie and Garnons were in that room.  While teaching in Haswell I was invited to stay overnight in your home.  It was winter time, and I was shown the meat room - meat stored on shelves around the room.  I have never seen so much meat in a private home and such good looking meat.  At that time it was a common practice to stay overnight one night, during the school term in the homes of the pupils.  You had a nice, congenial home in which to live.

"Many changes have taken place since you were here, and new people live in and around Haswell.  

"I wish all teachers could have had as nice pupils as I had!!"

Post script:

A Google search for "Almee Sires" brought this interesting result:

Appleton City Journal

Appleton City, MO

11 April 1913

 J.A. Sires and family, who for a number of years have been residents of this portion of St. Clair County, left last Tuesday for Haswell, Colorado, where they anticipate making their future home. Their daughter, Miss Almee Sires, who is teaching the Prairie Home School near Monegaw Springs, will finish her term of school before joining the family in Colorado. (Osceola Republic)

Appleton City Journal

Appleton City, MO

16 April 1914

Prairie Home:

A party was given at home of L.A. Morris on last Saturday night in honor of Miss Almee Sires who leaves for the Western countries this week. Quite a crowd was present and all had a nice time and plenty of good music was rendered.

 *   *   *   *   *   *   *

Last Friday, April 3rd, was the last day of school. Had it not been for shortage of funds, school would not have closed until April 17th. 

Miss Almee Sires has been teacher here for the last three terms, her first and last terms taught in Missouri. She anticipates leaving for Haswell, Colo., soon for her parental home. Her parents moved to above named place last December. She will be greatly missed by Missouri friends as well as Prairie Home pupils. We can gladly say she has reached with much success during the three terms.

They, teacher and pupils, were planning for an entertainment on the night of the 17th, but on receiving the sudden word that on account of shortage of money school would be two weeks shorter the program then was sadly put aside. Consequently a "'Big Dinner"' was planned by patrons instead. In which every one of whom were present of such an eventful occasion to partake of the many delicacies - dishes too numerous to mention, did ample justice to all. They presented her with a quilt made by friends and pupils of the district, with name of each on block. The pupils also gave her a beautiful locket. They felt as though they could not do too much to show her how much they have appreciated her genial and liberal kindness shown during the three successful terms.

It is regretted to the utmost her leaving the State of Missouri entirely. However, such being the case, we will all join in extending our sincere wishes to her in getting along just as nicely in her future western school teaching as her past.

She not only has the name of being the kind of a teacher any school would be glad to have as an example before their children, but also is a perfect lady, with her mild, sweet disposition.

"'One Who Knows"'

She was obviously a well loved teacher.  
I would love to have talked to Grandma Mable about her.