Carl to Ruth - Feb. 2, 1954
A word about switch day
This is a letter from Carl to Ruth during Dad’s senior year at K-State in 1954, well on their way to marriage in June that year. One of the many ways that life probably would have been different if Dad had returned from Vietnam is my choice of college fraternities, and Dad mentions some fraternity hijinks in this letter.
In 1951, Dad was a charter member of Beta Sigma Psi at Kansas State University, a Lutheran fraternity founded on the campus of the University of Illinois in 1925.
When I came to K-State in 1977, I heard from Beta Sigma Psi, but I was lucky enough to get a bid to join FarmHouse. If Dad were there to nudge me, then perhaps the decision would have been different.
Many “ifs,” and this is perhaps the least consequential.
Also, Dad mentions his upcoming ag education student teaching gig, while he asks Mom about her teaching experience. Again, some of our family have always wondered what life would have been like if Dad had left the Air Force to become an ag education teacher in rural Kansas instead of taking the career track that eventually sent him to Vietnam. Then again, poultry judging versus flying B-52s and F-4s? Perhaps it was only a decision that seems pivotal in hindsight.
Beyond all that, I see two devoted youngsters in love, always worth celebrating.
The Switch Day letter offered a glimpse into the mindset of Carl Karst as he juggled collegiate life, career aspirations, and romance. A "heavy load" indeed for any young man. I found it intriguing that Carl discussed FFA, ; as well as ROTC and the Military. In my humble opinion Agriculture, Farming, Livestock, & Food Production are equally as important as National Defense, Freedom and Democracy. Farming and National Defense are equally vital & essential. America is indeed fortunate in having many highly educated young Men and Women choosing a career path in either Farming or the Military. Quite frankly America could Not exist without ... both.