David C. McLavic - 21. Chapter 21

Summer seemed to pass quickly and I was on the train heading home. At that time, I didn’t realize what the future held for Carl and me.

School would soon start, and I would start high school this year. A few changes had occurred over the summer. Dad had arranged for dinner to be served from the University’s cafeteria. Breakfast was basically cereal with fruit, and I started to drink coffee. Lunch was at the school cafeteria, which was part of the University cafeteria.

As a freshman, the curriculum was designed to give a certain overview. For example, the girls had to take classes in cooking and sewing, while the boys had mechanical drawing and woodshop. The rest of my studies involved math, literature, sciences, and history.

I was surprised when I had my first class in mechanical drawing. The course required us to draw an object from three views: front, back, and side or front, top, and side. I was into this. That evening, I told Dad about the course.

“You are quite excited about this course.”

“I am. This is the first course I have had that has architectural support. I think I’m going to ace this course, at least try.”

What I didn’t know, Dad was supportive of my interest in architecture. “I received a letter from your Uncle Harry. He wanted me to let you read it.” Saying that Dad got up and went to get the letter. Handing me the envelope, I opened the envelope.

“Dear David, Give this letter to your David. I would suggest you encourage him in his desire to be an architect. The photos are the completed work of his design. The check is the fee my carpenter feels he should have. The porch design has been widely accepted by other cabin owners.”

That is as far as I read as I held the check and the photos. I looked at Dad, he was smiling. He was going to support me.

Beth Ann’s bedroom was emptied, so I thought. “David, when you get a chance, please clean the spare bedroom. I have some furniture being delivered and I want to make sure the room is clean.”

With Beth Ann’s help, I spent the weekend cleaning the room. I moved some of the bedroom furniture to my room and when I couldn’t move anymore there, I moved the rest to Dad’s bedroom in the garage.

Three days later, Dad asked me to check the bedroom as some furniture arrived. I opened the door and turned on the light. I stopped, I couldn’t believe what I saw. There was the desk from my room and a drawing table with an overhead lamp. Next was a small cabinet with drawing paper, pencils, and a tool kit like the one at school. If I had any doubts about Dad’s support, it went out the window with what he bought me.

Some may say I cheated. If I didn’t finish a drawing in class, I would take it home and finish it there. I also developed a project on my own. Uncle Joe’s tepee was beginning to fall apart, so I decided to design a room for him.