Spencer Heath Archive

Item 2703

Penned letter to Heath from Laura Jean McAdams, State Teachers College, Florence, Alabama

September 23,1957

 

 

 

Dear Spencer:

 

I was quite thrilled to receive your lovely letter, and the beautiful color photograph! You just cannot imagine how delightful it was to see us together in such a beautiful setting! Please send me Ada’s address, in order that I may thank her for it and for that wonderful dinner party she had for us. Thank you a million times for everything including the exquisite orchid that I have pressed for many happy memories that are to last many, many years to come!

 

 You are right! I am swamped with college work, eighteen hours of language; but, alas (!), no philosophy! We are quite overcrowded with students, three and four to a room! Hence, I am overloaded with language courses; but philosophy has been taken from the schedule … non-practical for this year, at least!

 

 Much to my deep regret and deep disappointment, I have been unable to arrange a date with the administration for your coming here this year! I cannot tell you how sad this makes me!!! Neither the president nor the dean are interested; and, since I am not teaching philosophy, I cannot personally invite you in behalf of a philosophy club. The situation here is quite different from that at Cullowhee; and the administration has an entirely different outlook on such subjects as yours and mine. So please forgive me for exciting your hopes (and mine); but, all of a sudden, after my return here this fall, I was told that such a program or visit would be impossible to arrange!! “No” was the positive and final answer!! I am sorry!!!!

 

 Perhaps, next year, I can secure a better position in a liberal arts college or university where such fields as ours are appreciated and understood. Here’s to the future!

 

 I received a nice note from Spencer, the grandson, which I really appreciated. He asked me for a list of other persons who might be interested in your book. If you have not yet mailed these books, it might be better for you not to send the books to the professors who are teaching here, for they may not understand your theories (and mine). At present, we are having a  great deal of difficulties in politics, racial problems, and state philosophies. All state schools are under close “surveillance.” Perhaps, this may be the reason for cutting out philosophy, etc. I really do not know! But please be assured that I think your book and ideas are, indeed, profound! Here’s to your success, health, and happiness! Excelsior, always!

 

 I am in excellent health and spirits! I was greatly inspired by our visit together, your lofty idealism, and numerous efforts in behalf of humanity!

 

 At present, I am too disappointed to indulge in any tumultuous flights of poetic imagination, too prosaic to see beyond the rigid determinism of stark reality! The flutes of Pan are, indeed, dormant and invisible … at least for the time being. Here’s to the brilliant future!!!

 

 Devotedly, admiringly, and lovingly ever,

 

                                 Laura Jean