Vassar College Digital Library

Woodworth, Mary | to mother, Apr. 1868:

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Date
April 19, 1868
Abstract
VC 1870
Transcript file(s)
Details
Identifier
vassar:25337,,Box 23,VCL_Letters_Woodworth_Mary_1870_012
Extent
1 item
Type
Rights
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: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012001
Vassar College, Poughkeepsie N.Y.
April 19. 1868.

My dear Mother,

It has been so long since I have written to you that I feel under a good deal of restraint as I would with a stranger. I think you cannot complain of negligence.

I was so glad to get your letter yesterday and especially that you were willing to have me take riding lessons. I was so surprised for I thought it would be too expensive. I am really anxious to be as economical as possible and considering all things, do not think I am extravagant. I shall depend upon my friends for the necessary outfit. Hattie Harrington and Saidee have both offered me their habits and I shall be very glad to avail myself of their offers.

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012002
The horses here are perfectly trained and very spirited. I shall think I have done pretty well if I get so that I can manage a horse well before I go home. I shall hope for a letter from you Wednesday telling me what I requested in the note I sent you yesterday by Emily.

Hattie Palmer returned yesterday from her vacation and I was so glad to see her. She is one of the finest girls I ever saw. Her name is so much like mine that we are seated together in all our classes and are together nearly all the time any way- She is the most like Flora of any girl I ever saw. She brought some beautiful oleander blossoms from home. When I was in town the other day I ordered some hot house flowers for for my hair and dress Founder's Day and although I shall have no new trumpery to

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012003
wear, yet with beautiful flowers and fresh white gloves I shall be very passable, shall I not? I anticipate much enjoyment at Parepa's concert Tuesday. There are fifty seats reserved for us and just so many can go from the college. Saidee heard of it and gave in our names in season to secure places, but she thinks she cannot go because she must take all her money to pay her dressmaker's bills in New York. Her father sent her seventy dolls. only three weeks ago and she of course don't feel like asking him for any more at present. I am so sorry she can't go, but I don't feel as if I ought to urge her when she has such a reason for not going.

The tickets with reserved seats are $1.00 and it will probably be about fifty cts. to and from. I thought it too good an opportunity to lose

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012004
and it may be the last one I shall ever have. I think you would have advised it if I could have asked you.

Next Saturday night Anna Dickinson lectures at the college here. I feel as if all the good things were coming together. I am having such advantages as I never used to dream of. I shall never half repay you and my kindest of fathers for all you have done for me I am afraid. Harry Hutchins has made a good choice in going to Michigan University. There are so many Michigan girls here that I hear much of it. I am really glad he is there.

Monday Morn.
We have begun already to press flowers and have just been changing the papers in the press. We have four specimens in press now - ninety-six more to get. If you ever find any wild flowers in your meanderings and can press them

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012005
for me I should be most happy to get them. There may be some at home that we do not find here. We have some of the loveliest spring violets called Hepaticas in press. I enjoy doing it ever so much. I think it so funny that you have such an idea of my strength giving out. I suppose you judge by last year which is very foolish in you, little Mother. You know I had a bad cough then that took my strength away whereas I have had no colds this winter except that one when I was at home. I am very much better this year than I was last and really think I never had so good health in my life. I think the climate and these regulations agree with me.

I had thought that the picture I sent you looked as if I lacked spirit I would not have sent it, but now the girls say it does not look so animated as I do. No one thinks it

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012006
looks nearly so well as I do but I think it flatters me as all my pictures do. They want to have me send home for some picture I have had taken before I came so I wish you would send me in your next that one you have with braided hair. I promise that you shall have it again. You ask how soon I would like my box. Just when you can get it ready conveniently and without hurrying - not before. It would be pleasant as you say if I could have it on my birthday but after all it would be in reality no better so don't regret it a moment that it cannot be sent. Do you think after the measure I sent you that it will be necessary to have a garibaldi waist pattern sent? It will not make much difference how it fits when so little of it is to show. I cannot get a sample of trimming

 


: VCLLettersWoodworthMary1870012007
for I can't go to Poughkeepsie to shop any till time to get my summer hat. but I will trust to Mrs. Brown's taste in the matter. She can get ball trimming or any other kind that she thinks best. I do not care for anything very elaborate. Be sure not to make any thing if you cannot Just as well. I shall be so glad to get something from home. Cin Rushmore sent me some real nice cake last night that she brought back. I felt quite honored as she is rather the lion of the college. Here is just room to sign my name and I take the chance before any other thoughts come.
Mary.

[Mary (Parker) Woodworth, '70]