Calkins' Writing Endeavors

This section will highlight just two of Calkins' numerous literary works: They Broke the Prairie (1937) and Care and Feeding of Hobby Horses (1934). In 1894, Calkins wrote articles for The University Magazine describing Knox College's history. As stated previously, the college and town of Galesburg came into being at the hands of the same two pioneers (one of whom was a relative of Calkins' childhood friend and fellow amateur journalist, Gettemy). Calkins felt a personal connection to Galesburg and sought to compose a tribute to it that could be added to historical accounts of the Middle West (Calkins, 1937).

He writes: "In western Illinois, midway between the Illinois and the Mississippi rivers, lies Galesburg. It is one hundred sixty miles from Chicago, forty miles from Burlington, and one hundred years from virgin prairie...--today thirty thousand souls, living, working, playing, loving, sinning--pursuing the ways of community life. ...Knox College...has imparted to the town a certain culture more durable than the rigid piety with which the founders sought so earnestly to stiffen it" (Calkins, 1937).

Interestingly, Calkins hoped to complete this work jointly with his childhood friend and high school classmate, who later became his college classmate, Charles Ferris Gettemy. Unfortunately, his job responsibilities at the Federal Reserve precluded him from co-authoring the book. However, despite his obligations, Gettemy provided information about one of Galesburg's founders, his great-grandfather, Silvanus Ferris, and carefully read and critiqued Calkins' work (Calkins, 1937).

Care and Feeding of Hobby Horses extols the virtues of and joys that accompany the pursuit of a personal hobby. Walter B. Pitkin, in the introduction to Calkins' book, comments on the transient nature of work, as opposed to the never-ending rewards that ensue when one pursues a hobby. Unlike jobs that sometimes restrict one's freedom of choice, a hobby can be explored freely by the individual. He believes economic and scientific progress in society have served to make available more leisure time with which to pursue other enjoyable activities. Pitkin notes that Calkins capitalized on the loneliness that resulted from his handicap, and derived considerable enjoyment from taking on activities he elected to do. These activities involved the engagement of mind and body. Pitkin commends Calkins for taking the initiative to live his life joyfully and productively (Pitkin, 1934).

Calkins comments that hobbies should be undertaken to have fun, and not to achieve self-improvement. He distinguishes between play and entertainment, defining play as something derived from active participation, and entertainment as something supplied by others. According to Calkins, by observing entertainment, one is robbed of the spiritual satisfaction gained from using "one's hands and wits" in practicing a hobby. Mental or physical play are each acceptable. However, Calkins recommends the employment of both. He divides play into social and solitary types, mentioning that his deafness makes him more proficient at the latter. Finally, Calkins comments that the pursuit of a hobby makes one more interesting to oneself, and as a consequence, others. He recommends taking a personal inventory of one's likes and dislikes, and provides numerous questions to help the reader hone in on a desirable activity (Calkins, 1934). The following picture taken from Calkins (1946) depicts Calkins engaged in making a ship model. In addition, he carves wood, uses a turning lathe and makes miniature coaches:

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