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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/6/19
Text: Oct. 6. Will write this aft. Lester + I too hurried to write yesterday. [We] had a fine time together. Must go to Dean's office to arrange for Sophomore French! [Haha!] Fannie[This side of card is for address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: Oct. 28
Text: [addressed to Hotel Traymore] [Oct. 28] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This letter reminds me that I am out of both typewriter paper and envelopes. Excuse the paper, Pete. Helen is in here waiting to be entertained. It is a dreary day and I think it has gotten her freshman spirits. Thanks for the political literature, Pete. I shall read it this afternoon. I went over to Students' last night to hear Sophomore Party rehearsal. It is going to be splendid. There are lots of people who are...
Show more[addressed to Hotel Traymore] [Oct. 28] Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This letter reminds me that I am out of both typewriter paper and envelopes. Excuse the paper, Pete. Helen is in here waiting to be entertained. It is a dreary day and I think it has gotten her freshman spirits. Thanks for the political literature, Pete. I shall read it this afternoon. I went over to Students' last night to hear Sophomore Party rehearsal. It is going to be splendid. There are lots of people who are fairly important in the class who are on committees, so I don't feel quite as disgusted with not being in it as I did before. I overslept this morning and consequently only got the three rolls for breakfast which Helen Reid brought up for me. And then of course we had to have a baked bean lunch. In history this morning Miss Salmon talked about our false idea of faculty authority. It was very elucidating in connection with American History. I have lab this afternoon. I certainly haven't hurt myself studying this week. I don't think I have done three hours actual studying. I got so far ahead in English and Ec last week without knowing it that I haven't had any work to do all week in those two subjects. And then I did two out of the three assignments for the week in Spanish last Friday before I left. There are never any assignments in Chem or history, and we have two weeks for this topic instead of one. Hence the vacation. That never happened last year. i went eight hour yesterday to hear four members of the Princeton Speakers' Bureau debate the republican and democratic campaigns. McCormick was one democrat and Rhodes and Warmer were the Republicans. I did not get the name of the other democrat. The Republicans were by far the better and they certainly were good. Do you know any of them, Pete? It is funny the way people turn out for the young Princetonians when they only come in about one fourth the numbers to hear politicians who probable have some knowledge that they have gathered from experience. Mary Magennis, president of our Speakers' Bureau, who had charge of them, told some of us that they have the reputation of being the four biggest "Lady-Killers" in P. So it was amusing when Rholdes started out by saying that as he looked over this fine audience he wondered how woman suffrage could have been delayed so long! Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/7/19
Text: November 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just came in from a long walk, and I feel great. It was a wonderful, cold day. Some doctor whose name I did not get lectured in hygiene today. He said more in one lecture than Dr. T. has said in five. I forgot to tell you that our stunt with great success in the maids' club Thursday night, I mean Wednesday night. I got rigged up in my grand whiskers and moustache before I left here, and we surely had some fun going through Maine and...
Show moreNovember 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I just came in from a long walk, and I feel great. It was a wonderful, cold day. Some doctor whose name I did not get lectured in hygiene today. He said more in one lecture than Dr. T. has said in five. I forgot to tell you that our stunt with great success in the maids' club Thursday night, I mean Wednesday night. I got rigged up in my grand whiskers and moustache before I left here, and we surely had some fun going through Maine and across campus. The janitor, electrician, etc. in the hall in Main came close to splitting. I did not know I looked as funny as all that. I had the conference with Miss Thallon last night. She was awefully nice. Judging by the expression on her face and her apparent satisfaction as she went over the thing I juste she was pleased with the thoroughness with which I did the stuff. She had only one of two correction to make. She said my bibliography was very good. She also asked what reference books I have been using for class work. I told her. She was well satisfied. Then I asked her if she would mind telling me what kind of work I was doing. I explained that I had no idea. She looked at her grade book, smiled, and said I had absolutely no cause for worry. I knew I was not flunking, but I could not ask her any more. I simply wanted to know whether it was B or C work. They say that they have given up the closed mark system, but they have only to a certain extent. The only papers that I ever get back that are graded are French and Math, and th less said about French marks the better. Lucy's Jeannette came up to see me today! I am going to celebrate tomorrow by getting a shampoo. Please don't send any food in the next laundry either. I mention it in time. I went up to see Phyll after lunhc[sic]. Hermother will be up next week-end before going South. Her roommate walked part way back with me, and she informed me that Phyllis has been in the dumps the last few days. I never though she would get that way. She swears she won't go to see Miss Breene Christmas vacation. I am not the only one who had troubles in work. Love, [Fannie] Today is Helen Meid's birthday, so that means no work tonight. I played basket-ball outdoors yesterday. It was great. I was pushed around on a bike for a few minutes after that--I think I'll learn.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/8/19
Text: Mar. 8, 1919 Dear Mother, Had a half hour lesson at 9 (to 9:30, naturally). Played 18 holes with Father and Mr. Zies. I had the latter two up. He is awfully nice. He talks French, incidentally. We stayed at the club and had a very good lunch. Mr. Z, Father and I played again after lunch. We were caught at the thirteenth hole in the pouring rain. We were as far from the clubas we could possibly be. I don't know how we stood, but I do know that Mr. Z. didn't beat me. There is a long...
Show moreMar. 8, 1919 Dear Mother, Had a half hour lesson at 9 (to 9:30, naturally). Played 18 holes with Father and Mr. Zies. I had the latter two up. He is awfully nice. He talks French, incidentally. We stayed at the club and had a very good lunch. Mr. Z, Father and I played again after lunch. We were caught at the thirteenth hole in the pouring rain. We were as far from the clubas we could possibly be. I don't know how we stood, but I do know that Mr. Z. didn't beat me. There is a long elbow hole on this course. Bogie is either four or five, four I think. If you get a good drive, it is all right. otherwise you have to play over the woods or lose a stroke by playing safe. I had a peachy drive, [a midiron] shot, and a putt-3! Mr. Zies surely talked. Father introduced me me to two men tonight and they both asked if I was the girl that made a 3. I know why Mr. Wells didn't ([oouldn't]) come down last night; he made a 76. It surely is wonderful here. [The] sweater fits and I wear it every day. [Love Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 7-May
Text: [May 7.] Dear Mother and Father: I thought that there was something the matter that we got my course arranged so easily. I was talking to Miss Kitchel yesterday and she urged me so strongly to take a writing course in addition to a literature course, this making English a twenty-four hour major, that I went to Miss Wylie's informal talk fourth hour this morning on the exact values of the different courses in English, their sequence, and the advisability of grouping certain ones together...
Show more[May 7.] Dear Mother and Father: I thought that there was something the matter that we got my course arranged so easily. I was talking to Miss Kitchel yesterday and she urged me so strongly to take a writing course in addition to a literature course, this making English a twenty-four hour major, that I went to Miss Wylie's informal talk fourth hour this morning on the exact values of the different courses in English, their sequence, and the advisability of grouping certain ones together. She talked and answered questions for one hour. I got a lot out of it, but my desire to change my course does not come from what she said. She did not crack up her own department--in fact, her answer to almost everyone was, "Take what you want to take, don't take something just because you think you ought to and if you expect not to like it". She very strongly advised that you should take one writing course if you expect to take literature all the way through, and vice versa, one literature course if you expect to take writing all the way through. She thinks it is too one-sided to take all courses in one phase of the subject. However, that is not what influenced me so much as what Miss Kitchel said yesterday, and what [Miss Wylie] corroborated all through the discussion this morning. I have improved very much in writing this year, but there is still room for more improvement, and I ought to continue not so much for the sake of reaching such a very high level as for the good t will do me in all other subjects, because, no matter what you major or specialize in later, you have to express it through English, and the more forceful your use of English is, the better you will do with your subject. At the end of the discussion I told Miss Wylie that I had not done as will in English as in all the other subjects this year, that I intended to take a literature course next year and wanted to know what her advice was about talking[sic] a writing course--whether they were intended just for those who were particularly good in English or also for those who felt that they had gotten a good deal out of there practice in writing Freshman Year, but still thought they ought to continue to improve some more. She very strongly advised taking critical writing next year in conjunction with a literature course, not only for the practice in writing, but for the training of your mind in developing ogical[sic] thinking, in appreciation of words, and in general intelligent brain-work. She thought it would be a splendid plan for me to take it, but she said, "If your life next year will be absolutely empty for lack of the subject you will have to drop in order to get in, by no means take it". On thinking the subject over, I decided I still want to take history, economics, a literature course, and I must take science, so the only think to drop is math. In doing so I would probably be sacrificing an A for a C, but I think that simply shows that I have gotten one thing out of this year anyhow, a realization of the insignificance of marks. The math department is supposed to be one of the easiest here anyhow, most of your thinking is done in the classroom and at the clack-board, by the obliging professor. Therefore, the mental training that I would get out of that would not be very great. It would be merely pleasure. I certainly ought to get enough training in exactness from science to offset the lack of another year of math. The question resolves itself, then, into this, (As I used to say in Peabody debate), Will it not be more valuable to me during my college course and after I am out of college, to be able to write and express my thoughts ably that it will be to take another year of math, for the pleasure to be gotten out of it? You can get all the necessary information out of the catalogue about the course in critical writing. It is the only on of the writing courses that appeals to me, and Miss Kitchel agrees that it is the one I am best suited for. I don't think I would be strong on narrative writing! I am glad I have my second year of language off my hands anyhow! I ordered a class picture yesterday. It is good, as a whole, but I am awful on it. Phyllis was up here for an hour last night. Her latest is that she is going to get four C's and a D. I think so, too! I just discovered that Third Hall is given again at Commencement, so if you come for your reunion, Mother, as you certainly should, you will see it then. There are chairs--I don't have to sit on the ground, but I'll wear my minter coat and take a blanket anyhow. I had an unusually good day yesterday, which was encouraging after walking to the Inn to meet you, Father. Today is not quite so good, but even so, better than the past. If I feel as well tomorrow and Sunday as yesterday and today, I shall go back to my room Monday. Dr. B. says I can use the porch here whenever I want. I feel quite sure I won't be making a mistake, but if I find that I have, I can always come back. Otherwise I don't think there is anything else to tell you. I cannot quite make myself out, voluntarily giving up a course that I know I will do well in, for one that I know I need more. R. S. V. P. immediately and in detail what you think on the subject as elections are due on May fourteenth, and also your advice is always right, I suppose due to your great experience!! I studied English Speech two hours this morning and Miss Rogers said there was a noticeable improvement. Wishing you the same, [Fannie.]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 5/4/20
Text: May 4, 1920. Dear Mother: I have not eaten meat since coming to Metcalf. I have eaten chicken once. I get five fresh edds a day. I eat no tomatoes, and no acids. I also have cocoa that is not made of condensed milk. I have rarely been able to get the medicine in more than four times a day anyhow. How long am I to keep it up? I had to get up at night the first to nights after I came here. Otherwise I have not had to. I pass urine five or six times a day. I phoned for a telescope about ten...
Show moreMay 4, 1920. Dear Mother: I have not eaten meat since coming to Metcalf. I have eaten chicken once. I get five fresh edds a day. I eat no tomatoes, and no acids. I also have cocoa that is not made of condensed milk. I have rarely been able to get the medicine in more than four times a day anyhow. How long am I to keep it up? I had to get up at night the first to nights after I came here. Otherwise I have not had to. I pass urine five or six times a day. I phoned for a telescope about ten days ago, and it came the next day. I have not worn wash clothes except when it was quite warm. I have been wearing my sport skirts and sweaters. Certainly I can trust your judgement, or rather, your taste, in skirt materials. Don't you think that it would be nice to have one flannel, or some material a little different from the reulation. You know things don't get dirty here or away from home. I have written Aunt Bessie, but shall do so again. I intended to do that, also. I am not so crazy about telling her about myself because she has been so strongly opposed to my staying all along. I'd like to see Miss Smith's letter if you don't mind. I have a room for Father at Miss Mullaly's tomorrow night. I also told her you might come next week. She will be able to take care of you very nicely in case you do. I have only taken Maltine and Cascara once. I have been taking the vegetable pills. They are very effective, although I amagine that it is bad to take them indefinitely. I might go off campus and by myself some clothes if it were not that I have no dared to talk as far as that. I did it once-to see about a room for you, and I felt worse after it. I do want to save up so as to be able to enjoy Lester's Commencement. To think of your coming East in the car and my not being able to enjoy it. It is three weeks off, and perhaps if I am real good till then i will be able to have some fun. My exams are over on Friday, June fourth. Helen has an extra ticket for Commencement, so I can stay if I want. I am quite sure I would not be allowed to stay in my room, but I could stay with Lucy and eat off campus. She has an extra bed. Helen would like to know, because if I don't use the ticket she wants to give it away. What I will do depends, of course, upon your plans. I might even stay just for a day of it. Let me know so that I can tell Helen. I suppose there will be no classes on Wednesday, if exams start Thursday. That means I have Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Thursday to pack and study in. I am sure that Lucy will help me some with my packing, as she has always been offereing to do so much. If you were to come up here to pack, would you bring the car up or would you come ahead? I don't quite understand from your letter. I would not want you to miss the trip, and then I really don't think I need you anyhow. Should I have Lucky's store my rug? R. S. V. P. I feel quite a little better than yesterday, and considering that it is a damp day, I feel encouraged. The Freshmen have to get all togged up in white this afternoon to have their pictures taken on the steps of Strong. Otherwise there is nothing new, except that I have to read two French books instead of one for next Monday, inasmuch as I did not read one that the rest of the class read last year. I had a postcard from Mlle. yesterday. She is going to France--she has decided definitely. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/2/20
Text: February 2, 1920 Dear Mother, It [is] now Monday after-noon, and my laundry has not come yet. I hope it was properly addressed and not lost. Judging by present indi-cations I won't be able to go to New York Saturday. Noth-ing doing yet. Incidentally, I am making [us] progress that I can notice - I am most uncomfortable today. I spent yesterday after-noon very delightfully, it was my last chance to loaf. I had a Freshman from Strong over fordinner, + we had a good time together. She staid...
Show moreFebruary 2, 1920 Dear Mother, It [is] now Monday after-noon, and my laundry has not come yet. I hope it was properly addressed and not lost. Judging by present indi-cations I won't be able to go to New York Saturday. Noth-ing doing yet. Incidentally, I am making [us] progress that I can notice - I am most uncomfortable today. I spent yesterday after-noon very delightfully, it was my last chance to loaf. I had a Freshman from Strong over fordinner, + we had a good time together. She staid till 4. Among other things we went over the list of Freshmen in the catalogue, and I knew about twice as many as she did. It was very encouraging. I then read the Sunday Times most industriously. Father called me up. I am glad Lester is getting along so well. After supper I wrote two letters, and I was justa bout to leave to go to a party in [Maria] to which I had been asked when [Irene] Mott came. It is rather funny she asked whether D.[G]. had whether she looked me up and whether I had told him that she did not come up [as]after as she should. I said that I thought he [be bad] the impression that we knew each other a lot better than we do. It happens that he only [year] visits were the first and last [Sunday] of the semester. She is a wonderful girl. She is up for president of her class and I certainly hope she gets it. She is a big girl here, and Helen Reed's expression when she informed me she didn't know Irene and I knew each other reminds me very much of what Lester said his fourth floor on [Witherspoon] was like when they reported Frank Glick had called on him. The party in [Main] was not particularly much fun. When I came back withfull intentions of going to bed Helen [Reid] came in and talked for a long time. She is very much to my taste - I wish she were a classmate of mine. Carolyn Bailey wants me to go off campus with her this after-noon for a devil. I don't know if I'll go or not - once wont hurt but they are not exactly in my diet. Lucy is waiting her turn, too. I am writing this between [suatches] of talking to her. She came back from N.Y. last night. Your special came this morning, at the same time as your letter of the 30. [to] grandpa still improving? Otherwise nothing new. I am going to write to the [Naubeim] drugstore for my medicine today. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/8/19
Text: Dear Mother + Father I was [tired] and slept too late after lunch to get a letter off in this mail. Will try to write one tonight. I have to call for a telegram - I guess from Marse! Nothing new. Love, Fannie 0ct. 8. Am [pending] laundry now.[This side of Card is for Address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/4/19
Text: Mar. 4, 1919 Dear Mother, I played badly this morning, and a little better this after-noon. I made 115. Mr. Hall and I stood Father + Mr. Wintringer - theoretically. Mr. Hall lost a ball on me - he bet that I would beat Father this morn-ing - and you shouldsee how I played! I got a letter form Aunt Hattie today. She says this isn't a fair test of whether I'll be homesick next year. I think she is not at all optimistic I was out for an hour with Mr. Wells tonight getting astrono-my...
Show moreMar. 4, 1919 Dear Mother, I played badly this morning, and a little better this after-noon. I made 115. Mr. Hall and I stood Father + Mr. Wintringer - theoretically. Mr. Hall lost a ball on me - he bet that I would beat Father this morn-ing - and you shouldsee how I played! I got a letter form Aunt Hattie today. She says this isn't a fair test of whether I'll be homesick next year. I think she is not at all optimistic I was out for an hour with Mr. Wells tonight getting astrono-my instruction. He surely knews a lot. He gave me a book on the subject to read. I think it isvery nice of him to be willing to be bothered with me. Love, Fannie My dear Stella. Fan just told me she was going to bed and I plan to follow her. 930 I have also made up my mind not to leave a call for early rising. We will get up when we feel like it, I know you will approve. We will see whether that improves my tired feeling and incidentally my golf. The weather [crutnines] fine. [Otherwise] [there] is nothing to tell. Love Marcus
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/22/19
Text: October 22, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Still I don;t know if you are coming Saturday, Father. Lester, I will go to whichever game it suits the family best. I rather think that two week-ends straight will be rather hard to manage, but of course I could do it. Mother and Father, I sent you a card from Mohonk too. You have told me about the stupid stunt you did when you were at boarding-school, addressing letters home to Cleveland. I mailed the card without an address! I got it in an...
Show moreOctober 22, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Still I don;t know if you are coming Saturday, Father. Lester, I will go to whichever game it suits the family best. I rather think that two week-ends straight will be rather hard to manage, but of course I could do it. Mother and Father, I sent you a card from Mohonk too. You have told me about the stupid stunt you did when you were at boarding-school, addressing letters home to Cleveland. I mailed the card without an address! I got it in an envelope from Schalls today. I got an A-[minus] on the math quizz I had fully expected to flunk on. The only mistake was a mistake in the third decimal of a number that I had right on the scratch paper and forgot to change on the regular paper. When Miss Wells handed me my paper I made an exclamation to that effect. She said, "Well that is sad, but it was a very good paper anyway." I certainly like Math and her, also Miss Thallon. The latter is the most unteacher-like person I ever want to see. Miss Hourne has called on me every day since the interview, and I am very grateful to her for it. Today she told me my translation was very good. Altogether I am beginning to see a ray of hope for yours truly. For tomorrow we have to read one hundred and thirty two pages of French and copy all the idiomatic expressions. That is all. Talking about French, one of our Freshmen in Davison had to go home about two weeks ago. Her room was taken by a French girl twenty three years old who is to teach part time and study the rest. She is classed as a Junior. I am anxious to get to know her. It will be a good way of talking French if she is worth talking to. I forgot to put a special on Last Friday's letter--I had intended to. I had the door of my room fixed so that it would shut a long time ago. I also got them to give me a key both for the door and for the closet door. Lester, don't make your copies, carbon, I mean, so neat. You make me ashamed of mine. But then I write my letters in from ten to fifteen minutes, so apologies are unnecessary. I enjoyed Miss Wiley's lecture very much. It was not suppose to be deep--it was simply to explain to us the importance of the study of English, and why Freshman English was made to embrace what it does. She also explained the shift, which is made on the basis of preparation and I should judge also, intellectual ability. They tried to test from the standpoint of what you get from reading, what ideas reading brings you to, your powers of expression etc. From all I can gather I was put into a medium section. It is gratifying to know it is not the dunce section. Love, [Fannie][enc w/ 22 oct. 1919] Mother, The advice not to ride horseback came in the afternoon mail. I had arranged with Lucy to go today. I had also gone to get a ticket, but unfortunately the girl was not home. I cancelled the order for horses, and we are going to walk to the cider mill instead. It did not hurt me in Glacier Park, but I guess it is just as well not to. Carolyn Bailey had gone to New York for the week-end. We have no arranged a time yet. Oh, I'll feign to be very generous.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/9/20
Text: March 9, 1029. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I shall be terribly busy today. I have a long history written tomorrow, and sort of a half topic due Friday. I went down to the station yesterday afternoon, ordered a lower the eight-thirty and if they cannot get it, a lower for the eleven-thirty. I don't want to take a chance on an upper. This is for Friday night. It would be much more of a rush leaving sooner, and I would like to finish out the week. I also paid for having my trunk called...
Show moreMarch 9, 1029. Dear Mother, Father, and pete: I shall be terribly busy today. I have a long history written tomorrow, and sort of a half topic due Friday. I went down to the station yesterday afternoon, ordered a lower the eight-thirty and if they cannot get it, a lower for the eleven-thirty. I don't want to take a chance on an upper. This is for Friday night. It would be much more of a rush leaving sooner, and I would like to finish out the week. I also paid for having my trunk called for, and got the check. They say that they cannot get out here for it Friday morning unless the snow melts some, but it is melting now, so it is all right. In case they cannot get it, I will have Lucy see to it that the janitor's office here hauls it to Main--they can get there all right. At any rate, I don't want to repeat December's experience. I left at three and did not get back till after five. I was quite busy with work, too. Your special was here when i got back. I took your letter to the doctor's office this morning. Dr. B. was there. She was very nice. She gave me a note to Miss Smith. That is all that is necessary. I shall write Aunt Bessie my plans. I'll leave here on the three fifty-eight, and if they can meet me for dinner, all right, otherwise I can shift myself all right. To leave at eleven-thirty-eight and go out to Woodmere would be too much of a rush. My conference with Miss Kitchel yesterday was supposed to be a fifteen minute session, but it lasted forty-five. She was most encouraging. She said my writing had improved lots since the beginning of the year. She took out her grade book, and told me that all my themes last semester were C themes, except a few that were B. My exam was C. She said my grade for the semester was Cplus. She had given back all this semester's themes to be corrected before the conference. I got B plus on the resume of Prexie's lecture in Freshman English, C plus on one, and B on the other three. Two of them, those I fought with most--she said were very fine and I should rewrite for prospective contributions to the Sampler. Of course they Sampler board may not accept them, but I never thought I would even get as far as that. I spoke to her also about the difficulty of never being able to talk in class, and she agreed with me perfectly, and said I should make a little more noise when I had anything to say, that she wished it were in her power to shut some of the chatterboxes up. She even mentioned them by name! She asked me the first think whether I was feel better than i had been, and that gave me a chance to ask about the work. She said you were quite right in wanting me to go home, and she told me just what I would miss. I will have to read a novel--terrible job--and a good deal of Meredith's and Whitman's poems. If you have time, would you mind ordering the book for me, "Changing Winds" of St. John Ervine?Mlle. Champy promised this morning to send me a note in the unstamped telling me what we would read the next two weeks. I know that we will be reading "Quatre- Vingt- Treize" for one thing, and we have that at home. I have read it, too. I have not stoken[sic] to the others yet. I wish I did not have to go to him----hospital, but then I could not be much luckier in nearness to you. I hope I don't get some crank of a nurse. I have now to hunt the janitor up and get him to get my trunk down, to be packed in odd moments. I don't think I'll run the risk of not bringing enough stuff home, or for some unexpecte reason I won't have to stay in bed. Love, Evidently I am fated not to be musically educated. I shall miss the next Philharmonic, also Kreisler.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/24/19
Text: November 24, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope you enjoyed the telephone conversation yesterday, because it was not what I would call satisfactory. I did not hear you plainly at all. I had planned to get a lot of work done yesterday, but somehow or other, a thousand different things kept me from it. One thing I did accomplish, though. We called on Miss Thallon, and left our cards--she was out. We then proceeded to Miss Palmer's house, where there were about twenty others. Her...
Show moreNovember 24, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I hope you enjoyed the telephone conversation yesterday, because it was not what I would call satisfactory. I did not hear you plainly at all. I had planned to get a lot of work done yesterday, but somehow or other, a thousand different things kept me from it. One thing I did accomplish, though. We called on Miss Thallon, and left our cards--she was out. We then proceeded to Miss Palmer's house, where there were about twenty others. Her two nephews were visiting her, and they certainly tried desperately to appear at ease. I imagine there is only one thing stiffer than calling on the head warden, and that is calling on the dean. I expect to have that sensation tonight. I then landed at Miss Cowley's. She talked her head off, as usual, and fed us up on tea and cake. I spent last night working on a doll's dress. The college dresses about a thousand dolls for Christmas for poor kids in Poughkeepsie. The minister was pretty good yesterday morning, that is he cracked enough jokes to keep me awake. I sat forward, so I was actually able to hear. Helen Reid's parents are coming on Tuesday to stay in Poug-h-keepsie as long as they can stand it. She surely is excited. Dorothea passed her Solid Geometry exam on a B. I heard today that Clifford Sellers' died. Her two brothers were killed in the war, and her mother is dead. He is supposed to have died while she was acting Saturday night in the Workshop Plays. I saw the dress rehearsal of those plays Saturday afternoon. They are very good, and there is some very fine acting in them--particularly Clifford Sellers'. The price of admission is the promise to write and send in criticism. I wish Wednesday were here. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/1/19
Text: November 1, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Group meetings, Pete, take place for the purpose of acting the business of the student association. The particular business that night was to vote on the amount of money to be spent for lectures, concerts, etc., and whom to have. I just came back from an hour and a half meeting of Davison Freshmen. We were working on our stunt party. It ought to be very good. I played basket-ball in the gym yesterday afternoon. Before that I wrote to you, then...
Show moreNovember 1, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Group meetings, Pete, take place for the purpose of acting the business of the student association. The particular business that night was to vote on the amount of money to be spent for lectures, concerts, etc., and whom to have. I just came back from an hour and a half meeting of Davison Freshmen. We were working on our stunt party. It ought to be very good. I played basket-ball in the gym yesterday afternoon. Before that I wrote to you, then pressed my costume. We shall have to dress up for the Junior Party next Saturday--I believe we are to fo as our ambitins. I think our ambitions can be most anything. Tell Aunt Hattie to write me a description of the other costumes. It rained last night, so we had no chapel. I wrote letters for two hours. i wrote Mrs. Weil a thank you note, Mrs. Schall an explanation note, and Miss Anderson an answer to some of her letter. I also wrote to Marian and some post-cards to some of the kids. I still have five letters to write. There was a Hallowe'en party last night in the gym. At nine o'clock the Freshmen class marched to Olive Watkins' room and serenaded our president. She was quite fussed, although she is supposed to be extremely well poised, I believe that is the expression. The Hollowe'en stunts were pretty good. I missed some of it. I saw Professor Drake in masquerade--as far as I could make out he looked like an orthodox rabbi. I shall look about the history book, Pete, but I am sure it was Dana Carlton Munro, because I noticed particularly. You know we do not write our topics out. It is an outline in book form on small note paper. I had eighty-four pages. There is a title-page, index, material, and bibliography. I'll bring it to New York if you want. I fooled around this morning and got to the dinin-room about a second after the bell rang, so I had to go around to the tables and collect what was left. Mother, please don't send any more food till I ask for it. I have more than i can use in a year. Please tell Mary. Also, if Mrs. Menges is not going to come anymore, I won't send my laundry home--I don't want you to stay at home doing my mending. I played tennis this morning with the French girl, Andree Pommier. I also talked French to her. She won one set and I won one. The courts were very slippery. I think I shall like her. I am sorry I forgot to special yesterday. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/1/19
Text: October 1, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is funny that I have always a lot to write, in spite of the fact that I write every day. Before I forget, Pete, I simply forgot to mention the tennis score, that is all. I beat Rurth Franklin 6-1 and 5-3. I played miserably at that. Yesterday afternoon I played again. Since you seem to want to know all the details, I played with a Freshman named Anne Halliday, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee. She looks exceedingly athletic, and I thought I...
Show moreOctober 1, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: It is funny that I have always a lot to write, in spite of the fact that I write every day. Before I forget, Pete, I simply forgot to mention the tennis score, that is all. I beat Rurth Franklin 6-1 and 5-3. I played miserably at that. Yesterday afternoon I played again. Since you seem to want to know all the details, I played with a Freshman named Anne Halliday, who hails from Memphis, Tennessee. She looks exceedingly athletic, and I thought I would have a stiff pull, but we ended up 6-3 and 3-5, my score first. I was up for hockey the hour before that, but only one girl turned out beside me, so we had the benefit of an hour's private instruction. It certainly was useful. I am going to play both today again. The other girl who was out had played golf the day before. The course is quite a ways the other other side of Poughkeepsie. You have to take at least two cars to get there. It is an easy nine hole course. I think there is plenty to do around college that takes much less time. I got through with my work in good time yesterday, so I landed in bed at nine-fifteen. Lucy coma[sic] just after I got to bed. She staid and talked quite a qhile. You would not know her here, she is an altogether different girl from what she is at home. I told her about the English interview. She told me the sooner I get used to being told my faults and not my merits the better off I will be. She said after her first English interview she went to Helen Jackson's room and let out in her presence the same as I did here. I realized in about one-half hour what a nut I had been. Unfortunately I had already mailed the letter. She game me Hail Columbia for writing about it to you. She said you would think it was lots worse that it was, and you would start to worry when I had already forgotten about it. I don't think that is so, but if it is, forgive me. She also told me that marking here is not only much sricter than at High School, but stricter than at any of the women's colleges, that girls who flunk out here often go to Smith, and get along very well, also that many who cannot get in here go to Wellesly. I don't know how much of that is true. At any rate she said that two years ago they lowered their system of marking, so that what had previously been A was equivalen[sic] to B, and that they wanted to lower it one more, but some of the faculty would not stand for it, because two-thirds of her class is already below graduation grade. Don't get excited that she told me all this--she simply did it to show me that the fact that I had a C on the theme she picked to pieces simply indicated that it might have been lots worse. This is not to the point here, but I have forgotten it every day so far. When was the telescope from Lucky's to come?Classes went much better today again. Miss Thallon was back, hobbling around on crutches. I saw Miss Smith again today. She is very nice. My first impressions are almost always wrong. She wanted all the particulars on how I was getting along. I told her it was very hard last week, that I was not used to work yet. She said "Oh, well, work is not the thing we are going to worry about in you." Where did she get the dope? Do you suppose she looked up my record? I hardly think you would have told her, Mother. I got your letter, Mother, and yours, Pete, about the French. Owing to the fact that work has not been a snap, I had practically made up my mind to continue with Freshman French. But I do agree with you that it would be perfectly ridiculous to suppose that I did not know more about French than most girls taking Freshman French. One thing I am sure of myself, and that is that I can talk much better. I considered the matter carefully myself, and then I spoke to Lucy. Before I spoke with her I decided that if by taking a second advanced course I could avoid the exam and still have sufficient foreign language credit, and if I could get Miss White of someone equally good, I would try the exam. If I am very low on the exam, I will stay where I am. I don't want to get myself in deep, that is what I mean. I will probably have to give up my fine schedule. The preparation for the three recitations we have had so far have each taken me two hours. She give over fifty pages to read, and not only to read, but to do various things with them. That would take me that long in English, too. I think I will take the exam, and not talk to anyone else. I don't know any upper=classmen who have not taken this French. Lucy knows about as much as anyone on the subject. She said Freshman is a rotten course, and everyone knows it. Soph. French is more interesting, she said. She agrees with me, that I should try the exam, and if I am not too low, take Soph French, and then take another advanced course againb. I have the craziest feeling on the subject, that no matter which I do, I'll be doing the wrong thing. I play off the tennis match tomorrow afternoon. Love, Are you coming, Pete? [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/4/19
Text: November 4, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Fool Champy assigned some reading yesterday to be done for today. Two copies of the book are to be found in the library, and one copy she has out. The lesson was assigned to two classes. I practically lost two hours and a half trying to get hold of the book. I told her so. She told me it was too bad, I could read the stuff next time! She returned some compositions today. As usual she told the class that there was room for much improvement, but...
Show moreNovember 4, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Fool Champy assigned some reading yesterday to be done for today. Two copies of the book are to be found in the library, and one copy she has out. The lesson was assigned to two classes. I practically lost two hours and a half trying to get hold of the book. I told her so. She told me it was too bad, I could read the stuff next time! She returned some compositions today. As usual she told the class that there was room for much improvement, but mine was very good. I got a B on it. I was assigned to an English conference with Miss Kitchel tomorrow morning. The history one comes Thursday evening. I was very busy in the library most of the afternoon yesterday, as I said before. After that I had to go to a stunt party rehearsal. The performance came off with great success, particularly the stunt I was in. It was very sill, i admit. I was gotten up so that some of the kids did not know me. I had a man's hat, spectacles, whickers, moustache, white shirt and read[sic] necktie, huge blue overalls, and big tan shoes. We are to repeat three of the stunts at the Maids' Club tonight. I could use the time to much better advantage, but I could not refuse. As far as i can make out, the more reading we do for English the merrier, and the better for our grades. That is all very well, except that I am very much limited for time, and I don't see how I can get very much done. Edith Lowman told me she saw Bertha in New York. I wonder if she is coming up here. I hope to get time to play basket-ball today. Lester, a long time ago you gave me some sort of advice about keeping a certain kind of notebook and writing up notes in it. What was the advice? It would take forever to look through your letters and find it, and I should like to know. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: Oct. 21
Text: October 21. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I'll have my typewriter back tomorrow, thank goodness. Jane and I went to town this afternoon. I had a lot of things to attend to. One of my errands was a new fountain-pen. This morning when I took out my debate-notes box which I hadn't opened since last April. So I took it along to have a clip put on, and lost it in the car. Isn't that enough to arouse anyone's wrath? We had the easiest biology written I ever hope to see. It was...
Show moreOctober 21. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I'll have my typewriter back tomorrow, thank goodness. Jane and I went to town this afternoon. I had a lot of things to attend to. One of my errands was a new fountain-pen. This morning when I took out my debate-notes box which I hadn't opened since last April. So I took it along to have a clip put on, and lost it in the car. Isn't that enough to arouse anyone's wrath? We had the easiest biology written I ever hope to see. It was almost a joke. I am glad I only studied one hour for it. I have to write a paper for J, due Tuesday, but I play golf tournament on Monday, so I shall have to do it tomorrow. I am up for debate tryouts for tomorrow morning. I read this evening for it. It is not what I should call a thrilling subject. Miss Smith came up to call on me last night. I felt highly honored. I got some of my Colorado Springs arch supports in a drug-store down-town, Mother. They are great, and I certainly was glad to be able to find them. Would you like me to send you some, Mother? You said something about wanting to try them, once. I also bought up all the fruit in town, sent Helen's Shappie some books for her at her request, (he is recovering from appendicitis), bought some dandy woolen stockings, got some stuff at the drug-store, and went with Jane while she got some furniture--all in one hour. As I have remarked before, I have a busy week-end ahead of me. Love, Fannie It was fine to see a note from you in your own hand-writing, Father. Take care of yourself and don't get frisky.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/13/19
Text: Mar. 13, 1919 Dear Mother, I didn't play par-ticularly well today. Father and I played this morning. I didn't add up my score. This after-noon. <Father> Gov. B. and I beat Father and Chan-cellor McCormick eight up, counting best ball and the sum of each side divided by two. The chancellor plays and looks like a [sawed]-off-hammered-down choppy butcher. He almost cries overhis game. I trimmed him. Father suggested that he and I play Gov. B. + Mr. McC, but the Gov. saw my first...
Show moreMar. 13, 1919 Dear Mother, I didn't play par-ticularly well today. Father and I played this morning. I didn't add up my score. This after-noon. <Father> Gov. B. and I beat Father and Chan-cellor McCormick eight up, counting best ball and the sum of each side divided by two. The chancellor plays and looks like a [sawed]-off-hammered-down choppy butcher. He almost cries overhis game. I trimmed him. Father suggested that he and I play Gov. B. + Mr. McC, but the Gov. saw my first drive + he decided he wanted me as a partner. Father told him that I thought perhaps I had no business to play along. He said he didn't want to hear any more of that kind of talk from me, that I should know I was always welcome to play along. When he picked me; I couldn't quite make out if he was ditching [the Chan-cellor], or if he really wanted me. I slept an hour before lunch, and shall rest now. Father went withMr. Wells to the [Tin Whistle] banquet at the club last night, so after dinner, I came up and finished up my type writing. I fogot to say that I had 109 this after-noon, I won several holes that we would otherwise have lost, + I helped on the other point in score-keep-ing so I didn't feel that I was superfluous. I missed a lot of putts - I don't seem able toget under 100. I hate to go home without realizing my Pinehurst ambition. I got a letter from Helen Hirtz. She said she saw you one day, and you looked "sad and lonesome". I hope it wasn't true. It's a nice thing to write. The chamber-maid told me today she has one room that the persons who have it always take sick in. (excuse the grammar) She said there has been sickness in it all winter. That sounds funny. She said, "One of the finest looking young men I ever saw ied of pneu-monia there." It was Lester's friend, Louis Rothschild Love, FannieMy dear Stella Papa is tired just having finished a days work but so that you will have a word from us Saturday here goes the word. We had a good time at the dinner last night + Fan did not miss me - she finished her typing. Fanny read a letter from Helen in which she said [she] saw you and that you looked "sad and lonely." I [am sure] that she did not take a full look. I pray so anyway. Cheer up we will be home soon and [Blair] me I am as [anxious] to get back with you as I was to come here for the golf and exercise. I think it has done Fannie good. I am not satisfied with myself. I tire too easily but with better sleep at home than I get here I hope too to show the [bright resulting] from my [ontring]. Lots of love and kisses from Your Old Man
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/21/19
Text: October 21, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had no letter from you today, Pete. What is up? I got your postcard written from the station, Father. I also got your Sunday's letter, Mother. I had to waste an hour this afternoon again resting. It is very encouraging, when I was in bed a little after nine. The shift in the English sections took place today. Miss Buck kept the best. The list was posted yesterday afternoon of the new sections, and I could tell from those of my class...
Show moreOctober 21, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had no letter from you today, Pete. What is up? I got your postcard written from the station, Father. I also got your Sunday's letter, Mother. I had to waste an hour this afternoon again resting. It is very encouraging, when I was in bed a little after nine. The shift in the English sections took place today. Miss Buck kept the best. The list was posted yesterday afternoon of the new sections, and I could tell from those of my class whom she still had that she had the best group. She told them so today. Judging by the appearance of those of my division, I got into the thirteenth of the thirteen sections. I have Miss Kitchel. Do you know anything of her? She seems quite human. I am sure I shall like her better than Miss Buck, but it hurts my foolish standards of work not to have been kept in her section. If mine were the second of third division it would not be so bad. We got our papers back from the written test in history that we had the other day. There was no mark on my paper, but a few corrections. Miss Thallon simply told us that there were none startlingly brilliant, neither were there any ver[sic] poor. I discovered yesterday that a girl in my history class is a granddaughter of President Taylor. She haild from Idaho, and looks like a butcher's daughter. Also, ever since college started I have been staring at a girl that I was sure I saw in Del Monte. She was in swimming almost every day when I Was. She was at Mohonk the other day, and I aksed her what her name was. It is the girl who was in Del Monte, so I take back what I said, Pete, that Vassar does not go travelling around the country. I went rowing yesterday afternoon with the girl that lives across the hall. The lake is so shallow that you can touch the bottom in the middle with the oars. The boats are very wide and flat-bottomed. It is like the pool--you get dizzy turning the corners. We rowed fro[sic] an hour, and it seemed just like a merry-go-round. I'll try it again next spring. Doctor Baldwin thinks my ankle is better. She said I don't have to go back again. It was pretty wabbly for a while, so I am glad I had it strapped. I am going to ride horseback with Lucy for an hour tomorrow afternoon. I want to go before the leaves are gone. She signed up for me as wanting a lesson. That means a man goes along and I get aperfectly safe horse. It costs two tickets to get someone to go along, but I shall fell much safer on an Eastern saddle that way. We had to turn our schedules in at the gym yesterday so that they can arrange the gym work for after Thanksgiving. They require one hour of class work, one hour of some elective gym work, and one hour of outdoor or gym work. i signed up for apparatus or games, (indoor baseball, etc.) Are you coming Saturday, Father? I really would like to know. You know you said something once about coming the twenty-sixth and seventh. Mother, you asked about what we are reading in English. It is all theme work, and I am sick of it already. It must be a family failing not to like things of that sort. Otherwise there is nothing new. I go to Miss Wiley's lecture soon. That is the way the afternoons fly without getting much work done. If Brym Mawr is worse than this, good-night. Talking about Brym Mawr, Pete, did you know that Grace Lubin came out first in her class Freshman year. [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/6/19
Text: October 6, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that we did not get time to write yesterday, but Miss Smith was not around and we had to get a faculty member who happened to be around to show Pete my room, and he could not stay, consequently we could not write. But I had better start at the beginning. I wend down to meet the 11:23 and I went early because the religious multitude crowded the car terribly to go to church. The Old Man was not on the train, so I waited for the 12:16,...
Show moreOctober 6, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that we did not get time to write yesterday, but Miss Smith was not around and we had to get a faculty member who happened to be around to show Pete my room, and he could not stay, consequently we could not write. But I had better start at the beginning. I wend down to meet the 11:23 and I went early because the religious multitude crowded the car terribly to go to church. The Old Man was not on the train, so I waited for the 12:16, which was one half hour late. Then we took the car to the Inn, where we had dinner for a dollar and a half each, which the Old Man paid for. Then we came down here. He did not have to present his pass. He saw my room, left his coat up here, and we roamed about the campus, taking in everything except the chapel, which was lcoked. We also went up Sunset, my first expedition as well as his. He also saw the marble staircase which he seems to remember from Aunt Hattie's time. Then, since it was very hot and we were very tired, we staid in the parlor here a while. Helen Jackson happened to come in then, so she staid a while. Then we went over to see Lucy for about a half minute. I guess it was really more than that. Then we went to the station, and Pete left, and there ends the story. Miss Smith told me this morning what a fine brother I had. It is too bad I am using carbon paper. I did not send any laundry. I will send it Wednesday. I have not gotten any artificial flowers yet, nor have I gotten the hangers. I got the following note in the POst Office when I went for my mail Saturday noon:-- I am writing the Dean's office that you may be admitted to one of the Sophomore literature courses in French--You would better consult a catalogue, make your choice and report it at the Dean's office at once--I should advise you to go to see the person teaching the course you choose as soon as you can to explain the circumstances of your entering the class--telling her that it is on the basis of reading you have already done and a two hour examination (which does not give you credit for 7-8). I hope you will come to see me sometime. Very sincerely yours, Florence Donnell White. So that is the whole dope on the situation. The Dean's office was already closed when I got the note so I could not go over about it till today. There are three courses, development of Poetry, Drama, and Novel. The poetry course I absolutely did not want. There is a French woman teaching the novel course, who is supposed to be good but not stiff. She is new. Then the one teaching the drama course is also French, and supposed to be stiff. I really did not know what to decide between the two. I knew that I reallywanted the novel one more, but I had a feeling that I ought to develop what Marse would call a highbrow taste. The drama course comes after lunch, when I am tired and stupid. I always am--it is not just these first few weeks. The novel course comes the same hour I had French in the morning before. The drama course would have given me four hours two days a week, including an afternoon class on Friday. That did not bother me though as much as the dfact that it was after lunch. So I concluded the course where I would do the best work and enjo[sic] class most was the one to take. Consequently I signed up for the novel course, and I go tomorrow for the first class. Maybe the drama teacher is best because she is stiff, but you told me, Father, not to wobble, and to stick to my decision, so I guess I had better. I went to Miss White a minute before she started teaching this morning, but I got little information from here, that is, I did not know the authors she was talking about. So there is a good deal to learn in both. I hope you are satisfied. Please let me know. Mother, the cake is good, but what on earth you you expect me to do with a whole cake. Even the neighbors cannot help me get away with so much. They thought it was good, though. I have to go at nine thirty tonight to the fire captain's room to get the information about fire-drills. I had to go to the Inn last night with Lucy for supper. She was having two Cincinnati girls with whom she went to camp, Edith Krohn and Eleanor Wildberg. The latter is a pretty nice kid. Lucy called it a party, so I was not allowed to pay my own way. We have a bargain, though, that whenever we go off campus together, it is to be "Dutch." I don't know anything else, except that I am now going for a walk with Phyllis. It is too wet for hockey or Tennis. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/2/19
Text: Dear Mother, I certainly did write the letter without looking at the keyboard. I have also done some school-work, so am getting plenty of practice. I received a letter from harold today, thanking me for the socks. I am writting a letter to you thanking you for sending them. He surely made a good bluff at appreciating them. If Mr. Manley speaks as well as he speaks often, it is all right, but he surely is spending all his time speechifying. But then I did predict that he would not end his...
Show moreDear Mother, I certainly did write the letter without looking at the keyboard. I have also done some school-work, so am getting plenty of practice. I received a letter from harold today, thanking me for the socks. I am writting a letter to you thanking you for sending them. He surely made a good bluff at appreciating them. If Mr. Manley speaks as well as he speaks often, it is all right, but he surely is spending all his time speechifying. But then I did predict that he would not end his life teaching high-school. Miss Groff told me she was waiting for her doctor to come back to have the operation. She surely is having her share of trouble. My shoes came from Hanan's today. I was sure that they charge 75c for a shampoo at the Marinello. The church bells are ringing this morning--I think I'll go to hear Father Devin tell me how to go to heaven, and then send Dr. Goldenson the outline. I am actually going to finish me sweater this morning. Either I forgot my crocheting needle of I left it at home--at any rate I bought one yesterday and finished the collar. The brother of Princeton Mr. Wintringer arrived. There was a dance last night which I watched for a while. I met the daughter of the man that is with Gov. Brumbaugh. Her name is Katherine Kolb. She is nineteen and seems to consider herself just about O.K. She visits in Pittsburgh every year with a girl that used to be in my class at Peabody before she transferred to Thurston.The weather is not so wonderful today, at least the sun is not out. I forgot to tell you that Mrs. Brumbaugh asked me to play with her some morning, if I did not mind playing with someone who plays so much worse. If I were Pete I suppose I would feel highly flattered. Harkers left last night. They surely have been nice to me. Love, Fannie March 2, 1919
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1/22/20
Text: Dear Mother + Father, No more classes this semester. There are no classes tomorrow, the day before the exam. period starts. We finished our Math review today. [The] stupidity of the class showed their high degree of [panicyness]. I am glad to say I was not among their number in that subject. The atmosphere is certainly wild about this time. Girls are excitable under normal circum-stances, but now -----! I am really behaving all right, in so far as I can control things. The "[Ten] O&apos...
Show moreDear Mother + Father, No more classes this semester. There are no classes tomorrow, the day before the exam. period starts. We finished our Math review today. [The] stupidity of the class showed their high degree of [panicyness]. I am glad to say I was not among their number in that subject. The atmosphere is certainly wild about this time. Girls are excitable under normal circum-stances, but now -----! I am really behaving all right, in so far as I can control things. The "[Ten] O'clock Club" has been changed to the "Society for the Suppression of Midnight [Maniacs]" I was [wasting] on Sunset yesterday for the second time. I am glad I found a course that is not bumpy, or I would not be able to go. I went yesterday with Phyllis' room - mate, to get her in [trim] for finishing the Latin re-view. It is quite an experience to take a girl from [Mississippi] on her first coast in the deep snow. I can easily see how that [Maben] girl was drowned. Speaking of the lake, - the ice carnival is Saturday night, and I can-not skate! Talk about having to exert your power of self control. I have gym this after-noon. I plan to do some more reviewing this after-noon. I have not got the necessary thing for exams unfortunately - a [clear] head. Otherwise nothing new. Love, Fannie Jan. 22.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/13/19
Text: Oct. 13. Dear Father + Mother, You know today is my worst day - all morning straight. I have a tennis appointment for 10 minutes from now + then I have to take your new prescription to town. It's a glorsious day. More in letter. Love, FannieMr. + Mrs. Marcus Aaron 402 S. Winebiddle St., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 1/30/20
Text: [Addressed to Hotel Royal Poinciana] January 30, 1920 Dear Mother, I walked down to the station yesterday morning, in as much as Miss Smith was strongly opposed to the street car. The train was three quarters of an hour late. They had reserved the chair for me, after receiving the money order. I got to New york at one ten, and Father met me. We then went to the doctor's. he said he saw no imporvement since the last time. I told him, also, that I felt no imporvement but that I thought it...
Show more[Addressed to Hotel Royal Poinciana] January 30, 1920 Dear Mother, I walked down to the station yesterday morning, in as much as Miss Smith was strongly opposed to the street car. The train was three quarters of an hour late. They had reserved the chair for me, after receiving the money order. I got to New york at one ten, and Father met me. We then went to the doctor's. he said he saw no imporvement since the last time. I told him, also, that I felt no imporvement but that I thought it was due to the exam strain. He said very likely that was the case. He told father also that I was very good about the old thing. He want's me again Saturday a week, and he will write a letter for me, as i don't imagine our quarantine will be lifted as soon as that. We then went to the doctor on 55the Street, whose name he gave us, and I had a bloud count taken. His name is Dr. Sondern. Father game me these two letters for you on the way up yesterday afternoon. Inasmuch as the invitation for lunch was for today, I telegraphed her according to Father's directions. Last night I wrote notes to both of them, telling them that you had been called to Florida and why. Father wanted me to do it, because he did not want them to think he was opening your mail. He told me that the letters were forwarded to me up here, and I said so, so you will know what has been done. The treatment yesterday was the least painful of all. Father thinks he has been wasting a lot of unnecessary sympathy on me! I will send you my exams. Will you please either return them to me or send them to Lester and ask him to return them to me? Miss Kitchel told a member of our class that several in it flunked, and that more Freshmen flucnked English than any other subject. I am very much surprised. I had dinner at the Inn with Father last night, and came back here to go to sleep in decent time, as we were both dead, but Gertrude Allen was having a party and they made some racket until about eleven o'clock. I don't care but I don't quite fet the point of her not asking me. I guess our feelings toward each other are mutual, if that is the word. I am also enclosing this letter which I got last Friday, a week ago today and which I had intended to show you this week-end. I said nothing in my note which called for an answer. When you read the thing, just remember that it is a vain attempt to be witty, and that the smoking part refers to the fact that I said that it must be annoying to recieve a note from a girls' college sixty per cent of those students smoke, since that is his favorite subject of conversation about Vassar. I think I should let the letter go at that R. S. V. P. about it when you have time and also return it. [Love,] [Fannie]Mrs. Marcus Aaron, Hotel Commodore, New York City. My dear Mrs. Aaron:- With great pleasure I hear that you are to be in New York for a day or two, and I am writing very hastily to beg you to take luncheon with me, Mrs. Pollak and Mrs. Vanamee on Friday, Jan. 30th at my home at one o'clock. Looking forward with great pleasure to seeing you, believe me Very sincerely yous,Mrs. Marcus Aaron, Hotel Commodore, New York City. My dear Mrs. Aaron: The office has just telephoned me that you are to be in town for a few days this week. I am very anxious to see you and am asking if you will telephone to me as soon as you arrive in order that we may arrange for some time together. Unfortunately, Miss Hamilton is out of town but I feel that there is much to talk about. My telephone number is Rhinelander 198 and it is always best to reach me about six o'clock in the evening or before nine in the morning. Hoping to see you very shortly, I am. Sincerely yours, [Fannie M. Pollak] (Mrs. Bernard E. Pollak)P.O. Box 882, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, NY Mrs. Marcus Aaron, c/o Mr. Phillip Hamburger, Hotel Royal Poinciana, Palm Beach, Florida
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 18-May
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: This is a borrowed typewritter, which means that all mistakes are to be excused. I was offered a fifteen page typewriting job, but I simply have not got the time for anything like that. The girl was desperate, so I lent her my machine. I am so busy and in such a constant state of sleepiness and dopiness that I get nothing accomplished and continue to have stacks to do. Thank goodness it will be over soon, or I am sure I would not last to the end of the term. I...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: This is a borrowed typewritter, which means that all mistakes are to be excused. I was offered a fifteen page typewriting job, but I simply have not got the time for anything like that. The girl was desperate, so I lent her my machine. I am so busy and in such a constant state of sleepiness and dopiness that I get nothing accomplished and continue to have stacks to do. Thank goodness it will be over soon, or I am sure I would not last to the end of the term. I had a conference with Miss Kitchel this morning. She thinks I show considerable improvement, part cularly since I came back. I am quite sure that I can make the necessary improvement in my writing by keeping tab on myself, withouttaking a writing course. I went to see Miss White in her office hour today, but she was not there. The second language does not worry me in the least, only I don't want to take it. I fully intend to take an exam next fall. A big math quiz will take place tomorrow. Here is hoping I will soon get some work off my hands. Love, [Fannie] My clothes are all right. The only thing that it will be necessary to send is the foulard. It is very little too tight. I am sorry if I have kept you rishing with them--it was so much easier for me to send them than to walk or ride to a dressmaker, but then it was not easier for you. I began to feel much worse today. I suppose the reason is the evident one. The letters were interesting. Don't send any more medicine until I ask for it. [May 18]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/2/19
Text: Octoboer[sic] 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I report to Miss White in her room in Josselyn at one-forty-five tomorrow for the exam. I told Miss Smith the whole business last night. I thought, rather than ask a hundred and one people about it, I would go to one who probably would know something. She advised me to take the exam. She said she was quite sure Soph. French would be more interesting and very little harder, and shw was also sure that I was well qualified for it. I don&apos...
Show moreOctoboer[sic] 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I report to Miss White in her room in Josselyn at one-forty-five tomorrow for the exam. I told Miss Smith the whole business last night. I thought, rather than ask a hundred and one people about it, I would go to one who probably would know something. She advised me to take the exam. She said she was quite sure Soph. French would be more interesting and very little harder, and shw was also sure that I was well qualified for it. I don't know where she got all the dope. She also told me that she does not talk to everyone that way. Lest I forget, Pete, I got the pass for you and I will send it to Woodmere so that you will be sure to get it. I thought you might not get it if I send it to Princeton. I shall meet the 11:23 and if you are not on it, I shall wait for the 12:16. Is that the idea? If anything should turn up that I could not meet you, I will see you here. I guess the best thing to do would be to come down to Davison and ask the maid for me. She would deposit you in the parlor, so you need not faint. To come to Davison, get off the street car at Taylor Gate, walk up to Main Hall, which all its historic associations and present inconveniences, turn to your left, enter the quadrandgle, and go to the second building on the left hand side. After all these directions I will probably meet you at the station. Your letter, Pete, and Father's encolsed, case today. Keep up the good work, Father. You know there is one thing that is guaranteed to make a freshie homesick, and that is to fall in with the mob at the post-office. I would not had that experience yet, but I have been told about it. I played hockye[sic] for an hour yesterday afternoon, and then a set of tennis. I was to play off the tournament match this afternoon, but it has been raining all day, so we shall have to play tomorrow. If it rains tomorrow, I'll have to default. My recitations got along all right today. We are starting with logarithms and they are rather messy. Tell Aunt Hattie to keep on writing, even if I don't answer every letter. It is awefully hard to do my work, be sociable, write letters, and still get time to sleep. Kaufmanns were here today from non to four o'clock. They came from Lenox by auto, and will return there this afternoon. They will report to you, I think that I am exsisting very nicely. I showed Mrs. Kaufmann my room. Helen, Lucy, Jeannette Fellheimer, and I had lunch with them at the Inn--and such a lunch! We surely were fed up. They also had an old man with them named [?]rs. Ben Altheimer. He surely was a funnyold fellow. He told me that he knew Mr. Phillip Hamburger of Pittsburgh very well. So do I. He told me about the ten times to remember him to Gdpa. So please do. I just left them in Lucy's room now. I was not terribly interested in their conversation. Lucy was explaining her picture gallery to them. You know it, Mother. She was also showing her mother the letters recieved from the picture gallery, and explaining the details of each one. So I said good-bye as soon as I could, and came back here, to write to you, which is far more interesting. I have not much work for tomorrow, so I shall study ahead for Monday, and devote every minute to you Petrosky. Love, Earickello. (Did I spell it right?)
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/10/19
Text: October 10, I9I9. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Another week gone already, and I don't seem to get used to working. I am simply dead about this time every day. Nothing very startling happened today. One of the Latin instructors was not there, so her class was sent up with ours. Consequently Miss Bourne tried to show off. I don't think too much of her either as a teacher or as a person. I don't think she is in it with Miss Breene or Mattie. We had our usual Hygiene lecture...
Show moreOctober 10, I9I9. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: Another week gone already, and I don't seem to get used to working. I am simply dead about this time every day. Nothing very startling happened today. One of the Latin instructors was not there, so her class was sent up with ours. Consequently Miss Bourne tried to show off. I don't think too much of her either as a teacher or as a person. I don't think she is in it with Miss Breene or Mattie. We had our usual Hygiene lecture this morning. All the upper-classmen are amused that this is to count as a readl[sic] course and that we are to have an exam on it. Doctor T. is a circus all right. She has some sense of humor. She was telling us this morning why we should eat various kinds of food, ending up by showing why we should eat everything that comes to the college table. Then she gave a little dissertation on the eggs. That is the only thing I am guilty of not eating--I cannot get them down except in omelette form. She said the only thing they tast from is the wood of the crates, the brown paper they are wrapped in, and the straw in the boxes, but we should use a little bit of brains and pepper on them. She also gave a sermon on baths, dividing the United States into two great classes--those who take a bath every day and those who don't. The place just shrieked when she said that. We had heard of all sorts of ways of dividing, but never that way. Miss Thallon, you know, mixes in a lot of good fun in her lectures. Yesterday she was describing the plan of a monastery. She said at first they had one large dormitory for all the monks, and then they decided that it did not give enough opportunity for medidation, so each monk got his own cell. She said, "They all had singles then." Just went over to see Helen for a few minutes. Her mother will be up here in two weeks. Lucy is going to New York today. I would not mind knowing is she got in on the Mohonk barge or not. I am going to play tennis soon. I hunted around about a half hour before I found company. Friday afternoon seems to be teh[sic] walking afternoon, but it is too sultry to do that and enjoy it. I am sending the two bills from Luckey Platt's. I could not pay them, that is one thing sure. Pete, if you did not get a letter, you probably got a post-card. You see when the mornings are as full as mine are, unless I have free time after lunch, I cannot get a letter off. Father, it is your duty to write to me or I will not let you call me Earickeloo any more. Love, [Fannie]10 O' VOL. IV MR. JOHNSON BACK FROM THE WEST Gives Interesting Account of Mills College Mills College students are much like Vassar students, according to Professor Burges Johnson, who returned Tuesday from Mills College, California, where he has been since August l£th, engaged in organizing a writing course and in other work for Mills. "I conducted a class there for two weeks," said Mr. Johnson in an interview, "and the girls seemed very much the same as those I have known here. Why shouldn't they be.^ There are California girls at Vassar, and Mills is now drawing from a territory as far east as Indianapolis." Mr. Johnson went on to say that Mills College, which is the- only college exclusively for women west of Denver, has a beautiful campus of one hundred and thirty acres. "The buildings are few in number, of course," he said, "and they vary in character as ours do. The older ones are not attractive architectiu-ally, but the residence halls recently built are as attractive and as well suited to their purposes as any I have seen anywhere. Olney Hall, where we were living, is two years old, and was built by President Reinhardt after a careful study of the best residence halls in eastern colleges, including our own. It is in the California Mission style, and has a system of studies attached to open-air sleeping porches. "Mills began as a seminary before Vassar was founded, and became a college in 1889, but it remained small, and practically unknown outside its own neighborhood until three years ago, when President Reinhardt undertook to establish for it a standard of scholarship and ideals of education similar to those prevailing in the best colleges for women. As a result, Mills is now recognized by the Association of American Universities. Her graduates have won some of the most highly coveted fellowships in eastern institutions, and she has admittedly succeeded in maintaining high standards at a time when the standards of higher education in her own state have been noticeably lowered. "There are 400 students at Mills today, and 190 of them are freshmen. This shows the rate of growth. It is my personal belief that co-education is losing ground, even in parts of the country where it was considered axiomatic." Mr. Johnson lectured in August at the School of Journalism of the University of Missouri. He says that this is a most interesting school. Its records Continued on p. Col. 2HALLS GIVE IMPROMPTU STUNTS Continued from p. 1, Col. 4 Lathrop Presents Melodrama The Lathrop Freshmen indeed had reason to watch wide-eyed the stunt party that this hall gave them in the Gym Saturday evening. From, the original welcome straight through to song to in the end, the performance went off with dash and color. The program was well-balanced, dancing both graceful and burlesque, clever songs and thrilling meldorama all receiving enthusiastic applause. After the stunts were over, chairs were pushed back and dancing began to the tune of a peppy band of piano, combs, and cymbals. Doughnuts and cider were served on the Gym steps between dances. "Gee, what a lot of fun we're going to have," remarked one little Freshman, "in this place called Lathrop Hall." And so thought every one who was lucky enough to see the stunt party. The Trials of Paflagonia on Strong Stage Thackeray's "Rose and the Ring'* was presented last night by an all-star cast from Strong Hall. The production met with immediate success, and was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, which included alumnae and faculty. Stiffness and thirst were banished by the dancing and excellent punch which followed the entertainment. Being Thackeray's, the play of course had a moral. The audience arose fairly convinced that it was a bad business to offend the fairies, for Black Stick, though not physically prepossessing was powerful, and was the cause of all the misfortunes that befell the house of Valoroso, from the footman's metamorphosis, to his ill-timed return as the Countess' husband. The impressionable Giglio, rightful heir to the throne of Paflagonia, comes triumphantly through his trials to claim the hand of the fair Rosalba, erstwhile chambermaid in Valoroso's palace. The tricky countess, Gruffanuff, is suitably punished for her selfish ambition by the return of her squire husband who has meanwhile been functioning as family doorknob because of his discourtesy to Black Stick. The old fairy thus does Giglio and Rosalba a good turn, and properly rewards her ungrateful god-child, leaving us with a healthy respect for her powers and ability, not much impaired by three thousand years of existence. "Vamps" Appear in Raymond "Honest-to-goodness, cross my heart, it was wonderful", exclaimed one enthusiastic Freshman, arrayed in a creation of black cheescloth, her hair arranged in a most curious manner. The Junior smiled indulgently, at this distinctly "would-be" vamp and replied "Well you know we had a mighty good time out of it too." And off they went, to dance hilariously. That was the spirit that prevailed during the Raymond Stunt Party last Saturday night. The play was written in rhymed couplet by Elizabeth Nulson, Continued on p. 3, CoL 1
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/11/19
Text: Mar. 11, 1919 Dear Mother, Mr. Hall and Mr. Lawrence left tonight. Mr. Lawrence promised to telephone you if he had time. I rode horseback this morning. Mr. Zies was supposed to be in charge of me, but we went with the crowd from the hotel. The chaperon, or instructess, whichever she is, comes from Denver. She has a cottage across fromMoraine Lodge. Father was sort of nervous, so I got an army saddle, also a gentle horse. It went as fast as I had any desire to go, though, for the first time....
Show moreMar. 11, 1919 Dear Mother, Mr. Hall and Mr. Lawrence left tonight. Mr. Lawrence promised to telephone you if he had time. I rode horseback this morning. Mr. Zies was supposed to be in charge of me, but we went with the crowd from the hotel. The chaperon, or instructess, whichever she is, comes from Denver. She has a cottage across fromMoraine Lodge. Father was sort of nervous, so I got an army saddle, also a gentle horse. It went as fast as I had any desire to go, though, for the first time. We went off from the main road, along an old wagon road. Of course there are no hills, and the only trees are pines. That trip would be much prettier if the dog - wood (?) were in bloom. We were gone a little over an hour and a half. I enjoyed it very much. This afternoonFather's and my com-bined forces beat Mr. and Mrs. Brum-baugh's, but other wise he beat Father. He was playing very well. She is rather nice, but she is a talking-machine that never needs winding up. He is humorous and quite funny, but I do not like him, and haven't since I met him. There was a man in that [<riding> bunch] that reminded me a lot of Dr. [Cudlee], al-though his grammarwas good. He was very talkative, but I cannot say very interesting. When Mr. Zies gallops, you can see feet of daylight between him and his saddle. I am sorry Mr. <Z>Hall left. He is very nice and good-[natured] and doesn't [booz] up. He is quite a diversion from Mr. Well's in - cessant coughing. At least he doesn't call the waitresses up to introduce them to his friends, calling them both by their first names. Love, FannieMy dear Stella - I took the morning off while Fan rode horseback. She had a great time. This afternoon we golfed as usual. Mr. [Grundy wind] me confirming engagement for Monday PM for Philadelphia so I will [leave] Harrisburch at 1 PM after seeing Fan. off on the westbound train. [Since] Lester is so [busy] I feel we should not disturb him at this time especially in [view] of his coming home later in the month. I got my income tax reports [etc] off and I am glad Ihave that off my mind. I am just going to play bridge to be agreeable to make a [4]'hand for our NY friends. Love Marcus
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: Feb 8.
Text: Feb 8. Dear Mother + Father: The 100 odd in Heredity are beingseated, so here goes a letter. Had lunch with Helen + Mrs. Hertz at noon, then went to the station with them, + Helen + I walked home. It is a wonderful day. And here I am. I am going to see if the Dean's office will let me go back into Zo. I was a darn fool to drop a wonderful course like that, when I can learn about business, etc. from "I.P." Besides which, the new young Ec faculty didn't sound so wonderful to...
Show moreFeb 8. Dear Mother + Father: The 100 odd in Heredity are beingseated, so here goes a letter. Had lunch with Helen + Mrs. Hertz at noon, then went to the station with them, + Helen + I walked home. It is a wonderful day. And here I am. I am going to see if the Dean's office will let me go back into Zo. I was a darn fool to drop a wonderful course like that, when I can learn about business, etc. from "I.P." Besides which, the new young Ec faculty didn't sound so wonderful to me either yesterday or today. We shall see. I'll have to go thru a lot of red-tape. I ordered a seat for the 3 PM Friday. If I should miss it - the 11:37 has been late in its history - I'll take the 4 P.M. Shall we meet at Broad St.? I had a card from aunt Pauline. Otherwise nothing new. Love, Fannie Don't worry - Zo won't make my course any [harde]. The Dean's office changed my schedule in such a way that I'll be able to have my 4 lab hrs. in 2 periods.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/9/20
Text: [Addressed to Mother @ Hotel Royal Poinciana] February 9, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The one nice thing about the washout north of you, Mother, is that I got four letters from you this morning. I gave the maid her Christmas present after I came back, Mother, and the janitor has never been around that I have noticed--besides which, there is no occasion for that. I do not need a check yet. I have over a hundred dollars left, but don't you have to pay the second semester bill? I...
Show more[Addressed to Mother @ Hotel Royal Poinciana] February 9, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: The one nice thing about the washout north of you, Mother, is that I got four letters from you this morning. I gave the maid her Christmas present after I came back, Mother, and the janitor has never been around that I have noticed--besides which, there is no occasion for that. I do not need a check yet. I have over a hundred dollars left, but don't you have to pay the second semester bill? I did not send the books, Pete, because I did not think it safe to send them in a smashed case. I'll send them Wednesday. It will be time enough for the bulfinch to send it with the laundry. I was fully intending to go to town to buy a telescope Saturday when I met Lucy and she volunteered to have her Mother have their store send me one like hers--she has used hers for several years and it has not broken. It will be sent to the house. The ones Luckey's have are not a bit solid. It ought to be there in time for the next laundry. I finally found Miss Bourne at home last night, and she certainly was nice to me. She said that she had not realized that I wanted to change so thatI would not be so rushed up here the end of the week, that certainly it was a shame to have to miss all the college activities up here, etc., that it was not so very important whether or not I take prose, inasmuch as I have a solid foundation anyhow, and I should come in the morning class. She will give me the prose sentences when the other class have them, and if I have time and feel like doing them she will correct them, but I must not let myself do too much work. She said that she could tell from the little she knew of me that "I was inclined to take life rather seriously" anyway. So she was rubbed the right way. I am glad I changed both for the hour and for the fact that I think any additional prose is useless. She said she had hoped that I would continue Latin next year, that I gave a promise of doing very clear-headed and logical work, in advanced prose, for instance. I am not heading for a job as a high school Latin teacher, but I politely told her that I did not see my way clear to it, that there was so much to take, and that I did want to get Greek in. She was nice as it lies in her power to be. I recited with the morning section this morning. They are quite stupid. Miss Kitchel did not appear this morning and after thee minutes from the time of the bell had passes, the class left. Have you and such regulation that you have to wait for five minutes for a prof, four for an assistant prof, and three for an instructor, and then if he she or it does not appear, you get a cut. I am still quite messed up in this system of having no textbooks in solid geometry.Champy discussed marks with us this morning. She informed us that my B was a very, very, high B, in fact almost an A. Bless her fool heart, what good does she thinks it did the class to hear that. She stopped me on my way out of class to tell me how long she had hesitated before giving me a B instead of an A. She said she was about to give me an A when she was told that an A had to mean almost perfect, and then she decided that inasmuch as this was her first year here she had better not give an A, but if she had been giving A's, I certainly would have received one, and she did hope I would get one this semester. Poor fool! I believe in the closed mark system. What did you say, Mother? I spent about an hour and a half last night practicing the tryout parts for "the fellow who blacks the bootlack's boots". That is about how important I will be if I make the part. Helen Reid is trying for the Duke. I do hope she makes it. She had the main part in three plays at Packer last year. I worked for over an hour on Ruth Franklin's stuff last night. I have to finish it up today. I called on Bess yesterday. A Pittsburgh girl, and advisee of hers from last year, Janet Trimball, brought her mother, and we had to suffer over her tea-cups again. This old lady started hopping off on the question of teachers' salaries. She did think that some of the millionaires in Pittsburgh ought to pitch in and help those poor people out. She was very amusing. And then when she started off on what a shame it is that some women are so fat I began to think of your yarns about kidding Mrs. Cowley and I was glad that I had a tea-cup to keep my facial expression busy with. It is much warmer now, but the crust of the snow is still so solid that it holds even my weight without caving in. The paths on the walk are very narrow, and we have to trail to classes single file. Love, [Fannie] Did Harold ever make those pictures for me? There are three girls left in Phyllis' off-campus house. She is not so crazy about it anymore.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/7/19
Text: October 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have never yet written to you in fifteen minutes, but I will see if I can manage it today. Lester wants me to make you aware of the fact that a letter leaving Vassar at 4:20 and Poughkeepsie at 5:30 reaches him in the early mail the following morning. I knew that Lean Stolz had a job somewhere in Europe. Helen Jackson's roommate from Chicago informed me to that effect. The flowers came today. They are very nice, and I think add a lot to...
Show moreOctober 7, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I have never yet written to you in fifteen minutes, but I will see if I can manage it today. Lester wants me to make you aware of the fact that a letter leaving Vassar at 4:20 and Poughkeepsie at 5:30 reaches him in the early mail the following morning. I knew that Lean Stolz had a job somewhere in Europe. Helen Jackson's roommate from Chicago informed me to that effect. The flowers came today. They are very nice, and I think add a lot to the room, which is already quite an attraction. A peach of a Vassar pillow also came from Aunt Ida. It makes Aunt Hattie's look like two cents, so I may send it home to be kept for a keepsake. It is like Lucy's if you remember hers. Lester, the seal is a foot at the highest point and nine inches at the widest. You know the shape. Yesterday afternoon Phyllis and I started out for a walk since it was too wet any rainy for hockey or tennis. I am not keep about that form of exercise for steady diet, though. We went up Sunset, the rounds of the campus, the circle, and out down the road the opposite direction from Poughkeepsie. We did not get far from college, and there were houses along the way, so we were perfectly safe. The country certainly is beautiful, particularly now that the trees are turning. She came up here, then, partook of some of Mary's cake very eagerly, and staid. She had a lot of work to do, and could only be gone an hor, so we were together from three to five-thirty only. We hashed over Peabody--Miss Breene, Mattie, and Mrs. Manley. It was good, only it was maddening to think that our Latin teachers were not like those. Her mind has been in exactly the same state that mine has been, so i guess that I am not the only one. Her sister's husband has been transferred from Plattsburg, to Columbus, not West Point. Just as she was leaving and I was going down the hall with soap and towel in hand to get a bath, along came miss Cowley. Of course I had to take her back to my room, and she staid till almost dinner time. There flew an afternoon's work. She certainly can talk your ear off. She things te[sic] picture of you on my desk is fine, Father, but nobody else does, so get another. She was looking up her faculty charges. The girl I share a post-office box just brought the hangers over. They came on the eleven-twnety[sic] mail. I am going to play hockey and tennis this afternoon, then work. I had my first class in Sophomore French today. The teacher is French, very French, and new. They are reading the "Chansonde Roland" and we had just finished it with Miss White. The reason that they are reading it, too, is that the course is [changed] from last year's and they did not get it in then. Consequently I have nothing to make up. The hour was passed in reading aloud and in having pronunciation corrected, principally. They also had to give short resumes of what they read aloud. It strikes me that that is a very elementary proceeding for Sophomore French. I understand that they have to translate sometimes too. I hope there will not be much stuff like that, for it certainly is uninteresting. We did not do it with Miss White in the Freshman work. Miss White is very fine, and I thought that she talked just like a French woman until I heard the real thing this morning again. I'll know more of the course later, and if I have chosen wrong I cannot change, so there is no sense in wabbling, as you say, Father. But that is very hard for me. I have worked my head off for English. I can see that Miss Buck is a very unusual teacher, I am afraid a little too good for Freshmen. She told me in the famous interview to stay after class some day to see if I was improving any. So I staid today. She said she would ream my themes over carefully, and let me know the next time, but she thought there was some improvement. There ought to be. But I had never analyzed myself carefully before, not even on Yom Kippur. That seems to be what she expects in English. It is quite different being in a class of intelligent girls from calmly staring in a stupid high school class wothout doing a grain of work. I forgot to tell you that I went to Professor Roselli's lecture Sunday night, only, unfortunately having to go odd campus with Lucy for supper, I missed the first quarter of it. He is a very fine lecturer, and can shoot of English at a great rate. He does not think America is perfect by a long shot. Did he give you that line down at Princeton last year, Pete. Last night we reported to our fire captains for fire instructions. I imagine we will have a drill tonight. North had one last night, and Strong had one early this morning, at least I am told so. I seem to be the only one of this floor and this side of the building that did not hear so. Otherwise I have nothing new to report. One of the Freshman is Davison is to be eighteen, or rather is eighteen, today, so there is to be a bit feed down in her room tonight. We had an age comparison at our table the other night, and I had to give it away. Again I am the youngest! What would it have been last year! Four of them are nineteen, and one twenty. Love, [Fannie] Father, I have not gotten a letter from you for a few days. Is your hand sore? Has Mother learned to typewrite yet?
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 5/9/20
Text: May 9, 1920. Dear Mother and Father: I suppose you have foretold already what the state of my mid would be just about this time. All I needed was a visit to Miss Cowley! Of course she pointed out the value of math merely from the point of view of living in modern times and being able to follow modern invention, etc. And then, she said she did not see what I should give up a course that I wanted to take merely for the sake of self-discipline, she thought I was entitled to a course that I...
Show moreMay 9, 1920. Dear Mother and Father: I suppose you have foretold already what the state of my mid would be just about this time. All I needed was a visit to Miss Cowley! Of course she pointed out the value of math merely from the point of view of living in modern times and being able to follow modern invention, etc. And then, she said she did not see what I should give up a course that I wanted to take merely for the sake of self-discipline, she thought I was entitled to a course that I wanted to take for pleasure! Hang----. Search me what I'll do. Ruth Frankline just told me argumentation is very stiff and requires a lot of work. I am not so keen about thay[sic] for next year under those circumstances. Miss Cowley was very nice, outside of that, I mean. Sometimes she is easy to talk to, and sometimes she is not. She said among other things that unless you are particularly brilliant in a subject it is a mistake to double the second year already. I am going back to my room tomorrow noon. I fooled around and was lazy most of the day. I finished the French book. Otherwise there is nothing new to tell you.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 4/18/20
Text: [Soumtag] Dear Father + Mother, It is a glorious day + I am enjoying it from my bed in Metcalfe. I am finishing my Latin makeup. Miss Smith was just here. She, like everybody else, was very nice. I have always had the notion that she was half-hearted, but I have changed my mind. She was telling me what a fine hall Davison will be next year, and I could not think of dropping back. She and I doped it out that if necessary I can come over here and go to bed every week (for six weeks) from Friday...
Show more[Soumtag] Dear Father + Mother, It is a glorious day + I am enjoying it from my bed in Metcalfe. I am finishing my Latin makeup. Miss Smith was just here. She, like everybody else, was very nice. I have always had the notion that she was half-hearted, but I have changed my mind. She was telling me what a fine hall Davison will be next year, and I could not think of dropping back. She and I doped it out that if necessary I can come over here and go to bed every week (for six weeks) from Friday noon [or] evening to Monday morning. I think I ought to get along all right that way. Took Dr. T's medicine this this morning. She said it would help me until mine comes, + I think it did. I was very sorry that you decided you had to come. It is too much wear and tear on you, - [besides] which I don't want you until my work is made up and I feel a little better, so that we can enjoy each other's company." the time when it would be most ideal for you to come would be in 3 wks, for [IVI od] Hall in the outdoor theater. It would divide my 6 wks in half, and you would enjoy it. you know you would. I thought it was [eather] extravagent have Lucy call you up again last night, but I had heard nothing from you in answer to my telegram, + that is why I told her to doit. She was busy, + I had to know then, yes or no, [without] before going back to Raymond. Please 'scuse said extravagance. So the idea is that I'll see you in a few weeks. How about it? We won the debate from Colgate - 2-1. that ought to bring Princeton down off its high horse. Mr. Calvin Dodd [MarCraken] is to be christened in chapel this afternoon. The college is invited. Sorry [I] miss it - it must be quite amusing. Do they use coed water on the poor kid's head? My education has been neglected. Otherwise nothing new. I want to know what you think of the plan of [comin for] III Hall. Miss Smith suggested it. R.S.V.P. Love, Fannie You know when I left home we decided there was to be no bluff-work about myself. So why did you get overly '[bet] up'?
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/14/20
Text: February 14, 1920. I received your letter of the eleventh this morning, Mother, also one from Aunt Hattie. Hers are always interesting (not that your are not also, but hers don't come as often). Mother, why on earth don't you stay as long as Grandpa wants you, or at least a while longer. Now that he is getting better, you ought to get a little pleasure out of the place. Besides which I am fully convinced that if Father goes to Pinehurst, you should meet him there and get a good...
Show moreFebruary 14, 1920. I received your letter of the eleventh this morning, Mother, also one from Aunt Hattie. Hers are always interesting (not that your are not also, but hers don't come as often). Mother, why on earth don't you stay as long as Grandpa wants you, or at least a while longer. Now that he is getting better, you ought to get a little pleasure out of the place. Besides which I am fully convinced that if Father goes to Pinehurst, you should meet him there and get a good rest. Having taken care of various members of the family for so long, you are entitled to it. The air is bracing there and altogther[sic] it is a good idea. I misunderstood your telegram asking what day I was going for treatment. I thought you meant of this present week-end. As far as I know, I'll go next Saturday next week, for this reason. I had all my plans made in the New York end to go Friday, (yesterday), but when I called up for a taxi Thursday noon they informed me they could not get one out to the college. That meant that I could not make the eleven-thirty-eight after an eleven-twenty class. So I decided there was only one thing left, and that was to ask Miss Thallon to let me go early. I finally found her as she was going out to dinner Thursday night. I told her my story and she said, (Yes, there are her words), "My dear, I would just love to, but don't you know that it is against the rules of the college?" I said I thought that was just for before vacations. She said, no, all the time. And then she added in the most innocent tone, "But Fannie, if you get up and leave what am I to do about it? I would not be impolite enough to tell you to stay." I'll look the other way". She then said she hoped the train would be on time. I left at five minutes to eleven, and sure enough dropped my book out of my muff with a thump as I was reaching the door! I got the only car that passed in three quarters of an hour. It had to stop about five times a munute[sic], to let every kind of vehicle get out of the tracks. There were huge trucks every few blocks collecting snow, and the car had to wait until each was loaded. I got off once to telephone from a grocery store to see if I could get a taxi there, but the cunductor finally persuaded the truck driver to let him pass. T train was at the station when I got there, on time to the minute, so I almost missed it. I came back on the three thirty and was time. I waited till six-ten for a car. None came. Finally I got the taxi chief to order a taxi for me to take me up along the car tracks. i got there at ten minutes to seven. I am glad I got some supper at the station while waiting for the auto to come. Sure enough, after I gave up waiting, six cars came in succession. The reason that I count on going Saturday next week, is that if the snow is still so bad, as it probably will be, I could [not] ask to be excused again.Father, that was a good idea to remind me to send a special. I asked Aunt Bessie to drop two notes for me yesterday, as I did not have time in New York. I told the doctor that I am no better, worse, if anything, since the last treatment. He half murdered me yesterday. There is no improvemetn[sic] today that I can notice. It's great fun. That makes six treatments. I did not ask about skating, Mother. It would have been foolish. I am enclosing my semester bill. Please pay it, Father. It is right. I asked about the medical bill. I could not make it out. They charge a dollar for each hypo. Perhaps they are right, although i could not give five cents for their skill. I heard two wonderful lectures by Thomas Mott Osborne, one of the State prisons and the other on the naval prison. I [don't] believe I have ever heard such a mixture of sad stories and ridiculously funny ones, as he told. The first night he said, in the course of his introductory remarks that when he had the honor of speaking at the fiftieth celebration at Vassar, he shocked a good many good people by saying that he came from a similar institution down the river,--yes, they were both places of education. Of course the whole hall laughed, then stopped, looked at Proxy, who was quite fussed, and started off again twice as loud. The campus looks somewhat like a men's college campus today. I acted messenger boy for Lucy for about an hour and a half this morning. I am glad I can do something for her once. I saw Charles Rosenblook a munutes[sic] this morning. He is one boob I would not want up here for a prom, it seems to me, but I guess tastes differ. I go to the informal dancing this afternoon, from four to five. Did you read the article in the Yale Record that you gave me in November, Pete, making fun of a visit to Vassar. I could not help thinking of it last night when the ten o'clock bell rand last night, and there was a general exodus of men from the quadrangle dorms. Yes, we go to bed early. Otherwise nothing new. Whichever week you decide you will come home, Mother, I will take a week-end. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/3/19
Text: Have not time for a letter. I take the French exam in five minutes. Had my physical exam this morning, and passed the test of swimming, also. Classes all all right. I am going to Poughkeepse with Lucy and Helen tonight. Had my hair washed yesterday afternoon, otherwise nothing exciting. Love [Fannie] [Oct. 3.][This side of card if for Address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/26/19
Text: Feb. 26, 1919 Dear Mother, We got in eleven holes yesterday afternoon after the rain. I had to wear tan rubbers aand black high shoes! This morning we had breakfast at 7:30, started to play at 8:30, played the No. 1 course, came back, rested a half hour before lunch, played No. 3 course, starting on the last half first to avoid the crowd, got back at 4:45 in time for the most delicious tea and jelly sandwiches I have ever tasted, slept till 7, had dinner, and here I am. The horses and tennis...
Show moreFeb. 26, 1919 Dear Mother, We got in eleven holes yesterday afternoon after the rain. I had to wear tan rubbers aand black high shoes! This morning we had breakfast at 7:30, started to play at 8:30, played the No. 1 course, came back, rested a half hour before lunch, played No. 3 course, starting on the last half first to avoid the crowd, got back at 4:45 in time for the most delicious tea and jelly sandwiches I have ever tasted, slept till 7, had dinner, and here I am. The horses and tennis courts look good to me, but there is not time for everything. I cannot get golf at home like this, and I can get tennis. It surely was cold and windy this morning. I wore a sweater under my coat and braided my hair so that it would stay out of my mouth. The wind was so strong that sometimes it moved the balls on the green. It helped wonderfully when it was in back of us, but you can imagine what it was to play against it.I [met] Gov. + Mrs [Brumbaugh]. We are to play with them soon. Have you ever seen him? His eyebrows stand out at least an inch. They were caddyless, + Father almost offered them ours. I wouldn't give mine to the President of the United States. I have not yet opened the package that came, but I guess it is the coats. Merci. I am going to the drug-store for some lip-[salve] tomorrow. I hope I can get it. I surely need it. The food is much better than [we] [Atlantic]. There is always one well prepared vegetable, at least, and a good portion of it. We have a peachy waitress. You know the night we left I called up Miss Redd. I don't think I had timeto tell you about it. She said that Mr. Hughes was not at all angry, that he didn't consider me a slacker, etc., but that he could not ask to have the date changed, although he wanted me in it, because he had always objected so strenuously in the past to changing dates and it would be embarassing for him in the future. Today I got this not which you forwarded + which I am enclosingPlease return it in the next letter, as I would like to have it on hand. I thought it was mighty nice of him. I shall answer it tonight. Albert Kabel asked me before I left for a pamphlet I have & used in our last debate. It is entitled "Gov't Ownership and the Rail ways". Otto Khan I shall tell Mr. Hughes to have him call up to tell you to get it out forhim if he cares to call for it. It will be exceedingly useful to them. I put my debating notebook (a white school notebook) away on top of or behind the books in the bottom section of my new bookcase next to the door in the 3rd floor. All my de-bating material is in it, including this white pamphlet. Your second letter came today. REST!! Love Fannie P.S. The porch is not co-ed. We are on the warm side of the houseThe man that drew cartoons of Father last year made a dandy today, but it was taken from the table.My dear Stella It seems funny to write a letter to you all by your lonely. Its a long time since I did that. Fan is fine - I will probably use that word about her often. It fits her so well. We had 18 holes this morning after which I made her rest in bed 1/2 hr - we had lunch & upon her insisting we had 18 holes more. after which I had 1 1/4 [in bed] & Fan about 2 hrs. So you see, I am seeing to it that she gets rested. Yesterday was a very easy day. Her playing is improving - she makes some very good shots + she willbe the golfer of the family. Some score that Lester made in his tests! We recd the raincoats. You persist in reminding me that I am the only one that thought you ought to expose yourself to the flue. Believe me, I was happy you did not but I feared your father would feel you were neglecting Bess. When you look to your own health you are doing the thing which above all else I want you to do. Lots of love & kisses. The prescription you sent is the flue medicine - [is it not]. Love + some more kisses Marcus
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 3/14/19
Text: Mar. 14, 1919 Dear Mother. We were going to sleep this morning, so Mr. W. called up the room at 7:10. There is us real going to sleep in the morning here - the slight is too strong. Before I forget, will You or Same meet me at the station Monday evening? Of course I won't object to seeing you. This afternoon Father + I played Mr. Newberry, (called by the caddies Blueberry) and Mr. Car-penter. Mr. N. plays ab-solutely the most im-possible game I have ever seen. I could stand that, but his...
Show moreMar. 14, 1919 Dear Mother. We were going to sleep this morning, so Mr. W. called up the room at 7:10. There is us real going to sleep in the morning here - the slight is too strong. Before I forget, will You or Same meet me at the station Monday evening? Of course I won't object to seeing you. This afternoon Father + I played Mr. Newberry, (called by the caddies Blueberry) and Mr. Car-penter. Mr. N. plays ab-solutely the most im-possible game I have ever seen. I could stand that, but his 700 practice shots, and fussing and stamping around, drove me half crazy. We surely trimmed them. We gave Mr. N. a strike a hole. His stance is more for batting a baseball than for golf. Mr. Carpenter had me two up and I'd have had him more up than that if I hadn't putted so impossibly. I don't think I had less than three putts on any hole, and I had four on some! With it all, I had 111. My long game was wonderful. Fatherhad 93. I took two letters on the typwriter from Father, to both Gdpas. I wrote as he talked! I'll pack now, so I won't have to rush tomorrow. It surely has been a wonderful trip, and, outside of the physical benefit, I think I have really acquired a little con-fidence in meeting people. Love, Fannie Give Marse my love.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/18/20
Text: February 18, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not get time to write a letter yesterday, but I was working on my history topic until four-ten, so I hurried over to the Post-Office in time to write postcards. I wanted to have all the book materials, in case you should plan to meet me in New York, that I would be able to finish it up without the use of the library. Your telegram came last evening. I answered it by night letter. As far as I know I can spend the week-end...
Show moreFebruary 18, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I am sorry that I did not get time to write a letter yesterday, but I was working on my history topic until four-ten, so I hurried over to the Post-Office in time to write postcards. I wanted to have all the book materials, in case you should plan to meet me in New York, that I would be able to finish it up without the use of the library. Your telegram came last evening. I answered it by night letter. As far as I know I can spend the week-end with you, but unless a great deal of the show should melt, the earliest train I could catch Friday would be the one-nine. I am going to New York Saturday morning. President McCracken's lecture was very good yesterday, but I don't think he is a finished speaker by a long shot, in fact, he struck me as laboring a great deal over what he was trying to say. He spoke on the "Value of Being a Contemporary", but more intelligibly known as the "Value of Studying Literary History". My Miss Thallon is in the Infirm, so we had a cut yesterday, but Miss Ellory is going to take us today. She is supposed to be a wonder. I am glad of a chance to hear her in class. Father, I am very sorry that the mail is irregular, or whatever the trouble is. I have written every day, a special on Saturday, excpet Friday, when I did not have time to write, but Aunt Besside promised to drop you a postcard. Also, I did not know you were going to Philadelphia, where your telegram was from. I had not the slightest idea where to reach you there, so I telegraphed to Pittsburgh. Love, [Fannie]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: Nov. 11
Text: Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I really will have time for a real letter tomorrow. I surely am busy and there is a lot to tell you, too, if there were only time for it. I finished my English topic this morning as the bell rang to go to class. I am glad I got it in on time, because I think it makes a bad impression on the instructor when a topic comes in late. Today I have to speed up on the history one for tomorrow, but the sad part of it is that I have lab fifth and sixth and the dedication...
Show moreDear Mother, Father, and Pete: I really will have time for a real letter tomorrow. I surely am busy and there is a lot to tell you, too, if there were only time for it. I finished my English topic this morning as the bell rang to go to class. I am glad I got it in on time, because I think it makes a bad impression on the instructor when a topic comes in late. Today I have to speed up on the history one for tomorrow, but the sad part of it is that I have lab fifth and sixth and the dedication of the French tank seventh and eighth. More tomorrow. That was a great letter, Pete. Good luck to Princeton on Saturday. Also give my best regards to Grace. Love, Fannie [Nov. 11]
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 2/24/19
Text: Feb 24, 1919 Dear Mother I don't know if I am beginning at the beginning or the end -, but anyhow it is great. We got to Washington at 9:10. The lateness was due to the wreck you no doubt read about. However, our drawing room car came in at 10:30 and I went to bed as soon as the placewas made up. The couch was the narrow-est I ever struck, and I slept accordingly. The porter called us just in time for Washington. There was a dinner on, but we got breakfast on the next train. It left ten...
Show moreFeb 24, 1919 Dear Mother I don't know if I am beginning at the beginning or the end -, but anyhow it is great. We got to Washington at 9:10. The lateness was due to the wreck you no doubt read about. However, our drawing room car came in at 10:30 and I went to bed as soon as the placewas made up. The couch was the narrow-est I ever struck, and I slept accordingly. The porter called us just in time for Washington. There was a dinner on, but we got breakfast on the next train. It left ten minutes late. Father said that was wonder-ful You were right, the station is immense. The men used the stateroom for a smoker pretty much. When they had the window closed I went out in the cart. They certainly didn't [make]me feel as though I didn't belong there, though. Oh, they didn't eat dinner, and when we came back, the door was [locked]. A little later they called me in to discuss a prospective game in which Mr. [W]. + I were to be partners. I could smell when they talked why the door had been locked. I guess thay had it in their suit cases. We had regular old-time bills of fare for breakfast and lunch. For dinner we had the regularmeal. It was good. but tell Mary the cream of [pea] soup was not like hers. It was cream [of water] of [pea] soup. Mr. Wells gave me all the civil war history of the territory through which we passed. The train stopped [15] minutes at Richmond. We got out and looked down from the elevation on which the trains come in. There were about fifty filthy little niggers down in the puddles begging for pennies, a la Cherbourg. I have never seen so many [tin]-can dumps + filthy little cabins as those nigger places, before you get in the station. I got down to the sixth line on the bottom of the sweater. I wish it were finished. Every-body seems to wear one. Father says my jersey coat is delightful! I used that + the black skirt + straw hat today. It was beautiful & quite warm. I wore no coat part of the time. But I left the story. We arrived at Aberdeen to the minute, 9 o'clock. The branch train to come here waited for the Southern train, 9:40. We got here then, + till every-thing was fixed. [it] was 11 until I landed in my little bed. We got a sleeping-porch room, on the "[Parterre]" It is immediately next to a long porch, which makes it quite noisy. They are going to move us up as soon as some one [fulls] out. They put a secondbed out today. Father insisted on my using the one last night. I woke up at 8:15. We landed at the club at about 9:30. We had to wait our turn till 10, and then couldn't get a caddy till the fourth hole. We got a chocolate drop soldier. I've never seen so much chocolate. Got back for lunch at 2, rested till 3, went back, played 11 holes with Father + Mr. Lawrence, slept on the porch from 5:45 to 7:10, took a bath, dressed, haddinner with the gang talked to both Mrs. [Harkers], who were exceedingly nice to me and invited me to be with them whenever [I am] not playing golf; and came down to write to you. I suppose you are interested in what people look like. Those that loaf around here are all dolled up in white. Those that play are dressed as I am. In the evenings they are medium dressed up, not much white. I wore the blue georgetti with silver slippers. Does that meet with your approval? Everything is great! ! ! !Are you getting a rest? Have you finished that book? Streeter, author of "Dere [Malee]" is a lt. under Mr. Hall's brother-in-law, a captain. Can I have my hair washed on day 4 of my [loaf]? R.S.V.P.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/3/19
Text: Nov. 3, 1919. Dear Mother + Father, I have to hurry to the library after lunch, so I [cannot] write. Perhaps (?) I'll have time tonight. I got some of the [threatened] letters [off] last night. Love, FannieMr. + Mrs. Marcus Aaron 402 S. Winebiddle St., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/2/19
Text: November 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked in the library yesterday afternoon on English and a Mlle. Champy French assignment. It rained so there was no chapel last night, but there was too much excitement around to study. i forgot to mention that we had a stunt party meeting. I think the performance will come off all right. It is to take place between nine-thirty and ten tomorrow night. I got togged up after dinner last night, and after I was all dressed Dorothea sewed me...
Show moreNovember 2, 1919. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I worked in the library yesterday afternoon on English and a Mlle. Champy French assignment. It rained so there was no chapel last night, but there was too much excitement around to study. i forgot to mention that we had a stunt party meeting. I think the performance will come off all right. It is to take place between nine-thirty and ten tomorrow night. I got togged up after dinner last night, and after I was all dressed Dorothea sewed me into the lace collar that goes with the costume. Helen Reid pinned a hair ribbon on the right spot of my pig-tail, so I was properly fixed up. It poured all last night. There were two colonial gentleman in the party, and two women. i am not crazy about my wife, so i let her shift for herself most of the time. Our costumes did matdh[sic] exactly, though. By the way, Aunt Hattie did not make this, did she? The party was great. It took place in Student'. There was some fine fancing dancing, but that was merely incidental to the whole performance. There were all kinds of various college scenes, does that give enough diversity? That is what it was, anyhow. The performance lasted till nine-thirty. There were also some take-offs on college authorities. The Freshman costumes were very good. There were some fine pirates. One kid went as Dr. T's model for night, all rigged up in flannel nightbown with long sleeves. She told us that people of unusually strong mentality wear sleeves on their nightgowns in winter. Her roommate went as Dr. T's model for day, carrying the egg and pepper, etc. The whole thing was good. We danced till eleven, shocking for college. Mlle. Champy said good evening to me so often that I concluded she wanted to dance, so I asked her, and she was muchly tickled and excited. She dances like a French house on fire, though. My courage was admired by many who fear her in class, Ha, ha! Father, I have your tie and I'll send it with the next laundry. Pay day comes soon. By the way, I have always forgotten to write about this, Mother. The Christian Association must be very different from what it used to be, or you would not have said not to join it. From all I have heard and noticed and read, it is about the only and also a very effective charitable organization. They do mightly good work in Poughkeepsie, and in supporting good settlements. They also bring most of the good lecturers to the college. I think religion is a very very small and insignificant part of it. I was also told that all the Jewish girls belong to it. So I think it will meet with your approval if I join it. I won't be able to hear from you in time. I have to start acting on my own hook, though. Also, in case the Red Cross drive involved giving in addition to membership dues, what should I give? I would like to know that. I staid in bed till nine-fifteen this morning. I concluded a reat[sic] would do me good, although I could not sleep. I straightenedup my room, among other things. I also studied considerably. After dinner I took a walk out into the country with two other girls. It was a wonderful day. I don't believe there is much else to tell you. Cousin Pauline sent some instant chocolate. It is supposed to contain the milk and chocolate and shugar, and all that is necessary is to pour water on it. I tried it this morning, but it is awful tasting stuff. For the little that I fix in my room, tea does very well. I have to write some letters tonight, but I probably won't get to it. I forgot to tell you that when I got back last night, there was this note on my door:--"although 23's bed is complicated, 21 loves you enough to turn it down. Happy dreams!" I discorvered that it is customary for some juniors to come around and turn down Freshie's beds for them the night of Soph. party. They also put your picture on my bed, Pete. Evidently you don't look like me. I probably won't get time for a letter tomorrow, because it is a fool[full] day and we will have rehearsal for the stunt party. I worked ahead as much as I could. We are to go to Junior party next week as our ambitions. I said so once before. I rather think I'll borrow Helen's cap and gown. Have you any suggestions? I'll be very formal for once--Pardon the mistakes, but it is almost supper time and I don't want this letter to miss the mail. There was no letter from you, yesterday, Mother. Love, [Fannie]Ticket [stub] tucked in envelope for 2 NOV 1919 [the Syria Mosque was in Pittsburgh]CL8 Sec. Left Row.____ No.____ Orchestra Circle. SYRIA MOSQUE Tuesday Eve., Nov. 4, '19 Retain This Check
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 4/25/20
Text: April 25, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very short letter from Aunt Hattie yesterday. She said that Grandpa was in bed with bonchitis, and that is all she said about him. Is he very sick? I do not feel quite as good as yesterday afternoon and evening, but I felt exceptionally good then--in fact, I think better than at any time since last fall. If it would only last. I am drinking Poland water, taking the medicine, and obeying orders generally. Senior Prom came off last night....
Show moreApril 25, 1920. Dear Mother, Father, and Pete: I had a very short letter from Aunt Hattie yesterday. She said that Grandpa was in bed with bonchitis, and that is all she said about him. Is he very sick? I do not feel quite as good as yesterday afternoon and evening, but I felt exceptionally good then--in fact, I think better than at any time since last fall. If it would only last. I am drinking Poland water, taking the medicine, and obeying orders generally. Senior Prom came off last night. I am glad I did not know any "little boys" to dance in the corridor with, because it would not have been much fun to stay over in Metcalf instead. Neither Helen nor any of her roommates went. Father, you remember last fall you told me to look up Mary Heckel. I never did, but it would have been rather useless, inasmuch as there is a girl over at Metcalf who happened to mention that she was going to Pittsburgh for part of the summer, and informed me that she is a niece of Judge Sweringen. That was a bad sentence, but at any rate, she says this Heckel girl flunked out last year and came back second smester this year and is now a member of my class. Room-drawing turned out differently from the way it started out. Nobody wanted to come to Davison. It has been so punk for the last two years that it got a bad name, but several good people with low numbers drew in here on the trial draw, and the consequence was that the final draw it came out pretty good. Raymond and Strong, I understand, although I have not seen the lists yet, are the undesirable ones this year. Lathrop closed first, then North, then Josselyn, then Davison. So you see, that really means we are the third hall, as far as a good crowd is concerned, because every variety draws into Josselyn for the sake of the rooms. The present sophomores and juniors there now are pretty good, and one of them told me that they are all sore at its prospects for next year. I believe Phyllis and her roommate, the girl I told you about, went there. I wonder how they will get along together--it certainly is a funny combination. Phyllis went down to West Point to a hop this week-end. It must be fun to have a brother-in-law whos is a major, or anything else in the army, for that matter. Coming back to room-drawing again, Lathrop and North got the peppiest girls, that is, most of our former officers, prom runners, etc. I am really just as glad to be here, because I think I will "balance" with these girls better. If you could have known the feeling I had yesterday when I saw the girl whom I consider absolutely the worst in the class, look at Dorothea's room! But she did not take it. Both her room and Katheryn Gardner's were not taken, which means that there will either be freshmen there, or new sophomores or juniors. K. Gardner got one of the best singles in Josselyn, but she does not think she is coming back. I shall cry my eyes out.I have to spend this afternoon on that English theme. I will be glad when it will be out of the way. I spent three hours yesterday collecting the material for it. I am very fortunate just now in being able to do so much work without chasing over to the library. Did I tell you that Dr. T. went to New Orleans and will not be back till the third of May? Dorothea was over at Metcalf for quite a while last night. I wish I could lose a neighbor in the other direction instead of her. I believe I mentioned to you that the cleaning-woman ruined the rop of my desk over vacation. It is all gray and gritty. She says she only wiped it with a wet cloth, but I think she scrubbed it with sapolio. I kicked to the housekeeper. She came up with me yesterday to look at it, and she says she will do the best with it she can. It does not pay to have mahogany, or very expensive furniture, around here. I went over to your friend with the unpronouncuncable[sic] name yesterday to engage a room for you in case you should be able and want to come, Mother. She will let me know tomorrow whether she can take care of you or not. 1913 is to have reunion then, and they will be using most of her house. At any rate, you can get a room at the Inn, inasmuch as I went there, too. Mulaly was too doubtful. I guess this is a long enough letter for one stretch. Love, Fannie
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/6/19
Text: November 6, 1919. Dear Mother, Father,,and Pete: I got to the library immediately after lunch yesterday, but somebody must have skipped lunch to get the French book, consequently I could not get my work done for today. Hardly anyone cared. Champy told us to do it for Monday, in the meantime she gave a huge assignment for Monday, so that means four hours of French over the week-end. The Dartmouth Glee Club was here yesterday afternoon and gave a concert. Having paid fifty good cents of my...
Show moreNovember 6, 1919. Dear Mother, Father,,and Pete: I got to the library immediately after lunch yesterday, but somebody must have skipped lunch to get the French book, consequently I could not get my work done for today. Hardly anyone cared. Champy told us to do it for Monday, in the meantime she gave a huge assignment for Monday, so that means four hours of French over the week-end. The Dartmouth Glee Club was here yesterday afternoon and gave a concert. Having paid fifty good cents of my money when they came around solliciting, I decided to go. Altogether the think might have been improved upon. I expected many more college songs and much less vaudevill. I have never seen such excitement here. The girls of our Glee Club entertained them, took them to chapel and then to the Inn for dinner. No one's thought were centered on the service in chapel--I should say their eyes were centered on the guest seats. They must have had a goodd time, because most of them were still here today. In fact in English, about ten of the passed one by one on girl's bikes, and the girl who was reciting stopped in the middle of her sentence, while the whole class, including Miss Kitchel, watched them pass. I think it is the last time a Glee Club will be invited to Vassar. It reminded me of one of the earthquakes, "not of a physicla[sic] nature", that Pres. McC. spoke of at Convocation. Tuesday afternoon I had planned to get a lot of work done, but I got the first bad headache I had had since I was here, so I decided to take a fresh-air cure. I stumbled upon the French girl, and we walked to the cider mill. I surely enjoy talking to her, and I am equally sure she enjoys not having to talk English. I had my English conference yesterday morning. Miss Kitchel was the exact opposite of Miss Buck. When I went in I told her for heavens' sake to not make me feel the was Miss Buck made me feel. She evidently knew the feeling, and told me I had no occasion to feel that way. She went over the themes I have written since I am in her class. Most of her criticism was favorable. She then proceeded to tell me about the standing of our class as a section. She said it is supposed to be a very good section. It is called a middle section, however. She said she had a middle and top section last year, and at the end of the year she considered that the middle section had done the more intelligent and interesting work of the two. She said Miss Buck's division was organized, not for general ability, but for writing. The girls she got were supposed to have a particular nack at writing. We are to start our work on the "Atlantic Monthly". I read a rather dry essay by Prof. Salmon on "What is Modern History", as class work for today. Didn't you have her?We had a twenty minute sight translation written exam in Latin yesterday. I don't think I starred, but I don't think anybody else did either. The history topic conference comes tonight! The package from the drug store came today. I went up to Helen's room to ask her for her cap and gown for Saturday night. I imagine everybody will be wearing them, too. I may wear my riding habit. I will not use the thing Aunt Hattie sent. That embroidered scarf is entirely too fine to use, for one thing, and then besides I cannot see what particular good the costume would do. I wish I had some good inspiration. Helen Reid wants to write well, so she is going to be covered with pes and sewspapers, and ink spots, and tie my old typewriter ribbon around her waist. (You might be glad if I gave her this one). Pete, I suppose you have been hearing about the Student Conference in Des Moines in Christmas Vacation. The presidents of Students and the Christian Association were the committee of choosing delegates from V. We are allowed twelve. They choose twelve additional ones, in case we should be allowed more. Ruth Franklin is one of the second twelve. I think that speaks very well for her, because they were chosen on the basis of who could best represent the college. I went up to see Lucy for a few minutes before dinner yesterday. I had not seen her for almost two weeks. Marjorie Peck is coming up for Junior Party. I had joined the Red Cross before I heard from you, Mother. I would rather give them money than the Christ an Association Missionary Fund, so it is all right. Today is Pay Day. I shall run the risk of joining the Christian Association without hearing from you. Mother, you made me laugh the way you labelled the Temple Bulletin that Father was for unassigned pews. Where do you think I have been sleeping? I don't know what I am going to do this winter. I am wearing a serge dress and winter coat, and am still cold outside. This surely is a blustery place. Love, [Fannie]Edwards, Hibben, Roper Address Mass Meeting I All Three Confident of Victory Over Harvard and Yale in Spite of Past Defeats. UNDERGRADUATE SPIRIT BEST IN TWENTY YEARS Monster P-rade, Led by Band, Is Jubilant—'Lamb' Heyniger Leads 'Old Nassau'. "I make no predictions, but I don't believe that the Princeton team can be beaten". "Big Bill" Edwards crystallized the spirit of the entire gathering in this short sentence at the football mass meeting last night. Forming at the Cannon at 8, the entire undergraduate body P-raded over the campus, headed by the band, and into Alexander Hall. After several cheers, E. Harris 1920 called the .attention of the meeting to the fact that because of the prom and the resultant number of girls who will be present, the number of seats that have been reserved in the cheering section for the Harvard game is the smallest for years. Brings Encouraging Message. , Because of this fact it will be necessary for every man, wherever he may sit, to cheer, and for them to cheer with all the spirit and noise that they can muster. He was followed l)y J. K. Strubing 1920, who introduced "Big Bill" Edwards. Edwards took as his text the Bible quotation "Forgetting those things which are behind, I press on." From this he showed how the two games which the Varsity have lost should be the greatest help that they could have. "When any one mentions theöe two games to me", he said, always ask them if they saw what Princeton was up against. I was told by no less authority than Walter Camp that any team in the country which faced West Virginia last Saturday would have been beaten." After citing numerous examples of Princeton spirit, the speaker said that while he had at times heard the contrary, the spirit shown by the undergraduate body at present is the best that he has seen in his connection of over twenty years with Princeton. Last Championship Team. He was followed by President Hibben, who stated that the last time he had been on the same stage with "Big Bill" was when gold footballs were presented to the members of Prince-toon's last championship team. "And", he continued, "I hope that I will stand on the stage with him for the same purpose in about two weeks from now." After saying that Princeton spirit was never dampened by defeat when there was another chance to make good, he gave way to Head Coach Roper. Again emphasizing the point made by Edwards, that the Varsity i should derive a great deal of good I from her two recent defeats, Roper said that what really counted was not early season games but beating Harvard and Yale. Coach Roper Confident. "We can have a victory", he said '^'if every man on the team will go into that game determined to outplay the man opposite him or else be carried from the field on a stretcher. The message is, beat Harvard or don't come back." He also laid stress on the necessity of the undergraduates continuing to back the team as they are now doing. After Roper had finished speaking, "Lamb" Heyniger '16, was brought out of his obscure position in the hall, and led a rousing 1910 cheer, followed by "Old Nassau".
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 10/9/19
Text: Dear Mother + Father, Oct. 9. Marse just left, so here's a card. in case my letter misses the mail. Love, Fan Had a fine time with him.[This side of card is for address] Mr. and Mrs. Marcus Aaron, 402 Winebiddle Ave., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 11/11/19
Text: Dear Mother + Father, I have worked all day, so I thought it would do my mind good to come to hear the Peace Day lectures. I am sort of tired for work anyhow. We are early, and there seems to be a letter-writing contest right here. I [chased] to the library right after lunch, and got hold of the French book for Thursday's work. I am not keen on reading and [and] analyzing Montaigne in old French. Monday work is to be [about] twice as long, I think. That took two hours. Henrietta [Seetuir...
Show moreDear Mother + Father, I have worked all day, so I thought it would do my mind good to come to hear the Peace Day lectures. I am sort of tired for work anyhow. We are early, and there seems to be a letter-writing contest right here. I [chased] to the library right after lunch, and got hold of the French book for Thursday's work. I am not keen on reading and [and] analyzing Montaigne in old French. Monday work is to be [about] twice as long, I think. That took two hours. Henrietta [Seetuir's] tea was in Junior Parlor. Miss Smith and Miss [Pahuer] were there. I'll take the 1:09 and take some lunch along and eat it on the train. I could not think of taking a later train, Mother, with you in New York I am going to do my Latin prose tonight I think Miss [Bowene] will expect us to have it done, as she assigned it last week. Last year she expected work done the day the armistice was signed, so it pays to be on the safe side All [Baby] History classes were required to attened a lecture eight hour on Life in Feudal Castles by Miss Jennings, a member of the history department. It was quite good, but I think my brain was a little dull from too much work. And there I am now - that is all I know. I do hope I'll get absolutely everything done for Monday. I am all excited - I know I am a kid. I won't write tomorrow, as this will go in the morning mail. Love, Fannie Nov. 11. Please have the brown silk stocking -> darned before washing, or it will be a goner.
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Creator: Aaron, Fannie
Date: 9/22/19
Text: Dear Father + Lest, Have all morn-ing classes - good schedule. Faculty advisor Miss [Cowley]. M. Gratz called last night. Stood in line 1 hr. for books - therefore have no time for letter now Will get off in morning mail Love, Fan Sept. 22.Mr. Marcus Aaron, 402 [Voicebiddle] Ave. Pitts burgh, Pa.

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