The Catholic Message Board

Whenever I'm at a library or a books store I'll flick through a few books just to see what might fall out.

One time I was flipping through an old book, where the binding felt like it's seen better days, and a bank envelope fell out. This was a book that hadn't been touch in a few years. I opened the envelope and there was a $50.00 inside.


Recently I was given that book on Emerson "Essays and Addresses". Dated 1906. Inside a report card stamped "Mar 2 1917" was found.

From: Adrian High School.
The student: Miss Florence Early.
Subject: German 4
Teacher: Adelle L Corbus

Wild to think... over 100 years ago some young gal tucked her report card in this book.

Did you sign it and send it back to the school?

Nope.

But that gives me a good idea. The school might actually get a kick out of seeing an old report card. Looks to still be an active school in MI.

Do it! Better yet, drive there yourself and drop it off. Get the media involved. If it doesn't violate any FERPA law, maybe let the camera hone in on it. I'm betting a great-grandkid or two would love to be involved.

Edit: So, what did this flower of the Great War earn on her report card anyway?

Yes. Her grades?

Let's see if this works.

I can't make out that grade. Possibly a lower-case cursive B?

A cursive "C", it seems to me. So they got a report for each class.

Highlander wrote: ↑Sun Nov 09, 2025 7:25 pm A cursive "C", it seems to me. So they got a report for each class.

Looks like she earned "le __." The letter grade may have faded. But I'm stumped why a German teacher would use a French article for a grade.

Highlander wrote: ↑Sun Nov 09, 2025 7:25 pm A cursive "C", it seems to me. So they got a report for each class.

Perhaps this is why it was in the book. She was hiding it from her parents.

Interesting observation.

Back in the day, a "C" was actually considered average ... not necessarily a bad thing. Today, it is the knell of doom. I think that "D"'s and "F"s have been banned by law. You know, the trauma to young minds and lawnmower parents.