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"
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