Vassar College Digital Library

Teegarden, Mary Treat | to cousin, Dec. 1867:

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Date
December 23, 1867
Abstract
VC Spec 1867-1868
Transcript file(s)
Details
Identifier
vassar:25082,,Box 74,VCL_Letters_Teegarden_Mary-Treat_1867-1868_001
Extent
1 item
Type
Rights
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: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868001
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Mon. Dec. 23, 1867.

My dear Cousin Mary,
Your kind
letter reached me in this faraway
place and met with a
cordial reception. I am glad
that you had so safe and
pleasant a journey though I
regret that we could not have
had the pleasure of a second
visit from you. I left home
on the 16th of Sept. accompanied
by Father and Mother, who left
me on the 20th greatly pleased
with the College. We are now
having vacation and out of
over four hundred girls, only
thirty are left. But we enjoy
ourselves very much; every
effort is made to render it as
homelike as possible. Miss Lyman

 


: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868002
the Lady Principal is exceedingly
kind and has had a
piano moved down into a
large recitation room on the
first floor where we have a
dance every evening. During the
day we sew, read and walk.
Christmas passed very delightfully,
contrary to our anticipations,
for we feared that this
most blest festival in all the
year would be dreary enough
in a deserted boarding school.
In the morning we attended
Christ Church in the City heard
fine music and were enraptured
by the service and decorations.
At 2 o'clock we had a

 


: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868003
very stylish and elaborate
dinner at which only Miss
Lyman, Miss Avery, the resident
physician, and we
students were present. In order
to make it as cheerful as possible,
it was arranged that we
should have our tea in the
parlor, and invite Mr Vassar,
the Founder, and the Faculty.
Accordingly we decorated the
rooms with pictures and flowers
and assembled at 7 o'clock
when we had refreshments.
Later we joined in many
amusing games and the
President acted like a boy
just let loose from school.
Last eve. Prof. Robert played
some of Beethoven's sonatas
for us, and thus the time
passes. We do not lack for

 


: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868004
pastimes, and they do not
wish us to study at all, but
enjoy perfect rest. Our labors
will begin again on Jan. 5.
I like everything about the
College. -the plan of study is
delightful and all the teachers
are thorough and amiable.
Last year there were some Cal.
girls here, and this year there
are several from Sandusky
Ohio. On Monday I received
a splendid box from home
containing nice presents
from all of them. The pleasure
which one feels on being often
remembered by the home friends,
is, I think, unequalled by any
thing else in the world. It is hard
for me to be so far away, even

 


: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868005
though it be for one year only
and the advantages so
superior. I often think if dear
Myra was only with me I
should be perfectly happy.
I have very agreeable parlor-
mates, and though I came
a stranger among strangers,
I have already many pleasant
acquaintances. Frequent
letters from home cheer me
and there is no end to Pa's
kindness in sending me boxes, etc.
Once he sent me a barrel of
choice apples from our Island
orchard. - We have very
good fare, nice, clean rooms
and all the girls look as
plump and rosy as German
peasants. I send you a cata-

 


: VCLLettersTeegardenMaryTreat18671868006
-logue as I find myself
unequal to the duty of telling
you all about the College
which is an institution of
great magnitude.
Mother is improving slowly and
we hope, surely.
With love for each of your
family, plenty of kisses for
Ada,
I remain
Your aff. Cousin,
Mary T. T.

Written by Mary Treat Teegarden, La Porte, Ind. to Mrs. Mary A. Starr, Marysville, Calif.