Chapel Hill, Aug. 22—Vernon Howell, dean of the school of pharmacy in the University of North Carolina since 1897, who in his college days was dean among football players, has entered a protest against such modern conveniences as telephones and door knobs.
Professor Howell is apparently a confirmed bachelor and resides in an old-fashioned home on East Franklin street that has long been famed as the Howell home, where hospitality is not unknown to those fortunate enough to number themselves among the Dean’s friends. Until two years ago Doctor Howell lived alone or with bachelor friends. Then into the home to live with him came Vernon Kyser, his nephew, now assistant professor in the school of pharmacy, and Mrs. Kyser and their daughter, Elizabeth. Doctor Howell was skeptical but gave them a warm welcome and assured them he was glad to share the place with them.
“A telephone or doorknobs never did me any good,” he complained. “In fact, every time any one has ever used them to get in touch with me they’ve brought bad news. I don’t mind the expense but I‘m just against them.”
The Kyser family won out, however, and the two accessories were installed. But Doctor Howell has also taken action. To the rear of Dr. Billy MacNider’s home, he has built a small cottage, and there are no doorknobs or telephone. Doctor Howell says he will probably move there.
But he wants it understood there is no hard feeling between him and his kin—not the slightest, and just to prove it, he and his nephew have gone on a fishing trip to Durants Island.
From the editorial page of the Durham Morning Herald, Aug. 23, 1924
newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn84020730/1924-08-23/ed-1/seq-4/#words=AUGUST+23%2C+1924
No comments:
Post a Comment