[Hiddigeigei]

"Come to think of it Twain was a reporter too."
Twain's father was a judge. Before public schools, literate mothers taught their children how to read, write and basic mathematics. Years ago, I remember reading that Boston literacy rate dropped precipitately after public schools were established. Might have something to do do with the coincidental Irish and other immigration.

[HandyDandy]

”Years ago, I remember reading that Boston literacy rate dropped precipitately after public schools were established. Might have something to do do (sic) with the coincidental Irish and other immigration.”

Are you saying the literacy rate dropped due to the establishment of public schools? …..or to the arrival of the Irish? Help me out here, I’m an autodidact.