Letter from Sherman D. Thacher to John Muir, 1909 May 7.

Creator

Sherman D. Thacher

Creator

Sherman D. Thacher

Recipient

John Muir

Transcription

THE THACHER SCHOOLAT CASA DE PIEDRA RANCHIN THE OJAI VALLEYVENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIASHERMAN DAY THACHERWILLIAM LARNED THACHERASSOCIATE HEADMASTERSNORDHOFF, CALIFORNIA. May 7, 1909.My Dear Mr. Muir:Couldn't we persuade you to come down here and make us a visit? I know you don't like to make public addresses, and you need not do it here if you don't want to. But it would be a great pleasure to have you here for the boys to ask questions of and listen to, and that I know you don't really object to. And I know how delightful it is to listen to what you have to say. This is an out door school. We are in a United States Forest Reserve, and the boys do a great deal of camping and fishing, and riding over the mountains. I think it is almost your duty as Archbishop of the out door world to look after souls in this part of your diocese. I have just written John Burroughs and begged him to deliver our commencement address on the 15th of June,--in case a man whom I had already asked should fail us. But whether we depend on Mr. Burroughs for the address or not, I do certainly wish that you and he could make us a visit together. If that is not, possible, I wish you could come alone at any time between now and the 18th of June, when school closes.I have often wished to get you here. You may remember my speaking of it when I saw you in the Tuolumne. We are related also, I think you know, through the Muir woods.04491 Muir-2My brother-in-law, William Kent, has three of his boys here, and the enclosed reply which I received the other day, indicates that one of my friends agrees with me that you ought to be with us!Do not wait for John Burroughs, but come at once if you find that you can.Believe me,Yours very sincerely,[illegible]Mr. John Muir,Martinez, Cal.04491 THE THACHER SCHOOLOjai ValleyNordhoff, Ventura County,CaliforniaDo you happen to know of any one on the face of the earth that would make an ideal teacher for the Thacher School? Yes!I wish to know of young men who have met with unusual success as teachers and in their general relations with boys, whether they are now engaged in other preparatory schools, (private schools or endowed schools or public schools) or even colleges. It is quite possible that a man who seems to be fixed in some position, or who seems to be much above the modest positions here, may nevertheless prove to be interested in coming to us if only for a short time, for the experience of western life, or from special interest in this school. It is not a question of next year or any particular year, but of knowing where to turn when the need arises.I want men (1) whom boys like and admire (2) who influence boys wholesomely and effectively, (3) who can really teach, (4) who are well bred, good natured, and pleasant to live with, (5) who are not afraid of work.If any such perhaps not impossible person comes to your mind (now or any time) or you have heard any boy or college man or parent speak of such a man, please boldly drop me a line telling (what you can):(1) His name, college, and address.[illegible](2) Whether married, and approximate age.[illegible](3) His specialties.[illegible](4) His special qualifications-why you think he would be good here.[illegible](5) Names and addresses of people who could tell me more particularly about him.[illegible]Hereby you may gain the thanks of every one interested in the Thacher School and especially ofYours,SHERMAN D. THACHER,Nordhoff, California04491