Making the Grade : Plucky Schoolmarms of Kittitas Country

In 1914, a student completing two years of high school could enter the Ellensburg Normal School for one academic year, pass an examination, and earn a teaching certificate. Elsie Hodgson did just that. In response to her application at the remote Tarpiscan School, the clerk replied. "You can teach our school... Sharpen up your six-shooter, we got some ornery kids in these parts." Ready for adventure, she accepted and unexpectedly met kind, hospitable people who treated her with respect and affection.