David letters

P.O. Box 1013. Stanford Univ.

July 6, 1921

Dear folks,

Arrived here OK at 1 a.m. Monday morning. Had to walk out from P.a. but barring that had a very comfortable trip.

Has been very hot here yesterday and today. About 100 degrees in the shade today. It doesn't bother at night for you can sleep.

Was one of 10 freshmen given a little reception last night by the Senior-Junior Ku-Klux-Klan. Attired in masks, they pulled us out of bed at 1 am. gave us our bathrobes, and marched us in our bare feet over a rough gravel road about a half mile from school, where they expounded some more traditions to us. To drive these home, they carried barrel stave paddles which they weilded with much strength. They "spelled" Stanford University" forward and backward on me, 36 swats which are indelibly present and painfully seated this afternoon.

Following this "paddling," each freshie

was made to disrobe, placed in a watering trough half full of dirty water, and then was ducked until he swallowed water. I put up a scrap so was held under four times. Following this, we returned via the rocky road and after showers and a change of pajamas went to bed. I hope some other bunch doesn't repeat the program unknowingly this fall.

Received a 10 in my last weekly economics examination. Spanish has been going well the past two days.

Oh, yes, the crime which our late visitors inducted me for was for being from Val-yay-ho" Today, my nickname has been "Vallejo" everywhere I turn. Suppose I will have to lay off the virtues of the home town.

Is almost supper time so must close,

With love, Leon

Office of the President Main Quadrangle Stanford, CA, 94305

[Stamped Received Jul 10 2007 Office of the President]

June 30 '07 Grants Pass, Or.

To: M. Kimball to reply

Dear Sir,

I have not determined just where, or to whom, I might address this letter, and the enclosed letter dated 1921. Believing it may be of interest to you as a part of Stanford's history, I have sent it to you.

The letter was written by my father, Leon Thomas David '25. He became a superior court judge in Los Angeles, and at the end of his career on the Appellate Court. He was also a colonel in World War II on Eisenhower's staff, he "fathered" Tort Liability, was an author & professor.

Why he was targeted by the KKK may have been his name Leon (Jewish perceived) and that his hometown was Vallejo, which presented him as less than he was.

This letter was given me my his brother's estate. It was never mentioned in the family.

Thank you for your interest.

Carolyn David Estra '49