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Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to Carrie, Mar. 1873:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: March 16, 1873
Text: <p>Vassar. March 16 ,1873, Dearest Cara, Tonight finding no absolute necessity for studying, and feeling too lazy to go down stairs and hunt up the paper containing accounts of inaugural ceremonies, I will employ my time agreeable, if not very profitably (?) writing to you, dear— As usual I am raging at the weather. It always happens that right after I have been unusually wrathy upon the subject, it becomes quite pleasant and I am conscience-smitten.</p> However I shall...
Show more<p>Vassar. March 16 ,1873, Dearest Cara, Tonight finding no absolute necessity for studying, and feeling too lazy to go down stairs and hunt up the paper containing accounts of inaugural ceremonies, I will employ my time agreeable, if not very profitably (?) writing to you, dear— As usual I am raging at the weather. It always happens that right after I have been unusually wrathy upon the subject, it becomes quite pleasant and I am conscience-smitten.</p> However I shall not be so again; I have suffered too much with cold for the last two nights. We pile on all our shawls, in addition to the blankets, have the window down but a trifle, a necessity when six are in one parlor, and yet we lie cramped up all night with aching bones. In the morning, just as we are beginning to grow a little warmer, up we must spring, dress in the cold and go about all day, shivering through the Corridors, shaking at the table, fee. The Chapel seems the only really comfortable place. And yet outdoors today the sun was shining brightly and walking was quite enjoyable. But when a large building once gets cold, there seems no drivingit away again. Sunday. To continue my descourse upon the weather, I can now record a most delightful day. When I awoke this morning I thought I could sunlight not possibly be at Vassar. The bright morning was flooding my room which was fragrant with flowers which had been standing there over night. Andall day I have been reminded of our lovely days In Feb. when the whole grounds are odorous with plum blossoms. The air today does not seem in keeping with the deep cover of snow upon ground. Yesterday Bertha Keffer, a southern girl, and mysef amused ourselves by making a snow man, about a foot high- We labelled him 'Lo! the poor Indian,' I and like little children, enjoyed decking him with green plumes and wands, and sacrilege! we placed a cigar in his mouth. Today I went to enquire after his health, but ah, where he had before smiled upon us, nothing now remains but a heap of soft snow. Can you make a moral for this sad tale? What an amusing time you all must have had when the roof blew off! fit I had beea there I think Papa would not have beea able to say that the gentleman outran all the ladies, for I am not as brave as Texas ought to be. Miss Lough, one of my parlor-mates, and myself are reading aloud "Off the Skelligs," and taking it all in all like it very weU. It has been so harshly criticised that I wan prepared to be disappointed in it, but notagreeably so, as I have been. Really, I have never had such an easy time, in regard to study, as this semester. If It were not for essays, it would all be delightful I was all prepared to give you a good scolding, yesterday when your letter came, and appeased me half as well as a peep at your dear face would have done. Just think, Carrie, I hope to be at home on your next birthday. won't that be fine? Mir lleben sie Drutefi Geben sie meine JLiebe alleren. Lovingly Julie
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Title: Barnes, Lucy -- to parents, Mar. 17, 1872:
Creator: Barnes-Sellers, Lucy
Description: VC 1875
Date: March 17, 1872
Text: Vassar College. March 17. 1872. My dear Parents) Daily hare I look for a letter from you in answer to my inquiries about going home, but have been thus far disappointed, however by this time next week 1 suppose all matters will be settled and X w£U be in great excitement, with the hopes of starting for 3300 the following Wednesday. And when X get there I have some thing to ask you which X could not think of putting on paper for X dont think X can write with nearly so much effect. This last...
Show moreVassar College. March 17. 1872. My dear Parents) Daily hare I look for a letter from you in answer to my inquiries about going home, but have been thus far disappointed, however by this time next week 1 suppose all matters will be settled and X w£U be in great excitement, with the hopes of starting for 3300 the following Wednesday. And when X get there I have some thing to ask you which X could not think of putting on paper for X dont think X can write with nearly so much effect. This last word puts me in mind of an Essay X wrote yesterday and which as been distressing me for the longest while, (vis) What kind of prose composition has the most effect upon man kind fc Why. X took fiction because most read- I dont know how this will coincide with your ideas upon the subject. On Friday evening of this week as we had a lecture from Mr. Parsons - on Michael Angelo, Chapter Beta would not be able to give her long looked for "swell" Opera of "The Doctor of Alcanlaia" (which if youremember we heard at the 7*^ Street Theatre by Mr Ghilehirst and Bishop he) To this Chapter asked the Sophomore if they would be will- ing to have a Candy pull in the Steward's Department the next night instead of their usual sociable so that the wonderful opera might have the Kail This the Sophs- agreed upon and so Zeta flourished never was the Hall so full in fact packed. I sat about in the middle of the room Mar. 17, 1872 - 2 and so tightly packad that I could hardly stir- when Liaxie asked me how X should feel If there should be a fire imagine my comfort. All the Invited guests and not the admitted without theirtickets- All the ; ; J u ; , , i i ' ■ , . , ;'. ' I , ' , 1 ; , profs, every teacher together with the Pres fc lady prin- were present. The principal performers were greatly applauded and were showed with tit } , ',' .' t ' ■ t 1 i flowers from the audience — This Opera- cannot not be compared • ' * i < ; I l ' . ' J " v 1 ■ ' , i I ' with our Drama The Lady of Lyons - being so entirely different Neither could they have been visa versa for Beta has the Singers and Alpha - excels in dramatic tallent.—— Do tell Aunt Pattie for me that X Intended writing to her to day but find it now impossible so that X will have the pleasure of seeing her before my next letter With lov~ to all believe me Aff- Daughter Lucy Lucy (Sellers) Barnes, '75March 17th, 1872 Lucy Sellers Re an Essay on what kind of prose has the greatest effect on mankind
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Title: Brown, Frances Elizabeth. Letters, 1866-1867
Creator: Brown, Frances Elizabeth
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel
Description: 7 letters from Brown to Abigail L. and Caroline E. Slade (both VC Special Students from 1866-1867) at Fall River, Massachusetts. The letters discuss housing, upperclassman recitations, social news, Founder's Day and faculty, including Henry Van Ingen and his wife. Brown details changes to the scheduled prayers, chapel sessions, and Bible studies that were made after the Slades had left Vassar. She mentions to Caroline (March 1867) a male correspondent's complaints against the workers on a pla...
Show more7 letters from Brown to Abigail L. and Caroline E. Slade (both VC Special Students from 1866-1867) at Fall River, Massachusetts. The letters discuss housing, upperclassman recitations, social news, Founder's Day and faculty, including Henry Van Ingen and his wife. Brown details changes to the scheduled prayers, chapel sessions, and Bible studies that were made after the Slades had left Vassar. She mentions to Caroline (March 1867) a male correspondent's complaints against the workers on a plantation near New Orleans, and complains frequently about the strict behavior of the Lady Principal, Hannah Lyman.
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Date: 1866-1867

Title: Ryerson, Margary A. — to father, October 3, 1905
Creator: Ryerson, Margary A.
Date: 3 Oct 1905
Text: Vassar College April. Dear Papa, I have a few minutes before chapel, so I guess I will start a letter. The minister this morning is to be Dr Vance from the Dutch Reform church in Newark, so not that where Aunt Maggie used to go? [Is not?] it funny they are all coming East, where are they going to live and is Harold going to live with them? I went to dinner with his Bailey girl again the other day. She is queer looking, but lots of fun. Monday night I took dinner with Elizabeth Halden. Every...
Show moreVassar College April. Dear Papa, I have a few minutes before chapel, so I guess I will start a letter. The minister this morning is to be Dr Vance from the Dutch Reform church in Newark, so not that where Aunt Maggie used to go? [Is not?] it funny they are all coming East, where are they going to live and is Harold going to live with them? I went to dinner with his Bailey girl again the other day. She is queer looking, but lots of fun. Monday night I took dinner with Elizabeth Halden. Every night before chapel now the girls get together and sing. That night the juniors first sang on the steps of Strong and then when they began to march to chapel, four or Dear Papa, - It is almost time to go to bed, but I guess I will have to write to you. Our lessons have really begun now, that is we have been to all our classes, but we can’t do much work until our books come. Please don’t think I am crazy if I ask for your old Latin dictionary, but all the girls have big ones and I thought Mama could put it in the hamper when she sends it up. They say the old ones are nicer than the new, because they give more idioms. Please tell Mamma to put my old blue bed spread and my blue curtains in the hamper too. I want to put the curtains over the trunk. Then if either you or Mamma will look in my book-case, in the top left-hand shelf, you will find my “Minna von Barnheim”, I think it is by [Lessing?]. It seems that we have got to read it. I think it is daughter here. She comes from somewhere in Pennsylvania and never speaks that everybody does not laugh. Her name is Beatrice Daw. The other evening Marie Kays, Beatrice and myself were hunting up some rooms in the main building. And whenever we would ask where anyone roomed, they would laugh so hard that they could not tell us. Then a senior has come into the room across the hall from me. She has just graduated from a [train crossing course?] and is awfully cute. She is very nice to all the girls, although they are several years younger than she. Marie Kays is awfully nice and every body likes her. Last night, after dinner most of the College girls sang college songs for about an hour and then we studied. Yesterday morning we all had a hygiene lecture and sometime within the next few days we have all got to be examined. We are on the campus all day and just go back for our meals -- [moved from fourth page] We can study between times in the library and that is where I am now. Mamma will be glad to hear that for our second lesson in English we had to write a composition. Our English instructor is quite pretty and does not look a bit sarcastic. The other evening after chapel, Mrs Kendrick got up to address the girls, and had hardly begun before the electric light wire broke and the whole chapel filled with girls was left in pitch darkness. Some had to hold hands so they would [...] get separated and come out that way. It was quite exciting. I was with one of the girls I met in Physics. I think Physics is going to be quite nice. The professor is terribly stupid & slow but there are some awfully nice girls in there and we have two hours experimental work every two weeks. I have just found a note on my door from a senior who used to be at Dana’s, Miss Newell wrote to her about me and she has invited me to a big entertainment. I am going to get dressed and go out rowing [moved from top of first page] with Marie, Jane (the ranch girl) & another girl. So Good Bye - Give my love to Mamma Margery --- Colonel David [Q?] Ryerson 22 Prospect S[treet?] South Ora[nge?] New Jersey
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Title: Williams, Ellen -- to mother, Jan. 1866:
Creator: Williams, Ellen
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: January 9, 1866
Text: Vassar College Po'keepsle Jan. 9th 1866 Dear Mother. I am so tired I can hardly sit up this evening but I know you will be anxous to hear of my welfare so I will exert myself to write a few words at least. You will of course e'er this imagine we are here all right without further information on my part. We suceeded very well in making all the changes and hardly suffered from the cold at all. The only place where I was really uncomfortable was in crossing the river. We reached...
Show moreVassar College Po'keepsle Jan. 9th 1866 Dear Mother. I am so tired I can hardly sit up this evening but I know you will be anxous to hear of my welfare so I will exert myself to write a few words at least. You will of course e'er this imagine we are here all right without further information on my part. We suceeded very well in making all the changes and hardly suffered from the cold at all. The only place where I was really uncomfortable was in crossing the river. We reached Newburgh about eight o'clock this morning and found the Hudson solide with no means of taking us across. So we had to walk. Mr Bartlett bundled Mollie and I up so we did not feel the cold very much but we were very glad to reach the station at Fishkill. Mr Bartlett rode out to the College with me but did not stay promising to come again soon. The girls seem delighted to see me. Jennie got here this morning and Nellie that evening. We are having a very unfortunate time here at present which I have been almost inclined to think is because I said so much while home about the delightful way in which the building was heated. The very cold weather and direction of the wind has changed all that and our rooms in common with all the rest Is below freezing temerature. The girls are allowed to go wherever they can make themselves comfortable and 1 am now in the library and Emily studying near. They hope to have it arranged in a few days so that we may be more comfortable but as it now is it add still more to the lonesome, homesick feeling which I will this once at least confess to be very strong. Oh Mother I can hardly realise yet that I have left you for so long except by the choking sensation which has been in my throat all day and whichwould show itself through my eyes sometimes. But I am going to try and stand it six months more though I believe if you should say the word I should be strongly tempted to come home at the end of the five weeks, when the half year will close. Many of the girls think of leaving then I believe if possible. But I might better be in bed than writing what I suppose will do me no good and make you feel worse. I have beea studying this after- noon and expect to go in my classes though 1 can't expect my lessons will be very well prepared for X am so tired that I must go to bed now. I hear Anna Dickinson lectured in P— last week so X shall be disappointed in that. Please send that Photo of myself which I promised Mary Cornell as I forgot it and she has asked for it. Please write soon and as much as you can for my letters will be my greatest consolation. Love to Aunt Emily and all enquiring friends and believe Your ever loving daughter EUen Mollie wanted me to send ever so much love to you all when I wrote.
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Title: Wyman, Anne (Southworth) -- from family, July 22, 1882:
Description
Date: 22 Jul [1882]
Text: July 22 Dear Anne When you go from Chicago to see [Harry?] I want you to get him some peaches about as many as you think he can eat before they spoil. Do not get those large nice looking ones that never ripen but I think you can pick out some I should think 1.00 ought to buy enough but you can judge I think. Mr. Pulsifer has annother job for you out to Columbus Ohio to teach English branches in some big school 1000. per annum said they wanted his wifes sister but she cant go because dont want...
Show moreJuly 22 Dear Anne When you go from Chicago to see [Harry?] I want you to get him some peaches about as many as you think he can eat before they spoil. Do not get those large nice looking ones that never ripen but I think you can pick out some I should think 1.00 ought to buy enough but you can judge I think. Mr. Pulsifer has annother job for you out to Columbus Ohio to teach English branches in some big school 1000. per annum said they wanted his wifes sister but she cant go because dont want to go so far west & because she is to open a school in Auburndale etc. but they know you could take the place &c. Your father says once a teacher and always a teacher If you wanted a place you could’nt find one to suit & now you dont want one plenty offer. I looked for a postal from you tonight (Wednesday) but did not get any. Shall have one in the morning I am sure. Sent a letter to Mechanicsville and one to Seneca Falls. Took me plenty of postal cards I wont trouble you to write much for you can tell me all when you get home but [crossed out: two or] three ^or four postals a week wont be much trouble to you & every day seems a month till I hear. I went to Canton today & got your silk. Will send some in the letters I [direct?] to Chicago. I imagine you leave Thursday for Seneca Falls. & on Sat shall look for another postal from there. Sat I must close this letter now or you will hardly get it at Jackson. Got your postal [crossed out: from] ^written at Eva’s on Thursday night. Shall look for plenty of postal cards I wont trouble you to write much for you can tell me all when you get home but [crossed out: two or] three ^or four postals a week wont be much trouble to you & every day seems a month till I hear. I went to Canton today & got your silk. Will send some in the letters I [direct?] to Chicago. I imagine you leave Thursday for Seneca Falls. & on Sat shall look for another postal from there. Sat I must close this letter now or you will hardly get it at Jackson. Got your postal [crossed out: from] ^written at Eva’s on Thursday night. Shall look for --- annother tonight. With love Mother Wrote to you care of Lilly White at Senica Falls. Stoughton Mass. Jul 22 Anne C. Southworth 702 Francis St Jackson Mich Care C. R. RussellIf not delivered within 10 days, to be returned to Mary C Southworth Stoughton MassCarrier Jul 24 [5?]AM
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Title: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher) -- to mother, March 19, 1911:
Creator: Worthing, Margaret (Fletcher)
Description
Date: 17 March 1911
Text: 1911? Friday [...]. Mar. 17th St Patricks Dearest mother; - I just remembered this is St. Patrick’s - The storm Wednesday was not local - we had it too - the cold still asts. The gale of 60 miles an hour ceased with last night’s sundown - Your coat which is very good looking - with underware etc- came yesterday, also Daddy’s apparel which quite pleases him. Grandmother says she hasn’t written you for she expected you home last Sat. night - your [...] alloted time, and has not [known?] since...
Show more1911? Friday [...]. Mar. 17th St Patricks Dearest mother; - I just remembered this is St. Patrick’s - The storm Wednesday was not local - we had it too - the cold still asts. The gale of 60 miles an hour ceased with last night’s sundown - Your coat which is very good looking - with underware etc- came yesterday, also Daddy’s apparel which quite pleases him. Grandmother says she hasn’t written you for she expected you home last Sat. night - your [...] alloted time, and has not [known?] since what your address was. She has been looking daily for your needles for her by express! There is a [...ss?]- supper at the church tonight which as Mrs. Beginty is here, is the most strenuous exercise for me for the day. We had a letter from you yesterday and [m…?] [...e?] this A. M. Grace writes that Isabelle is not any better - I was terribly sorry to hear it - Have just as good a time, just as long [crossed out: a time], as you possibly can! We are getting on famously and hope you will wait till Grace comes. With best love, M’g’t -
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 24 November 1904
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 24 November 1904

Title: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden) -- to Mother, circa 9 October 1913
Creator: Eldridge, Muriel (Tilden)
Description: VC 1914
Date: circa 9 October 1913

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Father, 22 March 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 22 March 1905

Title: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt) — to [unknown], n.d.
Creator: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt)
Date: n.d.
Text: G. Pratt 22-1 The ^Freshman Serenade Group of girls come walking across the campus and gather in a “hushed” mass in front of Josselyn. The bell rings, the song-leader springs for the steps, and a cheer bursts forth. Then lights go out and heads appear ^with suspicious alacrity at darkened windows The light in the hand of the leader flashes and the eagerly expectant listeners hear the new song [crossed out: which has been written] to them. An organized [cheer?] comes from the serenades ...
Show moreG. Pratt 22-1 The ^Freshman Serenade Group of girls come walking across the campus and gather in a “hushed” mass in front of Josselyn. The bell rings, the song-leader springs for the steps, and a cheer bursts forth. Then lights go out and heads appear ^with suspicious alacrity at darkened windows The light in the hand of the leader flashes and the eagerly expectant listeners hear the new song [crossed out: which has been written] to them. An organized [cheer?] comes from the serenades [crossed out: and] scattered applause and laughter [crossed out] from the windows [crossed out: while several] mingle with conflicting cheers. The crowd below breaks up [crossed out: and the girls] with a rush of scampering footsteps. [crossed out: and dissappears around the corner of the building and H… to ….] .049285 This is .49285 where I helped 49.285 [M?] S. with her math. Gertrude Pratt Vance all 1913-1914
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Title: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt) — to mother, n.d.
Creator: Vance, Gertrude (Pratt)
Date: n.d.
Text: 3. Dear Mama I got your dear letter this A.M. Who is the Mr. Gregory who was killed by auto. You are a perfect dear to send the cake I told Margie about it & she said it would be fine. In thought of the [nabisco’s?] myself we could mix them with the cake. I have one package that I [bought?] from home & we might get another. We are going to have a punch bowl & cups from the place we [got?] the ice cream when you were here & then we will make the punch with lemons ourselves &...
Show more3. Dear Mama I got your dear letter this A.M. Who is the Mr. Gregory who was killed by auto. You are a perfect dear to send the cake I told Margie about it & she said it would be fine. In thought of the [nabisco’s?] myself we could mix them with the cake. I have one package that I [bought?] from home & we might get another. We are going to have a punch bowl & cups from the place we [got?] the ice cream when you were here & then we will make the punch with lemons ourselves & get a bottle of marachino[sp:maraschino] cherries to put in it. then we will have a supper dance & serve & after that just let people help themselves to punch like a reg. dance. We had snow up here yesterday & today is very cold & snow still on the ground. Do tell me what you want for Xmas. I dont want you to get any big things for my room like a lamp as we must have one at home before I have one & my light here is excellent. We might [buy?] ^ some of yours & my Xmas present s together & then we would get what we wanted although the things you get for me are always perfect. One thing I would like is a watch ribbon with a little silver “slide” & clasp. I have just thought you may be in N.Y. if I should phone so I guess I wont any way dont stay home for it as I can decide about the pictures & I will get them as cheap as I can but if you think they are really good we might as well get at least 3 expensive ones as it would be a shame to loose them. Love from your little Goo.
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 18 March 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 18 March 1902

Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to "Dearest Dear" [unknown], Dec. 1874:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: December 2, 1874
Text: Vassar. Dec. 2. 1874 - Dearest Dear, Having no new lesson to learn in Churc- this morning, and not feeling like studying review, I take this period which is usually devoted to perusing stupid notes for scribbling off a letter to you Carrie - Yours of the 26th was just this moment handed me, and gave me great joy, although it was such a bit of a letter - I can rejoice with you all at the return of the treasure Julia, for you know my antipathy to housework at any time, and my longsiege of bed...
Show moreVassar. Dec. 2. 1874 - Dearest Dear, Having no new lesson to learn in Churc- this morning, and not feeling like studying review, I take this period which is usually devoted to perusing stupid notes for scribbling off a letter to you Carrie - Yours of the 26th was just this moment handed me, and gave me great joy, although it was such a bit of a letter - I can rejoice with you all at the return of the treasure Julia, for you know my antipathy to housework at any time, and my longsiege of bed-making and other work makes me long, when through here, to have nothing to do but sit with folded hands - Of course you had a pleasant Thanksgiving, and so did I - But yet I could but think of my place at the home table, vacant for the last year I hope - Two or three eights ago the Prez, announced in Chapel that the Christmas vacation Instead of beginning as the Catalogue states en the Tuesday preceding Christmas will begin on the Friday! For a few momentsafter the announcement joy reigned supreme, then we could not help a tremeadous hand-clapping. I think we never were before quite so anxious for vacation- Every body seems tired but and needing rest - I am one of the "pine-knots," and never sick, but yet as Miss Terry said to me the other day, "Miss Pease, you can feel tired", and I rejoice with all my heart that we have five more days of rest - Clifford Loverin, and I walked from the Chapel with the avowed intention of going home So unless strict orders to the contrarycome, you need not be surprised some bright day to see us briskly walking into our respective houses - Indeed I don't know what I shall do this vacation - Aunt M. has sent a most cordial Invitation for me to visit her, and if I go away at all, shall probably go to Binghamton. Then Lillle Lewis has no invitation for me in Burlington, but of course Aunt's has the prior right - Our vacation is three weeks long -Did I ever write you that some time ago came a letter of introduction from Miss Moffett, who is at school at Cook's in Po'keepsie - Of course I immediately answered saying I would call soon, but my soon did not come until last Monday - I find her very pleasant, though younger than I had anticipated. She tried for Vassar but did not enters now expects to come next year as Freshman; also expects Minnie D. will enter with her as Preparatory - It made me right homesick, talking aboutAustin people with her - Philathean Day comes on Friday, when I suppose we will have another festive time - Think I shall send complimentary Invitations to "your beau" Lewis and charming Charlie Wheeleck - Wasn't it a joke for Judge H. to think me "sweet sixteen". No one else in Austin does, though - Our class pins have come and are quite pretty - It really made me feel old and sad to see them, for It shows how must "shakeoff this mortal coat" and allow others to walk Into our shoes - It is not a pleasant thought that others will step into our places so soon, without one regret for our departure - You will think this an awfully doleful letter, so rather than inflict any more of such nonsense upon you, I will close - with the hope that with you "all goes merry as a wedding bell," but that those bells are yet afar from you, dear -
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Jan. 1901:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: January 14, 1901
Text: Vassar Friday Dear people:- How nice it seems not to have any lesson tomorrow. We are going to bed rather early tonight. This morning in English we had rather a nice time, particularly as it only lasted about had an hour. We were taken over into the studio and had pictures thrown onto a sheet for [?]. We had to take notes on them for writing themes and essays about later. First they showed us Mona Lisa and Beatuce Cruice and are to take eitherone for our next essay. There they gave me a...
Show moreVassar Friday Dear people:- How nice it seems not to have any lesson tomorrow. We are going to bed rather early tonight. This morning in English we had rather a nice time, particularly as it only lasted about had an hour. We were taken over into the studio and had pictures thrown onto a sheet for [?]. We had to take notes on them for writing themes and essays about later. First they showed us Mona Lisa and Beatuce Cruice and are to take eitherone for our next essay. There they gave me a portrait of Van Dyck by himself and a peasant of millet to compare them. Then the Madonna of Botticelli you have over the piano and that Madonna among the Rocks by Leonarda di Vinci. Do you remember where that was and who the other woman besides Mary was. We have had the greatest discussions about it. Then we had math and Miss Richardson gave me a lecture on taking exercise and held the English up as an example to me. I wish youcould have heard her. She told us to take walk before lunch and a nap after lunch and go for a walk for at least 2 hours. She said the English woman accomplished twice as much as we did in the same time because they were about to concentrate their minds. An American's girls conscience is only satisfied when she studies all the time while and English girl tries to get her work done in as short a time as possible. I thought I would walk around before lunch, and while I was out I met Miss Richardson. so I told her to see how she had impressed me that I took her advice immediately. And she patted her on the arm (right on my vaccination spot) and said, that was right and I was a little girl who needed a great deal of fresh air. She had noticed. I am quite a favorite apparently. But it is perfectly true, I feel miserably if I don't get out. Thursday it poured all day and I felt dreadfully and didn't sleep that night as well as usual. So Friday I went out notwithstanding it was stillpouring and had frozen during the night, and the roads were covered with ice and very slippery. Helen Graves and I walked into town and out again. They fixes me all up nicely. I had a pair of leather gaiters, that came up to my knees from Dubir; and Edith gave me her maclinetoch which made short enough by taking a tuck in it, and I had on my shortest skirt and was very fine. People were perfectly astounded when they head we had been way into town on such a day, but it didn't so us any harm and I felt much better. What do you think I am going to do. Cara and I have been asked to bin the next hall play, just as figures you know. There are to be a whole lot of us and it's more fun. Dubie and I are to carry a sedan chair & Cora and all the others are in a ruffian crew. The play is "Les Romantic" by Rostand and is capital. Saturday afternoon we went to a rehearsal and had more fun. It is going to be very good I think. Margaret Jackson is to be the hero and she acts beautifully. Saturday morning it snowedand I went out for a walk and did some studying. I someway can't get up my courage to being reviewing anything, but I suppose I must get down to it. All the teachers advise us to very strongly. My sweater foes beautifully. Saturday evening I went to a German play. it was so funny. The name of it was "Das Schwert des Damarkles" and the girls did finely. Our cheeks fairly ached when we came away we had laughed so. This morning we lay in bed until 10-30 as usual. Lucile & Edith brought us some bread and butter and milk.Then we had morning Chapel which bishop Potter bed. He gave us a fine sermon Poor Prexi had to read the lessons, and he had forgotten his glasses so he had to put his nose right down into the bible on the reading desk. Poor thing. I couldn't sympathize. Then at dinner I asked Elizabeth Allen to come to the table, because you see there is an empty place as Miss Hastings is taking her vacation now. After dinner Cora and I went for a walk up on Sunset hill, and she forgot to put her fibber on and so got her feet soaked, so that she had to spend quite a time drying them. And while she did it she read aloud to me, and I lay on her sofa. We have read the first chapter of "Alice of Old [?] Do you know it? Then we had a spell of writing letters and then the sweetest little black kitten came to call on us. That is I heard her crying outside the door so I went and let her in. She was evidently making the best of her way down to the parlors and I thought she ought to be intercepted. She was a very agreeable cat, as Miss Will and used to say. Then we wrote letters some more while the cat enjoyed herself on my bees. And then Lucile came down to get us to go for a walk and we were in our wrappers and very lazy, and couldn't make up our minds whether we wanted to go or not. So we tossed up for it and found we had to go. Then it took a long tim to get dressed (Lucile was very much disgusted). But finally we got up and went up Sunset again and saw the sunset. Which was glorious and then went down into the glen, which was perilous and the path is very steep and it was all icy. Then we sat on the bridge over the little stream and sang hymns while the dark evening mists rose from the water and the darkness and chill fell around us. Then we continued our way home in the dark and just had time to get ready for supper. I think you would be interested to hear what Cora heard while shewas taking her bath this morning. one girl was telling another what they had had for breakfast. First some hot chocolate, then some sardines and crackers next mince pie and peaches. Wasn't that delightful? Do you want me to send Miss Sawns a Vassar Cataloge, and if so will you send her address. You see my pen has arrived. I never was so lad to get anything. How much did you have to Pay. O, My watch keeps coming open. Do you think it would be safe to trust somebody here to fix it? Ruth Prof. George B Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn‘ Vii, _ v(,‘_ 11 _‘_ ‘X4, 3 _ Y‘),-‘lf
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Nov. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: November 25, 1866
Text: Vassar College. Nov. 25, 1866 My dearest Mother, Your letter filled me with delight. It always seems as though you had made such an effort to write to me that your letters are doubly precious. I am very sorry that you should have worked so hard getting Auntie and little Mary ready to leave. Are you quite rested now? Have they gone yet? I had a letter from Miss Gilbert yesterday, in which she said that Katie Penfield was in all probability at my Mother's. How glad you must have been to...
Show moreVassar College. Nov. 25, 1866 My dearest Mother, Your letter filled me with delight. It always seems as though you had made such an effort to write to me that your letters are doubly precious. I am very sorry that you should have worked so hard getting Auntie and little Mary ready to leave. Are you quite rested now? Have they gone yet? I had a letter from Miss Gilbert yesterday, in which she said that Katie Penfield was in all probability at my Mother's. How glad you must have been to see her. I hope she will make you a nice visit, and that no other person will dare to show his or her nose inside of the house while she stays. By-the-way don't youthink that Miss Penfield would feel complimented if she should see the manner in which I spoke of her a few lines higher up. Never mind, she'll never know, and I certainly meant no harm when I wrote it - How is George? I feel very anxious to hear from him. How do the family feel about him. Thanksgiving Day is almost here is it not? I hope you will each eat a double portion of dinner to make up for us - As for us, I don't know what we are to have but we have engaged Clara Glover to carve our turkey, the terrible thought has just crossed my mind that perhaps they won't give us a turkey! horrible! What I would have given if Mr. Curtis had only seen Father. Wouldn't he have been wrathy to meet him marching around his College? I wonder if Aunt Martha still considers Galesburg far superior to Vassar College. I wonder ifMr. what's-his-name, that resident clergyman, will go and tell Mr. Curtis what Father said about him - Wasn't Mrs. Ballard's letter good? likewise her husbands. I am more and more surprised and astonished at their kindness in writing to us. I shall certainly write to them as soon as I have an opportunity. I wish I could hear him preach this afternoon - We are going to have the Episcopal service here this afternoon - I know I shall enjoy it very much. Mr. Scarborough is a very earnest christian and a good speaker. I decidedly agree with you in not caring to change places with Dr. Hogarth's people. I am glad that your visit with those children was so successfully completed. Where is Bloomfield? I never heard of it before. It seems to me that my relatives have a peculiar fancy for Illinois - Horace Halleck is married, as ofcourse you know. One of the girls here is acquainted with his wife, or rather her sister is, and she wrote her a long account of the wedding - I pity the poor woman he has married. Don't you? I combed Helen's hair this morning, and you can't imagine what an improvement is is - I should like to do it every day if it didn't take too long - I must stop now, and get ready for church, or chapel rather - O Mother! how I wish you could hear Prof. Knapp in our Testament class - He is one of the best Christian men I ever saw. Prof. Tenney wants to get that Mastodon for the College, but has few hopes of success - I must stop now, for I am in a great hurry - Yours with much love Mattie S. W. I forgot to send my love to all the people but of course they will take it for granted.
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Title: Williams, Ellen -- to mother, Oct. 1865:
Creator: Williams, Ellen
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: October 24, 1865
Text: My Dear Mother I received your letter of the 21st yesterday noon and one from Chick today. I have only a few minutes to write this evening as it is almost ten o'clock but I am going to write as much as possible for fear I shall not have time to finish this to morrow evening if I do not. I have been studying all this evening & the other girls have been either studying or writing. You would have laughed if you could have seen Emily and I. Immediatly after our private devotion hour...
Show moreMy Dear Mother I received your letter of the 21st yesterday noon and one from Chick today. I have only a few minutes to write this evening as it is almost ten o'clock but I am going to write as much as possible for fear I shall not have time to finish this to morrow evening if I do not. I have been studying all this evening & the other girls have been either studying or writing. You would have laughed if you could have seen Emily and I. Immediatly after our private devotion hour which is just after supper and lasts until a little after seven, Emily and I took off our clothes and put on our "Glm" dresses and then we each turned a chair over, so that the back slanted down to the floor (you will know how) and then we put pillows on them and our water proofs and shawls and we have been reclining on our make-believe "lounges" all the evening studying I say studying for I, have been studying real hard and have got my lessons pretty good I guess, but Emma gave up in the early part of the evening and has been sleeping as sound as could be in such is sleeping yet down on the floor just behind me though I guess it is about time I bundled her off to bed. Wed. eve. 8-1/4 o'clock. Just as I had got that written last evening Nellie came In from one of the rooms and commenced talking to me and before she had finished the bell rang and 1 had to wake Emily up and we had to undress partly in the dark as the lights have to be put out when the bell rings. I have commenced writing this evening earlier than usual but my lessons are not quite as bard as usual and besides I am going to try and stop writing in time to study a little more. About five o'clock this afternoon it was so pleasant and I had not been out of doors to day and knew I ought to exercise some, so I proposed a walk to sun-set hill which Is not a very great distance from the house. So Nellie, Emily, and myself started. We went once before but It was so windy we could not stay long enough to see the sun set, but to-night it was perfectly quiet though rather cold, though we hardly counted the last as an objection as we were rather late and Nellie and I ran most of the way for fear we would be to late. Em. was with some of the other girls. We got there just la time and a more beautiful sight I never saw. Just below us were the buildings and grounds of Vassar College with groups of girls wandering here and there, the whole lighted up by the last brilliant rays of the sun. In the distance lay Po'keepsie. The river was not visible but even had it beea I do not know that 1 should have looked at it for Just beyond rose the Catskills and I behind their clearly defined summits the sun was just sinking in all its glory. I never saw any thing more glorious. It seemed a ball of fire and every tree on the hill top this side of it was as clearly defined as if printed on canvass. But 1 cannot do it justice. I only wish you could have been here to see it. I was very tired when I arrived here again but X felt repaid for my exertion and I presume I am not as sleepy this evening as I should otherwise have been. We have got quite regularly to studying now and so far I have got along very well. I recite Geology and Zoology alternately every day from 11 till nearly 12. Rheteol♦ French from two until nearly three and Rhetoric from that time until nearly four. The German Class has not been arranged yet and Emily does not think she will take it when it is. A number say they will not take it because they think the teacher is not a good one. I hardly know what to do. What do you say, I want to study it some time. I think I shall like Rhetoric very much for al-though I think Prof. Buckum is going to be pretty strict I like him so far very much. I imagine I have done pretty well so far in the class for I think there has not been a day yet that I have not had something to say and for the first two or three it was all volunteered reciting. To day on the subject of "objections to Rhetoric" he asked for some examples and I asked him about a lawyer taking the part of his client and proving him innocent when he might know he was guilty. Em. laughed at me for giving that example. I like Geology and Zoology very much so far and I hope to find it as interesting all the way. Prof. Tenney prophesies that it will be. We have a very large class, between 50 and 60 I should think. Mollis Bartlett was up here to call day before yesterday to call, we had a very pleasant time. She said Mr Bartlett had been off for several weeks on a journey on horse back but that they expected him home this week I think she said. She also said she thought Mr Wilkinson would be in Po'keepsie again soon as he is to sail the first of Nov. and I think he will be up here if he comes* I was very much pleased with the picture you sent of Mr Torrey You could not have sent one that would have pleased me better* I hardly know what ones to tell you to send. I only want two or three to fill my Album and they are more to show the girls than any thing. I would rather you would pick out any pretty one but if you cannot think of any Mr Van R. and Mary's or Charlie Sherwood (several here know him) or Ed Server etc. I shall look for a paper by to-morrow or next day. I enjoy them so much. Oh I was so delighted at what you wrote me. about Father's getting the nomination as Judge. I know how happy he must be and I thoroughly appreciate his feeling and glad on his account. How very much I wish 1 might be home to be with you Mother when he is away, but let us hope the time will soon come when I may and then I hope X may prove a more profitable companion than I have ever been before. Oh dear, I do want to see you so much already* what will it be before the time comes when I may? There may be some things I have forgotten if so I will add in the morning. I must close now so good-night. Emily sends love. Please write as often and as much as you can for I look for letters so anxiously and feel so disappointed when I do not get anything. Love to all. From your affectionate daughter, EllenI am very glad you spoke of Aunt Emily and I will try and write to her soon. If I knew where to direct I could send it from here. You spoke of seeing "Mame" Phillpps. Didnt you mean Amelia? Give her my love if you see her again. I wish I could have been home to fix Lizzie's pretty little doll you told about. Give her lots of kisses from Cousin Ella if she is with you yet. Excuse mistakes for I have not had time to look this over. With love Ella
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Title: Williams, Ellen -- to parents, Dec. 1865:
Creator: Williams, Ellen
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: December 13, 1865
Text: Vassar College Po'keepsle Dec. 13th '65 My Dear Parents. I feel quite tired to-night and, as usual on Wednesday night, I believe, not much like writing but I shall not have the opportunity much longer I suppose, of writing you so I will say a few words to night. I have no doubt that in the first place you are interested to hear when we will be home etc. But I am sorry to be obliged to inform you that I don't know much better than when that blissful time will arrive. I think you...
Show moreVassar College Po'keepsle Dec. 13th '65 My Dear Parents. I feel quite tired to-night and, as usual on Wednesday night, I believe, not much like writing but I shall not have the opportunity much longer I suppose, of writing you so I will say a few words to night. I have no doubt that in the first place you are interested to hear when we will be home etc. But I am sorry to be obliged to inform you that I don't know much better than when that blissful time will arrive. I think you may expect to see me Thurs. morning but if you see Chick tell her to be at the depot Wednesday night if possible and if I don't come then I certainlywill (Providence permitting) Thursday morn. I cannot say yet how it will be about travelling in the day time. We have been talking with Miss Sayles to-day and she prefers going through by daylight but has promised to make investigations about it and whatever she decides is best we of course will have to agree to—In any event however I do not think you need to feel any anxiety as I think we shall get along all right there are so many of us. I have not seen Mr Bartlett I believe since I last wrote you but I do not think there is any probability that he will accompany us. I do not know that I have much In the way of news to write to-night— We think and care about almost nothing but going home now. Prof. Van Ingen the drawing teacher said to some oneI believe that we talked of nothing but going home while in the Studio. Almost all the trunks are down already that we want. Mine has not come yet but I spoke to Mr Wheeler about it and he is going to put a card on before he brings it. He said he could not paint it on so that it would look very nicely so 1 concluded to have the card until I get home at least. I am in such a hurry to get to packing for it will make the time seem so much nearer I think. Em's trunk came down to-day but she has had no time to commence yet. Mrs Tenney was in to call on me this after-noon. She is so kind and pleasant I wish Mother could know her. There was a meeting of the Lit. Society this evening for a short time to arrange some business & there are to be meetings of the ChaptersFriday eve. I am in a very pleasant Chapter I think. I was a little startled when 1 received your last letters but it was all right I will explain when I get home. The Bill of Fare Father sent me made my mouth water as I read it but it was of some importance as it proved quite an exercise in Zoology to study out the different kinds of animals mentioned. I hope Kate Spencer has entirely recovered by this time I shall be much disappointed if she Is not well when I am home. I believe Julie is not to be home for the Holidays. 1 am so sorry I hear her Father has sent her a very handsome set of furs. Did you see them before they were sent? The retiring bell has Just rung so I suppose I must close this. I am afraid you will not find much that is satisfactory but I will be home soon and then I imagine I shall talk We are going to try and go down and call at Bartletts Friday If we can only get permission. I hope to hear from you again soon. Give my love to all enquiring friends & believe me ever Your loving Daughter, Ellen I shall have just about twelve dollars to come home with will that be enough if I stay over night anywhere? Be sure and send anything you wish to so that I shall get it Tues. noon.
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Title: Slade, Caroline E. -- to parents, Feb. 11, 1866:
Creator: Slade, Caroline E.
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: February 11, 1866
Text: Vassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. February 11 1866 My Dear Father & Mother I enjoy writing home very much but I should like it better if I had something interesting to write about so that I might have the satisfaction when they are finished that they ware worth reading but that cant be helped so must endured like writing Compositions we have them for the first time tomorrow I have mine done, the subject English language but it is a very small thing in my opinion some of the girls...
Show moreVassar Female College, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. February 11 1866 My Dear Father & Mother I enjoy writing home very much but I should like it better if I had something interesting to write about so that I might have the satisfaction when they are finished that they ware worth reading but that cant be helped so must endured like writing Compositions we have them for the first time tomorrow I have mine done, the subject English language but it is a very small thing in my opinion some of the girls cried all yesterday afternoon but I do not intend to dothat if it is hard work for me to get them done Prof Buckham asked Laura why she objected to writing them and she told him there was a lack of time and ideas. It is really warm to day it seems like a spring It was day It is so warm still there is considerable snow on the ground it snowed all day Thursday it is good sleighing we have been once but going with thirty girls and a teacher is a style I do not fancy and don't care to try It again I think the drives here will be beautiful in summer they are so much more hilly here than at home Last Tuesday evening the President Invited the students to his parlors we did not care much about going as we knew what It would be before we went but as we had never been we concluded to go It was rather stupid no refreshments and no gentlemen but a good deal of dress some of the girls asked Miss Lyman if they should wear gloves she said certainly but we had none to wear so we went without nearly all had themon but I did not care. Miss Lyman wore black velvet, white kids and elegant laces Mr & Mrs Raymond stood in one corner and shook hands with the girls as they came in and went out, the warning bell rang and we dispersed to several rooms feeling tired and rather cross I have just come up from chapel the sermon was on work Dr Raymond has three daughters and several sons but the sons are never seen here his eldest daughter is engaged her gentleman was at Chapel this after- noon he is quite an ordinary looking young man I am surprised one of his daughters should be engaged he is so very exact and particular There are 3SO students here now and there thirty more coming this week I think that the college will be full by that time the dining room is very nearly full now. Mamie asked some time since if our apples froze they did not we have bought a peck and a half since we have been here they cost 40 cts for every half pock but sometimes wewant something so badly that we cannot resist the temptation Perhaps Father will think that he bought us paper enough for us not to have had any more well he did but we just had two or three sheets of this to give you an idea how the college looks also this photograph though I do not think you can gat a very good idea from these. About the verses, Mother you can get tho whole verse or just the name or promise as you choose. We have a Bible Class every evening most, the subject there is to recite texts on the efficacy of prayer. I think that bill of M. Buffinton's was enormous but she did a good deal of work and bought considerable trimmings. Has that bill ever been paid at the Hoop skirt store we took them to try and I forgot to say anything about it. The next time you write please send some of that elastic in One month has gone only five more Elisabeth Haviland has not been out to see us I think it is rather funny I thought when I first came that we should not have exereise enough but I have given up that we have to go up sixty stairs to get to room from walking, besides trudging up and down all day Hoping you are all well I remain your loving daughter Carrie (Careliae E. Slade)
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Title: Taylor, Lea D. -- to father, Dec. 2, 1900:
Creator: Taylor, Lea D.
Description: VC 1904
Date: December 02, 1900
Text: Sunday evening. (Dec. 2, 1900) Dear papa, I wish you could have been here today and heard all the nice things I heard said about you. I went up to dinner with Miss Gail Shepard, a Des Moines girl, who has heard you lecture- and who thinks a good deal of you. She came down to call on me twice and I went up to see her and we missed each other each time, so at last she invited me to dinner. She is a very nice, and very interesting, girl. Then I met the minister, who preached today, Dr. Riggs of...
Show moreSunday evening. (Dec. 2, 1900) Dear papa, I wish you could have been here today and heard all the nice things I heard said about you. I went up to dinner with Miss Gail Shepard, a Des Moines girl, who has heard you lecture- and who thinks a good deal of you. She came down to call on me twice and I went up to see her and we missed each other each time, so at last she invited me to dinner. She is a very nice, and very interesting, girl. Then I met the minister, who preached today, Dr. Riggs of Auburn Theological Seminary and he knew Uncle Will and had heard a good deal about you. He was very nice indeed. Then I also met a Miss Clara Reed, an extremely nice Senior, who said that you stayed at her home in Springfield, Mass. when you were attending some convention there. So you see I felt very proud to be your daughter- Oh, and then I was at a little tea given by the Christian Association, and the Pres- of "Christians" said that if ever you came here she wanted to have you surely speak before the Association. It is only two weeks until Christmas, and I expect the time will fly. A good many of the Chicago girls are going home - and they are going to try and have a car to themselves. It will be hard not to get on and go along with. Perhaps you will see me turning up there some fine morning. Vacation begins Friday noon, Dec. 21 and it will be very convenient because then I can get the one o'clock train to New York - which gets there at about three. Grandma told me I had better have my trunk expressed as it was cheaper. Louise has a small one which she is not going to use, so I guess I will take that, as she is willing. I think it would be nice if mama could invite Louise and Gertrude Keith down to lunch some day during vacation. I know they would love to go. A Mrs. Albert O. Cheney and Miss Cheney from town, called on me the other day when I was not at home. Will you ask mama to write me very soon, who they are. If she knows, as I shall have to return the call before Xmas- and would like to have some Idea as to why they called on me. The examination in history took place last Saturday and I ought to have taken my Greek History then. But I had no idea it had to be made up this year- and thought it would be much better to leave it until summer and take the examination in the Fall as I had about all I could manage now. But I found out that it must be taken this year or never, so X shall have to take it in June. I hate to have it hanging over me. I must stop now as it Is late. Papa, dear, I hope you aren't working too hard. I suppose that this Sunday the first services were held in the new building. How X should have liked to have been there and seen it. I hope that you had as glorious a day as we have had- Remember me to those in the house and give lots of love to Mama, Helen and Katharine- and keep a good big portion for your- self- From Your ever loving- Lea. (Lea D. Taylor, '04)
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Title: Washburn, Lucy M. -- to Alrah, Feb. 1871:
Creator: Washburn, Lucy M.
Description: VC Spec 1870-1871
Date: February 23, 1871
Text: Vassar. Feb. 23- 1871. Daar friend Alvah. Really I think there is danger that I shall never receive another letter from you, unless I answer your last without much more delay. So - Vassar to Ann Arbor, greeting.1 Thanks for all the descriptions, and the photo. I enclose a very poor picture of our college building - the best I could find at the time I bought it. It will save counting all the windows and doors for detailed description. Yesterday our flag was at half mast on account of the death...
Show moreVassar. Feb. 23- 1871. Daar friend Alvah. Really I think there is danger that I shall never receive another letter from you, unless I answer your last without much more delay. So - Vassar to Ann Arbor, greeting.1 Thanks for all the descriptions, and the photo. I enclose a very poor picture of our college building - the best I could find at the time I bought it. It will save counting all the windows and doors for detailed description. Yesterday our flag was at half mast on account of the death of the lady principal. She had been failing for some time, yet her death was a shock to the college. Shedied within an hour or so of tea time. The dining hall that evening was almost oppressive in its quiet - I would not have believed that its usual clatter could be hushed to such stillness. She must have been a gifted woman. Even the girls who disliked her always showed admiration for her ability. They often tell me I do not know how different the college was under her active supervision. Since I came, she only appeared In chapel once, and at the table two or three times. I heard her address the girls perhaps three times, and could easily believe the stories they told of her remarkable gifts. With this exception, we have jogged on quietly through the winter. I wonder what a dozen Ann Arbor boys would do transplanted to ouratmosphere of such propriety and order. Often I would be glad enough to see a little mischief, if only it could be funny enough to be worth having. The tame pranks that are all our most irrepessible girls can execute, are hardly enough to elicit a smile. So you are "twenty two years old - almost a quarter of a century I "cannot Imagine how aged you feel"—— You "believe lain twenty six. Am I not"——— Now isn't that cool? Indeed! Do you suppose I will condescend to a word in reply to such a speech? As for the Ann Arbor ladies, I wish them success, and am inclined to add the wish that I were with them. I want to see them do finely, and so answer the manifold objections that have been made to admitting us to theuniversities. Only this afternoon, a very lovely girl was telling me how she had wished that she could enter there the moment the doors were open. Circumstances, however, kept her here. I am a little surprised at the proposition of ladles in your different departments - Law, one — Medical, twenty - Did I ever tell you that I believe my Mother would be glad to see me a physician? I am sorry myself, occasionally, that I have no taste In that direction - I am pleased to see women taking places in this field - surely an appropriate one - but if I were a man, the medical profession seems to me the last I should choose - certainly being a woman does notmake It more attractive, in the present state of public opinion. Don't misunderstand me - I am a physician's daughter, and am proud of the noble profession - But I have no bent in that direction myself. I am glad you are so well pleased with your studies, and hope you will meet with full success. Thank you for counting me on your fingers, among your friends. Do you indeed remember the talk we had at the gate of my home, so long ago? 1 had supposed of course that was among the forgotten things to you - I remember I was very much in earnest - no more so than I should be now, if I began to speak on the samesubject. Time has not made me feel a firm religious faith a less vital thing. I wonder how or where I shall see you next summer - You speak of returning to Ann Arbor - where I certainly shall not be - Will you not be at home during the vacation? As for myself, my plans are too indefinite to be called plans at all. I presume I shall visit my friends a month or so after commencement, and then go west. As for our old acquaintances, I hear from Miss Wright, of course. She is working quite hard in school, and I fear that her health is by no means perfect - Agnes is well, and writes me long letters - Ada Lake is, I suppose, at Titusville, as she and Orville were on the point of going there some weeks since. Yourbeloved old friend. Prof. Homer P. has given up preaching, and settled down permanently in charge of an academy at St. Johnsbury, Vt. Dont you envy the boys and girls on whom his glasses will beam? Belle Arigill I see every day. She has been very cordial to me, and we have become good friends. I like her for herself, as well as for the kindness she showed me when 1 came here, a stranger. I have just noticed that it is "about the first of March" that you speak of leaving Ann Arbor. So if you are elsewhere, I can only trust to the postmaster's forwarding this letter and, as the Irishman said - "If you don't get this, let me know." I shall be glad to hear from you, whenever youfeel disposed to write. Remember me to Eddie Mark, if you meet him. Did you ever know the Hayman boys, Wayne and Frank, who used to live at Fredonia, and are now both at A.A. sophs I believe? Frank used to be a crony of my brother Charlie's, and I was quite pleased with his appearance last summer. I should like to know how he stands in college. Sincerely your friend Lucy M. Washburn.
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 21 March 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 21 March 1902

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 25 January 1902
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 25 January 1902

Title: Stephenson, Mary (Sheldon). Letters, 1884-1888
Creator: Stephenson, Mary (Sheldon)
Descriptor(s): Bielat, Isabel, Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 3 letters from Stephenson to her friend “Sate” concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1884 and 1888. Stephenson details Vassar’s election festivities of 1884, during which Republican students held a procession for Blaine, whom they assumed to be victorious, while the Democrat students dressed in mourning for Cleveland and served oysters to the Republicans. In 1885, the Vassar Republicans held a patriotic oyster reception for the Vassar Democrats, in recognition of their mistake in pred...
Show more3 letters from Stephenson to her friend “Sate” concerning her experiences at Vassar between 1884 and 1888. Stephenson details Vassar’s election festivities of 1884, during which Republican students held a procession for Blaine, whom they assumed to be victorious, while the Democrat students dressed in mourning for Cleveland and served oysters to the Republicans. In 1885, the Vassar Republicans held a patriotic oyster reception for the Vassar Democrats, in recognition of their mistake in predicting the 1884 presidential election. Stephenson discusses the letters she has received from a “Prohibitionist Republican” acquaintance at Alfred College. Stephenson also describes Vassar traditions, such as the invitation of the freshmen to the senior parlor and sophomore party, the Philalethean play, and the Philharmonic concerts.
VC 1888
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Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to sister, Nov. 1874:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: November 9, 1874
Text: Vassar . Nov. 9- [1874] My dear Sister, Your letter was received a day ago, and delighted me with the exception of one sentence. But then I think you only meant to alarm me when you said that six foot Mr. Killough might perhaps be nearer the truth than many I think in regard to a certain affair. You really would not think of entering the matrimonial state without my distinguished presence. If you should do such a thing, I would never forgive you, my dear,remember. I will send you some plans...
Show moreVassar . Nov. 9- [1874] My dear Sister, Your letter was received a day ago, and delighted me with the exception of one sentence. But then I think you only meant to alarm me when you said that six foot Mr. Killough might perhaps be nearer the truth than many I think in regard to a certain affair. You really would not think of entering the matrimonial state without my distinguished presence. If you should do such a thing, I would never forgive you, my dear,remember. I will send you some plans which I have drawn from memory of those we had, for those are nowhere to be found In my trunk, neither is the sampler of which you spoke - You must have left them In P. I think - There are these plans, but I can not see how we ever arranged the Lewis's house for you, and so I do not send that - Now while I think of it I will give you Ida's address: It is Mrs. D. E. Marvin, 263 River St. Troy.Ida is boarding I believe and of course supremely happy. Last night a misfortune happened to our delightful senior parlor. It has been the rule for each parlor to take turns in caring for the parlor; of course putting out the gas at night contributed one part of the duty, but the parlor who have charge either did not know their duty or forgot to do it, and the gas was burning all night, with the force of all the gas in the College - It is a wonder that we were not burned out; fortunately however we were only pretty thoroughly blackened and smoked - Without exaggeration the celling was as black as coal this morning, and will have to be newly tinted - The furniture is unhurt, only somewhat soiled, but our pretty muslin curtains are a pale drab, and utterly ruined - The carpet can be shaken, and with little trouble and expense we hope to restore it to its pristine beauty of Last nightseemed to be a night of misfortunes, for the water was left on in one bathroom and nearly flooded the room, and caused the plastering below to fall - But with so many in one building, and few who are careful, it is strange that accidents do not occur more frequently. The thought of the painting at home rejoices my heart, and the tinting also. I have not yet had time to try and color, but will do so and send in a day or two. If the painting progresses as slowly as most of the work in our house, I think my letter will arrive in time - But in case it does not, I think you can give all the directions, and decide upon some pale shade of either gray or brown. I hardly think the celling should be darker than the walls, but any ornamentation In the room should be darker; I do not remember, but I think there is a center piece and something about the top of the walls - is there not? It is growing late, so I must close - With love
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Sep. 1900(?):
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: 1900(?)
Text: I am now writing in the hall meeting for electing the president of the hall. Mary Bell and Mary York are up. It is still pouring and it does seem perfectly terribly wet. I find I have made a mistake in taking courses for which I have to go way over to the laboratories. t is terribly far. I got a letter from (?) this morning saying she was writing to you herself about Ernest Humpstone. The pillow was just half around for each dimension. I think it is right but I will measure again. R.M.A.Mrs....
Show moreI am now writing in the hall meeting for electing the president of the hall. Mary Bell and Mary York are up. It is still pouring and it does seem perfectly terribly wet. I find I have made a mistake in taking courses for which I have to go way over to the laboratories. t is terribly far. I got a letter from (?) this morning saying she was writing to you herself about Ernest Humpstone. The pillow was just half around for each dimension. I think it is right but I will measure again. R.M.A.Mrs. Geo B. Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Sept. 1900(?):
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: September 1900(?)
Text: Vassar Dear people:- At last I am starting a letter to you. Wo didn't got up for breakfast this morning and I had to tear around to got ready in time for church. And as it was we had two batches of callers before we were dressed I had to drape something artisticly around me and pick around the cornor of the door at them The second one was Mary Taylor who came to ask Cora to go to church with her, but C. wasn't out of bed yet it seemed im-possible. The sweetest soph, asked me to go...
Show moreVassar Dear people:- At last I am starting a letter to you. Wo didn't got up for breakfast this morning and I had to tear around to got ready in time for church. And as it was we had two batches of callers before we were dressed I had to drape something artisticly around me and pick around the cornor of the door at them The second one was Mary Taylor who came to ask Cora to go to church with her, but C. wasn't out of bed yet it seemed im-possible. The sweetest soph, asked me to go with her. I fell perfectly in love with her. 1 met her last night at Christians. And oh dear, I met such a lot of people. Christians was lovely. They had the must gorgeous tableaus you ever saw. Advertisements. I wish you could have seen them they were great. And Julia Stimpson was the most stunning man that I really have ever seen. She she very large. (I don't mean fat you know.) and she did certainly look exactlylike a man and an awfully handsome one too. It made you feel so funny. I was introduced to some of them I had never met before. And I really found it hard to realize they were girls. Oh I must tell you the best thing I've just heard The first tableau was Whitmans chocolate a man stands in the middle with a girl leaning on each shoulder eating out of this box of candy! Well this misguided freshman askedif the girl in the middle (dressed as a man of course) was president Taylors son. Did you ever hear anything as rich. I hope the sophs won't get hold of it but of course they will. Then another thing I heard of. Julia Stimson saw a freshman going by looking rather forlorn and thought perhaps she hadn't been asked to Christians, so she asked if she had been invited. "Yes," said the girl "Somebody asked me last week. Luck for me, wasn't it". Then she saw Julia looked rather queer and discovered what she had done. How anyone could mistake Julia for a freshman though, I don't see. Lucile is such a dear, you can't think. I do so wont her to be president. I shant tell you any thing about Christians now. I'll leave it for my mid week letter. Oh I forgot to say my dresses came I like the lawn ever-so much. Mrs G. forgot the belt and I had to fly around and scratch one up. I have the brown on now but I don't like it so awfully well the white over the shoulders doesn't fit so very well. I wonder If you could get me some ribbon. I tried in every store in Poughkeepsie (there aren't so very many) to get some dark brown to go with my brown suit and some green to go with that new green waste, and couldn't find any thing that came within miles of it. You have samples of both haven't you I should like a yard and two thirds of each kind. I look my poster down to be framed couldn't do anything with it except a narrow black frame. It looks neat but not as artistic as it might. It is to come home next Sat. Oh I must tell you about our registration. It was more fun. All the building was divided up into different wards and poles put up in each ward. The poles were manufactured out of these very high black screens. Inside were two girls (dressed as men) sitting at a table. You can't think how well they get themselves up. Well you went inside and they nut any number of perfectly absurd questions to you and- which you were obliged to make up answers and finally they would say they thought you were qualified to vote and you wrote you name down as republican of demotratic. There were crowds around the poles all the times roaring at the questions and answers. So every now and then a girl dressed as a policeman would come and clear away the crowd. I must tell you some of the question they asked me. "Have you fallen in the lake yet?" "Do you expect to" "Have any of your class fallen in the lake yet?" "Have you passed resolutions to the effect that none of them shall." Of what does fraulein Bartleman remind you" "Why." "If Miss Gentry's eyes were two points in space could a plane be passed throe' them." "Why" "If there were 16 seniors and one elevator how many ways are there of getting to the fourth floor" "Why." A perfect string of things like that. Oh I remember any other. "Why did Jimmie shave off his moustache." "What makes you think so" Jimmie is Dr Baldwin prof. of History. Miss Salmon has gone down to New York so I haven't gone to see her but Miss Ellery says I must go as soon as I get back I mean she. Oh dear. But don't you think the registration was lovely. We have parades and Luimp speeching and go thro', the whole election just as they really do in the other world. Even to the final voting. We elect one of them oresident Isn't that fun. Oh I met Miss Dunning what came over on the steamer with us this morning!!!! You mustn't mind my not going properly round the paper on this sheet. I thought I would only write two pages more then I decided to finish the four. Margarale Mather lives right up above us and they had a spread up in her room last night and they poured the water out of olive bottle out of the window and it fell in at our window Tell Mrs Morris I have met Elsie Mendell and like her very much. She wants to have Frances up here. Her father was aclassmate of Mr. Morris, love Ruth. I am not getting unpopular on accountt of the canvasing. But I shall be unhappy if Emily Welch get elected.
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Title: Frantz, Edna (Bachman) — to Rosemarie Boyle, October 5, 1913
Creator: Frantz, Edna (Bachman)
Date: 05 Oct 1913
Text: 10-5-13 308 Davison, Vassar, Poughkeepsie N.Y. Dear Rosemarie, At last I am what may be called fairly settled. It took so long to get my room in order, but now that it is all arranged I am crazy about it. I’m so glad I selected rose for a color scheme. We have a fine crowd of girls in Davidson this year. I was rather disappointed when I found that some of the girls I was quite intimate with last year had not come back. A number of 1914 girls are getting married this month and several...
Show more10-5-13 308 Davison, Vassar, Poughkeepsie N.Y. Dear Rosemarie, At last I am what may be called fairly settled. It took so long to get my room in order, but now that it is all arranged I am crazy about it. I’m so glad I selected rose for a color scheme. We have a fine crowd of girls in Davidson this year. I was rather disappointed when I found that some of the girls I was quite intimate with last year had not come back. A number of 1914 girls are getting married this month and several engagements have been announced. The leading lady in Prunella is to be married next Saturday. Her mother is head physician here. Last Saturday we had our first big social event, an out-door reception for the Freshmen. I took two very cute Pittsburgh girls. Sunday afternoon we walked to Lover’s Leap, a point on the east bank of the Hudson, from which there is a wonderful view. To-day is such a lovely one, that we are going again.This week we had our first concert. A bass soloist and a pianist were here. They were both splendid. I am quite thrilled about Sophomore party. It is to take place October 18 and will be given for the Freshmen. They are to have a play and I have a part in a chorus. Yesterday was the Senior Party reception. Seniors give bids to the Sophomores.I went with Shummie. I never saw such dressiness in all my life. Some of the girls have the handsomest new creations that just take your breath away. The parlor is much more beautiful than last year and everyone was wild about it then. Shummie is much more adorable than she everwas. Last Sunday she had a solo in chapel. It was very good. I was with her Saturday in Music Hall while she practised. Other things that have happened are about the same as last year, tramps dinner invitations, dancing and college and step singing. It gives me an awfully good, contented sort of a feeling to be doing those things again. I have played some field-hockey this fall and am very fond of it. Jo Worsham is visiting here now and it’s so good to see someone of last year’s girls back for a week. The girls are ready for the walk so I’ll have to was. Last Sunday she had a solo in chapel. It was very good. I was with her Saturday in Music Hall while she practised. Other things that have happened are about the same as last year, tramps, dinner invitations, dancing and college and step singing. It gives me an awfully good, contented sort of a feeling to be doing those things again. I have played some field-hockey this fall and am very fond of it. Jo Worsham is visiting here now and it’s so good to see someone of last year’s girls back for a week. The girls are ready for the walk so I’ll have tostop. Grace lives down on second floor so all she needs to do when she wants me is shout up the stairs which I expect her to do in just a minute. Lovingly, Edna. October 5, 1913.
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Title: Eaton, Ester — to Miss Shipp, April 27, 1905
Creator: Eaton, Ester
Date: 27 Apr 1905
Text: April 27th My dear Miss Shipp: Last Saturday there appeared very mysteriously upon my desk a pretty green book entitled "The Digressions of Polly". Within it was a card bearing the name - "Miss Shipp". I flew down to Peggy to thank her for the Easter gift but she gently reminded me that she is [underlined: not] Miss Shipp! I must beg your pardon for doing you that slight but you will agree that it was a natural mistake since Peg [underlined: is] Miss Shipp [underlined:...
Show moreApril 27th My dear Miss Shipp: Last Saturday there appeared very mysteriously upon my desk a pretty green book entitled "The Digressions of Polly". Within it was a card bearing the name - "Miss Shipp". I flew down to Peggy to thank her for the Easter gift but she gently reminded me that she is [underlined: not] Miss Shipp! I must beg your pardon for doing you that slight but you will agree that it was a natural mistake since Peg [underlined: is] Miss Shipp [underlined: here] and then - why should I dream of an Easter gift from Peg's sister? It is charming of you to remember Peg's friends this way - and I am doubly fortunate in being counted among Peg’s best friends - The greatest comfort about knowing and loving Peg is that I don’t continually have to be thinking “after June I may never meet her again” as I do with the other girls - For we live so near that we are counting on an interchange of visits, but I want to bespeak the [underlined: first] visit from Peggy to [underlined: my] home - [underlined: now]!I have enjoyed “Polly’s Digressions” immensely - and what a delicious book for a lazy summer afternoon and a hammock - I have read half but am jealously keeping the rest until such a time. I hope you [underlined: are] coming on to Commencement! I want so much to meet the donor of my dainty book and the “Sister” of whom I have heard such beautiful things. Besides - I have met Mrs. Snow - you know - and Ruth Underhill lives next door to me - so I [underlined: know] some things! Thanking you I am very sincerely Esther EatonMiss Shipp
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to father, May 9, 1897:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: May 9, 1897
Text: Vassar College. Poughkeepsie. N.Y. iMay 9. 1897, My dearest Father, — I am going to write my letter before church this morning, so that I may go for a walk this afternoon. This has been a perfect spring: we have not had any very hot weather yet; it has been bright and clear and comfortably cool most of the time so far—-the kind of weather that makes us want to live out of doors. Ray finally got her bicycle fixed up, so that I have beenout on it twice already. I thought I might have forgotten...
Show moreVassar College. Poughkeepsie. N.Y. iMay 9. 1897, My dearest Father, — I am going to write my letter before church this morning, so that I may go for a walk this afternoon. This has been a perfect spring: we have not had any very hot weather yet; it has been bright and clear and comfortably cool most of the time so far—-the kind of weather that makes us want to live out of doors. Ray finally got her bicycle fixed up, so that I have beenout on it twice already. I thought I might have forgotten somewhat since last fall how to ride, but I had no trouble at all. The spring rains make the roads here very bad for a long while. It is not like the streets of a city, where you can ride the year around. Yesterday we had the second set of match games in Basket- Bali. Our team has beaten each time this spring. They did not begin to practice till after all the other teams did this spring, so we were afraid they would not be very successful. But I think they have tried all the harder on that account, and I thinkthey will win the championship. Next Saturday is Field Day, so in addition to the final match Basket- ball games, there will be track events - running, jumping etc. The girls who are entered have been training fro some time, and they have to diet, too. That is, they are forbidden to eat any sweets, or to eat between meals - etc. Next Saturday evening, the Junior Class have invited our class to take a ride up the river for two or three hours, in a boat chartered for the purpose. We are so delighted, for everybody says there is notihfcig more beautiful than a ride on the Hudson. Every year the Juniors entertain the Seniors in some way;- lastyear we gave them a lawn fete in the evening - But this will be much nicer. Tou know I have always intended to go from here to Albany by water some time on the way home, but I have never arranged it. Next Friday night there is to be an open debate between our Senior debating society - "T. and M." and the Junior, "Qui Vive"- to which we challenged them. Ray is to be one of the debaters on our side. From now on there will be something going on all the time, our examinations begin a week from Thursday- The Seniors take them earlier than the rest of the people, in order to leave time for the Senior vacationbefore Commencement. The night that we finish our exams, we have what is called the "Senior Howl"- when we literally howl—either for joy or for sorrow that we are through. It will cost about twenty dollars, I think, to pay for all these extra Senior expenses, such as our pictures, invitations, class supper. Class Day expenses, and diploma. We have to pay five dollars for the diploma. I had expected to pay for all these things with the money coming to the Vassar ion Board, but I find that that money will not be ready for me till summer - about July. I am earning a little bit thisweek by tutoring in History — a married woman who came here after this semester's work began, and next who wishes to be graduated with -last year's class- She was formerly in the Class of '78. Somebody in the family inquired about my Com. essay: it is not getting along very well: I have not settled very definitely yet what I shall put into it. They will all be stupid. W e have been putting in our odd times this week by making blue prints from films that we borrow from various girls- We pay for the paper by making more than enough for ourselves and selling some. We shall have some very good pictures of the grounds and various buildings and people. I have always to make a collection of them, and now that there is so little time left, we are waked up to it. Mamma inquired about bringing Ray's Class Day dress- She will not need to do so, for Ray's dressmaker sent to her the Class Day dress and Commencement dress, by express- If mamma has any extra room in her trunk I can fill it up for her on the way home. Just to think of talking about the way home. Lots of love to you and to all of the family, from your loving daughter Adelaide. (Claflin, May 9, 1897.
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Title: Foster, Frances (Harmon) Miller -- to Louisa, Apr. 14, 1866:
Creator: Foster, Frances (Harmon) Miller
Description: VC Spec 1865-1867
Date: April 14, 1866
Text: Vassar College April 14&- 1866? Dear Louisa. I did not intend to answer your letter to day but I fear if I do not you won't get a letter from me before week after next.which would be almost too long when you were so prompt in writing to me. This is Saturday afternoon, and we are all sitting by the Corridor windows as usual. I am feeling quite good this afternoon we have been talking about the Founders Festival which is to be next on Monday, the Founder (Mr Vassar's) birthday....
Show moreVassar College April 14&- 1866? Dear Louisa. I did not intend to answer your letter to day but I fear if I do not you won't get a letter from me before week after next.which would be almost too long when you were so prompt in writing to me. This is Saturday afternoon, and we are all sitting by the Corridor windows as usual. I am feeling quite good this afternoon we have been talking about the Founders Festival which is to be next on Monday, the Founder (Mr Vassar's) birthday. The whole day Is to be a holiday but the Festival Is not to commence until evening the whole college Ire going out to meet Mr. Vassar at the gate and form in two lines and let "his" carraige pass through, and then we are all going to repair to the chapel, where we are to have some exercises and Henry Ward. Beecher. is going to take part in them then all the ministers in Poughkeepsie are to be here, and after the chapel we are to have an entertainment in the dining-room, which I suppose will be fine, after that, we are to have a reception In the parlours. X will tell you more about it when it happens. I arose this morning about half past five and walked until break- fast time so had quite an appetite for my breakfast, which is quite unusual, for me I am sorry and yet glad thatthis day is most through I am glad that it is one day nearer, home and sorry, that it is one day nearer Monday. 1 know it is wicked to wish time to fly, when I know so , ■ 'S \ little but I can't help it once in a while, Mate Judson is reading a love fi \ Apr. 14, 1866? - 2 story to us. and I am afraid your letter won't be very interesting, We had also, a fire here but it did'ent amount to much, the gallery behind acted one of the gas burners burned a little but not much. Miss Lyman^very bravely, and threw her shawl over it. there is'ent much going on that would be interesting to write you. we are all busy studying, going to chapel, recictlng etc. I have not been to Poughkeepsle since I came back, perhaps I shall go the last of next week, if I can go without a Teacher if one of the twenty girls will go with me. X sha'nt go with a Teacher if X don't go at all. I am sorry, that Mrs. Hill is so sick X hope she will be better soon. X suppose. Mr.H will be home for tomorrow. X would like to be there to hear, him preach, but suppose will have to be content to hear. President Raymond, who preaches very well, but is pretty "long.winded" which we don't like as much. We have seen some young gentelmen come up here, this afternoon, and we were 4e-**e sure we saw. Bannard. but I guess it was'ent. as we have 'nt seen anything of him yet. I went out rowing the other day and had a fine time. I wish I knew how to row. most all the girls do here perhaps I will some dayWhat are you going to have this summer for a hat. I am going to get mine in Poughkeepsle I suppose it will be a grand affair as my hats generally are, but I think X have written quite as much as did you and wouldent dare write any more for fear of. I don't know what. but. I must Apr, 14, 1866? close, give my love to all folks, and keep a good share to yourself. I remain Your Affectionate Friend Frank
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Title: Neef, Nora -- to Abbie Farwell, Nov. 5, 1866:
Creator: Neef, Nora
Description: VC Prep 1866-1867; Spec 1867
Date: November 5, 1866
Text: NORA Monday afternoon November 5th 1866 My darling Abbie What a pink of perfection you are to write to me so punctually. Oh Abbie Mr Ansonge is dead just think of it, he played on the organ Sunday morning and died Sunday evening, he had the cholera. Mrs. Ansonge is feeling terribly. Mr Johnson saw her the day after and said that he did not know her. You know that her mother just died a little. You wicked little sinner to think that you read my letters to the girls what could have induced you...
Show moreNORA Monday afternoon November 5th 1866 My darling Abbie What a pink of perfection you are to write to me so punctually. Oh Abbie Mr Ansonge is dead just think of it, he played on the organ Sunday morning and died Sunday evening, he had the cholera. Mrs. Ansonge is feeling terribly. Mr Johnson saw her the day after and said that he did not know her. You know that her mother just died a little. You wicked little sinner to think that you read my letters to the girls what could have induced you to do so. You ought to whippedVassar is just gay, only it needs you here to make it perfection. I can tell you we have to study. We get up at six have breakfast at seven then silent-hour and then sing for a half an hour, then chapel, then from nine to ten. Algebra, ten to eleven, French, eleven to twelve I take a music lesson twice a week and from twelve to one we have English department then dinner then from two to three, Rhetoric, from three to four exercise, from four to five study hour, from five to six, practice, then supper Chapel and silent hour then Gymnastics from eight to nine and the warning bell rings at twenty minutes to ten. So you see how much time I have to my self. Saturdays we dont have any thing to do, so of course we are alwaysanxious for Saturday to come. What kind of a person is Miss Porter? describe her to me - I have not lwew seen Virginia Butler yet but I will try and find her though trying to find anyone here is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I am making mother a pincushion and am going to make her a breakfast shawl. I have made Effie a hood, but I am in a pickle about what I shall give Walter. Do tell me what I shall give him. Did you know that Fanny Skinner has been at Lake Forest* indeed all the family have, they were afraid of cholera. Mother says that the hotel was full. Rosa Wright must be lovely if she looks any thing like I do. I pity her.I had hoped that there was but one such face as mine in the world but I see that my hopes are to be dashed to atoms. Just see those blots arent they horrid. I am mad but I cant help it. One of the girls shook my arm and consequently there was a blot. I think they make the paper look pretty dont you. What a horrid cold day it is, Otie girls on our transverse cor- ridor are all sitting in the corridor writing. I am sitting at the window with a girl named Maggie Davies. She is just old peacher. She has black hair and eyes- She is just full of the "Old Nick" or of the "Old Harry" I suppose would be a more elegant expression or but I must say that neither of them are too elegant. She sends her love to you. Theres the horrid bell. Good Bye my darling (To Abbie Farwell. '72, from Nora Neef, 1866-68)
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 19 January 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 19 January 1905

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Family, 13 October 1901
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 13 October 1901

Title: Teegarden, Mary Treat. Letter, 1867
Creator: Teegarden, Mary Treat
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Teegarden to her cousin Mary A. Starr. She describes her experience staying at Vassar over the Christmas holiday and the daily activities of the students during the break. On Christmas, she writes about attending a service at Christ Church in the City and hosting a Christmas party for students and faculty. Attendees included the Lady Principal (Miss Lyman), the resident physician, and Matthew Vassar. She writes glowingly about her impressions of the school, course of study, facu...
Show more1 letter from Teegarden to her cousin Mary A. Starr. She describes her experience staying at Vassar over the Christmas holiday and the daily activities of the students during the break. On Christmas, she writes about attending a service at Christ Church in the City and hosting a Christmas party for students and faculty. Attendees included the Lady Principal (Miss Lyman), the resident physician, and Matthew Vassar. She writes glowingly about her impressions of the school, course of study, faculty, her classmates, the students' health, and her social life.
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Date: 1867

Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Oct. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: October 21, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I have directed my envelope, so as to be sure and finish my letter before dinner, it will probably seem absurd to you, but I always feel as if my letter was half done when the envelope is directed and lying ready to start. It is a beautiful day today, the air seems ladened with the audible quiet, if I may use the expression, peculiar to a Sunday morning, the house is much stiller than usual this morning also. I think the new scholars are...
Show moreVassar College, Oct. 14, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, I have directed my envelope, so as to be sure and finish my letter before dinner, it will probably seem absurd to you, but I always feel as if my letter was half done when the envelope is directed and lying ready to start. It is a beautiful day today, the air seems ladened with the audible quiet, if I may use the expression, peculiar to a Sunday morning, the house is much stiller than usual this morning also. I think the new scholars are quieting down generally, but at first they certainly seemed to us much more noisy than we were last year. Miss Lyman says they are not, and perhaps it's our vanity. Minnie went on a Geological excursion over the Hudson yesterday. Prof. Tenney took partof his class, but I didn't feel like going, and Hattie, with her usual self denial, stayed at home to go with me. They had a delightful tramp. The girls, all but four, wore their gymnastic suits. You don't know how nice they are for climbing rocks, and Jumping brooks, last time they tore their dresses and caught their hoops, and came to grief generally. If ever I go, I'll send you a full account of the place, and what we saw. We had such a nice time Friday night in our Chapter. I believe that I told Willie that we were to have a magic circle, and what the different articles were to be. Every thing went off beautifully - Helen was fixed up as the most remarkable old maid imaginable. She had her front hair curled, and a black lace head-dress over the back, an under handkerchief, and broad collar, a pair of black mitts, a reticule, an enormous handkerchief, and no hoops completed her attire - You have no idea how comical she looked. Minnie had the desk draped in black and the scrap-box on it. She spoke beautifully. Her oration was unanimously voted the best feature of the evening. I think our Society will be even pleasanter than last year. We are to have a lecture on the subject of Literary Societies from a Mr. Pierson of Waterford N. Y. At least we are going to try to get him. We are also talking of a course of lectures this winter, which I think would be very pleasant indeed, as very few of the girls are able to go to Poughkeepsie to hear lectures there, and even there we seldom hear of them until after they are over. I think that it will be a source ofgreat improvement to all of us. Gough was in Poughkeepsie last week and talked of calling at the College, but I don't think that he did it. Minnie makes a capital President for our Society. We accomplish five times as much business in one hour as we used to with Dr. Raymond in three meetings. Then she presides with so much dignity that it makes us all proud of her - I don't know whatVassar College will do next year with her present Seniors gone. Even the immense dignity and learning of her now Juniors advanced to Seniors will not be sufficient to counterbalance their loss. We do have such good cozy times in our class that it is delightful. We are all nearly of an age, and all like each other, which I think makes a great difference, then we are just a table full, and so get acquainted much faster and better. I do believe people form firmer friendships when they sit at the table together than almost any other way - Then too we always avoid disagreeable subjects at the table which I think is another good thing and a very important one. We are going to have a class organization and a motto. I have no idea what but I presume a Greek one, the girls all prefer Greek to any other language. We have just read Horace's Epistle to Lollius, and I was astonished to find almost every sentence has become a proverb, such as "Anger is a short madness." "Dare to be wise" "A deed well begunis half done" - and so forth. I enjoy Horace better every day, better even than I did Homer. I don't know about that though I do believe that if Prof. Knapp had heard our Homer class, I should have enjoyed it better than Horace. Miss Geiger is our teacher in Herodotus. I like her very much indeed, she is a continual mystery to me - I like her better & better all the time. She seems very sociable, and glad to see us when we go to see her. How good it was for Aunt Mary to write us such a good long letter, and to tell us so much news. How funny it is for Frank Rice to marry Miss Leonard. I always supposed he was rather a frisky young man, but Hattie says he is sober and quiet. I hope he and his bride will live happy - Mary wrote me a full account of their presents, they were very nice weren't they - I suppose that by this time Mr. & Mrs. Griffith are absent on their wedding tour. Beloved ones! How I envy them -Aleck McGraw, Tom's brother, is to be married Tuesday to a Miss Beecher of Battle Creek, they are going to call on Minnie while on their tour. Won't it be pleasant? Have you heard or seen anything of Mrs. Dr. McGraw? Wasn't it a shame that we didn't call on her, and yet how could we. Minnie didn't call on her either. How are your eyes now? Don't think because I have said so little about them that I have thought little. I assure you Mother dear, that I have thought of them almost every hour since I first heard that you must have the operation performed - and I can't tell you how anxious I felt till I heard that it was over. I do hope you will be careful and not overdo yourself in any way. What would become of you without Aunt Mary? Does Eliza prove as efficient as you expected? Love to everyone. Please don't imagine that I've been taking writing lessons of the chickens. I don't know what makes me write so, but I sup-pose its partly owing to the fact that I've been talking most of the time faster than I've been writing - The elections are almost here are they not? Has Father gone to Maine? Has Mr. Ballard been installed? Who preached the sermon? I knew that Mrs. Ballard was an authoress to some extent, but not how far. Mrs. Pratt looks just like it - I presume she has has had her picture taken for some book and has worn her hair so ever since.Tell Father to write me again soon - Good bye Mother dear, nearly six weeks of the forty are gone - Your loving Mattie -
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Title: Warner, Martha S. -- to mother, Dec. 1866:
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Description: VC 1868
Date: December 06, 1866
Text: Vassar College, Dec. 6, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, Many thanks for your letter. I think you are so good to write us such nice long letters. Thank Father too, please, and tell him that I shall answer, his pathetic lamentation as soon as my nerves are sufficiently composed, and my hand steady - And now, in order to explain the hieroglyphic state of my chirography let me inform you that gymnastics are the cause of all my troubles. I have grown so very agile by means of skipping, leaping, and...
Show moreVassar College, Dec. 6, 1866. My dear, dear Mother, Many thanks for your letter. I think you are so good to write us such nice long letters. Thank Father too, please, and tell him that I shall answer, his pathetic lamentation as soon as my nerves are sufficiently composed, and my hand steady - And now, in order to explain the hieroglyphic state of my chirography let me inform you that gymnastics are the cause of all my troubles. I have grown so very agile by means of skipping, leaping, and twisting over at the gymnasium, that I considered myself ably fitted to perform any feat of strength for which I felt an inward longing. Alas! my Mother! the heart is deceitful above all things &c -Saturday evening when returning from a rehearsal in the Chapel, feeling some what weary and not seeing the exact position of the staircase, owing the darkness, I attempted to put my gymnastics to practical use & fly, the result would have been most gratifying but for the intervention of a most stupid wall against which I most inoportunely bumped, and in consequence of which I lay on my = back all day Sunday and Monday feeling very much as I imagine a prize fighter might after losing the belt - Monday evening however I went up to the chapel, where some kind friends had arranged an easy chair for me, in the gallery, so that I heard all the exercises, and was only debarred from the pleasure of pushing them performers onto the stage. They went on however just as well without me, being impelled by the active tongue and arms of Miss Sarah Glazier - I am almost as wellas ever now with the exception of the slight shakiness which makes my hand writing so peculiar - But I feel firmly convinced that if that wall had not opposed I might have been flying gracefully onward, even to this day - I am very much obliged obliged to you for our hats, they are beautiful - I always had a weakness for willow plumes. But Mother dear, I am very sorry that you sent me your muff, it was very kind of you, but that squirrel one looks very respectable and I can't bear to think of you without it - If we don't go to Burlington I shall send it back immediately. The vails are beautiful - I have no doubt that my hat will be very becoming to me, but I have not had my hair curled since it came (Saturday evening), and therefore have not tried it on - I am so thankful that you have seen Katie Penfield once more. How I wishthat she could have stayed longer - Many thanks to Mr. Colburn for the agate - How are they all? I received a paper from Carrie a day or two ago, containing a long synopsis of Mr. Ballards Sermon. It looks good but I have had no time to write read it - We also had one from Father this morning. It seems more home like than anything else to see papers around the room - I am very glad that you saw poor little Barbara. Please give my love to her if you ever see her again. I think my Sunday School class in that Mission School gave me more pleasure than any twenty I could teach now. I have no doubt that Helen would have been delighted to accept her invitation to tea, if she could have received it a trifle sooner - Why didn't you telegraph - I do want to see you very much Mother dear, but just think! a third of the time is already gone! I must stop now, for I am some tired and I want to write to Willie - Much love to all - Your daughter Mattie -
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Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin) -- to mother, Oct. 14, 1893:
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Description: VC 1897
Date: October 14, 1893
Text: LAKE MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Mohonk Lake, Ulster Co., New York. A.K. Smiley, Proprietor. Saturday Oct. 14, 1893. My dear mamma, -- I began a letter to you yesterday, but have not yet had time to finish it. You see by the heading that we are not at College, but at Lake Mohonk, twenty, miles from Vassar. We are here on an excursion, that is, the Seniors and Freshmen are. Mr. Thompson, of New York City pays for the College girls to come here every year. It is a perfectly lovely place, up in the...
Show moreLAKE MOHONK MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Mohonk Lake, Ulster Co., New York. A.K. Smiley, Proprietor. Saturday Oct. 14, 1893. My dear mamma, -- I began a letter to you yesterday, but have not yet had time to finish it. You see by the heading that we are not at College, but at Lake Mohonk, twenty, miles from Vassar. We are here on an excursion, that is, the Seniors and Freshmen are. Mr. Thompson, of New York City pays for the College girls to come here every year. It is a perfectly lovely place, up in the Shangankunk (or some- thing like that) Mts. We all rode in carryalls, holding about fifteen apiece. We started from College about half past six this morning, and got here at quarter to twelve. The drive was beautiful. W e wound up the mts. by a very curved road, and when we got almost here, we could look back and see all the country around: hills rising up with their sides covered thick with trees of all colors. I never saw so many colors on trees in all my life, and they were all mixed in together like the colors of that little square patchwork in the front part of our church. It has rained most of the day, but we enjoy it all the same. I will write more particulars about this later. Your loving Adelaide. Adelaide Claflin, '97,Freshman year 1893-4 Roomed in 4C [?] Strong Hall with Rachel C. Schauffler
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Title: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour). Letters, 1865-1866
Creator: Sylvester, Helen (Seymour)
Description: 24 letters from Sylvester to her father, mother, and brother James concerning her experiences at Vassar from 1865-1866. Sylvester references the lectures of President Raymond and other faculty members, the sermons of visiting ministers, meeting Matthew Vassar, and Professor Knapp’s resignation. She briefly describes her room, the Vassar grounds, and the salaries of the Vassar faculty. Sylvester reproaches her family for writing infrequently, reminds them to send her hoop covers, discusses so...
Show more24 letters from Sylvester to her father, mother, and brother James concerning her experiences at Vassar from 1865-1866. Sylvester references the lectures of President Raymond and other faculty members, the sermons of visiting ministers, meeting Matthew Vassar, and Professor Knapp’s resignation. She briefly describes her room, the Vassar grounds, and the salaries of the Vassar faculty. Sylvester reproaches her family for writing infrequently, reminds them to send her hoop covers, discusses social news and visiting arrangements for vacations, and asks after her family’s interactions with the “darkies” (Jan 8 and 28 1866). In a Jan 1866 letter to her father, Sylvester references the unlikelihood of the “colored people” being “reduced to order” and describes an acquaintance’s racist remarks on a concert given by the renowned Black pianist, “Blind Tom.”
VC Spec 1865-1866
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Title: Williams, Ellen -- to parents, Feb. 1866:
Creator: Williams, Ellen
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: February 4, 1866
Text: Albany, Feb. 4th 1866 My Dear Parents. Mary has supplied me with this sheet of paper and I am going to write you a few lines that you may not be disappointed by not receiving your regular letter from me. I should think you would be surprised to receive this letter from Albany did I not know that Mr Cornell is in Ithaca and that he has probably e'er this told you that Mary and I are to be here to-day. We left the College last Friday at five o'clock and Mr H. Cornell met us on the...
Show moreAlbany, Feb. 4th 1866 My Dear Parents. Mary has supplied me with this sheet of paper and I am going to write you a few lines that you may not be disappointed by not receiving your regular letter from me. I should think you would be surprised to receive this letter from Albany did I not know that Mr Cornell is in Ithaca and that he has probably e'er this told you that Mary and I are to be here to-day. We left the College last Friday at five o'clock and Mr H. Cornell met us on the other side of the river so that we got along very nicely. It was quite a surprise to me, my coming. Mary came down Thursday noon, into my room and wished me to go - I thought at first I could not on account of writing my debate, but at last decided that I would try to do that together with my lessonsThursday. I had to work pretty hard on my debate but I succeeded in nearly finishing it I think I can find time for the remainder during the week. It has been delightful weather here for some time past and it has of course added to our enjoyment yesterday and to-day Eva Schuyler called on us yesterday morning and her Father in the evening - They say Eva is very gay. We visited the Captol yesterday and the Agricultural rooms, I think they were, which last were very interesting to me as there was so much connected with my Geology & Zoology. We also took two quite long walks which gave me a chance to see quite a good deal of the city. This morning I went to church withMrs A.B. & Mrs E. Cornell Mary did not feel well enough to go. I enjoyed being in church again very much I assure you. They have a very pleasant place here on the corner across from where the Govenor lives so that I have seen besides that great personage Mrs Fenton's daughter. I do wish you could be here then I should enjoy myself, for I think Albany a verypleasant place and though I have had a very pleasant time I will own that I shall not be sorry to go back to the College again. It makes me so homesick to be here. I know you will laugh at me for saying it but I have not felt so badly for weeks as I have since I have been here. I am almost afraid it is wrong but I cannot help it and I don't think I have shown it at all, of course I would not for anything, but the ride on the cari, Mary's exclamations of delight that she had "got home" all together made me wish I had never left the College if I could not go clear home or at least see my parents. Well you must excuse me I forgot how much I was writing that will not Interest you, but it will serve to show you a little of how much I think of you and how much I want to see you. I received Mother's letter Friday noon before I left - I was so glad for I had been afraid it would not come until Saturday and then I should have to wait until Monday before I could have it. Father* was not written feeling very well when it was written I hope he has entirely recoveredby this time. He must take my last two letters as answers to his and write me as soon as he has time. I enjoy his letters so much. No slight to Mothers which ol course are always interesting. How sad Mrs. Tolfree's death was - What will Sarah & Charlie do? Is Mr Tolfree still in Ithaca? — I am so much interested with aU you can write me about the house it almost makes me wish to be at home when you talk about arranging the plans. How nice it will be when I come home to have it all arranged. I told the girls I supposed I should hardly know the place. Do have as many as possible of the sham windows cut through. When you have to vacate the house will it not be a good time to come & make me a visit I do want so much to see you this Spring. Are you going to send me the money for the next half year which I suppose will have to paid soon? I think I shall have to have a little more for I shall not have very much left when I get back to the College and I should like to keep a little on hand of course for little things. Mary wrote to Julie yesterday and told her she thought she had better come to Vassar anyway for she had no doubt but that she could get in. I added a few lines to the same effect. I shall be very much disappointed if she cannot come. I did not get your letter in time to see Dr. Raymond or I should have done so. I suppose from Julie's letter that her Mother had received an answer to her letter. I think of nothing more at present to say & as I have filled my sheet it must be time I closed. Remember me to all my friends & write soon. From your loving daughter Ellen
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Title: Williams, Ellen -- to parents, Nov. 1865:
Creator: Williams, Ellen
Description: VC Spec 1865-1866
Date: November 19, 1865
Text: Vassar College Nov. 19th 1865 My Dear Parents, It Is now ten o 'clock In the morning and I have just returned from my Bible class with Prof. Tenney. I have a great deal of news to write to you to-day, that is to say a great deal which is different from what I usually write about. I believe that in my last letter I told you that Mrs Bartlett had been here and invited Sarah Atwater and myself there to tea Saturday afternoon We asked Miss Lyman and she said we might go down and spend the...
Show moreVassar College Nov. 19th 1865 My Dear Parents, It Is now ten o 'clock In the morning and I have just returned from my Bible class with Prof. Tenney. I have a great deal of news to write to you to-day, that is to say a great deal which is different from what I usually write about. I believe that in my last letter I told you that Mrs Bartlett had been here and invited Sarah Atwater and myself there to tea Saturday afternoon We asked Miss Lyman and she said we might go down and spend the afternoon but not stay to tea as she did not want us to come home alone in the omnibus alter dark and we would have to leave there at live o'clock. I wrote to Mrs. Bartlett to that effect and the next morning (Sat. mom.) received a letter from Mollie asking 11 it would makeany difference If the visit was postponed until the next Saturday as Mr Bartlett (or rather "Cousin Edward") would be home then and she thought he would be disappointed if I was there when he was away. Of course we gave up all hopes or rather thoughts of our visit for that day and I left all my letter writing etc. for after-noon and we arranged some of our Geological specimens in the morning and I drew for an hour or more. Judge of my surprise then immediatly after dinner on being summoned to the parlor to find Mollie Bartlett. She said she supposed I would think her the most changable girl in the world but they had had a letter from Mr Bartlett saying he would not be back next Saturday so he Aunt wished us to come as at first intended. Mollie had come up with their carriage and would bring us back if Miss Lyman would let us stay until after tea, I asked MUs Lyman and she said she would be very glad to have us go. So Mary Cornell (whom she invited) Sarah Atwater and myself hurriedas fast as ever we could and were soon ready. Mollie had the driver take us quite a long drive past some of the fine residences so that we saw a good deal of Po'keepsie before we went to Mrs. Bartletts. Mrs Bsrtlett and in fact all were so pleasant and the house is a very nice one. You have no idea how perfectly delightful it was to me to be in a "home" again. And when I sat down at the piano in the parlor it brought my own beloved home so vividly before me it seemed as though I could not go back to College again. We had a very nice tea and after that we played games of various kinds. Will Bartlett seems quite young and made himself very agreeable. Henry Bartlett resembles Edward so much that X could hardly believe it was not him. He was very pleasant indeed. During the evening we had nuts and apples which made It more home like than ever. Also Will Bartlett went over to the store and brought back a box of fig paste which was delightful. About half past eight o'clock we prepared with sorrowing hearts to leave after exacting promises from allthat they would come and see us. Mr. Will Bartlett drove and we had quite a gay time coming out When we got to the gate the porter came out & inquired who was there and I told her Vassar College students and she said "all right" and immediatly let us in. It was very dark and raining a little though It had been a beautiful day. We of course bid Mr Will — good bye at the door. He told me just before we drove up to the door that he was having some carriages made in Ithaca and expected to go there soon but I did not have time to find out how much he meant by It. I hope we shall have a chance to return their kindness for it was so good of them to take the trouble to come out after us and bring us back again. Mary and I went and saw Miss Lyman soon after we returned which was about nine o'clock and told her of our safe arrival. She asked us if we had had a nice time and expressed her pleasure for it and then kissed us good-night{ was she not good? Weill I see I have made a long story of my visit and I only hope you will not think I have entered Into too many particulars for it has been almost as pleasant to bring them all before my mind again...letter from Aunt Emily and a short one from Aunt Lucy. They were all well. I have also received letters from Kate and Louise which I will answer as soon as possible but I did not write any letters yesterday I was away so long when I intended to have written, fit you hear any of the girls complaining tell them how it is and try and persuade them to write without waiting for me. And now Z think I have reason to feel a little tired of writing but do try and give me a good return for this which I call quite a letter. Em. has had a letter from her Mother in which she said that she had sent a letter of Introduction to William Johnson for her so she expects him every day. 1 wonder if 1 will see him. Mary and Emily send love With ever so much love from myself Your loving EllenSunday Eve. Mr. Cornell has been here this afternoon and we have had a very pleasant call I sent a kiss to Mother by him be sure that he gives it to you. Mary and Jennie are writing this evening and Emily is is sitting on the floor reading* I am going to try and stop writing on this letter now and write some in my Journal. Good night from (Ellen Douglass Boardman, in German script)
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Title: Adams, Ruth -- to family, Sep. 1902:
Creator: Adams, Ruth
Description
Date: September 24, 1902
Text: I have been to all my recitations at last and I think they are all going to be very interesting. But biology is going to send me into bankruptcy it is so expensive. You should see the list of things necessary. And they are all with prosily the exception of physics going to be very hard. I am to prepare a paper on Tuberculosis for Physiology and Miss Salmon has given us frightful work. R.M.A.Mrs Geo. B. Adams 57 Edgehill Road New Haven Conn.

Title: Houts, Annie -- to John Houts, Jun. 1869:
Creator: Houts (Glidden), Annie
Description: VC 1869
Date: June 04, 1869
Text: Vassar Colleger June 4/69* My dear Brother, yours of May 26th. came duly to hand and I was very glad Indeed to hear from you once more, although the letter was the barrier of such unwelcome news as that you should probably not come. I am very sorry, for I want you with me, and I want you to see the College. I want you to see my friends here* I want you to see Prof. Farrer and Prof. Backus. X know you would be very much pleased with them and Miss Fessenden and Susie W right • but, 1 suppose It...
Show moreVassar Colleger June 4/69* My dear Brother, yours of May 26th. came duly to hand and I was very glad Indeed to hear from you once more, although the letter was the barrier of such unwelcome news as that you should probably not come. I am very sorry, for I want you with me, and I want you to see the College. I want you to see my friends here* I want you to see Prof. Farrer and Prof. Backus. X know you would be very much pleased with them and Miss Fessenden and Susie W right • but, 1 suppose It is unavoidable. I am somewhat perplexed by your mention of some particular, unmentionable reasons why I should steer directly for Portsmouth, after Commencement. I am willing howevar to take such reasons on faith; but will only ask would not the purposes be equally answered If 1 came later in the summer? I find myself in quite an awkward situation in regard to the summer. I want to go to Milwaukee, to Portsmouth and am also desirous of visiting some of my College friends. If this latter is accomplished it must be in the first of the summer. Two of my friends who live in Delaware have Invited three of us from the College to visit them, Just after Commencement. They have had this planned for some time, and it seems too bad to disappoint them all* Then one of my best friends, to whom I have been promlofag a visit these two years, and had thought I would give it this summer, -Sh* lives In Auburn, N.T. and will be away from home the latter part of the summer, so if I visit her at all I must visit her not long after Commencement. 1 wanted too, if possible to go with George and Aunt Mary, for I don't think the little fellow would be happy without her, to some cooler region than Southern Ohio, during the hottest part of the summer. I had hoped perhaps they might come on here in June, and then we might go to New Hampshire or up here in the Catskills for a few weeks* I askec Carlos about it and he was to write me soon about it. Since that time, about a .month ago, I have not heard a word from him. I hope he will come on, any way. Now you see how perplexed I am about the summer, and if you can help me out any, I shall certainly be very much obliged. You and George and Carlos come first. I must visit you, whether I visit anyone else or not. X am 30 glad to hear that George is well, and I hope he may keep his good health during the summer. to partake of a strawberry supper, which one of our number has provided. The road is very pleasant, shaded all the way by splendid, great trees on either side, with beautiful residences all along. and pretty pictures of broad valleys, across the river the Highlands and still farther off the Cat skills, blue in the distance and occasionally a gleam and flash of the river. Last Saturday night the German Department gave an entertainment, all in German* There were scenes from dramas of Schiller and Faust, and from two comedies. I represented Queen Elizabeth in a scene from Schiller's Marie Stuart. Every one was very much pleased with the entertainment. But you must be tired of College news. I wish I could see you, and look at you and hear you talk. It would do me good. Do come if you possibly can. Today is my birthday. Do you realize that I am twenty one? But T must bid you good-bye. Please write me soon again. I hope you are well and will continue so. You have my most earnest prayers and love. Your Sister, Annie. lAnnle (Glidden) Houts, '69 P.S. I sent you a Vassar Transcript ic invitation to Commencement &c. yesterday. The cards for Class Day have not yet come. I will send you one Enclosed find a programme of Commencement week.
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Title: Pease, Julia M. -- to Carrie, Oct. 1874:
Creator: Pease, Julia M
Description: VC 1875
Date: October 16, 1874
Text: Vassar. Oct. 16- 1874. Dear Carrie, Your nice letter was received one day this week with the greatest pleasure. Along with It came the first one I have received from Aunt Juliet. All were well and seem to have had a very good time since our departure. There had been company more or less of the time and I don't believe they missed us more than was natural. Every day this week I have intended to write, but something has prevented- and now I find a very good opportunity, when the house Is...
Show moreVassar. Oct. 16- 1874. Dear Carrie, Your nice letter was received one day this week with the greatest pleasure. Along with It came the first one I have received from Aunt Juliet. All were well and seem to have had a very good time since our departure. There had been company more or less of the time and I don't believe they missed us more than was natural. Every day this week I have intended to write, but something has prevented- and now I find a very good opportunity, when the house Is quiet and the others are at supper. Tuesday of this week. Gov. Din and his staff came to Po'keepsie to review some thousands of the State militia. The fair ground where this took place Is quite near our grounds, so we could hear the music and drumming at times. When the review was over, as had beea previously arranged, the Gen. and Staff came to this building of fame, examined its various parts, and finally took their stand or rather seats on the platform of our modest chapel. Throughout the room were we poor Innocents In our best bib and tucker, arranged In order to be looked at, and feeling very much like Charity children before the examining Committee. And still more so we felt after our President's speech, which was Indirectly an appeal for money. By the way there are not quite 400 here this year, and the Trustees feel some alarm for Vassar's pockets, after the great demand which has been made upon them this summer for improvements - Gen. Dix made a few not very worthy remarks, in which he compared us to a "light brigade", and complimented us on our "appearance" and "discipline", knowing nothing whatever of the latter - Then the show on both sides ended, and we had seen The Governor - I had hoped Uncle would come with them, but unfortunately he did not. Among the members of the stall, was that youth, of whose introduction to myself I told you this summer. I recognised him but of course had no means of letting him knows and he inquired of the teachers for me in vain, but I think Miss Terry might have sent for me, don't you? Today on coming From dinner, Cliffie Loverin and myself, were informed a lady and gent, from Teams were in the parlor and would like to see us. they proved to be Gen. Waul and wife from Galveston. He It seems has something to do with education In the state, and so wished to see Vassar, and finding there were Texans hare inquired for us - He had met Clifford before, and myself also he said, when I was small, but would have recognised me "from my resemblance to my lather". We were with them some hours, showing them about.They then left for New York, wishing to be remembered to the home people. The "klelne Allen" as we call her, or rather the Texas girl has left I believe. Her examinations were not very creditable, and therefore she left, I presume, for I really do not knows no one has hoard from her since she left Saturday to stay with her mother in town until Monday - Have begun Music lessons, and find that I have not lost quite as much as I feared, although yet a good deal - Miss Kapp, our German teacher says that shehas heard of a very good German school somewhere in Texas kept by two ladies. I think it is the one in Austin, and intended to write you the names and see if it is the same, but unfortunately I have forgotten them, Please do you send me their names very plainly written, because if they are the ones of whom Miss Kapp has heard, she desires her love sent, although she has never seen them - I am sitting now for a week or two at the German Table and enjoy myself quite well, German is now pretty hard as we have to write in German and tracts of the stories we read und das 1st nicht leicht su tun. Do write me often such a good long letter on your last, for they are the next best thing to seeing you in the flesh - With much love to all - Julie.
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Title: Taylor, Lea D. -- to mother, Nov. 21, 1900:
Creator: Taylor, Lea D.
Description: VC 1904
Date: November 21, 1900
Text: Tuesday evening. [Nov. 21, 1900] Dear mama— I just received your letter this morning and will hurry to answer it, though this will hardly be long enough to be considered a letter I'm afraid. First for my measurements. From just below just the band to the floor in front is 40.5/8 inches. In the back it is 42 inches. My waist measure is just 23. That Is all you asked for, is it not. I think that a brown chinot will be very pretty. I think I would like it fully as long as the blue which is...
Show moreTuesday evening. [Nov. 21, 1900] Dear mama— I just received your letter this morning and will hurry to answer it, though this will hardly be long enough to be considered a letter I'm afraid. First for my measurements. From just below just the band to the floor in front is 40.5/8 inches. In the back it is 42 inches. My waist measure is just 23. That Is all you asked for, is it not. I think that a brown chinot will be very pretty. I think I would like it fully as long as the blue which is 39 1/2 In front. I haven't gotten any shoes yet. I think I can wear my low ones a little longer. I shall have to get gymnasium shoes however and I think they will cost about $ 1.50 - If I get goad durable ones - & Miss Ballintine seems to think It will pay to get them. The common rubber soled tennis slippers wear out quickly she says. I have just today had to break into my $10 check, so I hardly think I will need any more before Thanksgiving. I had a letter from Aunt Mame this morning tailing me about trains. If I could only leave at 1.50 I would get there at 3.00 o'clock. But I have an afternoon recitation - so I cant leave until 3.55 and then have to go to Hudson and go from there to Catskill. They are very strict about letting you out of a recitation before a vacation - so I dont think I shall try to get out. Today started off so nicely for I got five letters - really six counting both yours and papas - one from Graham, Aunt Mame Julia Genos & a postal from Aunt Kate. Than besides that I got that set of photographs of the cottage & the house which Graham promised me. Julia didn't say much of anything except that she was working hard. Went to Mrs. Hills to dinner last night & had fine dinner - Mrs. Hill is vary wealthy - and everything was served in style - This was the menu — Oysters on the half shell Crackers & celery Bouillion with whipped cream Turkey Mashed Potatoes Peas Cranberry sauce Olives- Rolls. Ice cream Chocolate cake Coffee- Candy- Wasn't that a feast, a regular Thanksgiving dinner. Two of the Miss Woodwards were there to meet us. They seem like very nice people. One was about my age - the other about Helen's. They are coming up to call. They said that Mrs. Barry wanted me to come and see her as she was not able to get around very much - but was coming up sometime. Mr. Hill is a funny little man - with black hair and a hook nose. He seemed quite nice. Altogether we had a very nice time of it. You dont know how anxious I am for Thanksgiving to come - Just think next week at this time I shall be in Catskill - how I wish it were Chicago - but then Catskill is better than staying here over vacation - by a great deal- Now I must stop and get some of my studying done— Oh - Gym commenced today & I think I shall like it very much - but it takes so much time - though really only an hour - yet it breaks in But I must really stop - though I have lots more I could say- So good night mother - dear- Give my love to all & keep lots for yourself- From your loving - Lea- [Lea D. Taylor, '04] I will send the gloves with this letter.
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Title: Thompson, Addie -- to parents, Nov. 1875:
Creator: Thompson (Adda), Addie
Description: VC Prep 1875-1876
Date: November 28, 1875
Text: Vassar Not. 28, 1675 Sunday. 5 p.m. My dear father and Mother, Here I am again writing you from school, and since I last wrote have seen you. It does seem as though I was never so happy as while I was at Saratoga. Did you receive my postal? I did not have an opportunity to mail it at the depot and so gave it to a man on the car to mail for me. I changed at Troy. The car was there for passengers to get right in but it did not start in over half an hour. Had to change again at Greenbush and...
Show moreVassar Not. 28, 1675 Sunday. 5 p.m. My dear father and Mother, Here I am again writing you from school, and since I last wrote have seen you. It does seem as though I was never so happy as while I was at Saratoga. Did you receive my postal? I did not have an opportunity to mail it at the depot and so gave it to a man on the car to mail for me. I changed at Troy. The car was there for passengers to get right in but it did not start in over half an hour. Had to change again at Greenbush and wait some fifteen minutes for the train. It rained hard all the time and I was so lonesomeI could hardly keep from crying. There was an old gentleman acquainted with one of the girls here that I sat with from G and he carried my baggage for me from the cars across the depot into the street car and so I could not wait to mail the postal. Do not know how I could have gotten along without his assistance it rained so hard, I wished myself back in Saratoga all the time I was riding out to the college. It rained harder than ever when I got I here, and I would have been soaking if I had not had an umbrella. When I got into the hall the janitor saw me and carried my baggage up for me, or I do not know how I could ever have gotten up with it, it was so heavy. Thegirls think my dress is lovely and well they may. Got here about half an hour before supper. Went down, but was too lonesome to eat hardly anything. Helen went over to the Gymnasium to see them dance and I regulated my bureau drawers and folded my dress and laid it in the bottom part of my trunk, then I got all ready for bed. I had plenty of lessons to get for the next day and worried over them but was so homesick I could not study. I kept up as long as I could and then gave up and cried as hard as I could for about an hour. Saturday morning I felt pretty bad, but got through my lessons very well. I wished when I got back here I had not gone away at all. I was so homesickbut now do not feel so, as I am all over it and shall be more contented than though I had not gone at all. Hope I won't be homesick, but presume I shall after you leave me. We had a splendid dinner to-day; cold turkey, potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, celery, pickles, dressing and gravy, mince- pie, cheese, and apples. Just wrote a letter to Ben, and while I was writing Nellie Preston came in and said she would write a note to him so wrote, "Having become acquainted with you through your picture, almost feel as though I know you through Addie---- Addie's friend, Nellie." Wonder what he will say. I am tired out studying. I do not want to drop my French and yet we go so fast do not learn much, and I want to take music lessons. I don't know what to do. Dr. Webster says the girls are studying all together toohard and so they have fitted up that room, where we went to see Miss Terry, with easy chairs, tables, plants and games of all kinds. But what is the use of their doing all that when our lessons are so hard and we have to study just so much and then can not half learn them. I do not have any time to spend in the reading-room, library or art- gallery. I am afraid they will not allow me to have but two studies and music as that is something only allowed pupils very far advanced in music to do. Prof Raymond preached to-day in Law, and said when we studied so hard and did not take recreation and sufficient excercise we were weakening our mind and violating law. I am not doing as much as many cf the girls and do not understand why it is so hard for me. I have always been able to do as much as any of the girls &sometimes more studying and it never hurt me, but here it seems as though I can not do as much as when I was at home. My head gets so tired I can not study. I have worn my plumbcolored all day to- day. Do not care for dress here, but I tell you I am glad I have got my silk far Friday night. The girls will dress so elegantly. Have bought my collation-ticket. It was $.50 and gives me my supper, the excercises in the chapel are free. There is no school all day you know. If Ben was in Troy it would be very nice. The girls can and do invite young gentlemen. Most of the girls invite some gentleman I will write some more tomorrow. Good night dear papa and mama. Do not think I am homesick now, but I do wish I was with you.Tuesday afternoon. I believe you said you would be in S_ to-morrow, so will finish up this letter and send it to-day. It is very cold here, the wind blows hard all the time and it seems colder than it does in Winona. I have had my lessons pretty well since I came back for I have studied easier than befor I went, I do not have a spare moment though. Ma, I think you better leave that silk handerchief with me, for I want it for every day and you get a new one. Give my love to Aunt Sarah, Archie, Uncle Hiram and all the friends. I find those mittens just the thing. Write very soon and tell me about your visits Your affectionate daughter How about the cloak? Addie Thompson
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Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Father, 8 October 1901
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 8 October 1901

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, 7 March 1904
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: 7 March 1904

Title: Shipp, Margaret M. -- to Sister, circa 10 February 1905
Creator: Shipp, Margaret M.
Description: VC 1905
Date: circa 10 February 1905

Title: McGraw, Maria (Dickinson). Letters, 1866-1867
Creator: McGraw, Maria (Dickinson)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from McGraw to her [future] husband Thomas S. McGraw, 1 from McGraw to her friends Harriette Warner, Helen Warner, and Martha Warner. The letter to her future husband includes details about Commencement, most notably her winning the Salutatory. She also describes a photographer on campus and details about faculty. To her friends, McGraw writes about Christmas, her social life, and a sleigh ride.
VC 1867

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