Content Warning
The Vassar College Archives within the Digital Library include some images, texts, and material items that are racist, xenophobic, or otherwise harmful. The Vassar Libraries have provided descriptive text and additional notes whenever possible to alert Digital Library users to these items. The Engaged Pluralism Initiative Race and Racism in Historical Collections Project Group is working with the library on contextualizing and facilitating community conversations about these materials. For more information see: https://library.vassar.edu/rrhc
Access Control
Date
1880-1882
Abstract
The diary covers social news, news from home, academics and assignments, the books she reads, housing, religious services, lectures.\nShe mentions smashing (p. 2), a play in blackface (p. 11, p. 41), the 1880 election (p. 13), racism against the Japanese students attending the Inauguration (p. 41) and a description of their experience (p. 46), and several references to the debate on women becoming lawyers. She transcribes detailed notes on Professor Truman J. Backus' lecture on the difference between men and women and the importance of matrimony along with her own thoughts (p. 69-75). She includes another on women's professions with a mention of Wyman's goal of becoming a lawyer (p. 87-89). She also writes about her impressions of Professor Maria Mitchell. She participates in the Philalethean Society, plays, the Exoteric Society, and Clio. Wyman also describes Vassar events including Halloween, Phil Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, the Trig Ceremony, the Freshman Party, and Founder's Day.
Creator
Transcript file(s)
Subject
Subject (Topical)
References
Finding aid: https://digitallibrary.vassar.edu/collections/finding-aids/62cd5d54-e5db-45fb-8d27-0c0437843e88
Details
Member of
Identifier
vassar:2797,Box 123
Extent
1 item
Type
Rights
These materials are made available for research and educational purposes. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine the copyright status of materials in the Vassar College Digital Library.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880003
1880-1882 Wyman
Journal
Anne Cora Southworth, '82,
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie
New York.
Journal
Anne Cora Southworth, '82,
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie
New York.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880005
1
Journal
Vassar College, Sept. 19th '80.
Back Again.
Juniors! how queer it seems. To think that I've only one more long vacation! Fannie Bird came back with me. She is to be preparatory. She is awfully homesick but I think she will get over it as soon as the studying begins. She says however that she shall go home next week. We got here Thursday and Hattie arrived soon after. At night, just before we were going to bed, who should come up the hall but May. We did not expect her till Monday. We thought Madge was not coming back and mourned for her. May had the outside room, I the double and Hat the single inside. Friday as we were going to Chapel, we ran right into Madge! Weren't we astonished? And weren't we
Journal
Vassar College, Sept. 19th '80.
Back Again.
Juniors! how queer it seems. To think that I've only one more long vacation! Fannie Bird came back with me. She is to be preparatory. She is awfully homesick but I think she will get over it as soon as the studying begins. She says however that she shall go home next week. We got here Thursday and Hattie arrived soon after. At night, just before we were going to bed, who should come up the hall but May. We did not expect her till Monday. We thought Madge was not coming back and mourned for her. May had the outside room, I the double and Hat the single inside. Friday as we were going to Chapel, we ran right into Madge! Weren't we astonished? And weren't we
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880006
2
glad? So the next day we changed around, and finally May and Hattie took the double inside and I took the outside. They are going to have two bureaus and fix it up so there will be room for their things. At first Hattie said they never could stand it, two in a room. She went to Mrs. Ray to be changed to a room alone. But Mrs. Ray said there was not one room that had not been applied for. There are lots and lots of new girls this year. That will be very nice for the College. Carrie has not arrived yet. I am afraid her eyes trouble her. Louise has a boat. Miss Withy is back as [post]. She could not be separated from her [smash] Miss Stockwell. I am writing up in Fannie Birds' room, as I haven't any ink myself.
glad? So the next day we changed around, and finally May and Hattie took the double inside and I took the outside. They are going to have two bureaus and fix it up so there will be room for their things. At first Hattie said they never could stand it, two in a room. She went to Mrs. Ray to be changed to a room alone. But Mrs. Ray said there was not one room that had not been applied for. There are lots and lots of new girls this year. That will be very nice for the College. Carrie has not arrived yet. I am afraid her eyes trouble her. Louise has a boat. Miss Withy is back as [post]. She could not be separated from her [smash] Miss Stockwell. I am writing up in Fannie Birds' room, as I haven't any ink myself.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880007
Sunday, Oct 3rd 1880
Fannie
has got over being homesick. She is as lively as can be now. Her father came here last Saturday, after she had telegraphed several times to home. She said she would stay if he wished her to. He said of course he wished her to stay. I really think she would have been a little disappointed if he had wanted her to go home. She cheered right up and was as jolly as could be.
Hattie
has moved. She went into the parlor with Ella Varnes, and Miss Wilkinson went with her.
Carrie
has not come back yet. Her eyes have been very bad indeed. She will be back as soon as she can.
Delta.
There are only 17 or 18 old members
Fannie
has got over being homesick. She is as lively as can be now. Her father came here last Saturday, after she had telegraphed several times to home. She said she would stay if he wished her to. He said of course he wished her to stay. I really think she would have been a little disappointed if he had wanted her to go home. She cheered right up and was as jolly as could be.
Hattie
has moved. She went into the parlor with Ella Varnes, and Miss Wilkinson went with her.
Carrie
has not come back yet. Her eyes have been very bad indeed. She will be back as soon as she can.
Delta.
There are only 17 or 18 old members
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880008
4
in Delta I hope we will get lots of new girls in the chapter for upon that its prosperity depends. Last Friday Julia Meeker and I were on the entertainment committee. Jessie M. and Jessie W. made real pretty programmes. I spoke "Here she [Was] and There she Goes," and I was Tom in the Charade Domestic. We had ice cream and cake after it was over. Madge and May are going to join Delta. Miss Nicks, an '82 girl, used to belong to Delta, but she was sick and left last year. Her sister is here this year and is going to join Delta.
Sunday, Oct. 10th
Fossils
Friday Jessie and I went to Cedar Ridge after ..., but it was rather too early and so we didn't get many. Jessie showed me a large boulder with fossil sea weed, and we found a small piece of the same, which we calmly broke in halves and appro-
in Delta I hope we will get lots of new girls in the chapter for upon that its prosperity depends. Last Friday Julia Meeker and I were on the entertainment committee. Jessie M. and Jessie W. made real pretty programmes. I spoke "Here she [Was] and There she Goes," and I was Tom in the Charade Domestic. We had ice cream and cake after it was over. Madge and May are going to join Delta. Miss Nicks, an '82 girl, used to belong to Delta, but she was sick and left last year. Her sister is here this year and is going to join Delta.
Sunday, Oct. 10th
Fossils
Friday Jessie and I went to Cedar Ridge after ..., but it was rather too early and so we didn't get many. Jessie showed me a large boulder with fossil sea weed, and we found a small piece of the same, which we calmly broke in halves and appro-
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880011
7
The first [elase] that has had one since '73.
Monday, Oct. [October] 24th '80
News from home
It seems as if I had nothing but bad news from home. First, the [...] mill at home was burned and their French and Ward's mill and now the last thing, father has been hurt. He was running along beside his wagon which had 2500 lbs. [punds] of grain on it, and he fell and the whell went over him, bruising his leg terribly and also his shoulder some. That was a week ago Saturday. Last Saturday I recieved my last letter from home, and his knee was not getting along at all well. I have had
Company
from home. Mrs [...], whose sister lives in town and is the wife of the high school teacher Mr. [Mister]
The first [elase] that has had one since '73.
Monday, Oct. [October] 24th '80
News from home
It seems as if I had nothing but bad news from home. First, the [...] mill at home was burned and their French and Ward's mill and now the last thing, father has been hurt. He was running along beside his wagon which had 2500 lbs. [punds] of grain on it, and he fell and the whell went over him, bruising his leg terribly and also his shoulder some. That was a week ago Saturday. Last Saturday I recieved my last letter from home, and his knee was not getting along at all well. I have had
Company
from home. Mrs [...], whose sister lives in town and is the wife of the high school teacher Mr. [Mister]
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880012
8
Buck. Mrs. [Missus] [...] came out here Tuesday and Thursday her sister and some children came with her. It seemed [...] very pleasant to see some one from home.
Beta's Hall Meeting
[came] off last Friday. The chapters are allowed to have only literary and musical entertainments this year. It was very nice for that kind of [...] meeting. I went to
Exoterie
Saturday night, Fannie Klongs. They had a very pleasant meeting. I ram so angry at
Mrs. Ray
She does not want us to have any more [...] at chapter meetings, and [rom] programmes have to be submitter to her. It is half the work to get up a farce, and I think she is very disagreeable.
Buck. Mrs. [Missus] [...] came out here Tuesday and Thursday her sister and some children came with her. It seemed [...] very pleasant to see some one from home.
Beta's Hall Meeting
[came] off last Friday. The chapters are allowed to have only literary and musical entertainments this year. It was very nice for that kind of [...] meeting. I went to
Exoterie
Saturday night, Fannie Klongs. They had a very pleasant meeting. I ram so angry at
Mrs. Ray
She does not want us to have any more [...] at chapter meetings, and [rom] programmes have to be submitter to her. It is half the work to get up a farce, and I think she is very disagreeable.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880013
9
Oct 31st '80
Delta
We had a real nice Delta meeting Friday. Miss Platter read a very good critique. Misses Varnes and Easton read last year's class essays. Miss Munro and I read prices. I had a dreadful cold but managed to get through. Miss Varnes sang also. I read The Brother of Mercy by Whittier. That afternoon I read the same in elocution.
Elocution
We meet at the tenth period Tuesdays and Fridays. Miss Brace has been very nice so far. But they say she has been horrid in the other divisions.
Hollowe'en.
We were going to have a spree [and] Mrs. Ray said we might pair [...] for it. The Sophs [sophmores] were going to have Society Hall, the other studentsthe gym. Saturday night the last [...], Mrs. Ray wouldn't lit the preps
Oct 31st '80
Delta
We had a real nice Delta meeting Friday. Miss Platter read a very good critique. Misses Varnes and Easton read last year's class essays. Miss Munro and I read prices. I had a dreadful cold but managed to get through. Miss Varnes sang also. I read The Brother of Mercy by Whittier. That afternoon I read the same in elocution.
Elocution
We meet at the tenth period Tuesdays and Fridays. Miss Brace has been very nice so far. But they say she has been horrid in the other divisions.
Hollowe'en.
We were going to have a spree [and] Mrs. Ray said we might pair [...] for it. The Sophs [sophmores] were going to have Society Hall, the other studentsthe gym. Saturday night the last [...], Mrs. Ray wouldn't lit the preps
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880014
10
go to the gym because it was raining and told the Juniors that we must finished by 8 p.m. so the preps might have Room J. We were pretty well disgusted. We had a show first and got through with it by 8 by hurrying and then took up our chairs and fled to the back [...] where we were regaled with coffee and sandwiches. The show was splendid. Miss Glum led the orchestra, and was too cute fod anything. Laura Gross recited Byron's piece about [...] slaying her daughter with a very tragic air brandishing a butcher's knife. She blacked her eye brows and put black lace around her head so it looked like black saratoga wave, wore a long dress and did not look a bit like herself. Miss Easton, attired in a short white dress and pantalets, with her hair down, recited ""Twinkle twinkle little star" for our edifica-
go to the gym because it was raining and told the Juniors that we must finished by 8 p.m. so the preps might have Room J. We were pretty well disgusted. We had a show first and got through with it by 8 by hurrying and then took up our chairs and fled to the back [...] where we were regaled with coffee and sandwiches. The show was splendid. Miss Glum led the orchestra, and was too cute fod anything. Laura Gross recited Byron's piece about [...] slaying her daughter with a very tragic air brandishing a butcher's knife. She blacked her eye brows and put black lace around her head so it looked like black saratoga wave, wore a long dress and did not look a bit like herself. Miss Easton, attired in a short white dress and pantalets, with her hair down, recited ""Twinkle twinkle little star" for our edifica-
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880015
tion. But I think Miss Varnes outdid them all. She was fixed up like a negro, and the way she carried on rolling her eyes and showing her teeth! Miss King read an essay on spring. H [...] [...]. After we had out spread, we began to play games. But the back parlor was too small. So some one went to find Mirs. Ray and get permission to take the front parlor. She was not to be [...] and we knew no other teacher woudl feel at liberty to give consent, so two girls went to the President. Then we played Blindman's bliff and the circle. Then Miss Coleman propoled that we go through the Catacombs. So we all formed a line, each putting her hands on the shoulders of the one in front. It was great fun. It was dark all the way, except just in the centre. Then we marched through the kitchen where the servers were making candy, sing-
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880016
12
ing "Here's to '81, for we know she's having fun." Then in the second we sand "Here's to the president, for the [...] the parlor lint." Then we returned to the parlors. The preps in Room J sang to us and we sand back and then we danced the Virginia Reel and departed. Fannie and Jessie Clinton staid [stayed] here all night and the girls were going to get up and eat an apple at 12, but they didn't. Some one served up my night-gown and fixed my sheet; but they did not bother me for I always go to bed in the light.
Covering the Sofa
I covered my sofa Saturday. It looks real pretty. Bright red and old gold. A week ago I covered my chair [...], too. And May is going to cover her [her's] like it.
Analyses.
We have had to write just lots of analyses in Rhetoric. I don't like to do it but I see that it is
ing "Here's to '81, for we know she's having fun." Then in the second we sand "Here's to the president, for the [...] the parlor lint." Then we returned to the parlors. The preps in Room J sang to us and we sand back and then we danced the Virginia Reel and departed. Fannie and Jessie Clinton staid [stayed] here all night and the girls were going to get up and eat an apple at 12, but they didn't. Some one served up my night-gown and fixed my sheet; but they did not bother me for I always go to bed in the light.
Covering the Sofa
I covered my sofa Saturday. It looks real pretty. Bright red and old gold. A week ago I covered my chair [...], too. And May is going to cover her [her's] like it.
Analyses.
We have had to write just lots of analyses in Rhetoric. I don't like to do it but I see that it is
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880017
13
doing me good. I have made a great fuss every time.
Sunday Nov. 7th 1990
Hallowe'en
We had a jolly time Hallowe'en. Out class had an entertainment in- but there I have written all about that, so I think I will leave the subject and talk about elections.
Election.
Tuesday nights great excitement prevailed in College and party-spirit ran high. The girls were all putting out decorations and signs. Madge hung out red, white, and blue skirts, May a white shawl and red and blue [sachel]. She is a Democrat. Then I draped some old curtains etc. over the alley-way and put up my red handkerchief and some blue ribbon and white [illusion] between the doors in the alley.
doing me good. I have made a great fuss every time.
Sunday Nov. 7th 1990
Hallowe'en
We had a jolly time Hallowe'en. Out class had an entertainment in- but there I have written all about that, so I think I will leave the subject and talk about elections.
Election.
Tuesday nights great excitement prevailed in College and party-spirit ran high. The girls were all putting out decorations and signs. Madge hung out red, white, and blue skirts, May a white shawl and red and blue [sachel]. She is a Democrat. Then I draped some old curtains etc. over the alley-way and put up my red handkerchief and some blue ribbon and white [illusion] between the doors in the alley.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880018
14
Then out in the corridor I draped my red and white shawl and my blue stockings and some blue bows. Then Madge and I painted a little flag and [set] it swinging over the entrance to the alley way. We were busy in study-hour and Miss Kaskell came out and said tha really we ought to keep in our rooms, but that if we would be real quiet, we might stay and decorate. Just think of that from Miss Kaskell! The senior corridor was decked out beautifully and [lighed] up by candles. There were effigies of Hancock and Garfield in various postures of ignominy or triumph. Teachers and professors with smiling faces promenaded the corridors and examined the decorations. A blackboard by the senior parlor stood waiting for the first alums. [...] was a scene of gaeity and festivity. The Sophs [sophmores] and Frosh [freshmen] Republicans formed a torch
Then out in the corridor I draped my red and white shawl and my blue stockings and some blue bows. Then Madge and I painted a little flag and [set] it swinging over the entrance to the alley way. We were busy in study-hour and Miss Kaskell came out and said tha really we ought to keep in our rooms, but that if we would be real quiet, we might stay and decorate. Just think of that from Miss Kaskell! The senior corridor was decked out beautifully and [lighed] up by candles. There were effigies of Hancock and Garfield in various postures of ignominy or triumph. Teachers and professors with smiling faces promenaded the corridors and examined the decorations. A blackboard by the senior parlor stood waiting for the first alums. [...] was a scene of gaeity and festivity. The Sophs [sophmores] and Frosh [freshmen] Republicans formed a torch
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880019
15
light procession and were marching triumphantly along [when] as they reached the Senior Corridor, out came Mrs. Ray with flamming eyes and angry looks and said "Young ladies, put out your lights and go to your rooms immediately." She called it imbicile and childish and gave as excuse that she had a headache and did not like the noise. Flat! Well, this procession broke up, but as for quiet, that was out of the question, there was continual clatter up and down the corridors and a stir and excitement in the air. Mrs. Ray sent word to the Seniors to put out their candles but they would not do it. About 9 came the first [...], and Miss Fardner wrote up on the board "5th District Poughkeepsie 187 majority for Garfield." "Pooh, Poughkeepsie always does go Republican," remarked a poor Democrat, scornfully. Miss Jaskell came around to
light procession and were marching triumphantly along [when] as they reached the Senior Corridor, out came Mrs. Ray with flamming eyes and angry looks and said "Young ladies, put out your lights and go to your rooms immediately." She called it imbicile and childish and gave as excuse that she had a headache and did not like the noise. Flat! Well, this procession broke up, but as for quiet, that was out of the question, there was continual clatter up and down the corridors and a stir and excitement in the air. Mrs. Ray sent word to the Seniors to put out their candles but they would not do it. About 9 came the first [...], and Miss Fardner wrote up on the board "5th District Poughkeepsie 187 majority for Garfield." "Pooh, Poughkeepsie always does go Republican," remarked a poor Democrat, scornfully. Miss Jaskell came around to
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880020
16
all the rooms after the last bell and gave us all the latest news, which was so cheering that we went to sleep in a very happy state of mind. The next day Mrs. Ray sent word to all the girls to take down their decorations. But the seniors did not and for several days they staid up in all their glory. I heard that Mrs. Ray appologized to Miss Fitzhugh for something Mrs. Ray said to her. We were all much disgusted with Mrs. Ray and expected to get a lecture from her, but did not. The next day Prof. Backus talked to us in class about politics.
Sunday, Nox. 14th '80.
In Jessie Clinton's Room.
Yesterday Jessy C. got a bunch of oranges from her father's plantation. They are the nicest I ever ate. I suppose because they are fresh. Some of them are very large, and some
all the rooms after the last bell and gave us all the latest news, which was so cheering that we went to sleep in a very happy state of mind. The next day Mrs. Ray sent word to all the girls to take down their decorations. But the seniors did not and for several days they staid up in all their glory. I heard that Mrs. Ray appologized to Miss Fitzhugh for something Mrs. Ray said to her. We were all much disgusted with Mrs. Ray and expected to get a lecture from her, but did not. The next day Prof. Backus talked to us in class about politics.
Sunday, Nox. 14th '80.
In Jessie Clinton's Room.
Yesterday Jessy C. got a bunch of oranges from her father's plantation. They are the nicest I ever ate. I suppose because they are fresh. Some of them are very large, and some
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880021
17
are little "mandarins" with the nicest flavor I ever tasted. She is going to East Bridgewater Christmas and is going with Fannie and I. She is going to Stoughton with us and there she is coming to Stoughton to come back with us. I expect we will have a very jolly time.
Alpha's Hall Meeting
came off Friday night. It was very nice, I thought. Venis Abbott had the critique and it was splendid. Poetry and very cute.
Miss Miade,
an elocutionist, a friend of Miss [Hartinarm], was here this week and read to us between dinner and chapel. She read "The Bugh Song," King Henry V and Catherine, and A Countryman's account of some fine music he had heard. I did not like the first very well bit the last
are little "mandarins" with the nicest flavor I ever tasted. She is going to East Bridgewater Christmas and is going with Fannie and I. She is going to Stoughton with us and there she is coming to Stoughton to come back with us. I expect we will have a very jolly time.
Alpha's Hall Meeting
came off Friday night. It was very nice, I thought. Venis Abbott had the critique and it was splendid. Poetry and very cute.
Miss Miade,
an elocutionist, a friend of Miss [Hartinarm], was here this week and read to us between dinner and chapel. She read "The Bugh Song," King Henry V and Catherine, and A Countryman's account of some fine music he had heard. I did not like the first very well bit the last
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880022
18
two were very good indeed. I enjoyed the second most of all. I would like such a treat oftener.
Dec. 12th 1880
Fanchon
Any amount of things have happened since I last wrote. In the first place, the first hall play came off. It was Fanchon. Miss [Shove] took the part of Laudry; Miss Darling, Didier. [Miss Aollinson] was Fanchon. They all did well, very well, and it was great fun rehearsing. I took the part of Fadet and enjoyed it immensely. There were lots of nice girls in it, Misses Lane, Crate, Lloyd. And Miss Erekine was head of the committee and Miss Pinfield was also on committee. I think Miss [Shove] is lovely.
two were very good indeed. I enjoyed the second most of all. I would like such a treat oftener.
Dec. 12th 1880
Fanchon
Any amount of things have happened since I last wrote. In the first place, the first hall play came off. It was Fanchon. Miss [Shove] took the part of Laudry; Miss Darling, Didier. [Miss Aollinson] was Fanchon. They all did well, very well, and it was great fun rehearsing. I took the part of Fadet and enjoyed it immensely. There were lots of nice girls in it, Misses Lane, Crate, Lloyd. And Miss Erekine was head of the committee and Miss Pinfield was also on committee. I think Miss [Shove] is lovely.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880023
19
Phil. Day
A week ago last Friday was Phil. Dat. Cassie came Thursday and went away Monday. I enjoyed her visit so much. She staid [stayed] to Mr. Wheeler's nights and came over here day times. We had a real nice time Friday night. Prof. Bachus addressed us and he was very nice. However he had to refer to his notes and that was quite painful. I heard he had stage fright, which seems scarcely possible.
Delta Hall Meeting
came off last night. I was on the committee. Miss Pratt was head of the committee. Mis Brace read to us. A selection from Queen Mary, and [Persimmons]. She was very nice. She was an old Deltan. Miss [Mieher] read an essay about a "Modern Romeo and Juliet." It was very funny. I had the critique. Miss Annes was bride in the Mistle-
Phil. Day
A week ago last Friday was Phil. Dat. Cassie came Thursday and went away Monday. I enjoyed her visit so much. She staid [stayed] to Mr. Wheeler's nights and came over here day times. We had a real nice time Friday night. Prof. Bachus addressed us and he was very nice. However he had to refer to his notes and that was quite painful. I heard he had stage fright, which seems scarcely possible.
Delta Hall Meeting
came off last night. I was on the committee. Miss Pratt was head of the committee. Mis Brace read to us. A selection from Queen Mary, and [Persimmons]. She was very nice. She was an old Deltan. Miss [Mieher] read an essay about a "Modern Romeo and Juliet." It was very funny. I had the critique. Miss Annes was bride in the Mistle-
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880024
20
toe Bough. She looked very pretty and acted lovely. May and Madgr were lady and lord in it and looked ever so nice. Jessie was a lord also. In the last scene we had the two little Dwight boys and their little Norris children and they were just as cute as could be. Jamie and Benny wanted to rehearse all the time and they all did splendidly. I guess the whole was liked pretty well.
Thanksgiving
I forgot all about Thanksgiving. We had a lovely time. We skated all the morning. Dinner at three. Then we danced and played games in the parlors. Then we went to the Hall where there was quite a nice entertainment. Miss Brace recited a piece about Thanksgiving and [Bobo'link]. Then we returned to the parlor for more dancing, games,
toe Bough. She looked very pretty and acted lovely. May and Madgr were lady and lord in it and looked ever so nice. Jessie was a lord also. In the last scene we had the two little Dwight boys and their little Norris children and they were just as cute as could be. Jamie and Benny wanted to rehearse all the time and they all did splendidly. I guess the whole was liked pretty well.
Thanksgiving
I forgot all about Thanksgiving. We had a lovely time. We skated all the morning. Dinner at three. Then we danced and played games in the parlors. Then we went to the Hall where there was quite a nice entertainment. Miss Brace recited a piece about Thanksgiving and [Bobo'link]. Then we returned to the parlor for more dancing, games,
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880025
21
and for ice cream and cake. Prod. Bachus, Prix, John Guy and Matthew Vassar, and Ray danced the Virginia Reel. John Guy and Matthew played Jacob and Rachel, too, and other games. Everybody was very jolly and I never had a nicer Thanksgiving day here.
First Essay
was about the view from the top of Blue Hill at home. Miss Hiscock liked it very much. There was a great deal of imagination in it through, because it was so long ago I went up there.
Jan. 18th 1881
Christmas Tree.
I went home the Friday before vacation began. The Friday after vacation we had a Christmass tree in our room. The girls took the
and for ice cream and cake. Prod. Bachus, Prix, John Guy and Matthew Vassar, and Ray danced the Virginia Reel. John Guy and Matthew played Jacob and Rachel, too, and other games. Everybody was very jolly and I never had a nicer Thanksgiving day here.
First Essay
was about the view from the top of Blue Hill at home. Miss Hiscock liked it very much. There was a great deal of imagination in it through, because it was so long ago I went up there.
Jan. 18th 1881
Christmas Tree.
I went home the Friday before vacation began. The Friday after vacation we had a Christmass tree in our room. The girls took the
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880026
22
out of the hall decorations just before Christmas vacation, and kept it in the closet over vacation. May went home with Madge and Jessie C. went to East Bridgewater and came over to Stoughton. We tied the tree to the gas jet and propped it up by books. Then we had candles on it and cornballs. I took of the presents and compared some poetry in honor of the occasion. Jessie W. made the programmes. I gave all the girls scent bags, except Jessie W. I gave her a pair of silver pins. We [chubbed] and gave Madge a braver hat. I had a Japanese tray from Jessie F., an inkstand from J.P.C., a pack of visiting cards from Fannie, a glass of crackle ware from May and a vase of rainbow glass from Madge. Then we had a feast of crackers, pickles, presents, fruit cake, oranges, doughnuts, candy. We had a lovely time.
out of the hall decorations just before Christmas vacation, and kept it in the closet over vacation. May went home with Madge and Jessie C. went to East Bridgewater and came over to Stoughton. We tied the tree to the gas jet and propped it up by books. Then we had candles on it and cornballs. I took of the presents and compared some poetry in honor of the occasion. Jessie W. made the programmes. I gave all the girls scent bags, except Jessie W. I gave her a pair of silver pins. We [chubbed] and gave Madge a braver hat. I had a Japanese tray from Jessie F., an inkstand from J.P.C., a pack of visiting cards from Fannie, a glass of crackle ware from May and a vase of rainbow glass from Madge. Then we had a feast of crackers, pickles, presents, fruit cake, oranges, doughnuts, candy. We had a lovely time.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880027
23
[Coasting]
is lovely. The hill is steep and croocked, however, and the crust is very hard. I have been out twice. Jamie Dwight has a bob and the girls go down on it. Two girls went down on a shaky sled against the advice of Miss Fitzhugh, who had been using it and they upset and scratched their faces quite badly.
Delta Meeting
was quite pleasant. Miss Penfield read a selection from the "Tramp Abroad". We had programmes which were very pretty. Then we had refreshments, crackers, oranges, and macaroons.
[Clio]
met Saturday after Chapel. Jessie read a paper about Cardinal Wolsey, and Miss Cecil talked about the last part of
[Coasting]
is lovely. The hill is steep and croocked, however, and the crust is very hard. I have been out twice. Jamie Dwight has a bob and the girls go down on it. Two girls went down on a shaky sled against the advice of Miss Fitzhugh, who had been using it and they upset and scratched their faces quite badly.
Delta Meeting
was quite pleasant. Miss Penfield read a selection from the "Tramp Abroad". We had programmes which were very pretty. Then we had refreshments, crackers, oranges, and macaroons.
[Clio]
met Saturday after Chapel. Jessie read a paper about Cardinal Wolsey, and Miss Cecil talked about the last part of
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880028
24
Henry VIII reign. Misses Thove and Semple read a scene from Shakespeare and that ended the library part. Then Miss Buttam gave in a spread, consisting of Coffee and Rolls Lobster salad, Ice Cream and Cake, Oranges. We had a very pleasant evening.
Essay.
I got another week on my essay, as it was due a week ago yesterday. But I could not finish it quite yesterday on account of the spread. So I finished copying it today. I don't know what Miss Hiscock will say, but I guess nothing very bad. My subject is "Why Should Not Women Be Lawyers?" It all consists in a repetition of the "Not Be" arguments. I was up in Jessie's room all day yesterday. She and I both wrote on out essays, and when we wanted advice we asked each other.
Henry VIII reign. Misses Thove and Semple read a scene from Shakespeare and that ended the library part. Then Miss Buttam gave in a spread, consisting of Coffee and Rolls Lobster salad, Ice Cream and Cake, Oranges. We had a very pleasant evening.
Essay.
I got another week on my essay, as it was due a week ago yesterday. But I could not finish it quite yesterday on account of the spread. So I finished copying it today. I don't know what Miss Hiscock will say, but I guess nothing very bad. My subject is "Why Should Not Women Be Lawyers?" It all consists in a repetition of the "Not Be" arguments. I was up in Jessie's room all day yesterday. She and I both wrote on out essays, and when we wanted advice we asked each other.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880029
25
Miss Hiscock
"The Divine Helen" or "Little [Bell]" called on Jessie, who was sick, this morning. She said she had a great love for cats and whenever she saw one, she wanted to take it up and caress it. She said that she supposed she had the love for cats that other women have for children. She said she saw the loveliest picture of a cat in New York and if she hadn't felt the pinch of poverty she should have bought it. A
New Regulation
for the dining hall has gone into effect. We can leave dinner at half past five instead of a quarter of six as formerly. It is splendid.
The Mystery.
There is some mystery in the air. Some announcement is to be made that is to have a great influence on us. It will not affect
Miss Hiscock
"The Divine Helen" or "Little [Bell]" called on Jessie, who was sick, this morning. She said she had a great love for cats and whenever she saw one, she wanted to take it up and caress it. She said that she supposed she had the love for cats that other women have for children. She said she saw the loveliest picture of a cat in New York and if she hadn't felt the pinch of poverty she should have bought it. A
New Regulation
for the dining hall has gone into effect. We can leave dinner at half past five instead of a quarter of six as formerly. It is splendid.
The Mystery.
There is some mystery in the air. Some announcement is to be made that is to have a great influence on us. It will not affect
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880030
26
the music students but will affect the seniors. Many conjectures have been made. But I think it must be a change in the system of honors on the abolishing of [...].
Feb 13th 1881
Christmas Tree Poetry
I should think it was time I wrote, when so much has been going on. But first I will put in the poetry that I read at the Christmas tree
We welcome you all
To this noble hall,
Out Christmas tree
To see.
Its grand old branches, spreading above
Are hung with tokens of our love
So faithful and so true.
And now le me say,
In this joyous day,
A wrord to each of you.
the music students but will affect the seniors. Many conjectures have been made. But I think it must be a change in the system of honors on the abolishing of [...].
Feb 13th 1881
Christmas Tree Poetry
I should think it was time I wrote, when so much has been going on. But first I will put in the poetry that I read at the Christmas tree
We welcome you all
To this noble hall,
Out Christmas tree
To see.
Its grand old branches, spreading above
Are hung with tokens of our love
So faithful and so true.
And now le me say,
In this joyous day,
A wrord to each of you.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880031
27
For Madge, out sole Quaker maiden
May this New Year be laden
With joys, as bright
as electric lights!
Fannie, may you still be happy,
And as gay and as sappy,
As you have be before.
But carless and thoughtless
And full of naughtiness,
May you be no more.
Of all things tonight, either horrid or nice,
The best I can give you is this good advice.
Jessie the little, Jessie the slim,
Jessie the the sober and jolly,
What word shall I say
To you today,
Of either wisdom or folly.
May you grow very fat
And have always a hat
As becoming as your black one.
And may you see
For Madge, out sole Quaker maiden
May this New Year be laden
With joys, as bright
as electric lights!
Fannie, may you still be happy,
And as gay and as sappy,
As you have be before.
But carless and thoughtless
And full of naughtiness,
May you be no more.
Of all things tonight, either horrid or nice,
The best I can give you is this good advice.
Jessie the little, Jessie the slim,
Jessie the the sober and jolly,
What word shall I say
To you today,
Of either wisdom or folly.
May you grow very fat
And have always a hat
As becoming as your black one.
And may you see
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880032
28
Many a Christmas tree,
Such as this, where you'll have as much fun.
We hope that the coming year will be
As bright for thee,
Dear May,
As the Christmas holiday,
Just passed away.
And we hope tonight,
That you may be
On society,
A star so bright
That you'll dazzle all,
And make many fall
Before your brilliant light.
Jessie, may your days be full of light,
May each hour be golden bright,
As your oranges.
May your purse ne'er be flat,
But may it ever be as fat
As your oranges. May your heart e'er be as mellow
Many a Christmas tree,
Such as this, where you'll have as much fun.
We hope that the coming year will be
As bright for thee,
Dear May,
As the Christmas holiday,
Just passed away.
And we hope tonight,
That you may be
On society,
A star so bright
That you'll dazzle all,
And make many fall
Before your brilliant light.
Jessie, may your days be full of light,
May each hour be golden bright,
As your oranges.
May your purse ne'er be flat,
But may it ever be as fat
As your oranges. May your heart e'er be as mellow
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880033
29
May your face ne'er be as yellow
As your oranges.
For Carry, the naughts and perverse,
Whome we expected here,
I'll try not to hope for anything worse
Than, may she have a good working year!
Now to you, with a sigh,
I will say goodbye.
And if my lines are not to your mind,
Another poet you'll have to find.
Coasting.
The coasting was elegant for a long time and the girls were devoted to it. The bob and the small boy to guide it were in special favor. Jessie and I invested in a cutter which rejoises in the name of Globe. The girls got a good many bumps bit it couldn't cool their ardor. The weather has been very, very cold, but the thaw
May your face ne'er be as yellow
As your oranges.
For Carry, the naughts and perverse,
Whome we expected here,
I'll try not to hope for anything worse
Than, may she have a good working year!
Now to you, with a sigh,
I will say goodbye.
And if my lines are not to your mind,
Another poet you'll have to find.
Coasting.
The coasting was elegant for a long time and the girls were devoted to it. The bob and the small boy to guide it were in special favor. Jessie and I invested in a cutter which rejoises in the name of Globe. The girls got a good many bumps bit it couldn't cool their ardor. The weather has been very, very cold, but the thaw
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880034
30
has set in and the snow has most gone.
Examinations.
We had any amount of examinations. One every day for two weeks in Physics and several in Rhetoric and one in Astronomy. I got about tired out with them.
Lessons.
This semester my lessons are the same as last, except that I have Logic instead of Rhetoric. I don't know yet how I like it. I miss the analysis in learning it.
Delta Officers
were elected. Miss Harison, pres. Prutt, vice-pres. May, sec. Varnes and Meeker [crities].
Mrs. Buck
Fannie and I called on Mrs. Buck she is going to invite us there to tea some time.
Hall Play.
We had another hall play, Jan. 28th "Money." It was hardly as good as
has set in and the snow has most gone.
Examinations.
We had any amount of examinations. One every day for two weeks in Physics and several in Rhetoric and one in Astronomy. I got about tired out with them.
Lessons.
This semester my lessons are the same as last, except that I have Logic instead of Rhetoric. I don't know yet how I like it. I miss the analysis in learning it.
Delta Officers
were elected. Miss Harison, pres. Prutt, vice-pres. May, sec. Varnes and Meeker [crities].
Mrs. Buck
Fannie and I called on Mrs. Buck she is going to invite us there to tea some time.
Hall Play.
We had another hall play, Jan. 28th "Money." It was hardly as good as
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880035
31
usual taking all things together. Miss Stanton made her first appearance and was very nice, very nice indeed, as also was Miss Sharpe. Misses Semple and Glenn, as hero and heroine were also very nice, and they had hard parts.
New ministers.
Rev. Mr. Judson of Orange N.J. preached her [here] Jan. 27. His subject was Repentence and I enjoyed it intensely. He makes such a clear analysis and is so enthusiastic that it is impossible not to be interested. Mr. Patterson of Albany preached here today and I liked him too.
Lectuer in Town.
Feb 4th Prof. Bachus lectured in town on "Leisure Hours." It was very nice. It was of historical interest, I believe, but I have only heard rumors as to the real story attached to it. But that he got his main points in the first
usual taking all things together. Miss Stanton made her first appearance and was very nice, very nice indeed, as also was Miss Sharpe. Misses Semple and Glenn, as hero and heroine were also very nice, and they had hard parts.
New ministers.
Rev. Mr. Judson of Orange N.J. preached her [here] Jan. 27. His subject was Repentence and I enjoyed it intensely. He makes such a clear analysis and is so enthusiastic that it is impossible not to be interested. Mr. Patterson of Albany preached here today and I liked him too.
Lectuer in Town.
Feb 4th Prof. Bachus lectured in town on "Leisure Hours." It was very nice. It was of historical interest, I believe, but I have only heard rumors as to the real story attached to it. But that he got his main points in the first
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880036
32
place from senior essays is pretty well authenticated. Prof Bachus lectured to our class upon
Interoceanic Canal
The first day of the semester, giving us a very clear idea of it. The next day he talked about the Monroe doctrine and its connection with the canal. Miss Hows says she wishes she could have him to clear up every subject of that sort. And Mary King says she wishes they would clear up everything and start anew.
Trig. Ceremonies
Came off last night. I went to the dress rehearsal. There were more at the dress rehearsal than at the regular play. At the play they waved a red flag with joke on it after every joke. I give Miss Walsh's acount of it
"Last Saturday the Sophs buried Trig. All day the wore the somberest hues and most melancholy (?) looks they could
place from senior essays is pretty well authenticated. Prof Bachus lectured to our class upon
Interoceanic Canal
The first day of the semester, giving us a very clear idea of it. The next day he talked about the Monroe doctrine and its connection with the canal. Miss Hows says she wishes she could have him to clear up every subject of that sort. And Mary King says she wishes they would clear up everything and start anew.
Trig. Ceremonies
Came off last night. I went to the dress rehearsal. There were more at the dress rehearsal than at the regular play. At the play they waved a red flag with joke on it after every joke. I give Miss Walsh's acount of it
"Last Saturday the Sophs buried Trig. All day the wore the somberest hues and most melancholy (?) looks they could
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880041
37
begs A.J.Fove to marry him and with reluctance she acceps, edding to come off in September. So they are all once more at peace. There was a chorus of six persons dressed in nightgowns and crowned with hate expressions of the mournful occassion, who sang at appropriate times. The characters were taken as follows. Trig, Miss Lathrope. [Alney], Miss Ponier Sohpie, Miss Bostrvick. Ann, Miss Patterson. Guardie, Miss Page. Napier, Miss Swift. Geo Metrie, Miss Curtiss. Semester, Miss Curtree.
Programme on the next page.
Miss Bostrick wrote the Choruses.
" Swift " Epilouge & Prologue
" Meeker " I Act
" Ponier " II "
" Lathrope " III IV Act.
" Sharpe " V "
begs A.J.Fove to marry him and with reluctance she acceps, edding to come off in September. So they are all once more at peace. There was a chorus of six persons dressed in nightgowns and crowned with hate expressions of the mournful occassion, who sang at appropriate times. The characters were taken as follows. Trig, Miss Lathrope. [Alney], Miss Ponier Sohpie, Miss Bostrvick. Ann, Miss Patterson. Guardie, Miss Page. Napier, Miss Swift. Geo Metrie, Miss Curtiss. Semester, Miss Curtree.
Programme on the next page.
Miss Bostrick wrote the Choruses.
" Swift " Epilouge & Prologue
" Meeker " I Act
" Ponier " II "
" Lathrope " III IV Act.
" Sharpe " V "
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880042
38
[Left key reads:]
Committee
C.L.Bostrvick Trigonometrical Bluebeard
A.H.Lathrope '83 Complimentary Performance to 84
J.M.Meeker Lyceum - Vassar College
A.B.Ponier,
M.Sharpe Feb 12. 1881.
S.F.Swift
[Right key reads:]
Closing Performance of the Mathematical decision! Farewell Think!
Positively the last appearance (unless we'er dropped) of the Class of '83. In the Role of Trigonometry.
The Cast.
TrigonoMetry, Blue Beard
Sohpie M. the [Fatima]
Guardian.
A.J.F. the Fatima's Sister
Sam Mester - 2 Fatima's Deliverer
Incidentals
Prologue, Epilogue, & Choruses
After the manner of the Greek tragedy.
N.B. After each joke a red flag will be waved on the stage.
Dancing between the Acts
Movie of the Spheus
[Left key reads:]
Committee
C.L.Bostrvick Trigonometrical Bluebeard
A.H.Lathrope '83 Complimentary Performance to 84
J.M.Meeker Lyceum - Vassar College
A.B.Ponier,
M.Sharpe Feb 12. 1881.
S.F.Swift
[Right key reads:]
Closing Performance of the Mathematical decision! Farewell Think!
Positively the last appearance (unless we'er dropped) of the Class of '83. In the Role of Trigonometry.
The Cast.
TrigonoMetry, Blue Beard
Sohpie M. the [Fatima]
Guardian.
A.J.F. the Fatima's Sister
Sam Mester - 2 Fatima's Deliverer
Incidentals
Prologue, Epilogue, & Choruses
After the manner of the Greek tragedy.
N.B. After each joke a red flag will be waved on the stage.
Dancing between the Acts
Movie of the Spheus
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880043
39
Mar. 6th 1881
Delta and Prof. Braislive.
Feb 11th we had Delta in Prof. Braislin's parlors. The President was there, and Miss Durand, pres. of Phil., Prof Mitchell, Miss Whitney and Miss Slover. We had a lovely time. Prof. Braislin was lovely. She gave a spread of lovely chocolate and chicken salad, crakers, oranges, bananas, and cake. I read "Robert of Sicily."
Delta
met again Feb. 28th. May and Madge were on committe and they didn't have much time to get it up in. But it was real pleasant. Jessie Meeker had a very cute critique, wherein Prog. Braislin figured as the good fairy who was always contriving to make folks have good times. Ella Vame's critique the meeting before was was cute, too. It was short and sweet, referring us for details to the minutes of Delta's last
Mar. 6th 1881
Delta and Prof. Braislive.
Feb 11th we had Delta in Prof. Braislin's parlors. The President was there, and Miss Durand, pres. of Phil., Prof Mitchell, Miss Whitney and Miss Slover. We had a lovely time. Prof. Braislin was lovely. She gave a spread of lovely chocolate and chicken salad, crakers, oranges, bananas, and cake. I read "Robert of Sicily."
Delta
met again Feb. 28th. May and Madge were on committe and they didn't have much time to get it up in. But it was real pleasant. Jessie Meeker had a very cute critique, wherein Prog. Braislin figured as the good fairy who was always contriving to make folks have good times. Ella Vame's critique the meeting before was was cute, too. It was short and sweet, referring us for details to the minutes of Delta's last
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880044
40
meeting. Miss Jones, a Deltan has returned to College. She is going to join '82.
Clio.
We have had two meetings of Clio since I last wrote. The first was in my room. I forgot all about it till I heard the announcement given at dinner. Then I had to fly around lively, I can tell you to get the room ready. The week before that, I got my room all ready, and Miss Leamed forgot to call the meeting. Mis Nickerson had a [presentiment] that was forgotton, so she called it in her rooms, as she did not know where it was to have met. I read a paper on Mary Queen of Scotts, which was to have been read the week before. I forgot till I was nearly through the paper that I was to have read in conclusion a passage from Abbot's life of Mary, and so was [improvdsed] with the book. But I got along pretty well, afterall.
meeting. Miss Jones, a Deltan has returned to College. She is going to join '82.
Clio.
We have had two meetings of Clio since I last wrote. The first was in my room. I forgot all about it till I heard the announcement given at dinner. Then I had to fly around lively, I can tell you to get the room ready. The week before that, I got my room all ready, and Miss Leamed forgot to call the meeting. Mis Nickerson had a [presentiment] that was forgotton, so she called it in her rooms, as she did not know where it was to have met. I read a paper on Mary Queen of Scotts, which was to have been read the week before. I forgot till I was nearly through the paper that I was to have read in conclusion a passage from Abbot's life of Mary, and so was [improvdsed] with the book. But I got along pretty well, afterall.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880045
41
[Exotene]
I went to Exotene last night. It was quite nice. There was a play, "Thirty Minutes for Refreshments". Miss Chapman the younger, as a darkey, was capital.
Inauguration.
Miss Hiscock, Miss Desaussme, and the Japs have gone to the Inauguration. I expect they will return tomorrow. The Japs were in the Smithsonian Institute, when an old lady came up and said to some one with her, "Are they stuffed?" She thought they were stuffed curiosities.
Weather
has been horrid. Snowing every morning and thawing every night, and not a single good night for observing for a long time. We had one thunger storm.
Susie Swift
is a Sophmore and such a funny girl. Dr. Webstin says that anyone has to get up the night before if they want to get ahead of Jessie Swift!
[Exotene]
I went to Exotene last night. It was quite nice. There was a play, "Thirty Minutes for Refreshments". Miss Chapman the younger, as a darkey, was capital.
Inauguration.
Miss Hiscock, Miss Desaussme, and the Japs have gone to the Inauguration. I expect they will return tomorrow. The Japs were in the Smithsonian Institute, when an old lady came up and said to some one with her, "Are they stuffed?" She thought they were stuffed curiosities.
Weather
has been horrid. Snowing every morning and thawing every night, and not a single good night for observing for a long time. We had one thunger storm.
Susie Swift
is a Sophmore and such a funny girl. Dr. Webstin says that anyone has to get up the night before if they want to get ahead of Jessie Swift!
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880046
42
She is a minister's daughter, and was going to school in Connecticut where she got hold of Drapier's "Conflict between Religion and Science." Her sister heard of it and was so shocked that she went to Connecticut to remonstrate with the principal of the school; for the girls had to obtain their principal's permission to read any book whatever. But, of course, [Susie] had read it by that time. She said that, by the time she had finished the book, she had come to the conclusion that "Drapier was altogetger too orthodox." Miss Swift lent Jessie U. Tom Paine's "Age of Reason", and we read a part of it Friday. I have sent to the publisher's for one, and I am going to send it to Aunt Mi. I wrote Aunt Mi a letter of 2 1/2 sheets of essay paper today.
Tables
have been changed. Madge has gone to the French table, and May and I sit at Miss Hackell's, next her. But tomorrow when the Japs come, they will sit between Miss. H. [...]
She is a minister's daughter, and was going to school in Connecticut where she got hold of Drapier's "Conflict between Religion and Science." Her sister heard of it and was so shocked that she went to Connecticut to remonstrate with the principal of the school; for the girls had to obtain their principal's permission to read any book whatever. But, of course, [Susie] had read it by that time. She said that, by the time she had finished the book, she had come to the conclusion that "Drapier was altogetger too orthodox." Miss Swift lent Jessie U. Tom Paine's "Age of Reason", and we read a part of it Friday. I have sent to the publisher's for one, and I am going to send it to Aunt Mi. I wrote Aunt Mi a letter of 2 1/2 sheets of essay paper today.
Tables
have been changed. Madge has gone to the French table, and May and I sit at Miss Hackell's, next her. But tomorrow when the Japs come, they will sit between Miss. H. [...]
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880047
43
Sunday, Mar. 13th 1881
Miss Brace's Reading
Miss Brace read to us in the hall Friday. She read some old ballads and some from Chaucer, then some modern [fueies]. We enjoyed it very much.
May's Bad News.
In the midst of it all, Mrs. Ray was called out and by and by Madge and May I was afraid that something had happened and thought of May's blind sister, who had a little boy only a short time before. But I would not come over, for Fannie wanted to come, and I know if anything had happened, May wouldn't want the whole of us coming in upon her. When we returned, Madge was in the hall to meet us, and it was as we thought: Her sister was very, very ill and she was to go home on the eleven o'clock train. The girls went to their rooms
Sunday, Mar. 13th 1881
Miss Brace's Reading
Miss Brace read to us in the hall Friday. She read some old ballads and some from Chaucer, then some modern [fueies]. We enjoyed it very much.
May's Bad News.
In the midst of it all, Mrs. Ray was called out and by and by Madge and May I was afraid that something had happened and thought of May's blind sister, who had a little boy only a short time before. But I would not come over, for Fannie wanted to come, and I know if anything had happened, May wouldn't want the whole of us coming in upon her. When we returned, Madge was in the hall to meet us, and it was as we thought: Her sister was very, very ill and she was to go home on the eleven o'clock train. The girls went to their rooms
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880048
44
and I came in. May was in her room. Everything was nearly ready. Madge had packed her valise and was marking it. Jessie came down, but there was nothing anyone could do. Mrs. Ray came in to see that everything was all right. She had told May in the mesenger-room, when they came over, and was very kind. Poor May! She is so quiet about anything of that sort? She staid close in her room, till at 10 o'clock the carriage came, and Madge and Miss Hashell went with her to the depot. They saw her in the train all right. She will be at home sometime today. I wish she would write.
P.B.'s Lectures.
Prof. Bachus lectures to us every Monday when there is not a holiday dining the week. We have had a lecture on the Canal, one on the Monroe doctrine, two on the Irish Question, and one on the President's Cabinet. They are very interesting and instructive. I take notes and copy them out.
and I came in. May was in her room. Everything was nearly ready. Madge had packed her valise and was marking it. Jessie came down, but there was nothing anyone could do. Mrs. Ray came in to see that everything was all right. She had told May in the mesenger-room, when they came over, and was very kind. Poor May! She is so quiet about anything of that sort? She staid close in her room, till at 10 o'clock the carriage came, and Madge and Miss Hashell went with her to the depot. They saw her in the train all right. She will be at home sometime today. I wish she would write.
P.B.'s Lectures.
Prof. Bachus lectures to us every Monday when there is not a holiday dining the week. We have had a lecture on the Canal, one on the Monroe doctrine, two on the Irish Question, and one on the President's Cabinet. They are very interesting and instructive. I take notes and copy them out.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880049
Mr. Herrick
a lawyer and a friend of P.B. read a paper on the subject "Women Before the Law," Wednesday night between dinner and Chapel, to the Juniors, Seniors, and teachers. P.B. said he was quite unwilling to come and read it for fear he would bore us. But he need not have feared that. It was intensely interesting. Everybody liked us. P.B. has been puffing us up about our attentiveness to anything worth listening to, and our faithfuness in work. He said concerning the former, that we were always very attentive whenever any one had anything worth telling to give us. He said he had always noticed it himself when he was teaching to us! Of course we laughed at that. And he said he meant almost always, whenever he had anything to say. He said, take away the few independent College boys, those who hadn't much of any resepct for Prof. or any one else, and who were altogether different from College boys in general,
a lawyer and a friend of P.B. read a paper on the subject "Women Before the Law," Wednesday night between dinner and Chapel, to the Juniors, Seniors, and teachers. P.B. said he was quite unwilling to come and read it for fear he would bore us. But he need not have feared that. It was intensely interesting. Everybody liked us. P.B. has been puffing us up about our attentiveness to anything worth listening to, and our faithfuness in work. He said concerning the former, that we were always very attentive whenever any one had anything worth telling to give us. He said he had always noticed it himself when he was teaching to us! Of course we laughed at that. And he said he meant almost always, whenever he had anything to say. He said, take away the few independent College boys, those who hadn't much of any resepct for Prof. or any one else, and who were altogether different from College boys in general,
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880050
46
and for the rest we could beat them all down to the last one.
The Japs of Washington
The Japs got back Tuesday. I went in before and after Chapel and Miss Haskell came in. So I asked if I might stay in there a while. I stayed all study hour, and they told me all about their visit, the inauguration, the senate, and everything. They didn't like [Conkling]. And he was such a dandy. Thirinan was nice and he pitched into [Conkling] well. [Conkling] spoke severely of Hayes. They visited the ship Saratoga and saw the "handsomest man in the Navy." They were invited to Mrs. Haye's but didn't get the invitation in time. They had a nice time generally. They have a picture of the Japanese minister's little twenty-two-year-old baby. He is just a cunning as can be.
and for the rest we could beat them all down to the last one.
The Japs of Washington
The Japs got back Tuesday. I went in before and after Chapel and Miss Haskell came in. So I asked if I might stay in there a while. I stayed all study hour, and they told me all about their visit, the inauguration, the senate, and everything. They didn't like [Conkling]. And he was such a dandy. Thirinan was nice and he pitched into [Conkling] well. [Conkling] spoke severely of Hayes. They visited the ship Saratoga and saw the "handsomest man in the Navy." They were invited to Mrs. Haye's but didn't get the invitation in time. They had a nice time generally. They have a picture of the Japanese minister's little twenty-two-year-old baby. He is just a cunning as can be.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880051
47
Sunday, Mar. 20th 1881
Infirmary
I was sick Tuesday all day, and Wednesday I went to the Infirmary, where I stayed all day. Miss Philips and Miss Henek were there. Miss Ward is sick or not very well, and is out of College, so Miss Dunham has charge of it. Thursday I staid in my room all day and read Marlitt's "In the Shillingseourt [Schilling Scourt]."
Dr. Lord
lectured in Chapel about Hildebrand (Gregory VII). He was a funny old man with a queer voice, and he used very decided language. So he amused us very much. Besides the lecture was very nice, nicer than I should suspect from such a subject.
Sermon today
was very nice. It was about Paul. The president changed with the Baptist
Sunday, Mar. 20th 1881
Infirmary
I was sick Tuesday all day, and Wednesday I went to the Infirmary, where I stayed all day. Miss Philips and Miss Henek were there. Miss Ward is sick or not very well, and is out of College, so Miss Dunham has charge of it. Thursday I staid in my room all day and read Marlitt's "In the Shillingseourt [Schilling Scourt]."
Dr. Lord
lectured in Chapel about Hildebrand (Gregory VII). He was a funny old man with a queer voice, and he used very decided language. So he amused us very much. Besides the lecture was very nice, nicer than I should suspect from such a subject.
Sermon today
was very nice. It was about Paul. The president changed with the Baptist
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880052
48
minister in town.
Vassar College, Apr. 3rd '81
Sundays
I have been enjoying myself all day today. I wrote two letters and since then have been reading Colonel Ingersoll's lectures out loud to Jessie W. I am reading "The Book of [...]." Last Sunday I read the whole of "Barnaby Rudge". Dr. Lyman Abbot preached here last Sunday. He addressed the Society of Religeons Inquiry in the evening. Mis Hashell asked Madge at supper if she wouldn't go with Miss Ludduth, as it might do them good. After supper, she came in to call on us and we knew she was going to try to get us all to go. Jessie P. was here, I would rather have liked to go, but was anxious to finish Barnaby Rudge. Besides, such is the perversity of my nature that
minister in town.
Vassar College, Apr. 3rd '81
Sundays
I have been enjoying myself all day today. I wrote two letters and since then have been reading Colonel Ingersoll's lectures out loud to Jessie W. I am reading "The Book of [...]." Last Sunday I read the whole of "Barnaby Rudge". Dr. Lyman Abbot preached here last Sunday. He addressed the Society of Religeons Inquiry in the evening. Mis Hashell asked Madge at supper if she wouldn't go with Miss Ludduth, as it might do them good. After supper, she came in to call on us and we knew she was going to try to get us all to go. Jessie P. was here, I would rather have liked to go, but was anxious to finish Barnaby Rudge. Besides, such is the perversity of my nature that
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880053
49
knowing Miss Hashell's intentions, nothing could have induced me to go. Miss Haskell talked about various subjects, especially ministers. Madge made herself agreeable. I sat on the soda under the window with my book on my knees, and shivered and longed to read. She went when the bell rung and asked each one separately if they were not going, me first. Thern she asked me what I was going to do. I said read and write letters, and she asked me if I thought it would do me more good to go. Ah, well, Auntie is akind-hearted old soul too. She is real good at
Table
I like to sit there. It is more free and easy than any table I ever sat at. But that is the girls and nothing else. Miss Curtiss is too perfectly funny for anything. She keeps me [convulsed] with laughter, and I like her first rate!
knowing Miss Hashell's intentions, nothing could have induced me to go. Miss Haskell talked about various subjects, especially ministers. Madge made herself agreeable. I sat on the soda under the window with my book on my knees, and shivered and longed to read. She went when the bell rung and asked each one separately if they were not going, me first. Thern she asked me what I was going to do. I said read and write letters, and she asked me if I thought it would do me more good to go. Ah, well, Auntie is akind-hearted old soul too. She is real good at
Table
I like to sit there. It is more free and easy than any table I ever sat at. But that is the girls and nothing else. Miss Curtiss is too perfectly funny for anything. She keeps me [convulsed] with laughter, and I like her first rate!
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880054
50
Astronomy Lectures
These are very intersting. We have begun to have two at a time. Prof. Mitchell sqaid that Miss Shove's lecture so far has been the most scientific. Her subject was Neptune. I intend to write mine during spring vacation. My subject is Venus and Mercury.
Honors
have been assigned and there were several great surprises for us. Abbott, A.M., Durand, Barmam, Burke, Fitshugh, Freeman, Gardner, Glem, Lyon Penfield, are the ten. Miss Abbott, I believe is to be Salutatorian. Miss Gardner was elected Valedictorian and was overwhelmed with astonishment. She declined it? Her health is poor and I think she is to be excused from her essay. Miss Freeman is to be Valedictorian. I believe the Class petitioned to the faculty to let them have no Valedictorian. Their Class Day nominations are, Miss Shive, sybil, Miss
Astronomy Lectures
These are very intersting. We have begun to have two at a time. Prof. Mitchell sqaid that Miss Shove's lecture so far has been the most scientific. Her subject was Neptune. I intend to write mine during spring vacation. My subject is Venus and Mercury.
Honors
have been assigned and there were several great surprises for us. Abbott, A.M., Durand, Barmam, Burke, Fitshugh, Freeman, Gardner, Glem, Lyon Penfield, are the ten. Miss Abbott, I believe is to be Salutatorian. Miss Gardner was elected Valedictorian and was overwhelmed with astonishment. She declined it? Her health is poor and I think she is to be excused from her essay. Miss Freeman is to be Valedictorian. I believe the Class petitioned to the faculty to let them have no Valedictorian. Their Class Day nominations are, Miss Shive, sybil, Miss
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880055
Stockwell, historian, Miss Lyon, Spadeoratorm Miss White, mottorator [moderator], Miss Pratt, marshall. People rather thought Miss Shove would have a Faculty honor. Miss Abbot (Venus) is very smart but they say lazy. Annie Lyon, too, is remarkably smark in the English department but is so lazy. Miss Yamakawa says while in Biology Miss L. didn't have a single one good lesson. We have Miss Varnes for Spade. Miss Coleman was put up against her, but Miss Varnes got it first ballot.
English Class
has begun. Attendance in compulsory, so I wear a card on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am not going to forget it as I did last year. Miss Hiscock [brains] severely and P.B. sits and listens lazily. The first day he was late and when asked to be excused Miss Hiscock said, "If you
English Class
has begun. Attendance in compulsory, so I wear a card on Tuesdays and Fridays. I am not going to forget it as I did last year. Miss Hiscock [brains] severely and P.B. sits and listens lazily. The first day he was late and when asked to be excused Miss Hiscock said, "If you
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880057
53
I had written an essay to that effect last year. "Yes'm, I think so," said I, and I did agree with all she said, but not with all she implied. Then she asked me if I couldn't make some criticisms. I stared at the analysis in stupid silence for a full minute, and then said I didn't think I had anything to say. When she criticised my essay Friday, she happened to speak of it, and she said she knew it wasn't for want of ideas about it that I was silent! And so it wasn't! For I thought Miss Buckland's essay thourough and treated in an excellent manner, since she first showed the need of a study whose effect would be upon the mind the very effect of classical study, and then showed that no other thing could be substituted, and then that classics was just adapted for it? Some how or other Miss Hiscock does know a great deal about one's character
I had written an essay to that effect last year. "Yes'm, I think so," said I, and I did agree with all she said, but not with all she implied. Then she asked me if I couldn't make some criticisms. I stared at the analysis in stupid silence for a full minute, and then said I didn't think I had anything to say. When she criticised my essay Friday, she happened to speak of it, and she said she knew it wasn't for want of ideas about it that I was silent! And so it wasn't! For I thought Miss Buckland's essay thourough and treated in an excellent manner, since she first showed the need of a study whose effect would be upon the mind the very effect of classical study, and then showed that no other thing could be substituted, and then that classics was just adapted for it? Some how or other Miss Hiscock does know a great deal about one's character
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880058
54
She told me that I didn't talk a great deal with anybody that I didn't know but that I did with my friends. Well, she might find out that from my own experience with her. But she is sometimes mistaken. She told me I was not one whom she would suspect of liking to write stories.
She told me that I didn't talk a great deal with anybody that I didn't know but that I did with my friends. Well, she might find out that from my own experience with her. But she is sometimes mistaken. She told me I was not one whom she would suspect of liking to write stories.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880060
56
to her uncle's to spend vacation.
April Fool's Day
The girls played a cute trick on me. I was going to have my essay criticised the fourth period, directly after Logic. I left it on the table and came in post haste, seized it and started up the hall. I got nearly to the firewall when I thought it felt pretty thin and opened it to find it was some of Jessie P's old exercises. So I came back and got the right one. What a joke it would have been if I had gone way up to Miss Hiscock's with it! We played a good joke on Jessie P. and Fannie. They each sent May a comical valentine and May wanted to pay them off. So May fixed a letter to each of them. To Jessie she wrote buck-handed, "You are one little April Fool." In Fannie's she printed, "Do you like Boston Girls?" I got Miss Yamakawa and Miss Nagai to direct them
to her uncle's to spend vacation.
April Fool's Day
The girls played a cute trick on me. I was going to have my essay criticised the fourth period, directly after Logic. I left it on the table and came in post haste, seized it and started up the hall. I got nearly to the firewall when I thought it felt pretty thin and opened it to find it was some of Jessie P's old exercises. So I came back and got the right one. What a joke it would have been if I had gone way up to Miss Hiscock's with it! We played a good joke on Jessie P. and Fannie. They each sent May a comical valentine and May wanted to pay them off. So May fixed a letter to each of them. To Jessie she wrote buck-handed, "You are one little April Fool." In Fannie's she printed, "Do you like Boston Girls?" I got Miss Yamakawa and Miss Nagai to direct them
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880061
57
and sent them to mother, asking her to post them in Boston. When Jessie got hers she was perfectly astonished. She didn't know the writing at all, and then it was posted in Manchester N.H. She knew a girl there and concluded that that girl sent it. By and by Frannie told about hers. "It was the funniest thing! She didn't know a soul in Manchester and she never saw the writing before. But the queerest thing was that the sentence that was in it was one that was known only to her and one gentleman. The gentleman swears he never told it, and she was sure she never told a soul! But she had told May. When Jessie heard this she thought hers must be from the same person and she was completely mystified.
My Boudoir.
About the end of the second semes-
and sent them to mother, asking her to post them in Boston. When Jessie got hers she was perfectly astonished. She didn't know the writing at all, and then it was posted in Manchester N.H. She knew a girl there and concluded that that girl sent it. By and by Frannie told about hers. "It was the funniest thing! She didn't know a soul in Manchester and she never saw the writing before. But the queerest thing was that the sentence that was in it was one that was known only to her and one gentleman. The gentleman swears he never told it, and she was sure she never told a soul! But she had told May. When Jessie heard this she thought hers must be from the same person and she was completely mystified.
My Boudoir.
About the end of the second semes-
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880062
60
ter, I got fearfully tired. We were having so many examinations that I was nervous with continual expectancy. Not that I studied hard. Fannie was so noisy! She liked to have driven me crazy being up here all the time, especially with Jessie P. Then she used to take particular pains to annoy me in every little thing she could. Besides, I was completely disgusted with here [her?]. There was no longer anything pleasant, or bright, or kind, or in any way agreeable about her. Madge shared my disgust. One Sunday when her noise had driven me to Jessie W's room for refuge, I determined to ask Mrs. Ray's permission to have a single room, if she could get me one I liked. Afterwards when May knew why I asked, she said she would have done that but would have done away (so to speak) with Fannie. But I could not do that very well, as May was
ter, I got fearfully tired. We were having so many examinations that I was nervous with continual expectancy. Not that I studied hard. Fannie was so noisy! She liked to have driven me crazy being up here all the time, especially with Jessie P. Then she used to take particular pains to annoy me in every little thing she could. Besides, I was completely disgusted with here [her?]. There was no longer anything pleasant, or bright, or kind, or in any way agreeable about her. Madge shared my disgust. One Sunday when her noise had driven me to Jessie W's room for refuge, I determined to ask Mrs. Ray's permission to have a single room, if she could get me one I liked. Afterwards when May knew why I asked, she said she would have done that but would have done away (so to speak) with Fannie. But I could not do that very well, as May was
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880063
61
then thick with her and used to invite her up her [here], when (as I then thought but I may have been mistaken) she knew Madge and I didn't like her. Well, Mrs. Ray gave me a choice of two rooms, neither of which I liked. So she told me should would let me have a room to go to whenever I wanted to be quiet! The room is opposite Jessie W's and it is lovely to have. I did go there a very great deal at first but now go only when I have an essay to write or some extra hard studying to do. I call it my boudoir. Some time I will tell how I was relieved of Fannie's company.
Freshman Party
came off last night. The Seniors were invited. Madge took Miss Meeker and Miss Hayes the latter's escort being sick. They had a lovely time. The hall looked very pretty. The spread was lovely and the toasts
then thick with her and used to invite her up her [here], when (as I then thought but I may have been mistaken) she knew Madge and I didn't like her. Well, Mrs. Ray gave me a choice of two rooms, neither of which I liked. So she told me should would let me have a room to go to whenever I wanted to be quiet! The room is opposite Jessie W's and it is lovely to have. I did go there a very great deal at first but now go only when I have an essay to write or some extra hard studying to do. I call it my boudoir. Some time I will tell how I was relieved of Fannie's company.
Freshman Party
came off last night. The Seniors were invited. Madge took Miss Meeker and Miss Hayes the latter's escort being sick. They had a lovely time. The hall looked very pretty. The spread was lovely and the toasts
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880064
62
very funny. Mrs. Ray responded to the Student's Manuel. Her speech was very cute and she ended by saying "If the young ladies had any convictions to make, please drop them into [...] [...] the box at the door of the Lady Principal's office before 9 o'clock tomorrow morning." Prof. Braislin responded for the Faculty. They were called the nine digits. So Prof. B. said then there was nothing left for them so they must be the naughts, and they must remember that they were only valuable when they were placed on the right side of the digits, so she hoped they would always keep on the right side of the faculty, and so on. Prof. Bachus was called upon and he said he was excused by the Lady Prinvipal. But Mrs. Ray said it was a health excuse and it would have to be refered to the doctor. So then P.B. got up and made a nice speech. Prof. Hinkle had a nice speech about Latin
very funny. Mrs. Ray responded to the Student's Manuel. Her speech was very cute and she ended by saying "If the young ladies had any convictions to make, please drop them into [...] [...] the box at the door of the Lady Principal's office before 9 o'clock tomorrow morning." Prof. Braislin responded for the Faculty. They were called the nine digits. So Prof. B. said then there was nothing left for them so they must be the naughts, and they must remember that they were only valuable when they were placed on the right side of the digits, so she hoped they would always keep on the right side of the faculty, and so on. Prof. Bachus was called upon and he said he was excused by the Lady Prinvipal. But Mrs. Ray said it was a health excuse and it would have to be refered to the doctor. So then P.B. got up and made a nice speech. Prof. Hinkle had a nice speech about Latin
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880065
63
and Prex made a very nice speech.
Phil Play
came off last Friday. It was the nicest of the year. May was on the committee and took two short parts, a servent and a sentinel. There were two short plays. "A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," was perfectly lovely. Miss Lyon was the hero and was grand. I don't believe it could have been done better by a professional actor. And she looked so handsome! Miss Shove was splendid as the heroine. But I think Miss Lyon is the best of our actors in a man's part. Little Bertha Bachus took part and she was so cunning and did so nicely. Miss Darling did well too, and Miss Julia. Meeker was perfectly splendid in a hero part. Altogether it was a grand success. The other play, "The [Critis]" was very funny. Mis Rollinson
and Prex made a very nice speech.
Phil Play
came off last Friday. It was the nicest of the year. May was on the committee and took two short parts, a servent and a sentinel. There were two short plays. "A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing," was perfectly lovely. Miss Lyon was the hero and was grand. I don't believe it could have been done better by a professional actor. And she looked so handsome! Miss Shove was splendid as the heroine. But I think Miss Lyon is the best of our actors in a man's part. Little Bertha Bachus took part and she was so cunning and did so nicely. Miss Darling did well too, and Miss Julia. Meeker was perfectly splendid in a hero part. Altogether it was a grand success. The other play, "The [Critis]" was very funny. Mis Rollinson
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880066
64
as Mr. Puff was excellent. Miss Sharpe the heroine looked perfectly lovely, and did well.
Monday, April 11th
Vacation
is here at last. Madge has gone but the rest of us are all here. It is the most heavenly weather that you can imagine for this time of year. Warm and lovely. We have been improving our time by taking tramps. Friday J.F., the Lelands, and I went to Cedar Ridge. I never went so far over the ridge before. We went through the fields and came back by the road. We were all in high spirits. We tried to find hypaticas, but it was rather too early. Miss May and Jessie each found one. Coming back we saw a lovely peacock at a farm house. Jessie and May went up to see if they had any tail-feathers to sell. Such a place as it was! Turkeys, hens, of all
as Mr. Puff was excellent. Miss Sharpe the heroine looked perfectly lovely, and did well.
Monday, April 11th
Vacation
is here at last. Madge has gone but the rest of us are all here. It is the most heavenly weather that you can imagine for this time of year. Warm and lovely. We have been improving our time by taking tramps. Friday J.F., the Lelands, and I went to Cedar Ridge. I never went so far over the ridge before. We went through the fields and came back by the road. We were all in high spirits. We tried to find hypaticas, but it was rather too early. Miss May and Jessie each found one. Coming back we saw a lovely peacock at a farm house. Jessie and May went up to see if they had any tail-feathers to sell. Such a place as it was! Turkeys, hens, of all
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880067
65
kinds, and every time they turned around, another dog came out and barked at them, till four were collected at their heels. Ada and I sat on the stone-wall and watched them. There were two diminutive children in the yard who looked on as if they didn't know what to make of it, and tried to call the dogs off. The girls knocked for a long time at the front door and then extracted from the children the news that they must go to the other door and after knocking for sometime at the other door, the children said there wasn't anybody at home. There [they] didn't have any feathers, they said, they didn't save them, didn't expect to have any, and finally the girls retreated in dispair. The next day we contented ourself [ourselves] with a walk to the Cider mill, where we got some very good cider. Cova Wheeler went with us. Then we, that is Jessie and I, went to the hay loft and scrambled into it. It
kinds, and every time they turned around, another dog came out and barked at them, till four were collected at their heels. Ada and I sat on the stone-wall and watched them. There were two diminutive children in the yard who looked on as if they didn't know what to make of it, and tried to call the dogs off. The girls knocked for a long time at the front door and then extracted from the children the news that they must go to the other door and after knocking for sometime at the other door, the children said there wasn't anybody at home. There [they] didn't have any feathers, they said, they didn't save them, didn't expect to have any, and finally the girls retreated in dispair. The next day we contented ourself [ourselves] with a walk to the Cider mill, where we got some very good cider. Cova Wheeler went with us. Then we, that is Jessie and I, went to the hay loft and scrambled into it. It
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880068
66
was lovely insider. By-and-by some girls came along and we heard themy trying to look in the upper door, which was open, not knowing there was a lover door. They were wondering "if there were any dogs in there." So Jessie barked. By that time some one had scrambled up and was considerably astonished to see girls instead of dogs. They had been told that there were some little dogs there and they came to show them to Bessie and little Harry. Sunday the two Jessie's, May, Miss Easton, and I went over the Brandman's. It is about three miles off, and we were not quite an hour going. We lazed around the grounds for a long time. It is lovely there. We tried to measure the depth of the spring for we had a dispute. J.F. and I said it was over the heads of any of us. The rest were sure it wasn't over five feet. We measured it with the trunk of a small tree that lay near, and each one
was lovely insider. By-and-by some girls came along and we heard themy trying to look in the upper door, which was open, not knowing there was a lover door. They were wondering "if there were any dogs in there." So Jessie barked. By that time some one had scrambled up and was considerably astonished to see girls instead of dogs. They had been told that there were some little dogs there and they came to show them to Bessie and little Harry. Sunday the two Jessie's, May, Miss Easton, and I went over the Brandman's. It is about three miles off, and we were not quite an hour going. We lazed around the grounds for a long time. It is lovely there. We tried to measure the depth of the spring for we had a dispute. J.F. and I said it was over the heads of any of us. The rest were sure it wasn't over five feet. We measured it with the trunk of a small tree that lay near, and each one
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880069
67
was confirmed in his own opinions on account of difference in opinion as to how much ought to be allowed for "dip".
was confirmed in his own opinions on account of difference in opinion as to how much ought to be allowed for "dip".
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880075
73
which is of great importance and is not considered enough. Marriage is a business contract, and no business man would enter any contract without mature deliberation. This too is a contract that can be broken only by death without bringing infamy upon one or both. It is for life. He spoke about equality. Said a woman should look out that the man was her superior. He need not necessarily know as much Latin and Greek as she did but he ought to be at least her equal in brain power. I believe Timothy Titcomb takes an opposite view, but I agree with Prof. Backus. Well, I can't tell what all he said, but I have it in my mind. I knew it all before. Mother and he would agree pretty well about it I guess. But I liked his talk, he put it in a new light and gathered it up nicely, as he always does his talks. Several times he said he didn't want us to
which is of great importance and is not considered enough. Marriage is a business contract, and no business man would enter any contract without mature deliberation. This too is a contract that can be broken only by death without bringing infamy upon one or both. It is for life. He spoke about equality. Said a woman should look out that the man was her superior. He need not necessarily know as much Latin and Greek as she did but he ought to be at least her equal in brain power. I believe Timothy Titcomb takes an opposite view, but I agree with Prof. Backus. Well, I can't tell what all he said, but I have it in my mind. I knew it all before. Mother and he would agree pretty well about it I guess. But I liked his talk, he put it in a new light and gathered it up nicely, as he always does his talks. Several times he said he didn't want us to
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880076
74
think , and he knew we didn't think, that he meant to depreciate the sympathetic side of marriage. And he thanked us for listening in such a nice way. I am sure I felt as sober as could be. But I did want to smile when he passed his hand on his face and smiled and looked so sheepish! And I laughed outright and indeed, the whole class roared, when, in saying that young men almost invariably fell in love for the first time with ladies much older than themselves because they were always open and natural towards them, he said that the first lady to whom he offered his heart and hand was twenty-four years older than he was! Of course he was telling a story. He wouldn't have said it if it had been true. But i don't mind his telling that kind of a story and I don't think he expects us to believe them. He thought, so he told some of the girls after class, that he had made a fool of himself.
think , and he knew we didn't think, that he meant to depreciate the sympathetic side of marriage. And he thanked us for listening in such a nice way. I am sure I felt as sober as could be. But I did want to smile when he passed his hand on his face and smiled and looked so sheepish! And I laughed outright and indeed, the whole class roared, when, in saying that young men almost invariably fell in love for the first time with ladies much older than themselves because they were always open and natural towards them, he said that the first lady to whom he offered his heart and hand was twenty-four years older than he was! Of course he was telling a story. He wouldn't have said it if it had been true. But i don't mind his telling that kind of a story and I don't think he expects us to believe them. He thought, so he told some of the girls after class, that he had made a fool of himself.
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880077
75
I think, however, that nearly all of the girls liked it. Some, however, did not. I don't think Prof. Backus would have held so much influence over us, if he were more reserved towards us. I like his openness. If Prof. Cooley was not so distant he would have more influece. I think Prof. Cooley has a very great many admirers, but I don't believe any of them look upon him in the way they do Prof. Backus. Prof. B. has more [fantrs], but after all I believe he has more devoted friends among the girls. There are lots of things I would like to say; but I will put it off, for now I am tired of writing and I have yet considerable to do.
English Class
At last English Class Miss Fridenburg read an essay entitled "Do Circumstances Make the Man", argued affirmatively. It was very thoughtful and judicial. Miss Shailer read a
I think, however, that nearly all of the girls liked it. Some, however, did not. I don't think Prof. Backus would have held so much influence over us, if he were more reserved towards us. I like his openness. If Prof. Cooley was not so distant he would have more influece. I think Prof. Cooley has a very great many admirers, but I don't believe any of them look upon him in the way they do Prof. Backus. Prof. B. has more [fantrs], but after all I believe he has more devoted friends among the girls. There are lots of things I would like to say; but I will put it off, for now I am tired of writing and I have yet considerable to do.
English Class
At last English Class Miss Fridenburg read an essay entitled "Do Circumstances Make the Man", argued affirmatively. It was very thoughtful and judicial. Miss Shailer read a
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880078
76
true story "Aunt Caroline". Her grandmother told her the first part of the story how she came as a governess to the children. She said she had broken with her relatives several years ago on account of her marriage, and now her husband had been dead two years. She was English. The grandmother always thought that Caroline had not been quite frank about her former life. She always believed there was some mystery about it. She had a younger brother Steven who used to come there often. Finally Caroline went back to England and soon afterwards Stephen went there to become partner in a mercantile house there. He did not return for 25 yeras, and, although they knew that he was married, they did not know till just before he returned that he had married Caroline and had a daughter Helen nearly twenty years old. Then Cora's mother takes up his story and she says that one summer when
true story "Aunt Caroline". Her grandmother told her the first part of the story how she came as a governess to the children. She said she had broken with her relatives several years ago on account of her marriage, and now her husband had been dead two years. She was English. The grandmother always thought that Caroline had not been quite frank about her former life. She always believed there was some mystery about it. She had a younger brother Steven who used to come there often. Finally Caroline went back to England and soon afterwards Stephen went there to become partner in a mercantile house there. He did not return for 25 yeras, and, although they knew that he was married, they did not know till just before he returned that he had married Caroline and had a daughter Helen nearly twenty years old. Then Cora's mother takes up his story and she says that one summer when
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880079
77
they were at the seaside, they were going to have a surprise party for her uncle, and they sent him out for a sail while they completed their preparations. She and Helen walked down to the wharf with him. On their way they found a bird with very brilliant plumage on the ground. Uncle Stephen took it up and warmed it in his hands and presently it flew away and sailed about his head singing a plantive melody. While he was out a storm arose and his body was washed ashore. The next year as Helen was at her father's grave a bird fluttered down into her lap and died. The next day she was brought in with both legs crushed. She had been thrown down and run over by a run-away team. Aunt Caroline lived to be quite old. One day she was brought home from Church by an Englishman, who said she had fallen down the steps. He had not noticed
they were at the seaside, they were going to have a surprise party for her uncle, and they sent him out for a sail while they completed their preparations. She and Helen walked down to the wharf with him. On their way they found a bird with very brilliant plumage on the ground. Uncle Stephen took it up and warmed it in his hands and presently it flew away and sailed about his head singing a plantive melody. While he was out a storm arose and his body was washed ashore. The next year as Helen was at her father's grave a bird fluttered down into her lap and died. The next day she was brought in with both legs crushed. She had been thrown down and run over by a run-away team. Aunt Caroline lived to be quite old. One day she was brought home from Church by an Englishman, who said she had fallen down the steps. He had not noticed
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880080
78
her at first but he saw a bird of very brilliant plumage circling above her and singing a plaintive song. Just then he heard her cry, "Oh, save me!" and she fell. In a few days she died. The mystery of her early life kept up our interest all through and when we came to the Englishman we thought it was surely going to be solved. When she was through, Miss Sanford said, "Do I understand Miss Shailer to vouch for all three of the birds?"
Rutger College Glee Club
gave a concert in Poughkeepsie Wednesday night and it came out here the sixth period and sang for us in the Chapel. The leader was splendid. He sang an imitation of an Italian opera and of a [cornet], both of which were splendid. They went around the grounds and came into Physics just as class was out, which so frus
her at first but he saw a bird of very brilliant plumage circling above her and singing a plaintive song. Just then he heard her cry, "Oh, save me!" and she fell. In a few days she died. The mystery of her early life kept up our interest all through and when we came to the Englishman we thought it was surely going to be solved. When she was through, Miss Sanford said, "Do I understand Miss Shailer to vouch for all three of the birds?"
Rutger College Glee Club
gave a concert in Poughkeepsie Wednesday night and it came out here the sixth period and sang for us in the Chapel. The leader was splendid. He sang an imitation of an Italian opera and of a [cornet], both of which were splendid. They went around the grounds and came into Physics just as class was out, which so frus
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880082
80
plished anything to speak of, and I haven't had any delightfully lazy days. I have copied my class essay and taken all the notes I am going to for my Astronomy lecture and done a little mending and that is all. I haven't been on any more tramps yet, and the weather hasn't been very good until today. I have read Robert Falcones, Wilfrid, Cumbermede, and Bleak House. I like them all, and think the first is about the nicest book I ever read. May has got her dress done. She wore it to church today. She and J.P. went in. They had the awfulest time ever was getting a machine. They had engaged Mrs. Norris, but her little boy was sick. They wanted to ask for one at the Lodge, but May wouldn't because she didn't like to, and Jessie wouldn't because she asked the first time and May acted so funny about it. They tried to get J.F. to ask. Then they teazed [teased] me. After about two days they compromised and asked together. The couldn't get one then, so they waited another
plished anything to speak of, and I haven't had any delightfully lazy days. I have copied my class essay and taken all the notes I am going to for my Astronomy lecture and done a little mending and that is all. I haven't been on any more tramps yet, and the weather hasn't been very good until today. I have read Robert Falcones, Wilfrid, Cumbermede, and Bleak House. I like them all, and think the first is about the nicest book I ever read. May has got her dress done. She wore it to church today. She and J.P. went in. They had the awfulest time ever was getting a machine. They had engaged Mrs. Norris, but her little boy was sick. They wanted to ask for one at the Lodge, but May wouldn't because she didn't like to, and Jessie wouldn't because she asked the first time and May acted so funny about it. They tried to get J.F. to ask. Then they teazed [teased] me. After about two days they compromised and asked together. The couldn't get one then, so they waited another
: VCLDiariesWymanAnne1880091
89
would never have said that otherwise. In his next Monday's lecture he talked to us about the stock exchange. He distributed any any amount of [Tribune's] and explained the Money Market column. He told us about the little tricks and some in especial about Vanderbuilts. Explained "keeping your margin," and said he lost all his property in this way once. "And I'll tell you in confidence, that was three weeks before I was married." He is very fond of giving confidences, which we believe or disbelieve as we take a notion. Miss Jordan thinks that is true, for he told her the same once in a "pirate interview", and Mary King says "he is too versatile a genius to make use of the same lie twice." I am inclined however to doubt that. He is too lazy to take too much trouble in inventing stories.
Madge's father
has been here. He was very pleasant.
would never have said that otherwise. In his next Monday's lecture he talked to us about the stock exchange. He distributed any any amount of [Tribune's] and explained the Money Market column. He told us about the little tricks and some in especial about Vanderbuilts. Explained "keeping your margin," and said he lost all his property in this way once. "And I'll tell you in confidence, that was three weeks before I was married." He is very fond of giving confidences, which we believe or disbelieve as we take a notion. Miss Jordan thinks that is true, for he told her the same once in a "pirate interview", and Mary King says "he is too versatile a genius to make use of the same lie twice." I am inclined however to doubt that. He is too lazy to take too much trouble in inventing stories.
Madge's father
has been here. He was very pleasant.
