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Date
March 20, 1870
Abstract
VC 1870
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Transcript file(s)
Subject (Topical)
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Identifier
vassar:24703,Box 71,VCL_Letters_Mineah_Mary-A_1870_002
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1 item
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: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002001
Vassar. Mch. 20/70 ,1870,
Dear Mother--
"£» bildet eln Talent rieh la der Stille. Lich ein Charakter In dem
Strom der W elt." "It forms a Talent itself In Stillness (quiet) Itself s
Character In the Stream of the World. So says Goethe. And I've been
making a Talent here in the quiet of my life as I couldn't If I had entered
into the rushing foaming stream that flows even here. I had been in the
hurrying waters too long not to appreciate an opportunity to lie on the banks
& rest, watch others, and gain strength for the coming years. Moreover I
am a thorough-bred Democrat, clear to the marrow, as perhaps you have
reason to know. And there is too much of aristocracy and particularly
monarchy in the air of the College for me to safely pass freely about with-
out coming in collision with it when there would be great danger of an explo-
sion.
Dear Mother--
"£» bildet eln Talent rieh la der Stille. Lich ein Charakter In dem
Strom der W elt." "It forms a Talent itself In Stillness (quiet) Itself s
Character In the Stream of the World. So says Goethe. And I've been
making a Talent here in the quiet of my life as I couldn't If I had entered
into the rushing foaming stream that flows even here. I had been in the
hurrying waters too long not to appreciate an opportunity to lie on the banks
& rest, watch others, and gain strength for the coming years. Moreover I
am a thorough-bred Democrat, clear to the marrow, as perhaps you have
reason to know. And there is too much of aristocracy and particularly
monarchy in the air of the College for me to safely pass freely about with-
out coming in collision with it when there would be great danger of an explo-
sion.
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002002
I early learned where the powder magazines were situated and care*
fully avoided the vicinity, but did not put out my candle, fc now I begin to
see that my little light has had its effect an extra covering is thrown over the
fiery material when I am around so that I can come nearer, and I feel that
I've conquered.
Again, time is too precious to me to waste in chitchat fc gossip. I
of being in Vassar College
worked too hard for the opportunity^ throw any of it away, very few people
pay well in intellectual or moral coin for the time spent. Therefore the
greatest misfortune to me would have been popularity at first.
One* more, it doesn't psy wsll to strain ones mind fc spsnd ones
time to be sure of rattling of rules or fiaets or a string of words la exact
order when there are so many principles lying In them wh. are rich la
fully avoided the vicinity, but did not put out my candle, fc now I begin to
see that my little light has had its effect an extra covering is thrown over the
fiery material when I am around so that I can come nearer, and I feel that
I've conquered.
Again, time is too precious to me to waste in chitchat fc gossip. I
of being in Vassar College
worked too hard for the opportunity^ throw any of it away, very few people
pay well in intellectual or moral coin for the time spent. Therefore the
greatest misfortune to me would have been popularity at first.
One* more, it doesn't psy wsll to strain ones mind fc spsnd ones
time to be sure of rattling of rules or fiaets or a string of words la exact
order when there are so many principles lying In them wh. are rich la
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002003
thought fc information. £ didn't take the 200 topics la Chemistry and
prepare for examination by studying day fc night with the determinatioa
of knowing them word for word from beginning to end as oae girl did I
didn't fail in the examination as she did whea a question a little off the
track was put fc I wasn't sick a fortnight as she was. I gave much thought
to my plan of life here. It was the result of cool deliberate judgment and
I am satisfied with the fruits, I wouldn't do differently if I were to do it
V
over. It is said that no decision could be arrived at as to who were most
there were a no. who were so nearly equal
deservingAso they took the marks wh. everybody acknowledges are not the
criteria of scholarship each teacher having a different idea fc so few takiag
into account all the causes, I was astoaished that these here who I know are
so opposed to say system of marking at all, should allow anything to be decided
on them. It changes no
prepare for examination by studying day fc night with the determinatioa
of knowing them word for word from beginning to end as oae girl did I
didn't fail in the examination as she did whea a question a little off the
track was put fc I wasn't sick a fortnight as she was. I gave much thought
to my plan of life here. It was the result of cool deliberate judgment and
I am satisfied with the fruits, I wouldn't do differently if I were to do it
V
over. It is said that no decision could be arrived at as to who were most
there were a no. who were so nearly equal
deservingAso they took the marks wh. everybody acknowledges are not the
criteria of scholarship each teacher having a different idea fc so few takiag
into account all the causes, I was astoaished that these here who I know are
so opposed to say system of marking at all, should allow anything to be decided
on them. It changes no
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002004
ones opinion, and it is much pleasaater to hear ef
people's saying that they expected one to have been appelated aad thought
they ought—than to feel that people were surprised that oae should be so put up.
I have not maay particular frieads but those are very stroag oaes and
every one who does know me values me. My example has been marked
enough to have some influence. Even Miss Avery is exceedingly gracious
in class fc It is a remark that she likes me. If I have kept my vow of
never £°tag near her to be excused from anything. Aad Miss Lyman is
very warm in her commedation of my success in infusing life fc interest
into Latin & coaxed me to undertake another task, when there is another
girl who has been a teacher who would like to take a pupil or two. I
thought perhaps I would be doing as much good in helping others as in
reading for myself and every dollar helps. I don't think I can be called an
idle individual about now. 5 studies Labratory fc observatory practice fc
earning $ 1.50 a day, as much
people's saying that they expected one to have been appelated aad thought
they ought—than to feel that people were surprised that oae should be so put up.
I have not maay particular frieads but those are very stroag oaes and
every one who does know me values me. My example has been marked
enough to have some influence. Even Miss Avery is exceedingly gracious
in class fc It is a remark that she likes me. If I have kept my vow of
never £°tag near her to be excused from anything. Aad Miss Lyman is
very warm in her commedation of my success in infusing life fc interest
into Latin & coaxed me to undertake another task, when there is another
girl who has been a teacher who would like to take a pupil or two. I
thought perhaps I would be doing as much good in helping others as in
reading for myself and every dollar helps. I don't think I can be called an
idle individual about now. 5 studies Labratory fc observatory practice fc
earning $ 1.50 a day, as much
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002005
as most girls do who work all day. Tell
Father I guess I'll beat him. And the money Is not all I have gained so
much courage to find that my knowledge comes back to me fc that I am
successful in imparting it. The recomendation that will be ready for me
■ , \
will be valuable some day. I hear commendation of my Essay from all
sides and praise of my manner fc voice fc lack of Elocutionary emphasis.
Miss Swayze called me to her after Elocution class the other day fc said
how well you read.11
W ell I must hasten to the news items. I've been In the Labratory
some helping get ready to make some casts for your mantel shelf and tkis
week we are to begin to learn photography. Last night was a clear night
for a wonder and I was out on the stone steps of the observatory 2 1/2
hours, got pretty tired. There was a beautiful
Father I guess I'll beat him. And the money Is not all I have gained so
much courage to find that my knowledge comes back to me fc that I am
successful in imparting it. The recomendation that will be ready for me
■ , \
will be valuable some day. I hear commendation of my Essay from all
sides and praise of my manner fc voice fc lack of Elocutionary emphasis.
Miss Swayze called me to her after Elocution class the other day fc said
how well you read.11
W ell I must hasten to the news items. I've been In the Labratory
some helping get ready to make some casts for your mantel shelf and tkis
week we are to begin to learn photography. Last night was a clear night
for a wonder and I was out on the stone steps of the observatory 2 1/2
hours, got pretty tired. There was a beautiful
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002006
aurora—red streamers fc
brillant white ones. The night before we saw the planet Uranus thru the
great telescope 17 hundred million miles away. This morning I went out
with Miss Cambell, were out 1 hour Ik a half. The crust bears us fc we went
way up on my favorite sunrise hill. The sun is warm fc the air good I shall
lay up a store of oxygen for all the week I don't get out doors much now.
But shall make time when the flowers come, fc I'm looking to those June
days when free from all care I'll go to the Catskills fc enjoy myself—only
ten weeks more. I had letters from Liaaie Billows Annie fc Charles Wilson
of Boston—he says that the sulphur he sent me came from Mt Vesuvius the
emery from Smyrna, Turkey. When you get time please label them. Abbie
fc Andrew were well. Oilman was being doctored by some
brillant white ones. The night before we saw the planet Uranus thru the
great telescope 17 hundred million miles away. This morning I went out
with Miss Cambell, were out 1 hour Ik a half. The crust bears us fc we went
way up on my favorite sunrise hill. The sun is warm fc the air good I shall
lay up a store of oxygen for all the week I don't get out doors much now.
But shall make time when the flowers come, fc I'm looking to those June
days when free from all care I'll go to the Catskills fc enjoy myself—only
ten weeks more. I had letters from Liaaie Billows Annie fc Charles Wilson
of Boston—he says that the sulphur he sent me came from Mt Vesuvius the
emery from Smyrna, Turkey. When you get time please label them. Abbie
fc Andrew were well. Oilman was being doctored by some
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002007
one in Boston far
deafness. Annie says George is getting better but has been very sick. She
was pretty tired. Liazie has been sick with Erysipelas was in bed a week not
Niagara
very strong yet still In Boston all send love to you. Mlss^Yeoman (Josephine
J£. from Suspension Bridge, N.Y.» spec. '69-70, is quite sick they wont let
even me see her. I am a little fearful. She will not be strong again her
lungs are very painful.
I am quite well, only 1 don't feel very hungry mornings as usual at
this season. My head doesn't trouble me and my back is quite well I guess.
I haven't heard anything from it for a long time. Remember me to Mrs.
Merrifield when you see her. Tell her I wish she could spend one day here.
X know she would enjoy It so much. Please ask Mr & Mrs* Marshall II
there 1s any prospect ol their coming this way while X stay. I will send
them an invitation lor some time Commencement week II they like.
deafness. Annie says George is getting better but has been very sick. She
was pretty tired. Liazie has been sick with Erysipelas was in bed a week not
Niagara
very strong yet still In Boston all send love to you. Mlss^Yeoman (Josephine
J£. from Suspension Bridge, N.Y.» spec. '69-70, is quite sick they wont let
even me see her. I am a little fearful. She will not be strong again her
lungs are very painful.
I am quite well, only 1 don't feel very hungry mornings as usual at
this season. My head doesn't trouble me and my back is quite well I guess.
I haven't heard anything from it for a long time. Remember me to Mrs.
Merrifield when you see her. Tell her I wish she could spend one day here.
X know she would enjoy It so much. Please ask Mr & Mrs* Marshall II
there 1s any prospect ol their coming this way while X stay. I will send
them an invitation lor some time Commencement week II they like.
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002008
I wish I could come in fc enjoy their society with you. Too had about
your pie scrape. You see murder will out, Uncle Sam is pretty good at
defending his rights. I'm glad the plants are doing so well fc afford so
much pleasure. I want you to have a wire dish like your china fruit dish
with ferns fcc. One of the teachers here has one that is lovely. And another
thing. I saw for you a wire rack hanging against the wall for newspapers,
something like this in shape the whole thing about (diagram) 3 ft lent
& 2 1/2 wide the outer or basket edge about a foot deep with perhaps 6 Inches
space between it fc the back. And a little place at the top for letters. It would
be the best thing I can think of for your comfort fc will look so pretty with
your stand. Have fhther see If he can find one for you or send for one. Don't
you think our class stamp on this envelope pretty?
I wish I could find out who A.G.W. is I like his or her (I think it's he)
Journal articles much. I think the Journal is doing well to publish such. X
believe in newspaper Influence.
iMary A* Mineah, «70,
your pie scrape. You see murder will out, Uncle Sam is pretty good at
defending his rights. I'm glad the plants are doing so well fc afford so
much pleasure. I want you to have a wire dish like your china fruit dish
with ferns fcc. One of the teachers here has one that is lovely. And another
thing. I saw for you a wire rack hanging against the wall for newspapers,
something like this in shape the whole thing about (diagram) 3 ft lent
& 2 1/2 wide the outer or basket edge about a foot deep with perhaps 6 Inches
space between it fc the back. And a little place at the top for letters. It would
be the best thing I can think of for your comfort fc will look so pretty with
your stand. Have fhther see If he can find one for you or send for one. Don't
you think our class stamp on this envelope pretty?
I wish I could find out who A.G.W. is I like his or her (I think it's he)
Journal articles much. I think the Journal is doing well to publish such. X
believe in newspaper Influence.
iMary A* Mineah, «70,
: VCLLettersMineahMaryA1870002009
[sketches of the sun]
The spots on the sun as seen thru. the little telescope - notice the rate of motion & change in the first 3 observations - since Nov. 3 there has not been a clear noon or 4 o'clock P.M.
The spots on the sun as seen thru. the little telescope - notice the rate of motion & change in the first 3 observations - since Nov. 3 there has not been a clear noon or 4 o'clock P.M.
