Date: October 12, 1924
Context: Coolidge warns his son against wasting time while in college.
My dear John:-
Some Weeks ago I wrote you a letter. You have made no response to it whatever. When I send you some instructions I want to know that you are carrying them out Now I want to know how much time you are spending in Northampton. I would like to know what entertainments you are attending and who you are taking with you there and at Amhurst.
I want you to keep in mind that you have been sent to college to work. Nothing else will do you any good. Nobody in my class who spent their time in other ways has ever amounted to anything. Unless you want to spend your time [word unclear] your way just as well leave college. Nothing else will make you a man or gain for you the respect of people.
I want you to refuse all requests that will interfere with your doing the work that is assigned each day for you to do.
Your father
Calvin Coolidge
Citation: Vermont Historical Society
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The Coolidge Foundation gratefully acknowledges Tammy Harken, who prepared this document for digital publication