1972: John and Morag Aitkenhead: The American Trip
Sponsored by the Walden Center and School
In May and June 1972 John and Morag were invited for a visit to the USA. A mixture of speaking engagements, meeting old friends, visiting educational establishments and some sightseeing. The trip was sponsored by the Walden Center and School, Berkeley, California.
Although the archive papers are incomplete, I have tried to piece together the itinerary, letters and places of interest visited by John and Morag.
This first letter was from Jane in New Mexico.
The next two letters are from contacts in California.
The next letter is from Denny Wilcher their contact at Walden Village in Grand Rapids, Michigan. John and Morag were based here for a few days and spoke to parents and teachers at Walden Village.
Denny Wilcher went on to send John and Morag an itinerary from May 15th to May 20th.
Denny had been trying to communicate with John Holt to check his availability for a possible meeting.
On behalf of the Walden Centre School, Denny invited parents and friends of the school to attend a film showing of Kilquhanity and Summerhill followed by an informal evening with John and Morag to be held on June 8th 1972.
Parents and friends were sent a pro-forma to respond to the invitation.
The following letter is addressed to John and Morag but also to Lil and Clark (Natwick). Lil and Clark worked at Kilquhanity in the 1960s and Ginger Natwick was a pupil in my time. From the following schedule it would appear that Morag and John spent time with the Natwicks on 13th and 14th of June.
This last ‘flyer’ is notice of John showing the Kilquhanity film and speaking at Crespi Elementary School, Pacifica on June 13th at the time they were staying with the Natwicks.
As mentioned above this trip was sponsored by the Walden Center and School; it appears John kept a running total of expenses incurred in Chicago, Boston, Alburquerque, the Redwoods, Carmel and Yosemite.
During their trip to the States john and Morag collected various bits and pieces of ‘literature’ and information including a pencil drawing by John.
During their flights they ‘enjoyed’ the hospitality of TWA
On their return to Kilquhanity a surprise as they arrived at the Lodge Gate!
But waiting around the corner a traditional Kilquhanity welcome!
