File consists of correspondence between Headmaster Mr. Guest and employee, Edith Grindlay. Edith was hired in 1911 to be both school nurse and school matron, and was one of the original employees when the school opened. Correspondence includes reference letters and her acceptance letter; letters regarding purchasing initial supplies and setting up the dormitories, kitchen and infirmary in the original School House (later Colley House) in 1911. Later letters include which supplies to order for the new Headmaster's house and the hospital, which were built in 1913. Supplies that are discussed include curtains, bedding, linens, flooring, paint, and dishes. There is also correspondence about Edith learning to type on a typewriter, canning supplies and canning the fruit on the property, as well as where to purchase and how much food should be purchased.
During World War 1 there is correspondence about rationing and the rising cost of food, as well as brief mentions of alumni who had gone off to war, including Massey, Crawley and Powell.
There is quite a lot of correspondence about the hiring and salary of female domestic staff including kitchen and dormitory cleaning staff. There is also some mention of the men on the Facilities team and the work they should be doing as well as some of their personal problems, including drinking.
There is also quite a lot of correspondence about supply orders and payments, with several receipts from Eatons, Singer Sewing Machine Company and others.
Throughout the letters there are brief mentions of early staff members including Mr. Colley, Mr. Powell and Mr. Whittington.
Edith worked for Appleby from 1911 until she was married in October 1920. She did come back to work for a short period of time in 1924 and there is one letter, possibly from her 1924 return which outlines what she will try to accomplish.
