Vassar College Digital Library

Jackson, Helen | to Ann Scholfield, Dec. 1877:

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Access Control
Date
December 23, 1877
Abstract
VC 1879
Transcript file(s)
Details
Identifier
vassar:24441,,Box 70,VCL_Letters_Jackson_Helen_1879_002
Extent
1 item
Type
Rights
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: VCLLettersJacksonHelen1879002001
V.C. Dec. 13, 1868.

Dear Cousin Ann:

Will you please excuse pencil-writing to-day, but A. is using the ink in Mrs. Pierson's room and I am writing in the cosiest, prettiest, sitting-room possible. Every chair is an easy one and there are lovely black walnut book cases around the room besides an open fire place beneath a low handsome black walnut mantel piece. The walls are very exquisitely papered with much walnut about the walls. The floor is of hard wood and a lovely rug in centre of room. A south bay window with table near it, makes this library a perfect one.

Have you thought us very neglectful? I wrote four pages last Sunday but was too disgusted with them to think

 


: VCLLettersJacksonHelen1879002002
of sending them. Before then I had planned to write, but times have been so crowded this year.

Since we wrote last we have enjoyed a flying visit from Miss Sarah Woolsey who seemed to be quite pleased with VC. Of course we were charmed with her. She purchased most of Aunt Helen's papers for walls, carpets, etc., and said that from Aunty's description, her new home must be quite perfect. Soon after her pleasant call we spent Thanksgiving in Yonkers and were with most cultured people in a very elegant home. We were a little ill-at-ease at first. The week after Thanksgiving came Philalethean Anniversary, the exercises of which were very successful. Anne was one of the officers of the Society and had to assist in receiving guests, as well as to march up in the procession of dignitaries. She enjoyed the receiving more than she expected and well she might, for she met several

 


: VCLLettersJacksonHelen1879002003
very nice people. Gen'l Terry was one of such and he remembered meeting Aunt Helen as Helen Fiske, and as Helen Hunt. Then we met Mr. and Mrs. Loomis who used to know the Palmers very well. After that entertainment there were but two weeks before vacation which began last Thursday, and they were very busy but very peaceful until two days before we left when Miss Terry called together the Seniors and announced her resignation as Lady Principal. Each member stood still with amazement, and now that no public announcement was made to the other students, we are more amazed than ever. What the causes of her going I cannot imagine, but we will not see her again as she does not return after Christmas. It is not a sudden thing, although so sudden to us. There have evidently been some unpleasant circumstances connected with her departure or President Raymond would have expressed

 


: VCLLettersJacksonHelen1879002004
our feeling concerning her resignation. The majority of the girls, I think, are sorry to have her leave. She is a very fine woman and I hope we will have a good successor.

We are indeed fortunate to have such kind friends, with whom we are invited to spend all our vacation and I trust we appreciate their great kindnesses. I never longed to be at home as I have this winter, but we ought to be very thankful for such blessings as we have, and not long for more.

Mamma is more of a wonder to me than ever. We have not heard from Richie for three weeks and are again anxious about him. Friday we had a treat while calling on Mrs. Johnson. Her little "Helen Hunt" is perfectly bewitching. She must be as mischievous as Aunt Helen ever was and if she continues to be as bright I should think she might be a second "H.H." We are anticipating a call from them.

We feel badly to have made no Christ

 


: VCLLettersJacksonHelen1879002005
mas presents whatever, but it, in every consideration of the subject, has been quite impossible. Hoping you will not be troubled in deciphering this stupid epistle, but especially that you are well and Cousins Ellen and Adeline also. Wishing you a Merry Christmas I am your very loving,

Helen F. Banfield,
V.C. '79

Orange, N.J.
Care Dr. Wm Pierson Jr.

[Helen (Banfield) Jackson, '79,
To Ann Scholfield, Boston.]