Callie Hutton Presents an Early 20th Century Interview with her Characters

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, NewCommunity News, Page Two

The Guthrie Sentinel is proud to introduce our readers toMr. Max Colbert, the new Principal of the Logan County High School.

Reporter: The former principal, Mr. David Robinson, had beenin that position for quite some time. Do you anticipate making changes now thatyou've taken on the job?

Mr. Colbert: I have gone through files Mr. Robinson leftbehind, 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 ofacceptable teacher activities. Several pursuits do not reflect well on theteaching community. It is important that we represent ourselves with dignityand decorum.

Reporter: Are there any activities in particular you wouldlike to see abandoned by your teachers?


Mr. Colbert:  One of our teachers is actively involved inWomen's Rights' movements, which is totally inappropriate for a teacher ofyoung minds. There are other things as well, which we'll deal with one at atime.

Reporter: Do you anticipate any problems with the changesyou plan?

Mr. Colbert: Not at all. I'm sure all the teachers will behappy to have a strong leader guiding them, and encouraging them to put forththeir best efforts both in and outside of the classroom.


Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well in yourendeavor.  Thank you for joining ustoday.

Mr. Colbert:  Thankyou.  I look forward to a productiveyear.


August 11, 1906: The Guthrie Sentinel, Spotlighton Our Citizens, Page Three:

Today we interview Miss Ellie Henderson, History teacher atLogan County High School, and spokeswoman for Guthrie branch of The Women'sRights Movement.

Reporter: Miss Henderson, how does your activities with theMovement 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 forourselves and embrace whatever causes we see fit.

Reporter: Are you aware that Mr. Robinson has retired fromhis position at the high school?
Miss Henderson:  Iheard rumors to that effect at the end of last term, but I don't think it willmake any difference to our Movement.


Reporter: Suppose your new principal is not supportive ofyour activities?

Miss Henderson:  Idon't see that as a problem, sir. I'm sure our new principal will be just asaccommodating as Mr. Robinson has always been. Men are much more enlightened inthe new century.


Reporter:  If any ofour readers wish to join your organization, where can they find you?

Miss Henderson: We meet every Tuesday at the Library ateight o'clock. We welcome all those interested.

Reporter: Well, we certainly wish you well with theMovement, and your teaching career. Thank you for joining us today.

Miss Henderson:  Thankyou. I look forward to another year of instructing young people and openingtheir minds to the benefits of equal rights.
~~~~~~~~~~

Max Colbert and Ellie Henderson are about to start theschool year. By December, sparks are flying. Will they resolve theirdifferences? Or has the school become a battle ground between two stubborncombatants?
A Wife By Christmas, available now from Soul Mate Publishingwill answer those questions.  www.soulmatepublishing.com

Visit my website: www.calliehutton.comfor more information on the book, which is a sequel to A Run For Love, alsofrom Soul Mate Publishing and available now.


Excerpt:
Guthrie, OK
November, 1906

            Max Colbertglared at the woman perched on the edge of the chair across from him.  History teacher Ellie Henderson had been athorn in his side the size of the Oklahoma sky ever since he'd been appointedprincipal of Logan County High School three months ago.

            She sat there, humming. Humming! His gut twisted and he clenchedhis jaw.  Drat the woman for being sounconcerned while he fumed.  It wasimportant to get his emotions under control, needed his years of experience tokick in.  He took a deep breath andleaned forward.

            "Miss Henderson, your unapproved activitieshave gone too far. I am going to have to fire you."
            Ellie'sright eyebrow rose, meeting him glare for glare. "No. You can't."            "Yes I can,and I am." Blood rushed to his face.            She stoodand placed both palms on his desk, and leaned in. "I will tell my Uncle Jesse."            Max pushedhis chair back and got to his feet. He moved close enough to see the lightdusting of freckles across her nose. "It won't make any difference."            "It will ifyou plan to be Territorial Superintendent of Schools." They were now almostnose-to-nose.             Beads ofsweat 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 mouthworking as if to say something. Then like a rag doll, he collapsed into hisseat and leaned back, eyes closed. "Miss Henderson, you are a pebble in myshoe."            "And you,Mr. Colbert, are a horse's behind."             He openedone eye. She again sat primly on the edge of her seat, adjusting herskirts.  The two red dots on her cheeksthe only indication of her anger."You may leave now," he saidthrough gritted teeth.            Ellie bowedher head slightly. "As you wish." She stood, smoothed back the hair alwaysloose 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 lefteye twitched.

 I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Ellie and Max. Iwould love to hear from you. One commenter will receive a free download of AWife By Christmas.
Callie Hutton