Pryor Scrapbook Dr. Joe, 1986

I I I I I I 1982 Petit Jean The Yearbook of Harding University Box 887, Station A • Searcy, Arkansas 72143 Phone (501) 268-6161 , Ext. 275 Susan Pryor, editor_____________________________________ March 29, 1986 Dear Daddy, You know I like to write letters to express those things that are at times hard to express . But this letter needed extra inspiration . I went back to my files and found a scrapbook of things I collected over my year as editor. I examined each photo and reread each memo or card. Some brought tears . Others laughter. But all were precious memories. And isn ' t that what the Petit Jean is all about? A printed history capturing the memories of a group of people all bound together by the name Harding. I realize these books are more treasured by those of us who labor with their production for months. Within each specialized cover are the trials and triumphs of one editor and staff on one year . But all of us have one thing in common. You. Now I know you would be the last one to take credit for the PJ becoming such a prestigious book . But along with your sponsorship comes a continuity and a striving for excellence , a determination to do one's best. Those qualities are the ones that make the book a constant winner. I thank you for loving and believing in the usefulness and continuation of the Petit Jean and most of all the never ending hours of work you put in on each book . Yes , only your family knows the hours you sit at the typewriter writing academics copy or the vacations you spent alphabetizing the classes portraits from Ben Red Studio. As you, my shelves are full of Petit Jeans from days gone by, but I have 2 copies that are more precious than gold. I have L. E.'s copy of your ' 37 book and Mimmie ' s of Mother's '46 book . Special books by special editors given to special family who were as proud to have them then as I am to have them now . They remind me of a rich heritage of family and of quality of life and work . I guess you could call me a "PJ baby" . I can remember early days of going to the second floor office in the old student center with you to "check on something . " I remember asking Mom where you were. She'd answer , "He's gone t o the PJ Office. " Then there were the visits from John Clark , playing on the auditorium stage after dedication-trying on the queen ' s crown, Mom packing "goodies" for the staff and you on the trips o Oklahoma City to "finish the book . " I remember BJ's camera days , trips to Ben Red ' s Studio in Little Rock, photographers hanging around the elementary taking our pictures. I guess it was just natural that I got involved in production of the book when I was old enough to understand what to do .