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Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1913-1914
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband).
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Date: February 5, 1913 - March 12, 1915

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1913-1914
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: February 5, 1913 - March 12, 1915

Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1911-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband). This volume covers French’s second year, including acting in the Philalethean Society’s production of “Beau Brummel,” serving on the Committee on Table Seating, being selected for the Daisy Chain, hosting a coed “house party,” her debut, attending dances with male friends, academics at Vassar, participating in a friend’s wedding, and her anxieties about attending college while her home friends are getting married. The scrapbook also gives a detailed account of blackface and a minstrel show at the Sophomore Party, including newspaper coverage, her descriptions in letters to her family, a poster for the event, and photographs of participating students (also see a program for the Good Fellowship Club performing a minstrel show in her scrapbook from 1912-1913 on page 36).
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Date: c. September 1911 - August 12, 1912

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1911-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full page-level scrapbook, without inclusions, for easy download and browsing.
Date: c. September 1911 - August 12, 1912

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1911-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: c. September 1911 - August 12, 1912

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full page-level scrapbook, without inclusions, for easy download and browsing.
Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full page-level scrapbook, without inclusions, for easy download and browsing.
Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Elizabeth French Babbott 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Full page-level scrapbook, without inclusions, for easy download and browsing.
Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband). This volume covers French’s first year, including Vassar freshman traditions, forming her friend group, acting in the Philalethean Society’s Fourth Hall Play (“The Taming of the Shrew”), participating in the Students’ Association’s Self-Government Committee, feelings about attending Vassar, her relationship with her family, hosting male friends at her home in New Jersey, adjusting to dorm life and furnishing her room, and stress about her academics.
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Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband). This volume covers French’s first year, including Vassar freshman traditions, forming her friend group, acting in the Philalethean Society’s Fourth Hall Play (“The Taming of the Shrew”), participating in the Students’ Association’s Self-Government Committee, feelings about attending Vassar, her relationship with her family, hosting male friends at her home in New Jersey, adjusting to dorm life and furnishing her room, and stress about her academics.
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Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband). This volume covers French’s first year, including Vassar freshman traditions, forming her friend group, acting in the Philalethean Society’s Fourth Hall Play (“The Taming of the Shrew”), participating in the Students’ Association’s Self-Government Committee, feelings about attending Vassar, her relationship with her family, hosting male friends at her home in New Jersey, adjusting to dorm life and furnishing her room, and stress about her academics.
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Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Babbott, Elizabeth (French). Scrapbook, 1910-1912
Creator: Babbott, Elizabeth (French)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials...
Show moreVC 1914
Elizabeth (French) Babbott was an avid scrapbooker, and created thorough volumes for each of her four years at Vassar, from 1910 through 1914. She preserved voluminous correspondence with her family, particularly her mother, father, and maternal grandmother. Her letters are expressive and affectionate, narrating her life at Vassar in detail. Throughout her time at Vassar, French was involved in the Christian Association, Students’ Association, and Philalethean Society, saving materials related to her activities. French was a theater enthusiast and included programs from concerts and plays she attended, both on and off campus. French also documents her academics, stays in the infirmary, and experiences living in North Hall [Milo Jewett House]. She describes participating in Vassar traditions, including Founder’s Day, Commencement, Class Day, Daisy Chain, Mohonk trips, the Senior Parlor, Sophomore and Junior parties, and bonding with 1916’s sister classes. She enjoyed close relationships with administrators, particularly Isabel Nelson Tillinghast (Assistant to the Lady Principal and VC 1878), Lady Principal Kendrick, and President James M. Taylor and his family. French led an active social life, with close knit groups of friends at Vassar and at home. She recounts their exploits in correspondence with friends and family, as well as including dance cards, valentines, place cards, invitations, and newspaper coverage of debuts, engagements, and weddings. French also details her interactions with young men (attending football games and parties at Yale, Princeton, and Amherst, inviting male guests to Vassar, throwing coed “house parties” at her home in New Jersey, describing her and friends’ negotiating romantic relationships) and saved her correspondence with male friends (including her future husband). This volume covers French’s first year, including Vassar freshman traditions, forming her friend group, acting in the Philalethean Society’s Fourth Hall Play (“The Taming of the Shrew”), participating in the Students’ Association’s Self-Government Committee, feelings about attending Vassar, her relationship with her family, hosting male friends at her home in New Jersey, adjusting to dorm life and furnishing her room, and stress about her academics.
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Date: August 12, 1910 - June 22, 1912

Title: Hawes, Edith K. Letter, 1904
Creator: Hawes, Edith K.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, from Hawes to her sick friend Ruth M. Adams. Hawes discusses history class, minor events on campus, and a lecture in the chapel.
Date: 1904

Title: Caroline Barnes Ross 1901-1905
Creator: Ross, Caroline (Barnes)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1905
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: c. September 1901 - July 20, 1906

Title: Ross, Caroline (Barnes). Scrapbook, 1901-1905
Creator: Ross, Caroline (Barnes)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1905
This scrapbook covers Caroline (Barnes) Ross’ four years at Vassar, from 1901 to 1905. She included documents from campus events (such as the Sophomore Party, Mohonk trip, Dome Party, commencement, Class Day, Founder’s Day, debates, opening the Senior Parlor, and the dedication of the Chapel), plays (particularly by the Philalethean Society), concerts, academics and examinations, and her social life both on and off campus (dance cards, place cards, and invitations). Barnes was popular ...
Show moreVC 1905
This scrapbook covers Caroline (Barnes) Ross’ four years at Vassar, from 1901 to 1905. She included documents from campus events (such as the Sophomore Party, Mohonk trip, Dome Party, commencement, Class Day, Founder’s Day, debates, opening the Senior Parlor, and the dedication of the Chapel), plays (particularly by the Philalethean Society), concerts, academics and examinations, and her social life both on and off campus (dance cards, place cards, and invitations). Barnes was popular at Vassar and preserved notes, poems, and valentines sent among her friends, as well as their correspondence during her stays in the Infirmary and a medical leave. She participated in the Christian Association and included programs from their receptions, prayer meetings, and courses in Bible Study and Mission Study. Barnes’ mother also attended Vassar [Lucy (Sellers) Barnes (VC 1875)] and Barnes was active in the V. C. Granddaughters Society. She was a talented athlete, serving as president of the Athletic Association during her senior year, and saved newspaper clippings about her breaking campus records. She provided information about the annual tennis tournament, class basketball teams, and Field Day, such as programs and coverage by external newspapers.
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Date: c. September 1901 - July 20, 1906

Title: Hollingworth, Ruth (Mann). Letter, 1895
Creator: Hollingsworth, Ruth (Mann)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Hollingworth to her friend Alice M. Howland. The letter begins with a description of dinner at Strong Hall. She resumes with details about the end of the year, including campus preparations and decorations, a Baccalaureate service, Class Day, a burial service, a concert by the Glee Club, Commencement Exercises, and Alumnae luncheon. She also describes her journey home to New York and the results of final exams.
VC 1896
Date: 1895

Title: Stockton, Madeleine (Traver). Letter, [Feb. 1894?]
Creator: Stockton, Madeleine (Traver)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter recipient unknown. Stockton describes her Latin, Greek, Mathematics, and English classes along with her opinions of each professor, and asks for a specific book for her Greek class. Stockton writes positively about the girls she is meeting and her friendships. She also discusses auditioning for the Glee Club.
Date: [Feb. 1894?]

Title: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin). Scrapbook, 1893-1897
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1897
This scrapbook covers Adelaide (Claflin) Mansfield’s years at Vassar, from 1893 through 1897. She provided materials about Vassar traditions such as Thanksgiving, Founder’s Day, the Sophomore Party, the Senior Parlor, Halloween, Trig Ceremonies, Tree Ceremonies, Commencement, Field Day, the Mohonk trip, Junior-Senior Excursions, Class Day, and songs for a variety of occasions. She also described protests over the College’s decision to stop giving Washington’s Birthday as a holiday. Cla...
Show moreVC 1897
This scrapbook covers Adelaide (Claflin) Mansfield’s years at Vassar, from 1893 through 1897. She provided materials about Vassar traditions such as Thanksgiving, Founder’s Day, the Sophomore Party, the Senior Parlor, Halloween, Trig Ceremonies, Tree Ceremonies, Commencement, Field Day, the Mohonk trip, Junior-Senior Excursions, Class Day, and songs for a variety of occasions. She also described protests over the College’s decision to stop giving Washington’s Birthday as a holiday. Claflin pasted photographs of campus into the volume as well. During her time at Vassar, Claflin participated in the Young Women’s Christian Association (saving documents from prayer meetings, receptions, and attending the Convention of the Young Women's Christian Association of the State of New York in 1895) and the VC Teachers’ Club, debated for T. and M., and enjoyed student athletics like basketball and the annual tennis tournament. She also included programs from plays and concerts on and off campus, including by the Philalethean Society, Exoteric Society, and Glee Club. Claflin preserved memories of her social life at Vassar, such as visiting cards, invitations, place cards, poems, valentines and correspondence from friends, and friends’ wedding announcements (the end of the scrapbook lists some engagements, marriages, births, and deaths for her class). She also saved receipts for board and tuition, laundry, and her subscription to the Miscellany. In terms of her academics at Vassar, Claflin kept examinations, notes, and her class schedules. She included some correspondence with librarians, professors (such as Susan B. Franklin, Lucy Maynard Salmon, and Abby Leach), and Lady Principal Kendrick. She transcribed a lecture on rhetoric by Professor Manuel J. Drennan as well. Claflin also depicted Vassar’s political climate during the presidential election of 1896.
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Date: c. September 1893 - November 27, 1901

Title: Adelaide Claflin Mansfield 1893-1897
Creator: Mansfield, Adelaide (Claflin)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1897
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: c. September 1893 - November 27, 1901

Title: Faust, Frances (Patterson). Letter, 1888
Creator: Faust, Frances (Patterson)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Faust to her brother George M. Patterson. Faust relates her participation in a play, which was deemed "immoral" by a faculty member and had to be rewritten by the cast before they performed. She also describes a spelling competition between the class societies of 1888 and 1889. She concludes with an anecdote about her friend receiving flowers from a male suitor.
Date: 1888

Title: Strong, Eliza (McCreery). Letter, [1888]
Creator: Strong, Eliza (McCreery)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Strong to her brother. She describes the Great Blizzard of 1888, including the college's lack of provisions and professors' inability to hold classes. Strong also includes measurements of the snowfall, its impact on the grounds, and the novelty of cutting paths through the drifts on campus as well as sightseeing in sleighs.
Date: [1888]

Title: Jeanne Janish Russell and Lucile Russell Cross 1887-1938
Creator: Russell, Lucile (Cross), Janish, Jeanne (Russell)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1896; VC 1924
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: June 3, 1887 - March 1, 1938

Title: Janish, Jeanne (Russell) and Lucile (Cross) Russell. Scrapbook, 1887-1938
Creator: Russell, Lucile (Cross), Janish, Jeanne (Russell)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1896; VC 1924
This scrapbook contains materials from two alumnae: Lucile (Cross) Russell and her daughter Jeanne (Russell) Janish. Cross’ portion covers her high school education in Fairbury, Nebraska from 1887 to 1889, several years at the Jacksonville Female Academy (in Jacksonville, Illinois) through May 1892, and her four years at Vassar through her graduation with the class of 1896. During her time at Vassar, Cross saved concert programs (off-campus and by the Vassar Department of Musi...
Show moreVC 1896; VC 1924
This scrapbook contains materials from two alumnae: Lucile (Cross) Russell and her daughter Jeanne (Russell) Janish. Cross’ portion covers her high school education in Fairbury, Nebraska from 1887 to 1889, several years at the Jacksonville Female Academy (in Jacksonville, Illinois) through May 1892, and her four years at Vassar through her graduation with the class of 1896. During her time at Vassar, Cross saved concert programs (off-campus and by the Vassar Department of Music), theater programs (off-campus and by the Philalethean Society), a few pieces of correspondence with friends, songs, forms from the college, some academic materials, several photographs, and documents from traditions (including Trig Ceremonies, Founder’s Day, Class Day, Commencement, a class reunion, and Thanksgiving). Russell’s section of the scrapbook mainly covers her four years at Vassar from 1920 through 1924, beginning with documents from traditional freshman activities. Other traditions mentioned include the Mohonk trip, Junior Party, Halloween, Founder’s Day, Tree Ceremonies, Commencement, the Junior-Sophomore Debate, and the Daisy Chain. Russell preserved programs from plays and concerts, including some by the Philalethean Society and the Glee Club. During her time at Vassar, Russell participated in the Choir and saved a variety of materials from her experience. She was also a member of VC Granddaughters and served as a fire captain in both Olivia Josselyn House and Main. The end of the scrapbook relates to her joining Phi Beta Kappa, graduation from Vassar, and acceptance to study geology at Stanford University (she would be the first woman at Stanford to graduate with a master’s in the field).
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Date: June 3, 1887 - March 1, 1938

Title: Anne Southworth Wyman 1878-1882
Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1882
Full scrapbook for easy download and browsing.
Date: c. September 1878 - June 10, 1932

Title: Wyman, Anne (Southworth). Scrapbook, 1878-1882
Creator: Wyman, Anne (Southworth)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: VC 1882
This scrapbook is primarily devoted to Anne (Southworth) Wyman’s four years at Vassar between 1878 and 1882, but also covers some of her experience as an alumna. Southworth documents Vassar traditions including Thanksgiving, Trig Ceremonies, Founder’s Day, Class Day, Tree Ceremonies, Senior Auction, Dome Parties, Junior-Senior Excursions, Commencement, and Washington’s Birthday. She preserves programs from concerts (such as those by the Vassar School of Music) and plays (including by t...
Show moreVC 1882
This scrapbook is primarily devoted to Anne (Southworth) Wyman’s four years at Vassar between 1878 and 1882, but also covers some of her experience as an alumna. Southworth documents Vassar traditions including Thanksgiving, Trig Ceremonies, Founder’s Day, Class Day, Tree Ceremonies, Senior Auction, Dome Parties, Junior-Senior Excursions, Commencement, and Washington’s Birthday. She preserves programs from concerts (such as those by the Vassar School of Music) and plays (including by the Exoteric and Philalethean Societies). Southworth also participates in Clio and the Livy Club. She includes academic materials, such as examinations and astronomy notes. She preserves correspondence, poems, and jokes with her friends at Vassar, some of which reference Southworth’s desire to pursue a career in law. Southworth also saves invitations, place cards, wedding invitations and announcements of Vassar students, and news clippings about events at Vassar. She includes her correspondence with two Japanese students--mainly Sutematsu “Stematz” Yamakawa (VC 1882) but also with Shige Nagai (VC Spec [Music] 1878-1881)--and references them to others. For example, Vassar librarian Fanny Borden wrote to her about an exhibition on Sutematsu Yamakawa in 1932 [see page 9]. Southworth also includes materials from professors (such as Maria Mitchell) and Lady Principal Julia A. Ray.
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Date: c. September 1878 - June 10, 1932

Title: Noyes, Emma (Hartman). Letter, n.d.
Creator: Noyes, Emma (Hartman), Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Noyes to H. Rachel Swan. Noyes explains that due to attending a concert at Bull's Head the night before, she is choosing not to attend her classes. She asks Swan to bring her notes from physiology class.
Date: [Sept. 1876-Jun. 1880]

Title: Robinson, Mary B. Letter, 1872
Creator: Robinson, Mary B.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Robinson to Pres John H. Raymond, including a brief reply. Robinson inquires about adding a class, but Raymond does not allow it.
Date: 1872

Title: Moore, Felicia E. Letter, 1870
Creator: Moore, Felicia E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Moore to her sister. Moore gives a detailed description of Thanksgiving dinner at Vassar, which included both students and faculty. In particular, she focuses on the fashion, the food, and the setting of the dinner. She also lists a number of arts performances given that week, including several Shakespeare readings and a Stereopticon.
Date: 1870

Title: Fogg, Annie. Letter, 1870
Creator: Fogg, Annie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Fogg to "friend Annie." Fogg describes her entrance examinations for Vassar, along with her settling in at the college.
Date: 1870

Title: Barus, Annie Howes. Letter, 1869
Creator: Barus, Annie Howes
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Barus to Edith. Includes detailed descriptions of her entrance examinations, housing situations and furnishings, roommates, daily routine, meals, and classes. Also relates an account of her meeting the president to be accepted after the examination.
Date: 1869

Title: Ladd-Franklin, Christine. Letter, 1869
Creator: Ladd-Franklin, Christine
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Ladd-Franklin to May Harry. Ladd-Franklin describes getting her teeth filled, writing an essay for Commencement Day, and an accident with the gas that almost caused an explosion.
Date: 1869

Title: Taylor, Kate (Huntington). Letter, 1869
Creator: Taylor, Kate (Huntington)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Taylor to Sue, relationship unknown. She describes her frustration with Miss Lyman, who is immoveable when in opposition to students (unlike more malleable faculty like Dr. Raymond) and will not allow her to drop Latin and take German instead. Miss Lyman also prevents her from walking to a church service in Poughkeepsie (Taylor took an omnibus instead). Taylor is too afraid of Miss Lyman to accept an offer to stay with acquaintances she sees at church for that night, but instead...
Show more1 letter from Taylor to Sue, relationship unknown. She describes her frustration with Miss Lyman, who is immoveable when in opposition to students (unlike more malleable faculty like Dr. Raymond) and will not allow her to drop Latin and take German instead. Miss Lyman also prevents her from walking to a church service in Poughkeepsie (Taylor took an omnibus instead). Taylor is too afraid of Miss Lyman to accept an offer to stay with acquaintances she sees at church for that night, but instead decides to make the visit the following week on Washington's birthday (a holiday).
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Date: 1869

Title: Slocum, Harriet (Palmer). Letter, 1869
Creator: Slocum, Harriet (Palmer)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Slocum to Mollie (Mary) A. Parker. Slocum describes her activities during an unexpected vacation granted to the students. For one day, she and twelve other students proposed a trip to West Point with a professor, but Miss Lyman forbid them to go as the trustees would not approve and the girls' names might be published in the paper. She reports on her friends' lives in detail and briefly mentions Founder's Day. She also discusses Mr. Mitchell's death, its impact on the Vassar com...
Show more1 letter from Slocum to Mollie (Mary) A. Parker. Slocum describes her activities during an unexpected vacation granted to the students. For one day, she and twelve other students proposed a trip to West Point with a professor, but Miss Lyman forbid them to go as the trustees would not approve and the girls' names might be published in the paper. She reports on her friends' lives in detail and briefly mentions Founder's Day. She also discusses Mr. Mitchell's death, its impact on the Vassar community, and Matthew Vassar's legacy from the perspective of the students.
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Date: 1869

Title: Chase, Almira (Cowles). Letter, 1868
Creator: Chase, Almira (Cowles)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Chase to her mother. She describes a walk with a teacher and six other girls (all wearing "gymnastics dresses"). She also relates information about her health and discusses possibly bringing a friend home with her over Christmas vacation. She attaches an article in the Eagle by president Raymond calming fears of a typhoid epidemic at Vassar.
Date: 1868

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: Sawyer, Kitty. Letter, 1866
Creator: Sawyer, Kitty
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Sawyer to Belle Greene Sawyer. A short letter saying goodbye to Belle, who is going home while Kitty remains at Vassar.
Date: 1866

Title: G., Nellie. Letter, 1866
Creator: G., Nellie
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Nellie G. to Isabel Treadwell Towne. Nellie G. reflects on Towne's absence from Vassar as well as other friends who did not return, expressing her loneliness. Nellie also shares concerns about her own health. She relates news from Vassar, including information about their friends' housing, events for the new students, and Miss Hanah Lyman.
Date: 1866

Title: Cornell, Mary Emma. Letter, 1866
Creator: Cornell, Mary Emma
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Cornell to her father. She asks for information about a men's college that her father is involved with. She gives a detailed and favorable impression of the morality of Vassar, concluding that most of the students are Christian and become closer to their faith during their time at the college. She also describes the importance of her Christianity and her own growing connection with religion. Cornell relates an accident with the scaffolding of the Gymnasium, badly injuring four w...
Show more1 letter from Cornell to her father. She asks for information about a men's college that her father is involved with. She gives a detailed and favorable impression of the morality of Vassar, concluding that most of the students are Christian and become closer to their faith during their time at the college. She also describes the importance of her Christianity and her own growing connection with religion. Cornell relates an accident with the scaffolding of the Gymnasium, badly injuring four workers.
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Date: 1866

Title: Camp, Annetta Hortense. Letter, 1866
Creator: Camp, Annetta Hortense
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Camp to her friend Abigail L. Slade (VC Spec 1866-1867) including gossip about their social set, as well as happenings at the college.
Date: 1866

Title: Houts, Annie (Glidden). Letters, 1866-1874
Creator: Houts, Annie (Glidden)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from classmates Abby F. Goodsell and [Emma], 2 letters from Houts to her fiancé Frank, and 27 letters from Houts to her brother John Glidden. Houts' letters to her brother include discussions of extracurriculars (e.g. her participation in a baseball club and drama productions), Founder's Day, Commencement, academics and lectures (e.g. history, chemistry, German, calculus, astronomy, physical education etc.), her perspective on her time at Vassar and paths for her life after Vassar (e...
Show more1 letter from classmates Abby F. Goodsell and [Emma], 2 letters from Houts to her fiancé Frank, and 27 letters from Houts to her brother John Glidden. Houts' letters to her brother include discussions of extracurriculars (e.g. her participation in a baseball club and drama productions), Founder's Day, Commencement, academics and lectures (e.g. history, chemistry, German, calculus, astronomy, physical education etc.), her perspective on her time at Vassar and paths for her life after Vassar (e.g. teaching), detailed discussions of family life such as the death of their parents and conflict with her brother over his character and debts. She also writes about religion at Vassar. See the December 1866 for a summary of sermons throughout her correspondence. In her later letters to Frank, Houts discusses a visit back to Vassar including events like a party thrown by the Lady Principal and Maria Mitchell's annual Dome Party.
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Date: 1866-1874

Title: Neef, Nora. Letter, 1866
Creator: Neef, Nora
Description: 1 letter from Neef to Abbie Farwell (VC 1872). Neef discusses the death of a mutual acquaintance, explains her busy academic schedule, and discusses news from friends and family (particularly regarding cholera).
Date: 1866

Title: Fales, Helen Augusta -- to "dear Aunt Susan," Nov. 18, 1865 [TS]
Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter, from Fales to “dear Aunt Susan.” Fales complains about Vassar’s strictness, particularly compared to the freedom afforded to students at men’s colleges. She gives a detailed account of the faculty and staff at Vassar, including Dr. Raymond and Miss Lyman. She explains how meals are conducted and the food that is served. She also describes housing, the different areas of Main building, and the furnishings.
Date: November 18, 1865
Text: Vassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this...
Show moreVassar College Poughkeepsie Nov. 18 th 1865 My dear Aunt Susan, As you well know how little 1 have been away from home, and the little acquaintance X have with school life, you can realise somewhat, how very strange all seems to me here. All duties must be performed at the specified time. Walks are restricted to certain limits, and 'thus far, but no farther" the rule of college life. Young men's college life is much freer, than this, they are not so bound and fettered by this and that rule. I would like to know if young ladies cant be relied upon, as well as young gentlemen. But notwithstanding all this, life here is pleasant and improving, though one is not exempt from the "blues", by any means, occasionally. The parlors and bedrooms are very pleasant, affording us a far greater degree of privacy, than is usually enjoyed at boarding schools, these rooms may be made to look as homelike as one desires, with pictures, plants, rocking chairs and so on, and some look very prettily. The preaident. Dr. Raymond has a family, who live entirely apart from the school family. He has three daughters aad a son, the eldest daughter is twenty-two or three. Then there are three professors with families, each keeping house too, and having little children of various ages. Besides these there are other professors, and all the assistant teachers, who eat with the scholars. Then there are the housekeeper, and steward, carpenter and about sixty servants. This may give you some ideaof the great number of people under one roof. The chapel and dining room are in the central part of the building. An organ is now being put up in the chapel, quite a large one. The aisles and platform are carpeted, and the seats furnished with magenta cushions. There are twenty-five or thirty tables in the dining hall, each seating thirteen persons, and a teacher presiding at each, as far as the number will go. The bell strikes for any meal, we go and stand behind our chairs. Miss Lyman gives the signal for sitting, by doing so herself. She sits at the head of the first central table. Then when quiet reigns, she strikes a bell for a moment's silent prayer, and eating follows. From breakfast we may be excused at any time, but not from dinner or tea, we usually sit at those meals forty or forty-five minutes. We have very good bread generally, biscuit, coffee and tea, remarkably nice milk, corn bread sometimes, usually meat and potatoes for breakfast, and soup and meat, or meat and pudding or pie for dinner. Good butter and white sugar are freely supplied, and as you may Judge, used. So much for eating. I said something about teachers in Aunt E's letter. Miss Lyman, our Lady Principal, is a lady in every sense of that word, and earnestly seeks the welfare of those com- mitted to her care. She dresses a great deal, wears grey curls each side of her face, and white caps more than black, trimmed with bright colors and ends each side either of ribbon or lace trimmed. Mrs. Medcalf anassistant taacher here taught with Prof. George Fisher in Worcester about fourteen years ago and sends her love and regards to him if you think worth while deliver them to his sister. X dont know her maiden name. Walter and I can compare notes In regard to college life. The end of my sheet brings me to the end of my letter. Is the baby named? What are the people doing In Wrentham. X s the Episcopal church flourishing. Mrs. Vassar was dressed In black not In mourning wore a white straw trimmed with black. It is a lovely day. Do write soon to me auntie please and with much love to all X am Yours affectionately, Augusta This blot came auntie since my letter was finished and In some mysterious manner please excuse it.
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Title: Fales, Helen Augusta. Letter, 1865
Creator: Fales, Helen Augusta
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Fales to "dear Aunt Susan." Fales complains about Vassar's strictness, particularly compared to the freedom afforded to students at men's colleges. She gives a detailed account of the faculty and staff at Vassar, including Dr. Raymond and Miss Lyman. She explains how meals are conducted and the food that is served. She also describes housing, the different areas of Main building, and the furnishings.
Date: 1865 [TS]

Title: Gaston, Mary E. Letters, 1874-1878
Creator: Gaston, Mary E.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 17 letters from Gaston to her mother. She describes academics and examinations, fashion (including the gymnastics suits) and shopping, religious life, faculty, and housing. Regarding her social life, she relates a freshman-sophomore dance, the Philalethean Society performing The Merchant of Venice and other Shakespeare productions, and concerts by the Cecilia Society. She also includes descriptions of numerous lectures on campus. She mentions the departure of Lady Principal Terry.
Date: 1865

Title: Warner, Martha S. Letters, 1865-1868
Creator: Warner, Martha S.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Warner to her sister Helen Warner, 1 letter to Soror, 7 letters to her brother Will, 2 letters to her father, 60 letters to her mother, 1 letter to both parents, 11 letters to her sister. She writes about her academics (including astronomy, gymnastics, botany, and archery) and the faculty (particularly Professor Tenney, Professor Knapp, the President, and Miss Lyman). She discusses her involvement in the Literary Society (the Philalethean Society), forming a class government, an...
Show more1 letter from Warner to her sister Helen Warner, 1 letter to Soror, 7 letters to her brother Will, 2 letters to her father, 60 letters to her mother, 1 letter to both parents, 11 letters to her sister. She writes about her academics (including astronomy, gymnastics, botany, and archery) and the faculty (particularly Professor Tenney, Professor Knapp, the President, and Miss Lyman). She discusses her involvement in the Literary Society (the Philalethean Society), forming a class government, and preparations for Founder’s Day. She mentions lectures (including one by Ralph Waldo Emerson) and details about going to church in Poughkeepsie. Her November 1866 letter to her brother includes her longing to vote and her April 1868 and February 1866 letters to her mother gives her opinions on temperance, slavery, and other political issues. Sister of Helen F. Warner and Harriette A. Warner.
VC 1868
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Date: 1865-1868

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

Title: Banfield, Edith C. Letters, 1888-1891
Creator: Banfield, Edith C.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 letter from Banfield to her friend (or relative) Mary Banfield, and 2 letters from Banfield to her family. The letter to Mary Banfield contains information about a visiting Episcopal minister, a prayer meeting, academics (including a brief mention of Professor Salmon), and social news about acquaintances and student life. One letter to her family contains a detailed description of a mock duel between two of her friends. The other describes elections for student government and Philaletheis, ...
Show more1 letter from Banfield to her friend (or relative) Mary Banfield, and 2 letters from Banfield to her family. The letter to Mary Banfield contains information about a visiting Episcopal minister, a prayer meeting, academics (including a brief mention of Professor Salmon), and social news about acquaintances and student life. One letter to her family contains a detailed description of a mock duel between two of her friends. The other describes elections for student government and Philaletheis, dinner at a professor’s house, and events leading up to Commencement and the associated issue of the Miscellany.
VC 1892
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Title: DeWitt, Nettie (Brand). Letters, 1892-1894
Creator: DeWitt, Nettie (Brand)
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 12 letters from DeWitt (VC Ex 1896) to her mother, 3 to both parents, 2 to her brother, 2 to her father, and 3 addressed to the whole family. The letters describe finances, healthcare and the Infirmary, social life and organizations, academics, and religion & bible study. She describes some traditions like Founder’s Day, Class Day, Commencement, and Daisy Chain. Notably, she writes about Valentine’s Day and associated smashing (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893). She also includes some social issues, ...
Show more12 letters from DeWitt (VC Ex 1896) to her mother, 3 to both parents, 2 to her brother, 2 to her father, and 3 addressed to the whole family. The letters describe finances, healthcare and the Infirmary, social life and organizations, academics, and religion & bible study. She describes some traditions like Founder’s Day, Class Day, Commencement, and Daisy Chain. Notably, she writes about Valentine’s Day and associated smashing (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893). She also includes some social issues, like a debate between the campus Republicans and Democrats about the campaign (to mother, October 1892), missionary work, a lecture from Jane Addams (to mother, Feb. 16, 1893), famous trials like the Lizzie Borden case (to brother), and events with the YWCA ( to mother Dec. 10, 1892). In particular, the letters to her mother include detailed descriptions of romantic relationships on campus (through events with male guests like Founder’s Day and dances), fashion and shopping trips to New York City, and food (along with updates about her weight). Throughout, she discusses her motivations to drop out of Vassar.
VC Ex 1896
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Title: Bagg, Sophia D. or Sophia R. Burnham. Letter, n.d.
Creator: Bagg, Sophia D., Burnham, Sophia R.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 1 brief thank you note to Annie Glidden Houts, possibly from Sophia D. Bagg or Sophia R. Burnham. All three were VC 1869.
VC 1869
Date: n.d.

Title: Warner, Harriette A. Letters, 1866
Creator: Warner, Harriette A.
Descriptor(s): Ditkoff, Andrea
Description: 11 letters from Warner to her mother. Includes details of the birthday celebration for Matthew Vassar in 1866, comparisons with Kalamazoo College and Mount Holyoke, and school events and lectures. She writes her opinion of faculty (particularly Professor and Mrs. Tenney, Professor Knapp, Professor Mitchell, and Miss Lyman) and academics. She also reports on student life, such as the Philalethean Society, which she refers to as the Literary Society at first. The letters also include significan...
Show more11 letters from Warner to her mother. Includes details of the birthday celebration for Matthew Vassar in 1866, comparisons with Kalamazoo College and Mount Holyoke, and school events and lectures. She writes her opinion of faculty (particularly Professor and Mrs. Tenney, Professor Knapp, Professor Mitchell, and Miss Lyman) and academics. She also reports on student life, such as the Philalethean Society, which she refers to as the Literary Society at first. The letters also include significant family news, such as her father running for election as a representative from Michigan. Sister of Helen F. Warner and Martha S. Warner.
VC 1867
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