Vassar College Digital Library

[unknown], Mary. Letter, 1870

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he 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
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Date
5 Mar 1870
Abstract
1 letter, dated 5 Mar 1870, from "Mary" to her mother. Mary describes her experiences at Vassar College, including needing permission from VC Lady Principal Hannah Lyman to go to Poughkeepsie, and attending a memorable lecture. She mentions an enclosed photograph of herself and some dentist appointments. Mary requests that her parents send her family news and the items that she lists in the letter.
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References
Finding aid: http://specialcollections.vassar.edu/collections/archives/findingaids/miscellaneous/vc_student_materials.html
Details
Identifier
vassar:54405,Folder 64.10; VCL_Letters_Mary_1870-03-05_064_010_001
Extent
1 item
Format
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.

 


: VCL_Letters_Mary_1870-03-05_064_010_001_001
Vassar College,
March 5, 1870.

My dear Mother;

I enclose a "Rembrandt" which I had taken last Satur­day when I had to go down to a dentist. How do you like it? I ordered half a dozen, but if you think this good, I will send for six more; my parlormates all like them except Miss Cornell who thinks they do not look like me at all.

My teeth troubled me so that it was necessary to have them filled; but the dentist did not have time to finish the work, and I must go down next Saturday; Annie wants to go also, and as I know the way perfectly, and as it is entirely proper for us to go alone, please send us

 


: VCL_Letters_Mary_1870-03-05_064_010_001_002
permission to do so; there are always students going to town on Saturday, and it is entirely safe for us to go alone; but as we are under age, Miss Lyman will not let us go without your permission. We don't want either the bother or the expense of a teacher.

Please send by mail, a copy of "Anthon's Cicero" which you will find, I think in my book-closet. Also a piece of black alpaca from my piece-bag, like my over-skirt; I want enough to face a placet-hole. The book is for Annie, and is wanted right-away.

If convenient, I should like a check for twenty or thirty dollars, and I should also like to have father write to Dr. Wood to have a brace ready to be fitted to me when I go home; then I could come back a day or two in advance, and stop in

 


: VCL_Letters_Mary_1870-03-05_064_010_001_003
New York to have them put on. Is not my plan a good one? I must have a new brace in the Spring, for the one I am wearing is worn and soiled. I cannot write to the doctor myself, for I don’t ^know what arrangement father may make with him. Perhaps father will see the doctor sometime when he is in New York.

I hear from Mary Sanford that the bride is, or has been at your house; and that Rufus has been down Annie Lord writes. How for­tunate for me, that my friends tell me about the doings of my relations!

We had a delightful lecture last night from Donald G. Mitchell (Ike Marvel) on the subject, "How to make Home beautiful." He threw out some very good hints, and all given in a charming style. He does not believe in "best rooms" shut up,

 


: VCL_Letters_Mary_1870-03-05_064_010_001_004
nor in books locked in libraries.

Are you all tired out with company? What are you going to do for a minister? Who plays the organ when Mary is sick? Please write me and answer all the questions the first of the week. Love to all, not forgetting the girls and Miss Doten.

Your affectionate daughter, Mary.