Ellis Christensen Letter

Emporia Kansas
25 May 1970

Bill Hargiss:

Fifty years or more I came to Emporia as a young man about to save the world but I had the grand total of five dollars in my pocket. My only known asset at that time was that I was a pretty fair ball player.

You got me a job at Mrs. Pratt's boarding house as a table waiter. I was to earn my board and room. Unfortunately the first evening I waited tables I had 3 dishes of chocolate pie (nice--fresh and soft). As I started to serve them I happened to spill one of the soft pieces of pie on the shoulder and right on down between two unmentionables of one of the girls all dressed for a party or date. I dropped the other piece of unserved pie and went out the back door. You and Mrs. Pratt talked me into returning to my job and I'll always be grateful to you and Mrs. Pratt in helping me get many more meals and a place to sleep.

No doubt you had many more experiences in helping green country boys come the to big city.

You know human nature and got the most out of every athlete. You made it a point to know each individual and his problems and helped them over the rough spots.

I recall being gone from Kansas for several years while in the army and when I returned and saw you your hearty greeting was "Hi Ellis".

God bless you and keep you

Ellis G. Christensen
"Christy"