Making the Grade

In the early 1900s, a student with two years of high school could attend Ellensburg Normal School for one academic year, pass an examination, and receive a teaching certificate. Elsie Hodgson did just that. In response to her application, the clerk of the Tarpiscan School wrote, “You can teach our school…Sharpen up your six shooter, we got some ornery kids in these parts.” Ready for adventure, she accepted the offer and found kind, hospitable people, who treated her with respect and affection. I