Editors Notes:In June I received a wonderful letter and two photographs from Katherine Knipl Barrett which expressed her pleasure with our including excerpts from the school diary of her sister Margaret Knipl. After graduating in 1932 Margaret stayed in Valle Crucis to help Father Kent at the church and at the school. She later made her home in Los Angles, CA where she worked for Warner Brothers Studios and then with a doctor at St. Mary's College as a secretary. Unfortunately she died very young in 1960 (46 years old). More from Margaret's diary of her school years at Valle Crucis follows.

Junior Auxiliary
During the year of 1930 and '31 under the direction of Miss Virginia Bouldin all the girls of the school met twice a month. The officers were: President – Evelyn Plummer; Vice-president – Margot Knipl; Secretary – Virginia Dare Tripplette; Treasurer – Myrtle Mitchell. The meetings generally opened by our singing a hymn and prayers following. After new or old business was discussed we divided into our groups and teachers appointed talked to us about India. That was our general topic. At the end of the year '31 and '32 Miss Florence Basom took general charge changing the groups to a general assembly. At each meeting we had programs studying about different countries. At the end of each year we earned some money and sent it either to foreign countries or put it towards the church.

Altar Guild
All confirmed members met twice a month in the chapel. It was a study of the altar and its care. Miss Graves took charge.

Y.P.S.L. (Young persons Service League)
It was for the benefit of the church and Miss Ricaud took general charge of the programs.

Choral Club
The church choir was composed of girls and we met every week for choir practice under the direction of Miss Graves. Some of those in the choir were: Evelyn Plummer, Lillian Tester, Nina Miller, Evelyn Lyerly, Margot Knipl, Pearl Bailey, Margaret Caudill, Eva Hermann, Pansy Phillips, Fairy Hollars, Lillian Hollars, and Ruth Denny.

Debating Club
Which are more important – doctors or nurses? Y.P.S.L. Debate. Frankie Taylor's point won the majority of votes. "Doctors" was the decision, tho' the minority may be right. Everyone concerned and unconcerned, too, was there at the Assembly Hall and the hottest discussion of the year was put before all. Some of us became overly excited and the teachers more so – Miss Ricaud, Miss Salley, Mr. Kent, and Carrie Gudheim being the judges. Gilbert Taylor, Frances Farthing, Blanche Gilbert, Evelyn Plummer, Exie Geswender, and Thurza Yates gave some very interesting points, pro and con, while Clara Owenby, Naomi Wachter, Janet Simpson, Dare Tripplette, and Myrtle Mitchell followed up with very strong points on the opponents side. The Senior Literary Debate was on Aaron Burr vs Alexander Hamilton.

Drama Club
The Grammar Grades of the Valle Crucis Episcopal School presented THE LAND of MAGIC on Saturday afternoon, April twenty-fifth at four o'clock in the School Auditorium. Mr. Mast sponsored the program and welcomed all to trade at his store in Valle Crucis. Miss Lucille Hopkins was the director with her helpers being; Margaret Knipl, Virginia Salley, Alma Potts, Jane Darwin, and Janet Simpson as the cartoonist. The largest attendance to any play was anticipated and a small admission was charged. For days after all were speaking of the magic it produced and was termed as one of the most successful plays in years by both critics and praisers. An elaborate color harmony was carried out to the effect of all fairy lands. The perfect singing, dancing and acting led all into a trance and it deserved the medal award. What play wouldn't if Lucille Hopkins had a hand in it?

Plays - Players - Programs
George Washington - A Bicentennial Program
Depiction of the life of Washington was carefully and cleverly produced under the tedious direction of Miss Letitia Ricaud with everyone taking active part in the speaking tableaux. Scenes were brought to life from his early childhood to later years – bringing back happy memories to what centurions there might have been in existence. Adelaide Smith assisted Miss Ricaud and she had some very clever suggestions to make which were carried out with great effect. The play was given at the Valle Crucis Methodist Church at which there was a generous audience. Mr. Kent gave a very inspiring talk on the gentleman honored. The cast was as follows: Washington - As a boy -Maude Hollar; As a youth - Fairy Hollar; As a man -Nina Miller; His Mother - Evelyn Lyerly; Cornwallis -Margaret Knipl; Barefooted Soldier - Pennie Moore.

Holidays
Christmas in Asheville
Immediately after the pageant Miss Margaret Clark and her friend arrived at the school to take Naomi, Ruth and me to Asheville for the rest of the year! Everything seemed to be turned upside down! "Christmas Rush" is right on our way "down the 'straight' and 'non-curving' road" the car was stopped; on account of me, of course; but the spirits of Ammonia came in very handy. When we reached their home it was dark, but, were we glad to get there! Mary Bailie and "Bo" greeted us with the heartiest Christmas wishes, and he was "Little Bashful Beau" by no means. Mrs. Wachter was in Virginia at the time of our arrival.

Merry Christmas
Monday, December 15, 1930
Dearest Sis,
This year you and I are separated, by so many miles. There won't be any tree to enjoy together, no midnight strolls or those lovely Christmas carols at 2 o'clock in the morning. You are there amid all of that cold and snow and plenty of girls. Heaven only knows what I'll do on Christmas. Anyway I hope you have one of the nicest Christmas Holidays in a long time. Be good and perhaps you'll think of me. I'm wishing you a very "Merrie,"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
– from Katherine in Savannah