In this letter to Carl and Rio, John Preston McConnell mentions that the State Teachers College at Radford had requested $15,000 from the state for a new heating plant, and $135,000 from the state for a new kitchen and dining room- this was during the Great Depression, so it was not a guarantee at all. In this letter he also gives some lifestyle advice in that he reminds Carl and Rio that they should live a good life each day and try to do good each day.