[May 5, 1913] HOTEL IMPERIAL Broadway and 32nd st. New York Robert Stafford Dearest Mother - This certainly has been a busy week with us here - not a single free minute. In the first place, I have Hall Play rehearsals every other hour or so, and they eat up the time like every-thing. Thursday night, the Minstrel show that I wrote last summer was produced here for the benefit of the Maid’s Club House Fund. We took in over $30.00 at the door and I don’t know how much more we made on ice-cream cones. Friday the college was given a holiday for it was “Founders’ Day.” In the morning at 9:30, there was college signing, at 10:00 an address by Dr. Taylor at 11:20 a most exciting basket-ball game between the Freshman and Seniors. 1916 won with a score of 14-6. 1914 got up a red-headed band to celebrate and (Ha! Ha!) I was asked to be a member (Ha! Ha!) In the afternoon at 3:30 there was a pageant and 4 short sketches given on Sunset Hill representing the development of literature from the Epic thru the Story, etc up to the Essay. At 6:10 Alice Flannery arrived and Florence and I went down to the train to meet her. Then Florence took Rugh Reed, Al, and myself to The Inn for supper. After that we went [cavoring] and early to bed, despite the fact that there was a lecture being given, and a big reception after which I was supposed to sing in the Glee Club and lead the Mandolin Club, etc. Saturday a.m. we arose for breakfast and at 9:30 began the most exciting Field Day there has been for years and years. Elizabether Hardin a Freshman broke the record in every circuit she entered and is thereby entitled to three sweaters with huge V’s on them. At the end it all depended on the final relay race as to who would win most points and so get the championships banner for it was terribly close. I would have you know that 1914’s relay team broke the Record! and so won Field Day for us! Never have I seen such a howling mob as there was afterward. Then we marched to the tree with our banners and had a jollification. I won second place in two events I entered and first in the other. Well, anyway, in the afternoon, Phyllis Zimmers, a Freshman, Al and I went riding and had a beautiful time. After supper came Senior May Danse which was beautiful. All the dancers in delicate pastel shades and the big outside circle all in white. When that was over we took a walk, paid some calls and finally settled down in Josselyn parlor and listened to Mrs. Watts, Ted Corey’s sister, play the piano. At nine o’clock we went out “en masse” and serenaded the Freshman, prodigy and then marched to Strong steps where we had the best singing that we’ve ever had. At ten o’clock, of course, we had to break up and then a bunch came up to our room to have lemonade and incidentally meet Alice Sunday a.m. Florence and Al went down to early church and then Dorothy Parker took her guest from N.Y., a Louise MacWare, Alice and myself to the Inn for breakfast. Then after that as it was town Sunday and hence there was no Chapel we went on a picnic that Florence got up - such fun! Oh, my goodness, we laughed till we ached. At 4:30, Al and I went for a long walk and got back just barely in time for her to dress, fly to Carey's for a bit to eat and make the 6:40 train. I went to bed at 9:00 for I was very weary. This ended a very jolly week-end and one that I wish you might have been here for. Mrs. Parker is coming to visit Dorothy the end of this week and I’m going to be invited again to go home with them at the close of school. I wish you knew something of what your plans for June are to be. I’m keen to go to Silver Bay, but I think perhaps Chicago has a stronger appeal even so. I have written Mr. Bryant saying I would like to come for the month of June. I had a very nice letter from him, saying that there were no counselorships open, but that he would make a slight reduction for three-in-a-family - and especially since two of us were old girls. I have seen Dr. Parker and had an impression of my mouth taken. He will probably write you details in a couple of days. I’ve had my chiffon waist cleaned and it looks very well. Am getting scared by the minute over the recital - it comes May 14th. Bell for first hour has rung and I must skip I will send you Mr. Bryant’s letter next time, if I can find it. Much love to all - Muriel. Please forward POUGHKEEPSIE MAY 5 11 00 AM 1913 N.Y. Mrs. B.O. Tilden 105 West 40th St. New York City Tilden B’l’d’g HOTEL IMPERIAL Broadway and 32nd st. New York Robert Stafford