Details
(Nov. 12, 1900)
Dearest mama.
I meant to write much earlier in the week - but this week has been a hard one. It seemed as though I had studied straight from Monday morning to Friday afternoon without a break- but of course it was not quite so bad as that. I think that the lessons have begun to get harder and they expect so much more of us since the first six weeks are over- It is certainly getting more like winter now. Saturday and Friday were quite cold. Saturday morning - Louise and I took a long walk up on a hill - from which
Friday night a line quartet of violinists from New York gave a recital at the college - and we went up. The music was grand.
Last night came the long awaited Sophomore Party. I went with Sara Freeman. Helen Crosby of Grand Rapids had invited me to dinner - so I arrived there in good season - and went to her room - which was pitch dark - and no one answered my knock. Then I went to Sara Freeman's room - and at just about dinner-time - I went up again. Still she wasn't there - so I went back again and went in with Sara. Found out afterward
The dance was very pretty - all the light dresses and only one or two black coats - belonging to Professors. I wore my white dress - low neck - pretty nearly everybody wore low neck and it was so much more comfortable. Such a jam I never got into. The Sophs number over two hundred- and our class is larger yet - and they were all there in full force.
I stayed all night with Sara. And in the morning before church- we went over and went into the Senior Parlor with her cousin who is a Senior. Have I told you about the Senior Parlor. It is a room which is fitted up differently by each Senior class. Members of the class contribute different things and then take them with them at the end of the year. It is for Seniors only - and no one else can go in except with a Senior. It is very prettily fixed this year - in soft shades of green and brown. They have some of the loveliest things there - antique
Now that I have gotten all of my affairs off my mind - I will go back to your letter. I was so glad to read that article about Katharine's school. She must be having a fine time there. I had a letter from grandma the other day
3 Clark Place
Orange
N.J.
Mountain Station -
c/o Mrs. Dorr.
I had a letter from her the other day and she seems to be having a pretty good time. She has entirely recovered from her homesickness. I have not yet gotten a cap - but
About the dress, I dont think I should want a whole dress- anyway - I dont see how Mrs. Haines could make a skirt and have it hang like anything - without trying it on. But still it seems as though I did need one for steady Sunday wear - and for afternoons when we have to dress at all- As for the color - it would have to look well with my jacket - and
so could hardly be a blue - Anyway every thing I have is blue. So I suppose it would have to be black or a pretty brown. The
I am sorry I couldn't write earlier- We are beginning to count the days now to Thanksgiving- Louise is going to stay here Thanksgiving day and then on Friday - she is perhaps going to N.Y. with Miss Bar. & Miss Bal. who have some shopping to do there - and then they would stay all night - and go to the theater-
Well good-night mother dear-
From Lea.
[Lea D. Taylor, '04]