unday evening.
(Nov. 12, 1900)

Dearest mama.

I meant to write much earlier in the week - but this week has been a hard one. It seemed as though I had studied straight from Monday morning to Friday afternoon without a break- but of course it was not quite so bad as that. I think that the lessons have begun to get harder and they expect so much more of us since the first six weeks are over- It is certainly getting more like winter now. Saturday and Friday were quite cold. Saturday morning - Louise and I took a long walk up on a hill - from which we got a fine view of the Catskills and they and all the other mountains around were covered with snow. They were so pretty that we hated to go back. I am so glad that both Louise and Constance like to walk we walk up and back from the College quite often when we cant ride our wheels. The other day I started out on my wheel - and got about two blocks when I heard something snap and my chain was broken. I had to run the wheel back to the house and make a grand rush for a car - and reached Rockefeller Hall just in time for my recitation. I had the wheel fixed right away and they charged thirty-five cents - but I use it so much that I wanted it done immediately.

Friday night a line quartet of violinists from New York gave a recital at the college - and we went up. The music was grand. 

Last night came the long awaited Sophomore Party. I went with Sara Freeman. Helen Crosby of Grand Rapids had invited me to dinner - so I arrived there in good season - and went to her room - which was pitch dark - and no one answered my knock. Then I went to Sara Freeman's room - and at just about dinner-time - I went up again. Still she wasn't there - so I went back again and went in with Sara. Found out afterward that Miss Crosby had departed to New York and forgotten me entirely until she was on the train. She was going to stay over Sunday - but sent back word by a girl who didn't see me, so I knew nothing about it.

The dance was very pretty - all the light dresses and only one or two black coats - belonging to Professors. I wore my white dress - low neck - pretty nearly everybody wore low neck and it was so much more comfortable. Such a jam I never got into. The Sophs number over two hundred- and our class is larger yet - and they were all there in full force. All of the Freshmen were numbered with placards about one & a half by three inches - I was number a hundred and forty three. Then all around the room were placards with the letters. A, B, C - etc. on them. At the end of each dance we had to make for our letter - the initial of our last name. Then the Sophomore with whom we had the next dance - would come to our letter and look for her number. It was really the only way they could do. On the floor jam was dreadful. I sailed around there as if I had always known how to dance- and got along very well.

I stayed all night with Sara. And in the morning before church- we went over and went into the Senior Parlor with her cousin who is a Senior. Have I told you about the Senior Parlor. It is a room which is fitted up differently by each Senior class. Members of the class contribute different things and then take them with them at the end of the year. It is for Seniors only - and no one else can go in except with a Senior. It is very prettily fixed this year - in soft shades of green and brown. They have some of the loveliest things there - antique tables and a lovely lamp- a dutch settle - and every thing else. After chapel - we went back and had dinner - and in about the middle of the afternoon I came home again. Louise stayed over with her partner all night, too. It was so much nicer than coming home - at eleven o'clock - all in the cold - and dark. 
 
Now that I have gotten all of my affairs off my mind - I will go back to your letter. I was so glad to read that article about Katharine's school. She must be having a fine time there. I had a letter from grandma the other day or rather from Aunt Marie - and also one from Aunt Kate and they both seem to think it would perhaps be better for me to go to Catskill Thanksgiving- and to P.R. Christmas. I think I shall like it - as I will see more of Kittie and Morris then. By the way, Kittie's address is.

3 Clark Place
Orange
N.J.
Mountain Station -
c/o Mrs. Dorr.

I had a letter from her the other day and she seems to be having a pretty good time. She has entirely recovered from her homesickness. I have not yet gotten a cap - but intend to the next time I go down.

About the dress, I dont think I should want a whole dress- anyway - I dont see how Mrs. Haines could make a skirt and have it hang like anything - without trying it on. But still it seems as though I did need one for steady Sunday wear - and for afternoons when we have to dress at all- As for the color - it would have to look well with my jacket - and
so could hardly be a blue - Anyway every thing I have is blue. So I suppose it would have to be black or a pretty brown. The girls wear white or quite light colored flannel or shalley (?) waists quite a good deal - and they are very pretty. Some are plain shirt waists and others are fancier. I think I like the plain ones as well as the others. II you should decide to have Mrs. Haines make the skirt - I want it made pretty long- fully as broadcloth long as the blue one if not longer-

I am sorry I couldn't write earlier- We are beginning to count the days now to Thanksgiving- Louise is going to stay here Thanksgiving day and then on Friday - she is perhaps going to N.Y. with Miss Bar. & Miss Bal. who have some shopping to do there - and then they would stay all night - and go to the theater- 

Well good-night mother dear- 
From Lea.


[Lea D. Taylor, '04]