Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1922-08-10

and the temptation to admire his
cherished toy became so strong
that Harry sneaked it out of his
pocket behind his big "jogafy."
The top got away from him and
went rolling away across the floor
with great clatter and an ac-
compartment of filters from the
youngsters.
Bring me that top, Harry" said
C. e. Hodgin, the teacher, and
within a few seconds the wonder
full top and its string disappeared
under the appraised top of teachers
desk. That was the last time
Harry Strong saw II until his own
boy had grown UP through the
top stage, the marble stage, the
puppy love" stage, and had re-
turned from overseas service with
the army; not until, indeed, Harry
Strong had grandchildren older
than he himself was on the Hateful
day when the tragedy occurred.
Never Forgot the Top.
But Harry Strong never forgot
that top He asked for it every
time he saw Teacher Hodgin. He
asked for 1t in Albuquerque. He
asked for it in Los Angeles. He
asked for it in church. He asked
for It at social affairs. He asked
for 1t in picture shows. And final
ly, on Tuesday, August s, 1922, he
got it back.
Teacher Hodgin in the meantime
became the venerable and respect
ed Dean Hodgin, vice president of
the state university Of New Mexico
Strong became a prominent mer-
chant and town builder. But when
they met they did not talk of edu-
cational matters or Of the furniture
business. A top was the subject
Of conversation, and it was invari-
ably introduced by Strong.
A few weeks ago some promi-
nent people who knew Hodgtn
met Strong at the station. dc
you know Dean Hodgin?" they
asked. yes" answered Strong
Hes the man who took my tor
awav from me-" And in few days
the top came back, by mail, ac-
companied by a warm personal
note.
The two men have the strongest
affection for each other. Eacf
takes pride in the others success
The tops DISAPPEARANCE did MOI
cool their friendship, but, never
.theless, it was always asked foi
Iand always refused.
Here's a copy OF Dean Hodgin''
note to Strong;
August 7, 1922.
Mr.. Harry O. Strong,
Honored Citizen,
Business Magnate,
Big Man,
Once Little Boy:
return your top taken from
YOU in school some thirty odt
wears ago. Will you please forward
receipt in full for top and string
so that | may have protection II
future years. And when you lih'
nv friends at the station on tram,
going through, to tell them that
took YOUR top away from you. NOW
inform them that l do not owe yos
a top!
Yours sincerely,
That Old Teacher.
(Here was pasted a picture OF
Dean Hodgin as he looked thirty"
five years ago..
Bursts into Verse.
The following poem accompanied
the letter:
Oh, Harry Strong,
You did do wrong.
To spin your wooden top
In time of school,
, Against the rule;
And so your top did stop.
For thirty years
You've shed salt tears.
Because your top ] drew
And you've scored me
And implored me
To give it back to you.
But sure at last.
With years gone past,
You've paid, as do all men;
So now with Joy,
| give YOU, boy,
Your old top back again
And I'd advise
That you'd be wise,
Hereafter when you spin;
And know the place
Your top will grace,
And not be gathered in.
Charles e. Hodgin, That Teacher
The top was placed years ago II
a paper box and labelled Harry
Strong" showing the methodica
and eminently fair manner II
which the teacher handled confis
Gated property. -
Strong Reply From Strong.
Mr.. Strong replied as foilows'
Mr.. c. E. Hodgins.
MY Dear Friend:-I was pleased
this morning to receive your oe
lightful verses and letter with YOU
picture. also the bone of Ions
contention" the top. laughed for
straight five minutes and am al
most sorry the fun is all over.
noticed the high sounding names
YOU called me at the top OF YOU
letter, and plead mot guilty"
However, all Joking aside, an!
boy who is or was fortunate
enough to have you for his teach
err and also to have in later hl'
the every day example OF your up
right life and clean manhood peIor'
him, would have to be somewna
of a man, else he would have beer
indeed a poor pupil and observer
1t seems but yesterday that
was in my place, with your kine
and earnest face looking down OF
us, and yet this noon l found my
self explaining the incident of TN
top to one of my children's child
rem. Dear Professor, I'll alway
keep your letter and picture, als'
the top, though I'll never nee1