JOHN K. M. McCAFFERY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 04/03/1961 - HFSID 18159

JOHN K. M. McCAFFERY. Typed Letter signed: "John K.M. McCaffery", 1p, 8½x11. New York, N.Y., 1961 April 3. On personal letterhead to Alfred Caravana, The William J. Mrrison Junior High School 73, Brooklyn, N.Y. In full: "Thank you for your letter and your kind invitation. I am sorry that I won't be able to get out to talk to you, but perhaps I can answer some of your questions. I have no general advice for teenagers except to underline what you all must know, that never before in our history has such a premium been put on education and the special skills which derive from education. The competition for places in good schools is intense, and the competition in the world is no less demanding, but the winner is certainly that person who is best prepared academically. I don't think that you can give any particular age as being the age in which boys and girls can date because this certainly varies with each individual. I have four sons ranging in age from 8 to 17 and what would be a good standard for one is not necessarily a good standard for the other. By and large I think American kids date far too early and that their lives are exclusively oriented to the other sex to the detriment of their own development and happiness. I am old-fashioned enough to believe in chaperones and supervised dating activities until the kids demonstrate that they are mature enough to handle some responsibilities. On the other hand, I had no hesitation in letting my 16 year old son spend his Spring vacation in Paris on his own. He had a credit card which he could use as he chose and he did not abuse the privilege. I don't know if this helps you out at all, but I hope you continue to watch the Eleventh Hour News. Sincerely." McCaffery (1913-1983) was a familiar figure on early television, hosting the discussion program Author Meets the Critics (1948-1951) and several game shows, including We Take Your Word (1950-1951) and What's the Story (1953-1955). Lightly crease4d and soiled. Full length vertical fold near right edge. Paperclip impression and stain in upper left corner. Otherwise, fine condition.